Letter 250. To Father Gracian, Madrid, Avila, September 29, 1578

ProjeSi of sending to Rome to obtain a separate province and protestor . Father Ajitonio continues the Visitation. Disappearance of Fray Juan de la Miser ia. Father Paul Hernandez.

... If all were done it would be a great thing : if both friars could not go, one should do so, but it would be better to send two. They are much liked by the Society (of Jesus) which would be no small advantage in the negotiations. In any case, will your Paternity write to me at once, and for charity's sake let us not confine ourselves to hopes any longer. Every one is surprised at our having no one to negotiate for us in Rome, so that the Calced can do as they like. Let those who go, take, a petition begging that the Discalced may have a protecftor there.

There is need for us to ad: without delay, for our time is very limited, as your Paternity is aware. Being in Madrid, you can inform me whether it is too late, for however we hastened matters I think we should need the whole of Odober. I laugh at myself for planning as though there were friars at hand and funds for their journey. But if we do not make a beginning, it will never be done:

we ought to have begun to prepare diredlly we submitted to the Brief.

Fray Antonio complains terribly, and with good reason, that we have told him nothing.' I am surprised at Roque, considering the number of messengers who travel between Madrid and Granada. I told Roque that your Paternity would give notice to Fray Antonio who, as he knew nothing of what had passed, used his powers with less scruple. I do not know what I have done with his letter ; if I find it, I will send it to your Paternity.

I must own that I was grieved at learning how lawless some of your Discalced friars are: I refer to the one who went away with Fray Baltasar;' the Calced jailors were more grateful. God grant he may obtain no followers when he is set at liberty; but it is better that he should be with the Calced.

I fear lest those of the cloth' may have seized on Fray Juan de la Miseria as he has never appeared since they say they last saw him. May God bring all things right, and may He preserve your Paternity to us as I and your daughters beg of Him. Amen. My health is fairly good. The Prioress of Salamanca writes telling me that she has informed you of the reception of the novice.

To-day is the feast of St. Michael.

Your Paternity's unworthy servant and daughter, Teresa de Jesus.

Will you read what you think fitting of this letter to Father Mariano. Remember me kindly to him and Fray Bartolome, also answer me promptly about the journey to Rome. You must know that a father of the Society, a great friend of mine, is at Madrid. They say he went there on account of the President; perhaps they may have been fellow-citizens. If it would benefit us, I would write to him: his name is Pablo Hernandez.

This letter was entrusted to a carter and returned to me as he was taken ill on the road and brought back to Avila. I have opened it to see what I had written. I think it would be well for you to read it, though you may find it tiring.