The Letters of Maria Celeste

30 August 1631

Most Beloved Lord Father

If the measure or indication of the love one bears another person is the trust vested in the loved one, then you must never doubt, Sire, that I love you with all my heart, as in truth I do; since I draw such confidence and security from you that at times I fear I exceed the bounds of modesty and filial devotion, and all the more so as I know you to be beset by many worries and expenses. Nevertheless the certainty I have, that you will minister ever so much more willingly to my needs than to those of any other person, even including your own, lets me dare to ask you if you would be so kind as to relieve me of a worry that weighs heavily on my mind, regarding a debt I owe of five scudi incurred during Suor Arcangela's illness, as I was constrained during these four months to spend with largesse, compared to the economy that befits the poverty of our station: and now that I find myself desperate and pressed to repay the loan, I come to the one I know is willing and able to help me. And also I want a flask of your white wine to make a strengthening tonic for Suor Arcangela, who I think will be better served by her faith in this remedy than by the remedy itself.

I write with so little time that I cannot possibly say more, except that I hope you enjoy these six almond pastries, and I send you my love.

From San Matteo, the 30th day of August 1631.

Your most affectionate daughter, S. M. Celeste

	Copyright ©1999 Dava Sobel
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