Pars Sexta
From Bologn’ is the earl of Panic’ come, Of which the fame up sprang to more and less; And to the people’s earës all and some Was know’n eke, that a newë marchioness He with him brought, in such pomp and richéss That never was there seen with mannë’s eye So noble array in all West Lombardy.
The marquis, which that shope and knew all this, Ere that the earl was come, sent his messáge For thilkë poorë sely Griseldis; And she, with humble heart and glad viságe, Nor with no swelling thought in her coráge, Came at his hest, and on her knees her set, And rev’rently and wisely she him gret.
“Griseld’,” quoth he, “my will is utterly, This maiden, that shall wedded be to me, Received be to-morrow as royally As it possible is in my house to be; And eke that every wight in his degree Have his estate in sitting and servíce, And in high pleasance, as I can devise.
“I have no women sufficient, certáin, The chambers to array in ordinance After my lust; and therefore would I fain That thine were all such manner governance: Thou knowest eke of old all my pleasánce; Though thine array be bad, and ill besey, Do thou thy dévoir at the leastë way.”
“Not only, Lord, that I am glad,” quoth she, “To do your lust, but I desire also You for to serve and please in my degree, Withoutë fainting, and shall evermo’: Nor ever for no weal, nor for no woe, Ne shall the ghost within mine heartë stent To love you best with all my true intent.”
And with that word she gan the house to dight, And tables for to set, and beds to make, And pained her to do all that she might, Praying the chamberéres for Goddë’s sake To hasten them, and fastë sweep and shake, And she the most servíceable of all Hath ev’ry chamber arrayed, and his hall.