THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA ©t> ENDOWED BY THE DIALECTIC AND PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETIES V780.92 M587b v.l HJSIG LIBRARY ^Sk ,^mh >> This book must not be taken from the Library building. -AUG — 2^64. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/memoirsoflifewriOOburn ^^^L^i^^lc^^j^r Ful/lifttedFe&f/. /fg&iy G.G K^Jiolin.pon.I'aeeT-ne/lerA^ti I R S OF THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF THE ABATE METASTASIO. IN WHICH ARE INCORPORATED, TRANSLATIONS OF HIS PRINCIPAL LETTERS. By CHARLES BURNEY, Mus. D, F. R. S, Omniaque ejus non folum fafta, fed etiam difla meminiffet. Cic. Somn, SciP. IN THREE VOLUMES, VOL. I. LONDON: PRINTED FOR G. G. AND J. ROBINSON, PATERNOSTER-ROW. M.DCC.XCVI. PREFACE r JTO wlfh for information concerning fu£h benefactors as have greatly contributed to our inftruftion or amufement, is a natural curio* %, which has gratitude for its bafis. And the lovers of Italian Poetry, as well as vocal Mufic, (if I may judge of the feelings of others by my own) regard Metaftafio as the primary fource of their moit exquifite delight in the union of thofe arts. But this poet has ftill higher claims on our reverence and affeaion, from his innoxious life and moral charaaer, which give a kind of dignity to innocent pleafures, and to humanity. The life and writings of Metaftafio have been fo much conne&ed with that art, upon the ftudy and hiftory of which, fo great a portion" of my own life has been fpent, that his Letters feemed to furnifli neceffary materials to the completion pf my mufical annals. Indeed, if thefe letters had come to my hands previous to the publica- tion of my General Hijiory, feveral points rela- tive to the progrefs of the muficaj drama would fcavebeen illuftrated from them. But, befides their intimate conneaion with mufic and its profeflbrs, I found in them fo many pleafing beautiful, and new fentiments, on other fub- — 2 )?&h iv P R E F A C "E. je&ts, written in a ftyle fo fuperior in elegance, grace, and facility, to any other Italian profe with which I am acquainted, that I wjfhed to recommend them to the ftudents and lovers of Italian literature in general, as models of famiT liar letters, and of eafy and elegant profe. The admirers of a foreign dramatic poet, of whofe productions none have been well tran- flated, except a few by my worthy friend, Mr. Hoole, cannot be very numerous, nor is it likely that a general curiofity concerning his life and writings will now be excited. However, as a Poet of refined tafte and fentiments, and a Man pofTeffed of every moral and focial virtue that embellifhes fociety, apd exalts human nature, his conduct and opinions deferve difplay, as much as his literary abilities admiration. The pofthumous publication of his private letters, which during many years of his life had been copied previous tp their departure for the place of their deftination, by a young Italian fettled at Vienna, as an exercife in his own language, will enable me in the courfe of thefe Memoirs to. let the poet fpeak for himfelf on many fubje&s, concerning which it is natural for a curious reader to wifh to know his genuine fentiments. The incidents in his life, anterior to his arrival at the capital of Germany, will be given from authentic accounts, publiilied by his countrymen in PREFACE. r ih Italy fince his deceafe, and which, from their fingularity, and the myftery in which they were long involved, feemed in want of indifputable Vouchers to render them credible. There are few circumftances relative to his fubfequent life and writings, but what may be gathered from his works themfelves, particularly his epiftolary correfpondence, which from a few of his private letters, that, in defiance of all his folicitude to keep from the prefs, the vanity of his friends had made public, were long wiftied for by his countrymen {a). The hiftory of a hero, is to be found in his public tranfa&ions ; and that of a man of letters, in his private correfpondence. The moft authen- tic and fatisfa6tory hiftory of Cicero, is to be' gathered from his Epijiol^e Familiares, or private («) It is faid in his Eloge by Andrea Rubei, of the Academy of Sciences at Mantua, written two months after the Poet's deceafe, and printed at Venice, that, " in his let- ters to his friends he difleminated that fvveet urbanity which .his heart never failed to furnifh. Oh, what a precious gift it would be to the world; if fome benefactor to mankind would publifh them! Whatever is now faid of his heart, would be then demonftrated. From the few that have been feen, we may imagine the reft to be replete with moralitjy, friendfhip, gratitude, found criticifm, fage counfel, and religious fenti- ments. Where can we find in Italy a feries of modern letters which would furnifh fuch ufeful, fuch delightful lelTons to inexperienced youth ? We look towards them with eager Expectation, and hope they will foon be hi our pofieffion." Elogj Italian?, Tomo imo. a. 3 letters. vi PREFACE. letters, not intended for publication ; the letters of Erafmus compofe the bell part of Dr. Jortin's Life of that honeft and learned divine; as the let- ters of Petrarch do of his Memoirs by the Abbe- de Sade ; and above all, the letters of Gray,ingeni- oufly incorporated by his friend Mr. Mafon in hia Memoirs, which have always appeared to me the molt agreeable fpecies of biography that has- ever been publifhed. Dr. Johnfon, in his admi- rable Lives of our Poets, though his opinions, concerning the merit of fome of them are dis- puted, and have never fatisfied my own mind, has manifefted fuch powers of intellect, and profound critical knowledge, as will probably fettle the- national opinion on many fubje£ts of literature upon an immoveable foundation. In- deed his biographical fketches are more confined 1 to difcriminative criticifm on the works of our poets, than their manners and private life; but of Metaftafio, whofe writings are well known to breathe the molt noble fentiments, and pureft: morality, we wiiTied to know how his privater life correfponded with his public principles. And how could this be better difcovered by ar foreio-ner, at the diftance of London from Vienna, than by his Letters ? His countrymen, the Ita- lians, almoft equally diftant from his refidence- during more than fifty years of his exiftence, feem to know as little concerning his private life, as we do in England, except from his letters; few of PREFACE. xu of which Were publifhecl, when moft of his bio- graphers went to work. The lives of the poet, that have been attempted, and the public orations and eulogies that were compofed and pronounced upon him in the lite- rary academies of Italy, by men of the firft eminence for learning and fcience, before and after his deceafe, are innumerable. His coun- trymen, in poffeffion of thefe, may have' their curiofity fufficiently gratified > but as the prefent work is intended to- convey to Engiifh readers fome idea of the genius and moral worth of this extraordinary man, I mall give them, from his bell biographers and eulogifts that I have been able to procure, the moft prominent features of his character, 'as far as they agree with what I faw and heard at Vienna, in my vifits to the Imperial Laureat, and enquiries concerning him, of his friends and moft intimate acquaintance. The Firft biographical effay that'appeared after the poet's deceafe, was A Compendium of the Life of the celebrated Imperial Laureat, Pietro Meta- stasis, written in German, for the ufe of his future Biographers, by Joseph Rezer. This was publifhed at Vienna, in 1782, in an 8vo pam- phlet of only 53 pages. It was foon after tran- flated into Italian, and publifhed likewife in Vienna : a different tranflation, in Italian, appear- ed at Rome in 1 783 5 and from this fmall tract, the principal traits of his perfon and character a 4 feern. vili PREFACE. feem to have been drawn, by his fubfequent panegyrifts and biographers. II. Elogio di Pietro Metastasio, written by Andrea Rubbi, 1782, two months after the Poet's death, and publifhed at Venice in the 1 ft. vol. of Elogj Italianty in 12 vols. 8vo. This is a continued rhapfody of praife and admira- tion, which required all the intrinfic merit, worth, and fame of Metaftafio, to render palat- able. The biographical information is tradi- tional, and. the annotations are fo injudicioufly felecled, as, if authentic, to confute the chief part of his perfonal praife. But this writer, who repeats fuch wild and incredible goffipping ftories concerning the poet's -prejudices, is the greater! enthufiaft for his virtues and benignity of heart, of all his panegyrifts. III. Elogio dell' Abate Pietro Metasta- sio, read at a general meeting of the Arcadian Academy at Rome, in Auguft, 1782, by the Abate Taruffi. None of the panegyrifts or biographers of the poet were fo well acquainted" with his public works and private life as this eulogift, who had redded many years at Vienna, as Auditor and Secretary of Legation to the Pope's Nuncio, and who enjoyed the friendfhip of Metaftafio in the moft intimate and confidential manner. A man of found learning, and uner- ring judgment andtafte in literature and the fine arts. IV. Storia, PREFACE. Is IV. Storia, or Hiftory of the dramatic Poet, FietroTrapassi Abate M£TASTAsio,illuftrated with notes, and many of his letters ; written by Captain Marc Antonio Aluigi. In Afifi, 1783, 8vo. 170 pages. This is one of the moft confiderable, in length, of anyof the lives that have been written of our bard. The author has taken great pains in collecting all the information which he could procure from the poet's works, and from tradition; but having had no perfonal knowledge of him, nor ever been in the lift of his correfpondents, his information is neither new nor well authenticated. V. Elogio di Pietro Metastasio, publifhed in a work entitled Elogj d'alcuni illuflri ltalianu Eulogies, or characters of illuftrious Italians, by Monfignor Angelo Fabbroni, Bifhop of Pifa, 1784, 8vo. 98 pages. This learned prelate was long in correfpond- ence with Metaftafio, and folicited his permiilion to write his life, and affiftance in furnifhing ma- terials, previous to his deceafe ; to which requeft the poet's negative will be found in the courfe of his Letters. There are many juft reflections and critical remarks in this Eloge, but the biographical part is chiefly copied from Rezer. VI. Vita fia florid* The Life or Hiftory of the Abate Peter Metaftafio, Caefarean Poet. Venice, printed by Zatta, 1784, and prefixed to the edition * PRE F A C E. edition of the Poet's works, copied from that of Paris. AnonymousV It has, however, been faid by the editor of the Nue edition, to have been written by the late Abate Giovan Francesco. Altanesi, in his latter days, of which he gives the following fevere, butjuft, character. "This work is rendered infiifferable by a heap of ilrange and inapplicable quotations, by pedantry, and by the blunders with which it abounds, copied from another life which Was publifhed by ,Aluigi> in 1783. VII. Memorie perfervire alia vita — Memoirs to- wards a Life of Metaftaiio, collected by Saverio* Mattei, 8vo. Naples, 1785. Thefe Memoirs were publifhed with an Eloge on Jomelli, or an Effay on the progrefs of The- atrical Poetry and Mufic, by the fame author. Sig. Sav. Mattei is not only pofTerTed of deep and extenfive learning, but abilities as a poet r and great knowledge and good tafte in mufic ; concerning which he feems to have heard, read, and meditated, more than any man of letters in Italy.. 'He rather points out in this tract, in a loofe and irregular way, juft as recollection dic- tates, materials for other biographers, than at- tempts a regular life of his friend and correfpon- dent Metaftafio himfe-lf- However, his di£ jointed materials are all ufeful, and many of them fuch as are no where elfe to be found. VIIL RaggionamentOy or a Difcourfe by John 3 Baptift PREFACE. ■ ' # Baptift Morefchi, in praife of Peter Metaftaflo, Tead at a meeting of the Academy degli Fervidi in Bologna, 1786- This difcourfe, prefixed ta the firft volume of Metaftafio's Letters, is a florid ,analyfis of his dramas, abounding in enthufiaftic encomiums, but contains no anecdotes or bio- graphical information concerning the poet's life and manners. It is, however., not devoid of eloquence. IX. Vita dell' Abate P i-e.tr o Met ast Asi^fcritt&r dell'Avocato Carlo Cristini. In this life, written^ by the Editor of the complete edition of all Meta- ftafio's Works, in twenty vols. i2mo. with two volumes of Remarks and Obfervations on his dra* matic productions, publiflied at Nice, in 17S5 and 1786. the author feems judicioufly to have, availed himfelf of the labours of all his predecef? fors; having compiled a life from the information obtained by the refearches of others, not from a perfonal acquaintance or correfpondence with the poet, nor any new fources of informations except what he procured at Naples from Signor Mattei. This is doubtlefs the moft ample and fatisfactory life of Metaftafio which I have feen, occupying 214 pages of the firft volume of the. edition to which it is prefixed. The author of this life has done me the honour to refer feveral times to my German 'four: once, indeed, to point out a miftake, which I £hall here moft readily acknowledge and correct xn PREFACE. At the time of my vifiting Vienna, ten year& before the deceafe of Metaftafio, the hiftory of the early part of his life was very imperfectly known ; and the bequeji of a friend had been tra- ditionally handed about, inftead of that of the Romanina, which is now univerfally known and allowed. The ftory had been told me by a per- fon of high rank* whqfe information, in other" refpefts, has flood the teft of the ftricTeft exa- mination; but at this time, even the Abate Tarufri, Metaftafio's countryman and intimate friend, was unacquainted with the Will of the Romanina, and feemed to credit the ftory which was then in circulation concerning Metaftafio's generofity to the relations of a deceafed friend. At the time of Metaftafio's deceafe, there were fix capital editions of his works in the prefs, and innumerable have been the editions fince, to moft of which a life of the author is prefixed, which has been confulted, though unprofitably, in hopes of new information. In- deed my beft refources of information have flowed from the pofthumous publication of the five volumes of his letters, which firft appeared with the complete edition of his poetical works at Nice, 1786, but without the le aft attention to 1 chronology. The principal of thefe, however, I have arranged, tranflated, and interwoven in* the Memoirs: making the poet, as often as 2 poflibky PREFACE. *Si poffible., fpeak for himfelf, and relate his owq irory. I might add, as an advantage to myfelf, at leaft, if not to my enterprize, that I had a per- fonal acquaintance with feveral of the Poet's correfpondents : fuch as Padre Martini, HaiTe^ Jomelli, and Farinelli ; that I am in poffeffioa of the works of raoft of his literary friends, to whom his letters are preferred; and was a ftranger to the perfon or talents of but few of the opera compofers or fingers that are ocpafion- ally mentioned in his correfpondence. But ftill hoping for farther information, and unwilling to fhrink from any pains, or leave untried any poffible means of procuring it, I ventured to addrefs a letter to his eleve and executrix, the accomplifhed Mademoifelk Mar- tines, at Vienna, telling her of my deiign, and fpecifying all the materials which I had been able to collect for its accomplishment. At the fame time entreating her to inform me whether it would be poffible to augment them by public books or private anecdotes ? And had the fatif- faction oi being aflured by this lady (the perfon beft qualified to anfwer my queftion) after pe- rufing the lift of books which I had procured previous to writing the life of Metaftafio, that " fhe could recollect no others ; nor could thofe ft of whom fhe had enquired." « They .siv PREFACE. " They have been printing here *, (fhe adds) " ever fince the month of June, 1794, the ge-» *' nuine letters of Metaftafio to his friends, and * c other particular pieces, of which I fend you a (?) to fubfiil. in the place of his birth, lifted for a foldier in the regiment of Corn, and foon after married Francefca Galaifi, by whom he had many children befides the Poet. While he was in garrifon, to the fmall pay > of a foldier, he added fomething towards the maintenance of his family, by becom- ing an Amanuenfis. And at length, having ferved the ufual time, and by extreme in- duftry and oeconomy faved a little money, he entered into partnership with a mop-keeper at Rome, for the fale of goods which be- long to what the Romans call Parte bianco^ confiiting of oil, flower, paftry, and other culinary materials. And having been fomewhat profperous in this kind of rherchandife, he placed his two eldefr, fons, Leopoldo, and Pietro, at a Gram- • mar-School. The latter difcovered an extra- ordinary quicknefs and difpofition for litera- ture, and a violent paffion for poetry, with a power of making verfes, extempore, on any given Subject, before he was ten years old (# ). This (a) This fpecies of infpiration, allowed to the improvi- /atari of Italy, was long doubted in England by thofe who had never croffed the Alps, till the arrival of the celebrated Talassi in our country about ten years ago* when ( 3 ) This faculty he was habituated to exef- cife, after fchool hours, at his father's fhop^ where great crowds ufed to affemble in the ftreet of an evening to hear the young Tra- paffi ling, alV improvijia ; who, befides the harmony of his numbers, was gifted with the melody of a fine voice. During one of thefe tuneful fits, the learned civilian Gravina having accidentally paffed that way, was {truck with the fweetnefs of the child's voice, and ftill more with his verfes, which he fodn found were extempore, and either upon perfons who flood near him, or on playful fubjec~ts of their fuggefting. Gravina was fo aftonifhed and pleafed at the precocity of the little bard's talents, that he flopt to carefs, and converfe with him, offering him money for his perform- ance, which however the child modeftly de- clined to accept. This fo much increafed the civilian's admiration, that he inftantly con- ceived awifh to adopt him, for the pleafureof cultivating a foil which nature had rendered fo fertile, that even the fpontaneous flowers and fruits it produced were of a fuperior when the raoft obftinate infidels were converted to the faith, and obliged to confefs the reality of the art. b 2 kind. ( 4 ) kind. Without hefitation he therefore ap- plied to his parents, foliciting them to trans- fer to him the care of their fon's education, prom.ifing to become not only his preceptor, but father* • As the child was ftill to remain at Rome, and no cruel preliminary was mentioned, by which his natural parents were prohibited from feeing him and cheriming reciprocal afFeclion, Felix was too wife, and zealous for •the welfare of his fon, to refufe the proffer- ed patronage ; and the next morning Pietro was conducted by his father and mother to the houfe of Gravina, . and wholly configned to his care and protection. Our young bard was now, from the le- gitimate child of a fhop-keeper, become the adopted fon of a man of letters. And as his learned patron was partial to Greek literature, and wifhed to implant in the mind of the young Roman a refpecl: and reverence for ancient lore, he tranflated his name into Greek : calling him Metas- tasio, inflead of Trapq/fi '; as MeTot£a. formed as an Opera. The drama of the fame name, fet by Handel and brought out in 173751s founded on a very different hiftorical fadt. B 4 , irrecover- ( 8 > irrecoverably drowned, takes a fatal draught ; but is foon; after informed that he is reco- vered. It feems fomewhat inconnftent, that Gra- vina, whofe firfr. impreffions in favour of his young pupil were the effects of his prema- ture genius for poetry, mouldy check his progrefs in that art, in favour of another ftudy for which he had no paflion or uncom- mon dilpofition ; but thinking mere of his future fortune than fame, he chained him to legiflation, pandects, edicts, decrees, codes, rolls, and every fpecies of advocation* that was likely to contribute to his profeflional knowledge and advancement. But after producing the Tragedy of Giuf- tino upon Gravina's favourite Greek model', the learned civilian feems not only to have tolerated, but encouraged his pupil's adora- tion of the mufes ; and at eighteen carried him to Naples exprefsly to afford him an opportunity of finging extempore with the molt celebrated ImproVifatori of Italy at that time. Metaftafio, in a letter to AlgarottJ * Alas ! my thrice gentle Caflio; My advocation is not now in tune. Shaksp. Othelio, written (9 ) written in 1757; gives the following account -of this poetical contention. "It is your wifh to have fpecimens of the verfes which I made extempore, during my childhood ; but how can I poffibly gratify this wiih ? I do not deny but that a natural talent for harmony and the mufes, was difcovered in me, that was thought fomewhat uncommon, and more early than ufiial, that is, at ten or eleven years old; that this phenomenon lb dazzled my great matter Gravina, that he was partial to it, and cheriihed me as a foil worthy of his cultivation : and that fo late as the year 17 1 6, he exhibited me to fpeak verfes, God knows how, for the benefit of Georgio Lorentino, upon all kinds of fub- je.cls, at which time I had for competitors the illufhious Rolli, Vagnini, and the Cavalier Perfetti, men who were then arrived at full maturity, and veterans in Pindaric battles/' And it is related by his biographers, that in this very year of his age, he fung, all* improvijla, at Naples, forty oclave ilanzas on a fubjecl: propofed to him by one of the audience, which was the magnificence of princes, and he was heard with wonder and rapture by all the learned prefent. They admired the fecundity of his ide.as, the fu- blimity ( 10 ) blimity of his conceptions, the flights of his fancy, and the facility and neatnefs of his expreffion. Indeed he became in that city, the general and favourite fubjecf of literary academies and aiTemblies of good tafte and polite converfation ; where nothing was re- peated but the favourite verfes which he had liing extempore, and which were remem- bered by thofe who had heard them from his own mouth : on thefe occasions, the order, clearnefs, and learning, with which he treated the fubjecls, as well as the beauty of his verfes, the fweetnefs of his voice, the grace of his action, his modeft deportment, and the expreflion of his countenance, were univerfally extolled. By thefe excellencies, joined to his fine features and great natural dignity, he became the idol of all who heard and faw him ; and the love of his preceptor, Gravina, encrealed with his years, as the genius and gratitude of his pupil rendered him every day more and more fatisfied with his own difcernment in felecling and adopt- ing him. With his poetical fludies Metaftafio ftill continued , to purfue thofe of the law, and in order to obtain a pafTport through the two moft promising roads to preferment at Rome, he ( •« ) he cherifhed alfo a hope of riling in the church ; affumed the clerical habit, and took the minor orders of prieflhood ; not indeed, fay the Italian writers of his life/ from any partiality for that profemon, but by the advice of his affectionate mailer, as the molt likely means of obtaining honour and emoluments. At twenty years of age he had the mis- fortune to lofe his learned preceptor and patron, Gravina, who died in 171 8, aged fifty-four. It has been doubted whether this event, which his heart inclined him to regard as the greater!: calamity, was not a fortunate circumftance for his fame. Meta- ftafio, whofe writings evince him to have ]been all tendernefs, gratitude and dilintereft- ed fenlibility, bewailed this misfortune with thedeepeft. affliction; and in the Elegy called La Strada della Gloria^ written on this occa- sion, and read at a full alfembly of the members of the arcadian academy founded by Gravina, he gave a public teftimony of his lorrow and gratitude, expreflive of thofe noble fentiments, which he cherilhed and praclifed to the end of his life. Nor did the beneficent will of his matter, diminiih his grief or dry his tears, though w.hen opened it was ( 12 ) was found to have been made in 171 7, and that he had appointed him his heir. By this liberal acl:, he verified his pro- mife to the parents of Metaftafio, of treat- ing: him as his own child. The advantage to his talents and to the lovers of poetry, which is fuppofed to have been derived from this early lofs of his learned tutor, was the opportunity it afforded his genius, to free itfelf from the trammels of Grecian rules and fervile imitation. But though in his dramas he has more pathos, poetry, nature, and facility, than we are now able to find in the ancient Greek tragedians, yet his early fhidy of them certainly elevated his ideas and ftyle, and taught him how to fhun the vulgarity and abfurdities with which the early popular dramatifts of raoft countries abound. He may be faid to write with claflic elegance, though he had liberated himfelf from claffic chains. Gravina rendered his name more cele- brated