champion is not yet strong enough to do battle, conducts him to a
house, where the wise old matron Religion, Doctor Patience, and three
hand-maidens, Faith, Hope, and Charity, nurse him to such good purpose
that Georgos is soon stronger than ever. During his convalescence in
this hospitable abode, the Red Cross Knight once wanders to the top of
the hill of Contemplation, whence he is vouchsafed a vision of the New
Jerusalem, and where he encounters an old man who prophesies that
after fulfilling his present quest he will be known as "Saint George
of Merry England." Modestly deeming himself unworthy of such
distinction, the Red Cross Knight objects that a ploughman's son
should not receive such honor, until the aged man informs him he is in
reality the son of the British king, stolen from his cradle by a
wicked fairy, who, finding him too heavy to carry, dropped him in a
field where a farmer discovered and adopted him. Notwithstanding this
rustic breeding it was Georgos' noble blood that urged him to seek
adventures, and sent him to Gloriana's court, whence he sallied forth
on his present quest.

After another brief sojourn in the house of Religion, the Red Cross
Knight and Una again set forth, and passing through another wilderness
reach a land ravaged and befouled by the dragon which holds Una's
parents in durance vile. The lady is just pointing out her distant
home to the Red Cross Knight, when she hears the dragon coming, and,
bidding her champion fight him bravely, takes refuge in a cave near
by. Spurring forward to encounter his opponent, the Red Cross Knight
comes face to face with a hideous monster, sheathed in brazen scales
and lashing a tail that sweeps over acres at a time. This monster is
further provided with redoubtable iron teeth and brazen claws, and
breathes forth sulphur and other deadly fumes.