How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Line). We used the line numbering found on Librarius's online edition.
Quote #4
Or Cecilie is to seye, 'the wey to blynde,'
For she ensample was by good techynge.
(92 – 93)
By saying that Cecilia served as an example through her good teaching, the narrator combines two possible ways of teaching: 1) through example, and 2) through direct instruction. But in being a good teacher, Cecilia combines both.
Quote #5
Or elles, Cecile, as I writen fynde
Is joyned by a manere conjoynynge
Of 'hevene' and 'Lia' and heere in figurynge
The 'hevene' is set for thought of hoolynesse,
And 'Lia' for hir lastynge bisynesse.
(94 – 98)
Recall that the Second Nun has just preached a mini-sermon against idleness. Therefore her praise of Cecilia's "lastynge bisynesse" has even greater power.
Quote #6
She never cessed, as I writen fynde,
Of hir preyere, and God to love and drede,
bisekynge hym to kepe hir maydenhede.
(124 – 126)
In late classical and medieval Christianity, virgins were thought to be the holiest of the holy. Virginity supposedly conferred special strength upon the bearer, which is why someone like Cecilia, who aspires to be holy, might not want to lose it.