by educating and forming the tafte of Metaftaiio, than by all the productions of his own pen. This learned civilian was born in the dioceie of Cofenza, in the Pon- tificate of Innocent XT. and was called to Rome ( «3 ) Rome and honoured with a profellional chair, as a doctor of laws, at the Univerfity delta Sapienza. He had many friends by whom he was fincerely loved and refpecl- ed ; but he had like wife many enemies, who tried to deprefs and mortify him in their writings. The celebrated fatires of Quintus Settanus were all written againft him, under the feigned name of Filodemo. They are extremely bitter; but it is imagined that Gravina brought feverity upon himfelf, by his rough treatment of others in his critical writings, where he neither fpared the inge- nious nor the learned, any more than the dull and the ignorant. His works confift of his Poetics, or la Raglan Poetica ; a treatife on tragedy publifhed by Metaftafio, and four tragedies, entitled Palamedes, Andromeda, Ap- pius Claudius, and Servius Tullius, which could not have been written by Sophocles himfelf in a more Grecian flyle. But the moft celebrated of all his profeffional pro- ductions, is entitled Originum 'Juris, libri tres, the moft learned work which has ap- peared on that fubjecT:, and which is ftill much read and ftudied by proficients in the law. He left behind him the character of but a moderate poet and orator, though pofTefTed ( H ) poffefTed of great learning and claffical know- ledge. Gravina's bequeft to Metaftafio con- fifted of 15,000 Roman crowns, between three and four thoufand pounds fterling in money, a mm, fays his anonymous biogra- pher, not contemptible, if he had known as well how to keep as deferve it.' But the mufes are no great friends to oeconomy : and poet and parfimony in the vocabulary of Apollo have a very oppofite fignification. Beiides the fpecie, he left him an excellent library, and a great quantity of rich furniture, with three fmall places, of which he had put him in poiTeflion before his deceafe, and a little eftate in the kingdom of Naples. Metaftafio' s refpecl and gratitude for his preceptor and benefactor, will appear in fb many of the letters which will be inferted in the courfe of thefe Memoirs, that we mall only here cite from a letter to his bro- ther Leopold, a paffage in which the good fenfe and found judgment, as well as affec- tion for his mental mailer, appear in a ftrong light. " The Abate Molinari informs me, that a pious ecclefiaftic has written the life of our excellent Gravina, which he intends to publilh. And I underftand, that it is his inten- ( i5 ) intention particularly to exculpate him from the charge of irreligion, falfely afcribed to him by fome of his enemies. I am ex- tremely grateful to any one who manifefts partiality for a man to whom I owe fo much. But, between ourfelves, I fear this zeal is now out of feafon. All rivalry is at an end ; and the republic of letters now only remembers the fame which his learned labours have merited. So that an apology at this time would only inform the world of what at prefent it is wholly ignorant : that fbme doubts were once entertained concerning the orthodoxy of this great man. Try to get acquainted with the good ecclefiaftic, and if poffible to fee his work. And after due praile and acknowledgements for his in- tentions, communicate to him, with all pof- lible humility, my doubts of the expediency of fuch a publication. But do it gently : for if the author expects much applaufe or profit from his work, he will not eafily be prevailed on to relinquifh it." Our poet is now become a free agent, matter of himfelf, and a defpotic prince over no inconnderable fortune. His con- verfation and verfes had too much excel- lence to want admirers. And his table was too ( i6 ) too well ferved to be in want of guefts. He now wholly quitted the dry ftudy of the law, and devoted himfelf and his fortune to the mufes and his friends. There was no poetical afiembly in which he did not read fbme new production : as our Garrick in the early part of his life was found wherever lovers of theatrical amufements were afTem- bled, Stimulated by the applaufe which every piece univerfally received, Metaftafio thought of nothing but how to have it re- newed by another compofition. The love of praife is an infirmity to which the beft minds are perhaps the moft fubject. During this intoxication, not a thought feems to have been beftowed on his prefent finances or fu- ture fortune. If he reflected at all during thefe times of diffipation, it was on the number of his friends and" admirers, and the certainty of patronage whenever he mould want it. What his predeceflbr Petrarca has faid of the temple of love, was ftill more ap- plicable to that of fortune, by Metaftafio. Errori, Jogni, ed immagini fmorte Eran d'intorno aWarco trionfale, E falfe opinion! in fu le porte, E lubrico fperar fu per le fcale * . * Petrar. trionf. d'Amore. Error ( it ) Errors and Dreams and Thoughts half form'd abound, And crowd the bafelefs fabric all around; While at the threfhold falfe Opinions ftand, And on the ftepsj vain Hope, with magic wand-. Thole whom the poet's young imagina- tion had dignified with the title of friends, were only indulging their love of poetry and good cheer, at his expence. Among all the lefTons of literature and feience, which his learned and liberal patron had taught him, he feems to have forgotten thofe of worldly wifdom* And in pointing out to his genius and diligence the means of meriting the property he left him, he wholly neglected to tell him how to pre- ferve it, and that the flattery of the poor and the rich is alike felfifh : the one for profit* and the other for pleafure. And indeed it is faid, that during this time, among his mofl ardent admirers at Rome, befides thofe who profited from his bounty, there were many perfons of the higheft rank and authority, who feemed proud q£ being thought his patrons and protectors. But the zeal of thefe cooled in proportion as he became likely to want their protec- tion ; and what Pliny has faid of the Cin- namon tree, feems applicable to the great vol. i. c in ( i« ) in general, corticis, in quo fumma gratice f nothing but the bark, the mere outfide, is of any value. For want of thefe inftruc- tions, his patron's legacy was foon diffipat- ed ; not in the fupport of vice, but moftly in munificence and good cheer. Many of his fugitive pieces were produced during this period, particularly his fonnet on the celebrated Gafparini, in 171 9, (the year after his patron's death) when that elegant and pleating compofer was in the height of his favour at Rome. Many of his cantatas, canzonets, and fonnets were produced even at a more early period (c). Finding himfelf in two years time wholly reduced to his two fmall Roman places, his little Neapolitan poffeflions, and his library, he went to Naples with the firm resolution of ferioufly renaming the ftudy of the law. Being arrived in that city 1720, he placed himfelf under the guidance of an advocate of the name of Paglietti, earneflly entreating his amftance in the ftudy of jurifprudence, and pro- mifing on his own part, ta fecond the in- (c) See Hift. Muf. vol. iy. flruclions ( 19 ) ftru&ions which he mould receive with all poffible diligence and docility (d). 1 aglietti was one of the mod eminent lawyers at that time in the city of Naples ; but fo rigorous a difciplinarian, and fo totally devoted to his profeffion, that he not only defpifed but ab- folutely hated every fpecies of ornamental knowledge or literature. Poetry was there- fore ranked by him among the moil; deadly fins of which an advocate could pombly be guilty. Indeed it was to him an object, of fuch horror, that he trembled at the mere mention of it. It is natural therefore to fup- pofe that Paglietti', devoid of all tafte for the arts of elegance, which help to humanize and polifh our favage nature, was rough, four, and forbidding in his addrefs and man- ners : he was all law, and of that fevere and ' mercilefs fort, which knows not how to par- don the fmalleft imprudence or deviation from worldly wifdom. (d) Though moft of the biographers of Metaftaiio agree in this account of his placing himfelf under a celebrated adyocate at Naples, in order to purfue the ftudy of the law after the deceafe of Gravina ; the Poet himfelf, in his letters to Saverio Mattei, calls him the celebrated advocate, and afterwards counfel Cajiagnola. c 2 Metaflafio ( 2° ) Metaftafio was not ignorant of his feverky and invincible hatred for poetry; but in- ftead of looking upon it as an evil, he was the more eager to place himfelf under his moft rigid difcipline, in order to prevent a relapfe into poetry, which had hitherto been to him fo unprofitable a ftudy. The recep- tion of Metaftaiio by this Lycurgus, and his firft. lecture, were perhaps rendered more auftere and acrid by the fame of his poetical talents, with which not only Naples but all Italy was already filled; but Metaftafio hearing it with heroic patience, renewed his promife of unwearied application, and kept it fo well during his firfl refidence un- der the advocate's roof, that he began to entertain great hopes of his becoming an ex- cellent lawyer, and treated him with as much fweetnefs as his bitter nature would allow. He knew that the ftudies of his young difciple were frequently impeded by the vifits of perfons of learning and diftinc- tion, to whom his poetical abilities were Well known, and who remembered him when he was brought to Naples, as an improvifatore^ by Gravina. But now their expectations were transferred to his legal abilities, upon which, from . ( « ) from his learning and application, they had formed the higheft hopes. It is certain that Metaftafio at this time, exercifing the greateft tyranny over his natural inclination, refrained entirely, not only from writing verfes, but from fpeaking them extempore, in fpite of all fo- licitation. The firft breach of contract with the rugged advocate, and firft feduclion of the mufe during his refidence at Naples, was in the beginning of 172 1, at the inftigation of the countefs of Althan, who prevailed on him to write an Epithalamium for the nup- tials of her relation the marquis Pigna- telli with a lady of the Pinelli family ; it confifts of near one hundred octave ftanzas, is full of elegance, and in the higheft clafs of poetry, The drama of Endymion, the firft that he produced exprefsly for mufic, is faid to have been written on the fame occafion, of which the following dedicatory epiftle to the countefs d' Althan, dated May 30, 1721, is printed at the head of his letters. " If it is natural, moft illuftrious and excellent Lady, for tender fathers to regard their children with affection, as a part of themfelves, and a continuation of their own exiftence, with how much greater reafon ought intel- Jectual parents to love the productions of c 3 their ( £ ) their minds, and to cultivate that celefKal ipark which diitinguifhes us from brutes, and renders us fuperior to all other terreftial beings. " The red is common flattery — declaring that if he durft, he would fay the very fine things which he does fay, of the lady's high rank and illuftrious progenitors. Metaitafio's next infringement of the laws laid down by the advocate Paglietti againft the wicked practice of poetry, was cccalioned by an application from the Vice- roy of Naples himfelf, that he would write a drama for mufic, to be performed on the birth-day of the emprefs Elizabeth, confort of the emperor Charles VI. who was then in pofleflion of that kingdom. It is faid that he was with difficulty prevailed upon to enter on this talk, and only complied upon a promife that it mould be kept a profound fecret. Our bard in perpetual fear of the inexorable lawyer, was obliged to facrifice his hours of deep to this contraband com- merce with the mules. The piece was en- titled The Gardens of the Hesperides, and is one of the moir. beautiful of his early productions. The viceroy on receiving it I pie- < *3 ) prefented him with two hundred ducats, and is faid by the anonymous author of his life to have received his promife of fecrecy, which he kept fo religioufly, that neither the compofer, the fingers, nor the printer him- felf had the leafb fufpicion who was the author. That the young Bard may have wi fried to lie concealed during the rehearfal and nrft performance of his dramatic at- tempt, is probable; but that he continued longer to make a myflery of the parentage of this poetical child, when it had received fuch unequivocal marks of public favour, is fully confuted by the firft edition of this drama, which now lies before me, and to the dedication of which his name is fubfcribed at full length (ej. It has been truly faid, that when a falfehood has gained admiffion into a book, it is more likely to be copied (e) As the firft Edition is become very fcarce, and fettles feveral difputed points in the Life of the Lyric Bard, I fhall infert the title here, ent ire, Gli Orti Esperidi componimento drama tied da can- tarjz, in occajione del felicijjimo giorno natalizio delta fac, Cef. Catt. Real Macjla di Elifabetta Augujla Imperairice regnanie, per commando dell " > illuft mo y ed Eccel"" s Sig, D* Mane' Antonio Borgheji, Principe di Sulmone, Viccre^ £sV, del Regno di Napoli, In Napoli, 172 1, 4-to. per Francefco. Ricciardo. £ 4 than ( *4 ) than confuted. And this ftory of Metaftafia wishing to lie concealed during the perform-* ance and fuccefs of his nrft drama at Naples, after being hazarded by one biographer, has been taken upon trufr. by all fubfequent wri-^ ters of his life ; and I mould have been of the number had I not luckily met with the original printed copy. The dedication of this drama to the Vice-Queen, dated Naples, 28th of Auguft 1 72 1, is elegantly written, but abounds not with uncommon ideas. " If, fays he, the choice of a grand ancj fublime fubjecl were fufjicient to fecure the fuccefs of a literary production, I mould have no reafon to dread the fate of this. But if it is true, that the more vaft and majefUc N the edifice, the more folid mould be the foundation, and the workmanship the more exquisite, I have the greater reafon to fear that the enterprize prefcribed to me, is too high for my abilities. Deign therefore, moil illuflrious lady, to fuffer me to avail myfelf of the fplendor of your name, to make amends for the defects of my pen. Already the care of the Gardens of the He/perides, whence my work has its name, is taken from the fabulous dragon and affigned to a defcendant of the glorious family of Bor- ghefe. ( 25 ) ■ ghefe (f). And if every other reafon fhoul4 fail to induce your acceptance of this humble offering, it is hoped that your excellency will be propitious to my prayer, in confederation of the grandeur of the fubjecl: and the com- mands which emboldened the mule to fo daring a flight. I might now launch out in the praifes of your excellence, and of your molt worthy confort, but befides my injunc- tions to the contrary, I mould neither be able to fay fo much as is univerfally known, nor fo little, but that your modefty would be offended with it. Therefore, without length- ening this addrefs unneceffarily, imploring for this production that patronage and par- tiality with which the author has been ho-* noured by your excellency from his mod: early youth, I prefume with the moft pro- found refpec~r. and reverence, to fubfcribe myfelf your excellency's mofl humble, moil devoted, and moff. obliged fervant, W^Aug-aS. PlETRO MeTASTASIO." Porpora had the honour of fetting to mufic this firft Lyric efFufion of our Bard. It only confifts of two acts. The principal (f) " Let us, for once, (fays the Ab. Cri/ilani, the mofl exacl: and judicious of Metafrafio's biographers) forgive fhe Poet the ufe of fo infipid an argument." 4 female ( & ) female finger was theRoMANiNA, of whom we fliall "have frequent occafion to fpeak hereafter. Thofe of the other four fingers employed, were in England during Handel's Opera Regency : Pinacci, Pafi, and La Merighi. The fcenes and decorations, of which, three or four plates are .given in this 4to edition, were extremely fplendid, but not in the ufiial good tafte of Italy in fubfe- quent times. The next drama that was written at the expence of his legal fludies, or his moments of reft and recreation, was Angelica. This was printed at Naples, 1722, and fet by Porpora, for the Emprefs's birth-day (g). The preface to this piece is printed in the firft volume of the author's letters, in which he fays: "The learned and excellent men, in every faculty, that abound in Naples, at pre- fent, more than in any other city in Europe, are not accuftomed to demean themfelves fo far as to judge of works fo much below then- notice as this; yet as every production of art, which necefhty or choice brings into the world, fhould be fubmitted to their deeifion, (g) It has been faid in fome accounts of Metaftafio's early produ&ions, that Farinellis firft performance was in this Serenata, &c. as ( *7 ) as worthy arbiters of its merit, the author is anxious to excufe, not to defend, the defects of the prefent drama. And in- deed it would, perhaps, have been better able to defend itielf, both as to the conduct of the fable and the elegance of the dialogue, had the author been allowed more time to correct and polifh it, previous to its being fet to mufic ; but the producing poetry different from that in common ufe ; the adopting each part to the particular talents and abili- ties of the performers ; and many other re- ftraints, which are difficult to explain to thole who are unaccuftomed to fuch labours, ought in juftice to exempt the author from the cenfure of negligence. Thofe, however, who generally fet up for the moll: unerring judges of the works of others, feek for nothing but defects ; and the inftant a work appears, {it in judgment over it, boldly pro- nouncing fentence, and exercifingthe wretch- ed employment of begging praife for them- felves, for denouncing the faults of others. As the author did not undertake the prefent work in order to acquire reputation, but in obedience to thofe who honoured him, with their commands ; and as he luckily fucceeded in ( *8 ) *n pleafmg them, he readily renounces all other claims to favour. " The plot is taken from Ariofto, as every one muft know ; but for the convenience of reprefentation, it has been altered in fome parts." The poems which he produced at Naples, were the admiration of all perfons pofTefTed of a love and tafte for poetry, particularly the Gardens of the Hefperides-, but none felt its beaaties fo forcibly as the Bulgarella detta Romanina, the greateft: female linger and aclrefs of her time ; who having peiv formed the part of Venus in that occafiona'l drama, was fo enchanted with the uncom- mon beauty of the poetry, that me could not reft till me had been introduced to the ac- quaintance of the author. Indeed, tradition fays, that this drama had an effecT: upon the audience in general, which Naples had never before experienced. The recitative was hardly begun, when the fpectators, formed a more curious fpeclacle than the actors them- felves : fo great was the change in their be- haviour and mode of liftemng that was in- ftantly produced. Violent noife and Uflh bridled clamour, ufed to reign in every part Qf- ( 29 ) ' of that theatre, and could never be fubdued but with great difficulty, even when fome capital finger had a favourite air to perform; and it was no fooner over, than the din was renewed with fuch vehemence, that even the orcheftra could not be heard. But now, every one delighted by the new and decorous arrangement of the fcenes, original beauty and fweetnefs of the verfe, the force of the fentiments, the texture of the parts, and all the Wonders of Metaftafio's dramatic poetry, was forced, almoftinfenfibly, into profound filencc and attention. The companions of Dido while Eneas was relating the tragical events which happened at the liege of Troy, could not have liftened. with more eagernefs than the Neapolitan audience did at this repre- fentation. Univerfal curiofity was excited, and enquiries made, after the author, whc, though a poet and fond of praife, is faid to have wifhed to lie concealed. But the Bui* garlni who was not only pleafed in common with the lovers of poetry, but impreired with the molt lively gratitude to the author of the Hefperides, for the flattering reception and unbounded applaufe which this piece had procured her, both as an actrefs and linger, v/as impatient to be perfonally ac- quainted ( 3° ) quainted with him. And having difcovered that me knew one of his intimate friends, fhe prevailed upon him to try to bring the poet to her houfe. He at nrft refitted the folicitation ; but, at length, ceafing to be in-, exorable, he was induced to make her a vilit. The Romanina (as ihe was generally, called from being a native of that city,) had no fooner feen him, than fhe felt an uncom- mon regard for him. His poetical abilities, elegance of manners, and fine countenance, together with the circumftance of his beine her countryman, or rather townfman, all joined to increafe her regard ; while Metaf- tafio on his part felt. equally unable, with all the ftoicifm he could mufler, to refill: the defire of improving the acquaintance ; and frequently returned to enjoy the pleafure of her converfation. He had foon reafon to believe, from the countenance and behaviour of Paglietti, that neither his theatrical production* nor the new ftage acquaintance which he had made, was unknown to him. The praifes he re- ceived from the Romanina, and all thofe to whom the fecret had been divulged, and their preffing inftances that he would con- tinue to write, awakened his paffion for poetry, ( 3' ) poetry, which he had flattered himfelf was wholly fubdued . He now began to feel, that by the narrow and contracted fludyof the law, his genius could never expand in his own original ideas, but would be conftantly tied down to thofe . of others. His reflections upon the ibrdidnefs of facrincing his whole life to a diftafteful bufinefs, for the mere hope of ac- quiring wealth, (as he afterwards confeffed to his confidential friends), joined to the harm treatment of the old advocate, which became more intolerable in proportion as the affiduity of Metaftafio diminished, entirely determined him to quit both him and his profeflion. His female friend perceived the conflict and internal war ; and in order to ftimulate his courage and refolution, me and her huf- band invited him in the moft prefling man- ner to reiide under the fame roof, and afTured him that they would contribute every thing in their power, to render his life as eafy and comfortable as poffible. He remained feveral months in a ftate of uncertainty -, but at length, determined to accept their offer, to return to poetry, and to enjoy the pleafures of fociety in full liberty. Yet he did not feem infenfible of the apparent indecorum ariid ( 3i ) ant! want of fortitude which he manifefted in quitting, with fuch feeming levity* the purfuit of fludies which had been recom- mended to him by his deceafed patron ; nor was he quite at his eafe on the fide of deli- cacy, as to appearances ; the obligations to the Bulgarini, under which he was loading himfelf, frequently opprefled his mind* And yet fo limited is our power of penetrating into future events, that themeafureswhichhenow purfued, far from impeding either his fame or fortune, were the foundations of all his fubfequent celebrity. An Italian poet has well defcribed the mortnefs of mental virion* Sebbenfembra talor che torvo e iniqus Jl.volto verfo noi volga la forte ; Ellafegnendofuo cojlfimc antiquo. A inafpettata gioja apre le porte : E afconde fpejjo fotto calle obbliquo Delia f elicit a le vie piu corte : Onde non fappia in mezzo ai torti, e ai guat ISuom che temer, ne che f per fir giammai, < c Blind to the' future," while he fojourns here Man knows not what to hope or what to fear | Amidft misfortune, forrow, and difmay, Fate oft, in frowns, points out the fhorteft way To fortune, fame, and unexpected joy, By means which prudence trembles to employ* Sig. Saverio Mattei relates a curious anecdote which he had from the princefs- Belmonte, ( 33 ) Belmonte, concerning the power of our young author's extemporaneous poetry, during his refidence at Naples, after the deceafe of Gravina. The poet having a law-fuit on his hands, for part of the pof- feffions bequeathed to him in that kingdom by the Civilian, applied to this princefs for her interefr. with the judge, (an iniquitous practice in almofr. every country, but Eng~ land,) and me told him, if he would firft make her miflrefs of the fubject, by pleading his own caufe himfelf, all 'improvijla, and con- vince her that juftiee was on his fide, me would ufe her utmofl influence in his favour. He at firfl excufed himfelf, on account of want of practice, in a faculty which he had difcontinued for many years. But the princefs perfifting in her wifh, as the only condition on which me mould interefl her- felf in the bufinefs, he at length begun : and pleaded his caufe in afong, with fuch lively and infinuating expreffions, that he foon drew tears from his patronefs. And while he was in the act of incantation, other com- pany came in, who were equally affected by his enchantments. The next day, princefs Belmonte applied to the judges, begged, prayed, and