GRISELDA 145 



children not even my people's love. If I were to stay, I 

 should be alone and a tyrant. Let this be my praise, that 

 I could be just, even to myself. Roland, call our friends 

 back. They will say that my last news betters all I told 

 before. 



Gris. My lord, my lord, I will not stay an hour in this 

 palace if you leave. I have sinned. You drive home the 

 knowledge as if it were a sword. 



Marq. You have not sinned, Grisyld. We have been like 

 two ships drifting in the dark. We clashed and are sorely 

 shattered ; but the light has come, and we will hurt each other 

 no more. Leaving you upon the throne, I can face my remnant 

 of this life gladly. 



Gris. Sir, can you still love me, now that you know the 

 truth ? 



Mirq, Ay, Grisyld, we will love each other from far off. 

 I feel older since an hour wiser too perhaps. You said well, 

 we loved with a difference ; your love shamed mine, and I am 

 your convert. 



Gris I fear that now you do not love me. Long since I 

 used sometimes to ask that question. You answered differently. 



Marq. Grisyld, you are cruel ! 



Gris. Am I ? Husband ! Walter ! I will be your wife. 



Marq, I feared that offer. Would you have me find my joy 

 in your pain, Grisyld ? Be just to me. 



Gris. You are very blind. Sir, in other matters you are 

 shrewd ; clear-witted, and experienced ; but in love I think you 

 are a greater novice than myself. You need have no fear. 

 Your joy never shall be my pain. I wonder if I ever shall feel 

 pain. Oh, I will be true ! I will not unspeak one word I 

 spoke. I do not wish one word unspoken ; but when we next 

 stand before the picture in our room, you shall hear me say, < O 

 Lady Venus, I have told all the truth, and your spell is broken ; 

 you and your boy, you are shadows of false love : it was you 

 who lied. I have living children, and I can love ; I love my 

 husband.' 



Marq. Grisyld, Grisyld, is this true? 



Gri$. Walter, you were not wont to be so cold when I made 

 you welcome. (Holds out both hands.) 



VOL. I. L 



