e would, they would hold
her for lady and mistress and honour her as such in all things; after
which they all addressed themselves to hold fair and high and glad
festival and on like wise did Gualtieri, who let make ready very great
and goodly nuptials and bade thereto many his friends and kinsfolk and
great gentlemen and others of the neighbourhood. Moreover, he let cut
and fashion store of rich and goodly apparel, after the measure of a
damsel who seemed to him like of her person to the young woman he was
purposed to marry, and provided also rings and girdles and a rich and
goodly crown and all that behoveth unto a bride.

The day come that he had appointed for the nuptials, Gualtieri towards
half tierce mounted to horse, he and all those who were come to do him
honour, and having ordered everything needful. 'Gentlemen,' quoth he,
'it is time to go fetch the bride.' Then, setting out with all his
company, he rode to the village and betaking himself to the house of
the girl's father, found her returning in great haste with water from
the spring, so she might after go with other women to see Gualtieri's
bride come. When the marquess saw her, he called her by name, to wit,
Griselda, and asked her where her father was; to which she answered
bashfully, 'My lord, he is within the house.' Thereupon Gualtieri
dismounted and bidding all await him, entered the poor house alone,
where he found her father, whose name was Giannucolo, and said to him,
'I am come to marry Griselda, but first I would fain know of her
somewhat in thy presence.' Accordingly, he asked her if, an he took
her to wife, she would still study to please him, nor take umbrage at
aught that he should do or say, and if she would be obedient, and many
other like things, to all of which she answered ay; whereupon
Gualtieri, taking her by the hand, led her forth and in the presence
of all his company and of every one else, let strip her naked. Then,
sending for the garments which he had let make, he caused forthright
clothe and shoe her and would have her set the crown on her hair, all
tumbled as it was; after which, all marvelling at this, he said,
'Gentlemen, this is she who I purpose shall be my wife, an she will
have me to husband.' Then, turning to her, where she stood, all
shamefast and confounded, he said to her, 'Griselda, wilt thou have me
to thy husband?' To which she answered, 'Ay, my lord.' Quoth he, 'And
I will have thee to my wife'; and espoused her i