How we cite our quotes: (Line Number)
Quote #4
"Ye wol," quod he, "myn owene peple deere,
To that I nevere erst thoughte streyne me.
I me rejoysed of my liberte,
That seelde tyme is founde in mariage.
Ther I was free, I moot been in servage." (142-147)
Walter thinks that all fun and freedom end when you get married. It's odd that he thinks he has so much freedom and liberty, though, because as a leader, he has responsibilities and obligations that constantly constrain him. Awareness of responsibility is what his noblemen are trying to awaken in him with their request that he marry.
Quote #5
"Lord," quod he "my willynge
Is as ye wole, ne ayeyns youre likynge
I wol no thyng, ye be my lord so deere;
Right as yow lust governeth this mateere." (319-322)
Janicula gives his definition of what it means to be lorded over: he says, in effect, that he desires nothing that goes against his lord's wishes. This is a submission to power that goes far beyond physical submission; it rules even the desires of the person ruled over. The only desire that matters is the desire of the lord.
Quote #6
For I wol axe if it hire wille be
To be my wyf, and reule hire after me. (326-327)
Walter seems to view wifehood mainly as a state of obedience to a husband. He says he will ask Grisilde if she wants to be his wife and be ruled by him. He doesn't ask her if she would like to be, you know, honored or loved by him.