Letter 109. To Father Gracian, Almodovar, Toledo, September 9, 1576

A piece of advice. Father S alazar. Father Gradan s sister IsabeL

JESUS!

May the Holy Spirit direft and enlighten you, and may the Blessed Virgin accompany you.

IN my opinion, you ought to make use of the least guilty and blamable among the fathers to carry out your Paternity's orders. If the Provincial' had not been so absurd he would not have made a bad hangman. I feel far more courageous now than before. You must know that my good friend Salazar is here; I had only to write saying I needed him for him to turn many leagues out of his way to come here. He is a true friend. I was very glad to talk to him ; he tells me that the 'great Angel' is very pleased to see his niece among the butterflies,' of whom he thinks very highly. Salazar mentioned the eagles' to him; he never tires of praising them.

The Prioress and nuns here send you many kind messages and pray for you fervently. My Isabel is very pretty. You must read the enclosed letter from my Señora, Dona Juana ; her company will console me though it is a terrible mortification for me not to have all she wants in the house. But how did you inform Roque about my letters ? You knew that was the name of which I was in search. Forgive me for writing at such length: it has been a rest to me. May God be with your Paternity!

Yesterday was our Lady's feast. Ao.'° arrived to-day.

Your unworthy daughter, Teresa de Jesus.

Father Rodrigo Alvarez wrote to me, saying a great deal about you. For charity's sake, do not omit to pay your usual visit to these fathers."