ueen
of Scots, and also of falsehood and popery. The two knights
immediately run against each other, and, when Georgos has slain his
opponent, the lady beseeches him to spare her life, exclaiming her
name is Fidessa and that she is only too glad to be saved from the
cruel Sansfoi. Deluded by her words and looks, the Red Cross Knight
invites her to accompany him, promising to defend her from her foes.

They are riding along together amicably, when the knight plucks a
blossoming twig to weave a garland for his companion, and is dismayed
to see blood trickle from the broken stem. Questioning the tree from
whence the branch was taken, Georgos learns that a knight and his wife
have been transformed into plants by Duessa, who does not wish them to
escape from her thraldom. During this explanation, Georgos fails to
notice that the lady in red trembles for fear her victims may
recognize her, nor does he mark her relief when she perceives her
present disguise is so effective that no one suspects she worked this
baleful transformation.

Riding on once more, the Red Cross Knight and his companion next draw
near to a glittering castle, whose stones seem covered with gold.
Fidessa, who is familiar with this place, invites the knight to enter
there with her; and Georgos, unaware of the fact that this is the
stronghold of Pride, not only consents, but pays respectful homage to
the mistress of the castle, Queen Lucifera, whose attendants are
Idleness, Gluttony, Lechery, Envy, Avarice, and Wrath. It is while
sojourning in this castle that the Red Cross Knight one day sees
Sansjoi (Joyless) snatch from his dwarf the shield won from Sansfoi.
Angered by this deed of violence, Georgos draws his sword, and he
would have decided the question of ownership then and there had not
Lucifera decreed he and his opponent should settle their quarrel in
the lists on the morrow. During the ensuing night, Duessa secretly
informs Sansjoi that the Red Cross Knight is his brother's slayer and
promises that, should he defeat his opponent, she will belong to him
forever. On the morrow, in the midst of much feudal pomp, the
chivalrous duel takes place, and--although Duessa, fancying Sansjoi is
about to win, loudly cheers him--the Red Cross Knight finally
triumphs. Planting his foot upon his foe, Georgos would have ended
Sansjoi's life had not Duessa enveloped her protege in a cloud dense
enough to hide him from his conqueror. After vainly seeking some trace