Letters of Maria Celeste:

12 August 1631

Most Illustrious and Beloved Lord Father

Because I would indeed love to have the favor of your moving closer to us, Sire, I am continually trying to learn when properties here in our vicinity are to be let. And now I hear anew of the availability of the villa of Signor Esaù Martellini, which lies on the piano dei Giullari, and adjacent to us. I wanted to call it to your attention, Sire, so that you could make inquiries to see if by chance it might suit you, which I would love, hoping that with this proximity I would not be so deprived of news of you, as happens to me now, this being a situation I tolerate most unwillingly; but taking it into account and accepting it along with a few other trifling aversions, as opposed to those mortifications which I omit out of negligence, I bend myself as best I can to God's will. Beyond that I am convinced that you, too, Sire, do not lack for intrigues and troubles of an altogether different stamp from mine, and this silences me.

Suor Arcangela, who has preoccupied my thoughts, by the grace of God fares somewhat better, and although she still finds herself quite weak and listless, she is starting to sit up. And since she seems to have a taste for some salted fish, I entreat you, Sire, to try to provide her with some for these next fasting days. Meanwhile you must endeavor to keep yourself healthy in this terrible heat, and please write me a line. I send you loving greetings from all of us here, and I pray Our Lord to grant you His holy grace.

From San Matteo, the 12th day of August 1631.

Most affectionate daughter,
S. M. Celeste