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 have had four living epistles from me, besides the letter about John Ernest. So I have good cause for putting you in the wrong, for volumes would not answer my four epistles. Otherwise I have complete repose and enjoy every luxury here, and have begun translating the remaining Prophets, having finished Jeremiah.

Perhaps I shall issue some Psalms with an exposition so as not to be idle.

I also propose translating AEsop’s Fables for the German children. So I now see how to fill up the time, although I should prefer being with you.

But I am pleased with what God wills. Certainly, I would have been more useful at home, through teaching and counsel, but I dared not withstand the call.

There is nothing new at Wittenberg except that Dr. Pommer writes that the Lubeck and Luneberg people are embracing the gospel, and that the preaching there is most earnest and faithful. God be praised!

I fear God may pour out the phials of His wrath on North Germany, as I hear of nothing but murders and contempt of God and His Word. Pray for me, as I do for you. For the Turk is not arming himself for nothing.

From the diet of the daws, which is being held here. MARTIN LUTHER.

CCXII
TO PHILIP MELANCHTHON

Luther complains of headache, probably from overwork.

May 12, 1530.

Grace and peace! Dear Herr Philip — On May 8 I began to answer your letter from Nurnberg, but was prevented finishing it.

I have sent my admonition to the clergy to Wittenberg.

Besides, I have translated the two chapters in Ezekiel, concerning Gog, with a preface. I then began translating the Prophets, intending to have them finished by Ascension, along with AEsop, and would have managed it, so