comprehension.

Now for some of our news here. I was desired to go yesterday with
Cannabich to the Intendant, Count Savioli, to receive my present.
It was just what I had anticipated--a handsome gold watch. Ten
Carolins would have pleased me better just now, though the watch
and chain, with its appendages, are valued at twenty Carolins.
Money is what is most needed on a journey; and, by your leave, I
have now five watches. Indeed, I have serious thoughts of having
a second watch-pocket made, and, when I visit a grandee, to wear
two watches, (which is indeed the fashion here,) that no one may
ever again think of giving me another. I see from your letter
that you have not yet read Vogler's book. [FOOTNOTE: Ton
Wissenschaft und Ton Kunst.] I have just finished it, having
borrowed it from Cannabich. His history is very short. He came
here in a miserable condition, performed on the piano, and
composed a ballet. This excited the Elector's compassion, who
sent him to Italy. When the Elector was in Bologna, he questioned
Father Valoti about Vogler. "Oh! your Highness, he is a great
man," &c., &c. He then asked Father Martini the same question.
"Your Highness, he has talent; and by degrees, when he is older
and more solid, he will no doubt improve, though he must first
change considerably." When Vogler came back he entered the
Church, was immediately appointed Court Chaplain, and composed a
Miserere which all the world declares to be detestable, being
full of false harmony. Hearing; that it was not much commended,
he went to the Elector and complained that the orchestra played
badly on purpose to vex and annoy him; in short, he knew so well
how to make his game (entering into so many petty intrigues with
women) that he became Vice-Capellmeister. He is a fool, who