Book 6, Canto 5 Summary

Since Calepine has disappeared sans armor and steed (the man cannot hold onto these things to save his life), Serena and the Salvage Man set off in pursuit. Serena rides his horse and the Salvage Man wears his armor (though he really doesn't need it since he's pretty much invincible), and they run into Arthur and Timias. They recount their adventures and Arthur is disgusted to hear of the discourteous knight Turpine. Timias's story is also recounted (he was attacked by Despetto [Malice], Decetto [Deceit], and Defetto [Detraction] and then bitten by the Blatant Beast). Since Timias probably represents Sir Walter Raleigh, this shows how even though he was forgiven by the Queen [Belphoebe], he still suffered from hints of slander and vicious rumors.

The four travelers spend the night with a kindly (and courteous) hermit, but in the morning Serena...