Luther excuses his carelessness in letter writing.
Handwritten in Cod. Goth. From the collection of Sagittarius in Jena in Schütze, Vol. III, p. 59 and in De Wette, Vol. V, p. 99.
You are right, my dear Jonas, to be so diligent in writing letters to me. And you do not do less good if you bear with equanimity my carelessness, which does not come from my laziness, but, as you know: Carmina proveniunt animo deducta sereno [Songs come forth, not fit for cheerful hearts]. My brain is fatigued with thoughts, so that I may or can write or do almost nothing. But Christ is alive, the triumphant and electing of those who rule in the air [Eph. 2:2]; to whom be glory forever and ever, amen. In him be well and pray for me. Wednesday after the Purification of the Virgin Mary [6 Feb.] 1538.
Your Martin Luther.
No. 2416.