related, not only the merits of vol. i. d the ( 34 ) the caufe, but the extraordinary talents of her client j intreating him to be prefent at a fimilar exhibition. A day being fixed, and Metaftafio defired to repeat his pleadings to a. new audience in the princefs's palace, he confented ; and without repeating a fingle verfe of what he had rung before, iuch were the fire, elegance, and touching enthufiafm of his numbers, as left not a dry eye in the room. The caufe was foon after juridically determined in his favour. We will fuppofe from the innate probity and honour of Metaftafio, that he had juftice as well as poetry on his fide ; but when elo- quence, or a firen voice is employed to confound right and wrong, facts, which mould alone determine legal right, are fb concealed, difguifed, and perverted, that juftice, which mould be not only blind but deaf to all but facls, is totally banifhed the. court. The Bidgarini was engaged to fing in the theatre of Naples, during the carnival of 1724; and being very ambitious of appearing to as much advantage in the next opera as ihe had done in that for the birth-day of the emprefs, me preffed the poet to write a drama, in which, as firft woman, fuch a character ( 35 ) character might fall to her mare, as would give her an opportunity of difplaying all her powers, both as an actrefs and finger. It is eafy to imagine with what zeal the Abate Went to work, in order to gratify her wiftu After many heroines had palled in review, Dido was at length chofen, and the drama entitled Didone Abbandonata produced; in which he chofe the period of the hero, ^-neas, quitting the Carthaginian queen: as it furnifhed fcenes of the greater!: force and paffion, as well as more expreflion for his pen, and more abundant opportunities for the difplay of the Romanina's abilities, than any other. This was the firft perfect mufical drama, perhaps, that ever graced the Italian itage. The applaufe it obtained, was equal ' to that of the Orti EJperidi ; and though the ftory was fo well known, that no effects could be produced by furprife, yet the pleafure of the audience was exceflive f/jj. The dif- ferent editions circulated in a fhort time, were innumerable ; and the Italians, proud of the refurrection of their drama, began to challenge all the reft of Europe, where their theatrical productions were thought fuperior, (h) This opera was fet by Sarro y and the partof JEneas performed by Nicolini. D 2 to ( 36 ) to mew any one, originally written for mufic, equally perfect. The learned Saverio Mattei, who is a very judicious muiical critic, in his eulogium on lomelli, in which he has inferted a fhort account of the pro- grefs of theatrical poetry and mufic, fays, that " the Romanina was a great aclrefs, and that Metaftafio himfelf was obliged to her for fiiggefting to him the fineft fitua- tions in his Op. of Didone; fuch as the 14th and 15th fcenes of the fecond a<5fc, which were entirely of her invention, as the princefs Belmonte had frequently told him." Opera annals, perhaps, can furnifh no other inftance of a female finger, qualified to in- ftrucl: a poet, except the Mingotti ; who had ftudied ftage effects as well as harmony, fufficiently to enlighten the author of the words fhe fung, as well as the compofer of the mufic. From the great and fudden celebrity of Didone, which immediately after its firft appearance at Naples, was fet by the heft compoiers of the time for the other principal theatres of Italy ; the Venetian minifter at Rome, where it had been performed to Sarro's mufic, was inftigatcd to apply to Metaftafio to write the opera of Si roe, which ( 37 ) which he fent to Venice, where it met with a fuccefs equal to that of Dido, to the great emolument of the author, who was magni- ficiently rewarded for the fiiperior excellence of his poetry. This drama was fet by Vinci at Venice, and performed and printed in 1726. It appears from the original libretti, or printed books of the words, all which I have been fo lucky as to procure, that the Romanina not only performed the principal female part in Metaftafio's four firfl dramas at Naples, but that me performed with the celebrated Nicolini in Didone, and Sir oe, at Venice, when they were firft reprefented there in 1725, and 1726; and according to Quadrio, (i) Metaftafio was himielf in that city at this time ; as, prefixed to the Venetian edition of Didone in 1725, there is a fonnet figned by the poet, and addrefled to the ladies of Venice. It was during this period, that he altered, for the fame performers, the old opera of Siface, at the requeft of Porpora. The Romanina, probably, was not very young at this time, as in 1709, and 1712, (1) Storia d'ogni poe/ia, d 3 ihe ( 3« ) flie had arrived at the fummit of her. pro* feihoti at Genoa, where, according to the printed books of the words, me performed the firft woman's part ; and it does not ap- pear, that fhe ever fung on the flage after fhe quitted Venice, in 1726. Didone, which had produced our poet, at Naples, another fum of two hundred ducats, was thought a much lefs confiderable advantage to him, than the conftant en- creafe of the resrard and affection of the Ro- manina : who is laid to have exulted ex- tremely, as well as her hufband, in the fagacity with which they had made choice of fo dear and valuable a gueft. In the carnival of 1 726, while MetaftauVs, dramas received fuch unbounded applaufe at Venice, Didone, as fet by Vinci, was re- ceived at Rome with acclamation. The famous ex-jefiiit Cordara, who was there at that time, in his doge of Metaftafio, recited at Alexandria in 1782, deicribes its recep- tion in the following manner: " Every fcene produced one continued applaufe. But who can defcribe the rapture of the pit, when the queen of Carthage dif- dainfully riling from the throne, reprefTes the infolent pretenfions of the king of Mau- 4 ritania ( 39 ) ritania, with the dignity of an independent princefs, by the fpirited air, Son Regina, &c? The noife feemed to make the theatre to its foundation. I was not there myfelf, as my habit did not allow me to be prefent at mch fpectacles ; but I almoft. heard the rumour in my cell, fo full was all Rome with the fame of this production." In 1727, the Romanina having fulfilled all her theatrical engagements at Naples and elfe where, prepared to return to Rome, yet declared at the fame time, that me would never fee her native city again, unlefs in the company of her dear friend. He re- mained for a while irrefolute ; but, at length, the warm affection he retained for the place of his nativity, in fpite of the neglect and difappointment which had driven him thence, heightened perhaps by his regard for the Bulgarini, and fortified by the delire of fee- ing his father, and the reft of his family, determined him to quit Naples, in company with his benefaclrice j but not before he had obtained a promife from her, that, in return for the hofpitality which he had received under her roof at Naples, fhe and her family mould become his guefts, at Rome. To this proportion all parties having acceded, he d 4 wrote ( 4° ) wrote to his agents, to provide a houfe fuf- ficient for the two families of Trapaji and Bulgarini* And from the time of his arrival in that city, till Iris departure for Germany, they all lived under the fame roof, and con- touted one . family. The Romanina, as more rich and accuflomed to the manage- ment of a family, was inverted with the fuperintendance of all houfehold concerns ; the reft, had nothing to, do, but to attend their own purfuits ; whild Metaftafiio received vifits, wrote verfes, improved his circum- ftances, and encreafed his celebrity. The nrft drama which he produced, ex- prefsly for Rome, was Catone in Utica, which was fet by Vinci and performed in that city, 1728, and in 1729, at Venice, to the mufic ©£Leo. He chofe the Subject pur- pofely to pleafe the Romans, fuppofing that he mould gain both applaufe and gratitude, by difplaying the virtue of one of their own Heroes. But as it feldpm happens that a prophet or a poet (which in ancient times Were united in the fame perfon) receives due honour in his own country, particularly at Rome, which is proverbially called the re- sidence of ftrangers; in fpite of the excel- lence of this drama, which abounds with 2 fublime, ( 4i ) fublime, as well as tender fentiments and delineations, of the pafhons of glory, ambi- tion, anger, and love ; and in which the con- duel was natural, and cataftrophe happy, it was inftantly attacked by the fatirical genius of the Romans, and the performance fuf- pended. The frivolous fcenes, and feeble poetry to which they had been long accuf- tomed, had corrupted the tafte of the Roman public in general ; and except a few learned men, lefs invidious than the reft, who if they knew of no modern Cato, had read, at leaft, about the ancient, this piece was at firft very coldly received; though after- wards, when their minds and taftes were enlightened and. refined by other original and beautiful works of our author, this drama was treated with more juftice. The next opera which our author pro- duced, was Ezio, fet by Porpora, in 1728, and Semiramide riconosciuta, fet by the fame compofer, 1729 ; but though both thefe dramas were received in the moft favorable manner, and the praifes beftowed. upon the poet were unbounded, his fortune was not greatly improved by their fuccefs* Poetry has more frequently enriched the bookfeller, than the author, in every country ; but ( 4* ) but at Rome, it is a drug of lefs value, even to the bookfeller, than elfewhere; and Me- taftafio's mufe, however chafte, was but lit- tle better treated for not being meretricious. If Metaftano had been a mere pfalmodift, or hymnologift, his monkiih rhymes might have obtained him fome ecclefiaftical pre- ferment ; but the poetry which he produced on pagan and fecular fubjects, precluded him from every avenue to the church. He was, however, far from neceflitous, and with the affiftance of the Romanina, whofe purfe was always at his fervice, his fortune and fitua- tion were tolerably eafy. But the being ibmetimes obliged to avail himfelf of the li- berality of his generous friend, was a cir- cumftancc which humbled and mortified him beyond any other. He could not bear to reflect on being a burthen to her for whom chiefly he wifhed to be rich, not only to ex* empt her from the expences which fhe in- curred on his account, but to manifefr. his gratitude for the benefits fhe had already conferred on him. His amiable friend tried every means in her power, to (ei his mind at eafe, concerning his obligations to her : afluring him that he had contributed much more to her profeflion^ ai ( 43 ) al fame than it had been in her power to do to his fortune ; that fhe was in fuch circum^ ftances as rendered the fmall friendly offices which fhe had been able to perform, more a pleaiure than an inconvenience ; and prened him, in the moft urgent manner, to tranquil- ize his mind on that account, and to believe (which fhe affured him was the truth) that he was doing her the greateffc favour, when he afforded her an opportunity of dividing with him her pofTeffions. The afflicted poet drew fome comfort from thefe declarations, but it was of fhort duration. He was perpetually convinced of the ingratitude of his pretended Roman friends, and the duplicity of his protectors; and having nourifhed in his foul an ardent paifion for general efteem, refpe6t, and ad- miration, his narrow circumftances threw him into fo profound a fit of melancholy, that he became incapable of receiving con- folation. Such was his ftate of defpondency, when, to his great aftonifhment, he received the following Letter from prince Pio of Savoy, Infpedtor of the Imperial Theatre at Vi- enna. LETTER ( 44 ) LETTER I. Your dramas and other poetical compo- sitions, which have acquired you fuch uni- verfal applaufe, have been fo far approved by his Imperial Majeity, that he. is defirous to engage ypu in his fervice, on fuch con- ditions, as mall feem moft worthy of your acceptance. It will be therefore neceffary for you to mention, in your anfwer, fome fpecinc annual appointment, wkich will be fixed and invariable. Sig. Apoftolo Zeuo delires no other colleague than yourfelf, not knowing at prefent, any one fo fit to ferve fuch an enlightened monarch. Upon your anfwer and requifition, will depend the re- jTiitting a fum of money neceffary to defray the expeiiees of your journey. I am happy in this opportunity of,mahifeffing, ( with how much efteem and zeal, I am your fincere and affectionate fervant, Luigi Principe Pio di Savoja. • Vienna, Aug. 31, 1729. Metaftaiio was infinitely more furprifed and flattered^ by this unfolicited and fplendid offer, from finding himfelf recommended to the Emperor's notice, by the celebrated and learned ( 45 ) learned Apofiolo Zeno, who was himfelf at this time laureate to the emperor Charles VL a prince, who had long fupported his Lyric Theatre with the greater]: magnificence. Zeno had enjoyed his office in this court, from the year 171 8, where his chief em- ployment confuted in furnifhing dramas for mufic, which had long been juftly thought, the befl of which the Italian language could boaft. And yet the offer of this employment to Metaftafio, however dazzling, was not long productive of joy without deduction. The quitting Rome, for which he had always a filial fondnefs, as well as leaving his family, friends, and, perhaps, more than all, the Romanina, imprelTed his mind with a forrow- ful allay to his happinefs. But he was too well read in his friend Horace not to know that, Nihil eft ab omni Parte beatum. Upon confulting with his family, they inftantly conceived fuch magnificent hopes of his future aggrandizement, as contributed much to their confolation at lofing him ; and the Romanina was fo generous and diiinte- refted, in fpite of fecret affliction, as to ufe her ( 46 ) her utmoll eloquence in removing his doubts* and diminishing the caufes of his repugnance > at quitting Rome and his friends. After many confultations, and diicuffions, of the feveral arguments amical and inimi- cal to the acceptance of the unexpected pro-* poiition from Vienna, the following is the" anfwer which he fent, and which contains ib many chara&eriftic traits of modefty, pro- priety, and delicacy, that it deferves to be preferved, as a model of conduct under fimilar circumftances. LETTER II. TO PRINCE PIO OF SAVOY. The hafte with which I am obliged to anfwer the letter, that Your Excellence has deigned to write to me, will not allow time fufficient for my recovery from the furprife which the unexpected honour of his Imperial Majefty's commands muftneceflarilyhave pro- duced ; an honour to which I had never dared alpire, even in my vaineft moments. The doubt of my {lender abilities, would make me accept with extreme timidity the glory of ferv- ing his majefty, if his own moft animating and auguft approbation, had not deprived me of the ( 47 ) the liberty of felf-diffidence. I mall there- fore only wait for Your Excellency's orders, which will be executed as foon as received. Your Excellence has repeatedly prefcribed to me in your letter, to mention my wifh, as to an annual appointment. This law weak- ens my repugnance, and will be an excufe for my prefumption. It is faid, that the ufual allowance to the poets who have been in the fervice of the court of Vienna, and that which Sig. Apoft. Zeno receives at prefent, is four thoufand florins per annum: fo that, regulating my expectations by former ufage, I mall confine them within the fame limits ; humbly requefting it may be remembered, that in quitting my country, I am obliged to leave a iufhxiency, for the maintenance of an aged and helplefs father, and for others of my numerous relations, who have no fup- port, but the fruits arifing, in Italy, from my feeble talents ; I muft live in the moft fplen^ did court of Europe, in flich a manner, as will not difgrace the monarch whom I fhall have the honour to ferve ; and laftly, weighs ing the poffibility, that my abilities may fall fhort of expectation, and' be inferior to the taflc with which I mail be honoured, I mall live in perpetual terrors of impending pover- ty ( 48 ) ty and paternal wants. I have thus ventured to comply with Your Excellency's injunc- tions ; but beg that * my franknefs may be regarded as an aft of obedience; and what- ever my circumftances may be, I mall, with the utmoft alacrity, execute thofe orders which it mail pleafe my auguft patron to enjoin me. I am fully fenfible how much is due to the incomparable fignor Ap. Zeno; who, not content with having hitherto pro- tecled my writings, thus generoufly honours me with his beneficent recommendation, for which I fhall retain the moil lively gratitude, to the end of my exiftence. I have the honour to be, &c. , Rome, Sept. ig r 1729, The prince replied to this letter, October 28 th, of the fame year. LETTER III. PRINCE PIO OF SAVOY, TO METASTASIO. It was not poffible to anfwer your fatis- faclory letter fooner, as I was abfent from Vienna, on a hunting party, with the Em- peror; but upon communicating your fen- timents to His Majefty, I have the pleafure to aflure ( 49 ) allure you, that he was well pleafed with the propriety, prudence, and good fenfe 5 manifested in your letter, concerning your future eftablifhrnent. It is true fignor ApofL Zeno had a penfion of four thoufand florins per annum ; but this high falary was granted to him ill confequence of his being Imperial Hijioriographer^ as well as poet. But I have no doubt that in procefs of time, you will arrive at the fame appointment. I affure you that the Abate Pariati had but two thoufand florins per annum. However, in confequence of your fiiperior merit, his Majefty has grant- ed you three thoufand florins annually, and one hundred ungheri to defray the expences of your journey ; for which an order is fent to the Imperial banker at Rome. I truft, therefore, that you will not difappoint the hopes I have conceived of feeing you foon at Vienna, and of alfuring you in perfon, how much my heart inclines me to ferve you with zeal and affection. LUIGI PRINCE OF SAVOY. Metaftafio, his family, and friends, thought it right, implicitly to fubmit to the terms propofed in this letter, of which the only part that occafioned them any uneafinefs, vol. i. e was ( 5° ) was the folicitude expreffed by Prince Pio, for his fpeedy arrival in Vienna -, which could not take place without leaving his affairs in great confufion, and failing in his engagement to furnifh the Roman theatre with two new dramas for the enfuins: carnival. He faw o no better means of folving thofe difficulties, than by fpeaking the truth, and explaining to his illuftrious correfpondent the real ftate of his circumftances. LETTER IV. METASTASIO TO PRINCE PIO OF SAVOY. The three thoufand florins, agreeable to the oracular decree of my auguft patron, need no reiterated acceptance, as I have already had the honour to allure your Excel- lence, that whatever fhould be the conditions which I was to hope for from my liudies, I mould not be fo much my own enemy as not eagerly to embrace them. For however difficult it is to acquire felf-knowledge, I am not fo devoid of it as to be ignorant, that what is now granted me, fprings from the pure effecl: of Imperial munificence ; ac- cuflomed to make its eftimates by its own dignity ( 5' ) dignity more than by the merit of others. I therefore already regard myfelf as the fer- vant of His Majefty. No time being fixed for my departure, I likewife confider that omiffion as another proof of Caefarian clemency and fore-fight, in benignly confidering, that in confequence of fuch a removal from my ufual aboda* all my plans, engagements, and ichemes of life, mult be changed, and it cannot there- fore take place with a rapidity equal to my zeal. Indeed my journey would ne- cefifarily meet with fome delay in arranging my family concerns, if I had no other to tranfact ; as I have two fifters already grown up, for whom an afTylum mult be found ; and I have likewife to difpofe of fome Imall places which have been beftowed on me, one of which requires perfonal attendance. I have alfo fome engagements to fulfill with the managers of the Roman theatre, to whom I had promifed two new dramas before I was encouraged to hope for the honour of fuch auguft commands. However, I flatter my- felf, that all my arrangements will be com- pleted before Lent ; but if my attendance fhould be required fooner, there is no facri- e 2 fice ( 52 ) flee which I would not make, to manifest with how much zeal and duty I have the honour to be, &c. Nov. 3, 1729. This letter had all the effect he wimed, and obtained him permiffion to remain at Rome, till he had finifhed the two dramas which he had eno-acred to write. But neither the mufe, nor the arrangement of his affairs, baniihed from his thoughts the obligations which he thought himfelf under to Apoftolo Zeno, to whom he addrelfed the following letter, two days after he had written to Prince Pio. LETTER V. METASTASIO TO SIG. APOSTOLO ZENO. I did not think it poffible that your name mould be intitled to a greater degree of re- flect and veneration, than that with which I have been impreffed for it, in common with all Italy, from the time of my earlieft ftudies ; but at prefent, my peculiar obliga- tions to you are of fuch a nature, as would render ( 53 ) render filence unpardonable. Indeed it is impoflible for me to conceal, without ingra- titude, the owing to your generality my whole fiiccefs in the world. The admiration which you have excited in me, and my eager- nefs for imitating your works, together with the weight of your approbation, have elevat- ed me to the honour of ferving his Imperial Majefty : hence I have the premmption to hope, that, regarding me as the work of your own hands, you will continue to protect me, as a kind of defence of your own judgment of my feeble abilities, as well as to honour me with your advice, how to avoid the rocks which I may have to encounter, in entering into the fervice of the greateft monarch in the world. My obligations to you, as well as the hopes of your wife and benevolent coun- fel, I have declared aloud to my whole coun- try, and mall continue to declare them as long as I live ; being the only indications which I am able to give, of my unprofitable gratitude. No particular time having been fixed for my departure, I have ventured to fuppofe, that it may be deferred till after Lent ; and I have fully explained to his Excellence, E 3 Prince ( 54 ) Prince Pio, my motives for fuch delay. I mufl iikewife beg your concurrence and fupport in this procraftination, to prevent any unfavourable impreflions; and your heft en- deavours, that all things may be fettled en- tirely to the fatisfaction of my auguft Patron. Rome, "5th Nov. 1729. It may, perhaps, be neceffary here to give fome account of our poet's worthy prede- ceflor, the Imperial Laureate, to whom the foregoing letter was addrefled, and of whom but little is known in England. The learned poet, critic, and antiquary, Apostolo Zeno, born 1669, and defcend- ed from an illuftrious Venetian family, which had been long fettled in the ifland of Can- dia, early applied himfelf to literature, and the fhidy of Italian hiftory and antiquities. In 1696, he inftituted at Venice, the acada- my Degli Animoji, and was the editor of the Giornale de Letterati d' Italia, of which he published thirty volumes, between the year 1 7 10 and 1 71 9. His firft mufical drama, & InganniFelici, was fet by Carlo Fran. Pola~ rolo, and performed at Venice, 1695. And between that time and his quitting Vienna, whither he was invited by |he Emperor Charles, ( ss ) Charles VI. in 171 8, he produced forty-fix Operas, and feventeen Oratorios, beiides eighteen dramas, which he wrote jointly with Pariati (k). His dramatic works were collect- ed and published at Venice, 1744, in ten volumes octavo, by Count Gozzi. And. in 1752, his letters were printed in three volumes, by Forcellini, in which much found learning and criticifm, are manifested on various fubjedts. But one of the moll ufeful of his critical labours feems to have been, his commentary on the Bibl. dell' E/o- quenza Italiana di Fontanini, which was publifhed in 1753; with a preface by his friend Forcellini, chiefly dictated, however, by Zeno himfelf, juft before his death, 1750, in the 8 2d year of his age. After he was engaged as Imperial Laureate, he fet out from Venice for Vienna, in July 171 8; but having been overturned in a chaife, the fourth day of his journey, he had the misfortune to break his leg, and was confined at an inn in the little town of Ponticaba, near Trevifa, till September. He arrived at Vienna, the 14th of that (£) See Hift. of Muf. vol. iv. p. in. 231. 298. 