To Caspar von Teutleben - Martin Luther

TO CASPAR VON TEUTLEBEN

Von Teutleben was a brother-in-law of Amsdoff, and managed the Elector’s business in Rome. June 19, 1530.

Grace and peace! Esteemed and deeply learned Doctor and good Friend — I was delighted to hear that your Sophie and you are well. I have nothing new to write, for our silent Junkers send no letters from Augsburg, which annoys me greatly. And I know your brother-in-law, my good friend Herr Nicolas Amsdorf, would be indignant if he knew they had become so taciturn, especially at this time. He can be their judge. From hearsay I learn that Venice has sent several thousand gulden to the Emperor, and Florence offered him five tons of gold, which cannot be accepted, as the Pope has promised to supply him with all that is needful, and the French, with their “par ma foi,” have done the same — truly a

good joke; but who would rely on such promises? But I have heard from Dr. Martin Luther himself that even were Venice, the Pope, and Francis loyal to the Emperor, and not each thinking of his own

advantage, still they are three different beings in one person, each of whom has an inconceivable hatred against His Imperial Majesty, meanwhile deceiving him, through hypocrisy and lies, till they either perish themselves, or drag that pious, noble youth into difficulty and distress. For “par ma foi” cannot forget the defeat at Pavia, and the Pope, being an Italian, and a Florentine to boot, and a child of the devil, cannot forget the disgrace of the plunder of Rome, no matter how cheerful he tries to appear; and as for the Venetians — they are only Venetians — and excuse their wrath under the pretext of revenging Maximilian’s death. May God help the pious Charles, who is truly a sheep among wolves! Amen. Greet your dear Sophie from me. I commend you to God.

From the desert. MARTIN LUTHER .