commandment

Considering the sexual promiscuity of Byron's life, even when he was married, this statement is very ironic. Indeed, much of Canto 1 is fixated upon infidelity. Don Juan's father, Don Jose, was described as being a womanizer: "The world as usual, wickedly inclined.../ Whispered he had a mistress, some said two-// But for domestic quarells one will do." Obviously, the quantity of adultery is eclipsed by the principle of spurning one's lover.

In terms of Don Juan's relationship with the married Julia, a neurotic nature infuses Alfonso; in a Bryonic world there is always the possibility that one's lover will run off with another man, consquently "tearing away" the heart as is the case in fare thee well. Therefore, Alfonso "was jealous, though he did not show it,/ For jealousy dislikes the world to know it." He must always be stealing furtive glances over his shoulder to protect his beloved Julia. Byron reinforces this point, saying "A real husband always is suspicious." Therefore, it is not in accordance with Bryon's practices and liberal lifestyle that he conveiniently "forgets the number" of the commandment prohibiting adultery. For Byron, biblical law does not serve as an obstacle to flourishing passion, which "dissembles yet betrays." The gushing of love is powerful enough to transcend the formal, and therefore "fake" institution of marriage which is no match for the sensual spark between Don Juan and Julia.