How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
--My friend, I want to trade
my horse for her house,
my saddle for her mirror,
my knife for her blanket. (25-28)
Here we get the speaker's plan for… well, for doing some trading. In a way, though, this looks like a plan to change his life. He seems to be trading in this soldiering equipment in favor of things that might bring him more peace, as well as closer to the green gypsy girl. Sounds like a good plan to Shmoop.
Quote #2
--If it were possible, my boy,
I'd help you fix that trade.
But now I am not I,
nor is my house now my house. (31-34)
Well, it sounded like a good plan to us, but, sadly, it all comes to nothing. The speaker's bid to trade for a more peaceable life, much like his other hopes and dreams in this poem, are all for naught. Bummer.
Quote #3
--My friend, I want to die
decently in my bed.
Of iron, if that's possible,
with blankets of fine chambray. (35-38)
Our speaker has back-up plans, too. If he can't trade for the gypsy girl's belongings, how about letting him die in his own nice, comfortable bed. No? Not possible either? Strike two, speaker. What's next?