To th’ earl of Panico, which haddë tho Wedded his sister, pray’d he specially To bringë home again his children two In honourable estate all openly: But one thing he him prayed utterly, That he to no wight, though men would inquere, Shouldë not tell whose children that they were,
But say, the maiden should y-wedded be Unto the marquis of Salúce anon. And as this earl was prayed, so did he, For, at day set, he on his way is gone Toward Salúce, and lordës many a one In rich array, this maiden for to guide— Her youngë brother riding her beside.
Arrayed was toward her marriáge This freshë maiden, full of gemmës clear; Her brother, which that seven year was of age, Arrayed eke full fresh in his mannére: And thus, in great nobléss, and with glad cheer, Toward Saluces shaping their journéy, From day to day they rode upon their way.
Pars Quinta
Among all this, after his wick’ uságe, The marquis, yet his wife to temptë more To the uttermost proof of her coráge, Fully to have experience and lore If that she were as steadfast as before, He on a day, in open audience, Full boisterously said her this senténce:
“Certes, Griseld’, I had enough pleasánce To have you to my wife, for your goodness, And for your truth, and for your obeisánce, Not for your lineage, nor for your richéss; But now know I, in very soothfastness, That in great lordship, if I well advise, There is great servitude in sundry wise.
“I may not do as every ploughman may: My people me constraineth for to take Another wife, and cryeth day by day; And eke the Popë, rancour for to slake, Consenteth it, that dare I undertake: And truëly, thus much I will you say, My newë wife is coming by the way.