How we cite our quotes: (Stanza.Line)
Quote #1
Blancandrin was one of the most cunning pagans,
By his courage he was very much a knight:
He had all the required qualities to help his lord.
And he said to the King: "Don't be alarmed!
Offer wicked and fierce Charles
Loyal service and great friendship." (3.24-9)
Blancandrin gets the honor of being the first deceiver in the Song of Roland. In order to save Spain from further Frankish destruction, he wants to deceive Charlemagne with promises of cooperation and conversion.
Quote #2
The ambassadors mounted,
In their hands they carry olive branches.
They came to Charles, who rules over France:
He cannot help being deceived by them in some way. (7.92-5)
We know these ambassadors are bringing lies with their olive branches, but Charlemagne didn't get to sit in on Blancandrin's conference with King Marsile. That means he's completely in the dark and even though he is wise and experienced and good, he can't know the full truth the same way we can. He's doomed to be deceived!
Quote #3
And he said to the King: "Believe a fool and you shall rue the day!
Don't listen to me, I mean, or to anyone else unless it's to your advantage […]
Anyone who advises you to reject such an offer
Doesn't care, sire, how we die." (15.220-22, 226-7)
This is Ganelon telling Charlemagne not to listen to Roland, who immediately dismissed Marsile's messengers as liars. It's unclear whether Ganelon is speaking sincerely here or whether he already has thoughts of treachery. In other words, does he genuinely believe that Marsile will convert and serve Charlemagne? Or is he already plotting Roland's destruction?