About the "Kingfisher"; about Ferdinand's defeat in the battle against the Turks 2c.
From a copy in Cod. Dessav. A in the "Studien und Kritiken" 1835, Vol. II, p. 355 and in De Wette- Seidemann, Vol. VI, p. 287. According to a note on the above copy, Jonas received this letter on October 2.
To the highly famous man, Mr. Justus Jonas, Doctor of Theology, Provost at Wittenberg, Christ's envoy to Halle, his extremely dear [friend.
Grace and peace. What you write to me about the Halcyon or Halcedo, my dear Jonas, I confess that I have never seen this bird before. Our people call it "kingfisher"; this name is completely familiar to me, and I know the description of the thing, namely that it is a beautiful bird and with colorful feathers, but the thing itself I did not know. I believe that you have now learned everything about Ferdinand's defeat. I will
plagued by strange thoughts of treachery and secret agreement of the great [with the Turks]. M. Philip constantly maintains that it is only the great foolishness of Ferdinand, but I cannot overcome my thoughts by looking at this man, that I should not be suspicious. But God would that it were foolishness. I would then be happier and could bear this misfortune more easily. There is no news here. We hear that the Turk has not gone up to Vienna and that there is no fear that it will be besieged, but in Hungary the tyrant is raging. The Turk also killed the monk who was the cause of the disaster at Buda, and gave the traitor his deserved reward. But it is said that he does not keep faith and, as a faithless man, does not keep his promises. May God bring judgment and justice on earth through Christ, amen. There is no need for you to send apples or gifts so often. Our fruits have also ripened, although God does not perform such great miracles on this sand. Be well with your own. Sunday after Matthew [25 Sept.] 1541.
Your Martin Luther.
No. 2840.