While they are seeking some conveyance to bear them across, they perceive a skiff rowed by a fair lady, Phaedria,--or Mirth.

At their call she pushes her boat close to them, but no sooner has Sir Guyon sprung aboard than she pushes off, leaving the palmer behind in spite of all entreaties.

Although impelled neither by oars nor sails, Phaedria's boat drifts rapidly over the Idle Sea, and Sir Guyon, on questioning its owner, learns they are bound for her magic realm.
They have scarcely touched the sedgy shores of a charming island, when a ruffian, Cymochles,--or Deceit,--bursts out of the thicket to claim the lady.

Undaunted by the size of his challenger, Sir Guyon attacks him, and the duel might have proved fatal had not Phaedria cast herself between the champions, begging them not to quarrel in the land of love and delight.

Thereupon Sir Guyon hotly informs her he has no desire to slay Deceit or to claim her, and, seeing she cannot make any impression upon him, Phaedria angrily bids him re-enter the boat, which soon bears him to the place which he wished to reach.
Although still mourning the loss of his companion, the palmer, Sir Guyon decides to continue his quest for the Bower of Bliss.