Recommendation of the matter of Pastor Fesel at Coburg and report on the state of illness of Margravine Elisabeth of Brandenburg.
From the original printed in the library at Helmstädt in P. J. Bruns, Beiträge zur kritischen Bearbeitung unbenutzter alter Handschriften 2c. Second piece. Braunschweig 1802. 8. p. 163 and in De Wette-Seidemann, Vol. VI, p. 444.
To the distinguished and esteemed man, Mr. Franz Burkhard, Vice-Chancellor of Saxony
sens, his brother who is extremely dear to the Lord.
Grace and peace in Christ. Best Franz! I commend to you the cause of M. Fesel, that you help as much as you can my letter addressed to the most noble prince. He is worth it and that knight (Centaurus) of Coburg 3) is a kind of Timon 2c.
At the same time, I believe that Chancellor Brück is also involved in the matter of my margravine.
1) The Elector then instructed the Franconian visitators, Torgau, Sunday Martinmas [Nov. 11], to provide the petitioner with what he was entitled to (Burkhardt).
2) Already on October 5, Luther had written to Fesel, putting him off (No. 2382), now he again brings up his matter with the Elector and asks the Vice-Chancellor to support it. Since Fesel's matter was settled on Nov. 11 by a rescript of the Elector (see the last note to the previous letter), it is highly probable that this letter went out at the same time as the previous one.
3) Meant is knight Hans Schott, keeper at Coburg.
I have written to the prince, as I have asked, for advice so that I may finally be released from this burden. From day to day, more and more new incidents occur, which I bear with great annoyance. That Bohemian sow (schrofa == scrofa) has forced its way into this house, even into the chamber and to the side of the mistress herself, and is trying to gain favor and make everyone else hate her. The mistress herself has virtually lapsed again (though not yet into her usual frenzy, but) into a ridiculous childish nature, from the day on which the money was paid to her 2c. This she indeed squanders bravely, and gives it also to those whom, if she is sensible (sobria), she hates exceedingly. "My gracious lord must do this, otherwise there is no help nor advice. She is a child and remains a child", therefore it is nothing that a raging man has a sword and a child has money 2c. You understand why, and you advise and cooperate. "But it will be done," I have done enough.
Your Martin Luther.
No. 2387.