Meaning & Analysis
A fortress that enters into negotiations (parleys) with its attackers and a woman who listens to a suitor's proposals are both on the verge of surrendering or giving in.
Insights
The Danger of Engagement
The proverb serves as a cynical warning that engaging with any persistent adversary or temptation is the first step toward defeat. The act of communication itself is framed as a critical vulnerability, suggesting that once the 'walls of silence' are breached, the fortress—whether literal or metaphorical—is already compromised.
Seduction by Persuasion
The proverb is a metaphor for the power of persuasive language to erode resistance. It suggests that words and negotiation can be more effective than brute force in achieving a goal, whether in warfare or courtship. The focus on 'hearing' and 'parleying' highlights communication as the key to unlocking otherwise impregnable defenses.
The Inevitability of Surrender
It implies that once a certain line is crossed—agreeing to negotiate or listen—the outcome is almost inevitable. The proverb argues that the most critical point of resistance is at the very beginning; to consider an alternative is to have already lost the battle.
Gender and Power Dynamics
The proverb's central analogy equating a woman's chastity with a fortress reflects a deeply patriarchal worldview common in the early modern period. It frames female virtue not as a matter of character or agency, but as a defense to be maintained, suggesting women are inherently susceptible to persuasion and lack the capacity to engage with and reject advances.
Psychology of Persuasion
This proverb captures a key psychological insight related to persuasion and commitment. The act of 'parleying' or 'hearing' represents a critical shift from absolute refusal to consideration, making surrender a more probable outcome. It illustrates the 'foot-in-the-door' technique, where a small concession dramatically increases the likelihood of a larger one.
Historical Military Context
Rooted in the language of medieval and early modern siege warfare, the 'parley' was a formal negotiation that often signaled a besieged castle's weakening resolve, lack of supplies, or imminent surrender. The proverb leverages this well-understood military context to make its point about negotiation being a prelude to capitulation.
Rhetorical Devices
Parallelism
The proverb is built on a direct and balanced comparison between two seemingly disparate subjects (a castle and a woman) to create a powerful, unified message about the nature of resistance and surrender.
Symbolism
The 'castle' symbolizes any form of defense, power, or virtue, while the 'woman' specifically symbolizes chastity. 'Parleying' and 'hearing' become symbols for the initial act of considering compromise, making the proverb applicable to various contexts beyond its literal subjects.
Analogy
The proverb functions as a striking analogy, equating the strategic vulnerabilities of military fortifications with the perceived social and emotional vulnerabilities of women in matters of courtship.
Transcription
Quotations
Ther is ane ald prouerb that says, that ane herand damysele, and ane spekand castel, sal neuyr end vith honour.
Castles that come to parlue, and woemen that delight in courting, are willing to yeelde.
It behoueth an honest woman to shew her selfe so sober and chast .. that no man be so hardie to assayle her. For in deed Castles that come to parley, are commonly at the poynt to render.
A speaking castle and ane hearing maiden ar easy wone.
And rapt with ioy, [the lover] vpon this point persists, That parley'ng Citie never long resists.
Some Beauties .. will endure .. a siege; but will incline to parley at last, and .. Fort and Female which begins to parley is half won.
The woman who hearkens, and the town which treats, the one will yield, the other will do.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.