I wrote some time ago in
reply to the questions of your reverence, but I did not send the
letter, partly because from my long and dangerous illness I had not
time to do so; partly because I had no one to send with it. I
have but few men with me who are experienced in travelling and fit for
service of this kind. When you thus learn the causes of my delay,
forgive me. I have been quite astonished at your readiness to
learn and at your humility. You are entrusted with the office of
a teacher, and yet you condescend to learn, and to learn of me, who
pretend to no great knowledge. Nevertheless, since you consent,
on account of your fear of God, to do what another man might hesitate
to do, I am bound for my part to go even beyond my strength in aiding
your readiness and righteous zeal.