Artʹegal (Sir) (in Spenser’s Faërie Queene)

is the hero of the fifth book, and impersonates Justice, the foster child of Astræa. In the previous books he occasionally appears, and is called Sir Arthegal. It is said that Arthur, Lord Grey of Wilton, was the prototype of this character. He was sent to Ireland as Lord Lieutenant in 1580, and the poet was his secretary. In book iv., canto 6, Sir Artʹegal is married to Britʹomart, and proceeds to succour Ireʹna (Ireland), whose heritage had been withheld by the tyrant Grantorto. (See Arthegal.)