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 seizes the witch, and, in obedience to Una's orders,
strips her of her fine clothes and sends her forth in her original
loathsome shape. Meantime Una and the prince boldly penetrate into the
castle, and, passing hurriedly through rooms overflowing with
treasures, reach a squalid dungeon, where they discover the Red Cross
Knight almost starved to death. Full of compassion they bear him to
comfortable quarters, where they proceed to nurse him back to health;
and, when he is once more able to ride, he and Una resume their
journey. As they proceed, however, Una becoming aware that her