being all people whom I have recommended.  You must know that I have such influence in Naples that, when I say engage such a one, they do so at once.”  Marquesi is the primo uomo, whom he, and indeed all Munich too, praises very highly; Marchiani is a good prima donna; and there is a tenor, whose name I cannot recall, but Misliweczeck says he is the best in all Italy.  He also said, “I do beg of you to go to Italy; there one is esteemed and highly prized.”  And in truth he is right.  When I come to reflect on the subject, in no country have I received such honors, or been so esteemed, as in Italy, and nothing contributes more to a man’s fame than to have written Italian operas, and especially for Naples.  He said he would write a letter for me to Santoro, which I was to copy out when I went to see him next day; but finding it impossible to return, he sent me a sketch of the letter to-day.  I was told that when Misliweczeck heard people here speaking of Becke, or other performers on the piano, he invariably said, “Let no one deceive himself; none can play like Mozart; in Italy, where the greatest masters are, they speak of no one but Mozart; when his name is mentioned, not a word is said of others.”  I can now write the letter to Naples when I please; but, indeed, the sooner the better.  I should, however, first like to have the opinion of that highly discreet Hofcapellmeister, Herr von Mozart.  I have the most ardent desire to write another opera.  The distance is certainly great, but the period is still a long way off when I am to write this opera, and there may be many changes before then.  I think I might at all events undertake it.  If, in the mean time, I get no situation, eh, bien!  I shall then have a resource in Italy.  I am at all events certain to receive 100 ducats in the Carnival; and when I have once written for Naples I shall be sought for everywhere.  As papa well knows, there is an opera buffa in Naples in spring, summer, and autumn, for which I might write for the sake of practice, not to be quite idle.  It is true that there is not much to be got by this, but still there is something, and it would be the means of gaining more honor and reputation than by giving a hundred concerts in Germany, and I am far happier when I have something to compose, which is my chief delight and passion; and if I get a situation anywhere, or have hopes of one, the scrittura would be a great recommendation to me, and excite a sensation, and cause me to be more thought of.  This is mere talk, but still I say what is in my heart.  If papa gives me any good grounds to show that I am wrong, then I will give it up, though, I own, reluctantly.  Even when I hear an opera discussed, or am in a theatre myself and hear voices, oh!  I really am beside myself!