The History Of Patient Grisel, 1619 - First Series, Vol. IV

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Title: The History Of Patient Grisel, 1619 - First Series, Vol. IV
Author: Anonymous
Language: English
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_Chap-Books
and
Folk-Lore Tracts._

_Edited by_

_G. L. Gomme, F.S.A._

_and_

_H. B. Wheatley, F.S.A._

_First Series._

IV.

THE HISTORY
OF
PATIENT GRISEL.
1619.

EDITED, WITH AN INTRODUCTION,

HENRY B. WHEATLEY, F.S.A.

LONDON:
PRINTED FOR THE VILLON SOCIETY.

1885.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Introduction.

The narrative of the Patient Griselda is one of the most wide-spread of
the stories which have come down to us from the Middle Ages. It has been
annexed to the highest literature by such poets as Boccaccio, Petrarch
and Chaucer, and has been brought within reach of the meanest capacities
by the ballad-mongers and the writers of penny histories.

We cannot trace the story back farther than the middle of the fourteenth
century, when Boccaccio incorporated it into his _Decameron_ (day 10,
novel 10); but it must have had a previous existence in Italy, for
Petrarch says in his letter to Boccaccio that when he read it in the
_Decameron_ he remembered how pleased he had been with it when he heard
it many years before. When his memory was thus revived in the story that
charmed him so much he set to work to learn it by heart, so that he
might repeat it to his friends. He then translated it into Latin for the
benefit of those who did not know Italian.[1] That he did repeat the
story to his friend we learn from the Clerk of Oxenford’s Prologue to
his tale in the _Canterbury Tales_, where he says:—

“I wil yow telle a tale, which that I
Lerned at Padowe of a worthy clerk,
As provyd by his wordes and his werk.
He is now deed, and nayled in his chest,
Now God yive his soule wel good rest!
Fraunces Petrark, the laureat poete,
Highte this clerk, whos rethorique swete
Enlumynd al Ytail of poetrie.”

Footnote 1:

See _Originals and Analogues of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales_, part ii.
pp. 150–176 (Chaucer Society).

There has been much controversy over these words. We must all wish to
believe that Chaucer met Petrarch at Padua and was friendly with him;
but although it is highly probable that he did so we have no actual
evidence other than this passage. Some say that Chaucer is not speaking
here in his own name but in that of a fictitious character, and
therefore the statement goes for nothing. Another objection is that here
Chaucer’s indebtedness to Boccaccio is overlooked and all the credit is
given to Petrarch. It is highly probable however that Chaucer was
interested in the story from Petrarch’s talk, and that when he decided
to make it one of his Canterbury Tales he adapted it from Petrarch’s
translation of Boccaccio, which is referred to farther on in the
Prologue:—

“I say that he first with heigh stole enditeth
(Er he the body of his tale writith)
A proheme, in the which descrivith he
Piemounde, and of Saluces the contre,
And spekith of Appenyne the hulles hye,
That ben the boundes of al west Lombardye.”

That this is the true origin of the Clerk’s tale is confirmed by the
fact that Petrarch varied somewhat from Boccaccio’s original, and in
these variations Chaucer follows Petrarch. An impossible tale such as
this requires all the art of the true poet to make it delightful to us,
and this of course we have in Chaucer. It is far different when we come
to read the common-place prose of the chap-book or the equally
common-place verse of the ballad-monger.

The picture of patience carried to the extreme in the wife and of brutal
violence in the husband is so out of harmony with our present views that
it is somewhat difficult to read the story with patience. We are wrong,
however, in taking it in this spirit, and Professor Hales has so
beautifully expressed the true motive of this mediæval picture that I
feel I cannot do better than transfer to these pages his remarks in the
publication of the Chaucer Society containing _Originals and Analogues
of some of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales_:[2]—“Now, it is the
characteristic of the unsophisticated mediæval litterateur that he deals
with one idea at a time. It would often lead to a highly injurious
conclusion to attach at all equal a moral importance or rather any moral
importance to the subordinate parts of what he sets forth. The central
lesson is kept well in view; the others must look to themselves. The
principal figure is brought into relief with enthusiasm; on the mere
surroundings and background little or no care is spent.... And so in the
story of Griselda: if we would read it in the spirit of the day when it
became current we should not vex ourselves into any righteous
indignation against the immediate author of her most touching
distresses. The old story does not make the marquis a monster in human
shape; indeed, it represents him as a man of a noble and lovable nature;
if he is not so, then even in the end Griselda reaps no earthly reward
in permanently securing his admiration and love. And yet this marquis
perpetrates inexpressible cruelties; he is a very wolf, ruthlessly
teasing and tearing the gentlest of lambs. The explanation is in
accordance with what has just been said: the patience of Griselda is the
one theme of the tale, and nothing else is to be regarded. In relation
to her the marquis has no moral being; he is a mere means of showing
forth her supreme excellence; a mere mechanical expedient. He is no more
morally than a thorn in the saint’s footpath, or a wheel, or a cross.
Surely it is vain to be wroth with him. Who rages against the mere fire
that enfolds the martyr, or the nails that pierce the hands of a
crucified Believer? Indeed, nothing in the tale is of any ethical moment
but the carriage of the heroine herself. The eyes and the heart of the
old century when she first appeared were fastened devoutly on that
single form, and let all else go by. She is wifely obedience itself,
nothing else. Before that virtue all other virtues bow. It enjoys a
complete monopoly, an absolute sway. Other moral life is suspended in
this representation of it. She has but one function; for her there is
but one sin possible, and that is to murmur. She is all meekness, all
yielding, all resignation.

Footnote 2:

Part ii. 1875, p. 174.

“Such a figure has comparatively few charms for us of these latter days.
But it pleased the world once—even down to Shakespeare’s time, who
himself portrayed it in one of his earliest plays: Catherine in the
_Taming of the Shrew_ is a phase of Griselda. Perhaps in ages when much
most ignorant abuse of women prevailed in literature—abuse springing
mainly out of the vile prejudices and superstitions of the mediæval
Church—some such figure might have been expected to arise. It is the
figure of a reaction. The hearts of men refused to accept the
dishonouring pictures so often drawn of their fellow mortals. They rose
in a loyal insurrection against lying fables of essential wantonness and
of shameful obstinacy. To such chivalrous rebels the pale, sad, constant
face of Griselda showed itself as the image of far other experiences and
histories; and they gazed on it as on the face of their saint. With an
infinite reverence they saw her still calm and quiet in the midst of
anguishes, with heart breaking but lips uttering no ill word, with eyes
that through the tears with which kindly nature of herself would relieve
the terrible drought of sorrow still looked nothing but inalienable
tenderness and love.”

The French have claimed for their country the origination of the story
of Griselda; but their claim cannot be allowed. The Abbé de Sade in his
_Life of Petrarch_ asserts that the story is to be found in a manuscript
called _Le Parement des Dames_; but it appears that this manuscript was
the work of Olivier de la Marche, who was not born until long after the
death of Boccaccio. Boccaccio’s novel was translated into French and
published at Paris about the year 1510 as _La Patience de Grisilidis_;
it was published also at Troyes about 1562. Apparently, however, the
French were the first to bring Griselda upon the stage; for, according
to Warton, the Comedians of Paris represented a mystery in French verse
entitled _Le Mystere de Griseildis, Marquis de Saluces, mis en rime
françoise et par personnaiges_ in 1393. This was not printed until about
1550, when Jehan Bonfons published it at Paris. His edition was
reprinted in 1832.

Ralph Radcliffe, a somewhat voluminous play-writer, who flourished
towards the close of the reign of Henry VIII., is said by John Bale to
have written an English comedy entitled “Patient Griselde,” and Hans
Sachs in Germany converted the story into a drama as early as 1550; but
in Italy, the land of its birth, it was not dramatised until 1620.

It was not possible for a story which had early taken such a strong hold
upon the popular imagination to remain long without becoming the
property of the ballad-writer, but we cannot tell if he forestalled the
writer of popular histories. In the Stationers’ Registers we find three
entries of Griselda as early as the year 1565–6; the following two
relate to the ballad:—

Rd. of Owyn Rogers, for his lycense for pryntinge of a ballett
intituled the sounge of pacyente Gressell unto hyr make [mate]

iiij d.

