creatures. Knowing monsters and mists are mere delusions, Sir Guyon
pays little heed to them, and the palmer soon disperses them by a
touch from his magic staff. Still bearing the steel net and iron
chains, this faithful henchman follows Sir Guyon into the enchanted
bower of Acrasia, where he explains to his master that the animals he
sees owe their present forms to the enchantress' power, for she always
transforms her visitors into beasts!

Through an ivory gate,--on which is carved the story of "The Golden
Fleece,"--the adventurers enter a hall, where a porter offers them
wine. But Sir Guyon, knowing a drop of it would have a baleful effect
upon the drinker, boldly dashes it out of his hand. Then, threading
his way through the Bower of Bliss, he reaches its innermost grove,
although Phaedria tries to detain him by offering him sundry
pleasures. Pressing onward, Sir Guyon finally catches a glimpse of
Acrasia herself, reposing upon a bed of flowers, and holding on her
lap the head of an innocent youth, who is helpless owing to her spell.
Silently signalling to the palmer, Sir Guyon spreads out the steel
net, which they fling so deftly over witch and victim that neither can
escape. Then Sir Guyon binds Acrasia fast, threatening to kill her
unless she removes the spell which she has laid upon her captives. All
the beasts on the island are therefore soon restored to their natural
forms, and all profess gratitude, save one, whom the palmer grimly
bids continue to be a pig, since such is his choice! Having thus
happily achieved this quest, Sir Guyon and the palmer leave the island
with Acrasia, who is sent under strong guard to the court of the Fairy
Queen, where Gloriana is to dispose of her according to her good
pleasure.