In which Prior Aymer and the Knight Templar present themselves as distinguished guests at Cedric’s hall, where the Saxon lord’s hospitality is mingled with his stern justice and national pride; meanwhile, the fair Rowena commands attention, and banter and discourse reveal tensions between Norman and Saxon, as well as within the company. The evening meal progresses amidst courteous pledges and interruptions, culminating in the arrival of a mysterious stranger seeking refuge from a storm.