ABSTRACT
The medieval narrative associated with the figure of Daughter Zion forms part of the tradition of philosophical allegory exemplified by texts such as the Cosmographia by Bernardus Silvestris, or the Anticlaudianus by Alan of Lille, in which a made-up fabula is used to communicate a veiled or hidden truth. The narrative proper is contained in sections 2-4. Section 2 recounts how the Soul sends the eye of the intellect into the world to search for someone for her to love. In section 3, the Soul explains her suffering to another virtue, Sapientia, and describes herself as having been wounded by love. Section 4 returns to practicalities: Oratio agrees to serve as messenger on the celestial journey if Caritas will accompany her. Caritas complies, but also pulls rank over Oratio by warning her to not take the credit for the success of the mission.
