Niesser, the actress, just coming out, who said, “I suppose you wish to see the Count?” “Yes!” “He is still in his garden, and Heaven knows when he may come!” I asked her where the garden was.  “As I must see him also,” said she, “let us go together.”  We had scarcely left the house when we saw the Count coming towards us about twelve paces off; he recognized and instantly named me.  He was very polite, and seemed already to know all that had taken place about me.  We went up the steps together slowly and alone; I told him briefly the whole affair.  He said that I ought at once to request an audience of his Highness the Elector, but that, if I failed in obtaining it, I must make a written statement.  I entreated him to keep this all quite private, and he agreed to do so.  When I remarked to him that there really was room for a genuine composer here, he said, “I know that well.”  I afterwards went to the Bishop of Chiemsee, and was with him for half an hour.  I told him everything, and he promised to do all he could for me in the matter.  At one o’clock he drove to Nymphenburg, and declared positively he would speak to the Electress.  On Sunday the Count comes here.  Herr Joannes Kronner has been appointed Vice-Concertmeister, which he owes to a blunt speech of his.  He has produced two symphonies—­Deo mene liberi [God preserve me from such]—­of his own composition.  The Elector asked him, “Did you really compose these?” “Yes, your Royal Highness!” “From whom did you learn?” “From a schoolmaster in Switzerland, where so much importance is attached to the study of composition.  This schoolmaster taught me more than all your composers here, put together, could teach me.”  Count Schonborn and his Countess, a sister of the Archbishop [of Salzburg], passed through here to-day.  I chanced to be at the play at the time.  Herr Albert, in the course of conversation, told them that I was here, and that I had given up my situation.  They were all astonishment, and positively refused to believe him when he said that my salary, of blessed memory, was only twelve florins thirty kreuzers!  They merely changed horses, and would gladly have spoken with me, but I was too late to meet them.  Now I must inquire what you are doing, and how you are.  Mamma and I hope that you are quite well.  I am still in my very happiest humor; my head feels as light as a feather since I got away from that chicanery.  I have grown fatter already.

61.

Munich, Sept. 29, 1777.

True enough, a great many kind friends, but unluckily most of them have little or nothing in their power.  I was with Count Seeau yesterday, at half-past ten o’clock, and found him graver and less natural than the first time; but it was only in appearance, for to-day I was at Prince Zeill’s [Bishop of Chiemsee—­No. 56], who, with all courtesy, said to me, “I don’t think we shall effect much here.  During dinner, at Nymphenburg, I spoke privately to the Elector, who replied:  ’It