Rd. of Wylliam greffeth, for his lycense for pryntinge of ij
ballettes to the tune of pacyente gressell

iiij d.

Now the second of these entries seems to point to an earlier ballad, as
it must have taken some time for the tune of Patient Grissell to become
so popular; and therefore there is great probability in Mr. Chappell’s
conjecture that the original ballad was published before 1557, in which
year the Registers commence.

All the ballads of Griselda now in existence are essentially the same as
that printed in _The Garland of Goodwill_ by Thomas Deloney; and, as the
same ballad, divided into chapters with prose chapters at the beginning
and end, is printed in _The Pleasant and Sweet History of Patient
Grissell_ (reprinted by Mr. Collier for the Percy Society), it has been
suggested that this tract was also written by Deloney. This famous
ballad-monger is supposed to have commenced writing about the year 1586,
so that it is probable that the ballad of 1565–6, and the even earlier
one suggested above, have ceased to exist. The following is a list of
the different titles of Deloney’s ballad:—

A most pleasant Ballad of patient Grissell, to the tune of “The Bride’s
Good-morrow.”

The earliest known edition, printed in _Collection of Seventy-nine
Black-Letter Ballads and Broadsides_, 1870. P. 17. (_Roxburghe
Ballads_, ed. W. Chappell, vol. ii. p. 268.)

Of Patient Grissel and a Noble Marquess. To the tune of “The Bride’s
Good-morrow.”

T. Deloney’s Garland of Good-Will. 1678. Part 2. (Percy Society. No.
112. 1851.)

The earliest edition of the _Garland_ must have been published
before 1600, as Deloney died in that year.

A most excellent and vertuous Ballad of the Patient Grissell. To the
tune of “The Bride’s Good-morrow.” London. Printed by John Wright.
[1640?] (_Roxburghe Ballads_, vol. i. pp. 302–3.)

The first part ends—

“My gracious Lord
Must have his will obeyd.”

And the second begins—

“She tooke the Babies
Even from the nursing ladies.”

There is a copy of the ballad (in one, not two parts) in the Percy
Folio Manuscript. See Hales and Furnivall’s edition, 1868, vol. iii.
p. 421.

An excellent Ballad of a Noble Marquiss and Patient Grissel.
(_Collection of Old Ballads_, 1723, vol. i. p. 252.)

The following entries in the Stationers’ Registers would appear to refer
to the _Ancient, True, and Admirable History_ printed in this volume. It
is stated to be translated from the French, but this statement is of no
value, and it is evidently of pure English manufacture. The edition of
1619 is the earliest known to exist:—

1565–6. Rd. of Thomas Colwell, for his lycense for prynting of an
history of meke and pacyent Gresell

iiij d.

1568–9. Rd. of Thomas Colwell, for his lycense for pryntinge of the
hystory of pacyent gresell, &c.

viij d.

The History of the Noble Marquis of Salus, or Patient Grissel. Printed
and sold in London. [1780?] 12mo. Pp. 24. Another edition. Aldermary
Churchyard, n. d.

A reduced chap-book edition of the _History_ printed in this volume.
It seems to have been published in this form as early as 1703.

When Mr. J. Payne Collier edited for the Percy Society “The History of
Patient Grisel, two early Tracts in Black-Letter, with an Introduction
and Notes,” 1842, he printed after the _Ancient, True, and Admirable
History_ “The Pleasant and Sweet History of Patient Grissell, shewing
how she from a poore man’s daughter came to be a great lady of France,
being a Patterne to all vertuous women. Translated out of Italian.
London. Printed by E. P. for John Wright, dwelling in Giltspur Street at
the Signe of the Bible.”

This is divided into eleven chapters, of which 1, 2, 10, and 11, are in
prose; chapters 3 to 9 contain the ballad referred to previously, and it
is most probable that the whole tract was the production of Deloney. The
date is cut off, but the pamphlet was probably printed about 1630, and
it is doubtless a late edition of a popular chap-book. The copy in the
British Museum is apparently the same as that used by Mr. Collier. It is
handsomely bound in morocco, and in the inside is written in pencil,
“Cost me eight pounds unbound.” There are two titles: the first is “The
History of the Noble Marques,” with a woodcut of Griselda at the
spinning-wheel. On the back of this is the woodcut of Elizabeth,
reproduced on the title of the Percy Society reprint.

The play of Ralph Radcliffe is now lost, so that the comedy published in
1603 and reprinted in 1841 is the only one known to exist. We have here
a curious instance of the danger of asserting of any particular book
that it is unique. When Mr. Collier reprinted the play for the
Shakespeare Society he said that there was no copy in the British
Museum, and that the only copies he knew of were one in the Bodleian and
another in the possession of the Duke of Devonshire, who also had an
imperfect copy which he presented to Collier. There is now a copy in the
British Museum, and in it is this note in ink: “The only copy extant.—J.
B. 1788.” Under this is a pencil note: “I have seen another copy, but it
was imperfect—G. N.” On the title-page is written “William Shakespeare,”
apparently one of the Ireland forgeries.

The following entry occurs in Henslowe’s Diary:—

“Received in earnest of Patient Grissell by us Tho. Dekker, Hen.
Chettle and Willm. Hawton the sume of 3 li. of good and lawfull
money by a note sent from Mr. Robt. Shaa’s the 19th of December,
1599. By me,

HENRY CHETTLE.
W. HAUGHTON.
THOMAS DEKKER.”

The Robert Shaa or Shaw here mentioned was, Mr. Collier tells us, one of
the temporary managers of the company of the Earl of Nottingham’s
players. The comedy was entered at Stationers’ Hall for publication on
the 28th March, 1600, as “the Plaie of Patient Grissell,” but it did not
appear until three years afterwards.

The Pleasant Comodie of Patient Grissill. As it hath beene sundrie times
lately plaid by the right honorable the Earle of Nottingham (Lord high
Admirall) his servants. London. Imprinted for Henry Rocket, and are to
be solde at the long shop under S. Mildred’s Church in the Poultry.
1603. 4to. 42 leaves.

The play is anonymous, but the entry in Henslowe’s Diary informs us who
the authors were.

Patient Grissil: a Comedy by Thomas Dekker, Henry Chettle, and William
Haughton. Reprinted from the Black-Letter edition of 1603, with an
Introduction and Notes [by J. Payne Collier]. London. Printed for the
Shakespeare Society. 1841. The introduction contains an interesting
account of the history of Griselda.

On August 30th, 1667, Pepys saw at Bartholomew Fair the puppet play of
“Patient Grizill,” and Warton in a note to his _History of English
Poetry_ writes: “I need not mention that it is to this day represented
in England on a stage of the lowest species and of the highest
antiquity: I mean a puppet show.”

“The Patient Countess,” in Percy’s _Reliques_ from Warner’s _Albions
England_, is a totally different story from that of the patient wife of
the Marquis Walter.

Warton mentions a MS. poem by William Forrest, and, as it has lately
been printed, I give the title here, although it contains no notice of
the original Grisild.

The History of Grisild the Second: a Narrative in Verse of the Divorce
of Queen Katharine of Arragon. Written by William Forrest, sometime
Chaplain to Queen Mary I., and now edited for the first time from the
Author’s MS. in the Bodleian Library by the Rev. W. D. Macray, M.A.,
F.S.A. London. Printed by Whittingham and Wilkins at the Chiswick Press,
1875. 4to. Roxburghe Club.

The Griselda literature is a tolerably large one, and it is therefore
scarcely necessary in this place to give more than the above general
indication of an interesting subject. It may be noted that the titles of
the works on the subject in the library of the British Museum occupy
nine pages of the manuscript catalogue.

The patience of Griselda is almost as much a common-place of literature
as that of Job, and writers are full of references to her cruel fate. In
a _Balade_ translated by Lydgate from the Latin “Grisilde’s humble
patience” is recorded.

In Thomas Feylde’s “Contraversye bytwene a Lover and a Jaye,” printed
without date by Wynkyn de Worde, we read:—

“Ryght fewe of Grysyldes kynde
Is now left on lyve.”

We are told in _Harry White his Humour_, printed in 1660, that, “having
lately read the rare history of Patient Grizell, out of it he hath
drawne this phylosophicall position, that if all women were of that
woman’s condition we should have no imployment for cuckin-stooles.”

