How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Line). We used the line numbering found on Librarius's online edition.
Quote #13
'The mayde hath broght thise men to blisse above;
The world hath wist what it is worth, certeyn,
Devocioun of chastitee to love.'
(281 – 283)
Again we see a connection between chastity and the ability to win converts. Cecilia's devotion to chastity quite literally effected Valerian's conversion because of Cecilia's need to keep him out of her bed. But the figurative power of chastity lies in the strength and holiness with which it supposedly imbues the bearer.
Quote #14
'Go with thy brother now, and thee baptise,
And make thee clene, so that thou mowe biholde
The aungels face of which thy brother tolde.'
(299 – 301)
"Clene"-ness here refers to freedom from sins, which the sacrament of baptism will wash away. When they are 'clean,' characters in "The Second Nun's Tale" possess a kind of heightened vision that allows them to see things normally invisible to the naked eye.
Quote #15
But on hir knees they setten hem adoun
With humble herte and sad devocioun,
And losten bothe hir hevedes in the place.
Hir soules wenten to the kyng of grace.
(396 – 399)
Compared to the long description of Cecilia's death, Valerian and Tiburtius's martyrdom is rather brief. Nevertheless, we do learn that they go to their maker with humble hearts and sad devotion.