Letter (number unidentified). To Mother Mary Baptist, Prioress of Valladolid, Seville, the end of January, 1576

The question of the Saint's reclusión and of further foundations. The page boy. Illness of Father Bañez.

Jesus be with you, my daughter!

(WISH I had more leisure for this letter. I have so much to read and write that I wonder how I shall get through it. I am resolved to be brief, God grant I may be!

As for going to your convent — am I independent that I can choose where I will stay instead of going where I am sent? Our Father wished me to go to Valladolid for certain reasons which no longer exist, and I believe that he never intended that I should remain there. One of his motives was that the Nuncio said I was to continue to make foundations as before as our Father appears so to have explained the situation as to lead the Nuncio to agree with him. From what he has been told, this seems to be the Nuncio's decision. But I am firmly resolved to make no foundations unless I receive the order direólly from the Nuncio himself: enough has been done.

Our Father has come here to begin the Canonical Visitation of the Calced friars, which he has not commenced even yet.

My brothers are making a great commotion and insist upon my travelling with them, especially Lorenzo, who intends to wait here until directions are given me: our Father seems inclined to yield to him. I say nothing and pray God to put into his heart whatever will enable me to serve and please His Majesty best, which is what will please me. For charity's sake, let all the sisters pray for that intention. Tell them that I ask God to repay them for their joy on my account, but let them trust my word and never set their hearts on any temporal thing, or they will be deceived. Tell my Casilda the same as I cannot write to her.

In a letter which the Prioress of Medina will have forwarded to you I acknowledge having received yours and the porterage, so do not send any more money for messengers unless I ask for it. . .

The sum is very small. When the dowry and the cost of her maintenance are deducfled, there will be nothing left. The mother has written to me again, assuring me that this was not her motive for yielding to the girl's wishes. I have my misgivings about those wishes; however, it may be the real reason. If God desires it, He will give us light.

I have been greatly distressed about my Father's illness. I am afraid he has been performing some of his usual Advent mortifications, such as sleeping on the floor, as he does not usually suffer from that complaint: persuade him to wrap up his feet warmly. The ailment is extremely painful and very troublesome when it becomes chronic. He has had it for some time; find out whether he wears enough warm clothing. Thank God, he is better! Nothing tries me so much as acute pain: I would not wish it even for my enemies'. What I wish now is that you should beg him to pray for me and should remember me kindly to him.

The boy is very young: only eleven years old. If he were twelve he would be quite satisfactory. I should like him to know how to write before he comes here as he must go to the classes at San Gil's with Lorenzo's sons to begin the course. My brother says we must take him, whether we want him or not, as he is recommended by Father Domingo.

I should have been very glad if you could have admitted the lay sister, but I do not see how it could be managed. The good Ascensio has already begged us to receive one of his servants, and I must send you one from the convent at Medina.

She is as holy as Stephany although she has not even taken the habit. I should be delighted if you were willing to receive this saint : ask Sister Alberta to send her to you. No doubt, if Doña Maria' knew her true characifer, she would ask for her. You might take her instead of Doña Mariana/° and I would find a convent for our Father's postulant. It is strange that you should not mention what he says about her; it must have been for want of letter-space. Enquire about her carefully; if she is satisfaólory we must receive her even though there should not be a vacancy. Another sister is wanted at Seville: I should very much like to have one from your neighbourhood but I do not know how it could be managed on account of the distance. . . Since the Virgin has taken him from his parents who looked to him for their support, we must supply it to them. Your Reverence's unworthy servant,

Teresa de Jesus.