Domnei · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Domnei by James Branch Cabell.
Chapter 1
Epigraph I
The chapter presents a single epigraph in Occitan, which translates to 'In a noble heart, love does not pass through death.' It sets a thematic tone for the book, emphasizing the enduring nature of true love beyond mortal limits.
Chapter 2
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to Sarah Read McAdams, expressing gratitude and affection.
Chapter 3
Epigraph II
This epigraph introduces the concept of 'domnei,' a term from the Troubadours that encapsulates the complex system of opinions, ideas, affections, and habits that drove a knight to devote himself to a lady, striving to prove his love and merit hers in return.
Chapter 4
A Preface
The preface explores the medieval concept of domnei—a worshipful devotion to women—as exemplified by Melicent and Perion, contrasting it with modern attitudes. It argues that this idealized, spiritual love has been lost in an age of materialism, yet remains a secret desire in both men and women. The author praises Cabell's courage in upholding this vision and highlights the vivid, romantic imagery of the story.
Chapter 5
Critical Comment
This chapter provides a critical commentary on the life and works of Thomas Upcliffe Nicolas de Caen, an early French romance writer. It discusses his biographical details, his literary output, and the modern reassessment of his contributions, highlighting his narrative skill, knowledge of his age, and occasional modernity of thought.
Chapter 6
The Argument
This introductory poem by Sir William Allonby extols the unparalleled beauty and virtue of Melicent, framing her as the embodiment of all worldly riches and the object of universal desire, for whom kings, warriors, and even pontiffs abandon their domains and honor. It establishes the central theme of woman-worship and the transcendent power of love.
Chapter 7
Domnei
The chapter introduces the concept of 'Domnei' as a comedy of woman-worship, exploring the idealization and devotion to a beloved woman, setting the stage for the themes of love, honor, and sacrifice that permeate the narrative.
Chapter 8
Incipit
The chapter opens the romance of Lusignan, attributed to the forgotten French writer Nicolas de Caen, and introduces the tale that the people of Poictesme tell about Dame Melicent, daughter of the great Count Manuel.
Chapter 9
Part I: Perion
Perion, a stalwart and gay knight, is consumed by sorrow and vain love-longing for Melicent, who must soon wed a king. His desire burns so fiercely that he puts his life in forfeiture, unable to endure the torment of unrequited love.
Chapter 10
How Perion Was Unmasked
Perion, masquerading as the Vicomte de Puysange at Count Emmerick's court, confesses his true identity to Melicent during a masque. He reveals he is the outlaw Perion de la Forêt, wanted for theft and suspected murder, and that he attacked the real vicomte to steal his identity. Desperate to escape to a ship at Manneville, he implores Melicent to help him, knowing her mercy will compel her to assist. Melicent, though furious and shamed, agrees to procure a guide and horse, but demands never to see him again.
Chapter 11
How the Vicomte Was Very Gay
At a feast celebrating the projected marriage of Dame Melicent and King Theodoret, the Vicomte de Puysange (Perion de la Forêt in disguise) mingles gaily, laughing at the thought that half the realm hunts him while he stands before them. The Bishop of Montors, who arranged the match and secretly loves Melicent, exchanges pointed remarks with Perion. Later, alone, Perion reflects on his precarious safety, his trust in Ahasuerus to arrange his escape, and his despair at never seeing Melicent again.
Chapter 12
III: How Melicent Wooed
Melicent visits Perion in his prison room, confessing that she has arranged for his escape through Ayrart de Montors. She declares her love and begs to go with him into exile. Perion, tormented by his past and his unworthiness, refuses her, confessing his sins and his fear that he would betray her. He writes a letter denying the murder of King Helmas and the theft of jewels, asserting his innocence and his love, though he believes he will never see her again.
Chapter 13
IV: How the Bishop Aided Perion
Perion is guided by Ayrart de Montors through the night to Fomor Beach, where a boat from the Tranchemer awaits. De Montors speaks insultingly of Melicent, prompting Perion to renounce his debt and challenge him to a duel. Perion attempts to cede his leadership and prepare for death, but de Montors reveals himself to be Melicent in disguise, who affirms her trust and love for Perion.
