Letter 378. To Don Jerome Reynoso, Canon of Palencia, Avila, Sept. 9, 1581

The Saint's arrival at Avila and regret at not finding Canon Reynoso there.

JESUS! _ May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with your | Honour.

AM now in Avila, my Father, and would willingly be your (spiritual) daughter again if you were here, for I am quite isolated in this place, having no one to console me. God help me, for the longer I live, the less comfort I meet with in this life.

When I arrived, I was ill from a feverish attack caused by an accident. I am well now, and the prospect of delay in starting on another journey seems a physical relief, for I assure you that my _ travels are extremely tiring. Not that I can say that of the road from Palencia to Soria, which was a pleasure, for it was flat and often afforded a sight of running streams which bore me cheerful company. Our good prebendary will have told you what we went through on the journey from Soria here.

It is extraordinary that no one who tries to show me kindness ever escapes severe suffering; yet God gives them charity to be glad of it,as He did to your Honour.

Take care not to omit writing to me when a messenger offers, though you may find it troublesome, for I assure you that I have little to solace me, and many labours.

I am glad Dionisia has entered the convent. Be good enough to say so to her relation, the head courier, with my best wishes, and do not forget to pray for me.

As I have not been here long I have many visitors and little time to relieve my feelings by writing to you. I kiss the hands of Don Francisco.3 May our Lord watch over you and increase your sanctity as I ask of Him. Amen.

To-day is September 9.

The unworthy servant and daughter of your Honour, Teresa de Jesus. Canon Reynoso’s uncle, ream

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