[Editor's Note: If some of these letters seem familiar, that is because they are being republished for the new incarnation of this blog. For me, I have noticed that I like the summaries and notes by the original translator that help explain and put the letters in context, of which the translation that follows is a good example.]
[Translator's Introduction: Luther reports news in a jestful way about the relations of Charles V to Venice, Florence, the Pope and France. I didn't know how to translate "in cap." and so left it in the text.]
Grace and peace in Christ. Respectable, scholarly Herr Doctor and good friend! I am happy in heart that I hear it goes well with you and your dear Sophie. I am not writing to you a new "newspaper" because our artistocractic Silent-ones [Schweigler] in Augsburg write nothing which vexes me not a little and I know that your brother-in-law and my good friend, Herr Nicolaus Amsdorf would, to an extent, be angry that they have become such silent-tongues especially at this time; he may yet be judge over them.
By hearsay, I have received that Venice has sent and presented the Emperor with many hundred thousand Gulden and Florence offered five ton of gold; however, one is not to assume that on account of the Pope, who has assured the Emperor life and possessions, and that likewise Francis with his "by my name" [par ma foi], would give the same assurance as the Pope "in the Name of the Lord'" [in nomine Domini], and in most sacred covenant [sanctissimum foedus] a most precious thing "in cap.:" we do not believe it [non credimus]. However, I have heard from Doctor Martin Luther himself. If Venice, Pope, and Francis, who pretend to favor the Emperor [gut kaiserisch], will not expend their money and possessions (this is three Persons in one Essence, one incomprehensible anger,and hate against the imperial majesty with hypocrisy,lies and deceit) until they are brought to the ground (God help bring them down, or the pious, noble blood of Charles is brought to anguish and need, and he [Luther?] will lose an eye and an ear). Since par ma foi [by my name- Francis] cannot forget the accident at Pavia, so the Herr of in nomine Domini [Pope Clement VII] is first an Italian by birth, which is too much already; second, he is a Florentine, that is worse yet; and third, he is a child of a whore who is a very devil; and then, there is no one happier over the disgrace of the plundering of Rome than he; the Venetians are nothing other than Venetians, and that says enough and their evil has the motivation of avenging the blood of Maximillian; haec omni [all of this] "in cap.: firmly, we believe [Firmiter credimus]. However, God should preserve the pious Charles who is like a sheep among wolves, Amen.
Greet for me your dear Sophie. Ex Eremo [from the wilderness: i.e., Coburg]. 19 June Anno 1530. Martin Luther.
[Translator's Notes: I really needed some help with this one but didn't know where to turn for help except to our daughter-in-law for the French, so you will have to make of it what you can regarding the Latin and the intrigue between the Pope, Kings, and the King of Spain, now the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. My understanding is that the Pope favored the election of Charles V over Francis and none of them trusted each other though they had to because of the threat of the invasion of the Turks. Maybe Agnes could suggest a less literal translation of "par ma foi" but I think it goes well with "in the name of the Lord."]
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