Chapter 14
How Melicent Wedded
Bishop Ayrart de Montors reveals he has known Perion's identity all along and confronts the lovers at dawn. He argues that Perion has no home to offer Melicent, but Melicent defiantly pledges herself to Perion in a private wedding ceremony before her kinsmen can force her to marry King Theodoret. Perion departs, and Melicent asks for her face to be covered so she may weep unseen.
Chapter 15
Part II: Melicent
This chapter introduces Melicent's plight as she is cast under a heathen castle, alone in pagan lands and in danger of death. It also presents Demetrios, a wicked and proud lord who rules over the country and has designs on Melicent.
Chapter 16
How Melicent Sought Oversea
Melicent learns of Perion's capture by Demetrios through Ahasuerus, who delivers Perion's messages. She disguises herself as a man named Jocelin Gaignars, cuts her hair, steals jewels, and sails to a foreign land to find Perion. She eventually arrives at Nacumera, Demetrios's stronghold, and sees Perion in chains.
Chapter 17
VII: How Perion Was Freed
Demetrios toys with Jocelin, who attempts to ransom Perion with emeralds, but Demetrios scorns the offer and instead demands a Christian wife with violet eyes and golden hair. Melicent overhears and offers herself in exchange for Perion's freedom. Demetrios accepts, and Perion is freed, though he vows to return for her. Melicent is then led to a bridal ceremony with Demetrios.
Chapter 18
How Demetrios Was Amused
Melicent has been living in Demetrios's house for a month, unable to understand the language of her fellow prisoners. Ahasuerus, now serving Demetrios, brings her to the Court of Stars where Demetrios, returned from crucifying worshippers, toys with her emotions. He touches her breast but finds her unafraid, and begins to comprehend the depth of her love for Perion, which amuses him.
Chapter 19
IX: How Time Sped in Heathenry
Melicent is moved to luxurious apartments in Nacumera, where Demetrios refuses to touch her despite having purchased her, driven by inordinate pride. He heaps luxuries upon her while she remains faithful to Perion. Callistion attempts Melicent's life three times, but Melicent pleads for her forgiveness. Demetrios learns that Perion has come with a Cypriot fleet to rescue Melicent, and he threatens to kill Perion with the magic sword Flamberge. Melicent cleverly goads Demetrios into leaving the sword behind, but the Christian fleet is repulsed, and Demetrios returns frustrated.
Chapter 20
How Demetrios Wooed
Demetrios woos Melicent with a bitter, nihilistic passion, arguing that beauty and love are meaningless in the face of death. Melicent rebuffs him, asserting that he purchased her body but cannot command her love. The chapter also features Ahasuerus, who is an honored guest at Nacumera, and a tense conversation between Demetrios, Melicent, and the Jew about faith and the Messiah.
Chapter 21
Part III: Demetrios
This chapter introduces the parallel pursuits of Perion and Demetrios, both lovers of Dame Melicent, who now work as comrades while secretly plotting each other's downfall. Perion is described as a lion's son in his eager hunt, while Demetrios is likened to a viper's sire, venomous with jealousy.
Chapter 22
How Time Sped with Perion
After being ransomed from heathenry, Perion takes service with the King of Cyprus, wins battles, and is ennobled as Comte de la Forêt. He then fights against Demetrios in a prolonged duel, eventually joining King Theodoret's crusade. Along the way, he kills a lord who disparages Melicent, and Theodoret, recognizing him but feigning ignorance, appoints him generalissimo.
Chapter 23
XII: How Demetrios Was Taken
Perion surprises and captures Demetrios in a fair fight, then sets his ransom as the person of Melicent. Demetrios warns that if harm befalls him, Callistion will torment Melicent. Perion swears by his love for Melicent not to let King Theodoret kill Demetrios.
Chapter 24
XIII: How They Praised Melicent
Perion and Demetrios, conqueror and conquered, sit together on the prow of Perion's ship on a warm, clear night. They engage in a poetic debate (a Tenson) praising Melicent, each revealing their contrasting views of love: Perion idealizes her as a heavenly miracle inspiring noble deeds, while Demetrios sees her as a beautiful but infuriating creature who makes him feel ridiculous and murderous. The chapter ends with their mutual acknowledgment that tomorrow they must fight to the death, but tonight they drink in amity.
