Letter 10. To Don Francisco de Salcedo, Avila, Valladolid, the end of September, 1568

The Saint introduces to him St. John of the Cross. Thanks for presents.

Jesus be with you !

GLORY be to God, after having written seven or eight unavoidable business letters, a short time remains for me to refresh myself by sending you these few lines telling you what a comfort yours were to me. Do not fancy you are wasting time bv writing to me, for I need it occasionally, provided you do not repeat so often that you are growing old, which cuts me to the heart. As if the lives of young men were guaranteed! Please God, you will live until I die and then I shall ask Him to summon you promptly lest I should be without you in heaven.

Will you kindly interview the father' and help him in that aifair, for though small in stature, I am sure he is great in God's sight. We shall miss him very much here for he ¡s prudent and well-suited to our mode of life, and I believe that our Lord has called him to the work. There is no friar that does not speak well of him as though but lately professed he leads a very penitential life. God supports him visibly, for though we have had some very trying occasions here (and I myself furnished those occasions for I was vexed with him at times) yet we have never seen any imperfe¿tion in him. He possesses courage, but not more than he required that God should give him to make him as resolute as he is in the matter. He will tell you all about it when he reaches Valladolid.

The six ducats you say you would give to see me seem a very dear bargain, but I would pay far more to see you — in fad:, you are worth much more, for who sets any value on a poor, insignificant little nun who lives in poverty? Tou, who can give aloja rolls, radishes, and lettuces from your own garden (and I know that you are the errand-boy' who brings us apples) would naturally fetch a higher price. The aloja here is said to be very good, but for want of Francisco de Salcedo we do not know what it tastes like and probably never shall.

I have told Antonia to write to you as I have no time for more. Abide with God. I kiss the hands of Doña Mencia and Señora Ospedal. God on mysticism. In 1591 he was deprived of all offices by Doria for opposing the new government of the Order by the Consulta and the changes made in St. Teresa's Constitutions for the nuns. He died in grant the bridegroom's health may improve ! Do not be so incredulous: prayer can do all things and your near relationship will help him. We in the convent will contribute our cornadillo.'' May God answer our petition as He can do! Personally, I consider the bride's complaint the more hopeless, but God can cure it. Will you kindly assist Mary Diaz, the Flemish lady,' and Doña Maria de Avila,' (to whom I long to write for I have by no means forgotten her) in praying for me and for this convent. May His Majesty preserve you to me for many years! Amen. I venture to say that the present year will not pass without my visiting you, as the Princess of Eboli is very urgent about starting the foundation."

Your unworthy and sincere servant,

Teresa de Jesus, Carmelite. I ask you again, as a charity, to speak to the father and advise him as you think suitable to his mode of life. The spirit of God has been given him, and his virtue, put to the proof on many occasions, has encouraged me greatly as I think we are making a good beginning. He is raised to a high state of prayer and has a solid judgement: may God bless him!

' A cornado is about the fortieth part of a penny: a cornadillo is worth even less.