How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
Sathan, that ever us waiteth to bigile,
Saugh of Custance al hir perfeccioun
And caste anon how he myghte quite her while. (582-584)
According to the Man of Law, Satan's always waiting to "bigile" or trick us. He appears to be particularly motivated to do so by "perfeccioun," or virtue. The trick Satan propagates is to convince people that sin will make them happier than virtue.
Quote #5
This false knyght, that hath this tresoun wroght,
Berth hir on hond that she hath doon thys thyng,
But nathelees, ther was greet moornyng
Among the peple, and seyn, they kan nat gesse
That she had doon so greet a wikkednesse. (619-623)
The false knight's accusation of Custance fails because of her reputation for virtue and everyone's knowledge of how much she loved Dame Hermengyld. This failure reveals the tale's belief that the truth will win, no matter what.
Quote #6
This gentil kyng hath caught a greet motyf
Of this witnesse, and thoghte he wolde enquere
Depper in this, a trouthe for to lere. (628-630)
The King's ability to sniff out deception marks him as discerning and wise. Not content with surface explanations, he inquires deeply in order to learn the truth. This trait is necessary not just for a good King, but for a good Christian. Which means this passage makes a point about the compatibility of the duties of a ruler and a Christian.