The Book of the Lion Sin Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Chapter, Paragraph

Quote #4

Perhaps it was the sin of envy I experienced, watching Hubert rabbiting from stem to stern. Envy is sorry at the prosperity of others, and Hubert prospered in his great health. But I did not wish him sorrow, and took no joy when he slipped on the wet deck and had to sit down for a while, blinking thoughtfully at the small rain that drifted down. (12.25)

Edmund is very aware of doing right and wrong; it's like his sixth sense. Since he's super seasick, he kind of hates Hubert for running around feeling great—but he catches himself and doesn't feel happy when Hubert trips and falls. Close call there, Edmund.

Quote #5

"That's why the lord pope has seen the wisdom in sending so many fighting men to the Holy Land. That and, of course, the great need of us there."

"A ghost is but a demon," said Hubert. "However its disguise, I'll spit on it, even if it carries its head like a bucket." (13.5-6)

Over supper, the Crusaders are discussing the Crusades as a spiritual fight. They feel it's their duty to protect their faith and the legacy of their church by protecting it from evil. They boast that given the chance, they would spit in the face of an evil spirit.

Quote #6

"The pagans we call Mussulmen. I know little about them, I am pleased to say. They have taken the Holy City from the Christians, but I am certain, Edmund, that they look in great measure as we do."

A dozen questions swarmed in me. Did these heathens fight with swords? Did they invoke the Devil, and did the Devil ride with them? (13.27-28)

Edmund knows that they're fighting the Crusades for religious reasons, but his imagination takes it a bit far. Whatever their motive is, the Mussulmen do happen to just be ordinary people. They're not these evil non-human creatures that ride into battle with the Devil himself.