Although loath to believe Georgos can be guilty of an unchivalric deed, Sir Guyon and the palmer promise to call him to account as soon as they overtake him.

They no sooner do so, however, than he assures them Archimago in his guise has been ranging through the forest, and that they must have met Duessa.

Turning to punish the lying squire who led them astray, Sir Guyon now perceives he has vanished, and humbly begs pardon of the Red Cross Knight.
Shortly after, Sir Guyon is startled by loud shrieks, and, hastening in the direction whence they proceed, discovers a wounded lady and a dead knight.

Close beside the lady is a young babe, whose innocent hands are dabbling in his parent's blood.

On questioning the woman, Sir Guyon learns that her husband has been bewitched by Acrasia,--or Pleasure,--who bore him off to the Bower of Bliss, a place where she detains her captives, feeding them on sweets until their manly courage is gone.