533. e 4 month, ( 5« ) month, Ja/vo, he fays, if not fano e gne- rito flj, after twelve days of exeeffive fuf- fering on the road. Moft of the dramas, facred and fecular, which he wrote for the Imperial court, were fet by Caldara, a grave compofer and found harmonifl, to whofe ftyle Zeiio feems to have been partial. But this excellent anti- quary and critic, feems never to have been fatisrled with his own poetical abilities. So early as the year 1722, in writing to his brother from Vienna, he fays : " I find more and more every day, that I grow old, not only in body, but in mind : and that the bufinefs of writing verfes, is no longer a fit employment for me (m)" And, afterwards, modeftly fenfible of the fterility of his pof» feffions in Parnaffus, which though they fur- niihed ufeful productions, were not of a foil fufficiently rich to generate fuch gay, de- licate, and beautiful flowers, as are requifite to embellifh the Lyric fcene, he expreffed a wifh that he might be allowed a partner in his labours; and was fo juft and liberal as to mention the young Metaflafio, as a poet (l) Safe, if not found and cured. (m) Letter a 133. tomo ii. p. 263. worthy ( 57 ) worthy to be honoured with the notice of his Imperial Patron (n). If the mufical dramas of Apoftolo Zeno are compared with thofe of his predecelfors and cotemporaries, they will be found in- finitely fuperior to them in conduct, re- gularity, character, fentiment, and force. JBut Metaftafio's refined fentiments, felec- tion of words, and varied and melifluous meafures, fbon obfcured the theatric glory of Zeno ; who, after the arrival of his young colleague, feems to have attempted nothing but oratorios. In 173 1, he returned to (n) Saverio Mattei afcribes to the Princefs dt Bel- monte, D. Anna Francefca Pinelli de Sangro, Metaftafio's invitation to Vienna. This princefs, who had been the patronefs of the young poet at the time he was fent into Calabria, by Gravina, to purfue his ftudies, preferved his life, by attentions to his health, which was then fo delicate, that he was thought in a confumption; and afcribing the diforder to his too frequently and violently fatiguing his cheft, in the exercife of his talent as an lm- provijatore, obliged him to difcontinue the practice. One of his firfr. dramas, was written for the marriage of this princefs at Naples. And her fifter, the countefs d'Althan, in high favour at the court of the Emperor Charles VI. at Vienna, at the inftigation of the princefs di Belmonte, recommended him to that prince, as a fucceffor to Apoftolo Zeno, and honoured him with her friendfhip to the end of her life. Venice, ( 58 ) Venice, where he ended his days, after pro- ducing many learned and valuable works, on fubje6ts of hiftory, antiquities, and cri- ticifm. Metaftafio completed his two dramas of Artaferfe & Alejandro neW Indie, for the carnival of 1730, which were "both fet by Leonardo Vinci, and performed at Rome before the poet's departure, with univerfal applaufe. The firft of thefe dramas is de- dicated by Cavanna, the manager of the opera, to the perfonage then ftiled at Rome, Giacomo III. Re della gran Brettagna, and the fecond, to Clementina, his titular queen. The principal fingers in both, were Carefiini, and Fontana, detto Farfallino, or the little Butterfly. Upon quitting Rome, Metaftafio confign- ed into the hands of his zealous and affec- tionate friend, the Romanina, all his effects, interefts, and concerns; together with the management of his family affairs. She mofr. willingly fubmitting to thefe feveral tafks, as well as to the care of the produce of the little places, and fums of money, which he left behind him. At length, he departed with a heavy heart, and a moft fovereign contempt for the friend- 3 fliip ( 59 ) ■ fhip and flattering promifes of the great, by whofe delufions he had fo long entertained hopes of preferment in his native city; whence, at iaft, he was driven into a kind of fplendid baniihment, for the reft of his life. Thefe early difappointments, from being ex- tremely credulous, rendered him incurably fceptical, as to all future prefages of good fortune ; and the effects of hoping too much in early life, and too little after, produced, perhaps, the principal defects in his character. END OF THE FIRST SECTION. SECTION ( 6o ) SECTION II. IVIetastasio arrived at Vienna, in July 1730. Of his reception there by Prince Pio, and at court, by his Imperial "Patron, we have a curious account, in a letter written by himfelf, to a friend at Rome, the day after he had been prefented. LETTER I. METASTASIO TO A FRIEND. I returned on Tuefday, by my Imperial mailer's commands to Laxemburg ; I faw him at table, I dined with Prince Pio, and afterwards, at half an hour pail: three in the afternoon, I was admitted to an audience in form. The mafter of the ceremonies, by whom I was introduced, left me at the door of the ftate room, in which his Majefty was leaning againft a table, with his hat on, and feemed to be very thoughtful and ferious. I mull: confefs to you, that though I was prepared for this ceremony, I loft my courage, when I began to refiecl, that I was in ( 6, ) in the prefence of the greater! perfbnage upon earth, to whom it was my bulinefs to fpeak firft : a circumftance which did not augment my fortitude. I made the three obeifances which had been previoufly pre- fcribed to me: one in entering the room, one in the middle, and the lair, near his Majefty. After this, I knelt on one knee; but my gra- cious mailer immediately ordered me to ftand up, faying, rife, rife. Here I uttered with a voice, I believe, not very firm, the following fentiments : " I know not whether my joy or confufion is the greater!:, in throw- ing myfelf at the feet of your Imperial Majefty. It is an honour for which I have fighed from my earlieft youth ; and at pre- fent, I not only find myfelf in fight of the greateft monarch in the world, but inverted with the honourable title of one of his aclual fervants. I am fenfible of the duties of my office, and know my own infufficiency to fulfill them to my wifh ; but if, with the- lofs of my eyes I could become a Homer, I fhould not hefitate to fubmit to immediate blindnefs. I mall indefatigably try every means in my power to fupply natural de- fects, by labour and ftudy. I know, that however I may want abilities, your Majefty's clemency ( «* ) clemency will operate in favour of one who fo ardently wifhes himfelf more worthy a£ fuch patronage ; but I am not without hopes, that there is a latent virtue in the title of Poet to your Imperial Majefty, that will have an influence upon my exertions." In proportion as I advanced in my fpeech, I perceived the countenance of my great pa- tron brighten up ; and when I had -done, he faid : " I was already well convinced of your worth ; but now I am null better informed of your good difpofition, and I doubt not but you will acquit yourfelf in the office, to which you are appointed, in fuch a manner as mufc enfure my being pleafed with you." Here he ftopt to hear whether I had any other petition to make ; at which time, ac- cording to the inftruclions I had received, I entreated permimon to kifs his hand; he held it out to me, fmiiiilg, and condefcend- ingly preiTed mine. Encouraged by this demonftration of kindnefs, I then feized his Majefly's hand with both mine, andfqueez- ing it, with tranfport, gave it fo hearty a kifs, that my moll benign matter muft eafily difcover that it came from the heart. Vienna, July 25, 1730. His ( 6 3 ) Metaftafio's firft letter to his friend the Romanina, that has been preferved, was written fome months after the above ; the opening of the correfpondence feems to have been loft or fuppreffed. This begins in a formal manner, but is full of pleafantry, on the humours of the Carnival at Rome. LETTER II. TO SIGNORA MARIANNA BENTI BULGARINI, DETTA LA ROMANINA. MADAM, I received this morning, not only the letters of the prefent week, but of the laft, which have relieved my mind from the ap- prehenfions and fears with which I- was af- lailed, that fome pious foul had been before- hand with me at the pott-office, in order to fave me the trouble of reading them. I am much obliged to you for the ample accounts you have given me of the operas and plays, and rejoice that our Ciutto (clown) has done himfelf honour. I hope that the poll in which his Holinefs has engaged him, will not be unprofitable. Tell me what you think of it, and give him my bell wilhes. This ( 64 ) This is precifely the firft day of mafks with you, while I am freezing here. But I entertain myfelf in imagining how you are employed and diverted. Ah ! this moment, which, according to the Romans, will be the 2 1 ft hour, the h^rlyburly will begin in the Corfo. See ! the Canon Magiflris opens his ftreet-door. There goes the Abate Spinola, and here Stanefa and Cavanna. See ! too, the muficians of the Aliberti theatre. Who is that mafk that looks fo hard at our win- dow. See ! he is throwing about his fusrar plumbs, and cannot ftand ftill. It is cer- tainly the little Abate Bizzaccari. And he, with the long cane, who can he be, exa- mining all the coaches, but the dainty Pif- citeili? Ay, ay, 'tis certainly he. Look yonder ! there's Count Mazziotti {peaking Latin. There go the Courtiers too, affect- edly dreffed in coloured paper and cards. But who, in the name of wonder, is that ftransre woman ? Almoft all the coaches turn towards San Carlo. What have we here ? A fignal. Quick, quick ! here comes Bargello and the Genoa refident. No mat- ter ; only will there be room for us all ? Can vou fee ? Extremely well. But you feem crouded. I beg your pardon ; I am perfectly at ( 65 ) at my eafe. Look at 'em ! Look at 'em ! What is their number ? Seven. Who goes firfr. ? Gabrielli on his forrel horfe ; but Co- lonna has got before him. For God's fake ! what have we here ? A ftrange creature on a Barbary horfe. He'll be kill'd, certainly, poor D — 1 ! are they driving him away ? No, no, it was a dog, I was miftaken. Well, you may fay what you will, but a ftrong imagination is a fine thing. And thus I have feen the Corfo at Rome, from the Jefuits' Square in Vienna : and now, to have done with the ridiculous and burlefque, I am plagued, as ufiial, by my cough, without the leaft hope of being free from it, till we have fine weather. I have finiihed my Ora- torio, which you will foon fee at Rome, printed in fome way or other (o). I have fpoken to the Venetian AmbalTador about a certain Toilette, and he was much aftoniihed that it had not been received, as he had had advice of its being delivered. We mail fee What effect this new requifition will have. From the mow and cold at Rome you may (o) This was Sant' Elena al Calvario, the firft facred drama which he produced after his arrival at Vienna. It was fet by Caldara, and performed in the Imperial Cha- pel in Paffion week,. 1731. VOL. I. F jU% e ( 66 ) judge what we fuffer here. Not a week paffes that we do not hear of fome poor countryman or other being frozen to death. In the city, we walk upon ice nine inches thick, bliftered harder than Hone. And the friow which is continually falling, is fhivered and powdered fo fine by the wind, that it flies like the duft in Augufl ; and yet there are ftupid people going about in Traineaux all night. For my own fecurity in walking, I have the foles of my fhoes covered with felt, having already had a fall in the indif- penfable pafTage from my door to the coach ; but in this clumfy falutation of my parent earth, the machine received no great mif- chief. In mort, having been apprifed of the lubricity of the ftreets, I was prepared for it. You aik my opinion of a Sonnet by Ignatius di Bonis , which I have never feen, and of which I am ignorant of the fubjecl, consequently, &c. Make my reve- rences to the Genoa refident, with thanks for his remembrance by the fecretary of Ins republic. Addio, happinefs attend you. "- £ N. M. Vienna, Jan. 27, 1731* LET- ( 6; ) LETTER III. TO THE ROMANINA. MADAM, You continue to doubt of my repofe* and you would not doubt without reafon, if your agreeable letters had not calmed my mind fo much, that, at prefent, little of my agita- tion remains % but my obligations to you ase increafed, in proportion to the intereft which I perceive you take in my happinefs. My health, though not bad, is far from good ; nor can it be otherwife ; for though we are now in the middle of May, it is colder than it was two months ago. But mind ! and be well yourfelf. Monfignor ParTionei, the Apoftolic Nunzio to this Court, arrived on Tuefday evening, the 9th inflant. He was met two miles from the city gates, by his eminence Cardinal Grimani. He is much refpe&epl here. Prince Eugene immediately vifited him, and yefterday his Imperial Ma- jefty gave him audience at Laxembourg. The Abate Pierfanti, Auditor of the Nun- ciate, a polite man, and of excellent morals, whom I have met with much pleafure, came f 2 with ( 68 ) with him ; we were fellow ftudents and cro- nies, and attached to literature, at the fame time. I received, four days ago, by a courier from Rome, called Dionifio, the executorial letters againft Cardinal Cofcia, which you fent. I am much obliged to you for them, and beg of you to continue to avail yourfelf of all fuch favourable opportunities, without the fear of my having duplicates p£ what you fend ; as couriers 'feldom come hither from Rome. You will find, perhaps, by my let- ter, which is now on the road, that we think exactly alike, concerning the fate of the unfortunate Romoni and Sardini, which is a true applaufe to juftice, though I fhudder for the tragedy. You will find our thoughts ever the fame, according to our old cuftom. I am extremely glad, that the poor Abate Falconi. is acquitted of the falfe accufations laid to his charge ; and fincerely hope that the confequences of his innocence, will be as favourable to his interefts as you have pre- dicted. Embrace and falute for me Bulga, Leopold, and all friends, and do me the juftice to believe me, at all times, and on all occafions, your faithful N. Vienna, May 12, 173 1. LET- ( <5 9 ) LETTER IV. TO THE SAME. MADAM, You do me more honour than I deferve, ill thinking my letters artfully obfcure. However, your fufpicions have fet me upon confldering what could poffibly give rife to them, or be conftrued into myftery, in what I have faid of the feftival for which I am com- manded to prepare a drama. I have frequently told you, that this time is appropriated to the celebration of the birth- day of my Imperial Miflrefs ; and even if I had never mentioned it, there was no poflibility of preparing for it in fecret, as you know this is the firffc feilival in the year, or if you did not know it, all Rome could inform you of the regu- larity of this Court, fo that concealment would be ufelefs and impoffible fpj. I did (p) It feems as if the Romanina, wifhing to go to Vienna as a finger at this feftival, had fufpected Metaf- tafio of not fpeaking openly on the fubjecl: ; and perhaps he was fearful of the effect which her arrival might have had upon his own reputation: as the Emperor Charles VI. was a religious prince, who greatly difcouraged every ap- pearance of indecorum. * f 3 not (7o ) not therefore imagine, that the fubjec~t of the piece, without the whole of the compofition, could afford you any amufement. The title is /Eneas in the TLlyJian Fields,, or The Temple of Eternity. It was fet by Fouchs. The principal action is, the accomplifhment of the tender and pious wifh of the hero to fee his father. The fpeeches of thofe perfon- ages, whom ^Eneas met with in the Elyiian Fields on this occafion, are applicable to the praifes of Augufta, Cadar, and Germany. The interlocutors are Mneas, Deiphobe, or the Cumean Sybil, Eternity, Virtue, Glory s Time, and the Shade of Anchifes. In the chorufes are Linus and Orpheus, with their followers. Such is the fummary of my plan ; of the execution, you will be informed by others hereafter. Is it poffible, that you mould injure me fo far, as to think it necef- fary to draw out a formal account of your money tranfa£Hons ? I believe you have fpent more of your own, than of mine ; and it aflonifhes me, that you are not in want of a fupply; bi}t it is a fure fign that your head is at home ; and you want to convince me, I fuppofe, that your judgment is now good enough to make amends for former defects. I mail fay no more on this, except, that when ( 7i ) when there is any fault to find, I mall be at your fervice, and you know I am not cere* monious. I want to know whether the room in the Corfo is furnifhed, and with what materials, and of what colour. I am fbrry for the failure of Cleomene y and hope that Artaferfe will be more profitable to our dear Cavanna ; but for the accomplishment of this hope, I muft rely on the partiality of my great country. N. M. addio (q). Vienna, June 23, 1 731. LETTER V. TO THE SAME. N. M. The feal of a cover of a letter, which I fent you fome time ago, is that of the Chan- cellor of the ftate, the fanclion of which was not ufed by chance. I am unable to define what you thought of it ; but know very well, that I have no reafon to repent (q) N. M." are initials of fome cabaliftical words in the Poet's correfpondence with his female friend: perhaps Nojira Madona ; but he fometimes calls himfelf, il vof- tro N. f 4 the ( 7* ) the having ufed it. I was in the utmofl anxiety for the fate of Artaferfe, not hav- ing found a fyllable about it, in your let- ter by the laft pott. But to-day I hear of its fuccefs, not only from yourfelf, but Bulga, Leopold, and Peroni. And am ex- tremely happy, well knowing the pleafure it will afford you all, on my account. You -can anfwer for the patriotic gratitude which I mull: feel to a city like Rome, when it thus deigns to interefl itfelf in my labours. May my productions, fome time or other, jufKfy* in the opinion of the world, its partiality 1 I am allured from all quarters of the zeal and accuracy of the performers. I beg you will thank them in my name, particularly the incomparable Sca/zz, and Farfa//mo 9 whom I falute and embrace fr). Poor Vinci ! Now that merit will be known, which during his life, was blafted by hi9 enemies (sj. (j) This muft have been the revival of the opera of Artaferfe at Rome, where it was firfl: performed in 1730, as the date of the printed copy of the words, now before me, teftifiesj unlefs it was printed previous to its per- formance. (s) This original and admirable compofer, the compe r titor of Porpora and HafTe, feems to have died during the long run of Artaferfe. 4 What ( 73 ) What a miferable being is man ! He thinks fame the only good that can render him happy; but alas! He muft die ere he is al- lowed to enjoy it; and if he does not die ? envy will make him wretched for attempt- ing to acquire it *. But let us have done with moralizing. I am doubly happy now, in my own health, and in that which you enjoy. Study to preferve it, as you value mine. I now difcover the worth of my dear Marianne ; who in her letters, and her prudent conduct, not only pleafes me at prefent, but gives a different face to paft times. You have furpafled all my expectations. It is the fear of tripling the expence of portage, that prevents my writing to Leopold (t)^ and my dear Bulgarini (uj. Thank the latter heartily, in my name, and take that care of him which he merits. Tell Leopold that I mall always love him, if he acts in, * For fuch the frailty is of human kind, Men toil for fame, which no man lives to findj Long ripening under ground this China lies : Fame leaves no fruit, till the vain planter dies ! Earl of Mulgrave, (tj Metaftafio's brother. (») The hufband of the Ro- manina. fuch ( 74 ) fuch a manner as to merit your efleem. To the mon: polite auditor, Merenda, prefent a thoufand compliments. I am not dif- pleafed that he confides fome of his fecrets to you, but I mould have wifhed him lefs communicative to others. And now repeat- ing the fame ardent wifhes which you have made for me, I remain your N. Adieu. Vienna, July 7, 1731. The firfr. regular opera which Metaftafio produced for the theatre of his Imperial patron, .was Adrian o in Siria, fet by Caldara. Of its fuccefs, we have no account in his letters ; but by the general favour of this drama in the reft of Europe, immediately after its performance at Vienna, there can be no doubt of the applaufe it received on its firft appearance, Nov. 4, 1731. It was brought on the ilage at Naples 1732, and performed at Venice 1 733, to the mufic of Jacomelli. Metaftafio's friend, fignor Riva, the mimfter from the duke of Modena to the Imperial court, pointed out fome fmall inaccuracies in this drama ; but the author either corrected, or explained them off* in anfwering his letter, Sept. 20, 1732* Of ( 75 ) Of the reception of Demetrio, his fccond opera for Vienna, we have an am- ple account written by the author himfelf, in the following letter to his friend, the Ro- manina. LETTER VI. N. M. I did not think I mould have fuch good tidings to fend you to-day as I am now able to do ; indeed I was entirely prepared for the contrary. Laft Sunday, my opera of De- metrio was performed, for the nrft. time, with fuch applaufe, that the oldefl people in the country affure me, they never remember approbation fo universal. The audience wept at the parting fcene; to which my moft auguft patron was not infenfible. And notwithstanding the great reipecl: for the Sovereign, in many of the recitatives, the applauie of the theatre was not reftrained by his prefence. Thofe who were before my enemies, are now become my apoftles. I am unable to exprefs to you my furprife at this fuccefs, as it is a gentle and delicate opera, without thofe bold ilrokes which pro- duce great effects ; nor did I believe it adapted ( 76 ) adapted to the national tafte. But I was miftaken. Every thing demonstrated, that it was well underftood by the audience, and they repeat parts of it in converfation, as if it were written in German. My mafter be- gan to mew his fatisfaclion, from the end of the firfl acl, and afterwards ipoke' it openly to all around him. The mufic is of the mofl modern kind that Caldara has compofed; but all the difcontented world is not to be fatif- fied. The fcenes were beautiful. Minelli has both acled and fung better than ufual, and pleafes almoft univerfally in the part of Alcejle. Dominichino, acquitted himfelf in the part of CleoJiice, with general approba- tion. Cafati has exalted the part of Olinto, as Borghi has that of Fenicio. The Olzau- ferin fung, as fhe flill looks, beautifully. Brown, the bafe, did not da half fo well in the public performance, as at the rehearfals, in which, however, he did but little. And here is my whole hiftory, which I would not have written to any one but you, as others would pronounce me to be a vain coxcomb. Vienna, Nov. 10, 1731^ This opera was brought out at Rome, the beginning of the next year, under the di» rection ( 77 ) .redtion of his female friend, to whom he. fent inftructions for the performance; in which^ though me was not allowed to ring on the ftage, me aflumed the poet's part at the rehearfal. In a letter to the Romanina on the fub- ject, he fays : " You are now in the middle* of your theatrical diverfions, while I am at the dry work of writing an Oratorio. Amufe yourfelf for me, and be allured that your pleafure contributes greatly to mine. It was, my full intention to fend a meet of directions for the performance of Demetrio ; but, in examining the opera, I find fo little intricacy in it, that it would be affronting both you and myfelf, if I attempted to inflruct you,'* — He however gives in this letter two pages of directions for the reprefentation of the opera of Demetrio, which would be very ufeful to the compofer, performers, and di-> rector, in bringing that drama on the ftage. When he has finiihed his inftructions, he fays : " Thefe were the arrangements, and I have feen the inhabitants of thefe northern regions weep. Do you produce the fame effects. " His Eminence the archbifhop of Colonitz, in order to afcertain my exigence, will fee me ( 78 ) me himfelf, and I mall not be able to fend to him till next week. There is nothing new or unexpected in the illnefs of the Emprefs's mother, fo that IJjipile will be performed. There is a precious part in it of a pirate, which runs through the whole opera; it will be admirably performed by our dear Be- renftadt, who together with our friend Rondinella, ( plump friend ) I embrace moft cordially. Say the fame to Bulga, to Leopold, and to yourfelf. By recommend- ing to you the care of your health, I mean to recommend to you, your V. N. Adieu." Vienna, Jan. 12, 1731. LETTER VII. TO THE ROMA NINA. MADAM, N. M. You reproach me, I know not with what confcience, for the very fame brevity which you yourfelf practice in your letters. We are either both to blame, or neither. But enough of this ; for I dare not pretend that a month will pafs in which I mall be exempt from reproof; I look on it as a neceffary evil, like the return of a fever -x to ( 79 ) to thofe who have a quartan ague. J am extremely concerned for the ill fate of Didone, as much on account of fignor Ca- vanna, as on my own. Thefe are the abomidable viciffitudes incident to theatres, a trifle can fave, and a trifle can ruin them fxj. I hope Demetrio will be more fortunate. But to confefs the truth, it runs a great rifk of a fimilar fate, as it depends more on good performance, than decorations or ftage effecl : and the prejudice of Rome againfr. our lingers, is not a favourable cir- cumftance. However, the fame fudden turns which render theatrical fuccefs infe- cure, are equal reafons for our not giving way to defpair* Vienna, Jan. 19, 1732. His opera of Iffipile, was firft performed in January 1732; and during its run, he (x) This qpera, after its fuccefsful firft reprefentation at Naples, in 1724, was performed at Venice, 1725, to the mufic of Tommafo Albinoni. In 1726, at Crema, to the fame mufic, and at Rome to the original mufic of Sarro. It was like wife performed to this mufic at Turin, 1727, and at Venice, 1730. It is not recorded who was the unfortunate compofer of the mufic, which was fo ill received at Rome, in 1732, at the. time of which Metaftafio fpeaks in this letter. fent ( . 