Letter 354. To the Most Illustrious Senora Dona Ana Henriquez, Valladolid, Palencia, March 4, 1581

Satisfaction regarding the Chapter. A word of comfort. The foundation at Palencia. Her grief at the death of Father Baltasar Alvarez. Father Baiiez appointed to the chair of theology.

JESUS! May the Holy Spirit be with your Honour.

F I had followed my inclination, I should have written you several letters without waiting until you favoured me with one, but for some time I have had so much business to settle connected with the separate province that, considering my bad health, I do not know how my head has borne it.

The Mother Prioress, Mother Baptist,” has written telling me how pleased you are about the favour God has shown us?—she need not have done so, for

4No doubt he had made her promise not to write herself lest it should tire her.

I know that even if it did not affe@ us who are such devoted servants of yours, it would be enough for you, as a member of His household and kin gdom, to know that it rendered glory to God. I assure you that it isa very great relief to me, as it seems that we shall have peace in the future, which is a great boon, and those who have begun the Reform will not be hindered by so many superiors who hold different opinions, but will know what they have to do. God be thanked for it all!

IT do not know when I shall see that you have any cause for happiness: God seems keeping it back to give you more in that eternity which has no end, and your ill-health is not your least trial. Perhaps it will be better when the fine weather comes. May His Majesty grant this as He can. Since I had the pain in my side I have been stronger: Ido not know how long the improvement will last.

We are going on very well here and realize better every day how wise we were to make this foundation. I like the people very much; they are charitable, frank, and not deceitful. The Bishop (God bless him!) has something to do with this, for he shows us wonderful kindness. Please remember to pray for him sometimes.

The statue you sent does us great honour: it is the only ornament over the high altar, being so beautiful and large that nothin gelseis required. We brought an excellent prioress with us and nuns who seem to me as good, so that the house appears to have been founded long ago. And yet I feel lonely as regards my soul, for there are none of the

TO DONA ANA HENRIQUEZ 147

Society here whom I know. In faét, I feel lonely wherever I am, for our Saint seemed to bear me company even when he was far away, as at least I could write and tell him about things. In short, we are living in exile and it is well we should realize it.

What do you think of the creditable manner in which Fray Domingo Bafiez obtained the chair?! God protect him, for I barely succeeded in winning it for him. Trials will not fail him in that position, for honour costs very dear.

Will you remember me most kindly to Dofia Maria;° I heartily wish she were well, but my prayers only bring people trouble: if you doubt it, judge by your own case.

If Father Garcia Manrique is at Valladolid, tell him that I wish with all my heart he were here, and beg him not to forget me in his prayers.

We cannot settle about the purchase of this house though I certainly wish to, for, God willing, when the fine weather comes I want to go to Burgos so as to return soon and have time for a longer visit to you. May God bring it to pass as He can do,and may He give you much spiritual consolation at this holy time, as temporal comfort seems withdrawn completely.

I kiss the hands of Don Luis and beg God to make him a great saint. To-day is March 4. Your unworthy-servant and subject, Teresa de Jesus,

CCCLXIII