17. Let us therefore set before our eyes three widows, each having one of the things, the whole of which were in her: let us suppose one who had had one husband, in whose case is wanting both so great length of widowhood, in that she hath lived long with her husband, and so great zeal of piety, in that she doth not so serve with fasts and prayers: a second, who after the very short life of her former husband, had quickly lost a second also, and is now long time a widow, but yet herself also doth not so set herself to the most religious service of fasts and prayers: a third, who not only hath had two husbands, but also hath lived long with each of them singly, or with one of them, and being left a widow at a later period of life, wherein indeed, in case she had wished to marry, she might also conceive sons, hath taken upon her widowed continence; but is more intent on God, more careful to do always the things that please Him, day and night, like Anna, serving by prayers and fasts. If a question be raised, which of these is to be preferred in deserts, who but must see that in this contest the palm must be given to the greater and, more glowing piety? So also if three others be set, in each of whom are two of those three, but one of the three in each wanting, who can doubt that they will be the better, who shall have in a more excellent manner in their two goods pious humility, in order that there may be lofty piety?

CAPUT XIV.

17. Comparatio alia inter triplices viduas. Julianae viduae tria exoptat quae Annae fuerunt bona. Constituamus igitur ante oculos nostros viduas tres, habentes singula eorum quae huic inerant omnia: unam ponamus univiram, cui desit et tanta prolixitas viduitatis, quod diu cum marito vixerit, et tantum studium pietatis, quod non ita jejuniis et obsecrationibus serviat: alteram, quae post prioris mariti brevissimam vitam, etiam secundum cito amiserit, et diuturna aetate sit vidua, sed etiam ipsa non tantam det operam jejuniorum et obsecrationum religiosissimae servituti: tertiam, quae non solum duos viros habuerit, sed etiam cum ambobus singillatim, vel 0441 cum aliquo eorum diutius vixerit, et posteriore aetate viduata, in qua quidem si nubere voluisset, posset et filios procreare, susceperit continentiam vidualem; sed plus intenta in Deum, plus sit sollicita quae illi placeant actitare, die ac nocte sicut Anna jejuniis et obsecrationibus serviens. Si contendatur quaenam istarum sit meritis potior, quis non videat in hoc certamine palmam dandam esse majori ferventiorique pietati? Ita et si tres aliae constituantur, quibus illorum trium bina insint, singula desint; quis dubitet eas meliores fore, quibus praepollentius fuerit in suis bonis duobus pia humilitas, ut alta sit pietas?