The landgrave informs them that Elector Joachim of Brandenburg and Duke Heinrich of Saxony had sent an envoy to him because of his double marriage, what they had asked of him, and what answer he had given them. Now he asks for advice, what he should do, if he "would get harder". - The Landgrave's answer, dated Friedberg, August 27, was friendly, but negative: he intended to lead and complete his life in such a way that it would be acceptable before God.
1) The name of the letter writer is missing, but it can hardly be doubtful that it was Menius. For we see from the letter that the writer belonged to the deputies at the convention at Hagenau, and Johannes Weiß was Diaconus of the church at Eisenach (see Corp. Ref., Vol. III, 708).
and that he would not be dishonorable. - Perhaps that was the end of the whole matter; nothing more will be said about it later.
The original is in the Weimar Archives, Reg. H,, p. 365. 140. Printed by Burkhardt, p. 361.
Our dear will beforehand. Dear, dear friends! We do not want to deprive you of your trustworthy opinion that a few days ago Margrave Joachim, Elector of Brandenburg, and Duke Heinrich of Saxony had their excellent envoys with us and had them advertise to us for the sake of the matter in hand. They have also received an answer from us, as the enclosed copies signed A. B. show, which answer we do not consider to be unequal according to the advice that you and subsequently also others, the Elector's councillors, recently considered at Eisenach, for we also drew it from such. Although we had an inclination to answer these envoys in 2) somewhat more harshly and to tell them that their masters should not worry about our housekeeping, but should look after their wives and children and people, and that we would leave them unperturbed in their housekeeping, we have nevertheless used the most lenient, and if we would like to remain with our given answer, that would be dear to us; but if we should be more harshly attacked, then let us know your concern as to what we should then further answer. That we do not deny too much, nor confess too much, that should not be lacking in us, for we would gladly remain in your advice, if we did not press too hard, and would not save you this, that nevertheless we also have a knowledge, so in your gracious opinion. You will find us inclined in all Christian and reasonable matters to show you mercy and good and as much as we are able. 3) Date Zapfenburg, on the first of September, Anno 1540.
No. 2707.