How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
"We shul first feyne us cristendom to take,—
Coold water shal nat greve us but a lite—
And I shal swich a feeste and revel make,
That, as I trowe, I shal the Sowdan quite." (351-354)
The Sultaness's plan involves two deceptions: the first, to feign acceptance of Christianity; the second, to pretend to celebrate her son's marriage at a feast in the couple's honor. The first deception might be a symbol for the sin of all Christians who fail to live the precepts of their religion despite enjoying the sacraments.
Quote #2
She rydeth to the Sowdan on a day,
And seyde hym, that she wolde reneye hir lay,
And cristendom of preestes handes fonge,
Repentynge hir she hethen was so longe. (375-378)
What's most interesting about this passage is that it implies the Sultaness has a choice about whether or not to convert, despite her portrayal of the Christian conversion as something her son is forcing upon her. This makes her seem even more guilty for what she does, since it deprives her of a sympathetic motive.
Quote #3
[She biseeched] hym to doon hir that honour
That she moste han the Cristen folk to feeste.
"To plesen hem I wol do my labour."
The Sowdan seith, "I wol doon at youre heeste,"
And knelynge thanketh hir of that requeste.
So glad he was, he nyste what to seye. (379-384)
This passage heightens the pathos of the Sultaness's deception with the Sultan's submissive kneeling and his happiness at his mother's apparent agreement. What mother would murder a son whose devotion is so obvious?