34.

Milan, August 31, 1771.

MY DEAREST SISTER,--

We are quite well, thank God! I have been eating quantities of
fine pears, peaches, and melons in your place. My greatest
amusement is to talk by signs to the dumb, which I can do to
perfection. Herr Hasse [the celebrated opera composer] arrived
here yesterday, and to-day we are going to pay him a visit. We
only received the book of the Serenata last Thursday. [Footnote:
It was "Ascanio in Alba" that Wolfgang got to compose for Milan;
and it was this music which made Hasse exclaim, "This boy will
cause us all to be forgotten."] I have very little to write
about. Do not, I entreat, forget about THE ONE OTHER, where no
other can ever be. You understand me, I know.



35.

Milan, Sept. 13, 1771.

DEAR SISTER,--

I write only for writing's sake. It is indeed very inconvenient,
because I have a severe cold. Say to Fraulein W. von Molk that I