How we cite our quotes: (Line Number)
Quote #7
"I seye this, be ye redy with good herte
To al my lust, and that I frely may,
As me best thinketh, do yow laughe or smerte,
And never ye to grucche it, night ne day?
And eek whan I sey 'ye,' ne sey nat 'nay,'
Neither by word ne frowning contenance?
Swere this, and here I swere our alliance." (351-357)
So Walter is laying down the terms of the "alliance" he wants with Grisilde here: basically, she's got to do whatever he asks of her without complaining, without ever contradicting him, and without ever even appearing mad about having to obey him. Um. Would you agree to such an "alliance"? It would sure make us pause, even if it came from Ryan Gosling.
Quote #8
"And heer I swere that nevere willingly
In werk ne thoght I nil yow dosobeye,
For to be deed, though me were looth to deye." (362-364)
As if Walter's conditions weren't harsh enough, Grisilde makes things even more difficult for herself by swearing not to disobey Walter in works or thoughts. Yes, you read that right. Thoughts, people. All Walter had asked of Grisilde was the appearance of obedience, but Grisilde promises obedience that extends to her very mind. Is that even possible? Is that desirable?
Quote #9
She seyde, "Lord, al lyth in youre plesaunce;
My child and I with hertely obeisaunce
Ben youres al, and ye mowe save or spille
Youre owene thing: werketh after youre wille." (501-504)
Walter has demanded absolute obedience from Grisilde. Here, though, Grisilde almost makes her obedience seem obsolete by saying that she and her child are Walter's "owene thing." If they are possessions, they're not really entitled to have a will of their own, anyway, so what's all the fuss about, Walt?