Letters of Maria Celeste:

11 April 1631

Most Beloved Lord Father

The duties of the apothecary have kept me and still keep me so busy, that they prohibit me from saying anything else for now, if not that I acknowledge my involuntary delay and lateness in visiting with you by letter: now that I am allowed, I send to hear whether you feel well and if you have news of Vincenzio and my sister-in-law, namely if you think they will come to you this Most Holy Easter, which I think would thrill you, Sire, and me as well for loving you. The cakes I send you are small ones; nevertheless I believe that they will suffice, now that you have no one to share them with except perhaps little Galileino, who will be able to amuse himself getting the nuts out of the pine cones we are sending him, which are all the ones the nun who tends our garden delivered here, to Suor Arcangela and me.

I am not returning the little pot from the spinach because it is not completely empty; as the spinach is so tasty I am eating it slowly and sparingly. I greet you on behalf of all our usual friends, and I pray blessed God to keep you happy always.

From San Matteo, the 11th day of April 1631.

Your most affectionate daughter,
S. M. Celeste