Book 3, Canto 12 Summary

Britomart is startled by an earthquake. A door opens in the castle and a parade of figures trail out—each is a personification of feelings associated with love (Fancy, Desire, Pleasure, etc.). They are followed by a woman with a broken heart (whom Cupid—next in line—sees and dismisses) and then a horde of evil personifications—Death, Poverty, Shame, etc. Britomart continues further into the castle and finally finds Amoret and Busirane. Amoret is tied to pillar in typical damsel fashion, while Busirane casts evil spells over her. At Britomart's entrance, the wizard tries to kill Amoret with a knife, but only wounds her. Britomart subdues Busirane, but keeps him alive to heal Amoret. The women leave the castle to see that the fire has gone out (and much of the castle's attraction has vanished). Sadly, when they reach the...