Gouda housed at this time 10 monasteries within its walls, including the Agnieten convent with its chapel. Erasmus joined the monastery of Stein in 1487, outside Gouda’s city walls. Here he befriended the young monk Servaes Rogier. Erasmus missed his friend a great deal when he was on one of his long travels. He wrote Servaes many letters, in which he declares his love for him. This slightly embarrassed the young monk. Erasmus’ letters were rather pompous in tone and it is unknown whether Erasmus ever felt more than friendship for Servaes.