Domnei · Chapter
III: How Melicent Wooed explained
Melicent visits Perion in his prison room, confessing that she has arranged for his escape through Ayrart de Montors.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Sacrifice and Redemption
Perion's refusal of Melicent's love and his confession of sins highlight his struggle for redemption through self-denial.
Idealism vs. Cynicism
Melicent's idealistic love contrasts with Perion's cynical view of himself as a 'plaything of every vice.'
The Nature of True Love
Melicent's unconditional love, willing to sacrifice honour and comfort, is contrasted with Perion's belief that he is unworthy of such love.
Characters to notice
- Perion de la Forêt
Tormented by his past sins and unworthiness, he refuses Melicent's love and writes a letter proclaiming his innocence.
- Melicent
Woos Perion, offering to abandon her honour and go with him into exile, believing in his innocence despite his confessions.
- Ayrart de Montors
Mentioned as the one who, out of love for Melicent, arranged for Perion's escape.
- Count Emmerick of Poictesme
Mentioned as Melicent's brother, whom Perion imagines he would have to ask for her hand.
- Mélusine
Mentioned in Perion's letter as the woman for whom he falsely confessed to murder and theft.
- Satan
Invoked by Perion as a witness to his inner torment and the pollution of his soul.
Key passages
“Then take me with you.”
Melicent begs Perion to take her with him when he sails for the fighting oversea.
Melicent's plea to join Perion in exile, abandoning her life of comfort.
“I am trying to lie to you. And even at lying I fail.”
Perion admits that his attempts to deceive Melicent about his feelings are futile.
Perion's confession of his inability to lie to Melicent, revealing his true love.
“I have never to my knowledge—and God judge me as I speak the truth!—wronged any man or woman save myself.”
Perion asserts in his letter that he has only harmed himself, not others.
Perion's claim of innocence in his letter to Melicent, denying the crimes he confessed to.