How we cite our quotes: (Line number)
Quote #4
"Ther cam a privee theef men clepeth Deeth,
That in this contree al the peple sleeth,
And with his spere he smoot his herte atwo,
And wente his wey withouten wordes mo." (389 – 392)
The tavern boy's characterization of Death as a "privee thief" implies that Death takes things that don't belong to him. This characterization is pretty interesting given the three rioters' subsequent decision to do just the same in their appropriation of four bushels of gold.
Quote #5
"He hath a thousand slayn this pestilence.
And, maister, er ye come in his presence,
Me thynketh that it were necessarie
For to be war of swich an adversarie.
Beth redy for to meete hym everemoore;
Thus taughte me my dame, I sey namoore." (393 – 398)
The tavern boy's reference to a readiness to meet death draws our minds back to the intention of the sermon—to inspire repentance in case of sudden death. Through this repentance, goes the logic, the Christian will prepare himself to meet death with a clean soul. The Pardoner is setting his audience up for his later sales pitch: y'know, any of you could fall off your horse and die at any second.
Quote #6
"By Seinte Marie!" seyde this taverner,
"The child seith sooth, for he hath slayn this yeer
Henne over a mile, withinne a greet village
Bothe man and womman, child, and hyne, and page." (399 – 402)
The point of the taverner's speech seems to be to emphasize the indiscriminate and extensive reach of Death, the fact that he kills people from all walks of life, from all ages, everywhere. Another subtle reminder from the Pardoner that the pilgrims should worry about death, too. Oh yeah, and buy his relics and pardons.