Letter 435. To Ana de los Angeles, Prioress of Toledo, Valladolid, September 2, 1582

Respect to be shown to Bishop Alvaro de Mendoza. Plan of Diego Ortiz for the house. Mother Brianda’s sister.

Jesus bestow His grace on your Reverence.

RECEIVED your letter at Palencia but could | not answer it as I was on the point of leaving. I wrote to you from there but doubt whether my letter reached you as I gave it to the bishop to deliver just as he started, but he was so very busy that it would not be surprising if he forgot it. I will repeat what I said in it.

Firstly I asked you to oblige me by sending some one to call on the bishop frequently while he is in Toledo; if he visits you, every one must show him the greatest politeness, for we owe all to him.

As regards your house, Diego Ortiz’ plan seems excellent, the arrangement will be perfect if he buys the house: it will benefit him more than us if he changes his mind about not purchasing the place.

The sister of Brianda de San José is suited neither for a lay sister nor for a choir nun, though she has good judgment, intelligence, and an even temper. In faé&t I liked her very much, but she Xs not capable of more than she is doing at present, being thoroughly worn out. She says that no one shall prevent her from giving herself to God and praying as much as she wishes, and for that her present life is exactly suited. She may meet with trials, but God gives these and greater wherever He pleases.

As for going to Toledo now, I do not know how I could manage it for you would be shocked if you knew of my troubles here and the business matters which are killing me; but God can do all things. Pray to His Majesty about it. Remember me to every one very kindly; I am so hurried that I can Say no more; that is why even this note is not in my handwriting.

Valladolid September 2.

My health is fairly good; I expect to leave here on the Monday after our Lady’s feast. I shall only

TO DON PEDRO SANCHO 367 call at Medina in passing so as to reach Avila in time. Probably my stay there will be short as I must go to Salamanca where there are complications about purchasing a new house; the need for my visit there is urgent. May God bring things right and may He have your Reverence in His keeping for me. Amen.

Teresa and Sister St. Bartholomew beg for your prayers.

Yours, Teresa de Jesus.

The bearer of this letter is Fray Juan de la Cuevas. Give him a warm welcome for he says he shall call on you.

CCCCEXI