occupied with my opera. As I have now more time, I shall attend
better to my duty. My opera, thank God, is popular, as the
theatre is full every evening, which causes great surprise, for
many say that during all the time they have lived in Milan they
never saw any first opera so crowded as on this occasion. I am
thankful to say that both papa and I are quite well, and I hope
at Easter to have an opportunity of relating everything to mamma
and you. Addio! A propos, the copyist was with us yesterday, and
said that he was at that moment engaged in transcribing my opera
for the Lisbon court. Good-bye, my dear Madlle. sister,

Always and ever your attached brother.



30.

Venice, Feb 15, 1771

MY VERY DEAR SISTER,--

You have, no doubt, heard from papa that I am well. I have
nothing to write about, except my love and kisses to mamma. Give
the enclosed--Al sig. Giovanni. La signora perla ricono la
riverisce tanto come anche tutte le altre perle, e li assicuro
che tutte sono inamorata di lei, e che sperano che lei prendera
per moglie tutte, come i Turchi per contenar tutte sei. Questo
scrivo in casa di Sign. Wider, il quale e un galant' uomo come
lei melo scrisse, ed jeri abbiamo finito il carnavale da lui,
cenardo da lui e poi ballammo ed andammo colle perle in compagnie