Script
Narrator: The Marquis of Saluzzo, Gualtieri gave no thought in marrying. He would rather
dawdle over sports and hunting; His peers however, fear that he won’t be able to produce an
heir, pressuring him into marriage.
Gualtieri: Matrimony is nothing but a waste of time
Peers: It’s about time you ask someone’s hand in marriage, before the years start catching up
to us!
Gualtieri: Well, to ease your worries, I have chosen to court Griselda, a woman from a
neighboring village.
Narrator: Gualtieri resolved to court a beautiful, but poor young woman from a neighbouring
village named Griselda. Griselda’s family is of a lower status, giving Guilatiery the power to spite
those who had so urgently insisted that he marry, and her beauty, he thought, would make living
with her at least bearable.
change scene
Gualtieri: My dear Griselda, I have been looking for the best way to say this, but will you
accept my heart’s intention of marrying you, would you accept me as your husband, to love,
honour, and obey, for better or for worse, and to never criticise nor question.
Narrator: Griselda breath taken from Gualtieri’s confession readily answered,
Griselda: Yes, I do. I promise to love, honour, and obey you for better or for worse, and never
criticise nor question your authority
[change scene]
Narrator: No time was wasted, a wedding was well on its way, but Gualtieri’s reluctancy didn’t
stop him from plotting something mischievous.
Narrator: Griselda appeared to be a worthy addition to Gualtieri's noble household, but the
marquis, unsure of the depth of her character, decided to test her loyalty and her patience.
Thus, soon after the birth of their first child -- it was a beautiful girl -- he informed her that his
subjects were unhappy with the child and that it was to be put to death.
Gualtieri: That baby will bring nothing but misfortune, even my peers are unhappy about it, I
say we put it to death !
Narrator: Without hesitation she acceded to her husband's demands and surrendered the child.
Griselda: As you please my love; Here take the child, if this will ease your anger and bring joy
to you and your peers, then I myself agree with your decision.
Narrator: After giving up the child, Gualtieri had the baby sent somewhere far in secret, where
the baby was well taken care of.
[change scene]
Narrator: Some time later Griselda gave birth to a son, and her husband, intent on carrying his
test still further, berated her and insisted that her child be put to death.
Gualtieri: That baby will bring nothing but misfortune, my peers are still very unhappy about it, I
say we put that baby to death as well!
Narrator: Griselda again yielded to his demands without complaint
Griselda: As you please my love; Here take the child, may your will be done.
Narrator: and as before, he took the child to a secret place where he was well cared for.
[change scene]
Narrator: Still unsatisfied, Gualtieri devised a final test. He publicly denounced Griselda,
claiming that the pope had granted him dispensation to divorce her and to take a more
deserving wife.
Gualtieri: I was granted by the Pope to remarry and have a more deserving wife, and by that I
will strip you of the honour of being my wife, and send you back to your father.
Griselda: If this is your wish, then I shall grant it wholeheartedly.
Narrator: Griselda, wearing only a shift, was sent back to her father. All these indignities she
bore without complaint.
[change scene]
Narrator: As the day approached when Gualtieri, as it was supposed, was to take a new bride,
he asked Griselda to return to his palace, for no one knew better how to prepare for guests than
she did. Griselda returned to her former residence, now as a cleaning woman and servant, to
make preparations for her former husband's wedding.
Gualtieri: I am pleased that you were able to attend and assist in the preparations for my
wedding.
Griselda: Need not be thankful for it is my pleasure
[change scene]
Narrator: Gualtieri had his and Griselda's daughter, who was now twelve years old, dressed in
bridal clothes, and he presented her to Griselda, who could not have known that this was her
own child.
Gualtieri: What do you think of my new bride?
Narrator: Griselda replied without guile,
Griselda: If her wisdom matches her beauty, then the two of you will be very happy together.
Gualtieri: I’m glad to say that you have proven yourself time and time again that you are worthy
of being my wife
[change scene]
Narrator: At last recognizing Griselda's sincerity, faithfulness, and patience, Gualtieri revealed
to her the trials that he had devised to test her loyalty. With tears of joy, she received her
children and once again assumed her position as Gualtieri's ever patient and obedient wife.
