at court, aurelius's infatuation has led to a sudden marriage with artesia. one british noble, edol, is so outraged that he flees the court to nourish his opposition. the court now blends british and saxon influences, though not smoothly or happily. the hermit has a contest of power with a saxon magician; the christian hermit triumphs over pagan magic. prince uther enters, and sees that the woman who has caused his distraction is now his brother's wife and the new british queen. aurelius recognises the situation, and withdraws in anger and jealousy.