Book 5, Canto 5 Summary

Artegall fights with Radigund and puts her down. When he bends down to unlace her helmet so he can deliver the killing blow, he is overwhelmed by her beauty. Radigund regains her senses as Artegall leans over her, and she quickly subdues him in turn. Turpine is hanged, Talus escapes, and Artegall is forced to wear a dress and act like a woman (along with other beaten knights). Radigund wants Artegall in the worst way, and asks her maid Clarinda to help in the seduction. Clarinda agrees, but promotes her own suit instead, even offering to help Artegall escape in exchange for his favor. Artegall encourages her in the hopes of escape, but retains his virtue.

Book 5, Canto 5 Analysis

Artegall's first defeat in his pursuit of justice is due not to any fault in dispensing rulings, but by an ill-chosen display...