Domnei · Chapter
IX: How Time Sped in Heathenry explained
Melicent is moved to luxurious apartments in Nacumera, where Demetrios refuses to touch her despite having purchased her, driven by inordinate pride.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Beauty and Its Perils
Melicent's beauty is the cause of her imprisonment and the target of Callistion's jealousy, yet it also inspires Demetrios's conflicted pride and restraint.
The Nature of True Love
Melicent's unwavering love for Perion contrasts with Demetrios's possessive pride and Callistion's jealous passion, highlighting the theme of true love versus selfish desire.
Honor and Moral Integrity
Melicent demonstrates moral integrity by pleading for Callistion's life and remaining faithful to Perion, while Demetrios's pride and cruelty undermine his honor.
Characters to notice
- Melicent
Melicent is lodged in a luxurious pavilion at Nacumera, attended by many slaves, and remains faithful to Perion despite Demetrios's wealth and pride. She pleads for Callistion's life and cleverly tricks Demetrios out of his magic sword.
- Demetrios
Demetrios scrupulously refuses to touch Melicent, driven by pride and a desire to conquer her love. He threatens Perion with the magic sword Flamberge, but is tricked into leaving it behind. He later kills the victorious admiral after the fleet is repulsed.
- Callistion
Callistion, Demetrios's first wife, attempts Melicent's life three times out of love for Demetrios, but is spared each time at Melicent's entreaty.
- Perion de la Forêt
Perion is reported to have come with a Cypriot fleet to rescue Melicent, but the fleet is repulsed at sea. Melicent speaks proudly of his valor and swordsmanship.
- Ahasuerus
Ahasuerus reports to Demetrios that Melicent once held Perion's life in her hands before she came to Nacumera.
Key passages
“I have purchased your body, and I have taken seizin. I find I do not care for anything which can be purchased.”
Demetrios tells Melicent that although he has bought her, he does not value anything that can be bought, revealing his pride and inner conflict.
This quote illustrates Demetrios's complex pride and his inability to truly possess Melicent's love through material means.
“There comes against you a champion of noted deeds, a courteous and hardy gentleman, preeminent at swordplay.”
Melicent proudly describes Perion as a renowned and valiant knight, skilled in combat, to Demetrios.
Melicent's defense of Perion underscores her unwavering loyalty and love, even in captivity.
“I think that you talk foolishly, seignior. And, other matters apart, it is manifest that you yourself concede Perion to be the better swordsman, since you require to be abetted by sorcery before you dare to face him.”
Melicent taunts Demetrios, suggesting that his reliance on the magic sword Flamberge proves he fears Perion's superior skill.
This clever manipulation shows Melicent's wit and courage, as she goads Demetrios into leaving the sword behind.