About matters unknown to us of a nobleman who fell out of favor at court.
Printed in the Eisleben edition, vol. II, p. 335; in ded Altenburger, vol. VI, p. 180; in the Leipziger, vol. XXII, p. 564; in De Wette, vol. IV, p. 522 and in the Erlanger edition, vol. 55, p. 42.
Grace and peace in Christ. Strict, firm, dear Lord and Godfather! I have talked with D. B. 2) quite diligently, according to your wishes, about your matters. Then he advised me quite faithfully that I should keep quiet for a while beside you with suggestions; for he was indeed worried that we would make things worse. For it was still too early for the court, and your
1) Most likely Johann von Riedtesel.
2) "D. B." will probably be the chancellor D. Christian Beier.
Letters from the year 1534. No. 2040. 2041.
false friends 1) (as I call them) are still too new in the regiment, as methinks, and still have too much remaining wisdom and justice, as the young regents all have. The swarm is not yet ripe, and is still too hard and red. I would have liked to talk to Mr. H., but I couldn't get him to talk before his business. I was not allowed (as I said) to poke my gracious lord from D. B.'s advice, so that I would spare yours. Therefore, I also ask you, in accordance with D. B.'s advice, you should forgive me a little; when my lord returns, I will try to talk to Mr. H. and then see how I can get to the man himself.
To show the L2 ), as it is put there, I would like to put up with, but that I would rather leave the pieces, which I have underlined, outside, and let my discretion thus be applied.
show that the L. not as requested and asked by you, but as approximately learned from others how you were, his old servant, so that he did not talk in writing, but orally with the C. 3) about it, and investigated the cause of such disfavor 2c. Or if it should happen in writing, that (it) would have no appearance as having been procured by you, but that he would have learned by rumor of the land how you would not be reimbursed for that, since you had seals and letters. For I fear, if it should be done in writing, as from the registry, without intercession, by the L., it might enrage the Bremen and the bees to persuade the pious prince all the more against you.
The other thing that you are concerned about, namely the person in Zoppen, blessed 2c., seems to me, as much as I notice from D. B., you must not have any suspicion. It is said, as I look at it, one wants to earn the gray skirt, and prove art, as all previous regiments have been nothing and almost harmful. We, siud's, who can advise and help the prince, where others have ruined it 2c. Novus rex, nova lex etc. God grant that it may be well, amen. And that I again come to D. B. Rath, so I also take care, you let rustle for a while what rustles there, until it has rushed out.
1) Compare No. 1941.
2) "L." perhaps landgraves?
3) "C." == Churfürsten?
Your son 4) is keeping fine, has now had the measles; we have waited for him with diligence, according to D. Angustin's 5) advice; is now healthy again. My most gracious wife, the Margravine, is now here, sometimes ill, sometimes strong. Her C. F. G. speaks of you almost honestly and praiseworthily, which I am truly glad to hear; for I am ready to help you and yours. Hiemit GOtt befehlt. My Lord Kätha sends you her best regards together with your love and fruits, and Doctor Martinus 6) also 2c. Saturday after Oculi (March 14) 1534.
Martinus Luther, D.
No. 2041.