Chapter 25
XIV: How Perion Braved Theodoret
Perion brings the captured Demetrios before King Theodoret, who offers him any reward short of his crown. Perion asks for Demetrios's life to ransom Melicent, defying the King's threats of excommunication and damnation. Theodoret reluctantly grants him twenty-four hours to leave with Demetrios, while Cardinal de Montors observes the confrontation with cool ambition.
Chapter 26
How Perion Fought
Perion and Demetrios, now allied against King Theodoret, ride out of Megaris. Perion strikes Demetrios to test his claim that fighting would endanger Melicent, and Demetrios endures the blow to prove his love. When Duke Sigurd's men arrive, Perion insists Demetrios escape to Narenta while he holds off the attackers. Perion fights valiantly, killing several men, but is eventually wounded and captured, believing he has saved Melicent.
Chapter 27
XVI: How Demetrios Meditated
Demetrios arrives in Narenta and arranges passage on a ship to escape, but his pride and hatred of Perion drive him to abandon the plan. He disguises himself as a beggar and returns to the realm of King Theodoret, determined to reclaim Melicent and exact revenge.
Chapter 28
How a Minstrel Came
Demetrios, disguised as a minstrel, gains entry to the Castle of San' Alessandro where Perion is imprisoned and condemned to death. He befriends the gaoler Ambrogio Bracciolini by singing songs and spinning a tale about hidden emeralds to lure him into a trap. When Bracciolini attempts to force Perion to reveal the gems' location, Demetrios strangles and kills him, then takes the keys to free Perion.
Chapter 29
XVIII: How They Cried Quits
Demetrios frees Perion from prison, and the two enemies form a temporary alliance to ensure Melicent's safety. They escape Megaris, sell Perion's treasured ring to fund Demetrios's passage overseas, and part ways with a mutual understanding that they must eventually kill each other.
Chapter 30
How Flamberge Was Lost
Perion awakens to find Demetrios has been rescued by a ship, and Demetrios offers Perion the magic sword Flamberge as a gift. Perion accepts the sword but refuses other wealth. After Demetrios departs, Perion casts Flamberge into the sea, declaring God alone as arbiter.
Chapter 31
How Perion Got Aid
Perion wanders into the Forest of Columbiers and encounters Mélusine at a fountain. They reflect on their past love, which has faded into a bittersweet memory. Mélusine, aware that Perion is hunted, offers him a horse, arms, and a purse, which he accepts to aid his quest for Melicent.
Chapter 32
Part IV: Ahasuerus
Ahasuerus, moved by compassion for Melicent's forlorn state, renounces his claim on her and takes his leave, acknowledging her as the fairest, truest, and best wife he ever knew.
Chapter 33
How Demetrios Held His Chattel
Demetrios returns to Nacumera with Melicent, where he attempts to win her affection by speaking admiringly of Perion. He stages a brutal sword fight with his own soldiers to demonstrate his prowess, but Melicent is horrified. Demetrios reflects on his love for Melicent and his despair at never being able to meet her standards.
Chapter 34
XXII: How Misery Held Nacumera
Demetrios, enraged by news that Perion has married Mélusine and fathered two children, vents his frustration at the loss of worthy adversaries and the changing world. Melicent, though heartbroken, finds solace in dreams of a younger Perion, walking hand-in-hand in an idealized forest. Demetrios's misery and jealousy grow as Melicent's devotion to her memory of Perion deepens, leading him to storm off in a rage.
Chapter 35
XXIII: How Demetrios Cried Farewell
Demetrios, dying from a battle wound inflicted by Perion, reveals to Melicent that he has lied about Perion's faithfulness and that Perion has never faltered in his love for her. He confesses his own envy and human love, and orders his son Orestes to escort Melicent to Perion's camp. Melicent, moved by compassion, grants him pardon and farewell, and experiences a profound sense of the world's beauty and the power of love.
Chapter 36
How Orestes Ruled
Melicent returns to the Court of Stars to find Orestes has smothered his father Demetrios. Orestes declares himself master, sends Melicent to the Women's Garden at Callistion's desire, and plans to complete a bargain with Ahasuerus. Melicent kneels by Demetrios's body, speaks of pity and pardon, and then passes into the Women's Garden unafraid, knowing Perion is near.
