No wonder is though that she be astoned, 2501 To see so great a guest come in that place, She never was to no such guestës woned; 2502 For which she looked with full palë face. But shortly forth this matter for to chase, 2503 These are the wordës that the marquis said To this benignë, very, 2504 faithful maid.

“Griseld’,” he said, “ye shall well understand, It liketh to your father and to me That I you wed, and eke it may so stand, As I suppose ye will that it so be: But these demandës ask I first,” quoth he, “Since that it shall be done in hasty wise; Will ye assent, or ellës you advise? 2505