Letter (number unidentified). To Doña Maria de Mendoza, Toledo, March, 1569

letter of condolence. The foundation at 'Toledo.

JESUS! May the Holy Spirit be with you!

I HAVE made this journey with a very heavy heart, for I deeply regretted leaving Valladolid after receiving a letter from his Lordship the Bishop stating that you were undergoing a severe

' While passing through Madrid on her way to make a foundation at Toledo, St. Teresa gave the King's sister a letter for him containing advice received by her from God concerning Philip's most secret thoughts. Nothing remains of it but the fragment given above. Much impressed by it, Philip exclaimed: 'Why can I not see this woman: where is she?' Search was made, but the Saint had left the city. Later on, Isabel of St. Dominic told her that after holy Communion the thought of a certain person always presented itself to her and she believed she heard our Lord say : 'My daughter, I wish him to be saved.' St. Teresa replied: 'The same thing happens to me. Pray for him, for God wishes it. That person has passed through great trouble and has more to come.' This was Philip II, who after a long and painful illness died a Christian death. St. Teresa often wrote to him and used to call him jokingly : 'M}' friend the King'. He took her and her Reform under his special protection and obtained the separation of provinces for it from the Pope. {CEuzirs, iv, p. 154.)

trial, although not explaining what it was. Had it not come on the eve of my departure, I would not have left you in such trouble; however, it has had the great advantage of leading me to pray much to our Lord for you. I do not know why I fancy that your trial may be conneiled with the Administrator's opposition to the Lady Abbess. The idea consoled me, for although it would be a cross, God might permit it for the benefit of her soul. May it please His Majesty to dispose of matters as I beg of Him!

I was very glad to hear that your health is excellent. Oh, if only your self-control equalled your control over others, how little would you care for the world and all its troubles! My only fear is lest they should make you ill. As messengers often come here, please let me know the details of the affair about which I am deeply concerned.

I arrived here in good health on the eve of Lady-day. Doña Luisa was charmed to see me. We often talk of you which gives me no small pleasure, for as she is very fond of you she never tires of the subjed:. I can vouch for your reputation here being so good that God grant your actions may correspond to it, as every one calls you a saint and praises you continually. Thank God you set them so good an example. And how do you think you must do so now? By bearing the many crosses by which our Lord begins to fan the love for Him which He has lit in your soul in order that it may enkindle others. So that I entreat you to take courage: think of what our Lord suffered at this time. Life is short; our trials last but a moment.

O my Jesus,'how willingly I offer Him my separation from you and the absence of the news about your health for which I long!

My founders in this city are very well-disposed; we are now busy procuring the licence. I wish to leave shortly and if the authorisation is given us soon I think all will go well. There is much that I should like to say to my Señora Beatriz and the countesses. I recoiled: my angel, Doña Leonor, particularly well;" may Cíod make her His servant ! Please remember me to Father Prior of San Pablo, also to Father Provost.' The Father-Provincial of the Dominicans is preaching here; he is very popular and with good reason. I have not spoken to him yet. May our Lord have you in His keeping for me and preserve you to us for many years to come !

Your Ladyship's unworthy servant and subjeól, Teresa de Jesus, Carmelite.