Yit wol I, quod this markys softely,yet
That in thy chambre, I and thou and sche
Have a collacioun, and wostow why?meeting, knowest thou
For I wol aske if that it hir wille be
To be my wyf, and reule hir after me;according to
And al this schal be doon in thy presence,done
I wol nought speke out of thyn audience.hearing
“Yet,” said the marquis, softly, “fain would I
That in thy chamber I and thou and she
Confer together—dost thou wonder why?
For I would ask her whether she will be
My wife—and rule herself to pleasure me;
And in thy presence all things shall be said:
Behind thy back no contract shall be made.”

And while the three were talking in the chamber all the people came into the house without,[144] and wondered among themselves how carefully and kindly she kept her father. But poor Griselda, who had never seen such a sight before, looked quite pale. She was not used to such grand visitors.

[Larger Image]

GRISELDA’S MARRIAGE

‘This is ynough, Grisilde myn, quod he.’

This is what the marquis said to her.

“Griselda, it pleases your father and me that I should marry you, and I suppose you will not be unwilling.[145] But first I must ask you, since it is to be done in such a hurry, will you say yes now, or will you think it over? Are you ready to obey me in all things when you are my wife, whether I am kind to you or not? and never to say no when I say yes—either by word or by frowns? Swear that, and I will swear to marry you.”

Wondering at all this, and trembling with fear, Griselda answered—

“My lord, I am quite unworthy of the great honour you offer me; but whatever my lord wishes I will consent to. And I will swear never, so far as I know, to disobey you—not even if you wish to kill me, though I don’t want to die.”