How we cite our quotes: (Stanza.Line)
Quote #4
The pagan falls down in a heap,
Satan carries away his soul. (96.1267-68)
Remember how the Saracens believe in both Mohammed and Apollo? Here they're also linked with the Christian devil. It's as if this poet knows they're wicked but can't figure out precisely how.
Quote #5
"They will raise us in coffins on sumpters,
They will shed tears of sorrow and pity for us.
They will bury us in hallowed ground within church walls." (132.1748-50)
Archbishop comforts Oliver and Roland by promising them that their dead bodies won't rot on the field, unmourned. Interestingly, it's not enough to just die a martyr; you must also be buried in holy ground that's been blessed by a priest. As far as salvation is concerned, how you're buried is as important as how you die.
Quote #6
"That's the sort of valor any knight must have
Who bears arms and sits astride a good horse!
He must be strong and fierce in battle,
Otherwise he is not worth four pennies,
Instead he should be in one of those monasteries
Praying all the time for our sins." (141.1877-62)
Turpin tries to draw a division between religious and knightly service but it's unclear here what his tone is. Does "one of those monasteries" imply a touch of contempt for all the religious people who don't fight for God with swords? Or does he think that both callings are different but equally worthy.