The Book of the Lion Religion Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Chapter, Paragraph

Quote #4

To have no regard for one's soul was like caring nothing for one's mother—it was impossible to imagine a man so callous or wicked. (7.14)

Edmund explains that he can't imagine someone not caring for his soul because it's such an important part of a person that to do so would be like not caring for the woman who gave you life.

Quote #5

I could not believe what I was hearing when he spoke, softly, in an even voice, his words clear despite the scar along his lips.

He said, "God give you strength."

God's strength. It was a phrase Father Joseph used, encouraging my father as he faced death. Perhaps, I thought, Rannulf is not such a prayerless man after all. (8.42-44)

Edmund assumes that because Rannulf is a "pagan" (which is also an assumption that everyone makes), he's a stranger to God. So when Rannulf invokes God's strength for Edmund to get some work done, Edmund's mind is blown—dude uses the same phrase that priests use. This is when Edmund starts thinking there's more to people than meets the eye.

Quote #6

I prayed in my weakness, not unlike the offering of a dying man to Heaven. I begged the aid of Our Lord Jesu, from whom proceeds all understanding and goodness. I wished for a rosary, with its gaudy beads, but instead closed my eyes and opened my heart to Heaven. (12.18)

Edmund prays to Heaven to cure his seasickness—he's been puking his brains out for days and he's asking God to just give him a break. He wishes that he had a rosary to pray with, but he does his best with his words and thoughts.