44.

CARISSIMA sorella,—­

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