company of critics, who
discovered that there were faults in Mozart's operas, Haydn, when
appealed to, replied--"All I know is, that Mozart is the greatest
composer now existing." When applied to in 1787, to write a comic
opera, Haydn thought a new subject, or _libretto_, would be necessary,
and adds--

"Even then it would be a bold attempt, as scarcely any one can
stand by the side of the great Mozart. For were it possible that
I could impress every friend of music, particularly among the
great, with that deep musical intelligence of the inimitable works
of Mozart--that emotion of the soul with which they affect me, and
in which I both comprehend and feel them, the nations would
contend together for the possession of such a gem. Prague ought to
retain him, and reward him well too; else the history of great
genius is melancholy, and offers posterity but slight
encouragement to exertion, which is the reason, alas! that many
hopeful and aspiring spirits are repressed. I feel indignant that
this _unique_ Mozart is not yet engaged at some royal or imperial
court. Forgive me if I stray from the subject--but I love the man
too much."

Again, when engaged, along with Mozart, for Salomon's concerts in
England--a plan which, so far as Mozart was concerned, was unhappily
not carried out--Haydn's only stipulation was, that his compositions
should precede those of his friend; and avowed, with unparalleled
frankness, his feeling that he would otherwise have less chance of
being heard with success.

The celebrity of Mozart, and the applause which attended some of his
new compositions, procured him the notice, and ultimately the
patronage, of the Emperor Joseph--though somewhat unsteadily
conferred, and divided with unworthy Italian rivals. The change,
however, was tardy, and, when it came, did not much improve his
external circumstances. The appointments he held made but a miserable
sinecure, with a still more miserable salary; but the deficiency was
supplied by soft words and familiar looks, which, with Mozart's kindly
disposition, served to attach him to his imperial master, better than
would have been done by a larger allowance ungraciously given.

In the mean time, relying upon his position as a composer, and hoping
for the best, Mozart had formed the connexion, as to which Mr Hogarth
justly says, "that his fixing his affections on the admirable woman
whom he married,