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; thou art 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.