How we cite our quotes: (Line Number)
Quote #1
And eek he nolde—and that was worst of alle—
Wedde no wyf, for noght that may bifalle. (83-84)
Walter's refusal to marry is the "worst of alle" his faults because it prevents him from producing a legal heir. One of his most important obligations to his vassals is to ensure a stable transfer of power through the continuation of his bloodline. For this, a wife is a necessity.
Quote #2
Ne coude nat us self devysen how
We mighte liven in more felicitee,
Save o thing lord, if it youre wille be,
That for to been a wedded man yow leste:
Than were your peple in sovereyn hertes reste. (108-112)
The people will only be at ease once Walter has married, because this will mean he is on his way to producing an heir. Medieval people knew that bloodshed and civil unrest could result from an uncertain succession. These nobles are trying to ensure that this calamity does not occur in their province.
Quote #3
Boweth youre nekke under that blisful yok
Of sovereaynetee, noght of servyse,
Which that men clepeth spousaille or wedlok. (113-115)
The "blisful yok of soveraynetee" is quite the paradox, but the meaning is that, although Walter will be tied or "yoked" to his wife, he will still be the sovereign in this marriage (translation: he'll rule her, and not vice-versa). The nobles are trying to counteract the idea that marriage is the beginning of a husband's slavish service to a shrewish wife.