marry after all. Some still hoped and trusted, for surely their duke
would not fail them after so many preparations had been made!

On the day appointed for the marriage, Duke Walter and his court
assembled at the palace in all their magnificence, with music and
gaiety, shining armour and jewellery. To everyone's surprise the duke
led them in procession from the palace to a little village adjoining
the town, and here dismounted near a poor hovel. This was the home of
Janicula, a poor old man, who would have starved had not his daughter
earned a living for them both by gathering herbs and keeping a few
sheep on the common. Griselda was not only beautiful, but renowned
throughout the village for her gentleness and patience and for the
love she bore her father.

When the duke and his company arrived in the village she was just
returning from the well, thinking that if she could finish her work
in time she would go to see this royal wedding. Great was her
surprise, therefore, to see the procession stop and the duke dismount
near her home. Still greater was her amazement when she heard him
call her by name. In haste she set down her pitcher in the ox-stall
and ran towards him, then knelt to receive his commands. The duke's
voice was gentle, "Where is your father, Griselda?" he asked. "Lord,"
she said, "he is within," and at once led the duke to Janicula. He
took the trembling old man by the hand and said, "Be not surprised at
my visit. To-day I must marry, and have come here to find my bride.
Often when hunting I have seen and admired your daughter, Griselda,
and now I would take her as my wife to live with her to my life's
end. Do you consent to this, my man? Tell me: will you take me for
your son-in-law?" The old man grew red with excitement, and trembled
so that he could hardly speak. "Indeed, my dear lord, I wish only