W. M.,

whose fingers are weary from writing.

28.

Milan, Dec. 1, 1770.

Dearest sister,—­

As it is so long since I wrote to you, I thought that I might perhaps pacify your just wrath and indignation by these lines.  I have now a great deal to work at, and to write for my opera.  I trust all will go well, with the help of God.  Addio!  As ever, your faithful brother,

Wolfgang Mozart.

29.

My darling sister,—­

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.

Venice, Feb 15, 1771

My very dear sister,—­

You have, no doubt, heard from papa that I am well.  I have nothing to write about, except my love and kisses to mamma.  Give the enclosed—­Al sig.  Giovanni.  La signora perla ricono la riverisce tanto come anche tutte le altre perle, e li assicuro che tutte sono inamorata di lei, e che sperano che lei prendera per moglie tutte, come i Turchi per contenar tutte sei.  Questo scrivo in casa di Sign.  Wider, il quale e un galant’ uomo come lei melo scrisse, ed jeri abbiamo finito il carnavale da lui, cenardo da lui e poi ballammo ed andammo colle perle in compagnie nel ridotto nuovo, che mi piacque assai.  Quando sto dal Sign.  Wider e guardando fuori della finestra vedo la casa dove lei abito quando lei fu in Venezia.  Il nuovo non so niente.  Venezia mi piace assai.  Il mio complimento al Sign., suo padre e madre, sorelle, fratelli, e a tutti i miei amici ed amiche.  Addio!

[Footnote:  “To Herr Johannes [Hagenauer] The fair ‘pearl’ has the same high opinion of you that all the other ‘pearls’ here have.  I assure you that they are all in love with you, and their hope is that you will marry them all (like the Turks), and so please them every one.  I write this in the house of Signor Wider, who is an excellent man and exactly what you wrote to me, yesterday we finished the Carnival in his house.  We supped there and then danced, and went afterwards, in company with the ‘pearls,’ to the new masquerade, which amused me immensely.  When I look out of the window at Signor Wider’s, I see the house that you inhabited in Venice.  I have no news.  I like Venice very well.  My compliments to your father and mother, brothers and sisters, and all my friends.  Adieu!”]