The narrator claims that fragrance endures depending on its quality.

Dudone realizes that Ruggiero, a shining example of quality, is holding back, so he yields. Ruggiero asks for the kings to be freed, and sails off with them, until another tempest causes everyone to abandon ship. Everyone dies except Ruggiero.

Orlando, Oliver, and Brandimart arrive at Lipadusa and prepare to fight the following morning. The night before the fight, Brandimart meets with Agramant, and tries to convince him to stop this challenge. However, Agramant isn’t convinced.

Ruggiero lives through the boat-wreck by promising God he will convert. He washes up unharmed on a rock, where a hermit takes him to a chapel and teaches him about Christianity. The next day, Ruggiero is baptized, fulfilling the first part of the prophecy that the hermit received: that Ruggiero will die seven years after receiving the faith, but Bradamant will carry his child and avenge his death alongside Marfisa.

Orlando, Brandimart, and Oliver joust with Gradasso, Agramant, and Sobrino. Orlando and Sobrino are unhorsed, and keep fighting until Orlando knocks Sobrino unconscious and takes his horse. Orlando then wounds Gradasso with his sword.