Letters of Maria Celeste:

28 October 1630

Most Beloved Lord Father

I never doubted that you would find a way, Sire, to do me the favor I asked of you regarding the copy of your letter for the new Archbishop, and despite all you may say about not having turned a good deed, it will nonetheless turn out to be much better than anything I could ever have done by myself. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and take this occasion to send you six quince pears I prepared, having heard from your own lips that they are a particular favorite of yours and yet you have not found any, for truly there is a great dearth of such fruits, as everyone knows: and on that score, if the promise made to me is honored, I believe I will be sending you another one. I shall be most eager to learn whether Vincenzio has taken refuge in Prato: I had thought of writing him my honest opinion on this, exhorting him not to go, or at least not to leave the house unguarded; because this seems to me a truly rash act, considering all the mishaps that could occur; but, suspecting such efforts on my part to bear little fruit and cause much fuss, I let it go: and all the more do I cling to the indubitable hope that blessed God will make up through His providence what men fail to do, if not for lack of feeling, then for want of intelligence and consideration. I greet you with all my love together with our friends, and I accompany you always with my humble prayers.

The 28th day of October 1630.

Your most affectionate daughter,
S. M. Celeste