Miguel de Cervantes

Miguel de Cervantes (/sərˈvɒnteɪz/ or /sərˈvæntiːz/;Spanish: [miˈɣel de θerˈbantes saˈβeðɾa]; 29 September 1547 (assumed) – 22 April 1616), was a Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright.

His major work, Don Quixote, considered to be the first modern European novel, is a classic of Western literature, and is regarded amongst the best works of fiction ever written. His influence on the Spanish language has been so great that the language is often called la lengua de Cervantes ("the language of Cervantes"). He was dubbed El Príncipe de los Ingenios ("The Prince of Wits").

In 1569, Cervantes moved to Rome, where he worked as chamber assistant of a cardinal. He then enlisted as a soldier in a Spanish Navy infantry regiment and continued his military life until 1575, when he was captured by Barbary pirates. After five years of captivity, he was released by his captors on payment of a ransom by his parents and the Trinitarians, a Catholic religious order, and he subsequently returned to his family in Madrid.

Servantes (magic)

Servantes are props used by magicians. They've been common objects ever since the very first magicians and many still can't do without. The earliest form is a simple open bag or pouch, often with a ring to keep it open, hanging from the magician's belt. Currently the most used form is a bag or small platform hanging out of sight behind the magician's table. Some magicians prefer to keep it a concealed, secret object, others use it in plain sight to store cards, cups, balls and so on. In the right hands it's still a very powerful tool of deception.