The Letters of Maria Celeste

July 1631

Most Beloved Lord Father

Suor Luisa has by good fortune collected her income ahead of schedule, and she comes immediately to make good the loan of the 24 scudi that she owes you, Sire. She readily confesses being neither willing nor able to satisfy that other obligation she will always bear you, as her spirit is not appeased by offering only money in exchange for all your kindness and tenderness, but also seeks to repay you in the currency of a true and cordial affection for you as well as for us; and this she manifests daily by helping me in every contingency, in such a way that she could not do more for me if she were my own mother. She has added to the basket these little cakes, Sire, for you to enjoy with her love.

Suor Arcangela is in bed with a very slight fever, but great weakness and many pains, and, if I am not mistaken, I believe there will be much to do before she recovers her health, if she ever does. The doctor, when he last visited her, ordered among other things several stomach ointments made with stomach oil from the Grand Duke, and oil of nutmeg. We have neither of these, Sire, and therefore I would be most appreciative if you could get me some.

I am returning two empty flasks, and truly, in this slump I have had, were it not for your white wine, Sire, things would have gone much worse, since I sustain myself on pap and soup, which have not hurt me for being made with such good wine.

I will be eager to hear if you settle the purchase of the villa you came to see, Sire, because I want that so much: and the arrangement would seem to me a very good and helpful one for that household. Not having anything else to say at present, I send you loving greetings together with the others here, and I pray blessed God to keep you happy always. From

San Matteo, the . . . day of July 1631.

Most affectionate daughter, S. M. Celeste

	Copyright ©1999 Dava Sobel
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