He saw, he wished, and to the prize aspired." (II, 29-30) Therefore, Belinda's power lies within her outward beauty. Belinda's strength is her physical appearance. Pope mocks the importance placed on appearance as he compares a hero's donning of armour to Belinda's being made up at her dressing table; Here files of pins extend their shining rows,Puffs, powders, patches, Bibles, billet doux. Now awful Beauty puts on all its arms... (I, 137-39)We see a woman ready to go into the battle of the sexes whom the Baron (her opponent) already regards as a threat. Specifically, her beauty is a threat in that it empowers Belinda and means he may have to compete with other men for her affection. The idea of a woman holding power of any sort over a man attacks the male ego or at least threatens the Baron's ego. He isResolved to win, or by fraud betray;For when success a lover's toil attends,Few ask if fraud or force attained his ends. (II, 31-33)The Baron will either have the lock, or destroy any power she possesses with it. The war Pope illustrates between men and women continues with the playing of the card game. Instead of fighting on the traditional battlefield Belinda plays cards against the Baron, eager to meet him on his own terms:Belinda now, whom thirst of fame invites,Burns to encounter two adventurous knights,At ombre singly to decide their doom,And swells her breast with conquests yet to come. (III, 25-28)The playing of the game and the use of the word "conquest" could also represent the idea that Belinda is fighting for survival in her societal circle. She could view the playing of the game as a battle to win suitors, "knights". Regardless, Belinda wins the card game and offends the Baron's pride. Out to take his revenge, to reclaim his dignity and steal hers, the Baron cuts Belinda's prized lock of hair:" Let wreaths of triumph now my temples twine,"The victor cried, "the glorious prize is mine!... So long my honour, name, and praise...
