"I have never seen a fairer," answered Griselda; "yet, my lord, she
is young and tender too. Treat her more gently than you have treated
others; she, reared so richly, cannot endure hardness like one who
has known no softness nor luxury in her life."

When the duke heard her gentle and kindly answer, his heart relented
at last. "Enough of this, my wife," he cried. "Indeed I have proved
your loyalty and patience to the uttermost! Come now, my noble, true
Griselda," and he took her in his arms and kissed her before them
all. Griselda was amazed, but the duke went on: "See now--these are
your two children. This fair maid is your daughter and mine. She was
said to be my bride but to try and tempt you. And this fine youth is
your son and mine." Griselda could not speak for joy and surprise.
She seized her children and kissed them eagerly again and again.
"Thank God and your kind father you are safe," she said; "how my
heart has grieved for you!" And with pity and love and joy she
swooned, still holding her children so tightly that only with
difficulty could they disentwine her fingers from their hands. The
ladies of the court took her to her room, and there restored her, and
arrayed her in a wonderful dress of gold, setting a crown on her
head. Thus she appeared again before the duke and his court, and all
men said they had never seen her look so lovely before.

Never again did Duke Walter seek to try his wife, and for many years
they lived happily together with their two children. The pretty
daughter married the most powerful prince in Italy, and the son
succeeded his father when he died, and ruled Salucia well for many a
long day.

Such is the story of Griselda. The Wife of Bath looks as though she