How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Line). We used the line numbering found on Librarius's online edition.
Quote #4
Valerian is to the place ygon
And right as hym was taught by his lernynge,
He foond this hooly olde Urban anon.
(183 – 185)
This passage calls Valerian's knowledge of Urban's whereabouts part of his "lernynge," implicitly comparing it to his tutorial in the Christian faith. As the pope, Urban is a representative of all of Christianity and its sacraments, which represent access to God's grace. This passage is making the point that through his tutorial from Cecilia, Valerian has learned where to 'find' God's grace.
Quote #5
And with that word anon ther gan appeere
An oold man clad in white clothes cleere,
That hadde a book with lettre of gold in honde,
And gan bifore Valerian to stonde.
(200 – 203)
The truth of Christianity to which Valerian must assent is contained in a book with golden letters. Books were extremely expensive and rare possessions in the medieval period, and gold lettering was a particular luxury. The appearance of a luxurious book here signals the importance of what Valerian is about to read.
Quote #6
'Right as a man hath sapiences thre,
Memorie, engyn, and intellect also,
So, in o beynge of divinitee
Thre persones may ther right wel bee.'
(338 – 341)
The comparison of the three persons in one God of the Trinity to the three powers of the human mind originated with Augustine. In her knowledge of Augustine's argument, Cecilia demonstrates a high level of education. In her comparison of human powers of intellect to godly powers, moreover, she exalts the human powers.