Domnei · Chapter
The Argument explained
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
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Woman-Worship and Domnei
The poem explicitly celebrates the worship of Melicent as the ultimate object of desire, for whom men forsake honor, kingdoms, and war.
Beauty and Its Perils
Melicent's extraordinary beauty is portrayed as a force that compels even the most powerful men to abandon their duties and domains.
The Nature of True Love
The poem suggests that true love transcends material wealth, as Melicent's soul adorned with virtues is the fairest part of her.
Characters to notice
- Melicent
Described as containing all the world's riches in herself, with sapphire eyes, ruby lips, pearl teeth, ivory forehead, gold locks, and silver hands, and a soul adorned with manifold virtues.
Key passages
“Of how, through Woman-Worship, knaves compound With honoure; Kings reck not of their domaine; Proud Pontiffs sigh; & War-men world-renownd, Toe win one Woman, all things else disdaine”
The poem explains how through the worship of a woman, even dishonest men can attain honor, kings disregard their kingdoms, proud church leaders sigh, and famous warriors give up everything to win one woman.
This sets up the central theme of woman-worship and the transformative power of love.
“If Saphyres ye desire, her eies are plaine; If Rubies, loe, hir lips be Rubyes sound; If Pearles, hir teeth be Pearles, both pure & round; If Yvorie, her forehead Yvory weene; If Gold, her locks with finest Gold abound; If Silver, her faire hands have Silver's sheen.”
If you desire sapphires, her eyes are plainly sapphires; if rubies, her lips are rubies; if pearls, her teeth are pearls; if ivory, her forehead is ivory; if gold, her hair abounds with gold; if silver, her fair hands have silver's shine.
This is a blazon comparing Melicent's physical features to precious materials, emphasizing her unparalleled beauty.
“Yet that which fayrest is, but Few beholde, Her Soul adornd with vertues manifold.”
Yet the fairest part of her, which few see, is her soul adorned with many virtues.
This highlights that Melicent's inner virtue surpasses even her physical beauty.