To the three princes of Anhalt,Begging for game - Martin Luther

TO THE THREE PRINCES OF ANHALT, BEGGING FOR GAME January 11, 1542.

Grace and peace in Christ, Most Serene High-born Princes, gracious Lords! Although most unwilling to be burdensome to you, still I must beg that your Serene Highnesses would, if at all possible, send some game, for I have to help a young relative who lives with us into the holy and divinely appointed

state of matrimony. For there is little of that sort of thing to be had here, for the officials, and courtiers especially, have eaten up everything, so that neither fowls nor any other sort of game are to be had, and I have to satisfy my hunger with sausage and liver, etc. I have never thanked your Highnesses for the pork, but now do so, although I expressed my warm thanks by word of mouth for the gift. For I have constantly experienced your Graces’ manifold kindnesses towards my unworthy self; and, had the said pig arrived after the engagement, it would have been set aside for the marriage, and you would not have been troubled now. But you will graciously take my begging in good part. The wedding day is the Monday after St. Paul’s Conversion, or January 30. I herewith commit you to the dear God. Amen. MARTIN LUTHER .