140 LITERATURE AND DRAMA 



despaired of hearing ; words for whose sake I could make you 

 welcome to a thousand thrones. 



Gris. What words, my lord ? 



Marq. Words that are far too precious, Grisyld, to be wasted 

 on the common ear. When we are alone you will smile to hear 

 how well I remember all you said. When you spoke of love 

 last night I heard passion in your voice, my wife. My doubt is 

 at an end. 



Gris. Wife ! my lord. I am not your wife. I saw the papal 

 bull, where it was plainly written that from that time forward I 

 should no longer be your wife. 



Marq. The bull was forged, Grisyld. Board, bed, and 

 throne, all are yours. 



Gris. Will nothing hold ? My lord, you promised that I 

 should be free. Will you keep your word ? If I am your wife, 

 I am not free. 



Marq. You shall be free. Henceforth I claim no obedience. 

 Have no fear. I will make no further trial of your love ; but 

 queen and wife you are, and queen and wife you must be. 



Gris. If I must, my lord 



Marq. What is this ? Friends, we have been somewhat 

 sudden. I pray you leave us for a little. The Queen needs 

 rest. Ladies, make you merry you shall be summoned to the 

 banquet presently. (Exeunt courtiers, servants, and soldiers 

 talking, C., K., and L.) Bring a chair and cushions, Roland ; 

 your mother faints. Filomene, wine ! 



Gris. I am not faint, my lord. 



Marq. Call me Walter, Grisyld. 



Gris. I must not. 



Marq. Nay, wife ; for you I was Walter long before you 

 knew me as a prince, and I will be Walter now. 



Gris. You are not he, my lord ; nor am I Grisyld. These 

 are not my baby children. All is changed, my good lord. 



Marq. We are not changed since last night, Grisyld. 



Gris. Are we not ? I do not feel as if we were the same. 

 Sir, I cannot be your wife. 



Tanc. Mother, mother ! 



Filo. She is right, Tancred ; he has sinned past forgiveness. 



Marq. Your words are wild, Grisyld. Last night you still 



