Letter (number unidentified). To the Most Illustrious Señor, Segovia, June, 1574

DON TEUTONIO DE BRAGANZA,

SALAMANCA

Congratulations on his safe return. The Saint's health. Confirmation of the Apostolic Visitors. ProjeSied foundation of a priory at Salamanca.

JESUS !

May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with your Reverence !

THE news that you are well was very welcome and a great comfort to me. But after so long a journey, yours seemed a very short letter and you do not even tell me whether the objeót of your expedition was attained.

It is nothing new for you to be discontented with yourself, but do not be distressed if the fatigues of your travels and the disturbance of your ordinary routine should make you feel rather tepid: peace of body will restore peace of soul.

As for myself, I am fairly well compared with what I have been, for if I knew as well how to describe my pains as your Reverence does, yours would seem nothing to you in comparison. For two months my sufferings were extreme and of a kind that afFedled my head, so that I felt completely helpless. Now I have recovered from this internal disturbance and am only afflicted outwardly and with mv usual maladies which are well cared for by your Lordship. May God reward you for your gifts! they have been shared with the other invalids, some of whom from Pastrana were very ill as the convent there was exceedingly damp. They are better nuns than I am and really holy souls; you would enjoy their company, especially that of the Prioress." The death of the King of France was already known to me. I am deeply grieved at the evils I witness and at seeing how the devil entraps souls. May God bring things right! If only our prayers could do some good! We are not remiss in begging for this, and that your Lordship may be rewarded for your zeal in protecting and helping our Order.

The Father Provincial (I mean the Father Visitor) has gone to such a distance that I cannot settle the affair with him, even by letter. The plan of founding a priory of Discalced friars in your neighbourhood would be an excellent one, but for that very reason the devil may prevent it. Your favour would be a great advantage to us and most opportune, as the Visitors have been confirmed in their office for an unlimited period and I believe that their authority has been extended and includes the right to give licences for foundations: therefore I trust God will favour your projeót. For love of Him, do not abandon it.

I expeil the Father Visitor here soon, and will write to him. They tell me he will pass through Salamanca. You would oblige me greatly by calling on him and stating your plans. You can speak to him with perfed; frankness, for he is very good and deserves to be treated with confidence. Perhaps she may decide to authorize the foundation on your account. Until the matter is settled, please do not mention it.

The Mother Prioress asks to be remembered in your Lordship's prayers. All our sisters have prayed and will pray for you, as will the nuns of Medina and all others who wish to please me. I am anxious about our Father Redior's health." May God restore it and grant you the san(5tity I beg for you! Amen.

Will your Lordship kindly let the Father Reilor know that we are praying for his recovery and that I am on good terms with Father Santander,'' although not with the Franciscan fathers, who, as we have bought a suitable house near theirs, have gone to law against us.'° I cannot say what the result will be.

Your Lordship's unworthy servant and subjed:, Teresa de Jesus, Carmelite.