How we cite our quotes: (Stanza.Line)
Quote #4
"Oliver, my friend, I must not fail you,
I shall die of sorrow if nothing else kills me.
Comrade, sir, let's go strike again!" (140.1866-68)
Once Roland sees the devastation of the battle, Franks dying left and right, he realizes there's no way out of this but spearing, swording, and pagan-killing. The irony here is that Roland promises not to fail Oliver by fighting more, not by actually following his advice. To be fair, it's too late now to win this battle, and both Oliver and Roland know by now that they'll soon be dead.
Quote #5
He calls Roland, his friend and his peer:
"Comrade, sir, do come next to me!
We shall part with great sadness today." (147.1975-77)
Although Oliver has been majorly ticked off at Roland, this speech announces his forgiveness. The poet reaffirms that Roland is his friend, and Oliver himself tells Roland to fight next to him. They know they don't have long to live, so they should spend their remaining time together.
Quote #6
With both hands joined and raised toward heaven,
He prays God to grant him paradise,
He blessed Charles and fair France,
And his companion Roland above all others. (150.2015-18)
Even in his moment of death, Oliver thinks of Roland and asks God to bless him, demonstrating just how much he cherished their friendship.