Spero che voi sarete stata dalla Signora, che voi gia sapete. Vi prego,
se la videte di farla un Complimento da parte mia. Spero e non dubito
punto che voi starete bene di salute. Mi son scordato di darvi nuova,
che abbiamo qui trovato quel Sign. Belardo, ballerina, che abbiamo
conosciuto in Haye ed in Amsterdam, quello che attaco colla spada il
ballerino, il Sign. Neri, perche credeva che lui fosse cagione che non
ebbe la permission di ballar in teatro. Addio, non scordarvi di me, io
sono sempre il vostro fidele fratello.
[FOOTNOTE: "DEAREST SISTER,--I hope you have been to see the lady--you
know who. I beg that when you see her you will give her my compliments.
I hope, and do not doubt, that you are in good health. I forgot to tell
you that we found Signor Belardo here, a dancer whom we knew at the
Hague and at Amsterdam--the same person who attacked Signor Neri with
a sword, because he thought he was the cause of his not obtaining
permission to dance in the theatre. Adieu! Do not forget me, always your
faithful brother."]
45.
Milan, Nov. 21, 1772.
I thank you exceedingly--you know for what. I cannot possibly write to
Herr von Heffner. When you see him, make him read aloud what follows. I
hope he will be satisfied with it:--
"I am not to take it amiss that my unworthy friend has not answered my
letter; as soon as he has more leisure, he will certainly, beyond all
doubt, positively and punctually send me a reply."
46.
Milan, Nov. 28, 1772.
We both send our congratulations to Herr von Aman; tell him from me
that, owing to his having all along made a mystery of the affair, I feel
much annoyed, for I fear I may have said more than I ought about his
bride. I thought he had been more straightforward. One thing more. Say
to Herr von Aman that, if he wishes to have a right merry wedding, he
must be so kind as to wait till we return, so that what he promised me
may come to pass, namely, that I was to dance at his wedding. Tell Herr
Leitgeb [a horn-player in the Archbishop's orchestra] that he must come
straight to Milan, for he is sure to succeed well here; but he must come
soon. Pray let him know this, for I am anxious about it.
47.
Milan, Dec. 5, 1772.
I have now about fourteen pieces to write, and then I shall have
finished. [Footnote: He alludes to his Milan opera, "Lucio Silla."]
Indeed, the trio and the duet may be considered as four. I cannot
possibly write much, for I have no news, and in the next place I
scarcely know what I am writing, as all my thoughts are absorbed in my
opera, so there is some danger of my writing you a whole aria instead of
a letter. I have learned a new game here, called mercanti in fiera. As
soon as I come home we can play at it together. I have also learned
a new language from Frau von Taste, which is easy to speak, though
troublesome to write, but still useful. It is, I own, rather a little
childish, but will do capitally for Salzburg. My kind regards to
pretty Nandl and to the canary, for these two and yourself are the
most innocent creatures in our house. Fischietti [the Archbishop's
Capellmeister] will no doubt soon begin to work at his opera buffa
(translated into German, his CRAZY opera!). Addio!
The following letter of Wolfgang's shows the sparkling state of his
spirits, caused by the completion of his opera. At each line he turns
the page, so that one line stands, as it were, on the head of the other.
The father, too, in the joy of his heart that the arduous work was
drawing to a close, and with it his long journey, writes four lines,
one above another, round the edge of the page, so that the whole forms a
framework for a sketch of a burning heart and four triangles (symbols
of fidelity), and a bird on the wing from whose beak a distich is
streaming:--
Oh! fly to seek my child so fair Here, and there, and everywhere!