Book 3 Summary

The Crusaders march on Jerusalem, where their first attack, led by Tancred, is met by a defensive charge led by Clorinda. Aladine watches this first battle from high in a tower. Erminia, the pagan beloved of Tancred first referred to in Book 1 accompanies Aladine. As soon as they see each other, Tancred and Clorinda are instantly mutually attracted, and as the battle rages around them, they vow to not hurt or kill each other. A battle-crazed soldier, never identified as being from one side or the other, strikes blindly at Clorinda and wounds her. As she flees the battle scene to get first aid, Tancred slaughters the soldier and follows her. Meanwhile, Argantes (the Egyptian messenger fighting on the Muslim side) rides at the head of an army of reinforcements. At the same time, Erminia points out the various warriors fighting on the...