I beg my compliments to Roxalana, who is to drink tea this evening with the Sultan, All sorts of pretty speeches to Madlle.  Mizerl; she must not doubt my love.  I have her constantly before my eyes in her fascinating neglige.  I have seen many pretty girls here, but not one whose beauty can be compared with hers.  Do not forget to bring the variations on Ekart’s menuet d’exaude, and also those on Fischer’s minuet.  I was at the theatre last night.  The play was “Der Mode nach der Haushaltung,” which was admirably acted.  My kind regards to all my friends.  I trust that you will not fail to—­Farewell!  I hope to see you soon in Munich.  Frau von Durst sends you her remembrances.  Is it true that Hagenauer is become a professor of sculpture in Vienna?  Kiss mamma’s hand for me, and now I stop for to-day.  Wrap yourself up warmly on your journey, I entreat, or else you may chance to pass the fourteen days of your visit in the house, stifling beside a stove, unable once to move.  I see the vivid lightning flash, and fear there soon will be a crash!

Your brother.

55.

To his mother.

Munich, Jan. 11, 1775.

We are all three well, Heaven be praised!  I cannot possibly write much, for I must go forthwith to the rehearsal.  Tomorrow the grand rehearsal takes place, and on the 13th my opera is to be in scena.  I am much vexed that you should cast any slight on Count Seeau [Intendant of the Munich Theatre], for no one can be more kind or courteous, and he has more good breeding than many of his degree in Munich.  Herr von Molk was in such a state of wonder and admiration at the opera seria when he heard it, that we felt quite ashamed of him, for it clearly showed every one that he had never in his life seen anything but Salzburg and Innspruck.  Addio!

56.

To his mother.

Munich, Jan. 14, 1775.

God be praised!  My opera was given yesterday, the 13th, and proved so successful that I cannot possibly describe all the tumult.  In the first place, the whole theatre was so crammed that many people were obliged to go away.  After each aria there was invariably a tremendous uproar and clapping of hands, and cries of Viva Maestro!  Her Serene Highness the Electress and the Dowager (who were opposite me) also called out Bravo!  When the opera was over, during the interval when all is usually quiet till the ballet begins, the applause and shouts of Bravo! were renewed; sometimes there was a lull, but only to recommence afresh, and so forth.  I afterwards went with papa to a room through which the Elector and the whole court were to pass.  I kissed the hands of the Elector and the Electress and the other royalties, who were all very gracious.  At an early hour this morning the Prince Bishop of Chiemsee [who had most probably procured the scrittura for his young friend Wolfgang] sent to congratulate me that the opera had proved such a brilliant success in every