The Canterbury Tales: The Clerk's Tale Loyalty Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line Number)

Quote #1

A markis whylom lord was of that londe,
As were his worthy eldres him bifore;
And obeisant, ay redy to his honde
Were all his liges, bothe lasse and more. (64-67)

Walter's "liges" are those noblemen sworn to remain loyal to him. They are "redy to his honde" in the sense that if he calls upon them to go into battle to defend his land claims, they must present themselves, with their lieges as well, ready to go to war. This system of loyalties and lieges is how feudalism works.

Quote #2

Accepteth than of us the trewe entente,
That never yet refuseden youre heste. (127-128)

Walter's lords remind him of their loyalty to him by highlighting their constant willingness to do as he requests. They imply that in return for this loyalty, he owes them regard for their counsel.

Quote #3

For if it so bifelle, as God forbade,
That thurgh your deeth your lyne sholde slake,
And that a straunge successour sholde take
Youre heritage, O, wo were us alyve! (136-139)

Walter's lords say that their desire for him to produce an heir comes out of their loyalty to his particular bloodline. This passage demonstrates the way the loyalty of lieges extends to families rather than just particular individuals.