always wise to do all the things contemplated. Often one thinks
one thing would be most advisable and another unadvisable and
bad, when, if it were done, the opposite results would disclose
themselves."

(Mannheim, December 10, 1777, to his father, when a plan for an
appointment in Mannheim came to naught.)

203. "I am not indifferent but only resolved, and therefore, I
can endure everything with patience,--provided, only, that
neither my honor nor the good name of Mozart shall suffer
therefrom. Well, since it must be so, so be it; only I beg, do
not rejoice or sorrow prematurely; for let happen what may it
will be all right so long as we remain well--happiness exists
only in the imagination."

(Mannheim, November 29, 1777, to his father, who had upbraided
him because of his reckless expenditures. At the time Mozart was
hoping for an appointment at Mannheim.)

204. "Dearest and best of fathers:--You shall see that things go
better and better with me. What use is this perpetual turmoil,
this hurried fortune? It does not endure.--Che va piano va, sano.
One must adjust himself to circumstances."

(Vienna, December 22, 1781, to his father, just before Mozart's
marriage engagement to Constanze Weber.)

205. "Now, to put your mind at ease, I am doing nothing without
reasons, and well-founded ones, too."