Act II. A desert spot. _Artemidore_, one of the Christian knights,

thanks _Renaud_ for his rescue. _Renaud_ has been banished from Godfrey's camp for the misdeed of another, whom he will not betray. _Artemidore_ warns him to beware the blandishments of _Armide_, then departs. _Renaud_ falls asleep by the bank of a stream. _Hidraot_ and _Armide_ come upon the scene. He urges her to employ her supernatural powers to aid in the pursuit of _Renaud_. After the king has departed, she discovers _Renaud_. At her behest apparitions, in the disguise of charming nymphs, shepherds and shepherdesses, bind him with garlands of flowers. _Armide_ now approaches to slay her sleeping enemy with a dagger, but, in the act of striking him, she is overcome with love for him, and bids the apparitions transport her and her hero to some "farthest desert, where she may hide her weakness and her shame."