The founder of Wittenberg University, who did so much to protect the pure gospel, Most graciousand dear lord,Elector Saxony. Some time ago
I was promised,throughDr.
Hersfelder,a nev7 robe, so I now wish to remind your I would beg,graciouslord,that if Pfeffinger is to arrange the matter, as he did before,he would do it in reality, for he is very good at spinningfine words, but these do not alwaysproducegood cloth.
I have heard through Prior Lange at Erfurt that your Grace is displeasedwith our worthy Staupitzbecause of something he has written.
I called upon him when he came to see you at Torgau, and said I could not bear to think Excellence was in disgrace with your
I soon found that no one had such a highplacein his heart as the Elector of Saxony, and he does not know how he can have offended except by lovingyou too much.
Grace would continue to him your favour,even as he has ever been loyal to you.
I wish to prove my fidelity to you, to let you see I have also heard that at the end of the present financial year your Grace purposes layinganother and heavier tax upon us, so I beseech you do not despisea poor beggar'sprayer, for my heart,as well as the hearts of many who love you dearly,are, because of the extra tax, very heavy,and it has robbed your
Electoral Highness of much of your good name and favour among the people.
Grace with great wisdom, so that no one sees farther in these matters than you God wills it so that great wisdom may learn somethingfrom one with less,so that one may depend on God alone,who, it is to be hoped,may spare you to us