The editor of the _Collection of Old Ballads_, 1723, slily remarks:—“It
may naturally be supposed that he [the poet] had unfortunately married a
shrew, and was willing to preach up the doctrine of patience to wives,
by shewing them the blessings that attend this great uncommon virtue;
and I have inserted it, thinking that amongst my readers I might have
some husbands who would be glad of carrying such an excellent song to
their wives” (vol. i. p. 252).

Much of the popularity of the story must be due to Chaucer, who first
introduced it to English readers and endued it with so much poetic
beauty and grace.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE
ANCIENT TRUE AND ADMIRABLE
HISTORY OF
PATIENT GRISEL,
A POORE MANS DAUGHTER IN FRANCE:
SHEWING
_How Maides, By Her Example, In Their Good Behaviour May Marrie Rich
Husbands;
And Likewise Wives By Their Patience And Obedience May Gaine Much
Glorie_.

WRITTEN FIRST IN FRENCH, AND

Therefore to French I speake and give direction,
For English Dames will live in no subjection.

BUT NOW TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH, AND

Therefore say not so, for English maids and wives
Surpass the French in goodnesse of their lives.

AT LONDON:

_Printed by H. L. for William Lugger; and are to be sold at his shop in
Bedlem, neere Moore-Fields._

1619.

_The Historie of Patient Grisel, made Marchionesse of Saluss, in which
is Exemplified the true Obedience and Noble Behaviour of Vertuous
Women towards their Husbands._

CHAP. I.
How the Marquesse of Saluss passed the time of his youth without any
desire of mariage, till he was requested by the faire entreatie of a
favorite, and other gentlemen, to affect a wife, both for the good of
the country and the honour of himselfe; with his answer to the same.

Betweene the mountaines of Italy and France, towards the south, lyes the
territory of Salus, a country flourishing with excellent townes and
castles, and peopled with the best sort of gentles and peasants: amongst
whom there lived not long since a nobleman of great hope and
expectation, lord of the country, by name Gualter, Marquesse of Saluss;
to whom, as the government appertained by right of inheritance, so their
obedience attended by desert of his worthinesse.

He was young in yeeres, noble of lineage, and such attractive demeanour,
that the best thought it a pleasure to bee commanded by him, and the
worst grew more tractable by his good example: his delight was in
hunting and hawking, and the pleasure of the time present extinguished
the care of the time to come; for he thought not of mariage, nor to
entangle himselfe with the inconveniences of a wife; till at last the
people and noblemen of his country projected the contrary, as
discontented to see him indisposed that way, and presaging a kind of
prosperity to themselves, if by his mariage posteritie might arise to
assure them the better how they might bestow their obedience hereafter.
Whereupon they assembled together, and made one day amongst the rest a
determiner of their resolutions, choosing out for their speaker a noble
knight of great authority, faire demeanor, eloquent speech, and more
inward with the Marquesse then any of the rest; who, thus acquainted
with all their mindes, and prepared to utter his owne minde, took an
opportunity to acquaint the renowned Marquesse with the matter.

Most honourable Sir, the great humanity extended towards us, of which I
most especially have participated, hath thus emboldened me above others,
to make a further triall of your patience, and forbearing my rudeness:
not that there is any sufficiency or singularity in me above others, but
in that heretofore I have found you so generous toward all, I make no
question to finde you as gratious toward my selfe; and in that it hath
pleased you to accept of our love, wee are proud againe to be under your
obedience; wherein we shall rejoice the more, if you now accord to our
request the sooner, which is, to marry without delay. The time passeth,
and will not be recalled, your youth intreats it, and must not be
denied; your country importunes it, and would not bee opposed; your
neighbours desire it, and hope to bee satisfied; and all sorts request
it, and wish it for your honour; for when age approacheth, death attends
it at the heeles, and no man can tell when, or how it will fall upon
him. Therefore wee humbly request you to accept our supplications, and
accord to this importunity, that we may provide by your appointment a
lady worthy of your honour and our subjection. In this wee are the more
suppliant, because it will rebound so much to the good of your countrey,
and the enlarging your renowne; for if it should so fall out (which God
forbid) that you die without issue, we may lament the losse of our lord,
but not redresse the complaints of the people: we shall want you that
was al our comfort, but are sure of distresse to our everlasting
trouble. If then you either love your selfe, or pity us, frame a heart
to this impression, and leave not us to further feare and disquiet.

When the noble lord had thus apprehended the petition of his loving
subjects, he resolved to answer them as gratiously as they had
propounded the businesse with regard of duty, and so replied: My dearest
friends, you have urged mee to a matter, in which as yet I have beene a
mere stranger; for by nature I delight in liberty, and by custome
continued my pleasures, both which must needs bee curbed by mariage, and
restrained by taking a wife: notwithstanding, I cast awaie all doubts to
pleasure you, and will thinke of no incombrances so you be satisfied.
For though mariage hath many difficulties attending; especially, the
feare of legitimation in our children, and suspicion of that honour
which lies on our wives honesty, yet all shall be overcome with this
resolution, that I shall please you in the same; for I am resolved, if
anie good come for man’s contentment by mariage, it is from God, to whom
I submit this cause, and pray for the good successe of your wishes, that
I may live to maintaine your peace, as well as my owne pleasure: and
look, wherein my contentment shall enlarge mine honour, your welfare
shall be respected above my life; so that (beleeve it) I will satisfie
your demands, and apply my selfe to the purpose. Only one thing I
request at your hands; to take in worth my choice, and neither insult if
she be a princesse of greatnes, nor repine if she be of meane estate;
but love her because I have loved you, and regard her howsoever in that
she is my wife; neither being curious nor inquisitive whom I will chuse,
nor disaffected when it is past remedy.

When the company heard him out, and found him so willing to their
satisfaction, they gave him thankes with one heart for his kinde
admission, and answered with one tongue, he should not find them
repugnant; but they would honor his wife as the princesse of the world,
and be morigerous to him as the commander of their soules. Thus did this
new report (like a messenger of glad tidings) fill all the marquisate
with joy, and the palace with delight, when they understood their lord
would marry, and in a manner heard the time appointed; for presently it
was proclaimed through the countrey, and a day assigned for all commers
to come to the court. The nobles prepared themselves in the best manner:
the ladies spared no cost, either for ornaments of their bodies, or
setting out their beauties; the gentles flocked to please their lord,
and were brave to set out their owne greatnes: the citisens were rich in
their neatnes, and handsome in their attire: the officers were formall
in their showes, and sumptuous in their attendants; the countryman had
his variety, and the verie peasant his bravery; in a word, al sorts
gloried in the hope of that festivall, and every man’s expectation
attended the day of triumph. For never was such a preparation in Saluss
before, nor such a confluence of people seene in that countrey; for
besides the novelty, many forraine princes came to celebrate this
mariage, and to shew their owne greatnes. Savoy was neare, and sent some
from her snowie hills: France as neare, and sent others from her
fruitful vines: Italy not far off, and sent many from her pleasant
fields; and the ilands round about kept none at home that would come.
Thus were his kinred invited, strangers admitted, his owne people
entertained, and all sorts welcommed; but as yet no bride was seene, no
woman named, no lady designed, no maid published, no wife knowne: onely
the preparation was much, and the expectation greater.

All this while the Marquesse continued his hunting, and as he had
accustomed, resorted much to a poore country village not farre from
Salusse, where there dwelt as poore a countriman, named Janicole,
overworne in yeares, and overcomne with distresse. But as it happens
many times that inward graces doe moderate outward discommodities, and
that God seasoneth poverty with contentment and their sufficient
supportation, so had this poore man all his defects supplied in the
admirable comfort of one onely daughter, so composed, as if nature
determined a worke of ostentation. For such was her beauty in
appearance, and vertue in operation, that it put judicious men to an
extasie in the choice by comparison; but both united did heere grace
each other, and when they pretended an action, it was all to go forward
to perfection. And whereas in others this temporary blessing gave wings
to desire to bee seene and knowne abroad, in her those innated vertues
allaied the heat of all manner of passion, and breakings out of frailty.
The viands they had were but meane, and the diet they kept was to
satisfie nature: the time was over-ruled by their stomachs, and the
ceremonies they used were thanks to God, and moderation in their
repasts. The utensiles of the house were homely, yet handsome in regard
of their cleanlinesse: that bed which they had the ould man lay in, and
the sweet daughter made shift with the ground. No day passed without
prayers and praises to God (for was it not praiseworthy to have such
grace in this disgrace), nor any night without taking account of the day
passed.

