How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
They trowe that "no Cristene prince wolde fayn
Wedden his child under oure lawes swete
That us were taught by Mahoun oure prophete." (222-224)
The Sultan's counselors warn him that the Emperor of Rome is not likely to marry his daughter to a Pagan. They describe their own faith as "swete," showing that they are truly attached to it. It seems pretty likely that any conversion to Christianity won't be likely to take.
Quote #2
I seye, by tretys and embassadrye
And by the popes mediacioun
And al the chirche and al the chivalrie,
That in destruccioun of Mawmettrie
And in encrees of Cristes lawe deere,
They been acorded, so as ye shal heere. (233-238)
The Pope and the entire Christian Church throw their weight behind setting up Custance's marriage. The union becomes a strategic way of spreading Christianity and wiping out Islam.
Quote #3
"Lordes," quod she, "ye knowen everichon,
How that my sone in pointe is for to lete
The hooly lawes of oure Alkaron,
Yeven by Goddes message, Makomete.
But oon avow to grete God I heete,
The lyf shal rather out of my body sterte,
Than Makometes lawe out of myn herte!" (330-336)
The beginning of the Sultan's mother's objection to Christianity is understandable: she truly regards the Koran as the truth revealed by Mohammed, messenger of God. It seems like a Christian audience could find some sympathy in this, as they might have similar reasons for clinging to their own faith.