To his wife.
Luther reports on his well-being and news.
The original is in Königsberg at the von Wallenrodt library (which, like the originals of this library, has been treated barbarically). Printed in Lilienthal's Erläut. Preußen, vol. IV (mutilated); in Borowski-Faber, p. 98; in De Wette, vol. V, p. 298 and in the Erlangen edition, vol. 55, p. 287.
To my gracious maiden Katherin Lutherin von Bora and Zülsdorf gen Wittenberg, my sweetheart.
G. u. F. My dear maiden and Mrs. Käthe! Your Grace shall know that here, in praise of God, we are fresh and healthy; eat like the Behemen (but not very much); drink like the Germans (but not much), but are cheerful. For our gracious Lord of Magdeburg, Bishop Amsdorf, is our table companion. More new newspaper we do not know, because that D. Caspar, Mecum and Menius have taken good care of themselves, have gone on a walk from Hagenow to Strasbourg, Hans full of jeans for service and honor. M. Philipps has again become fine, praise God. Tell my dear D. Schiefer that his King Ferdinand wants to get a hue and cry, as if he wanted to ask the Turk to be godfather over the Protestant princes; do not hope that [it] is true, otherwise it would be too coarse. Write me also once whether you have received everything that I sent you, as the other day 90 fl. at Wölfen Fuhrmann 1) 2c. Hiemit GOtt commanded, Amen. And let the children pray. There is such heat and drought here that it is unspeakable and inconceivable day and night. Come, dear last day, amen. Friday after Margarethen [July 16] 1540. The Bishop of Magdeburg sends you his friendly greetings. Your sweetheart
Martin Luther.
No. 2690. 18 July 1540