How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
Old Gandolf envied me, so fair she was! (5)
Here we get a hint at the past competition between Gandolf and the bishop. Unsurprisingly, it was over a woman. Still, both of these men are going to be buried in a church, which suggests that Gandolf was a celibate church official just like the bishop. Why, then, is this competition over a woman so important?
Quote #2
—Old Gandolf cozened me, despite my care;
Shrewd was that snatch from out the corner South
He graced his carrion with, God curse the same! (17-19)
First Gandolf was jealous of his woman, and then he stole the primo tomb lot in the church. This, it seems, is enough to send our bishop into a competitive fever. Do you think his reaction is warranted here? It certainly doesn't strike us as very godly.
Quote #3
—Old Gandolf with his paltry onion-stone,
Put me where I may look at him! (31-32)
The bishop is so obsessed with competing against his rival that he envisions their competition lasting after they're both dead. Forget heaven. The bishop apparently views the afterlife as a continuous opportunity to one-up his competitor. That's depressing.