But in his
scheming brain he had conceived one final test, one trial more, from
which, if Griselda's patience came out unmoved, it would place her as
the pearl of women, high above compare.
On this wedding morn, then, he came into her bower, and in cold speech,
thus spoke to her,--"Griselda, thou must have guessed that for many
years I have bewailed the caprice which led me to take thee, low-born,
and rude in manners, as my wife. At last my people's discontent, and
my own heart, have told me that I must take a bride who can share fitly
my state, and bring me a noble heir. Even now from Pavia, my sister's
court, my young bride, surpassing beautiful, is on her way hither.
Canst though be content to go back to thy father, and leave me free to
marry her?"
"My dear lord," answered Griselda, meekly, "in all things I have kept
my vow. I should have been most happy if love for me had brought thy
heart to forget my low station. But in all things I am content. Only
one last favor I ask of thee. Thy new wife will be young, high-bred,
impatient of restraint, tender to rude sorrow.
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