Her exercise was to helpe her father in the morning, and drive forth her
sheep in the day time: hee was at home making of nets, and shee abroad
looking to her lambs: she was never heard to wish for any better, but to
thank God it was no worse. No word of repining ever came from her mouth,
or the least grudge from her heart: at night she folded her sheep and
dressed her father’s supper, then lay they downe to rest, and rested as
well as in a bed of downe indeed. This was the glory of their poverty,
and memory of their contentment.

But as fire will not be hid where there is matter combustible, so vertue
will not be obscured where there be tongues and eares: nor could the
Marquesse so hallow after his hawks and hounds, but report hallowed in
his eare as fast this wonderment; insomuch that when it was confirmed by
judicious relation he made it not dainty to be behoulding to his owne
experience: which when he saw concurring with fame, the miracle brought
a kinde of astonishment; which continuing, the properties of such
novelties, increased to meditation: and so comparing the rest with this
rarity, he thought her a fit woman to make his wife, supposing that if
she were vertuous by nature, she would not prove vicious by education;
but rather as a diamond is a stone of the same value whether set in lead
or horne, it must needs be of more excellency embellished with gold and
enamell. In which resolution hee prepared his heart, and went forward
with his businesse.

In the meane time the Court was daintily furnished, the plate prepared,
the apparell magnificent, the coronet rich, the jewels precious, the
ornaments exceeding, and all things befitting the magnificence of a
prince and the dignities of a queen: only the nobles wondred, the ladies
were amazed, the damsells marvelled, the gentles disputed, the people
flocked, and all sorts attended to see who should possesse this wealth
and bee adorned with these robes. Till at last the nuptial day came
indeed: honour prepared the sumptuousness; fame divulged the glory;
hymen invited the guests; magnificence adorned the roomes; the officers
marshald the state, and all looked for a bride; but who she was the next
chapter must discover.

[Illustration]

CHAP. II.
How, after all this great preparation, the Marquesse of Saluss demanded
Grisell of her poore father Janicola; and, espousing her, made her
Marchionesse of Saluss.

When all things were extended to this glorious shew, the Marquesse (as
if he went to fetch his wife indeed) tooke with him a great company of
earls, lords, knights, squires, and gentlemen, ladies, and attendants,
and went from the palace into the countrey toward Janicolas house; where
the faire mayd Grisel, knowing nothing of that which hapned, nor once
dreaming of that which was to come, had made her house and selfe
somewhat handsome, determining (with the rest of her neighbour virgins)
to see this solemnity: at which instant arrived the Marquesse with all
his gracious company, meeting with Grisel as shee was carrying two
pitchers of water to her poore fathers house. Of whom (calling her by
her name) he asked where her father was? She humbly answered, in the
house. Goe then, said hee, and tell him I would speak with him. So the
poore old man (made the poorer by this astonishment) came forth to the
lord somewhat appauled, till the Marquesse, taking him by the hand, with
an extraordinary chearefulnesse said, that he had a secret to impart
unto him, and so, sequestering him from the company, spake these
words:—Janicola, I know that you alwaies loved me, and am resolved that
you doe not now hate me. You have been glad when I have been pleased,
and will not now bee sorrowful if I bee satisfied: nay, I am sure, if it
lie in your power, you will further my delight, and not bee a contrary
to my request. For I intend to begge your daughter for my wife, and bee
your sonne in lawe for your advancement. What saiest thou, man? wilt
thou accept mee for a friend, as I have appointed thee for a father?

The poore ould man was so astonished, that he could not looke up for
teares, nor speak a word for joy; but when the extasie had end, hee thus
faintly replied:—My gracious soueraigne, you are my lord, and therefore
I must accord to your will; but you are generous, and therefore I
presume on your vertue; take her a Gods name, and make mee a glad
father; and let that God, which raiseth the humble and meek, make her a
befitting wife, and fruitful mother. Why then, replied the Marquesse,
let us enter your house, for I must ask her a question before you. So
hee went in, the company tarrying without in great astonishment: the
faire maid was busied to make it as handsome as she could, and proud
againe to have such a guest under her roofe; amazed at nothing but why
hee should come so accompanied, and little conjecturing of so great a
blessing approaching. But, at last, the Marquesse took her by the hand,
and used these speeches:—To tell you this blush becomes you, it were but
a folly; and that your modesty hath graced your comlines, may prove the
deceit of words, and unbefitting my greatnes; but in a word, your father
and I have agreed to make you my wife, and I hope you will not disagree
to take me to your husband. For delay shall not intangle you with
suspicion, nor two daies longer protract the kindnes; onely I must be
satisfied in this, if your heart afford a willing entertainement to the
motion, and your vertue a constancy to this resolution, not to repine at
my pleasure in any thing, nor presume on contradiction, when I determine
to command. For as amongst good souldiers, they must simply obey without
disputing the businesse: so must vertuous wives dutifully consent
withoute reproofe, or the least contraction of a brow. Therefore be
advised how you answer, and I charge you take heed, that the tongue
utter no more then the heart conceits. All this while Grisel was
wondring at the miracle, had not religion told her that nothing was
impossible to the commander of all things; which reduced her to a better
consideration and thus brought forth an answere.

My gracious lord, I am not ignorant of your greatnesse, and know mine
owne basenesse: there is no worth in me to be your servant, therefore
there can be no desert to be your wife: notwithstanding, because God
will be the author of miraculous accidents, I yeeld to your pleasure,
and praise him for the fortune; onely this I will be bold to say, that
your will shall be my delight, and death shall be more welcome unto mee
then a word of displeasure against you.

This is sufficient, answered the great lord, and so most lovingly he
took her by the hand, and brought her to the company, even before all
his peeres and great ladies, and told them she should bee his wife, so
that wherein they extended their love, reverence, and obedience toward
her, he could exemplifie his regard, care, and diligence toward them.
And because outward shewes doe sometimes grace befitting actions (lest
her poverty and basenes might too much daunt their expectation, and
seeme disgratious to their noblenes), he commanded them with a morall
livelinesse to adorne her with the richest robes they had; so that it
was a pleasure to see how the ladies bestird themselves, a delight to
behould the severall services performed, the many hands about her, the
jewels and pendants, the robes and mantles, the ornaments and coronets,
the collanaes and chaines, with all other particulars and
accoustrements, but when she was apparelled indeed, it was a ravishment
exceeding report, and they which stomached her preferment were now
delighted with her glory. Such a benefit hath beauty by nature, and
gratiousnesse by nurture.

CHAP. III.
How the Marquesse and Grisel were married together.

After the ladies had thus adorned poore Grisel with robes befitting her
estate, the Marquesse and all the noble company returned to Saluss, and
in the Cathedrall Church, in sight of the people, according to the
fulnesse of religious ceremonies, they were espoused together, and with
great solemnitie returned to the palace. Herein yet consisted the
admiration, that no word of reproach was murmured, nor eie looked
unpleasantly upon her; for by her wonderfull demeanour shee had gained
so much of opinion that the basenes of her birth was not thought upon,
and all her graces concurring made them verely beleeve shee was
extracted of princely lineage: no man once supposed that shee could be
Grisel, daughter to poore Janicola, but rather some creature
metamorphosed by the powers of heaven: for besides the outward
statelinesse and majestical carriage of herselfe, the wonderfull
modestie and exact symmetry of her countenance, the admirable beauty and
extraordinary favor of her visage, her faire demeanour had a kinde of
attraction, and her gratious words a sweet delivery; so that all that
came to her were glad of their accesse, and they which went from her
triumphed for their good speed: yea, report extended so far, that she
was not onely visited by her owne lords and ladies with reverence, but
attended on with strangers, who came from all quarters to see her and to
bee behoulding to their owne judgements; so that if the Marquesse loved
her before for her own worth, he now reverenced her for others respect;
the rather, because he found a blessing attending her presence, and all
people pleased in the contract? For when any controversie hapned
betweene himselfe and his nobles, she was so nobly minded, that what she
could not obtaine by fair intreaty she yet mitigated by sweet
perswasion. When any unkindnes hapned of forraine prince, shee urged
those blessings of peace, and reasoned the matter with delightsom
enforcement; and when the people were either complained of, or against,
he marvelled from whence she had those pretty reasons to asswage his
anger, and they verely beleeved shee was sent from heaven for their
releefe. Thus was shee amiable to her lord, acceptable to her people,
profitable to her country, a mirror of her sexe, a person priviledged by
nature, and a wonder of the time, in which she did nothing out of time;
so that the Marquesse was rather ravished than loving, and all his
subjects resolved to obedience from her good example.

