He granted them a day, such as him lest, On which he would be wedded sickerly, And said he did all this at their request; And they with humble heart full buxomly, Kneeling upon their knees full reverently, Him thanked all; and thus they have an end Of their intent, and home again they wend.
And hereupon he to his officers Commanded for the feastë to purvey. And to his privy knightës and squiérs Such charge he gave, as him list on them lay: And they to his commandëment obey, And each of them doth all his diligence To do unto the feast all reverence.
Pars Secunda
Not far from thilkë palace honouráble, Where as this marquis shope his marriáge, There stood a thorp, of sightë délectáble, In which the poorë folk of that villáge Haddë their beastës and their harbourage, And of their labour took their sustenance, After the earthë gave them ábundánce.
Among this poorë folk there dwelt a man Which that was holden poorest of them all; But highë God sometimës sendë can His grace unto a little ox’s stall; Janicola men of that thorp him call. A daughter had he, fair enough to sight, And Griseldis this youngë maiden hight.
But for to speak of virtuous beauty, Then was she one the fairest under sun: Full poorëly y-foster’d up was she; No likerous lust was in her heart y-run; Well ofter of the well than of the tun She drank, and, for she wouldë virtue please, She knew well labour, but no idle ease.
But though this maiden tender were of age; Yet in the breast of her virginity There was inclos’d a sad and ripe coráge; And in great reverence and charity Her oldë poorë father foster’d she. A few sheep, spinning, on the field she kept, She wouldë not be idle till she slept.