Letter XII. To a Lady, the Wife of a Senator

He exhorts her to give herself entirely to God, assuring her that it is the only hastiness.

ijth August, 1611. Madam, — The remembrance of your virtues is so agreeable to me that it has no need to be nourished by the favour of your letters; nevertheless, they give you a new claim on me, as I receive by them the honour and satisfaction of seeing not only that you, in return, remember me, but that you remember me with pleasure. You could not remember a person who has a more sincere affection for you.

I wish you, in presence of our Lord, a thousand blessings; and this blessing above all, and for all, that you be perfectly his: be so, Madam, with all your heart, for it is the great, yea, the only happiness you can have. Yet, your husband, the senator, will have no jealousy about it, as you will be none the less his, and will get the benefit of it, as you cannot give your heart to God without his being joined to it.

I am, Madam, and I am with all I have, your, &c.