loved nature and wanted a garden about his home.)

179. "I wish that my sister were here in Rome. I am sure she
would be pleased with the city, for St. Peter's church is
regular, and many other things in Rome are regular."

(Rome, April 14, 1770. A droll criticism from the traveling
virtuoso, aged 14, in a letter to his mother and sister.)

180. "Carefully thinking it over I conclude that in no country
have I received so many honors or been so highly appreciated
as in Italy. You get credit in Italy if you have written an
opera,--especially in Naples."

(Munich, October 11, 1777, to his father. An influential friend
had offered to help him get an appointment in Italy.)

181. "Strassburg can't get along without me. You have no idea how
I am honored and loved here. The people say that everything I do
is refined, that I am so sedate and courteous and have so good a
bearing. Everybody knows me."

(Strassburg, October 26, 1778, to his father, on his return
journey from Paris. On October 3 he had written: "I beg your
pardon if I cannot write much. It is because, unless I am in a
city in which I am well known, I am never in a good humor. If I
were acquainted here I would gladly stay, for the city is truly
charming--beautiful houses, handsome broad streets, and superb
squares.")