GRISELDA 103 



Gris. I need no help. You bring me pain. Father, may 

 I go? 



Gian. By no means, Grisyld. 



Tanc. Let your anger visit me hereafter for those faults 

 which my youthful inexperience has put upon me ; but in the 

 present moment grant me that faith which a loyal intention 

 merits. Believe me, lady, I come with true reverence to serve 

 you. 



Gris. Young sir, I believe you, but I need no service. Until 

 you came all was well with me. 



Tanc. Yet hear me. I left Saluce before dawn, and I have 

 spurred hard all day, for behind me I heard the rattle of horses' 

 hoofs. My purpose is to save you. If you will not listen, the 

 rude messengers who follow will bring death. 



Gris. Well, then, speak. 



Tanc. The Marquis of Saluce bribed the Pope to sanction the 

 divorce by which you were discrowned ; this you know. Now 

 he goes farther. He will marry again. The bride he has chosen 

 is a certain Lady Filomene, and already she is at his court. 



Gris. Is this all your news ? 



Tanc. You say no more ? 



Gris. What should I say ? 



Gian. Say ? say with me that such a marriage is impossible 

 and infamous. The Marquis was and is my daughter's husband, 

 and I say 



Gris. Father, words are useless. 



Tanc. I should not of my free will have played the messenger 

 merely to bring bad tidings. I have more to tell. 



Gris. More ? 



Tanc. A troop of horse sent by the Marquis follows me, and 

 will soon be here. Their sergeant brings a letter which summons 

 you to court. 



Gris. A letter from my lord ! How should you know what 

 he will write to me ? You are too busy. From his letter I shall 

 learn what my lord bids me do, and that I will do. You have 

 spent one welcome, sir ; your news may buy another from some 

 gossip. We will not traffic with you. 



Gian. Grisyld, Grisyld ! To my ear the news rings true. I 

 would fain have more of it. 



