five or six sets of trumpets and kettledrums, besides several
bands of violins and other instruments. The chiccherata is also a
masquerade. What the people of Milan call chicchere, we call
petits maitres, or fops. They were all on horseback, which was a
pretty sight. I am as happy now to hear that Herr von Aman
[Footnote: The father had written in a previous letter, "Herr von
Aman's accident, of which you wrote to us, not only distressed us
very much, but cost Wolfgang many tears. You know how sensitive
he is"] is better, as I was grieved when you mentioned that he
had met with an accident. What kind of mask did Madame Rosa wear,
and Herr von Molk, and Herr von Schiedenhofen? Pray write this to
me, if you know it; your doing so will oblige me very much. Kiss
mamma's hands for me a thousand million times, and a thousand to
yourself from "Catch him who can!" Why, here he is!



8.

Bologna, March 24, 1770.

Oh, you busy creature!

Having been so long idle, I thought it would do me no harm to set
to work again for a short time. On the post-days, when the German
letters come, all that I eat and drink tastes better than usual.
I beg you will let me know who are to sing in the oratorio, and
also its title. Let me hear how you like the Haydn minuets, and
whether they are better than the first. From my heart I rejoice
to hear that Herr von Aman is now quite recovered; pray say to