Letter XII. To Fathers Broet and Salmerón

IHS

On leaving Rome, presuming you will start without delay, as there are some inaccuracies in the Bulls, you should communicate the matter to the most Rev. Cardinal of England, to whom you will present my respects, and then leave all in his hands, both the meaning to be attached to the words, and the business itself. Afterwards you may take your departure. If the Cardinal is of opinion that you ought to see the Pope, you will get letters of introduction from him to the Pope and the Cardinal di Santa Croce, or at least to the said Cardinal, to whom you will in my name recommend the matter in hand. If the English Cardinal deems it inadvisable to see the Pope, at least secure from him testimonials as a warrant for your commission in Ireland, the production of which to the Irish people will convince them of the sincerity of your work, and of the intention of His Holiness, if only they will take notice of the document in your hands. In case you yourselves are decided that it is well to see the Pope, ask the Cardinal for letters of introduction.

On the journey the following agreement is to be

5i observed by all four: We N.N. promise and pledge our word that we will be faithful to one another, and will not disclose to any person whatsoever the purpose of this mission to Ireland, unless compelled thereto by reasons of justice. Nor will we reveal anything that to all of us, or to the greater number, shall seem inexpedient: except to Jerome Domenech and Francis Strada, to whom in Paris we will explain our business, that is, the commission entrusted to us. — To this each will append his name.

In Paris it will be well not to lodge in the University, but in the city, and if possible not to visit the colleges unless they are in vacation; and to go on foot with a companion. You must see Domenech and Strada in private and explain to them your business that they may further it; then on the day on which you decide to leave, call together all the members of the Society, or as many as you think fit, and converse with them in your apartment, providing a repast or supper for them; and tell them under secrecy of your journey from Paris to Scotland. You may communicate the matter also to Picard 23 if you think it well to do so. You might also consider whether it is worth while or not to ask the King 24 of France to favour you with a passport to the Scottish ports, as is the custom in England: but be prudent and adopt in all things the safest course, if there is any fear of being discovered, or any similar danger.

In Paris it will conduce more to edification to give away than to make show of any necessity great or small.

In dress you will be both alike in all that appears without.

After giving notice of your intention of embarking, it will be well to select and agree upon a spot some six or seven miles out of the way, and to stay there, "instead of going at once near to the port, appointing some French or Spanish companion or other trusty person to watch at the port till the ship is ready to set sail. Then with such supply of provisions as you may need, you may all three embark.

On arriving in Scotland, in your audience with the King, 26 it will be well to ask for a letter of recommendation to take to the Irish, in order that you may have a good reception; and until you receive his answer you should remain in the Court. Also you yourselves as Papal legates should write a letter to Ireland, letting the King in his letter announce this your title,, thus securing more authority and closer co-operation with him. For the rest act as you think best.

While awaiting the King’s answer be very assiduous in hearing confessions, giving the Exercises and other exhortations; and Master Salmeron should as soon as possible deliver a sermon in Latin, which must be thoroughly prepared.

It will be well to inform the King of Scotland of your plan of action; especially of your way of journeying, and of your not accepting anything for yourselves. But if any alms are offered, request him to give them to some trusty person to be distributed impartially among the poor in the hospi- tailor upon other good works, according as it shall be considered to be most to the service and glory, of God Our Lord.

On leaving Scotland, supposing things have so far proceeded favourably in Our Lord, you should solicit from the King the favour that some discreet person be appointed to receive all the letters you write from Ireland to be forwarded to Paris and Rome, and similarly all letters from Paris and Rome to be forwarded to you. And let him pay the cost of postage. Also enquire carefully in Scotland of the bankers who have correspondence with Paris as to other means of transmitting your letters.

As regards payment great or small for board and lodging, you must be guided on the journey by Master Francis, 26 that God Our Lord may in him and through him be your help.

As to embarking at this port or that, at this time or that, spending this sum of money or that, speaking to this person or that, in these and other matters pertaining to the office of legates, you will decide among the three of you by plurality of votes; and in all other matters in which the enemy may endeavour to sow discord, decide by this plurality.

In speaking with princes and other persons of rank, and in seeking recognition from them as papal legates, let Paschase act as spokesman; and then, if any further step is to be taken, decide by plurality.

On your journey you will write to me with great exactness and frequently, stating from what place you are setting out, from the English Cardinal’s, from the place where you have seen the Pope, from Lyons; from Paris; from what port you have set sail, etc. In the same way write from Scotland and Ireland. Afterwards, on the first of every month, or two or three days before, you will inform me of your whereabouts, but with great caution and disguise.

The first time you write put upon a separate sheet all that is intended for the Cardinals of England., Brindez, Santa Croce, and Carpi, so that we may copy it and show it to their Eminences, and to those we may think it good to see it; also, if it is not too much trouble, you might write to them direct. The letters you write to them you may seal and send separately, enclosing copies of the same in the budgets addressed to us. In matters of special interest you might tell them what occurred ad majorem aedificationem *

Other news you might tell without any sermonizing, taking account of the fact that the letter will be shown to shrewd persons who look for substantial work done, not for wordy reports of meagre results, so long as the subject does not call for lengthy explanations. — About other matters you will write on separate sheets.

The letter with edifying news should be placed above the sealed packets, and then all are to be enclosed' within one cover, addressed to Master Jerome in Paris, so that he may read the letter of news only, and then forward it with the packets to me. You can write to me by three routes, by Portu-

• “For greater edification.”

OF ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA SS gal, under care of the King’s preacher 27; by Biscay and the Lord of Loyola at Aspeitia, which is in the province of Guipuzcoa; by Scotland — and this latter would seem to be the most convenient.

Be careful about the Masses for Cardinal Guidiccioni, 28 and let me know when you write how many you have said.

Being charged with the responsibility that you bear, when you arrive in a city or town where you may have to lodge, take your meals and rest as soon as you arrive, on that day, and the next, or after your reception as legates. If any money be over from that which has been given to you, give part of it to the poor, and put aside part for clothing and shoes necessary in a cold and changeful climate; then for a day or more go about from door to door asking alms for the love of Our Lord, if Our Lord shall give the opportunity. This is intended for the two legates; Master Francis may act as his devotion and love of Our Lord shall prompt him.

Do not possess a mule or a horse; and try to secure the service of some Spaniard or Frenchman who knows the language of the country. In board and lodging always aim at a fitting simplicity. In travelling, make use of half or a third, more or less, as shall seem to you convenient, of the ordinary expenses; and never have money in your hands or keeping, but the sums given to you for travelling commit to the hands and keeping of some reliable good people of the place, that they may distribute a due portion impartially to the poor, or devote it to pious objects, as seems best for God’s service.

Moreover, in case these same reliable persons wish you to keep the money or part of it for your maintenance, be careful not to handle it, or have it in your keeping, but rather as necessity compels you go about begging from door to door for the love of God, wherever any are willing to bestow charity upon you for God’s love and reverence. Let them and others provide for you as they think best for the service of God.

Item. If people object to your putting what they give you into the keeping of another who is not a member of the Society, wishing you to keep an account of what you spend, then show that the Society lives on alms, and has no account to keep, except where begging from door to doof is not possible; gratis accepistis, gratis date.* 9