buffaloes, oxen, fools, blockheads, numskulls, and foxes! What
means this? Four soldiers and three shoulder-belts! Such a thick
packet and no portrait! [FOOTNOTE: The "Basle" (his cousin) had
promised him her portrait. She sent it subsequently to Salzburg,
where it still hangs in the Mozarteum.] I was so anxious about
it--indeed, I felt sure of getting it, having yourself written
long ago to say that I should have it soon, very soon. Perhaps
you doubt my keeping my promise [about the ornaments--see No.
71], but I cannot think this either. So pray let me have the
likeness as quickly as you can; and I trust it is taken as I
entreated--in French costume.

How do I like Mannheim? As well as I can any place where my
cousin is not. I hope, on the other hand, that you have at all
events received my two letters--one from Hohenaltheim, and one
from Mannheim--this, such as it is, being the third from here,
but making the fourth in all. I must conclude, for we are just
going to dinner, and I am not yet dressed. Love me as I love you,
and then we shall never cease loving each other. Adieu! J'espere
que vous aurez deja pris quelque lection dans la langue
francaise, et je ne doute point que--ecoutez!--que vous aurez
bientot le francais mieux que moi; car il y a certainement deux
ans que je n'ai pas ecrit un mot de cette langue. Encore adieu!
Je vous baise les mains.



76.

Mannheim, Nov. 14-16, 1777.