be refused so insolently that he will have an excuse to
challenge the Soldan. All this comes true, and thanks to his magic
shield Arthur triumphs. The Soldan's wife, learning that her husband
has succumbed, now proposes to take her revenge by slaying the captive
maid, but Artegall defends her and drives the Soldan's wife into the
forest, where she is transformed into a tiger!

Arthur and Sir Artegall now gallantly offer to escort the maid home,
although she warns them that Guyle lies in wait by the roadside, armed
with hooks and a net to catch all travellers who pass his cave. But,
thanks to the bravery, strength, and agility of Arthur, Artegall, and
Talus, Guyle's might is broken, and the maid triumphantly leads the
three victorious champions to Mercilla's castle. After passing through
its magnificent halls, they are ushered by Awe and Order into the
presence of the queen, whose transcendent beauty and surroundings are
described at length. While the queen is seated on her throne, with the
English lion at her feet, Duessa (Mary Queen of Scots) is brought
before her and is proved guilty of countless crimes; but, although she
evidently deserves death, Mercilla, too merciful to condemn her, sets
her free.

It is while sojourning at Mercilla's elegant court that Artegall and
Arthur see two youths appear to inform the queen that their mother
Belge, or Belgium, a widow with seventeen sons, has been deprived of
twelve of her offspring by a three-headed monster, Gereones (the
personification of Philip the Second of Spain, the ruler of three
realms). This monster invariably delivers his captives into the hands
of the Inquisition, by which they are sorely persecuted. Hearing this
report, Arthur steps forward, offering to defend the widow and her
children. Mercilla granting his request without demur, Arthur hurries
away, only to find that Beige has been driven out of her last
stronghold by a faithless steward (Alba). But, thanks to Arthur's
efforts, this steward is summoned forth, defeated in battle, and the
lady reinstated in her domain.

Gereones now dauntlessly attacks Arthur, whom the giant Beige secretly
instructs to overthrow ah idol in the neighboring church, as that will
enable him to triumph without difficulty. While Arthur is thus
rescuing Beige, Artegall and Talus have again departed to free Irena
from her oppressor Grantorto. On their way to Ireland, they meet a
knight, who informs them Irena is doomed to perish un