When Griselda’s daughter was twelve years old, Walter sent secretly to Rome, commanding that false letters, seeming to come from the Pope, should be made according to his will. These letters, or ‘bulls,’ were to give him leave to quit his first wife, for the sake of his people, and marry another woman; but they were none of them really from the Pope: they were all counterfeit and false, made by Walter’s order, to deceive Griselda. The common people did not know the difference between true letters and false; but when the tidings arrived, Griselda was very sorrowful; for she loved Walter best of all things, as he very well knew. I deeme that hir herte was ful wo;[151] judge, sad But sche, ylike sad for evermo, alike, firm Disposid was, this humble creature, disposed Th’adversite of fortun al tendure. fortune, to endure Full sure am I her heart was full of wo; But she, as though serene for evermo, Was ready, in her humbleness of mind, In all adversity to be resign’d. [Illustration: GRISELDA’S SORROW. ‘And as a lamb sche sitteth meeke and stille, And let this cruel sergeant doon his wille.’] Then the marquis sent to the Earl of Panik, who had married his sister, begging him to bring both his children home, openly and in great honour; but no one was to know whose children they were. He was to answer no questions-- But saye the mayde schuld i-wedded be[152] should Unto the Markys of Saluce anoon. immediately And as this eorl was prayd, so dede he; did For at day set he on his way is goon gone Toward Saluce, and lordes many oon, many a one In riche array, this mayden for to guyde, Hir yonge brother rydyng by hir syde. Arrayed was toward hir mariage This freisshe may, al ful of gemmes clere; maiden, gems Hir brother, which that seven yer was of age, Arrayed eek ful freissh in his manere; also, manner And thus in gret noblesse and with glad chere, nobleness Toward Saluces shaping her journay, their Fro day to day thay ryden in her way. their But say the maiden should, ere long, be wed Unto the Marquis of Saluce so high. And as this earl was pray’d to do, he did, And started on his journey speedily Towards Saluces, with lordly company In rich array, this maiden fair to guide, Her little brother riding by her side. And this fresh maid was robed for marriage Full of clear gems, in goodly raiment rare; Her brother, who was seven years of age, Was in his fashion clad all fresh and fair; And thus, in splendour, and with joyous air, Towards Saluces following the way, The cavalcade advances day by day. PART V.