By the by, the Elector is again in Mannheim.  Madame Cannabich and also her husband correspond with me.  If what I fear were to come to pass, and it would be a sad pity if it did,—­namely, that the orchestra were to be much diminished,—­I still cherish one hope.  You know that there is nothing I desire more than a good appointment,—­good in reputation, and good in money,—­no matter where, provided it be in a Catholic country.  You fenced skilfully indeed with Count Stahremberg [footnote:  A prebendary of Salzburg, to whom the father had “opened his heart,” and told him all that had occurred in Salzburg.  Wolfgang’s reinstatement in his situation was being negotiated at the time.] throughout the whole affair; only continue as you have begun, and do not allow yourself to be deluded; more especially be on your guard if by any chance you enter into conversation with that silly goose—–­; [footnote:  He probably alludes to the Archbishop’s sister, Countess Franziska von Walles, who did the honors of her brother’s court, and who, no doubt, also interfered in this matter.] I know her, and believe me, though she may have sugar and honey on her lips, she has gall and wormwood in her head and in her heart.  It is quite natural that the whole affair should still be in an unsettled state, and many things must be conceded before I could accept the offer; and even if every point were favorably adjusted, I would rather be anywhere than at Salzburg.  But I need not concern myself on the matter, for it is not likely that all I ask should be granted, as I ask a great deal.  Still it is not impossible; and if all were rightly organized, I would no longer hesitate, but solely for the happiness of being with you.  If the Salzburgers wish to have me, they must comply with my wishes, or they shall never get me.

So the Prelate of Baumburg has died the usual prelatical death; but I had not heard that the Prelate of the Holy Cross [in Augsburg] was also dead.  I grieve to hear it, for he was a good, honest, upright man.  So you had no faith in Deacon Zeschinger [see No. 68] being made prelate?  I give you my honor I never conjectured anything else; indeed, I do not know who else could have got it; and what better prelate could we have for music?

My friend Raaff leaves this to-morrow; he goes by Brussels to Aix-la-Chapelle and Spa, and thence to Mannheim, when he is to give me immediate notice of his arrival, for we mean to correspond.  He sends numerous greetings to you and to my sister.  You write that you have heard nothing for a very long time of my pupil in composition; very true, but what can I say about her?  She will never be a composer; all labor is vain with her, for she is not only vastly stupid, but also vastly lazy.