How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Page)
Quote #7
Then they asked her confessor if he understood what she had said, and he straightaway in Latin told them the same words that she said before in English, for he could neither speak English nor understand English except from her tongue.
Kempe suffers from the contempt of her travel companions in Rome. This time, they rat her out to an English priest because she's confessing to another priest who doesn't usually understand English. But the English priest sympathizes with Kempe and soon finds out that a miracle has occurred that allows the Kempe and the other priest to understand each other. It's a rare moment when Kempe triumphs absolutely over her detractors.
Quote #8
And so, as she went along with the said men, she told them good stories, until one of the Duke's men who had arrested her said to her, "I rather regret that I met with you, for it seems to me that you speak very good words." (I.53.168)
Kempe is arrested for heresy and manages to charm her guards with good words. It's ironic that her gift of gab either wins her vehement enemies or devoted friends—nothing in between. Her good speech will also win her favor with the Bishop of Lincoln and many others in positions of ecclesiastical power. This is how Kempe escapes being burned at the stake for heresy.
Quote #9
Then for her forwardness and unbelief, our Lord withdrew from her all good thoughts and all good recollections of holy speeches and conversation, and the high contemplation which she had been used to before, and allowed her to have as many evil thoughts as she previously had good thoughts. (I.59.183)
Note that an important part of Kempe's spiritual life has to do with speaking and with verbal communication. It's probable that Kempe relies on these forms of communication because she is illiterate. She can't inform her mind or communicate with others by reading or writing, so it's crucial for her development to keep the words flowing. Anything else is torment.