Letters of Maria Celeste:

Easter? 1626

Most Beloved Lord Father

We thank you, Sire, for your many expressions of thoughtfulness, all of which we will enjoy through your love. The flowers that you sent, by my count, will make four pots of jam, and, because they are very damp, we will wait for the others to arrive, since we prefer to use somewhat drier ones, and you say, Sire, that you want to send more. Right now I am about to start work on the two citrons that came from you most recently, which I believe will turn out better than the others.

I wish you great happiness for the most holy festival of Easter, this year and for many more to come, and I send you regards with all my heart together with Suor Arcangela.

Your most affectionate daughter,
S. M. Celeste