"I crave your lordship's pardon," he stammered at length. "It is not
for me to give anything to your lordship. All that is in your kingdom
belongs to yourself. And my daughter is only a part of your kingdom."
And when he had said this, he did not know whether he was dreaming or
awake.
Griselda had modestly stayed in-doors; but now they called her out, and
told her she was to be the duke's bride. All amazed, she suffered them
to mount her on the snow-white steed, and lead her beside the duke, to
the royal palace. All along the road the people had gathered, and
shouts rent the air; and at the palace gates the horses' feet sank to
the fetlocks in roses, which had been strewn in their pathway.
Everywhere the people's joy burst bounds, that now their prince had
taken a bride. As for Griselda, she rode along, still clad in her
russet gown, her large eyes looking downward, while slow tears, unseen
by the crowd, ran over her cheeks, caused half by fear and half by
wonder at what had happened. Not once did she look into her lord's
face, till the moment when they reached the palace steps; and leaping
lightly from his horse, Duke Walter took her from the palfrey in his
own royal arms.
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