How we cite our quotes: (Stanza.Line)
Quote #4
"If old Charlemagne doesn't flee now,
King Marsile shall be avenged this day:
I shall give him a head for the right hand he has lost." (200.2807-09)
Charlemagne, you're going down. This is the Emir Baligant boasting that he will revenge Marsile's crushing losses. His claim that he will take a head to avenge Marsile's hand (cut off by Roland) may be the poet's reference to Hebraic law of the Old Testament—you take my eye, I'll take your eye. Only notice here that the Emir is not keeping things balanced: Marsile lost a hand, goshdurnit if I don't chop off that emperor's head.
Quote #5
"If the Arabs don't change their minds about advancing,
I intend to make them pay dearly for Roland's death." (216.3011-12)
Of course, while the Emir is declaring revenge on the Franks, Charlemagne isn't exactly advocating brotherly love. He's happy killing Saracens at any time, but when his beloved nephew is lying slaughtered in a mountain pass, his war turns to revenge.
Quote #6
"Through your mercy, if this be agreeable to you, grant
That I may avenge my nephew Roland!" (226.3108-09)
We're listening in on Charlemagne's prayer here, and if you listen closely you might put your finger on an interesting religious paradox. Charlemagne's asking that through God's mercy he will be able to achieve his revenge on the Saracens. Mercy delivering revenge? Now that sounds weird.