Letter XIX. To a Friend

He complains of not being able to give himself to study.

12th September j 1613.

Sir, — I regret that you and Monsieur de N. are at Paris for so troublesome an occasion; but since there is no help, it behoves that you soften the pain by patience.

And as for me I am in a continual turmoil which the variety of the affairs of this diocese unceasingly produces, without a single day in which I can look at my poor books which I so loved once, and which I no longer dare to love now, for fear that the divorce

Letters of the Saint abotd himself. 453 from them into which I have fallen might become more cruel and afflicting.

We have a little country where, just lately, has been re-established the power of the church by the king's authority, and according to the Edict of Nantes; but this restoration occupies me more in disputing with the ministers for the temporal goods of the church which they keep from us, than in persuading them or the people of the truth of the spiritual goods to which they should aspire; for it is a marvel how these serpents stop their ears not to hear the voice of the charmers,* how wisely and holily soever they charm.

There are there a sufficient number of very good pastors, and of good Capuchin Fathers, who not being heard by men are seen by God. He, without doubt, is quite contented with their present barrenness, which he will reward afterwards with a plentiful harvest, and if they sow in tears they shall reap in joy.f I have occupied you quite enough, sir, for the renewal of our intercourse, which I intend, God helping, to continue, and I intend not to cease recalling to your mind that I am invariably, sir, your, &c.

• Ps. lvii. 5. f Ps. cxxv. 5.