# The Prophets’ Paradise explained — The King in Yellow

> Chapter companion for The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers.

## What happens

A brief poetic stanza questions the value of a paradise that requires renouncing wine and love, suggesting such a paradise would be empty and hollow.

## Key lines

> If but the Vine and Love Abjuring Band Are in the Prophets’ Paradise to stand, Alack, I doubt the Prophets’ Paradise, Were empty as the hollow of one’s hand.

If the only ones allowed in the Prophets' Paradise are those who give up wine and love, then I fear that paradise would be as empty as a cupped hand.

_The speaker expresses skepticism about a paradise that demands renunciation of earthly pleasures._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_king_in_yellow_se/chapters/the-prophets-paradise
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_king_in_yellow_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_king_in_yellow_se/chapters