E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Cama’cho,
“richest of men,” makes grand preparations for his wedding with
Quite’ria, “fairest of women”; but, as the bridal party were on their way, Basil’ius cheats him of his bride by pretending to kill himself. As he is supposed to be dying, Quiteria is given to him in marriage as a mere matter of form; but, as soon as this is done, up jumps Basilius, and shows that his wounds were a mere pretence. (Cervantes: Don Quixote, pt. ii. bk. 2, ch. 3, 4.)