8o ) fent a copy of it to his friend, the Roma- nina for the Roman theatre, with an account of the fcenes, and inftruclions for the fcene- ry fyj. He fays, this opera was rehearfed in a great hurry. And adds, " I have be- gun the Oratorio ; I correct the prefs ; affifr. in bringing out a play at court ;„ curfe the cold;, and iigh every quarter of an hour; I am however very well." In a fubfequent letter, we have a further account of the fuccefs of IJJipik, and of the theatrical tranfaclions at the Imperial court i. during this time. LETTER VIIL TO THE ROMANINA. N. M. On Tuesday evening, my opera of IssiPile was performed at court, for the laft time, to fuch a croud, as had not been feen there on (y) It is probable, that Iffipile was performed at Rome this year, to the original mufic, to which it had been fet for Vienna, by Francefco Conti ; but it was new fet the fame year, for Venice, by Giovanni Porta. any ( 8i ) &ny former occafion. My moft clement: patrons were unwilling to difpleafe a troop of gentlemen, who are acting, very imper- fectly, the difconfolate Cicifbeo of Fagioli ; a comedy performed at Naples, and which we ijfaw rehearfed at the houfe of the Abate Bel- vedere. By having one performance lefs of this piece, there might have been another of IJfipile, as all the court, city, and they them- felves, wifhed ; but flaves to their grandeur, they thought that this would have been con- strued into a clear difapprobation of the dilet- tanti comedians •. and therefore have obliged themfelves to hear it performed three times, like the opera, and another comedy in profe, acted by muficians*. Retaining the diftinc- tion, of , four reprefentations, to that piece alone, which was performed by the Arch- ducheffes. When the laft reprefentation of Iffipile was over, the Emperor, in defcend- ing from his box, came up to me, and, in the prefence of the whole court, had the benevolence to exprefs the pleafure he had received from my labours, and to tell me that The Opera was very fine - y that it had fucceeded wonderfully, and that he was per- fieSily fatisfied with me. A diftinction the vol. i* & more ( 8 2 ) more honourable, as it is difficult to obtain any notice from our patron, who is fb re- ferved in public, that when he deigns to beftow itj, we are firre that it is not by ac- cident, but defign. I tell you all this, be- caufe in fpite of your affected indifference for my perfbn, I hope, nay believe, that you intereft yourfelf extremely in all that concerns me. There is an Abbey vacant in Sicily, called St. Lucia, by the death of a certain Abate Barbara : but my misfortune is, that' I know not in what diocefe it is fituated, or whether it is requiiite that the candidate mould be a regular ecclefiaftic. Vienna, Feb. 23, 1732. Part of this letter is loft; but it appears from other letters, that though he wifhed for fecular preferment in the church, he had no intention to be an ecclefiaftic mfacris. L E T- t 83 } I LETTER IX. to THE ROMANINA. I am arrived at the middle of the third &6t of my opera fzj, fo that next Sunday I hope to be able to tell you that it is nnifhed; But when fliall I cOme to the end of the next, which is likewife in meditation ? It mm% however, be ready by the end of Anguft. Do you but wifh me health and patience* and every thing will go well. With all my intenfe application, and the unfavourable feafon, I am almoft exhaufted. I fay almojfl:, becaufe my head, from time to time, is unequal to its labour ; probably from the pores being too much clofed . by the long continuance of the damp, and the chillnefs of the air in this place ; fo that in proportion as I -differed from the heat in Italy, I am (%) He means the firid opera for the next Carnival, Metaftafio, befides occafional operas, cantatas, &c. ufually furnifhed one drama for the Carnival, one for the Emperor's birth-day, and a third, or fome other poem for mufic, fcr the Emprefs's birth-day. In the Carnival of 1731, after three performances of ddriano, Jan. 4, 6, and 8th, his fe- cond opera of Demetrio was brought on the ftage, the 10th &>f the fame month. g 2 tormented ( §4 ) tormented by the cold in Germany. S® much does the variation of climate change our nature* But I have not felt it in this particular only; my abilities to combat its effects, continually, are not natural. I know that the fluggiflmefs of the air is communi- cated to the fpiritSj and diminifhes their promptitude at exertion. I inclofe you a moral fbnnet, which t eompofed in the midfr. of a pathetic fcene that I was writing, and with v/hich I wa$ much affected ; fo that the laughing at myfelf, on finding my eyes itreaming with tears for a difrrefs of my own making, produced i« my mind the thoughts which you will read in my fonnet, and which j if it appears to- lerable r let others read alfo. SONETtO. Sogni, efavole io fingc$ eppure in carte, JMentre fai/ole, efogni or no, e difegno, In lor {folk che Jon!) prendo tal parte, Che del mal, che inventai,\piango, e mifdegnfa JMaforfe allor che non niinganna Parte Piufaggiofono, e V agitato ingegno Fors* e allor piii tranquillo ? Oforfe parte Da piu falda'cagion Pamor, lo Jdegno P Ah che non fo I quelle, ctfio canto, o fcrivo Favolefon ; ma quanto temo, o fpero TutPe menfogna, e delirandoio vivo : Scghf ( 8 5 ) Mogno della mia vita e il corfo intero* Deh tu, Signor, quando a defiarmi arrivo 9 fa y ch'io trov'i rep of a in fen del vero (a). SONNET, The dreams and fables which I often feign, Fool that I am! a real grief impart; And evils, I myfelf have forg'd, give pain Which gen'rates tears and penetrates my heart- Perhaps the illufion is not all a dream, perhaps while agitated thus, we find Ourfelves more wife, and truth and reafon beam Unufual radiance on the ardent mind. Oh ! that not only what I fing and write Were fabulous, but ev'ry hope and fear Which occupies my mind from morn to nighr ? Like phantoms of the brain, would difappear ! This life is nothing but a dream throughout, Oh grant, great God ! whene'er it is refign'd, That I may wake exempt from fear and doubt, And in the arms of Truth, repofe may find. fa) The eleventh yerfe, the author fays, may run fhus. Seguendo V ombre 7 in cm ravyolto io vivo- It was in writing the ninth fcene of the fecond a& of the Olimpiade, that Metaftafio found himfelf in tears, an gfFe& which afterwards proved very contagious. 9 3 After ( 86 ) After I had written this fonnet, there came into my head, as ufual, a fcruple 5 which is, that the nth verfe and the 10th explain a proportion which may perhaps be thought too genera], when I fay Ma quant o, temo, fpero tut to e'menzogna: ". But what- ever 1 fear or hope is falfe." I "would not have any dry and fevere critic fay to me, "What! don't you fear hell? don't you hope in God ? " For, according to this, the hope in God and fear of hell are falfe, It is true, that in anfwer I might fay, rnoft. fa- gacious Sir ! I have known from my infancy, as well as you, that God and hell are indif- putable truths ; and if this was not my be- lief, I mould not have recommended niyfelf to God, at the elofe, in the manner I have done. The hopes and fears of which I {peak in the fonnet, are thofe that proceed from mere terreftial objects. You fee that the defence is fufficiently folid, and the counter- poifon is found in the fonnet itfelf. Read it, and give me your opinion fincerely, without concealing from me that of Monfignor Ni- colini, which will have great weight with me. I falute the whole houfe, and to your- felf I heartily recommend your V. N. V. N. ]N. M. addio. ,Vienna, June 6, 1732. let/ ( 8 7 ) LETTER X. TO THE SAME. 1 begin my letter with a dreadful piece of news, juft arrived from Prague by the poft, which has extremely afflicted me, as well as all Vienna. The following is the copy of a letter which I have juft received. Prague, nth June. ** The Emperor being upon a ihooting- *' party, in the wood of Branchais, and " having fired at a flag, the ball, after paff- *' ing through the animal, wounded his " Highnefs, the Prince of Schwaifemberg, " Mailer of the horfe, in the left fide, in f* fo fatal a manner as was immediately M pronounced to be mortal ; and this morn- " ing, between three and four o'clock, he " died. This dreadful calamity has thrown *' the Emperor into the deepeft affliction. " It was with the utmoft difficulty that he ' ' was prevented from going to fee the dying. " Prince, in order to aik his pardon ; but " he was at laft prevailed on to fend Count " St. Julian to perform this melancholy i* office." G 4 This ( 88 ) This news has thrown the whole city into the greater!: confternation, many for the love they bore the Prince, and all for the. fufFering of our moft augufr. Mailer, whofe humanity and tendernefs are known to be fuch, as muft have difordered his whole frame, as well as wounded his mmd ; yet it was impoflible to prevail on him to be blooded, which was thought by the faculty to be abfolutely necefTary to his fafety. And the worft of all is, that the Emprefs, whofe circumfpecl: and prudent advice would have had moil weight, in prevailing on his Ma- jefty to fubmit to his phyficians, was unfor-. tunately not in Prague, having begun the ufe of the waters at Carlefiad, In confe-; quence of this accident, the feilival of Au- gufl will not be celebrated in the city of Cromau, as I Avrote you word ; for being a place that belonged to the deceafed Prince, it would be very ill calculated for joy and feftivity. I mall wait for new orders ; but the general opinion is, that the Emperor will foon return to Vienna. I have nothing to fay at prefent to Sig. Ant. Tommafo Lazzaretti. The inform- ation which you have procured, concerning the vacancy in Sicily, arrives too late ; we a - muft ( 8 9 ) purl now look forward to other things* Your attention, however, convinces me of your kind concern and zeal for my fervice ; which I mall always try to preferve, and of which I am both pleafed and proud. You cannot imagine how much I am af- flicted with the difgrace of the theatre dells Dame. The w or ft p art of the ftory is, that in whatever way the poor Oavanna may try to recover the public favour, his lofs muft be very great. My brother has written me the news of the town. His information is now a little ftale, but I am, nevertheless, obliged to him. I embrace, thank, and beg of him the continuance of his intelligence. How can I fumciently thank you for the affectionate anxiety you exprefs about my health ; it is already mended by your letter ; think then what it would be by yourfelf. Many compliments to Bulga, and- other friends ; and accept yourfelf of a thoufancj protections of the immutability of your N. Adieu, N. M. Vienna, June 14, 1732, LET- ( 9° ) LETTER XL TO THE SAME. Was there ever fuch a din vocation of the things of this world, both fmall and great ! Can a more unhappy accident be imagined, than that which I related in my laft letter? And of another kind, can greater defolation be reprefented to the mind, than that which you have fo well defcribed in your letter which I received this morning ? It is terri- ble, that a great city mould be obliged to fufFer for the caprice of an individual, and that, for fuch frivolous motives, he mould have no repugnance to injuring numberSj and difpleafing all. I pity thofe who feel the lols ; and even without this motive, it is impoffible to be indifferent. The Emperor, after the unhappy accident, returned to Prague, where, according to all accounts, he fhut himfelf up in his room, without feeing a human creature, during a whole day and night. Prince Eugene was the firlt, who, with refpectful violence, forced himfelf into his prefence, and inter- rupted ( 9< ) fopted the folitude and profound affliction in which he was immerfed. It is univerfally believed, to have been wholly from the care and importunity of the Prince, that he al- lowed himfelf, at length, to be blooded, and qonveyed to Carle/had, where he frill re- mains, and will try the effedt of the waters. The younger! Archduchefs, Marianne, Jbas been fix days ill with the fmall-pox; news that will increafe the agitation of our royal Matter, at being fo far from her. There are, however, no dangerous fymp- tons, and the phyficians prognofticate- a a happy recovery. In the mean time, the eldeft Archduchefs, Terefa, is feparated from Jier fifter, to efcape infection. The Emprefs dowager, Amelia, widow of Jofeph, has quitted the convent, where me lived retired, \n order to refi.de with the Archduchefs Te- refa, in the Imperial palace, Favorita, till the lifters can fafely be again united. I am well in health, but ill in fpirits, All thefe events make me miferable ; and the public melancholy infenfibly communicates itfelf, even to the indifferent. At prefent, the return of their Imperial Majefties is not known. The accident which happened, and the illnefs of the Archduchefs, it is be- lieved, lieved, wilt haften them ; but all is conjecture. In the mean time, I have nothing to cheer me, but your good health ; preferve it care- fully, and believe me your N. Addio, N. M. Vienna, June 21, 173^., UTTER XIL TO THE SAME. ' I plainly perceive, that I am an animal of a diftincl genus from the common race of men. Nobody has the Influenza more than once ; but I am honoured with it twice. Though I fufFered, arid recovered, like other people, laft week ; yet, this week, comes the fecond volume, with a cough, head-ach, and other complaints : however, I am again perfectly well. I hear that you^ are attacked by this djforder in the fame manner ; I am forry it has reached you ; I hope it will not be very obftinate j indeed if its quality is not more malignant at Rome, than in Germany, you have no occafion to. be greatly alarmed. Jan*' ( 93 ) 1 am glad that my Ajilo d'Amore* cuts g, fio-ure in Italy, even with a composition of Cardinal Polignac, though with fome -dif- &dvantage. I perfectly agree with the pub- lic, in their approbation of the latter ; and it appears to me, that in this production of the Cardinal, the human heart is laid open With great fagacity, and the morality interfperfed s does not favour of pedantry ; a common de^ feci: with all thofe who wifh to inftracl, but difdain to pleafe. It is very true, that this fpecies of poetry is much lefs difficult than the other, . I mean than that in which any one is highly, praifed. Praife offends the felf-love of thofe who hear it, and our ma- lignant nature makes us imagine, that what is given to others, is taken from ourfelves. So that panegyrics feldom pleafe, though good; whereas fatire is welcome, however coarfe. and Unjuft. This may account for the difficulty of gilding the pill of praife, in fuch a manner, as to make us forget our- felves. But I fhall not mount the pulpit, or affume the part of a Seneca ; and yet I know * This was a little Feftal Drama of one aft, written for the Emprefs's birth-day, and performed to the mufic of Caldara, in the Imperial Palace at Lintz, in Upper Anuria, Aaguft 1732. not ( 94 ) not how it is, but whenever T write to y6u,j I feel a difpofition to philofophife, and whaf is more extraordinary, without the fear of tiring you* Vienna, Dec. 6, 1732* The following Letter, to the fame corref- pondent, feems of the firft elafs in the col- lection. LETTER XIII. Will you fuggeft to me a fubject for 1 art opera, or no ? I am plunged into an abyfs of doubt. Nay, don't laugh, and tell me I am mad. The fubject. of an opera is of the greateft. confequence. Luckily, it is my good fortune to be abfolutely obliged to de- cide immediately ; otherwife, I mould re- main undetermined till the day of judgment, and even then, Da Capo. Read the 3d fcene, acl: iii. of my Adriano. Obferve the character which the Emperor gives of him^ felf, and you will there fee that of your friend. He knew his infirmity, and fo do I mine, but without correcting it ** Ah ! tu nonfat £>htal guerra di penjieri * Though the Poet does not In his letter quote himfelf\ yet in order to fave the reader the trouble of turning to the reflexion to which he alludes, we infert it, with a transla- tion. Ag'i'tcs, ' C 95 ) Agita I 'alma mla. Rcma 9 11 Senalo 9 Emlrena, Sablna, La mla gloria, it mlo amor, tutto ho prefente : 'Tutto accordar vorrel : trovo per tutto ^ualche fcogllo a temer. Scelgo, ml pent® ; Pol d'ejjerml pentlto Ml rltorm a pentlr. Mlfianco Inianto Nel lango dubitar, tal ch'e dal male II ben plu non dl/linguo. Alfin ml vegglo Streito dal tempo, e ml rifoho al pegglo. Ah ! thou knoweft not What warring fentiments difrracT: my foul, Rome, the Senate, Emirena, Sabina, My fame, my love, all are prefent ; and I Would fain accord them all. Yet find, where'er I turn my eyes, fome rock to fear. I chufe, Repent, and then, afterwards, repenting of repentance, , Return again to the firft thought, and thus Give birth to new contrition ; till at length, Quite wearied and perplex'd with endlefs doubt, I can no longer diftinguifh 'twixt right And wrong. And laftly, having no more leifure For felf-debate, I choofe the worft. This obftinate vice of indecifion torments me, without affording the fmalleft pleafure in return ; I feel it without the leafr. power of refiftanCe ; it is the tyranny of body over jnind ; and I am convinced, that thefe ex- cefTes of doubt and irrefolution, the great ene- mies of action, are occasioned by the me- chanifm of our foul's habitation, which makes us , . ( 9 6 ) lis fee things through a falfe medium : as the rays of the fun are diverged, difcolouredj and rendered yellow, green, or red, accord- ing tri the body or medium through which they mine. Hence it is, that man feems not to aft by reafbn, but mechanical impulfej Adapting reafon to his feelings, and not his feelings to reafbn. If this were not the cafe> all thofe who think well, would aft well; but we fee the contrary* Who ever ex- amined nature and virtue better than Arif* totle ? And who has ever been more un- grateful to both i Who has ever taught us' better than Seneca, to defpife death* and who ever feared it more than himfelf? Who has ever uttered finer maxims of ceconomy than our Paul Doria, and who ever fquan- derecj his patrimony more miferably ? Ii> Ihort, the doftrine is true, and radically found $ but we do not examine it in all it$ ramifications^ becaufe that would carry us too far. You are not tired when I play the philo- fopher with you. Indeed I do it with not one elfe ; and I have not forgotten the vari- ous conversions of this kind, which we en- joyed when we happily paffed many hours of each day together. But how materials for fuch ( 97 ) fuch diicufiions are increafed fince, by ex- perience ! We may (peak further on thefe matters fometime or other, if the freaks of ibrtune do not entangle the thread of my honourable and fatiguing web. The reft of this letter has beenfippreff'ed. Vienna, July 4, 1733. LETTER XIV. TO THE SAME. ' May years unnumbered be added to the life of my moft. auguft Patron ! who yefler- day published in my favour, a truly Casfarean decree, in the fupreme council of Spain, by which I am inverted with the office of Traz- furer to the province of Cofenza in the kingdom of Naples : a pofl: for life, of ho- nour, authority, and if I were to perform the buflnefs myfelf in perfon, of considerable profit ; but even after paying a deputy, the clear falary will amount to 1500 florins a year. You fee that the appointment is not inconfiderable in point of pecuniary advan- tage ; but be afTured, that the honour done .me by the folicitude, afFe&iofl, and con- vol, 1, h defcenfion ( 9* ) defcenfion, with which the Emperor has deigned to confer this benefit upon me, in- finitely furpaiTes all lucrative confederations. It was publicly declared, at the Imperial table, to one of the members of the council, as a reward for my paft and prefent labours- ; and his Imperial Majefty was pleafed to add, that he had, unfolicited, mentioned this ap- pointment in council, as my juft due. This public partiality of His Majefty in my favour, has made fuch an impreflion, that yefter- day, contrary to cuftom, when the decree 1 ' was mentioned, there was no one of the counfellors who ventured to utter a fyllablc againft it ; but part of them faid coldly, that the order mould be executed, while the reft applauded the juftice and propriety of the appointment. The befr. part of the ftory is, that this favour has been granted without the leaft. recommendation of any kind; fo that I owe it entirely to the beneficent heart of Caefar, to whom may God grant a long, fortunate, and glorious life ! I mail probably be put to fbme difficulty in paying the fees of office, which I believe will be confiderablej but I fhall be foon reim- burfed. Yefterday, ( 99 ) Yefterday, after dinner, to moderate my joy for this my good fortune, I met with an accident which might have been ferious, but was of no great confequence. Iii mount- ing the ftair-cafe of the theatre, at the palace called the Favouriia, in order to re- connoitre the ftage, one of the fleps gave way under me, and I went head foremoil: to the next ftairs, as if mot out of a cannon. However, except two flight contufions, I efcaped very well. This I may regard as a fecond piece of good fortune, equal to the frrft. I am now going to demand an audience, in order to thank my Imperial Patron, By the next poft, you fhall be informed of all that he fays to me. Addio N. M. Vienna, July 28, 17331. This was the laft letter to the Romanina, that has been preserved. That zealous friend of his head, as well as heart, dying about the middle of February 1734, ma- nifested the iincerity of her attachment to the poet, by bequeathing to him all her pofleffiohs, after the deceafe of her hufband, to the amount of twenty-five thoufand crowns. But Metaftafio, always confident, With his ufual rectitude and propriety, to- h 2 tally ( ICO ) totally declined accepting of her intended kindnefs, and transferred the whole bequeft to her hufband, whofe real property, accord- ing to our Englifh ideas of jurifprudence, it feems legally to have been. The teflamen- tary laws of Italy, may be different from thofjs of our country. Some Italian writers fay, that the Romanina left Metaftafio erede di.tutto il fuo patrimonio. " Heir to all her patrimony.' * If by patrimony was meant an eflate pofTeffed by inheritance, and independantly fettled upon her at the time of her marriage* her teffcamentary difpofi- tions are reconcileable to Englifh ideas of law in fuch cafes ; though prefering the friend to the hulband, deviates fbmewhat from the general cuftom of our country.. That the bequeft. was legal, has never been doubted by Metaflafio's biographers, who all fpeak of his renunciation in the highefl terms. of panegyric, as uncommonly difinterefted, generous, and heroic. And the poet him- ielf, as well as all Italy, regarded, it as a noble facrifice. Whether MetaftanVs- connection with, the Romanina, was purely platonic, of of a lefs ieraphic kind, I mall not pretend to deter- mine. But the hufband refiding in the fame rioufe. ( ioi ) houfe witfy them, both at Naples and Rome, and the friendly manner in which the Poet always mentioned him in his letters to the wife, with the open manner in which he exprefTed his affliction in writing to him after her death, would, in England, be thought indications favourable to conjugal fidelity. But a chafte a&refs and opera finger, is a flill more uncommon pheno- menon in Italy, than in Great Britain. Yet though it is not thought abfolutely neceflary for the female lingers of Italy to be veftals, while fingle, or Lucretia's when married, they find it convenient to have a no- minal hufband, who will fight their battles, contend with the firft man, and Imprefario of an opera ; and, occafionally, ftand in the gap, as circumflances may require. But whether the Poet's friendfhip for Bulgarini, the hufband, was pure and undif- fembled or not, his affliction for the death of his wife, feems to have been unfeignedly deep and fincere. The following pathetic letter, written immediately after he had re-^ ceived the news of her deceafe, and of her teftament in his favour, feems a faithful de- lineation of the flate of his mind at this time, and to correfpond with that goodnefs h q of ( 102 ) of heart, as well as thofe tender feelings and lofty ideas of rectitude, which appear in all his other writings, and which have eno- bled the general tenor of his life. »— i —a— mil i LETTER XV. TO SIGNOR DOMENICO BULGARINI. Oppressed by the afflicting; news of the death of our poor Marianna, I know not how to begin this letter. The tidings are into- lerable to me on fo many accounts, that I can devife no means to diminifh the accute- nefs of my fufFerings; and therefore, I truft you will not accufe me of want of feeling, if I am unable to fuggeft to you any confo- lation for your lofs, as I have hitherto been "utterly unequal to finding any for myfelf. The laft difpofition of the poor deceafed in my favour,- aggravates the caufeof myforrow, and obliges me to give a public andincon- teftable proof of the difintereftednefs of that friendihip, which I profeffed to herwhile living, and which I mall preferve for her honoured memory, to the laft. moment of my exig- ence. Knowing therefore, how much af- fection ? kindnefs, and zeal, for