XXIX: How a Bargain Was Cried explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Self-Sacrifice and Redemption

  Melicent offers herself to Ahasuerus to save Perion, a desperate act of self-sacrifice for love.

• Beauty and Its Perils

  Melicent's beauty is both a commodity and a curse, causing men to die and leading to her bargaining.

• The Nature of True Love

  Melicent's willingness to die rather than betray Perion, and her bargain to save him, illustrate the depth of her love.

Characters to notice

• Melicent

  Kneels in her oratory, prays to the Virgin, and later bargains with Ahasuerus, offering herself to save Perion.

• Ahasuerus

  Observes Melicent, discusses the day's battle, and rejects her bargain, fearing Perion's pursuit.

• Perion de la Forêt

  Mentioned as a lord peerless in battle, but trapped by love; Ahasuerus plans to have him outflanked.

• Demetrios

  Referenced as having built the oratory for Melicent and as a former lord who bargained for her.

• Orestes

  Mentioned as being in a position similar to Perion's, driven into a tree by the dog (Perion).

Key passages

• “You offer tears to Miriam of Nazara. Yonder they are sacrificing a bull to Mithras. But I do not make either offering or prayer to any god. Yet of all persons in Nacumera I alone am sure of this day's outcome.”

  Ahasuerus contrasts Melicent's Christian prayers with pagan rituals, asserting his certainty about the day's events despite his lack of faith.

  Highlights Ahasuerus's cynical detachment and his role as a manipulator.

• “I cry a price for red lips and bright eyes and a fair woman's tender body without any blemish. I have no longer youth and happiness and honour to afford you as your toys. These three have long been strangers to me.”

  Melicent offers her physical beauty as a commodity, acknowledging she has lost youth, happiness, and honor.

  Emphasizes her desperation and the degradation of her situation.