88.

Mannheim, Jan. 7, 1778.

I hope you are both well.  I am, thank God! in good health and spirits.  You may easily conceive my sorrow at the death of the Elector of Bavaria.  My sole wish is that our Elector here may have the whole of Bavaria, and transfer himself to Munich.  I think you also would like this.  This forenoon at twelve o’clock, Carl Theodor was proclaimed at court Duke of Bavaria.  At Munich, Count Daun, Oberststallmeister, immediately on the death of the Prince, received homage in the name of the Elector, and sent the dragoons to ride all round the environs of the city with trumpets and kettledrums, and to shout “Long live our Elector, Carl Theodor!” If all goes well, as I hope it may, Count Daun will receive a very handsome present.  His aid-de-camp, whom he dispatched here with the tidings, (his name is Lilienau,) got 3000 florins from the Elector.

89.

Mannheim, Jan 10, 1778

Yes, indeed!  I also wish that from my heart. [Footnote:  In the mother’s letter, she had written, “May God grant us the blessing of peace’” for there was much talk about the invasion of Bavaria by the Prussians and Austrians, on account of the succession.] You have already learned my true desire from my last letter.  It is really high time that we should think of mamma’s journey home, for though we have had various rehearsals of the opera, still its being performed is by no means certain, and if it is not given, we shall probably leave this on the 15th of February.  When that time arrives, (after receiving your advice on the subject,) I mean to follow the opinions and habits of my fellow-travellers, and, like them, order a suit of black clothes, reserving the laced suit for Germany, as it is no longer the fashion in Paris.  In the first place, it is an economy, (which is my chief object in my Paris journey,) and, secondly, it wears well and suits both country and town.  You can go anywhere with a black coat.  To-day the tailor brought Herr Wendling his suit.  The clothes I think of taking with me are my puce-brown spagnolet coat, and the two waistcoats.

Now for something else.  Herr Wieland, after meeting me twice, seems quite enchanted with me.  The last time, after every sort of eulogium, he said, “It is really fortunate for me having met you here,” and pressed my hand.  To-day “Rosamunde” has been rehearsed in the theatre; it is well enough, but nothing more, for if it were positively bad it could not be performed, I suppose,—­just as some people cannot sleep without lying in a bed!  But there is no rule without an exception, and I have seen an instance of this; so good night!  Now for something more to the purpose.  I know for certain that the Emperor intends to establish a German opera in Vienna, and is eagerly looking out for a young Capellmeister who understands the German language, and has genius, and is capable of bringing something new into the world.  Benda at Gotha has applied,