XXV. The Constitution of Lebbaeus, Who Was Surnamed Thaddaeus, Concerning Widows.

And I Lebbaeus,¹ surnamed Thaddaeus, make this constitution in regard to widows: A widow is not ordained; yet if she has lost her husband a great while, and has lived soberly and unblameably, and has taken extraordinary care of her family, as Judith² and Anna³ --those women of great reputation--let her be chosen into the order of widows. But if she has lately lost her yokefellow, let her not be believed, but let her youth be judged of by the time; for the affections do sometimes grow aged with men, if they be not restrained by a better bridle.