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.