In Thomas Feylde’s “Contraversye bytwene a Lover and a Jaye,” printed without date by Wynkyn de Worde, we read:—
“Ryght fewe of Grysyldes kynde
Is now left on lyve.”
We are told in Harry White his Humour, printed in 1660, that, “having lately read the rare history of Patient Grizell, out of it he hath drawne this phylosophicall position, that if all women were of that woman’s condition we should have no imployment for cuckin-stooles.”
The editor of the Collection of Old Ballads, 1723, slily remarks:—“It may naturally be supposed that he [the poet] had unfortunately married a shrew, and was willing to preach up the doctrine of patience to wives, by shewing them the blessings that attend this great uncommon virtue; and I have inserted it, thinking that amongst my readers I might have some husbands who would be glad of carrying such an excellent song to their wives” (vol. i. p. 252).
Much of the popularity of the story must be due to Chaucer, who first introduced it to English readers and endued it with so much poetic beauty and grace.
THE
ANCIENT TRUE AND ADMIRABLE
HISTORY OF
PATIENT GRISEL,
A POORE MANS DAUGHTER IN FRANCE:
SHEWING
How Maides, By Her Example, In Their Good Behaviour May Marrie Rich Husbands;
And Likewise Wives By Their Patience And Obedience May Gaine Much Glorie.
WRITTEN FIRST IN FRENCH, AND
Therefore to French I speake and give direction,