CHAP. IV.
How the lady Grisel was proved by her husband, who thus made triall of
her patience.

To other blessings, in processe of time, there was added the birth of a
sweet infant, a daughter, that rejoiced the mother, and gladded the
father: the country triumphed, and the people clapped their hands for
joy; for the Marquesse still loved her more and more, and they thought
their lives not deere for her, if occasion served. Notwithstanding all
this, Fortune hath still a tricke to checke the pride of life, and
prosperity must be seasoned with some crosses, or eke it would taint and
corrupt us too much: whereupon, the Marquesse determined now to prove
his wife, and make triall of her vertues indeed; and so taking a
convenient season, after the childe was fully weaned, he one day
repaired secretly to her chamber, and (seeming halfe angry) thus
imparted his mind.

Although, Grisel, this your present fortune hath made you forget your
former estate, and that the jollity of your life overswayeth the
remembrance of your birth, yet neither is it so with me, nor my nobles;
for I have some occasion of distasting, and they great cause of
repining, in that they must be subject to one so base, and have still
before their eyes our children of such low degree; so that though (for
my sake) they make good semblance of the present, yet are they resolved
never to suffer any of our posterity to rule over them; of which, as
they have disputed with mee, I cannot chuse but forewarne you.
Therefore, to prevent this discontentment betweene us, and to maintaine
that peace which must corroborate my estate, I must needes yeelde to
their judgements, and take away your daughter from you, to preserve
their amity: the thing I know must be displeasing to nature, and a
mother cannot well indure such a losse; but there is now no remedy: only
make use of your first resolutions, and remember what you promised me at
the beginning of our contract.

The lady, hearing this sorrowfull preamble, and apprehending the
Marquesse resolution, to her griefe, (although every word might have
beene as arrowes in her sides) yet admitting of the temptation, and
disputing with herselfe to what end the vertues of patience, modesty,
forbearance, fortitude, and magnanimity were ordained, if they had not
subjects to worke upon, and objects to looke after, thus replyed.

My lord, you are my soveraigne, and all earthly pleasures and
contentments of my life come from you, as the fountaine of my
happinesse, and therefore please your selfe, and (beleeve it) it is my
pleasure you are pleased; as for the child, it is the gift of God, and
yours. Now he that gives may take away, and as wee receive blessings
from heaven, so must we not dote on them on earth, lest by setting our
minds too much upon them, wee cannot set off our hearts when they are
taken from us; only one thing I desire, that you remember I am a mother;
and if I burst not out into passion for her losse, it is for your sake I
am no more perplexed, and so you shall ever find mee a wife befitting
your desires.

When the Marquesse saw her constancy, and was in a manner pleased with
her modest answere, hee replied not at all at that time; for his heart
was full, and what betweene joy and feare he departed: joy that so great
vertue had the increase of goodnesse, feare that he had presumed too
farre on such a trial. But resolved in his businesse, hee went to put it
to the adventure.

[Illustration]

CHAP. V.
The Marquesse sent a varlet for his daughter; but privately disposed of
her with his sister, the Dutchesse of Bologna de Grace, who brought her
up in all things befitting the childe of so great a person.

Not long after this sad conference between the Marquesse and his lady,
hee called a faithfull servant unto him; such a one as the poet talks
of, _propter fidem et taciturnitatem dilectum_, to whom hee imparts this
secrecy, and with severall instructions, what hee truly meant to do with
the child, sent him to his wife with an unsavory message, which yet hee
delivered in this manner.

I had not now come to you, most noble lady, though that power commanded
me which hath my life in subjection, if I had not more relied upon your
wisdome and vertue, than feared death it selfe. Therefore I crave pardon
if I am displeasing in my message, and seeme cruell (as it were) in
tearing your flesh from your sides, by bereaving you of this your
daughter; for hee hath appointed it that must not bee gainsaid, and I am
a messenger that cannot bee denied. But yet with what unwillingnes (God
knowes my soule) in regard that you are so respected amongst us, that
wee think of nothing but what may delight you, and talk not a word but
of your merit and worthinesse.

When she had heard him out, remembring the conference the Marquesse had
with her, and apprehending there was no disputing in a matter
remedilesse, especially with a messenger, shee resolved it was ordained
to dy; and although shee must now (as it were) commit it to a
slaughter-house, whereby any woman in the world might with good
becomming have burst out into some passion, and well enough shewed a
distracted extasie, yet recollecting her spirits, and reclaiming those
motives of nature already striving in her bowels, shee tooke the childe
in her armes, and with a mothers blessing and sweetned kisses, the
countenance somewhat sad, and the gesture without any violent
excruciation, delivered it unto the fellow, not once amazed or
distempred, because her lord would have it so, and shee knew not how to
have it otherwise: only she said, I must, my friend, intreat one thing
at your hands, that out of humanity and Christian observation, you leave
not the body to bee devoured of beasts or birds, for it is worthy of a
grave in her innocency, and Christian buriall, though shee were but my
daughter alone.

The fellow having received the childe, durst not tarry for feare of
discovery (such impression had her words made already), but returned
with it to his maister, not leaving out the least circumstance of her
answer, nor any thing that might enlarge her renown and constancy.

The Marquesse, considering the great vertue of his wife, and looking on
the beauty of his daughter, began to enter into a kinde of compassion,
and to retract his wilfulnesse; but at last resolution won the field of
pity, and having (as he thought) so well begunne, would not so soone
give over, but with the same secrecy hee had taken her from his wife,
hee sent it away to his sister, the Dutchess of Bologna, with presents
of worth, and letters of gratification, containing in them the nature of
the businesse, and the manner of her bringing up, which she accordingly
put in practice, receiving her neece with joy, and instructing her with
diligence; so that it soone appeared under what a tutelage shee was, and
whose daughter shee might be. For her pregnancy learned whatsoever they
taught her, and the grace she added, quickly discovered that honour had
confederated with nature to make her the offspring of such a mother.

[Illustration]

CHAP. VI.
The Marquesse, not contented with this proofe, tooke away also her
sonne, in which adversity (with other additions) she shewed an
extraordinary patience.

After this tempest was overpast, the rage whereof might easily have
broken the tender sides of poore Grisels barke (for shee verely beleeved
that her daughter was slaine), the Marquesse still lay in waite for the
trial of his wife, watching every opportunity which might acquaint him
with her discontentments; especially if he might understand whether she
complained of his rigorousnesse and unkindnesse, or no: but when he not
only was advertised of her constancy and faire demeanour, but saw (by
experience) that shee was neither elated in prosperity, nor dejected in
adversity; when hee perceiued so great a temperature betweene the joy of
her advancement and the sorrow for her trouble, he wondred at her
constancy; and the rather, because her love and observation toward him
continued with that sweetnes, and had such delectable passages, that his
heart was set on fire againe, and hee knew not how to allay the
extreamities of his joy. In this manner passed foure yeeres, wherein she
overpassed all of her kinde, and he thought it a donative from heaven to
have such a wife. At last nature bestird herselfe againe, and made her a
happy mother of a faire sonne; the joy whereof led the whole country
into the house of praier and thanksgiving, and brought them home againe
by cresset-light and bonfires, so that she well perceived how acceptable
she was to her people and beloved of her husband. Notwithstanding, with
the same water that drave the mill hee drowned it, and made her still
beleeve the contrary; for after two yeeres, that the childe was past the
danger of a cradle, and the trouble of infancy, he tooke occasion once
againe to inflict upon the vertuous Grisel a new punishment, erecting
his building upon the old foundation.

