Canda

In the past, I was poor
I was a widow, having no children
Without relatives and friends
I did not get food or clothing

Having taken bowl and stick
I beg from families to families
Being burnt by cold and hot weather
I went here and there for seven years

Then seeing a nun
obtaining food & drink
I approached her & said:
"Let me go forth into homelessness."

She, Patacara, from sympathy
let me go forth
then, exhorting me
urged me on to the highest goal

Hearing her words
I did her bidding
Her exhortation was not in vain

I'm a three-knowledge woman,
fermentation-free.

- from Therigatha, Verses of Elder Nuns, a collection of earliest arahant nuns struggles and achievement.