Part III: While his daughter is still an infant, the king resolves to banish any doubt about his wife’s loyalty. He tells her that one of his courtiers will soon come for the child, and he expresses the hope that taking the child from her will in no way change her love for him. She says that it will not. The king’s agent arrives and takes the child. Griselda does not utter one word that would indicate her objections.
Part IV: Four years pass, and Griselda bears a son. Walter again decides to test his wife’s patience and fidelity by telling her that she must give up her son, now two years old. Again, Griselda takes the news patiently and accepts her husband’s decision. When Walter’s daughter is twelve and his son “a little lad of seven,” he decides to put Griselda to one final test. He has a Papal Bull forged, declaring himself free of Griselda and giving him permission to marry another woman. Then he orders his sister, with whom the children have been placed, to bring his daughter and son home. Plans are then set in motion for another wedding.
Part V: Walter calls Griselda before him, shows her the counterfeit Papal permission, and tells her of his intent to marry again. Griselda accepts the news with a sad heart. Once again, with great patience and humility, she says that she will abide by her husband’s decision and return to her father’s house. She then returns to her father, who receives her with sadness.