the welfare 4 Pf ( I0 3 ) of the poor Marianna, you have always rna-« nifefled, I Shall beft Shew my gratitude to her, by entirely renouncing, in your favour, all claim to her effects ; not through pride, God preferve me from fuch ingratitude ! but becaufe it appears to be my duty, as an honeffc man and a Christian. The advantage which I mall Still derive from this inheritance, even after renouncing it, will not be inconsidera- ble : as the knowing what was intended for me by the generous teftatrix, will be a lading proof of her friendship ; and the relinquish- ing it in your favour, will be a proof of my difintereftednefs with reSpect to her, and of my equity towards yourfelf. I am at pre- fent, thank God, in no need of fuch aSliSl- ance, as I am rewarded beyond my merit ; fo that I mall not fufFer by the facrifice I make to you. Though I entangle you with no conditions in the renunciation which I inclofe, yet I have fpme requefts to make, and counfels to fuggeft to you. My firft requeft is, that the relinquish- ing this claim, may in no wife diSTolve pur friendship; but that, according to the wiSh of the poor Marianna, our cor- respondence may continue as entire as if fte were Still living; fubftituting you at h 4 all ( l0 4 ) all times, and in all places, for her repre- fentative. My fecond requeffc is, that you will un- dertake the trouble of receiving the falaries of my three offices in Rome, and the trans- acting of my Neapolitan concerns, exactly in the fame manner as was done by our in- comparable Marianne ; for which purpofe, I fend you proper powers. I write like wife to Sign or Tenerelli, at Naples, who will treat you in the fame manner, as Signora Marianne herfelf; remitting to you, from _ time to time, whatever fums may be due to me from that quarter, continuing to my poor family, the.ufual alignments and pro- virion, if you mall chufe it, jointly with my brother. The advice which feems neceffary for me to give you, is, that you would affiil: the poor family of Signor Francefco Lombardi, by every means in your power ; and try by acts of chanty to do every thing for them, which, in a umilar fituation, you would ex- pect from them to you. I have fpecified in my renunciation, fome particulars in which you fhould affift them ; but befides my unwilling- nefs to involve you in trouble and difficulty, I am fo certain of the goodnefs of your heart, that ( *°5- ) that I have left all the merit of your bene- volence towards them, to the liberality of your own determination. In all things elfe, you are at full liberty to acT: as occafion, and your own prudente, {hall iuggeft. At prefent, my mind is in too great per- turbation for me to attempt giving you a plan for the regulation of your conduct. % mall only fay, that it appears to me, as if you mould difpofe of all the effects you can fpare, in order to raife a capital, and that you mould live in a fmaller houfe. I can think of no other teftimony to offer you, at prefent, of my friend fhip and con- fidence. Be equally open in your corre- spondence, and confider my interefts as your own, and me as your brother. I am unable now to write a longer letter; when my mind is more tranquil, I mail communi- cate to you fuch thoughts as may occur. In the mean time, love me, and endeavour to be comforted yourfelf. Be aflured^ if it were in my power, that I would try to con- tribute that to your confolation, which I am unable to receive myfelf. Vienna, March 13, 1734, The ( i°6. ) The following letter to his brother, in apo- logy for his renunciation of the Romanina's intended kindnefs, will ferve as an illuftra- tion Gf the principle upon which it was made, as well as of his own rectitude of character. LETTER XVI, TO THE ADVOCATE LEOPOLD TRAPASSI. In my prefent agitation for the unexpected death of the poor generous Marianne, my utmofi efforts will enable me to write but little. I can only tell you, that both my honour and confcience have obliged me to relinquish, in favour of her hufband, Dome- nico, that bequeft which fhe intended for me. I owe to the world an indifputablc proof, that my friend mip for her, was nei- ther built upon avarice, nor felf-intereft. I ought not to abufe the partiality of my poor deceafed friend, at the expence of her huff- band ; and God, I truft, will permit me to prolper, by fome other means for my in- tegrity. For myfelf, J am in want of no more than my prefent income ; for my fa- mily, I have iufricierit at Rome for their comfortably ( io7 ) comfortable fupport. Indeed if it mall pleafe God to continue to me my prefent Neapoli- tan refources, I mall be able to give further proofs of my affection for my relations, and for yourfelf in particular. Communicate thefe refolutions to our father, to whom I am unable to write at prefent. AiTure him of my fixt determination to affift. him always, as I have hitherto done; or rather, to in- creafe that affiftance, if things are profperous at Naples. In flidrt, I beg you will "]fe your utmoft endeavours to make him enter into my reafons, that I may not be afflicted with his difapprobation of my honeft and chriftian procedure. In the mean time, I beg you will unite interefts with Sig. Domenico, from whom I hope you will experience that friendfhip, which may be expecled in return for the confidence and confideration with, which I have treated him. I have tranfmitted to him proper powers for tranfacling my mo- ney concerns, fo that all things will go on as ufual. But the poor Marianne will never return ! and I believe that the reft of my life will be infipid and forrowful. Condemn not, I entreat you, my refolution, and be^- ]ieve me ever yours. Vienna, March 13, 1734, ( io8. ) He expreffed his fenfibility fof the Iofs of the Romanina, in the fame affectionate manner, to another correfpondent. LETTER XVII. - TO A FRIEND AT ROME. Was it neceiTary for fuch a calamity to happenf in order to procure me the lon^ wiihed for pleafure of hearing from you ? At leaft,. flnce the price is fo great, I beg it may be continued, to mitigate, by the re- novation of our intercourfe, the remem-. brance of my misfortune ; a remembrance which feems to have placed me in the world as in a populous defert, and in that kind of (deiolation in which a man, if he were tranf- ported in his fleep to China or Tartary^ would find himfelf in waking, among peo- ple of whofe language, inclinations, and manners, he was quite ignorant. In the rnidir. of thefe imaginations, reafon enough is left to tell me who, and what I am ; but that is not fufficient to free me from afflic- tion. May God, in whofe hands are all events, turn this affliction to my benefit, and ( io9 ) and teach me by fuch a manifestation, what a vain hope it is, to form fyftems of hap- pinefs, without his amftance *• You adviie me to go to Rome in order to fettle, in per- fon, the affair of the teftament made in my favour by the generous deceafed ; but if I were not prevented by the duties of my Na- tion, and the prefent tempefluous ftate of Italy, you fee, that by renouncing all claims to this inheritance, fuch a ftep becomes wholly unneceflary. I know not whether my renunciation will be approved by all; but I know very well, that neither my ho- nour nor conference would permit me to abufe the exceffive partiality of a poor wo- man, to the detriment of her relations, and that even the want of neceffaries would ber * Having communicated a few MS. fheets of thefe- Memoirs to my old and much honoured friend Mr. Mafon,, for whofe learning, judgment, and genius, I have always had the higheft refpecl:; in perufing the prefent letter^ when he came to this part, he wrote with a pencil the fol- lowing opinion, which* as it confirms my own,, I fhalf take the liberty to infert : " I think this paragraph a proof that there had been no- « thing criminal between him and Marianne. Such a «' man as M. writing to a friend,' would have expreffed \m " this place fome compunction, at leaft he would not have tt invoiced the Deity in fuch a folema manner," M. 1 . much C ,*m ) much more tolerable to me, than the fhame of flich an action. Vienna, April 3, 1734* He lays to the" fame friend, in another letter, written May 22, of the fame year : " If I mould affect the philofopher, and tell you that I was forry to hear that my country had been fo la vim of applaufe for the renun- ciation I have lately made, I mould be very iniincere. It pleafes me much, and will fortify my opinion of the juftice of the act; indeed, I regard thefe praifes as a furprifing inftance of affection from fo great a mother, even to the meaner! of her fons." END OF THE SECOND SECTION. SECTION ( lit SECTION III. Among the letters of Metaftafio that have been publifhed, there are three to his father, and many to his brother Leopold, at Rome. Thefe laft, chiefly without date, are gene- rally filled with family concerns, and kind counfel. Among many excellent maxims of prudence and good conduct, Metaftafio chiefly recommends diligence to his brother, who feems, through his means, to have been invefted with an office under the Pontifical government. " Never," fays he, " defer till to-morrow what you can do to-day. A weight divided into fmall portions, becomes infupportable when united." It is pleafmg to humanity to find what refpecl and attention the Poet enjoins his brother towards their aged parent, whom he fupported in eafe and comfort, to the end of a long life. " Though I am certain," fays he to his brother, " that you will not be deficient in duty, yet fuffer me to recommend to you not to fpare me, in any expence that can re- move inconvenience or add to his comfort. If he were not our father, his age and in- flrmities. ( *u ) iirmities would demand our mofl tender companion ; confider then what we owe him, as fons." But in the anecdotes, that have been lately publifhed, concerning the private life of our admirable Poet* ; among his peculiarities, fome are related which feem too ferious for ridicule, and from which I fhouldbe forry, for his honour, and for the honour of human nature, not to be able to defend him. What s. difgrace to practical virtue and benevo- lence would it be, to find a writer whofe works breathe the pureft principles of virtue and morality, and whofe life, during more than fifty years refidence at Vienna, was un- impeachably innocent, and exemplary in the exercife of religious duties ; to want, not only filial and fraternal affeclion, but even thofe common and laudable partialities for his kindred and countrymen, to which the moft vulgar minds are naturally prone ! It has been faid -f, with a degree of levity and fport, perhaps more pour egaier les cbofes, and enliven a period, than from conviction, or a wifh to degrade the Poet's moral cha- racter, that " he refufed to hear, and took * Elogj Italiani dell Andrea Rubbi. Ven. 1782. °\- lb. Annota%wii aW Elogio di Pietro Metqftajio, Art. Prcgiudizj. pains |>ains not to know whether he had in his lat- ter days* any one relation left in the world." And on this uncharitable affertion, the world is to make its bbf equations and reflexions? For my own part, I mall make no reflections injurious to the poet or his cenfurers, but furnifh candid minds with the following letters, and extracts from others, Written by Metaftafio to his father and brother, as a complete anfwer to hafty conclufions of his want of affection for his family. LETTER II *T0 FELICE TRAPPASSI, THE FATHER OF METASTASIO. You tannot imagine with what joy I learned from your mofl reflected letter, the recovery of that health, for which I have ever been fo anxious. I return you my mofl humble thanks for the Care which you have kindly taken to remove from my mind fuch painful anxiety, and I pray to God, that in lengthening your days, he would deign to add to them a portion of my own, provided I have time fufficient vol. i» I allowed ( $* ) allowed me once more to embrace you, and to render you, in perfon, frefh teftimonies of my reipecl: and reverence. I am unable, to-day, to write to our dear Perroni. But fail not, I entreat you, to let him know that I am well, and to embrace and falute him moll: heartily. ' Humbly beg- o-ino- you to be careful of your health, and to grant me your benediction. I remain, &c. Vienna, Feb. 7, 1739. LETTER II. TO THE SAME. I have juft received your moll: refpeeted letter of the thirteenth of January, full of all thofe expreffions of paternal affection, which though familar to your partial love towards me, if repeated a thoufand and a thoufand times, would always imprefs my mind with new delight, and exact, from me new grati- tude. I allure you that there is nothing I more ardently wifh than the feeing, embracing, and giving you new teftimonies of that filial tendernefs and refpecl which are fo juftly your t "5 ) yotir due; though the narrow limits pre* fcribed by fortune to my powers, have not yet allowed me to convince you of them by any other means* Hitherto I have feen no likelihood of the pontifical intentions of kindnefs towards me, ending in any thing more than good wimes, upon which it would be very unfafe for hope to build. A thoufand embraces to my brother, and to all our family* Cza Katum, Feb. 9, 1743* LETTER III. TO THE SAME. The duties of my employment, on occa-* fion of the nuptials of thefe Princes (£) have not permitted me fooner to anfwer your moft refpecled letter of laft month. Though I have no occalion for new proofs, to convince me of your paternal tendernefs, I receive an inexpreflible pleasure from the affectionate expreffions which you have been pleafed to (h) Prince Charles of Lorrain wkh Marianna, Arch- dutchefs of Auftria, filler to Terefa, afterwards Emprefs- queeru I 2 bellow ( II<5 ) beftow upon me ; and be anured, that if I> had leifure, my correfpondence would exceed all bounds, if fo facred a duty could admit of excefs. The mofr. precious proof you can give me of your afFeclion, is the, care of your health ; and confirming me in the ardent hope which I have long cherifhed of, fometime or other, again embracing you, and receiving, in per- fon, your paternal benediclion. Vienna, Jan- 25, 1744,' LETTER IV. TO THE SAME. Your affectionate letter of the 1 6th of lafl. month, was mofl grateful tome ; as is every- thing that comes from you, as well for the happy news of your health,, as for the proofs it contained of your afFeclion ; which, though iinnecenary perfuafives, are always welcome, confolations. It is molt certain, that the, turbulent fituation in which I find myfelf, renders the flruclure of happinefs, which I have been fb many years forming, lefs and !efs folid. This makes me more melancholy than ( »7 ) than I ufed naturally to be ; but at prefent, thank God, in fpite of the terrible afpedt of public affairs, by cfofe application to my books, which keeps off painful reflections, I am infenfibly become more tranquil. I imitate you in wifhing the profperity which you prefage, but not in expecting it. I have been fo long deluded by hope, that, at pre- fent, the more (he appears to fmile, the lefs confidence I place in her; and this incredu- lity, renders the ftrokes of ill fortune lefs afflicting. You do extremely well to con- tinue to cherifh hope for yourfelf ; by that means, you have the enviable faculty of anticipating expecled bleffings, and enjoy- ing them as much at a diftance, as if they were in your pofleflion ; and no fooner does one fet of imaginary bleflings vanifh, than another arifes, to conlble the time prefent, for the difappointment of the paft. For my misfortune, I am very barren of all fuch delu- iive hopes, which indeed affeft me fo dif- ferently, that what is balm to your mind, becomes poifon to mine. Would to heaven you were a prophet, and that I could give you lefs limitted figns of my love and refpeel. Vienna, June 13, 1744. -i 3 At ( "8 ) At this time, his father cherifhed the moft brilliant expectations from his fon's exalted lituation at Vienna, and the late profeffions of kindnefs towards him from the Pope. In anfwer to a letter from his , brother, about collecting and printing his works, in which he feems to have entertained fplendid hopes from the effects of a dedication to the Elector Palatine, he fays, " Whatever you do with thofe trifles, I advife you not to be too fanguine in your expectations from that quarter. Neither princes nor their fatellites, have the will or the power to reward talents in the manner good people are apt to imagine. Indeed, I know not what their definition of merit may be, and have too profound a refpect for it, to attempt its investigation ; I mall leave it, therefore, among thofe myjieries which (though not contrary) are fuperior to reafbn." Though thefe fraternal letters are written on fubjects little interefling to the public, there are frequent traits in them, which if not to be rigidly fly led wit, or humour*, amount to fomething between both : a half- and-half pleafantry, peculiar to our author, and perhaps to his language. 1 mall ven- ture to inftance a few of thefe, without much confidence ( "9 ) confidence in my abilities of transfusing their fpirit into Englifh. In a very fhort letter to his brother, of only one page, he fays : " When you fee our dear and rnoft placid yomel/i, pray fpur him up to finifh the work he has undertaken for the court of Spain. I have a commiffion to give him a jog, no eafy talk, at this di- ftance fcj. Now the d — 1 would have me turn over, but non concur rimus" The poft days being changed at Vienna, he tells his brother, that having forgotten the alteration, he had been an unpundtual cor- respondent without defign, or convenience to himfelf from the delay ! It is hard, fays he, " to get rid of old habits, — Nor is it lefs difficult to change Monday to Saturday, than to live in an oblate fpheroid, in a world flat- tened at the poles by new aftronomers, after fo long imagining that I lived in one that was rounjd." Having written a Cant at a, for the birth of an Arch-dutchefs, he defires his brother not to mention it ; for if the mere title is (c) Jomelli, who compofed fo much, and fo ad- mirably, when he fet about it, was naturally indolent, and unwilling to work ; though equally unwilling to difoblige his friends by a refufal, when they intreated him to exercife his talents. I 4 known. ( ^0 ) known, it will foon be thought an old pro^ duclion. It is named, fays he, " La Gara, pray acknowledge it for your nephew." He tells his brother, who confulted him about publishing a treatife, which he had ready for the prels, that " the height of folly in an author, is the printing his works at his own expence. He mufl be initiated in the myfteries of mercenary afTociates, ere he can get ou% of fuch traffic with whole bones." During thelaft. war between the Emprefs- queen, and the late King of Pruffia, Metak tafio, who was very much attached to his Imperial Patronefsj frequently fends his-, brother the political news of the times,. ^ At prefent fays he, we have more troops in Bohemia, than the King of Pruffia ex- peels; and as he is now marched into that kingdom, if he chufes to dance, there will be no want of mufic : and the country- dances will be very lively."- — -" The war will become more and more violent everyday, unlefs the Englim change their imperious tone, adifficult metamorphofe."-r-"The King of Pruffia has made feveral movements, which have called upon our generals for all their attention; but, however, they feem only ( m ) only to arife from that kind of reflleilhefs, which makes {ick and infirm people, always hope to acquire eafe by a change of po* fition." " I am tired of a little journey into Par- pa flus which I made in a great hurry, by prder of our Court. And yet, I write to you, the inftant I return, with my boots Hill on, Pray be thankful that you have not been neglected in the midft of fuch fufferings.'* " Artaferfe is the moft fortunate of aU my children. The reft have experienced various viciffitudes ; but this, through th$ obftinacy of fate, has always been in the ftirrups (d). So that dramas have their gonftellations/' v * The correspondence with his brother Leopold, continued till December 17th, 1762, about which time he probably died. In letters to his banker and friend, Signor Ar- genvilliers, at Rome, which began in 1750, after his father's deceafe, he conftantly mentions his brother, and gives inftruclions for the payment of fums allotted for his ufe. In 1 759, Leopold had a very dangerous fever, which greatly alarmed Metaftalio, who,. 'in {4) Always fuccefsful, never difmounted. Writing ( 122 ) writing to Signer Argenvilliers, exprefTes his anxiety in a manner too affectionate for a man who " refilled to hear, and took pains not to know, whether he had any one rela- tion in the world," LETTER V. TO SIGNOR FRANCESCO ARGENVILLIERS, BANKER, AT ROME- You have furnimed me with a new proof, my dear-friend, of the goodnefs of your heart, in the affectionate care you have taken of my ; brother, the Advocate, and of my tran- quillity, by vifiting him yourfelf, and faith- fully informing me of the flate in which you found him, during the violent fever with which he was attacked. He has written me a fhort letter, which has given me a heart- ake, by its brevity. I entreat you to fpare me in nothing that can contribute in the leaft to his affiftance; I cannot explain to you what will be my anxiety, till the next pott. Though your kind letter gives greathopes, yet you know, by experience, what are the emo- tions of the heart, for the danger of a brother. Vienna, Sept. io, 1759. LET- ( J 23 ) LETTER VI. TO THE SAME. I want expreffions to defcribe to you, my dear and worthy friend, the tendernefs and gratitude with which I feel myfelf aN tached to you. The care which you take, not only of my brother's health, but of my eafe of mind, furpaffes all bounds; and that, not merely in the nrft letter concerning the dreadful malady, but the fecond, written by another hand. God preferve you for the confolation of your friends, and the honour of humanity, which has not many fuch to boaft. You have encouraged me to hope the ben:, and it is from your kindnefs that I can expect tranquillity. Pray thank my fif- iter, who, according to your account, has diftinguifhed herfelf by the exercife of her duty upon this occafion. Oh, my dear friend, if I could but exprefs what my heart feels for you ! But do you, who are capa-r ble of liich a£tions, judge of their effects, and believe me, while I have exigence, &c. P. S. Pray give me credit for whatever may be wanting on account of my brother's , illnefsL ( !2 4 ) illnefs, in cafe the expence fhould exceed the effects which I had in your hands. Vienna, Sep. 13, 1 759* LETTER VII. Ty THE SAMEv All my expectations of letters from Rome have failed me to-day ; imagine therefore, my dear friend, what agitation my mind muft. fufFer, already trembling with doubt for my brother's fafety. I know the excel- lency of my dear Sig. Argenvilliers' heart, by a thoufand proofs ^ fo that I cannot ima- gine it poffible for you to neglect me at fuch a critical moment. But affection, always timid and fufpicious, fuggefts to me that you have perhaps been filent through prudence ; or, through delicacy, have inclofed your letter to fbme other perfon, who may prepare me for the event. Forgive, my moil excellent friend, thefe human doubts. I do not try to fupprefs humanity, and confefs, that I have at prefent no power over my affliction. But here comes another fervant, who fays, that the Roman letters are not yet arrived, 4 fo ( >*5 ) fo that I return to the hope, with which ^our laft kind letter infpired me, of better tidings. I mall leave this open as long as poflible, and, in the mean time, embrace you with that refpectful efteem, which fo dear and worthy a friend merits. Addio. P. S. The letters from Rome of the 5th inftant, are at laft arrived, as I have feea, Several in the hands of friends to whom they were addreffed ; but there are none for me ! I know not what to think, and therefore. *elapfe into my former agitation.'* Vienna, Sep. 17, 1759. His brother, however, recovered of this Indiipontion, as we find by a letter to the iame correfpondent, written three days after the above* *' I beg your pardon, my moil admirable friend, for the inquietude which my pre^ ceding letter muft have occaiioned. This inftant two of your letters are brought to me, one written on the 5 th, and another on the Sth of the prefent month, I know not by what accident the firft was delayed, which, by not being delivered on Sunday, fet me upon making cruel almanacs. Thank God for deigning to extend his mercy to us all ; and C i*6-) and thank you for the numerous demoriftra* tions you have given, of the temper of your own mind." After fifty-two years abfence from Rome* Metaftafio feems to have furvived all his re- lations and juvenile friends, and to have made a jurl and equitable will in favour of the Martinetz family, with whom having conftantly refided in tranquillity and com- fort, to make them his heirs was a laudable manifeftation of his friendfhip and gratitude. His benevolence and fenfibility have never been called in queftion by his countrymen, who, on the contrary, have extolled thefe qualities in him, even more than his genius for poetry. And now having fpoken of his birth, adoption, education, firfl poetical produc- tions, attachment to a female friend, afflic- tion for her lofs, and affection for his family, we ihall proceed in the next fection to his writings, in chronological order, and con- fider him more particularly as a Lyric Poet and a Critic. END OF THE THIRD SECTION. SECTION ( I2 7 ) SECTION IV. A he year 1733 feems to have been ex- tremely fertile in the Parnaffian territories of our bard. Not only the opera of Olim- pzade,'a.nd. Demofoonte, with the oratorio of Giufeppe riconofciuto, but his charming can- zonet, La Liberia, were productions of this year. This celebrated canzonet; Grazie agVinganni tuoi, was fet by the bard himfelf, to an air of which Coccbi, when he was in England thirty years ago, furnifhed me with a copy. And as Metaftafio con- ferred to me at Vienna, that he was the au- thor of this air, I mall prefent it to my mulical readers, as a curioiity. For though, it has been fet as a Venetian Ballad, a Can- zonet, a Duo, and a Cantata, by fb many great compofers, to much more elaborate and fanciful mufic than this ; yet Metaftafio's melody, which has been compofed more than fifty \ years, has ftill its merit ; and, compared with airs of the fame period and kind, will be found fuperior to mofl: of them in elegant limplicity. La ( W* ) u La Liberta, a Nice. Canzonetta* Parole € Mujica di Metaftafio. gss&p t* Grazia agl'in-gan-ni tuo'i, al fin re-fpi'-ro : fffjjj ^^n^i£^m Grazie agl'in-gan-ni tuoi } al fin re-fpi-ro !