on his way to hear mass, before going to hunt.  Count Seeau went by, and greeted me very kindly:  “How are you, dear Mozart?” When the Elector came up to me, I said, “Will your Royal Highness permit me to pay my homage and to offer your Royal Highness my services?” “So you have finally left Salzburg?” “I have left it forever, your Royal Highness.  I only asked leave to make a journey, and being refused, I was obliged to take this step, although I have long intended to leave Salzburg, which is no place for me, I feel sure.”  “Good heavens! you are quite a young man.  But your father is still in Salzburg?” “Yes, your Royal Highness; he humbly lays his homage at your feet, &c., &c.  I have already been three times in Italy.  I have written three operas, and am a member of the Bologna Academy; I underwent a trial where several maestri toiled and labored for four or five hours, whereas I finished my work in one.  This is a sufficient testimony that I have abilities to serve any court.  My greatest wish is to be appointed by your Royal Highness, who is himself such a great &c., &c.”  “But, my good young friend, I regret that there is not a single vacancy.  If there were only a vacancy!” “I can assure your Royal Highness that I would do credit to Munich.”  “Yes, but what does that avail when there is no vacancy?” This he said as he was moving on; so I bowed and took leave of his Royal Highness.  Herr Woschitka advises me to place myself often in the way of the Elector.  This afternoon I went to Count Salern’s.  His daughter is a maid of honor, and was one of the hunting-party.  Ravani and I were in the street when the whole procession passed.  The Elector and the Electress noticed me very kindly.  Young Countess Salern recognized me at once, and waved her hand to me repeatedly.  Baron Rumling, whom I had previously seen in the antechamber, never was so courteous to me as on this occasion.  I will soon write to you what passed with Salern.  He was very kind, polite, and straightforward.—­P.  S. Ma tres-chere soeur, next time I mean to write you a letter all for yourself.  My remembrances to B. C. M. R. and various other letters of the alphabet.  Adieu!  A man built a house here and inscribed on it:  “Building is beyond all doubt an immense pleasure, but I little thought that it would cost so much treasure.”  During the night some one wrote underneath, “You ought first to have counted the cost.”

62.

Munich, Oct. 2, 1777.

Yesterday, October 1st, I was again at Count Salern’s, and to-day I even dined with him.  I have played a great deal during the last three days, and with right good will too.  Papa must not, however, imagine that I like to be at Count Salern’s on account of the young lady; by no means, for she is unhappily in waiting, and therefore never at home, but I am to see her at court to-morrow morning, at ten o’clock, in company with Madame Hepp, formerly Madlle.  Tosson.  On Saturday the court leaves this, and does not return till the 20th.  To-morrow