There were once upon a time two sisters, one of whom had no
children and was rich, and the other had five and was a
widow, and so poor that she no longer had food enough to satisfy
herself and her children. In her need, therefore, she went to
her sister, and said, my children and I are suffering the greatest
hunger. You are rich, give me a mouthful of bread. The very
rich sister was as hard as a stone, and said, I myself have nothing
in the house, and drove away the poor creature with harsh words.
After some time the husband of the rich sister came home, and was
just going to cut himself a piece of bread, but when he made the
first cut into the loaf, out flowed red blood. When the woman
saw that she was terrified and told him what had occurred. He
hurried away to help the widow and her children, but when he
entered her room, he found her praying. She had her two youngest
children in her arms, and the three eldest were lying dead. He
offered her food, but she answered, for earthly food have we no
longer any desire. God has already satisfied the hunger of three
of us, and he will hearken to our supplications likewise.
Scarcely had she uttered these words than the two little ones
drew their last breath, whereupon her heart broke, and she sank
down dead.