16. Of her state after her mother's death, and her pity for the poor

After the death of her mother, the virgin, mindful of her mother's love, to pay the debt of filial affection, did not bury the talent entrusted to her in the earth; but the few silver ornaments, and all the other household utensils left by her mother for her use because of her pressing need, she sold at a low price ; and the sum gained thereby, she so generously distributed to the poor, that in consoling the wretched she was ST. LYDWINE of SCHIEDAM brought to the utmost poverty. Those things also which she received from the faithful in alms, she passed on so cheer fully to the poor, as if she seemed to have no thought at all of temporal things. Thence from the money she had and from what was given for her needs, she sent to divers poor persons bread, meat, dried fish, and cheeses, and a measure of beer with a jug which her loving mother had left her ; and if God bestowed anything further upon her, she faithfully gave it away. And while she sent these things by her attendants, in the meantime she gave herself to the leisure of devout prayers, rendering thanks to the giver of all good things, who had granted her something for the use of the poor.