102 LITERATURE AND DRAMA 



Oris. Ah ! you have soon forgot my angelic patience. 

 Gian. No whit, Grisyld. You are obstinately patient. (A 

 knock is heard at the door.) Come in. 



TANCRED comes in hastily, c, looks round, and sees GRISELDA. 



Tanc. Lady, if your name be Griselda, as the fairness of 

 your presence teaches me to believe, honour me, I pray you, 

 with your quick attention, and pardon the absence of that full 

 courtesy which your worth deserves, but which danger, both 

 rude and imminent, forbids. 



Gris. In this house, sir, courtesy is chiefly due to my father. 

 He will, no doubt, give you such aid as his power allows and your 

 need may justify. 



Tanc. Old sir, I crave your pardon for that which seemed 

 discourtesy, but which was truly haste to do you service. I ask 

 no help, but bring your daughter a warning and the means of 

 safety. Have I your leave to speak with her ? 



Gian. A humble house can give a hearty welcome. Pray be 

 seated, sir. I see that you are hot, and, as I think, tired. 

 Before telling us your story, you might relish a cup of our thin 

 country wine. 



Tanc. Sir, present delay is dangerous, even that which lets 

 me thank you for your kind welcome. I beseech you, give me 

 leave to tell your daughter my errand. 



Gian. Nay speak your speech is fair, and I will stay no 

 man's speech so long as he speaks fair. Your court language 

 will tickle my daughter's ear. She has been used to it. I like 

 it too. You are noble, sir ? 



Tanc. Truly I know not. At daybreak, lady, I took the 

 best horse owned by the Marquis of Saluce 



Gris. You come from him ? 



Tanc. Although I bring no message from your husband, 

 noble lady 



Gris. I have no husband, sir. I am a peasant woman. 



Tanc. For me you are still a queen. The decree by which 

 the marquis put you from him weighs no more with me than 

 so much paper. 



Gris. Such paper can do much. Who are you, sir ? 



Tanc. One who brings you news and help. 



