d, dear
lady, that I have delayed writing to express my gratitude. I found
everything at home in confusion; for three days I did not know whether
I was capell master, or capell servant; nothing could console me; my
apartments were all in confusion; my pianoforte, that I formerly loved
so dearly, was perverse and disobedient, and rather irritated than
soothed me. I slept very little, and even my dreams persecuted me, for,
while asleep, I was under the pleasant delusion that I was listening to
the opera of "Le Nozze di Figaro," when the blustering north wind woke
me, and almost blew my nightcap off my head.

[The portion of the letter deleted is that given at page 161, beginning,
"I lost twenty pounds in weight."]

...Forgive me, dear lady, for taking up your time in this very first
letter by so wretched a scrawl, and such stupid nonsense; you must
forgive a man spoilt by the Viennese. Now, however, I begin to accustom
myself by degrees to country life, and yesterday I studied for the first
time, and somewhat in the Haydn style too.

No doubt, you have been more industrious than myself. The pleasing
adagio from the quartet has probably now received its true expression
from your fair fingers. I trust that my good Fraulein Peperl [Joseph
A., one of the Genzinger children.] may be frequently reminded of
her master, by often singing over the cantata, and that she will pay
particular attention to distinct articulation and correct vocalization,
for it would be a sin if so fine a voice were to remain imprisoned in
the breast. I beg, therefore, for a frequent smile, or else I shall
be much vexed. I advise M. Francois [Franz, author of the Genzinger
children.] too to cultivate his musical talents. Even if he sings in his
dressing-gown, it will do well enough, and I will often write something
new to encourage him. I again kiss your hands in gratitude for all the
kindness you have shown me. I am, etc.,

HAYDN.

To Frau v. Genzinger.

ESTORAS, March 14, 1790.

MOST VALUED, ESTEEMED AND KINDEST FRAU V. GENZINGER,

I ask forgiveness a million times for having so long delayed answering
your two charming letters, which has not been caused by negligence (a
sin from which may Heaven preserve me so long as I live), but from the
press of business which has devolved on me for my gracious Prince, in
his present melancholy condition. The death of his wife overwhelmed the
Prince with such grief that we were obliged to use every mea