When the duke and his company arrived in the village she was just returning from the well, thinking that if she could finish her work in time she would go to see this royal wedding.  Great was her surprise, therefore, to see the procession stop and the duke dismount near her home.  Still greater was her amazement when she heard him call her by name.  In haste she set down her pitcher in the ox-stall and ran towards him, then knelt to receive his commands.  The duke’s voice was gentle, “Where is your father, Griselda?” he asked.  “Lord,” she said, “he is within,” and at once led the duke to Janicula.  He took the trembling old man by the hand and said, “Be not surprised at my visit.  To-day I must marry, and have come here to find my bride.  Often when hunting I have seen and admired your daughter, Griselda, and now I would take her as my wife to live with her to my life’s end.  Do you consent to this, my man?  Tell me:  will you take me for your son-in-law?” The old man grew red with excitement, and trembled so that he could hardly speak.  “Indeed, my dear lord, I wish only what is pleasing to you.  In nothing would I oppose you.”  “Then call Griselda,” said the duke, “for I would talk with her here in your presence.”  So, while all the court and the villagers wondered and gossiped outside, the duke told Griselda of his plan, and asked her these questions.

“Will you,” he said, “always obey me in everything?  Will you promise to accept readily all I desire for you?  Whether I hurt you or please you, make you cry or laugh, will you always keep steadfast your love and reverence for me?  Promise me this, and we will wed at once!”

Griselda answered, “All unworthy, my lord, am I, that this honour should be done me.  Willingly I promise to bear all things.  Let your treatment be kind or cruel, my reverence and obedience will not change.”

Then Duke Walter took Griselda by the hand and led her to the door of the cottage.  There he called to the people and said, “This is my wife.  Honour and worship her according to your word!” Then fine court ladies waited on Griselda, took off all her old ragged clothes, and dressed her in lovely garments which the duke had prepared for her.  They combed her hair, and placed a shining crown upon her head, so that when she again appeared before the people they hardly knew her, she had become so radiantly fair.  Her husband then set her upon a white horse, and with great rejoicing the procession rode back to the palace.

The duke and Griselda lived in great happiness.  Griselda behaved so beautifully that men would not believe that she had been reared in a poor cottage.  Everyone loved her for her gentleness and justice, and even folk in far lands heard of her goodness and came to see her and talk with her.  She could even handle state affairs, and many times by her tact brought men to peace and prevented war.  When her husband was away, she ruled the land wisely in his stead.