132 LITERATURE AND DRAMA 



Wait a few hours, Filomene, in this poor world, which you may 

 then find worth endurance. If not, at nightfall you shall have 

 your choice of poisons. Grisyld, be of good cheer. I heard your 

 story. If you could have spoken so long since, the world would 

 have been the poorer by a tale. Obey me once more ; serve at 

 our festival. Let your dress be rich to suit the day. Look 

 cheerfully. Order the house ; set the tables ; usher in the 

 guests. This service done, you shall be free if a woman can 

 be free. Will you do this ? 



Gris. My lord, right cheerfully. 



ACT III. 



SCENE. Bariqueting-room in the palace of the Marquis of Solace. 

 Dais and table at the back of the stage. Two thrones behind 

 this table. Door centre, with curtains. Side tables on a lower 

 level right and left. Banquet partly set. GRISELDA and two 

 servants discovered ; two soldiers on guard R. and L. 



Gris. Barnaby, these seats must not stand here. Place them 

 behind the tables. 



Bar. There will be no room for us to pass. 



Gris. Nay, my friend, I knew this house of old, before you 

 came here. There will be room. 



Bar. Old ways are not new fashions. We were told to put 

 them where they stand by John, our majordomo ; and when 

 John bids, John's men had best do bis bidding. 



Gris. I will answer him for you. These chairs must be 

 moved. 



Richard. We had best do it ; I heard the Marquis say she 

 was to order this feast, and the Marquis is a bigger man than 

 John, though John thinks not. 



Bar. I fear John his little finger more than the Marquis his 

 whole hand. The Marquis never heeds poor knaves like us ; but 

 I'll do her will, if thou'lt bear me out. Look you, mistress, 

 you must answer it to John. (Removes chairs to back of tables.) 



Gris. You shall take no harm. 



Bar. Here John comes ; now see to it. 



