GRISELDA 



129 



hell are all a mockery. Go back, Griselda, to the dust from 

 which you came.' But when the dawn brought light Satan 

 fled ; for God spoke to me, saying, ' Have I not these many 

 years nourished your body and your soul ? Have faith, faint not.' 

 Then strength came, and I could remember all my husband's 

 goodness. At sunrise he summoned me. 



Filo. What was his mood then ? 



Gris. He was gentle. ' Grisyld,' he said,' you are the best or 

 worst of women. If, as you say, you love me, conquer sorrow. 

 Let my people be your children. If you can find means to 

 make them happy, you shall not lack power.' I obeyed him. 



Filo. Yet he divorced you. Why ? 



Gris. His first doubt was his last. He thought I could not 

 love him. I fear that I grew wearisome ; but I know now I 

 have kept faith ; I love him still. 



Filo. He was cruel. 



Gris. He said there was no middle way for him and me: 

 He must have all my love or none. I should have all his power, 

 or no crust of bread from him. I think him right. 



Filo. And your children ? You learnt nothing more of them ? 



Gris. Nothing. 



Filo. Have you ever spoken of them ? 



Gris. First to you. 



Filo. Do you think them really dead ? 



Gris. Why do you ask me if I think them dead ? 



Filo. His words were strange, and not like the truth. 



Gris. Then I am not a fool. You you, the first who hear 

 the facts the very first you whose judgment is not warped 

 like mine, but clear, dispassionate you say they are not dead. 

 Now I am certain. Now I know they live. What can be more 

 sure ? He could not murder them. He, so good, so kind ; the 

 tender little ones ! How could he ? He loved them, and he 

 loved me too, their mother, once. It is impossible that he 

 could murder them ; and I know they are not dead. They 

 would have come for me, and I have never seen them once 

 not in a dream. Say it again ; say they live say it ! Will 

 you not speak ? 



Filo. I cannot believe they live. 



Gris. What can you believe ? You can believe any folly. 



VOL. I. K 



