And zealous hast away is quickly gone
To seeke that knight.”
(II. i. 13.)
And yet he wondered how the Red Cross Knight could have done such a deed. He knew that he was a knight of honor and had won glory in his defence of Una. (II. i. 19.) He was quick, then, to restrain himself when about to charge upon the accused Knight, for on his shield he recognized the cross of his Lord. When he was on the point of clashing with his enemy, he
“gan abace
His threatned speare, as if some new mishap
Had him betidde, or hidden daunger did entrap.”
(II. i. 26.)
After an apology and an exchange of knightly courtesies with the Red Cross Knight he was able to
“turne his earnest unto game,