You knowe, saith hee, what former contentions I have had with my
nobility about our marriage; not that they can lay any imputation on you
or your worthy behavior, but on my fortune and disasterous affection to
match myselfe so meanly: wherein yet their forward exprobation was
rebated, all the while we either had no children, or that they supposed
that which we had to be taken from us; all which ariseth out of the
error of ambition (which in a manner is carelesse of vertue) respecting
nothing but a high progeny. So that ever since this child was borne
there hath passed many secret grudgings, and unkinde speeches against
it, as if it were a disparagement to their greatnesse to have a lord of
so meane parentage, and the country to be subject to the grand child of
Janicola, whom you see never since our marriage they would admit to
place of honor, or to overtop them by way of association, nor will
suffer this my Gualter, though it carry the fathers name, to rule over
them. Therefore, to allay the heat of these present fires, and to
preserve the peace of my estate (by preventing the mischief of future
troubles), I am resolved to settle my contentment, and to deale with
your sonne as I have dealt with your daughter. And of this I thought it
good to advertise you, as a preparative for patience, lest sorrow should
distract you with oversuddennesse.

Now you ladies and dames of these times, that stand upon tearmes of
spirit and greatnesse of heart (some will have it courage and
magnanimity of minde), that are affrighted at the character of a foole,
and silly poore soule; I speake not of strumpets, or of such as are
willing to brand themselves with the impurity of uncleannesse, and dare
out of impudency or cunning tell their husbands to their faces they will
go where they list, and do what they please, but of such that under that
impregnable target of honestie are yet so impatient at every
distemperature, that they dare answer taunt for taunt: yea, like
viragoes indeed, offer the first blow, though a horrible confusion
follow, what would you have answered this lord? or with what fire-works
would you have made your approches unto him? I will not tarry for your
answere, lest I pull the old house in peeces, and so, though I scape the
timber, I may be crushed with the rubbish; but I will now anticipate (or
prevent) all objections by telling you what faire Grisel said; and if
there bee hope of reformation, insert it as a caution to divert you from
your naturall fiercenes.

When shee had heard him out, though to the griefe of her soule, she
conceived the murther of her childe, and that the apprehension renewed
the sorrow of her daughters losse; yet would she give no way to such
distemperature, that either hee should have cause to suspect her
patience, or shee herselfe the temptation of disquiet, and therefore
thus replied:—My lord, I have many times told you, that my soule
rejoiceth in nothing but in your reposednes, for you are the lord of me
and this infant; and though I could bee contented to shew myselfe a
mother in his education, and bring him now and then unto you as the
pledge of our loves, yet are you the commander of my vowes, and I will
rectifie all disordered appetites by the rule of your pleasure. Take him
then, a Gods name, and if hee be marked for death, it is but the common
brand of all creatures; nay, if the mother may be a sacrifice of
propitiation to appease your disquiet, never was lamb so meek, nor
holocaust so willing to bee offred. For, what may bee comprehended under
the titles of father, kinred, children, friends, life, pleasure,
honours, and contentment, are all comprised under your love, and the
society of a husband. Do with mee, then, what you please: the body shall
serve your turne while it lives, and the soule attend you after death.

Here was an answer to pacifie the tyrants of Sicilie, and put a man
quite out of his tract of proving such a wife! Yet the Marquesse onely
made use of it to rejoice in the assurance of her goodness, and went the
rather forward in his dangerous course of temptation.

[Illustration]

CHAP. VII.
The Marquesse, resolute to prove his wife further, sendeth for his son,
and disposeth of him as he had done of his daughter.

As this patient and wonderfull lady was one day sporting with her
infant, like an untimely tempest (spoiling the beauty of some new rooted
plants) did this messenger of death interpose himselfe betweene her
recreation, making the hollow demand of her sonne worse than the noise
of a schrich-owle over a sick mans bed: yet (as if there were a
conscience in disquieting her greatnes, or if you will, her goodnes) he
came forward with preambles and apologies, insinuating, with craving
pardon, the authority of a lord, the duty of a servant, the terrour of
death, the circumstance of obedience, and all other enforcements which
might either excuse a messenger, or make the message of it selfe without
blame. What should I enlarge a discourse of terrour? it is a curtesie to
conclude a mischiefe with quicknes. Hee was not so sudden in his demand,
as shee was ready in her dispatch, for she presently blest the child,
kissed it, crossed it, adorned it, and delivered it to the executioner:
onely with the same enforcement shee pleaded, as shee had spoken of in
the behalfe of her daughter, not to see it perish for lack of a buriall,
or devoured for want of a grave.

In this manner, and with this report, hee returned to his lord, who had
still more cause of amazement, and lesse reason to trouble such a
creature, had not his wilfulnes put him forward to make an end of his
businesse, and taught him still variety of trying this gold in the fire.
But for the time hee sent likewise this childe to his sister, the
Duchesse of Bologna (yet some will have her but Countesse of Paniche),
who, understanding her brothers minde, brought up both these children in
such a fashion, that though no man knew whose children they were, yet
they imagined whose they might bee; that is, the son and daughter of
some prince, or other potentate, willing to have his children brought up
to the best purpose, and befitting their birth and honour.

The ordering of this businesse in this sort made the Marquesse once
againe settle himselfe in Saluss, where he kept open house to all
comers, and was proud of nothing so much as the honour of his wife, and
the love of his people: for although he had thus tried her patience and
constancy, giving her more than sufficient cause of anguish and
perturbation, yet coulde he not finde fault, or had the least
demonstration of offence, but still she loved him more and more, and was
so observingly dutifull and cautelous of displeasure, that many times he
grew enamored of that he might command, and seemed passionate in the
distractions of over-joy. Nor could the length of time make this love
wearisome, for all they had lived thus a dozen years together; onely
shee got the hand of him in the opinion of the people, who by this
beganne to whisper against his unkindnes, that had married so vertuous a
woman, and bereaved her of two children; so that if they were slaine, it
was a murther, if otherwise, it was unkindnesse. For though shee were
poore Janicolas daughter by birth, yet she might come from heaven for
her vertue, and was sure to go thither for her piety. Notwithstanding
these breakings out, which came often to the eares of his honour, such
was her moderation and his government, that they only whisperd the same
on her behalfe, and contented themselves with the expectation of future
good, as they had the fruition of present happinesse, not meddling with
the same further, than in the commiseration of her, and still
acknowledging their duty to him; so that although hee knew shee might
this way understand his former reasons of taking away her children, that
it was but a devise, and that there were some other motives, which
procured this unkindnes, yet was he still obstinate to exercise her
patience, and conceit beat out another plot of offence on the anvill of
a loving, yet most hardned heart.

CHAP. IX.
The Marquesse, to try his lady further, made her beleeve hee would marry
another wife.

Some dozen years were passed since the Marquesse of Saluss had sent his
daughter to Bologna, to his sister (as you have heard), who was by this
time growne to that beautie, comelinesse, and perfection, that her fame
busied all Europe; and the lady Grisel, her mother, was made acquainted
with her excellency, whereupon, he very strangely sent to Rome, by a
messenger of trust, for counterfeit letters to marrie [t]his paragon,
and to bee dispensed from his first wife. Which was so effectually
dispatched, that the messenger soone returned with the approbation of
his request, and hee himselfe had many allegations in readinesse to
excuse the matter, intimating the good of the countrie, and the
continual desire of his people for the alteration; which, although it
was far from probability, because they pitied their ladies distresse,
and rather repined against their lords inconstancy, yet it served his
turne for the time, and he thereupon erected the frame of this second
marriage. By this time is the faire Grisel acquainted with the
businesse, and troubled at the misfortune; but having many times plaied
the wanton with affliction, she resettled herself to endure whatsoever
should be imposed; so that when she came to the proofe, indeed, nothing
affronted her constancy nor humbled her lower then her own vertue had
taught her the way.

In the mean while, the Marquesse had under hand sent to the Count of
Paniche and his sister, to bring him his children with all the pompe and
glory they could prepare, with caution not to discover their names, and
to be at a day appointed at Saluss: so that it passed for current all
over the country that a lady, a yong, brave, and gallant lady, of great
lineage, and greater worth, of high renown and mighty affinity, was
comming into Saluss to be espoused to the Marquesse, and that they were
already come out of Bologna de Grace, a whole dayes journey forward,
with such a troope and company that it was a shew of magnificence, and a
spectacle of delight. For amongst the rest there was a young lord, not
fully eight yeere old, whose bravery and gallantnesse drewe all mens
eyes with admiration toward him, had not the lady divided the gazing,
and shared with their opinion. For, besides her riches and outward
ornaments, her youth (as not fully thirteene) and upright comelinesse,
her bewty and gracious behauiour, she was of extraordinary stature, and
majestike presence.

