Letter 11. To Doña Luisa de la Cerda, Toledo, Valladolid, November 2, 1568

Congratulations on Doña Luisas safe return to Toledo. Thanks for having forwarded the Life ' to Blessed John of Avila. Messages and news.

Jesus be with you, my señora and my friend!

FOR though Doña Luisa were to travel much farther away, she would still be that ! I have told Antonia to write about all that is happening and of my bad health and the rest, as my head is in such a state that God only knows how I manage to scribble this; but I was so delighted at hearing that you and my kind friends had arrived that no wonder I made another effort. Thank God for it all: I have prayed much about it! It is a great joy to know that you are pleased with your convent and with good reason, for I hear that God is served there very faithfully. iMay they be such good religious as to pay their debt to you, and may our Lord have you in His care for my sake and let me see you once again before I die.

As for the book, you could not have managed the matter better, so I have forgotten my rage with you about it. The Master Avila has written me a long letter;' he likes it all and only suggests that I should make certain points clearer and change some expressions, which can easily be done. Your Ladyship has performed a good deed ; God will repay you for that and for the rest of your kindness and good actions on my behalf. I was overjoyed at receiving so favourable an answer, which is of great importance to me. It is clear by Whose counsel the book was sent.

I kiss the hands of Señor Don Juan and of these ladies as well as your own: you are heartily welcome, for I repeat that I am delighted at your return. Remember me kindlv to Don Hernando, to the Señora Doña Anna, Alonso de Cabria, and Alvaro de Lugo. As you know, you must forfeit a little of vour rank with me and gain in humilitv. Please God I may see you again! How I long for it ! I am better in health and in every other way in your locality than I am here.

As for moving the convent, we must be careful about choosing a healthy site. You see what a state we are in here for want of that, although the house itself is most delightful. I am very glad you are presenting the postulant with some money, although there would never be want of room for any one recommended bv vou, as the whole house is yours. Before I had read your message to her, Doña Maria de Mendoza had asked me to say that she kisses your hands repeatedly. She is not here just now, but I will certainly tell her what vou ask, which is only due to you. Let our father, the licentiate Velasco, know what you think best. Now, abide with God and may He make you all that I desire! Amen. Written on the day after the feast of All Saints. Your unworthy servant,

Teresa de Jesus, Carmelite.