The sergeant did as he was commanded, and the marquis watched his wife to see if there should be any rebellion in her manner. But she did not change. She was always kind, and loving, and serious, and as busy and humble as ever. Not a word she spoke of the poor baby.
Part IV.
A few years afterwards, Griselda had another child—a little boy. This was still more joy to the people and to Walter than the other baby, because it was the heir.
When the babe was two years old, the marquis took it into his head to tempt again his poor wife. Ah! how needless to torture her! but married men care for no limits when they find a patient wife!
“Wife,” said the marquis, “I have told you how discontented are the people with our marriage; and since the boy’s birth their anger has been greater. Their murmuring destroys all my comfort and courage. They grumble, because when I am dead the blood of Janicle shall succeed to my heritage; and I cannot disregard the words they say! So I think I will serve him as I served his sister; but do not suddenly fly out with grief. Be patient, I beg of you, and command your feelings.”
Griselda answered, sadly and calmly, when she heard this—
I have, quod sche, sayd thus, and ever schal,
I wol no thing, ne nil no thing certayn,will not
But as yow list: nought greveth me at al,please
Though that my doughter and my sone be slayn
At your comaundement: this is to sayn,say
I have not had no part of children twayne,
But first syknes, and after wo and payne.sickness
Ye ben oure lord: doth with your owne thingbe, master
Right as yow list: axith no red of me;ask, advice
For as I left at hom al my clothing
Whan I first com to yow, right so, quod sche,
Left I my wille and al my liberte,
And took your clothing; wherfor, I yow preyeyou
Doth your plesaunce, I wil youre lust obeye.desire
“I have,” quoth she, “said this, and ever shall,
I wish not, nor will wish, it is certain,
But as you choose: I grieve me not at all,
Although my daughter and my son be slain
At your commandment: nor will I complain
That I have had no part in children twain,
But sickness first, and then a bitterer pain.
“Thou art our lord: do, then, with what is thine
E’en as thou wilt: ask not assent of me;—
For as I left at home all that was mine
When I came first to thee, right so,” quoth she,
“Left I my will and all my liberty,
And took new habits: wherefore, now, I pray
Do but thy pleasure, and I will obey.”
“If I knew beforehand what your wish was,” said poor Griselda, “I would do it without delay; but now that I know your will, I am ready to die if you desire it; for death is nothing compared with your love!”
When the marquis heard that, he cast down his eyes, and wondered how she could endure it all; and he went forth looking very dreary, but in reality he felt extremely pleased.
The ugly sergeant came again, and took away the little boy: Griselda kissed it and blessed it, only asking that his little limbs might be kept from the wild beasts and birds; but the sergeant promised nothing, and secretly took him with great care to Bologna.