go)' should be written in; I forgot to look at the copy made for
the printer and do not know whether or how the direction has been
written in. It seems silly to me that everybody should hurry away
only in order to leave Mademoiselle Electra alone."

(Munich, January 3, 1781, to his father.)

37. "I am glad to compose the book. The time is short, it is
true, for it must be performed about the middle of September; but
the circumstances connected with the performances, and a number
of other purposes, are of such a character that they enliven my
spirits in such a degree that I hurry to my writing desk and
remain seated there with great joy."

(Vienna, August 1, 1781, to his father. The opera referred to is
"Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail." The "circumstances" were the
court festivals which were to celebrate the coming of the Russian
Grand Duke, from which Mozart, as was his wont, expected all
manner of future benefits.)

38. "As regards the work of Stephanie you are right, of course,
but nevertheless the poetry is well fitted to the character of
the stupid, coarse and malicious Osmin. I know full well that the
style of the verse is none of the best, but it has so adjusted
itself to the musical thoughts (which were promenading in my
brain in advance) that the lines had to please me, and I will
wager there will be no disappointment at the performance. So far
as the songs are concerned they are not to be despised. Belmont's
aria 'O, wie angstlich' could scarcely have been written better
for music."