Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/251

 your will to distress me; for she has been softly fostered, and cannot undergo the trials of adversity like one who, in early life, had striven with poverty and rude labour.'

At length, when Walter found that her patient and untroubled spirit triumphed over every offence that could be offered to her, and that she remained firm in her innocence, and unshaken as a wall, his sturdy heart began to melt, in thinking of all her wifely steadfastness; and breaking forth into a passionate strain of admiration'— Enough! enough! my own Griselda,' said he, 'no longer shall you be terrified with violence and unkindness: I have tried your faith and benignity, as never woman was tried, both in high estate and in poverty. Now do I, indeed, know that you are truth itself.' And then he caught her in his arms, and kissed her very affectionately; while the gentle creature herself appeared like one suddenly aroused from sleep; she regarded not his caresses; she heard nothing of his speech; and when her senses had somewhat recovered, he said to her—'Griselda! by the great and good God, who suffered for our transgressions,