Change the narrative style by using indirect speeches :

"Why are your children crying, my daughter?" "They have been starving," said the woman. "Have you none else in the world?" "My husband died some months ago. He left them neither money nor any property. So, they are in great distress. They have to starve sometimes." "What a pity it is!" said the Caliph.

Addressing the woman as his daughter the Caliph asked why her children were crying. The woman replied that they had been starving. The Caliph again asked if she had none else in the world. The woman replied that her husband had died some months ago. She added that he (h) had left them neither money nor any property. So, they were in great distress. She also said that they had to starve sometimes. The Caliph exclaimed with sorrow that it was a great pity.