Book 1, Canto 4 Summary

We now return to the Red Cross Knight, who approaches the House of Pride with Duessa. They are welcomed by Lucifera, the queen of the House of Pride, and she displays a parade of her six advisors—1dleness, Gluttony, Lechery, Avarice, Envy, and Wrath—who all appear very much like their names. At the end of this display of sinfulness, another Saracen arrives on the scene—Sansjoy—the brother of the slain Sansfoy, who challenges Red Cross to a duel. Our hero agrees, but the duel is scheduled for the next morning. Duessa then pledges herself to Sansjoy (without Red Cross's knowledge, of course, but probably right in front of him).

Book 1, Canto 4 Analysis

The House of Pride itself is built upon sand, a reference to Jesus' claim that any house not built upon the teachings of the church may as...