Letter 247. To Father Gracian, Madrid, Avikj the middle of September, 1578

Anxiety at St. 'John of the Cross having been allowed to leave Toledo.

... I am deeply pained at the life Fray John of the Cross has led, and that they have permitted him, ill as he was, to start at once for Almadovar. God grant that death may not deprive us of him. As a personal favour to me, will your Paternity see that he is taken care of there and not allowed to leave. Be sure not to forget this. I assure you that you would have few such religious left if he were to die. . .

'' Fray German, St. John's fellow chaplain who was taken prisoner by the Caked.