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For Children Saints in Action Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231) Elizabeth and her husband, Louis, were a royal couple who reigned in an area that is now Germany. They were the parents of three children. Queen Elizabeth took care of the sick, poor, and hungry. While on Crusade, Louis died of the plague. Then his brother, Henry, turned against Elizabeth. She and her children were forced to flee for their lives. Here's a story about her fearful times. SEARCHING FOR SHELTER "What a time this has been for our dear Elizabeth!" old Isentrude said to Guda. The two faithful servants were busy packing a few things. Duke Henry had accused Elizabeth of ruining the country by spending too much money on the poor. She and her children were being forced to leave. Isentrude and Guda would be allowed to go with them. The cold winter wind whipped snow around the little group as they left the castle. "We will find shelter at the hospital," Elizabeth said bravely as they headed down the steep hill. When she had been queen, Elizabeth had spent many days at the hospital, which her money had built. She had fed the sick and made their beds. But the nun who answered the door looked sad. "I'm sorry, my lady," she said. "We have orders from the king not to let you in." "I understand," Elizabeth assured her. "You are right. You must think of the sick and poor who depend on you." "Don't worry, dear," said Isentrude. "You have been so kind to the people of the village. They will not forget. All doors will be opened to you." But all the doors were locked, except the tavern. Its owner knew of Elizabeth's kindness and offered her what little help he could. "I'm not afraid of the king. But I don't have much to offer. You can stay in the hut out back. It's a storage shed where I keep the pigs in the winter. You can sleep there tonight." "Thank you, Gustav," Elizabeth said. "You are kind." Handing the baby to Guda, Elizabeth took little Sophia by the hand. "Come along," she said. "Everything will be fine now. God is watching over us."
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