It is long since I have written to you, having been so much occupied
with my opera. As I have now more time, I shall attend better to my
duty. My opera, thank God, is popular, as the theatre is full every
evening, which causes great surprise, for many say that during all the
time they have lived in Milan they never saw any first opera so crowded
as on this occasion. I am thankful to say that both papa and I are quite
well, and I hope at Easter to have an opportunity of relating everything
to mamma and you. Addio! A propos, the copyist was with us yesterday,
and said that he was at that moment engaged in transcribing my opera for
the Lisbon court. Good-bye, my dear Madlle. sister,
Always and ever your attached brother.
30.