are the two final words; to avoid the shake on the i in the first word rinvigorir, I was forced to transfer it to the o.  Raaff has now found, in the “Natal di Giove,” which is in truth very little known, an aria quite appropriate to this situation.  I think it is the ad libitum aria, “Bell’ alme al ciel diletto” and he wishes me to write music for these words.  He says, “No one knows it, and we need say nothing.”  He is quite aware that he cannot expect the Abbate to alter this aria a third time, and he will not sing it as it is written.  I beg you will send me an immediate reply.  I shall conclude, for I must now write with all speed; the composing is finished, but not the writing out.

My compliments to dear Thresel:  the maid who waits on me here is also named Thresel, but, heavens! how inferior to the Linz Thresel in beauty, virtue, charms—­and a thousand other merits!  You probably know that the worthy musico Marquesi, the Marquessius di Milano, has been poisoned in Naples, but how?  He was enamored of a Duchess, whose rightful lover became jealous, and sent three or four fellows to give him his choice between drinking poison out of a cup and being assassinated.  He chose the former, but being an Italian poltroon he died alone, and allowed his murderers to live on in peace and quiet.  I would at least (in my own room) have taken a couple with me into the next world, if absolutely obliged to die myself.  Such an admirable singer is a great loss.  Adieu!

138.

Munich, Jan. 3, 1780.

My head and my hands are so fully occupied with my third act, that it would not be wonderful if I turned into a third act myself, for it alone has cost me more trouble than the entire opera; there is scarcely a scene in it which is not interesting to the greatest degree.  The accompaniment of the underground music consists merely of five instruments, namely, three trombones and two French horns, which are placed on the spot whence the voice proceeds.  The whole orchestra is silent at this part.

The grand rehearsal positively takes place on the 20th, and the first performance on the 22d.  All you will both require is to bring one black dress, and another for every-day wear, when you are only visiting intimate friends where there is no ceremony, and thus save your black dress a little; and if my sister likes, one pretty dress also, that she may go to the ball and the Academie Masquee.

Herr von Robinig is already here, and sends his regards to you.  I hear that the two Barisanis are also coming to Munich; is this true?  Heaven be praised that the cut on the finger of the Archbishop was of no consequence!  Good heavens! how dreadfully I was alarmed at first!  Cannabich thanks you for your charming letter, and all his family beg their remembrances.  He told me you had written very humorously.  You must have been in a happy mood.