Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/247

 but was full of patient kindness; discreet and honourable; and meek and constant to her husband. Our writers have praised Job above all men for his humility; but though they have said little in behalf of women for the steadiness of their truth, no man can acquit himself in humility like a woman; or show half a woman's constancy.

The Count di Panico having set out from Bologna, the report was spread abroad that he was bringing with him a new Marchioness in such pomp and splendour as had never been seen before in all West Lombardy. Before the arrival of the Count, the Marquis sent for poor Griselda; who, with that never-failing cheerfulness of countenance which sprang from the excess of her love, and because she should again see his face, and not from any swollen, selfish thought of a favourable change in her condition, instantly obeyed his summons, and on her knees greeted him with reverence and discretion.

'Griselda,' said he, 'it is my will and pleasure that the lady, whom I am about to marry, should be received to-morrow at my palace