§§=£ — ^— s P=p: U.U. a^ , r±%=£ g-^^p^g^fefefej Nice y al fin d'wi' in -fe - - It • ce, eb - ber gli EEES £ ■Mo-, al fin dun in -fe - ■• li - ce, eb - ber gli ESS&feE wm^ £==£: m Dei pi - e - td, el -ber gli Lei pie - ta* Dei pi - e - td\ eb ber gli Dei pie - id. as -* — p- \y ■> . . 8S " H W g jfea=f; -F-P I Sent* ( 129 ) fiSseiiiiii 3EE Sen-io da lac-ci fuoi, fen-to che I ' almae fciolta ; -rp* 2 ^- ' - - i T~p ■ -J - : * " w . — a 5s ~~n r - t !v- b-.-g. -4 H 14 ■P^\r - j2_ ^~ "Th 5 " ' '"""' "'■—•■ -:~-' r :FT - ». Li"" < ' "3 r :. t iS(?K /o <2■■■ . .^ififfifc.:: UJZSffiMHE J ^ S" 1 3 r FrM 1 i— r ffrr . \_ ....■■ _..»„...: _4_ LeeleefJ <-- - -'^^ — — — — — — -j — T ■ — ' ■ Bon fog-no quef-ta vol-ta, quef-ta uando ti mh'o in spolio, Pw non mi hatte il cor. All former ardor's fled, Which petulance could move y And that difdain is dead', Which mafks itfelf in love. Nor does my colour change, Whoe'er thy name repeats ; When o'er thy face I range,- My heart no longer beats. III. Sogno, ma te non mlro Sempre ne'fogni mici 5 Mi dejh, e iu nonjei II primo mio penfier. Lungi da te m'aggiro, Senza bramarti mai ; Son tech, e non mi fai, Ne pena, tie piacer. Di tua belta ragiono, Ne intenerir mi Jento j I torti miei ramento, E non mifojdegnar. Confufo piu non Jon 0, Quando mi vieni apprejjb , Col mio rivals ifitfpr. Pojfo di tsparlar. In dreams thou'rt now forgot. And call on Lethe's brink; And when I wake, thou'rt not The firft on whom I think. To diftant climes I fleer, Nor mifs thee day or night ; Nor doft thou, when thou'rt near, Or pain, or joy excite. IV. Of all thy charms I now Can calmly think and fpeak, Can trace each broken vow, Nor means of vengeance feeki 'Confus'd no more I feem Whene'er I fee thee near ; And fhouldft thou be the theme Can rivals patient hear. Folgimi il guardo altero, Parlami in uel naiurcde ijlinto, Nice, a parlar mi fprona» Per cui ciafcun ragiona Ve' rijchj cbe pajsb. Dopo il crudel umento, Nana i pajfati fdegni ; Di fueferite ifegni, Mojlra ilgitcrrier cosw Moftra coii contento, Schiavo che ujci di pena, La barbara cate7ia, Cbejlrafcinava itn d). farlo, mafolparlando, Mefoddisfar proatrQ ; Parhy ma n:dla io euro Che lu mi prejlife. Parlo, ma non dimaudo Se approvi i detti mici : Ne fe tranr^uillajei Net ragionar, di me. But ftill I know thou'k fay, My cure is not complete: As, though 'tis told each day f The tale I flill repeat. My inftinft is the fame As that of men who roam, And with delight proclaim The dangers they've o'ercorne. XL Thus foldiers when return'd ■ Victorious from a war, Tell how they laurels earn'd, And proudly ihew each fear. And thus the galley-fjave Relea^'d from cruel chains, ' On fhackles ftill will rave And Ihew their deep remains. XII. Of liberty I fpeak To pleafe myfelf alone, But not thy peace to break Or to difplay my own. I fpeak, nor aik if now My reas'ning pleafes thee ; Nor care if calmly thou Canft bear to fpeak of me. XIII. h laj'cio it n incor.ftante : 'Tupa'di un corjincero,: Non Jo di noi priviiero, Cbi s'abbJa a conjolar. So che unjifido amante Non trover a p'm Nice ; Cbe rm ahra mgannairke E s facile a trovar. 1 quit a fickle fair, Thou'lt Jofe a heart that's true j Nor do I know or care Who moft has caufe to rue. But this I know, a fwain So true will ne'er be found j But females falfe and vain Throughout the world abound. Therq ( *33 ) There are two tranflations of this cele- brated canzonet in Dodfley's ColleBion of Poems ; feveral in French ; and among the reft, one by Roufleau, which he fet himfelf, three feveral times, to airs which are en- graved in the pofthumous collection of his longs. But among all the verfions that I have fecn, no one feems to have been at- tempted in the fame meafure as the original, or that can be applied to the mufic of any one of the compofers by whom it has been fet* For the fake therefore of Metaftaiio's me- lody, this Englifh translation, totidem 'verbis, has been attempted. Indeed the double Rhymes are ftill wanting for the Mufic, and the exa& fimilitude of the numbers ; but it feems hardly poflible to find fo many tolerable double Rhymes in our language as would be neceilary, without degrading the verfe into doggerel: as fix out of eight lines in every ftan- za of the original, end with a diflyllabic word. The Imperial Laureate's works were now fufficiently confiderable to interefr. the book- fellers throughout Italy ; they had already been collected and published at Rome and Naples, but in an incorrect, and inelegant manner. Bettinelli, an eminent printer at , k 3 Venice, ( '34 ) Venice, opened a correspondence with Me-*. taftafio upon this fubject, in 1732, foliciting his advice and affiftance in preparing a new impreffion. Bendes fmaller pieces, and three oratorios, his great operas amounted now to twelve. Metaftaiio's anfwers to the letters, of Bettinelli have been preferved and inferted in the late collection, though mofl readers will, perhaps, think that they might have been fupprefled without injury to the public interefl, or the 1 author's fame. And yet, the profe of Metaflafio is fo pure, clear, eafy, and elegant, that the mofl fhort and unimportant of his letters are precious for the flyle, however uninterefling may be the lubjecls which produced them. Dr. Johnfon ufed to fay, that the book- fellers Were an author's, befl patrons ; and Metaflafio, though he had an Emperor for his protector, feems to have treated Bettinelli with that consideration which he thought- due to a benefactor. And, perhaps, no book- feller was addreffed with more politenefs by an author fo high in flation and public fa- vour, fince the invention of the prefs. If, therefore, thefe letters to Betinelli had no other merit than their urbanity, they may have their ufe, as models of good breeding between ( I» ) between perfons, who, regarding each other with mutual jealoufy, are fufceptible of all the irritability which that paffion is apt to excite, in what ever form it aliumes. LETTER I. TO SIG. JOSEPH BETINELLI. SIR, After returning you due thanks for the undeferved confidence which you are pleafed to manifeft in the merit of my works, as well as for your obliging attention in communi- cating to me your plan, previous to its exe- cution, I am bound in gratitude to dhTuade you from the projected enterprife. My rea- fons are, that being at prefent in want of lufficient leifure to arrange and revife pro- ductions, which formerly with much impe- tuosity rather flew than came from my hands, they could make but an inconlider- able mifcellany of things dilapproved by myfelf, and to which, for the moft part, the laft polifh is wanting. And if fuch an edition would fuffice, you have been antici- pated by Sig. Pietro Leoni, the bookfeller at Rome, who has already printed a collection pf all my poetry, to my own great forrow, k 4 without ( «3* ) without confidering the objections juft men- tioned. If, however, you have no repug- nance to fufpend the execution of your plan for a fhort time, I mould wifh to collect, revife, and arrange all my poetical compe- titions; to write a treatife on the Italian drama, for which I have all the materials ready, and then publifh a neat edition, in which we might mutually afTift each other. But for fuch an undertaking, leifure (a fcarce commodity with me at prefent) will be ne- ceflary. However, by working a little at a time, during the intervals of my ufual employment, I mould not defpair of accomplishing fuch a defign. Allure yourfelf that I mall be much at your fervice, and that I am, with a due fenfe of my obligations to you, &c. Vienna, June 14, 1732. LETTER II. TO THE SAME. It mortifies me extremely, not to be able to anfwer your moll: obliging felicitations, with that promptitude which they, deferve. But my occupations at this court are fo in- eefTant, that I can procure no leifure for finifhing ( *37 ) finishing what I plannedlin Italy : hence, the treatife I mentioned to you before, ftill re- mains in the fame ftate ; and what is yet lefs promiiing, I fee no likelihood of enjoy- ing the neceffary tranquillity for making it fit for the public eye. But this does not appear to me an objec- tion fufficient to prevent your preparing the imprefiion of my dramatic works, which you had in meditation. I am however fo little perfuaded of their merit, that I fhould never have dared to advife fuch an under- taking; and indeed you may remember that I took fome pains to difcourage it, by fug- gefting to you the difficulties which, in my opinion, you would have to encounter, and particularly thofe ariiing from the Roman edition. But if you perfifr. in your refolu- tion, and will relinquifh the idea of waiting for the treatife, I can offer you no better fervice, than that of furniihing you with co- pies of thofe impreffions of my dramas which were printed under my own eye, and correcting fuch errors as had efcaped me and others before. For this purpofe, I have already given com miffion in Italy for collecting the opera books, which fhall be fent to you as foon as poflible. ( *3* ) poffible. In the mean time, I mould be glad to be informed of the fize, paper, and character, in which this new edition is to be executed ; the beauty and correclnefs of which,, and a moderate number of copies, are all the rewards I propofe to myfelf, for the trouble and inconvenience which I am wiping to undertake, Vienna, Feb. 28, 1733, LETTER III. TQ THE SAME. ' As foon as I had anfwered your laft letter, I wrote to my brother Leopoldo Metafiafio, at Rome, to ufe his utmoft endeavours to find, for your ufe, all my poetical compofitions ; tranfmitting to him, at the fame time, a paper of inftru&ions for their arrangement, to be conveyed to you by any perfon whom you mould appoint to receive them. But this is not the greater!: difficulty. It is ne- cefTary for you to be informed, that the fuc- ceffors of Baglioni and Carlo Buon-arrigo, propofe a fimilar plan. And without con- fulting me, have procured at Rome, copies of all my writings that have been hitherto publifhed. ( J 39 ) pufyliihed. Now as I have no inedited work ready for publication, I cannot intimidate them by promifing a more ample edition. You will make fome ufe of this intelligence, I hope, which I communicate to you in ho- nour, that you may avoid an expence, which, in all probability, will not turn out to your advantage. If, however, you ftill perfift'in your plan, you may depend on every affift- ance in my power to render it perfect ; and, when completed, if you honour me with a few copies, I fhall regard them as a free gift, and a teftimony of your generofity and re- gard. Vienna, April 18, 1733. As this is the firft edition of the works of Metaflafio, in which the poet interefted himfelf, we fhall not wholly quit his cor- refpondence with Betinelli, till. its publica- tion. After two other letters onthefiibjecl:, he fays in a third ; LETTER IV. TO THE SAME. I have this morning received informa- tion from Naples, thatRiccardi, the printer, has. ( *4° ) has either nnifhed, or will nnifh in a fhort time, a new impreffion of all my works that have been hitherto publifhed ; but in fo con- fufed, carelefs, and miferable a manner, that my friends at Naples, who are numerous, are extremely offended. I mall immediately write to different perfons there, and defire them to inform the public of the neat edition which you are now printing, and of which you would do well to tranfmit thither a fpecimen. The inedited opera, at leaft, cannot be in the other edition, and there are many circumftances which will render yours infinitely fuperior. Vienna, July ii, 1733. LETTER V. TO THE SAME. I have received a copy of the addrefs to the public, in the propofals for a fubferip- tion, and mail make life of it. It is very well written, though with great partiality for me. It would give me pleafure to be informed who drew it up. I now fend you Ezzo, . corrected by a friend, and next week, fhall forward to you a new opera. You myfl ( 141 ) muft not forget to fend copies of your pro- pofals to Rome and Naples, before the Nea- politan edition is further difperfed. Auguft 22, 1733, Betinelli, about this time, feems to have loft a little ground in the favour of Metafta- fio, by haftily and carelefsly printing Didone from an incorrect copy ; and by the impe- tuofity with which the fheets of the new edition of his entire works, were work- ing off. " Your fcrupulous punctuality with the public," fays he, " like other exceffes, coun- teracts itfelf : for by too much hallie, you will do the public little good, and me lefs. In your hurry, you have already forgot a correction which J fent you long fince, with, carneft entreaties that it might be attended to, and with which you promifed to comply. . You know that all the world is in the prac- tice of commerce, and mutually exchanging what they can fpare, for what they want. You are bound to have the fame regard for my honour, as I am bound to have for your intereft. But I hope you will- forgive my fincerity, if I fay that, hitherto, it feems as 4 . if C 142 ) if you. had neglecled this rule in our corres- pondence, though the disinterested manner with which I treated you, certainly merited fome return of attention. u Notwithstanding this caufe of com- plaint, on Saturday I fhall fend you Catone^ corrected, with an almofl total change of the third act, which you will print both ways, to diftinguifh your edition from all others. From this time, I fhall every week fend you fomething ready for the compofitor, if yoii will but have patience ; which, however, I little expec~L " I beg you to let me have as foon as pof- iible, two copies of the firft volume, with a print on good paper, to prefent to my Auguft Patrons. " Excufe the poetical franknefs with which I have written, and believe me equally Sincere in offering you my beSt fervices." In November, he fays 1 " I now fend you another opera, which will be the laft ; as, with this, we fhall conclude the collection of operas, and begin to print the other pieces. It does not feem to me, as if there would be materials fufficient for another volume, unlefs, contrary to my inclination, you print the compofitions of my early and inexpe-; ( '43 ) inexperienced youth, which I have long dis- approved. You mull explain yourfelf clear-* ly on this fubje6t, that I may take my mea- fures accordingly. " I thank you for the copies which you have fent me bound, for their Imperial Ma- jesties, and I hope, when I have time to examine them, that I mall Hill find new caufe for thanks." In the next letter, he tells Betinelli, that he had read the proof-meets of thefe dra- matic pieces, and 'found fo little to correct , that it feemed a ufelefs expence of portage, to fend them back. Of three of thefe dra- mas, he gives the following account. La Contefa de' Numi, " The contention of the Gods," Was fet by Vinci, and performed at Rome, in the Palace of Cardinal Polioriac, the French Ambaflador, on the birth of the Dauphin, 1729. Enea nelP E/i/t, " ^Eneas in the Elyfian Fields, or The Temple of Eternity," ' Set by Fouchs, was fung in the Garden of the Imperial Palace, called the Favourite, in celebration of the Emperor's birth-day, ( H4 ) V Afilo d' Amore K The Afylum of Love.*' This dramatic entertainment, fet by Cal- dara, was reprefented at Lintz, Auguft 28th, 1732, in celebration of the birth-day of the Emprefs, who was prefent at the perform- ance. ' For the orthography, he advifes the cor- rector of the prefs, to follow that of Faccio- lati, printed for the ufe of the Seminary, at Padua, which he likes better than any other. All Metaftafio's opinions in literature, feem worth recording. o ff Next -week, (he fays,) I mall fend you my Oratorios, which now amount to five. Thefe have been collected into a volume at Vienna ; but are fo ill-printed, that I am amamed to prefent them to -my Augufl: Patron." This edition was not finifhed till 1,734. It was terminated by the following pieces, which made a feventh volume, Angelica, a Serenata, written at Naples,. 1722. La Morte di. C atone, a Poem in Terza Rima, not intended for mufic. L' Origine delle Legge ; the fame. ** Thefe compofitions, fays Metaftafio, are, in my opinion, fo feeble, that J have not ( m ) not had courage to re-perufe them, through the dread of the pain it would give me to recollect that they were going to be laid be- fore the public, who, in reading them, will not always remember,, in my excufe, the 4ime of life in which they were written*" He conftantly recommended to every fub- fequent Editor of his works, to place thefe Poems, in a feparate, and laft volume. The Poet feems to have been much pleafed, in general, with Betinelli's atten- tion, while this edition was printing; and fays in a letter to him, dated April ioth, 1734. " I have received the laft fhcet of the third volume, and return you due thanks, not only for that, but for the grateful and oblig- ing fentiments, which, by magnifying the little that I have contributed towards the new impreffion, you have been pleafed to exprefs. " Indeed you have now made me fo much wifh to merit the praifes which you beftow, that I beg you will afford me fome further opportunity of obeying your commands. " I fend you the laft Oratorio, which I have written fej. This, of all my facred dramas, (y her reafon, as in juftice me ought to be, to pity the very perfon, whom her revenge was purfuing. i, 3 This ( m ) This does not appear to me, inconfiftency of character, but diverfity of fituation, with- out which, every character would be infipid and improbable. What man is always calm and jeafonable, or agitated, and violent? The firfl would be a divinity, the fecond a wild beaft. From the contraft of thefe two tmiverfal principles, reafon and paffion, arife§ the diverfity in the characters of men, a§ each of thefe, or both prevail. And this concurrence of different prin-i ciples in the fame perfbn, reconciles the valour of JEneas with the tears he fo fre- quently fheds i the tranfports of Dido, with the good fenfe of a foundrefs of an Empire \ and juflify Orlando, Che per amor venne in fur ore, e matto^ ]y utnty ehejifaggio erajlimato prima, «? Who once the flower of arms, and wifdom's bpafrj By fataUove his manly fenfes loft." Hoole '^ jfrio/ia. But mall I communicate to you an idea that has {truck me ? I believe the very learned author of the reflections, does not think pre- cifely as he writes. I fuppofe him to be rather a man of pleafantry, who, in order to amufe himfelf, tries to foment a poetical quarrel between Signor Zeno and me, for 4 the ( t# ) the diverfion of being himfelf a fpec"tator of our comedy. The parallel, which is the fecond, but principal part of his letter, is manifestly written with that intention. But in this particular, I do not find my- felf at all difpofed to gratify him. I feel the greater! efteem and refpecl for the worthy Signor Zeno ; and I know that he returns my regard with equal friendfhip. Therefore afiiire every one who Ipeaks to you on the fubjec"t, that I fay no lefs myfelf of our dear Apoflolo, than the author of thefe conlide- rations has written of him ; and that, proud of having been thought a fit fubjec~t of fuch a parallel, I moll readily join on his fide. I know not whence the report that my Oratorio of Gioas, was in imminent danger of fuppreffion, could have arifen. It was re-printed at Rome, and no one ever wrote me word, that -there was any thing in it that gave offence; nor can I conceive what it could be, unlefs fome paffage had been tor- tured with malignity, into a fenfe that was never intended by the writer :, and in that cafe the Evangelifts themfelves are not fafe from hereiy. I fee not the leafl foundation for this report ; and therefore cannot dif- cover why you mould hefitate inferting in l 4 your ( >5* ) your edition of my works, one of the leafr, imperfect of my labours. I never wrote a fatire in my life, nor ever will write one. I deteft this kind of compofition, and am fo ill furnifhed with the requifite bile and malice for fuch pro- ductions, that if I attempted them, they would never be read. You may therefore fafely fay, that whoever afcribes any fuch writings to me, is guilty of an atrocious falfehood. In other refpects, my ftyle has its peculiar character, and intelligent readers will not be ealiJy deceived. If you have a mind to give my opinion of the reflections on Demofoonte, which you have fent me, you may do it freely; but there will be an end of our friendihip, if this letter, or a copy of it, mould ever be published in any manner whatever. I know not what I have written in this hafty manner ; and I have other cogent rea- fons for not wiming to know. I beg to have the original, or a copy, of this letter returned, as I have no time for tranfcription, yienna, July 23, 1734. pur ( *53 ) Our Laureat's employments at the Imperial Court, for the Carnival of 1734, are record- ed in his familiar letters to an intimate friend at Rome, who had fent him an account of the theatrical preparations in that city, for the fame Carnival. LETTER VII. TO SIGNOR GIUSEPPE PERONI. In fpite of the very moderate preparations for the performance of my two Operas at Rome, the mere mention of our theatres, brings inftantly to view our wafpifh and bufy little Abate, the contention of fingers, the ardor of faction, the variety of opinions, and the univerfal buftle of the feafon. It makes me as reftlefs as a Barbary-horfe, jufr. going to flart, And if public circumftances could give way to private, I mould certainly have obtained permiiuon this year to have breathed for a mort time paternal air, and to wafh off in the Tyber, the ruft and im- purities with which I am infenfibly covered by the conflant fmoke of thefe ftoves ; but as that happinefs is at prefent impoffible, I 3 muft ( 154 ) muft accommodate myfelf to the world, fince the world will not accommodate itfelf to me, You are fufficiently ufed to theatrical con-* fliels to remain a quiet Ipeclator on fuch oc- ' canons. But I fhould wim that Bulgarini, would keep away, left his zeal mould in- volve him in fbrne difagreeable fituation, in cafe my Operas mould be unfortunate. But apropos to Roman news, I have received^ none by the lafl port, either from him or my brother ; and am unable to account for the failure. It certainly is not the fault of the poll, as I have had other letters from Rome. Knowing how constantly I inform them by every poll of the flate of my health, their want of punctuality is the more ftrange, as their trouble, by my own confent, is alter- nate, and confequently lefs than mine, who am alone. Remember, when you meet, to give them a fraternal remonftrance in my ^ame. yienna, Jan. 8, 1734; LET. ( *5$ ) UTTER VIIL TO THE SAME, Notwithstanding the extreme late ar^ rival of the poft, which allows me no time for anfwering, I fhall, at leafl, by its return, acknowledge the receipt of your letter. You have made me laugh at the minute de- fcription of our Brunette, and I fancied my* felf prefent. I thank you for the circumftantial account which you have fent me, of the rehearfal of the Olimpiade, and you will afford me equa^ pleafure by informing me truly of its recep- tion, what ever it may be. Yefterday, I faw the Nina Caldara, fair as a jonquille, but not quite fo frefh. She, as well as her moil corpulent fpoufe, fend you falutation for falutation. Vienna, Jan. 22, 17 34- LETTER IX, TO THE SAME. At length I have time to write you a few lines. 