How we cite our quotes: (Page.Line) [from Malory, Thomas. Le Morte D'Arthur. Stephen H. A. Shepherd, ed. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2004. Print.]
Quote #10
So hit befelle in the moneth of May, Quene Gwenyvere called unto her ten knyghtes of the Table Rounde, and she gaff them warnynge that erly uppon the morn she wolde ryde on mayynge into woodis and fyldis besydes Westemenster: "And I warne you that there e none of you by the be well horsed, and that ye all be clothed all in gryne, othir in sylke othir in clothe; and I shall brynge with me ten ladyes, and every knyght shall have a lady be hym." (625.18-25)
"Maying" is a traditional practice in medieval England. Ladies and knights celebrate the first day of May by riding out in special costumes paired up in couples. It's supposed to be all about celebrating love, which people thought blossomed in the spring. It's a bit ironic, then, that Gwenyvere is kidnapped during her Maying because of Mellyagaunce's great love-sickness for her. Gwenyvere is celebrating love, but Mellyagaunce's love leads to terrible things for her.