To an objection that the state of widowhood might indeed
be endurable if circumstances were pleasant, St. Ambrose replies that
pleasant surroundings are more dangerous than even trouble; and goes to
show by examples taken from holy Scripture, that widows may find much
happiness in their children and their sons-in-law. They should
have recourse to the Apostles, who are able to help us, and should
entreat for the intercessions of angels and martyrs. He touches
then on certain complaints respecting loneliness, and care of property,
and ends by pointing out the unseemliness of a widow marrying who has
daughters either married already or of marriageable age.