How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Line). We used the line numbering found on Librarius's online edition.
Quote #4
'Men myghten dreden wel and skilfully
This lyf to lese, myn owene deere brother,
If this were lyvynge oonly and noon oother.
But ther is bettre lyf in oother place,
That nevere shal be lost, ne drede thee noght.'
(320 - 324)
Here is what Cecilia's Christianity offers that paganism can't: eternal life. This eternal life is also freedom on earth, for without having to fear a loss of life, Tiburtius is free to follow his own conscience.
Quote #5
[Almachius] seyde, 'Whoso wol nat sacrifise,
Swap of his heed, this is my sentence heer.'
(365 - 366)
Here Almachius exercises the power over men's lives of which he later boasts to Cecilia. In calling it a "sentence," Almachius portrays his decree as something reasonable when, in fact, it is an arbitrary (non-reasonable) whim of his.
Quote #6
But whan they weren to the place broght,
To tellen shortly the conclusioun,
They nolde encense ne sacrifise right noght,
But on hir knees they setten hem adoun
With humble herte and sad devocioun,
And losten bothe hir hevedes in the place.
Hir soules wenten to the kyng of grace.
(393 - 399)
This passage emphasizes Tiburtius and Valerian's humility in death: they meet this death on their knees, with humble hearts. Yet the passage is also quick to reassure the reader that they have not really died: their souls have lived on, and now dwell with God.