Chapter 37
XXV: How Women Talked Together
In the Women's Garden of Nacumera, Dame Melicent finds Callistion grieving beside the corpse of Diophantus, Demetrios' son. Callistion, now ruling through her own son, confronts Melicent about her beauty and the love of Demetrios. Their conversation reveals shared sorrow and jealousy, as Callistion threatens to destroy Melicent's beauty but ultimately refrains. Melicent speaks of her love for Perion, which Callistion cannot comprehend, and the two women share a moment of understanding about the pain of loving men who value fleeting beauty.
Chapter 38
How Men Ordered Matters
Orestes, with Ahasuerus and attendants, seizes Callistion and removes her, then reveals to Melicent that Perion de la Forêt is besieging Nacumera. Orestes outlines his plan to use Melicent as bait to trap Perion, having recalled troops from Calonak to surround him. Melicent laments the curse of her beauty. Orestes, uninterested in her, has sold her to Ahasuerus in exchange for a provincial governorship.
Chapter 39
How Ahasuerus Was Candid
Ahasuerus confesses to Melicent his role in the deaths of Demetrios and Callistion, revealing his calculated manipulations to possess her. He admits his self-loathing but remains resolute in his pursuit, while Melicent recoils in horror.
Chapter 40
XXVIII: How Perion Saw Melicent
At dawn, Melicent is led to the turrets of Nacumera by Ahasuerus and Orestes. Perion, hidden in the grass, sees her and is reminded of their first meeting. He sings a waking-song to her, risking death. Ahasuerus convinces Orestes not to kill Perion, as his death would end the siege prematurely. Melicent is returned to her apartments, guarded by eunuchs.
Chapter 41
XXIX: How a Bargain Was Cried
Melicent prays in her oratory, built by Demetrios, as Ahasuerus confronts her. She offers herself to him in exchange for warning Perion of an impending ambush, but Ahasuerus refuses, fearing Perion would never cease pursuing her. Melicent despairs, seeing no hope for Perion.
Chapter 42
How Melicent Conquered
Ahasuerus reveals to Melicent that he has betrayed Nacumera and admitted Perion's men, fulfilling her bargain to save Perion. He confesses his love for her soul, not her flesh, and releases her from their pact, allowing her to go to Perion. Melicent descends to the Court of Stars, where Perion has just killed Orestes. When they meet, Perion realizes that both have changed, and he experiences a profound revelation about the nature of love, seeing Melicent as a stranger and worshipping her divine choice.
Chapter 43
The Afterword
The narrator reflects on the fragmentary nature of the chronicle of Perion and Melicent, noting that the existing manuscript ends abruptly like interrupted music, leaving their fate to conjecture. The chapter explains that this book is a rendering of the Roman de Lusignan manuscript with additions from a 1546 printed version.
Chapter 44
II
This chapter discusses the fragmentary manuscript of the Roman de Lusignan, focusing on the episodic story of Melicent and her lovers, disembedded from the main narrative. It notes the absence of Mélusina in the preserved portion and speculates on the romance's chronology and treatment of the Ahasuerus legend.
Chapter 45
III
This chapter discusses the concept of domnei, or woman-worship, as the central philosophy of the Melicent-episode. It explains domnei as a code of chivalric love, a malady, and a religion that elevates the beloved woman as an intermediary between the lover and God, citing examples from Dante and other medieval amorists. The chapter notes that Nicolas touches on the darker, rebellious side of domnei in his depiction of Demetrios.
Chapter 46
IV
Nicolas de Caen, a servant of love to Isabella of Burgundy, transcribes a passage from his work 'Le Roi Amaury' in which the fiend Beelzebub complains about the concept of domnei, arguing that it makes men irrational and unmanageable by inspiring impossible ideals. King Amaury counters that this folly is the master-word of the universe. Nicolas wholeheartedly believed this, while the narrator suggests modern readers may not, perhaps to their own detriment.
Chapter 47
Bibliography
This chapter lists various editions, translations, and adaptations of the story of Melicent and Perion, spanning from the 15th to the early 20th century, including the earliest known French version from 1546, English, German, Portuguese, Italian, Danish, Latin, Dutch, and other renderings, as well as related works on Mélusine.
Chapter 48
Endnotes
The endnotes provide citations and editorial commentary on the sources used in the narrative, including references to Nicolas de Caen's accounts and scholarly works.
