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 unless a champion
defeats Grantorto in duel. Thereupon Artegall swears to champion
Irena's cause, but, on the way to keep his promise, pauses to rescue a
distressed knight (Henry IV. of France), to whom he restores his lady
Flourdelis, whom Grantorto is also trying to secure.

Artegall, the champion, reaching the sea-shore, at last finds a ship
ready to sail for Ireland, where he lands, although Grantorto has
stationed troops along the shore to prevent his doing so. These
soldiers are soon scattered by Talus' flail, and Artegall, landing,
forces Grantorto to bite the dust. Having thus freed Irena, he
replaces her on her throne and restores order in her dominions, before
Gloriana summons him back to court.

On the way thither Sir Artegall is beset by the hags Envy and
Detraction, who are so angry with him for freeing Irena that they not
only attack him themselves, but turn loose upon him the Blatant Beast
(Slander). Although Talus begs to annihilate this infamous trio with
his dreaded flail, Artegall decrees they shall live, and, heedless of
their threats hurries on to report success to his beloved mistress.


BOOK VI. LEGEND OF SIR CALIDORE, OR OF COURTESY