How we cite our quotes: (Line Number)
Quote #4
Wel ofter of the welle than of the tonne
She drank; and for she wolde vertue plese,
She knew wel labour, but non ydel ese. (215-217)
Grisilde's lack of "ydel ese" contrasts with Walter's life of "delyt" and his obsession with hunting and hawking—both fairly idle pursuits, since noblemen just did them for fun (and not for, say, food).
Quote #5
But thogh this mayde tendre were of age,
Yet in the brest of hir virginitee
Ther was enclosed rype and sad corage. (218-220)
The connection between virginity and a strong character grew out of a religious rhetoric in praise of virginity, and particularly of the Virgin Mary. The idea was that a girl's virginity gave her special power and strength that a non-virgin could not possibly approach.
Quote #6
Hir olde povre fader fostred she.
A fewe sheep, spinninge, on feeld she kepte;
She wolde noght been ydel til she slepte. (222-224)
Grisilde's hardworking nature again takes center stage in the description of her virtue. The tale may highlight this in order to draw a sharp contrast between Grisilde's and Walter's lives and essential natures.