what is pleasing to you. In nothing would I oppose you." "Then call
Griselda," said the duke, "for I would talk with her here in your
presence." So, while all the court and the villagers wondered and
gossiped outside, the duke told Griselda of his plan, and asked her
these questions.

"Will you," he said, "always obey me in everything? Will you promise
to accept readily all I desire for you? Whether I hurt you or please
you, make you cry or laugh, will you always keep steadfast your love
and reverence for me? Promise me this, and we will wed at once!"

Griselda answered, "All unworthy, my lord, am I, that this honour
should be done me. Willingly I promise to bear all things. Let your
treatment be kind or cruel, my reverence and obedience will not
change."

Then Duke Walter took Griselda by the hand and led her to the door of
the cottage. There he called to the people and said, "This is my
wife. Honour and worship her according to your word!" Then fine court
ladies waited on Griselda, took off all her old ragged clothes, and
dressed her in lovely garments which the duke had prepared for her.
They combed her hair, and placed a shining crown upon her head, so
that when she again appeared before the people they hardly knew her,
she had become so radiantly fair. Her husband then set her upon a
white horse, and with great rejoicing the procession rode back to the
palace.

The duke and Griselda lived in great happiness. Griselda behaved so
beautifully that men would not believe that she had been reared in a
poor cottage. Everyone loved her for her gentleness and justice, and