Book 6, Canto 6 Summary

The hermit instructs Serena and Timias on how to overcome their wounds: virtuous living, self-control, and avoidance of secrecy. Apparently, this is how one should overcome the effects of scandal. Arthur and the Salvage Man come to Turpine's castle where they are discourteously attacked and mistreated. Arthur beats Turpine within an inch of his life, but spares the man because of Blandina's (false) cries for mercy. Turpine agrees to never call himself a knight again, and Arthur moves on.

Book 6, Canto 6 Analysis

The allegory at work here can be described thusly: "When [a man's] natural grace of manner (Timias) and his peace of mind (Serena) are upset by false slander against him (the bite of the Blatant Beast), they are both calmed by his prudence (the hermit), which helps him to regain his poise and self-control."