19.

Bologna, August 4, 1770.

I GRIEVE from my heart to hear that Jungfrau Marthe is still so
ill, and I pray every day that she may recover. Tell her from me
that she must beware of much fatigue and eat only what is
strongly salted [she was consumptive]. A propos, did you give my
letter to Robinsiegerl? [Sigismund Robinig, a friend of his]. You
did not mention it when you wrote. I beg that when you see him
you will tell him he is not quite to forget me. I can't possibly
write better, for my pen is only fit to write music and not a
letter. My violin has been newly strung, and I play every day. I
only mention this because mamma wished to know whether I still
played the violin. I have had the honor to go at least six times
by myself into the churches to attend their splendid ceremonies.
In the mean time I have composed four Italian symphonies
[overtures], besides five or six arias, and also a motett.

Does Herr Deibl often come to see you? Does he still honor you by
his amusing conversation? And the noble Herr Carl von Vogt, does
he still deign to listen to your tiresome voices? Herr von
Schiedenhofen must assist you often in writing minuets, otherwise
he shall have no sugar-plums.

If time permitted, it would be my duty to trouble Herr von Molk
and Herr von Schiedenhofen with a few lines; but as that most
indispensable of all things is wanting, I hope they will forgive
my neglect, and consider me henceforth absolved from this honor.