Thus with hir fader for a certeyn space Dwellith this flour of wifly pacience, flower That neyther by hir wordes, ne by hir face, Byforn the folk nor eek in her absence, also, their Ne schewed sche that hir was doon offence; showed, done Ne of hir highe astaat no remembraunce nor, estate Ne hadde she, as by hir countenaunce. “The shift,” he said, “thou hast upon thy back, Let it remain, and bear it forth with thee.” But scarcely that hard word for pain he spake, And went his way for sorrow and pity. Before the household all her robes stript she; And in her shift, barefoot and bare of head, Toward her father’s house forth is she sped. The household follow, tears in every eye, Bewailing her ill-fortune as they go; But she from weeping kept her own eyes dry, Nor spake a word to those who murmur’d so. Her father heard the news awhile ago, And sore laments the day that he was born, To be a thing so helpless and forlorn. For ever without doubt the poor old man Distrusted heartily her altered rank; Believing inly since it first began, That when my lord had wearied of his prank, He would conceive it far beneath his rank To have a low-born wife, however good, And rid himself of her whene’er he could. Unto his daughter hastily he goes, (For by the noise of crowds he knew her nigh), And her old garb about her form he throws, And covers her, with tears and many a sigh, But could not draw it round her properly, For coarse and shrunk the cloth was--worse for age By many days, than at her marriage. Thus with her father for a certain space Did dwell this flower of wifely patience; And neither by her speech nor by her face, Before the folk, nor e’en in their absènce, Seem’d she to feel that she endured offence. As far as any living soul could see She had of her past state no memory. And after all it was scarce any wonder. For in her days of wealth her spirit had always been humble and meek. No dainty fare, no foolish pomp or luxury, no semblance of splendid rank, had she allowed herself; but, ever wise and humble and firm, when reverses came she was ready to bear them. Men speak of Job’s patience; but, though some praise women little enough, no man can be as patient as a woman can--no man be faithful as a woman can. PART VI. At last the Earl of Panik arrived, whose fame had been spreading among great and small. The people had all found out that he was bringing them a new marchioness, in such pomp and state, that never before had a like splendour been seen throughout West Lombardy. The marquis, who had arranged all these things, sent for this poor innocent Griselda; and she came with humble mind and joyful face, and no proud notions in her heart, and knelt before him and asked his will.