Abouten undern gan the earl alight, That with him brought these noble children tway; For which the people ran to see the sight Of their array, so richëly besey; And then at erst amongës them they say, That Walter was no fool, though that him lest To change his wife; for it was for the best.
For she is fairer, as they deemen all, Than is Griseld’, and more tender of age, And fairer fruit between them shouldë fall, And morë pleasant, for her high lineage: Her brother eke so fair was of viságe, That them to see the people hath caught pleasánce, Commending now the marquis’ governance.
“O stormy people, unsad and ev’r untrue, And undiscreet, and changing as a vane, Delighting ev’r in rumour that is new, For like the moon so waxë ye and wane: Aye full of clapping, dear enough a jane, Your doom is false, your constance evil preveth, A full great fool is he that you believeth.”
Thus saidë the sad folk in that citý, When that the people gazed up and down; For they were glad, right for the novelty, To have a newë lady of their town. No more of this now make I mentioún, But to Griseld’ again I will me dress, And tell her constancy and business.
Full busy was Griseld’ in ev’ry thing That to the feastë was appertinent; Right nought was she abash’d of her clothing, Though it were rude, and somedeal eke to-rent; But with glad cheer unto the gate she went With other folk, to greet the marchioness, And after that did forth her business.
With so glad cheer his guestës she receiv’d And so conningly each in his degree, That no defaultë no man apperceiv’d, But aye they wonder’d what she mightë be That in so poor array was for to see, And coudë such honoúr and reverence; And worthily they praisë her prudence.
In all this meanë whilë she not stent This maid, and eke her brother, to commend With all her heart in full benign intent, So well, that no man