BOOK V.THE LEGEND OF SIR ARTEGALL,--JUSTICE.
Sir Artegall, the noble champion of justice, or lord deputy of Ireland, sets forth at Gloriana's behest to defend Irena, or Ireland.
He is attended by Talus, an iron man, whose flail is supposed to thresh out falsehood.

They two have not proceeded very far before they come across a knight bending over a headless lady.

On inquiring of him, they learn that a passing ruffian not only carried off the knight's mate, but left in her stead a dame, whom he beheaded, because she pursued him.
Provided with a description of the armor and accoutrements of the ruffian, the iron page sets out in pursuit of him, and stuns him.
Then, having bound him fast, he leads him and his captive back to his master and to the mourning knight.

There the ruffian, Sir Sanglier, coldly asserts he has nothing to do with the headless lady, but that the living one belongs to him.

Finding it impossible to decide which tells the truth, Sir Artegall decrees that the second lady shall be beheaded also, but, while Sanglier readily agrees to this Solomon-like judgment, the true lover vehemently pleads for the lady's life, declaring he would rather know her safe than be proved right.