L E T T E R S

555free behavior toward the Father demonstrated by that prodigal son who, havingregained his father’s favor and the inheritance of eternal promises together withpeace of soul, cannot contain himself for joy and cuts capers after the banquet.Therefore, Madame will understand all my words in the spirit in which I wrotethem: in the child-like simplicity of a Christian heart.I would like to ask Madame to write a few words to me, but I do notventure to burden her with this tedious and troublesome task. And so, I do not ask.Having discovered a way of obliging Madame to await my letters, and even desirethem, since I will be including reports about Napoleon, je vrai faire le fier,without waiting (or even having to wait) for any response or permission, I willwrite a second letter to my Lady. This letter was mostly about me since Madamedoes not know anyone else here except myself. However, in Paris Napoleon willbe near me; and so practically my whole letter will be about him. I will writeshortly after I return to Paris and I am returning in a few weeks. I am getting readyto have here. I will travel a dozen or more leagues to Solesmes, where a very goodpriest-friend of mine 665 founded a Benedictine abbey a few years ago. God hasblessed him; for, having established a community that is already quite numerous,this year the Pope appointed him Abbot, with the right to establish foundations ofBenedictines under his jurisdiction all over France. I will stay with him for sometime before I return to Paris.After I return to Paris, that is within a few weeks, for I am leaving todayfor the Benedictine Abbey at Solesmes, I will send a letter to my Lady with areport on Napoleon.―O my dearest sister, may Jesus Christ dwell in your soul!‖. This is howone of my favorite saints, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa’s confessor, began hisletters to the Spanish Sisters. With this greeting and prayer I conclude my letter tomy Lady, I, an unworthy brother in Christ the Lord, and my gracious Lady’sfaithful and ever devoted servant,BogdanJański665