Letter 245. To Father Gracian, at Madrid, Avila, early in August 1578

St. Teresa writes to Sega. Advises Father Gracian as to how to behave to him.

Jesus be with your Paternity.

I VERY much wished to write you a long letter in return for yours, which was downhearted and melancholy throughout, but the letters I enclose had to be sent, and now mv head will not allow me to scrawl any more. Will you have the enclosed missive directed to the Nuncio; I have not written the address lest I should make a mistake : let the lady whose handwriting most resembles mine, affix it.

In the first place, this Paul' of mine with all his scruples, is very foolisli : your Paternity should tell him so. There is nothing to say to your Paternity on the subjedt. All theologians declare that his conscience can be perfedlly clear until the Brief is notified to him, and he would be mistaken in putting himself into the Nuncio's hands before the President has smoothed the way for him.' If possible, the latter should be present during the first interview your Paternity has with the Nuncio.

For the love of God do not let your fancy make you prophesy such evils: He will bring things right. I understand now why Joseph said, when Ardapilla went away, that it would be well for our afiairs; if he is in such ill favour, there is no doubt of that. It does not matter about those hermits: God brings good to light as well as evil when He chooses. You are under no obligations as to Mass; I have inquired about it and you know it yourself. Try to remain where you are, if it can be kept secret: that is what makes me anxious. If you are melancholy in such a comfortable life, what would you have been had you shared the lot of Fray John?

The money owing to Alonso Ruiz will be paid. If he has not left, tell him that I have about a hundred bushels. The money ought to be paid to

'Paul' stands for Father Gracian, 'Joseph' for Christ, and 'Ardapilla' for the Licentiate Padilla.

the Malagon nuns at once; his payment can go with it.

My head prevents my writing more, my good Father. Abide with God, and since you serve such a lady as the Virgin, who prays for you, never allow yourself to grieve, though I see there are reasons for it.

Remember me affectionately to Dona Juana. Teresa de Jesus. Let the President be told we are praying earnestly for his health.