Find the perfect quote to float your boat. Shmoop breaks down key quotations from Song of Roland.
Betrayal Quotes
Blancandrin was one of the most cunning pagans,By his courage he was very much a knight:He had all the required qualities to help his lord.And he said to the King: "Don't be alarmed!Offer wicked an...
Friendship Quotes
Ganelon is riding under a tall olive tree.He has joined up with the Saracen messengers,But now Blancandrin lags behind to be alone with him;They speak to each other with great cunning. (28.366-9)
Revenge Quotes
"Lead the army you have summoned to Saragossa,Lay siege to the city, put all your heart into it,And avenge those the villain had killed!" (14.211-13)
Warfare Quotes
"Wage war the way you set out to do:Lead the army you have summoned to Saragossa,Lay siege to the city, put all your heart into it,And avenge those the villain had killed!" (14.210-13)
Good v. Evil Quotes
He summoned ten of his most wicked men. (5.69)
Death Quotes
"I understand he is more than two hundred years old." (42.552)
Duty Quotes
Ganelon replies: "You will not go in my place!You're not my vassal and I'm not your lord.Charles orders me to render him a service,So I'll go to Saragossa, to Marsile." (21.296-99)
Religion Quotes
King Marsile, who does not love God, defends it,He serves Mohammed and prays to Apollo. (1.7-8)
Power Quotes
"If he wants hostages, send him some,Ten or twenty, to gain his confidence." (3.40-41)