- description
- # CHAPTER XLV. They Behold King Bello’s State Canoe
## Overview
This is Chapter XLV, titled "They Behold King Bello’s State Canoe," from Herman Melville's novel, [Mardi: And a Voyage Thither](arke:01KG8AJ8ZNB03D0FWFP362WQEN). The chapter spans lines 6149 to 6249 of its source text.
## Context
This chapter is part of the larger work [Mardi: And a Voyage Thither](arke:01KG8AJ8ZNB03D0FWFP362WQEN), which is included in the [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. It was extracted from the digital text file [mardi_vol2.txt](arke:01KG89J1954N2G0NAERBNJXEX9). Preceded by [Chapter XLIV. Through Dominora, They Wander After Yillah](arke:01KG8AJSXQK2Q0WA8XGM6PX3FX), it is followed by [Chapter XLVI. Wherein Babbalanja Bows Thrice](arke:01KG8AJSY01NJ69488SW0EXA70).
## Contents
The chapter describes the protagonists' departure from King Bello and their observation of his elaborate state canoe. It features detailed descriptions of historical and mythical state vessels, including those of Jason, Aeneas, Cleopatra, Queen Bess, Torf-Egill, Doge Dandolo, Kumbo Sama, Kannakoko, and Pomaree. The narrative then focuses on King Bello's own "ocean-chariot," housed in an arbor and adorned with a "wilderness of sculpture" depicting various sea creatures and mythological figures. The chapter also delves into the tradition of King Bello's annual "marriage with the Lagoon," contrasting it with the Doge of Venice's similar custom and offering a historical account of Dominora's expanding naval dominion. The chapter concludes with a warning about the potential decay of the state barge and the importance of its careful preservation.
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- CHAPTER XLV. They Behold King Bello’s State Canoe
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- CHAPTER XLV.
They Behold King Bello’s State Canoe