How we cite our quotes: (Line Number)
Quote #10
"Certes, Grisilde, I hadde y-nough plesaunce
To han yow to my wyf for youre goodnesse-
As for your trouthe and for youre obeisaunce –
Nought for youre linage ne for your richesse." (792-795)
Walter implies that Grisilde's innate goodness—her truth and obedience—have stood in for the lineage and dowry he should have sought in a wife. Medieval religious texts often compare virtue to worldly riches.
Quote #11
"My lord," quod she, "I woot, and wiste always,
How that bitwixen youre magnificence
And my poverte no wight can ne may
Maken comparison; it is no nay.
I ne heeld me nevere digne in no manere
To be youre wyf, no, ne youre chamberere." (813-819)
Grisilde's words seem submissive, but she could also be making the point that it was Walter, not she, who thought her worthy to be his wife. Her reference to being unworthy to serve as Walter's "chamberere" foreshadows her later stint as a palace servant.
Quote #12
"And in this hous ther ye me lady made –
The heighe God take I for my witnesse,
And also wisly he my soulde glade –
I nevere heelde me lady ne maistresse,
But humble servant to youre worthinesse,
And ever shal, whyl that my lyf may dure." (820-825)
Grisilde again draws attention to the fact that it is Walter, not her, who has made her a lady. In fact, if she had her way, Grisilde would be nothing but a servant.