138 LITERATURE AND DRAMA 



already. Griselda, I heard you say that you thought your chil- 

 dren were not dead. 



Gris. Oh, sire, have mercy on me ! 



Marq. Other children might be born to me, and if the first 

 two be alive, they have rights to the succession in our marqui- 

 sate. What proof is there that the children died ? Which 

 among you ever met a man who had even heard another say that 

 he had seen those children lying dead ? But, if he be not dead, 

 most certainly Count Roland is our heir. 



Gris. If he lives he can resign his claim. You said I should be 

 happy. I believed you, though they all thought you mocked me. 



Marq. The blindness of this fair assembly far surpasses all 

 my expectation. Would a son like Tancred here content you ? 



Gris. Is he my son ? 



Marq. Come here, young man. (TANCRED joins MARQUIS ami 

 GRISELDA in centre.) If you had your choice of mothers would 

 you take this lady ? 



Tanc. Griselda my mother ! 



Gris. Sir, my strength fails. I cannot hear. What was 

 that you said ? Will you not speak clearly ? Pray speak loud. 



Marq. Count Roland of Saluce, kneel down before your 

 mother. 



Gris. Ah ! and Dora ? She is Lady Filomene. 



Marq. Even so. 



[The courtiers have all risen. FILOMENE runs and kneels 

 before GRISELDA, who stares at her children. 



Gris. True, you might be Roland ; you are what he would 

 have been. I could not wish more wish I wish I could see 

 my little boy again. You must not be angry. I will be happy. 

 I cannot yet ; but I see happiness shooting towards me from 

 heaven's gate. God's angel brings me a new heart. Gentlemen, 

 there is no doubt that this is true ; you all know it. Why 

 should he deceive you in a matter of such great moment ? 

 That is Dora. I know her eyes well. Are you glad I am your 

 mother, Dora ? Will you kiss me ? 



[FILOMENE rises to receive the kiss. GRISELDA takes her head 

 in her hands, kisses her slowly, plays with the head, 

 looking earnestly in her eyes, then, as the hair is dis- 

 arranged, cries suddenly. 