These things thus disposed and handsomely carried, the Marquesse tooke
an opportunity thus to speak to the disconsolate Grisel before all his
people. In times past, I confesse, you deserved my love, and
notwithstanding the disparity betweene us, I thought it well bestowed
upon you; nay, I cannot now impute any ill desert unto you:
notwithstanding, for some reasons to myselfe best knowne, of which I
have made the holy father acquainted, I am resolved to take another
wife; who, as you heare, is on the way hitherward already: wherefore I
would advise you to retire to your fathers cotage, till you heare
further from me.

Alas! my lord, replied the sweet soule, I ever disputed the matter with
reason, that there was no equality betweene so great magnificence and my
humiliation, and in the greatest assurance of my prosperity, reputed my
selfe a vassaile and handmaid, proud of nothing but my owne readinesse
to be at your command, and your willingnes to employ mee in your
affaires; so that, I take God to my witnes, I scarce trusted my selfe
with the name of a wife, when I was in the best assurance. Therefore, I
must acknowledge what you have heretofore vouchsafed as a part of great
bounty, and the very fruits of your generousnes. As for returning to my
poore fathers house, I am most willing; and there, as you please, like a
forlorne widow will spend the rest of my dayes; yet remember I was your
wife, espoused orderly, and you have had children by mee, so that if I
there dye, I must yet dye the widow of such a lord, and for honors sake
be so reputed. As for your new spouse, God grant her many daies of
comfort, and you many yeeres of joy, that you may live in reciprocall
delight one with another, and intertaine no worse contentment than poore
Grisel accustomed. As for my dowry I brought, I brought only my selfe,
and will have no more back againe, which was faith, love, reverence,
poverty and virginity; for, as I came naked from my fathers house, I am
contented to return so againe. Your jewels are in the wardrobe, and even
the ring you married me withal, in the chamber: of this I weare, I shall
quickly be disrobed, and if there be any further misery appointed, my
patience can endure it, if your pleasure impose it; onely in recompence
of my virginitie, I request a poore smocke to hide that wombe from
public overlooking that was once so private to so great a prince; and
because it was the bed of your infants, let it not bee the scorne of
your people, but give mee leave thus to goe out of the palace, that
hereafter times may wonder how quietly a woman yeelded to so great a
change. Nay, let no man shed a teare, I must bee more naked than so; for
though the wife of a Marquesse while I lived, and the widow when I died,
yet am I not too good for a grave, but in despight of pride must return
to dust and ashes.

Did I say before, they began to weep? I can assure you, when she had
done, they roared out-right; yea, the Marquesse himselfe shed so many
teares that he was faine to retire, and commanded the smock she had
begged to be sent unto her, that shee might prosecute the enterprise,
and he determine his businesse, as he had constantly projected.

CHAP. VIII.
How the patient Grisel was disrobed of her apparell, and restored all
she had (except one poore smocke) to the Marquesse.

Before I proceed any further in this wonderfull discovery, I am sure two
things will bee objected against mee: first, the impossibility of the
story; secondly, the absurdity of the example. For the story I answer,
that therefore it was thus published and connected together, for the
rarity of the businesse, and the sweetnes of the successe, nor is it any
way stranger than many Roman passages, and Grecian discourses. For the
application, it is both necessary and befitting; for whereas in the
condition of women, amongst many other, there bee two especiall errours
against the modesty of their sex, and quietnes of their husbands,
videlicet, superiority and desire of liberty (I name not irregular
behaviour, household inconveniences, and domesticks strife), this one
example (as Hercules did the serpents) strangles them both in the
cradle, and though it cannot prevent, yet will it exprobrate the fault.
First concerning superiority. I hope the instances of scripture are not
made canonicall to no purpose, and out of reason and naturall
inforcement: what a filthinesse is it to a generous spirit, to have a
woman so presumptuous as to take an account of her husband’s actions and
businesse? Wherein many times they are so peremptory, that I have seene
them enter the rooms of privacy, where secret businesses of strangers
have been imparted, and were to be discussed, nor hath this been done
with a lovely insinuation, or cunning excuse of longing, or willingness
to be instructed, or other pretty inducements to permission, but with a
high commanding voice, and impudent assurances of their owne worth: yea,
I have knowne them breake open letters before they came to their
husbands’ overlooking, and have wondred even at souldiers themselves,
that would give way to such indecency. Againe, to be counter-checked in
this wilfulnes, what clamours have beene raised! what tumults and
discomforts occasioned! that instead of awful obedience and delightsome
affability, they have burst out into outragiousnes, commanded teares of
mischeife, and threatned suspicious revenges. But let them soile
themselves in the filthinesse of this humour never so much. I say
plainely, that though their husbands were fooles by nature, yet is it
not befitting for a wife to discover the same, or over-rule in forren
affaires, I meane matters which concerne them not: for there is no great
man so weake but hath councell and supportation of inferior officers,
nor mean man so sottish but hath friends or servants in the dispatch of
his businesse. Secondly, concerning the desire of liberty: oh, hellish
device of the divell, and fearefull custome both of France and England!
I hope he that knowes the fashions of the East, of Muscovy, Spain,
Italy, and the Mores, understands that no married wife goes abroad but
to honorable purposes; and it is an introduction to death to salute any
stranger, or be seene in private conference. For, in true understanding,
what businesse should any man have with my wife three houres together in
private? or why, without my leave, and that upon good grounds, should
shee wander in publike? I speake not to overthrow noble societies,
generous entertainment, familiar invitations, curteous behaviour,
charitable welcomes, honest recreations, or peradventure, the imparting
of private businesse; but meerly against foppish wantonesse, idle talke,
suspicious meetings, damnable play-hunting, disorderly gaming,
unbefitting exercises, and in a word, all such things as tend to
obscenity and wickednes; in which (say what women can), if there be not
a moderation by nature, there must be an inforcement by judgement; and
that woman that will not be ruled by good councell must be over-ruled by
better example,—of which, this now in hand (of Lady Grisel) is a mirror,
and transparent chrystall to manifest true vertue, and wifely duty
indeed; and so I come to the wonder of her obedience.

After the Marquesse was resolved to the last act of her tryall, and had
sent her the smocke shee demanded, amongst all the lords, knights,
ladies, and other company, she presently disrobed her selfe, and went,
so accompanied, from the palace to her father’s cottage, who, as you
have heard (for divers reasons), was only kept from want, but never
advanced out of the same.

The company could not choose but weepe and deplore the alteration of
fortune; she could not choose but smile, that her vertue was predominant
over passion: they exclaimed against the cruelty of her lord, she
disclaimed the least invective against him: they wondred at so great
vertue and patience, she resolved them they were exercises befitting a
modest woman: they followed her with true love and desire to doe her
good, she thanked them with a true heart, and request to desist from any
further deploring of her estate.

By this time they approached the house, and the poore old man, Janicola,
acquainted with the hurli-burly, came out to see what the matter was.
And finding it was his daughter in her smocke, and in so honourable a
company, bemoaning her distresse, he quickly left them all unspoke unto,
and ran in for those poore robes, which were formerly left in the house;
with which hee quickly arayed her, and told her before them all, that
now shee was in her right element, and, kissing her, bad her welcom. The
company was as much astonished at his moderation as at her constancie,
wondring how nature could bee so restrained from passion, and that any
woman had such grace to be so gracious; in which amaze, not without some
reprehension of fortune, and their lord’s cruelty, they left her to the
poverty of the cell, and returned themselves to the glory of the palace,
where they recounted to the Marquesse the strangenesse of the businesse,
and the manner of the accidents, and shee continued in her first
moderation and indefatigable patience, the poore father onely laughing
to scorne the miseries and sodaine mutabilitie of humane condition, and
comforting his daughter in her well-begun courses of modesty and
reposednesse.

