Letter 12. To Doña Luisa de la Cerda, Toledo, Valladolid, December 13, 1568

Preparations for a foundation at Toledo.

Jesus be with your Ladyship!

I HAVE neither time nor strength to say much — indeed, there are very few people to whom I write with my own hand. Besides, I sent you a letter a short time ago and I am thoroughly tired out. My health is better in your part of the country, although (glory be to God!) I do not dislike the people here. But as my heart is at Toledo I wish my body were there as well.

What do you think of the way in which His Majesty arranges everything for my peace of mind. f Blessed be His name, for He has brought it about by such devout souls that I believe it will render Him signal service! For love of Him, I beg you to try to obtain the licence. I think it would be best not to tell the administrator that it is for me, but for a convent of Discalced Carmelite nuns, informing him of the good they do wherever they go. At least, thank God, we shall not forfeit this advantage through any fault of the Malagon nuns, and your servant will soon be with you again, for the Master does not seem to wish us to be long apart. God grant that it may be the case with you and the señores in heaven ! I earnestly entreat their prayers. Write and tell me about your health ; you are very lazy in rendering me that service. The sisters here kiss your Ladyship's hands. You would not believe how many indulgences and graces we have obtained for the foundresses of our Order; they are countless. God be with you! This is Saint Lucy's day.

Your Ladyship's unworthy servant,

Teresa de Jesus, Carmelite.