Book 3, Canto 2 Summary

Red Cross and Britomart continue onward and Red Cross inquires about her quest. Britomart gives a bit of her history, explaining how from childhood she has disliked the softer ways of women and preferred to learn to fight. Her father, King Ryence of South Wales, was given a magic mirror by Merlin, and in it, Britomart glimpsed the face of her future husband. She is in love with the image of the man (Artegall), but tells Red Cross that he has committed a foul betrayal and that is why she hunts him. Britomart's nurse, Glauce, promised to find relief for Britomart's lovesickness.

Book 3, Canto 2 Analysis

Although she may represent Chastity, Britomart is very much a woman with a sex drive. She seeks Artegall, the man in the mirror, with intentions of a complete life with him—including marriage, sex, etc. She...