Not long after approched the Countesse of Paniche, or, if you will,
Duchesse of Bologna, with her glorious company and beautifull lady,
sending word before hand that she would be at Saluss such a day:
whereupon the Marquesse sent a troope to welcome her, and prepared the
court for her intertainment; the bruit of which yet had not so equall a
passage, but divers contrarious opinions thus bandied themselves; some
absolutely condemnied the inconstancie of the lord, others deplored the
misfortune of the lady, some repined to see a man so cruell against so
great worthinesse, others exemplified her praises to all eternitie; some
were transported with the gallant youth and comelinesse of this new
bewtifull virgine, others presumed to parallell the faire Grisel, but
that shee had stepped a little before her in yeeres; some harped upon
her great nobilitie and high lineage, others compared the former wife’s
vertue and true wisdome; some excused their lord, by the love to his
countrey, others excused the lady by the nature of the adversitie,
untill the approach of the faire virgine and the young noble man in her
company extinguished all former conceits, and set them to a new worke,
concerning this spectacle, wherein the young lady and her brave brother
had such pre-eminence. Nor knewe the Earle of Paniche himselfe, or any
of the company on either side, that they were his owne children by
Grisel, but meerly strangers, and designed for this new mariage. So the
great Marquesse made good semblance, and with his accustomed
courtlinesse welcomed them all to the palace.

The very next morning (or, if you will, the day before), he sent a
messenger for Grisel to come unto him in the very same manner as shee
was; who protracted no time, but presently attended her lord: at her
approach he was somewhat appalled, but yet setting (as wee say) the best
foot forward, hee thus proceeded:

The lady, Grisel, with whom I must marrie, will bee here to-morrow by
this time, and the feast is prepared accordingly: now, because there is
none so well acquainted with the secrets of my palace, and disposition
of my selfe as you, I would have you, for all this base attire, addresse
your wisdome to the ordering of the businesse, appointing such officers
as is befitting, and disposing the roomes according to the degrees and
estate of the persons. Let the lady have the priviledge of the mariage
chamber, and the young lord the pleasure of the gallery: let the rest be
lodged in the courts, and the better sort upon the sides of the garden:
let the viands be plentifull, and the ceremonies maintained: let the
showes bee sumptuous, and the pastimes as it becommeth; in a word, let
nothing be wanting, which may set forth my honour, and delight the
people.

My lord, saith shee, I ever told you I took pleasure in nothing but your
contentment, and whatsoever might consort to your delight, therein
consisted my joy and happinesse: therefore, make no question of my
diligence and duty in this, or any other thing which it shal please you
to impose upon me. And so like a poore servant shee presently addressed
herselfe to the businesse of the house, performing all things with such
a quicknes and grace that each one wondred at her goodnesse and faire
demeanour, and many murmured to see her put to such a triall. But the
day of entertainement is now comme, and when the faire lady approached,
her very presence had almost extinguished the impression of Grisels
worthinesse; for some inconstant humourists gave way to the alteration,
not blaming the Marquesse for such a change. But when the strangers were
made acquainted with the fortune of Grisel, and saw her faire demeanour,
they could not but esteeme her a woman of great vertue and honour, being
more amased at her patience then at the mutability of mans conditions;
till at last shee approached the lady, and taking her by the hand, used
this speech.

Lady, if it were not his pleasure, that may command to bid you welcome,
yet me thinks there is a kinde of over-ruling grace from nature in you,
that must exact a respect unto you. And as for you, yong lord, I can say
no more, but if I might have my desires satisfied in this world, they
should be imploied to wish you well, and to endeavour all things for
your entertainement indeed. To the rest I afford what is befitting,
desiring them, that if any deficiency abate their expectation, they
would impute it either to my ignorance, or negligence; for it is the
pleasure of him, in whose will is all my pleasure, that in all
sufficiency you should have regard and suppliment. And so shee conducted
them to their severall chambers, where they reposed themselves awhile,
till the time of dinner invited them to repast. When all things were
prepared, and the solemnity of placing the guests finished, the
Marquesse sent for Grisel, and rising on his feet, took her by the hand
before them all, erecting his body, and elating his voice in this
manner: You see the lady is heere I meane to marry, and the company
gloriously prepared to witnes the same; are you therefore contented that
I shall thus dispose of my selfe, and do quietly yeeld to the
alteration?

My lord, replied she before them all, wherein as a woman I might be
faulty, I will not now dispute; but because I am your wife, and have
devoted my selfe to obedience, I am resolved to delight in nothing but
your pleasure; so that if this match be designed for your good, and
determined by your appointment, I am much satisfied, and more then much
contented. And for you, lady, I wish you the delights of your marriage
and the honour of your husband, many yeares of happinesse, and the
fruits of a chaste wedlock: only, gracious lord, take heed of one thing;
that you trie not this new bride as you have done your ould wife; for
she is yong, and peradventure of another straine, and so may want of
that patience and government which I, poore I, have endured.

Till this he held out bravely; but nature overcomming resolution, and
considering with what strange variety his unkindnesse had passed, hee
could not answere a word for teares, and all the company stood
confounded at the matter, wondring what would be the end of the
businesse, and the successe of the extasie. But to draw them out of
their doubts, the next chapter shall determine the controversie.

[Illustration]

CHAP. X.
The oration of the Marquesse to his wife, and the discovery of her
children, to her great joy, and the contentment of all the company.

After a little reducement of his passion, and that time and further
meditation had disposed his senses to their perfect estate, the
Marquesse graciously answered:—

Thou wonder of women, and champion of true vertue! I am ashamed of my
imperfections, and tyred with abusing thee. I have tryed thee beyond
reason, and thou hast forborne mee beyond modestie: beleeve it,
therefore, I will have no wife but thy selfe, and when God hath thought
thee too good for the earth, I will (if it bee not too much
superstition) pray to thee in heaven. Oh! ’tis a pleasure to be
acquainted with thy worth, and to come neere thy goodnes maketh a man
better than himselfe. For without controversie, except thou hadst beene
sent from above, thou couldst never have acted a goddesses part belowe:
and therefore, seeing I have used thee so unkindly heeretofore, I
protest never to disquiet thee heereafter: and wherein my cruelty
extended against thee in bereaving thee of thy children, my love shall
now make amends in restoring thy daughter. For this new bride is shee;
and this wanton her brother. Thank this great lady (my sister) for their
bringing up, and this man (you knowe him well enough) for his secrecy.
Bee not amased at the matter: I have related a truth, and will confirme
it on my honour; only sit downe till the dinner is done, and bid the
company welcome in this poore attire; for the sun will break through
slender clouds, and vertue shine in base array. I could much dilate the
matter, but it is time to end, lest the circumstances will never end.

This device of the Marquesses, of kissing her so lovingly, and setting
her downe by him so discreetly, did much good; for the company had time
to dispute of the miracle, and the yong lady reason to prepare her
obedience; which, no sooner was the dinner finished, but shee as soone
performed, nothing thought upon but joy at the matter, and wonder at the
accident; every one pleased to see such a unity of goodnes, and all
delighted to have a businesse so well concluded. But seeing time had
unclasped a booke of such jollity, there was now no further disputing,
for the ladies flocked about her to attend her into the chamber, where
the yong princesse her daughter was as ready as the best to apparell
her, so that when shee came amongst them againe she shined like the sun
after a tempest, and seemed more glorious, because her continued modesty
kept her from all insulting and vaine-glorious bravery.

Thus was the Marquesse invested, as it were, with a new blessednes, and
she continued in her ould constancy; onely admired by every one for her
patience and sufferings, and all aplauding their reconcilement, blessing
her, and the people proud they had such a lord to obey: especially
satisfied when the poore Janicola was advanced to the councell, and made
governor of his palace; wherein hee behaved himselfe so well that for
ten yeares hee still lived as he had beene bred, a courtier, and died
with the memory of a good report. Grisel lasted thirty yeares after him,
and all went to their graves in good time, the country renowned over the
world for their admirable government, and famosed for their
extraordinary wonder.

_Non est ulla difficultas (ut ita dicam) neque passio, neque calamitas
dira, cujus non sufferre queat pondus hominis natura._—Euripides
Orestei.

FINIS.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

1. “Chap. IX” and “Chap. VIII” are apparently out of order. Did not
correct.
2. Silently corrected typographical errors.
3. Retained anachronistic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as
printed.
4. Footnotes have been re-indexed using numbers.
5. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.

*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "The History Of Patient Grisel, 1619 - First Series, Vol. IV" ***

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