Rebbi and the Widow

After Rebbi Elazar died, Rebbi Yehudah HaNassi wished to marry his widow. She refused, saying, "May a vessel that was used by a holy one be used by an ordinary one?"

Rebbi responded, "Allowing that he was greater than I in Torah, but was he superior to me in good deeds?" She answered, "I do not know if he was greater than you in Torah, but in deeds I do know, for he accepted suffering on himself."