and my thrall and have his tribulations therewithal Upon his flesh, the while I am his wife, I have the power during all my life over his own good body, and not he" (315).
             The Clerk. The Noble Walter enjoyed his freedom as a bachelor, but his people implored him to wed and beget an heir. He agreed as long as the choice of a wife was entirely his. He choose Griselda the daughter of Janicula a poor farmer. Before he takes Griselda for his wife, he says to her, "I say this: Are you ready with good heart to grant my wish, and that I freely may, As I shall think best, make you laugh or smart, and you to grumble never, night or day? And too, when I say "yea" you say not "nay" By word or frown to what I have designed. Swear this, and here I will our contract bind" (384). Griselda responded, "My lord, unsuited, unworthy Am I to take the honor you give me here; But what you'd have, that very thing would I. And here I swear that never willingly, In deed or thought, will I you disobey, To save my life, and I love life, I say" (384).
             Two years into the marriage Griselda bears a daughter. To test her obedience
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