In the course of a couple of days I went to see her, when she sang it for me and accompanied herself, and I was obliged to confess that she had sung it precisely as I could have wished, and as I would have taught it to her myself.  This is now the best aria that she has, and will insure her success whereever she goes. [Footnote:  This wonderfully beautiful aria is appended to my Life of Mozart.—­Stuttgart, Bruckmaun, 1863.] Yesterday at Wendling’s I sketched the aria I promised his wife [Madame Wendling was a fine singer], with a short recitative.  The words were chosen by himself from “Didone”:  “Ah non lasciarmi no.”  She and her daughter quite rave about this air.  I promised the daughter also some French ariettes, one of which I began to-day.  I think with delight of the Concert Spirituel in Paris, for probably I shall be desired to compose something for it.  The orchestra is said to be good and numerous, so my favorite style of composition can be well given there—­I mean choruses, and I am very glad to hear that the French place so much value on this class of music.  The only fault found with Piccini’s [Gluck’s well-known rival] new opera “Roland” is that the choruses are too meagre and weak, and the music also a little monotonous; otherwise it was universally liked.  In Paris they are accustomed to hear nothing but Gluck’s choruses.  Only place confidence in me; I shall strive with all my might to do honor to the name of Mozart.  I have no fears at all on the subject.

My last letters must have shown you how things are, and what I really meant.  I do entreat of you never to allow the thought to cross your mind that I can ever forget you, for I cannot bear such an idea.  My chief aim is, and always will be, to endeavor that we may meet soon and happily, but we must have patience.  You know even better than I do that things often take a perverse turn, but they will one day go straight—­only patience!  Let us place our trust in God, who will never forsake us.  I shall not be found wanting; how can you possibly doubt me?  Surely it concerns me also to work with all my strength, that I may have the pleasure and the happiness (the sooner the better, too) of embracing from my heart my dearest and kindest father.  But, lo and behold! nothing in this world is wholly free from interested motives.  If war should break out in Bavaria, I do hope you will come and join me at once.  I place faith in three friends—­and they are powerful and invincible ones—­namely, God, and your head and mine.  Our heads are, indeed, very different, but each in its own way is good, serviceable, and useful; and in time I hope mine may by degrees equal yours in that class of knowledge in which you at present surpass me.  Farewell!  Be merry and of good cheer!  Remember that you have a son who never intentionally failed in his filial duty towards you, and who will strive to become daily more worthy of so good a father.