A wonderful signed autograph letter from Max Jacob to Maurice Morel (l'abbé Morel), with a moving paragraph on the nature of friendship

A marvelous signed autograph letter from Max Jacob (1876-1944) to his close friend and protégé Maurice Morel ("l'abbé Morel", 1908-1991). 2 pp (front and back of a leaf measuring 27 x 21 cm), about 400 words written neatly in ink. Jacob had encouraged Morel to paint in 1925, when the latter was only 17, and had organized his first exhibition. Morel became a successful painter. In 1934 Morel was ordained a Roman Catholic priest. The present letter begins with a meditation on communication and friendship, as Jacob forgives Morel for not having written for some time: "Le silence est proportionnel à la sécurité en matière d'amitié. Mes meilleurs amis sont ceux qui m'écrivent le moins : c'est un fait. Les relations veulent être cultivées, les amitiés s'assurent elles-mêmes sans certificat épistolaire. Je ne suis nullement surpris de trouver les plus silencieux de mes amis quand l'ai besoin d'eux ou qu'ils ont besoin de moi." The letter is dated August 18, and the envelope (included) is postmarked August 20, 1943, several months before Jacob's arrest by the Gestapo (and his death). A bit of toning, but in very good condition. An outstanding item.