even folk in far lands heard of her goodness and came to see her and
talk with her. She could even handle state affairs, and many times by
her tact brought men to peace and prevented war. When her husband was
away, she ruled the land wisely in his stead.

By and by she had a baby daughter, much to the joy of the duke and
his people. Griselda was indeed happy; but alas! when the baby was
two years old a strange thing happened. The duke was suddenly seized
by an irresistible desire to test the patience and love of his wife.
The desire was stupid, as it seems to me, for it might have destroyed
the happiness of them both; but Duke Walter could not resist it, do
what he would, so one day he said to his wife, "Griselda, you cannot
have forgotten how poor you were before our marriage. Now, although I
love you dearly, my courtiers are aggrieved that they must obey and
serve one who is really only the daughter of a peasant. Their
discontent has increased since your baby came, and therefore, to
quell this grumbling, I must take away your child. See now if your
patience and obedience are indeed as steadfast as you promised they
should be."

Poor Griselda felt cold at heart, but showed no sign of her grief and
fear to her husband. "My child and I are yours, my lord," she said.
"Work your pleasure upon us. My love and obedience shall not change."
Duke Walter was glad at this, but could not bring himself to change
his cruel plan. He sent to Griselda a fierce-looking soldier, who
seized her baby roughly, as though he would kill it at once. Griselda
bore all meekly. She asked that she might kiss her baby once before
it was put to death. The soldier allowed this, and as she gave it
back she said, "Receive again this little maid. She should have had a
tenderer nurse, but my lord's will must be done. One thing only I