ht.

Those two have not ridden far together before they encounter a
pilgrim, who reports the Red Cross Knight has just been slain in a
combat by a knight who is now quenching his thirst at a neighboring
fountain. Following this pilgrim's directions, Sir Satyrane soon
overtakes the reported slayer of Georgos, and while they two struggle
together, the terrified Una flees into the forest, closely pursued by
the pilgrim, Archimago in a new disguise. Meantime the fight continues
until Sansloi, severely wounded, beats a retreat, leaving Sir Satyrane
too injured to follow Una. She, however, has meantime overtaken her
dwarf, and learned from him that the Red Cross Knight is a prisoner of
Orgolio. Thereupon she vows' not to rest until she has rescued her
companion. She and her dwarf are hastening in the direction in which
the giant vanished with his victim, when they meet Prince Arthur,--a
personification of Leicester and of Chivalry,--who, although he has
never yet seen the Fairy Queen, is so deeply in love with her that he
does battle in her name whenever he can. This prince is incased in a
magic armor, made by Merlin, and bears a shield fashioned from a
single diamond, whose brightness is so dazzling that it has to be kept
covered, so as not to blind all beholders.

After courteously greeting Una, the prince, hearing her tale of woe,
volunteers to accompany her and free the Red Cross Knight. When they
reach the castle of Orgolio,--Spiritual Pride,--Arthur and his squire
boldly summon the owner to come out and fight. No answer is at first
vouchsafed them, but after a blast from Arthur's magic bugle the gates
burst open, and out of the stronghold rushes a seven-headed dragon,
bearing on its back the witch Duessa. This monster is closely followed
by the giant Orgolio, who engages in fight with Prince Arthur, while
the squire, Timias, directs his efforts against the seven-headed
beast. Although the prince and his attendant finally overcome these
terrible foes, their triumph is due to the fact that in the midst of
the fray Prince Arthur's shield is accidentally uncovered and its
brightness quells both giant and beast. But no sooner are the fallen
pierced with the victors' swords than they shrink to nothing, for they
are mere wind-bags, or delusions of Archimago's devising.

On seeing the triumph won by her champions, Una congratulates them,
and bids the squire pursue Duessa, who is now trying to escape. Thus
enjoined, Timias se