three daughters, the eldest of whom and the young Count play the
piano. The Elector questioned me confidentially about his
children. I spoke quite honestly, but without detracting from
their master. Cannabich was entirely of my opinion. The Elector,
on going away, took leave of me with much courtesy.

After dinner to-day I went, at two o'clock, with Cannabich to
Wendling's, the flute-player, where they were all complaisance.
The daughter, who was formerly the Elector's favorite, plays the
piano very prettily; afterwards I played. I cannot describe to
you the happy mood I was in. I played extempore, and then three
duets with the violin, which I had never in my life seen, nor do
I now know the name of the author. They were all so delighted
that I--was desired to embrace the ladies. No hard task with the
daughter, for she is very pretty.

We then went again to the Elector's children; I played three
times, and from my heart too,--the Elector himself each time
asking me to play. He seated himself each time close to me and
never stirred. I also asked a certain Professor there to give me
a theme for a fugue, and worked it out.

Now for my congratulations!

My very dearest papa,--I cannot write poetically, for I am no
poet. I cannot make fine artistic phrases that cast light and
shadow, for I am no painter; I can neither by signs nor by
pantomime express my thoughts and feelings, for I am no dancer;
but I can by tones, for I am a musician. So to-morrow, at
Cannabich's, I intend to play my congratulations both for your