VII. How Lazaro Went to Work for a Constable and Then What Happened to Him

Lazarillo of Tormes, after years of hard work and various misadventures, finds himself climbing up the social ladder by dint of his perseverance and cunning. Having saved enough to purchase himself decent clothes from his earnings, he decides to elevate his social standing, shedding his former role as a chaplain’s water carrier. Lazarillo’s ambition leads him to work momentarily as a bailiff for a constable, a role he abandons when faced with the real dangers of confronting criminals. This decision marks a turning point in his narrative, pushing him towards seeking a peaceful and stable livelihood.

Divine providence, as Lazarillo sees it, guides him to a government job—a town crier, announcing items for sale and events in the city. This position not only gives him a voice in the community but also establishes him as an indispensable figure in the local economy. His success catches the attention of the Archpriest of San Salvador, who, recognizing Lazarillo’s talents and resourcefulness, offers him an opportunity to marry his maid. This alliance brings Lazarillo further stability, providing him with social standing and financial support through the archpriest’s benevolence, who ensures that Lazarillo and his wife are well-provided for with wheat, meat, bread, and even his used socks.

However, prosperity does not shield Lazarillo from the scourge of gossip and scandal. Rumors about his wife’s intimacy with the archpriest circulate, suggesting personal services beyond the scope of her marital duties. Despite these whispers, the archpriest reassures Lazarillo, emphasizing the importance of ignoring slander to prosper. Lazarillo, choosing to align with the advice of the archpriest and viewing the situation through the benefits it brought him, confronts the gossip with a blend of pragmatism and denial, especially when accusations concerning his wife’s past and supposed children before their marriage arise. Despite the uproar these allegations cause, Lazarillo’s narrative concludes on a note of stoic acceptance and a pragmatic approach to his circumstances, underscoring his evolution from a passive sufferer of fate to an active participant in shaping his destiny.