had safely rejoined her husband,
who, finding her wounded in the forest, had carried her off to a
castle and tenderly nursed her back to health. It was only after
witnessing the joyful celebration of the long-postponed wedding
festivities of this reunited couple, that Sir Arthur had started off
on his recent quest for his squire.

Meantime the real Florimell, cast into the sea by the angry fisherman
whose vessel she had entered without permission, was conveyed by
sea-nymphs to Proteus' hall, where, after witnessing the nuptials of
the Thames and Medway, she learned that her lover, Marinell, was
recovering from his wound, thanks to the ministrations of his goddess
mother. He had, however, been pining for her, and recovered perfect
health and happiness only when they were joined in wedlock.

BOOK V. THE LEGEND OF SIR ARTEGALL,--JUSTICE

Sir Artegall, the noble champion of justice, or lord deputy of
Ireland, sets forth at Gloriana's behest to defend Irena, or Ireland.
He is attended by Talus, an iron man, whose flail is supposed to
thresh out falsehood. They two have not proceeded very far before they
come across a knight bending over a headless lady. On inquiring of
him, they learn that a passing ruffian not only carried off the
knight's mate, but left in her stead a dame, whom he beheaded, because
she pursued him.

Provided with a description of the armor and accoutrements of the
ruffian, the iron page sets out in pursuit of him, and stuns him.
Then, having bound him fast, he leads him and his captive back to his
master and to the mourning knight. There the ruffian, Sir Sanglier,
coldly asserts he has nothing to do with the headless lady, but that
the living one belongs to him. Finding it impossible to decide which
tells the truth, Sir Artegall decrees that the second lady shall be
beheaded also, but, while Sanglier readily agrees to this Solomon-like
judgment, the true lover vehemently pleads for the lady's life,
declaring he would rather know her safe than be proved right. Fully
satisfied now that Sir Sanglier is at fault, Sir Artegall metes out
justice and continues his quest.

Before very long he encounters a dwarf who announces that Florimell's
wedding will take place three days hence, and suggests that, before
appearing there, Sir Artegall defeat a Saracen who mounts guard over a
neighboring bridge, despoiling all those who pass, for the benefit of
his daughter. Such an undertaking suits Sir Artegall, who n