with him, and I am too proud to compare myself with such a stupid
gelding."

(Vienna, June 20, 1781, to his father. These expressions, called
out by the insulting treatment received from the Archbishop and
Count Arco, are in striking contrast to Mozart's habitual
amiability.)

140. "I can easily believe that the court parasites will look
askance at you, but why need you disturb yourself about such a
miserable pack? The more inimical such persons are to you the
greater the pride and contempt with which you should look down
upon them."

(Vienna, June 20, 1778, to his father, who fears that some of the
consequences of his son's step may be visited upon him.)

141. "I do not ask of you that you make a disturbance or enter
the least complaint, but the Archbishop and the whole pack must
fear to speak to you about this matter, for you (if compelled)
can without the slightest alarm say frankly that you would be
ashamed to have reared a son who would have accepted abuse from
such an infamous cur as Arco; and you may assure all that if I
had the good luck to meet him today I should treat him as he
deserves, and that he would have occasion to remember me the
rest of his life. All that I want is that everybody shall see
in your bearing that you have nothing to fear. Keep quiet; but
if necessary, speak, and then to some purpose."

(Vienna, July 4, 1781, to his father.)