1 have been fo buiy, during the Car- nival, as not to have a moment which I could call my own. Befides my ufual oc- cupations, I have been obliged, in the great- eft ( 156 ) eft hafte, to write an entertainment, which their Mori Serene HighnefTes the Arch- dutchefTes have performed in mufic ; and to inftrucT:, direct, and affift them, which has iblely abibrbed all my time. ' But in truth, it is a pleafure which no other can equal, to have fuch an opportu-, nity of feeing and admiring the excellent qualities of thefe auguft Princeffes. I mould not elfe have believed it pomble to meet with inch attention, docility, patience, and gra- titude. Oh, , how many people, of the fix- teenth rank, have I known, who were not poffeiTed of the thoufandth part of the cour- tefy of thefe incomparable perfonages ! They have acled and fung like angels, and it was truly facrilege, that the whole world was not permitted to admire them ; for the fefHval was extremely private, as none but the Vi- enna ladies of the highefr. rank, were able to obtain admiflion, and even thefe were in mafks. As a return for inftrucling their Serene HighnefTes, I was prefented with a gold fnufF-box, of about fourfcore Hungheri (near 40I.) in weight, but the workmanfhip is of much more value (f). j 1 (f) This little dramatic poem was called Le Grazzc VendicatCy fet by Caldara, and performed by the two Arch- dutchefles, ( 157 ) I have given you this account, from well knowing how much you intereft yourfelf in what ever concerns me. My pleafure in the fuccefs of Demofoonte at Rome, would have been more perfect, if it had not been imbittered by the difgrace of poor Ciampi (g), who, however, counter- ing how much fentences of this kind depend upon fortune, mould be no more afflicted at the ill fuccefs of his mufic, than I ought to be vain of the favourable reception 'of my poem. Theatrical matters are fubjecl: to ib many accidents, that it would be an un- pardonable temerity to pretend to guard againft them all. Vienna, Feb. 26, 1734* LETTER X. , TO THE SAME. The pleafure which you manifeil at the great fuccefs of my Demofoonte, pleafes me no lefs than the circumftance itfelf. I fee clearly that you exult as fincerely as if dutche'ffes, Maria Terefa, afterwards Emprefs Queen, and her fifter Marianna, with another Lady of the Court. (g) This was not the Ciampi who came to England in 1748, but a more correcl and mailerly compofer. See Hiji, Muf, vol. W. p. 538, it ( *5» ) k were a production of yoiir own ; and thS intereft you take in my affairs is no lefs a proof of the fmcerity of your friendfhip* than the goodnefs of your heart. I return you my beif thanks, and affure you of a re- ciprocal regard. I am obliged to be fhort, as well as your^ felf; not in revenge, but in imitation of your prudence, and for want of the too common abilities of knowing how to fill a letter with nothing. Vienna, March 5, 1734* The grand opera for the Emperor's birth- day, this year, was La Ckmenza di Tito, fet by Caklara. This, as well as every preceding drama, written by Metaftalio, was ibon brought on the ftage in the ' principal cities of Italy ; and was let by Leo, for Ve* nice, in 1735. It feems as if the character and court of the Emperor Charles VI. had directed the- mufe of Metaftafio, to chufe a virtuous prince- for the principal hero of moil of the mufical dramas that were reprefented in the Imperial Theatre. The Emperor was a religious Prince, and a rigid obferver of decorum htmfelf, which confequently kept licentiouf- nefs ( J 59 ) liefs at a diftance from his court. And the Poet, naturally a friend to virtue and mo- rality, feems to have gratified his own feel- ings, by conforming to the ferious fentiments of his Imperial Patron. t In 1735, he produced the little opera called, Le Cinefi, for three characters only, by command of the Emprefs Elizabeth, as an introduction to a Chinefe Balet : it was afterwards performed, during the Carnival, in the apartments of the Imperial palace, to mufic by Reutter, by the two ArchdutcherTes, Maria-Terefa, and Marianna, with a lad/ of the court (/6). II Palladio confervato was fet by Reutter, for the Emprefs Elizabeth's birth-day, and performed by the two ArchdutchefTes. i7 Sogno di Scipione, written for the fortu- nate campaign of the Auftrians in Italy, was fet by Prediere, and performed in the Im- perial palace, for the birth-day of the Em- peror Charles VI. by order of the Emprefs Elizabeth. (h) This little Drama was revived in 1753, at the caftle of the Prince of Saxen Hilburghausen, by . profefTed muficians, for the entertainment of the Emperor Francis I. and the Emprefs Maria-Teresa, with an additional character. The ( ifo ) The pieces written for the celebration of the birth-days of the Emperor and Emprefs, were a fpecies of birth-day odes, but always in a dramatic form, in. which the praife was delicately difguifed, in a fable or allegory. Our author was ftill in correfpondence with the printer Betinelli, who had been fo 1 fuccefsful in publifhing his works, that he became importunate in his folicitations for every new production that came from his pen. And hearing of a new opera for the Emperor's birth-day this year, he prefTed him for a copy, to add to his other works that were printed at Venice. To this laft requefl Metaftafio wrote the following an- fwer. LETTER XI. TO SIGNOR RETINILLI. Though I am convinced that you do rrie great honour, whenever you are pleafed to alk for any of my compofitions, yet fb nu- merous are the folicitations which I receive, on every occafion of a new production, that being wholly unable to fatisfy them all, I find it moft expedient to comply with none. As it is lefs inconvenient to be at my eafe and ( i*«S ) and gain no friends, than to make enemies by trouble and fatigue. My dear Betinelli is fo reafonable, that he will not, I hope, difpute the rectitude, or at leaft, the conve- nience, of my fentence ; and, confequently, will not think I act injudiciouuy, if I do not furnifh him with the drama he defires. Of the pieces which I have written this year, none will be published fo foon as we thought. That which I have juft rimmed, will not be acted before St. Charles's day (the 4th of Nov.) as the court is lately gone into mourning for the Prince of Bevern, couiin to the prefent Emprefs ; fo that I can fay nothing pofitive on the fubject. Vienna, 061. 1, 1735. The opera to which he ajludes, was Tbe~ mijiocles, which, though fet by Caldara, and ready for reprefentation, was not exhibited till the Carnival of 1736. But while this was performing, Metaftafio had another talk arligned him, the difficulties of which he frequently related to his friends, many years after. In writing to Betinelli during this time, he fays : " I fend to you, my ever obliging friend, a copy of the opera (Achille in Sciro) , vol. i, m which ( i6 2 ) which I have been obliged to write for the nuptials of her moft ferene Highnefs, the Archdutchefs Terefa, in eighteen days and a half. Three months, which I ufed to allow myfelf for writing an opera, were ~ never fufficient to finim it to my mind ; imagine whether it was pofiible to fatisfy. myfelf with this." To his "friend Perroni, he fends a more minute account of this precipitate drama. " I (hall not give you a detail of the ce- lebration of the auguft nuptials here, lately, as they are defcribed in all the letters and news-papers of the time. I mall only fay, that I never was lb embarraffed in my life, as on this occafion. I was commanded to write an opera in eighteen days and a half: a fhort (pace of time indeed ; for I never al- lowed myfelf lefs than three months for the fame kind of work; and I frill tremble at the talk, even though it is performed ; how- ever, it has anfwered the purpofe ; and my moft auguft Mailer, as well as the new mar- ried couple, and all the court, allowing perhaps for the riik I ran by fuch precipitation, have (hewn as much favour to this fpecies of abortion, as if it had been a regular birth* His Serene Highnefs the Duke of Lorrain, in ( # ) in teftimony of approbation, has prefented me with a ring, formed of one brilliant, worth four or five hundred Ungheri, accord- ing to the opinion of the learned in fuch matters. This is a great mark of diflinc- tion, not only as it exceeds my merit, but becaufe none of my prefdeceflbrs ever re- ceived any particular gratification on fimilar occafions (J). The admirable opera of Ciro Rkonofcouto, was a production of this period, and likewile fet by Caldara. It feems as if 1737 had been a fabatical year, for our author and his mufe; for none of his poetical works bear that date, nor do any of his letters, of that period, appear in the collection. In 1738 he produced La pace fr a la Virtu, e la Bellezza, a theatrical piece of one act, fet by Predtere, for the name-day of the Archdutchefs Maria Terefa, afterwards Em- prefs Queen ; and II Parnafo accufato, e di- Jefo, which was fet by Reutter, and per- formed by the two Archdutchefles. Thefe (i) The Poet related to the author of thefe memoirs, at Vienna, in 1772, his diftrefs, and the manner in which he extricated himfelf on this occafion. See Prefent State of Mujlc in Germany ) &'c. vol. i. Art. Vienna. M 2 * and ( i«4 ) and many other occafional dramas, though elegantly written, have not been of that ge- neral ufe in other parts of Europe, which fell to the lot of mod: of his operas, for want of more length and characters. The fame of our author having, however, by this time, been extended to every part of the globe, where the Italian language and poetry were underftood,- could not fail penetrating to the city of AJJifi ; the birth-place of his father. And we find among the letters of Metaftafio, written this year, the two fol- lowing,' which will explain themfelves. L E T T E R XII. TO THE MAGISTRATES OF ASSIS1. I shall not undertake to exprefs to yon, my illuftrious countrymen (/£,), the effect which your mod flattering letter has had on my heart, in which you have been pleafed to inform me that I have been admitted to the (k) Metaftafio, though born at Rome, calls the inha- bitants ofAffifi his countrymen; not only, perhaps, from its being the birth-place of his anceftors, but likewife, a city belonging to the Roman State. rank ( i6$ ) rank of nobility among your citizens. The intrinuc value of fo precious a gift, the un- folicited liberality with which it has been beftowed, the public attention in notifying it, the aflurance of my being unanimoufly honoured with your approbation, are« fuch motives of fatisfaclion, gratitude, fenfibility, and, let me add, of, fhame for my unwor-r thinefs, as have impreffed me with emotions that are utterly out of my power to defcribe. Would to heaven my merit may ever be fuch as mail fufficiently apologife to pofte- rity for your partiality ! It will, at leaf!:, be an honourable and powerful ftimulus to that defire of fame, which I have hitherto cherifhed ; and render me doubly ambitious, that the memory of my gratitude may not be extinguifhed, even with my life. Vienna, Nov, 22 } 1738. LETTER XIII. TO SIG. ANGELINI DI ASSISI. The aggregation among the noble citi- zens of Affifi, which was conferred on me the 15th of Oclober laft, has overpowed me with confufion, at fo unexpected and im- m 3 portant ( i66 ) portant an honour ; to which my ambition, having no foundation in hope, had never fuffered me to afpire. The obliging ea- gernefs and zeal with which you have been pleafed to congratulate me on this occafion, fufficiently manifefr. the active part you have had in procuring me this moll: valuable ac- quifition. I beg you will explain \o all thofe moft worthy counfellors, beginning with yourfelf, and to all who have approved of the meafure, what a high fenfe I have of the honour that has been done me. Defcribe to them, in the moft refpeclful expreffions, my grateful fenfe of their condefcenfion, and afTure. them, feverally, that no lefs jea- lous than proud of fo great a diftinction, it will always be my ambition not to difgraoe fo illuftrious a body, to whom I have al- ready forwarded my public acknowledg- ments. I entreat you, Sir, to continue td me your moft valued friendship and patron- age, and to afford me frequent occalions of manifesting with what regard and ejfteem I have the honour to £>e, &c. Vienna, Nov. 28, 1738. It does not appear that our author pro- duced any other drama in 1739, than Af- trea ( i6 7 ) trea Placata, of one a£t only, fet by Prediere, for the Emprefs Elizabeth's birth-day. He did not, however, fuffer his m'ufe to re- main idle : as it appears by his pofthumous works, that he tranflated the III. fatire of Juvenal. Boileau did the fame in 1660, and Dr. Johnfon in 1738. " Three Poets in three diftant regions born, " France, Italy, and England did adorn." Metaftafio, like our Dryden, tranflated clofely ; pointing, like the original author, all the fatire againft the city of Rome ; but Boileau applied it to Paris ; and Johnfon to London. Metaftaiio, the fame year, tranf- lated the VI. fatire of Horace; not in verfi fcioltty or blank verfe, which he had made ufe of for Juvenal ; but in Terza Rima, the meafure of Dante. Few of his letters of this year are pre- ferved, except- that to his father, which has been already inferted, and one to Betinelli, of no great confequence. In 1740, however, he was lefs in- active, or his dramatic mufe more propi- tious. For beiides the opera of Zeaofa'a, which was fet by Caldara 5 and the oratorio of IfaccQ^ by Prediere, he wrote 77 natal di m 4 Giove s ( i68 ) Giove, a drama of one act, fet by Bonno (/), and a canzonet for a dance of Rustics, which was performed in the Imperial court, to mulic of Bonno, the lafr. Sunday in the Carnival of this year, by their Royal High- neifes the two Archdutcheffes of Auftria, Mary Terefa, and Marianne, and the la- dies of their court. He likewife wrote, this year, the opera of Attilio Regolo for the birth- day of the Emperor Charles VI.; but that Prince dying before it had been reprefented, it was laid afide, and not performed, till 1750,, when it was fet by Haffe, for the court of Drefden. Our author laments the the death of his Imperial Patron, with great fenfibility, in LETTER XIV, TO A FRIEND. Yesterday, at half an hour pari: one o'clock, my moft Augufl Mailer, Charles VI. breathed his laft. I need fay no more,, to convince you of my extreme affliction. (/J Of this compofer we fhall have further occafion to fpeak hereafter. The (, i6 9 ) The lad days of his precious life have made us know the weight of our misfortune, as there was not a moment in which he did not give teftimonies of his piety, fortitude, and affection, for his people. He fulfilled to the laft moment, the part of a Prince and a Hero. My tears, which have never been more juftly fried, prevent me from length- ening this letter. I am fo oppreffed with the view of this public calamity, that, as yet, I am unable to examine the circum- 1 fiances of my own. His illnefs, which was an inflamation in his ftomach, but ill un- derftood by his phyficians, lafled feven days and fome hours. I beg of you to implore the Supreme Being to grant me that firm- nefs, which, at prefent, I fo deplorably want (m). Before this event happened, Metaftafio wrote to Betinelli in a more gay humour. (w) There is no date to this letter: it may therefore be neceflary to remind the reader, that the Emperor Charles VI. father of the late Emprefs Queen, was born in 1685, declared King of Spain by his father in 1703, crowned Emperor of Germany j 71 1, and died in October, 1740. LET- ( *7° ) L E T T E R XV. Yoi; forget me, my dear Bettinelli; and I, in revenge, am determined to remember yon. In my laft letter, I lent yon a fmall bill of exchange, defiring you to give me advice of its fafe arrival, and to tell me whether the printing the works of Guarini goes on, as I am a fubfcriber. But you have done neither one nor the other ; and yet I fend you my Ifaac, which was fung laft Tuefday in the Imperial, Chapel. I hope to difturb your fleep, and to deferve to be favoured, in return, with your com- mands. Vienna, April 15, 1740. But in the beginning of the next year, he wrote to him in a very different difpofition. LETTER XVI. Your pathetic and obliging letter, my dear Betinelli, is an ingenious reproach for my iilence. I confefs to you, that unlefs driven to it by neceffity, it is with great difficulty that I can bring myfelf to ufe the pen. An employment which, though ufeful in ( '7' ) in civil life, I can follow at prefent to little purpofe. There was no myftery in my fi- lence. My melancholy inaction has de- prived me of the means of fending you, as uiiial, my new productions. The lofs of my Patron has made me almofr. forget my- felf, as well as others. The completion of the new edition of Greek and Roman dai- lies, has broke the onlv thread bv which our correfpondence was held together ; and yet you wonder that I have ceafed to write ? However, I thank you for complaining, which I regard as a teftimony of your friendfhip ; and I allure you, that I am not in the lean: changed with refpecl to my efteem for you ; and I prOmife to give you proofs of it, whenever opportunity offers. In order that this letter may not be wholly without fome little matter of bufmefs, I bee that you will fend me, by the firn: opportu- nity, a copy of the additions to my works which you have printed ; in which are con- tained AJlrea Placata, and 11 Sogno di Scipi- cne. At the fame time, inform me of the price, and believe me to be invariably jours. Vienna, March 18, 17 41. END OF* THE FOURTH SECTION. ( J 72 ) SECTION V. JL he deceafe of Metaftafio's Imperial Pa- tron Charles VI. which was occasioned by the poifbn, or indigeftion, of mufhrooms, at the age of fifty-five, proved a calamity to all Europe, by the general war which imme- diately followed. This Prince, the fifth fon of the Emperor Leopold, had Succeeded his brother,, the Emperor Jofeph, in 1 71 1 ; and dying without male iilue, his eldeft daughter, Maria Terefa, fucceeded him, as Queen of Hungary and Bohemia -, butlier confort, the Duke of Lorraih, and afterwards, Grand Duke of Tufcany, was at this time an un- fuccefsful candidate for the Empire, which was obtained by the French arms and in- trigues, for the Duke of Bavaria, by the name of Charles VII. His predecefTor had not been dead two months, before the King of Pruflia invaded Silefia. In January 1741, Charles VII. was elected Emperor. At the fame time, the Queen of Hungary was obliged to quit Vienna, which was threat- ened with a fiege, and throw herfelf into the arms ( l 13 ) arms of her hereditary fubjec~ts at Prefburg. This war continuing in Germany, and the reft of Europe, with various fuccefs, till the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, afforded the Royal Miftrefs of Metaftafio and her court, little opportunity, or appetite, for being amufed by the peaceful arts of poetry and mufic. Upon the death of the Emperor Charles VII. after a mo ft turbulent and unhappy reis;n of four vears, her Confbrt the Grand Duke of Tufcany, was elected Emperor, in 1745, by the title of Francis the Firft ; but the war Hill continuing, the Imperial Laureate was feldom called upon to exercife his talents. The only proof remaining of his com- merce with the Mufes in 1741, is & Amor Prigioniero, a little drama fet by Reutter, for a private performance at court, confiding only of two characters, and One fcene. For the year 1 742, there is a total blank. And in 1 743, he feems only to have produced II vero omaggio, a fhort poetical dialogue fet to mufic by Bonno, and fung on the birth-day of the Arch-duke Tofeph, the late Em- peror. However, fortune became now fomewhat lefs adverfe to the Auftrians, than the two 3 preceding ( m ) ceding years, and according to Metaftafio's Vienna was not without its amufements during the Carnival. LETTER I. TO THE MARQUIS CHARLES CAVALLI, di RAVENNA. How can I fufficiently thank you, my dear Marquis, for the matchlefs kindnefs with which you have been pleafed to honour me, in a teflimony of your remembrance, fo unexpected, yet ardently defired ? Indeed there was occafion for a medicine no lefs efficacious, to alleviate my affliction at the diitance between us. I am extremely pleafed to hear that you have found in Ravenna fuch a considerable number of true lovers of lite- rature. The commerce with fuch people, inufl furnifh you with agreeable amufe- ment ; and your cultivated and happy talents will be in no want of a ftimuius or a theatre. Here every one is immerfed in the plea- fures of the Carnival. The Plays, Games, Balls, Ridottos, and Maquerades, are innu- merable ; and though, from my natural dif- pofition, ( '75 ) pofition, fituation, and circumfliances, I am unable to partake of them, I neverthelefs rejoice in the joy of others. Divert yonrfelf in our charming: Italv, and in fome intervals of your happinefs, remember that I am with the moft iincere and refpeclfcl efteem, &c. Vienna, Jan. 5, 1743. In 1744, we find two Operas, and one little Drama of his writing, but very few letters. The Operas were Ipermes.tra, written by command, and Jet by Hafle, for Vienna («), and Antigono, written for the Court of Drefden, and likewife fet by Hafle. It is the only drama which he feems to have produced for any other theatre than that of Vienna, fince his appointment to the Im- perial Laureatfhip. Ipermejlra was fet the fame year by Bertoni for Venice, at a very early period of his life. The beautiful little Drama, entitled La Danza, confifting only of one fcene, fet by Bonno, was performed («) The Poet himfelf told me, that Ipermestra was written upon very fhort notice, to be performed, at firft, in private, at Court, by great PerfonageS ; but, it was foon after publicly reprefented by profeffed Muficians, in cele- bration of the Nuptials of an Archdutchefs, with Prince Charles of Lorrain. See above, p. 115. and Germ* Tour. Art. Vienna. 1 by ( i7« ) by a gentleman and lady, of the Court of Vienna. Two letters to his father, and one to the Abate Pafqujni, at that time the Italian dramatic Poet in the fervice of the Court of Drefden, are all the letters of this year that have been preferved. The Abate Pafquini, had been recom- mended to the Court of Drefden, by Meta- ftafio ; who appears, by the letters, which he addrefled to this Poet, to have interefted himfelf mUch in his fuccefs. The cor- refpondence continued to the time of Paf- quini's death, in 1763. The following is the firil letter to him, that' has been pre- ferved. LETTER II. TO THE ABATE PASQUINI, in DRESDEN. And is the tender confcience of my dear Abate Pafquini, at length touched ! If this had happened towards Eafler, I mould have had a penitential fermon, to have thanked you for ; but arriving in all the fervor and gaiety of the Carnival, it is truly an exquifite morfel, fo much the more delicious, as it was wholly unexpecled. But to have done with ( *77 ) with my fooleries, I beg of you, ferioufly, not to imagine that I was fb unreafonable, as to think our friendfhip affected, in the leaft, by your long and obftinate filence. I know your hurry and impetuofity, and have a thoufand times forgot the tempeft of my own affairs, in thinking of thofe in which my friend was involved. But your prefent tran- quillity may compenfate for all your former agitation. It affords me the moil heart-felt pleafure, and I fincerely allure you, that few events could happen which could give me equal delight. Your zealous affiflance to my poor Antigone, has infinitely more obliged than furprifed me. I expected no lefs from the goodnefs of your heart, the probity of which I am proud of having al- ways had difcernment fufficient to diftin- guifh, through thofe little vapours from the trembling fountain, which have fometimes made you doubt of my friendfhip. When you begin again to touch the Lyre, I beg you will not forget me. But you muft not think me fuch a precious coxcomb, as to ac- cept the poetical fupremacy to which your friendfhip would wifh to elect me. It is your generofity that has made me the hero of one of your difcourfes, of which vol, i. n the { *7« ) the fruit is common to both ; and I know- better than you, that your happy talents are equal to any flight, if not reprefTed from time to time, by the little confidence you have in your own powers: 'an infirmity,, however, for which I vainly feek a remedy myfelf. Oh, how much I envy you the company of Signor HafTe, and Signora Fauftina, his confort ! they are truly an exquifite couple; embrace them both for me, and allure them, -that they cannot beftow on me a more ten- der affection, than that which I have con-* ceived ffor them. But in executing this commiffion, do not forget how much I love, eileem, and fincerely wifh to ferve you. Vienna, Feb. 15, 1744. Our author's poetical productions in 1 746, eonfift only of his two beautiful Canz.onette y LA PARTENZA, and LA PALINODIA A NICE, thirteen years after he had fo pioufly and elegantly thanked the gods for difcovering to him her infidelities, in his Grazie agP tnganni tuoi. No letter of 1 745, or of 1 746, feems to have been preferved, except the following. LET- ( *79 ) LETTER III. , TO SIGNOR FILIPPONI, SECRETARY OF THE UNIVESITY OF TURIN. Nothing lefs than the powerful efficacy of my mofl: refpecled friend, the Marquis of Ormea, was neceflary to obtain for me an excellent and long wifhed-for letter from the ungrateful, forgetful, inhuman, and yet, notwithftanding all that, the moft amiable Signor Filipponi. I have neglected no occa- fion of reminding him of our friendmip ; I even had recourfe to the friars, in order to procure a reciprocal return ; but all in vain. I muft confefs, that, fometimes, tranlported by mingled anger and affection, I have hardly been able to refrain from breaking with him, and calling him by the injurious names of Anthropophagus, Tro- glodite, Leftrigon, and Pandour. Nor do I know to what excefs I mould at length have been tranfported, if your letter had not opportunely arrived, to appeafe my irrafci- bility. But it has not only appeafed, it has awaken- ed iii my mind, a croud of delightful me- N 2 »•'.'■, mentos ( i8o ) mentos of laughable adventures, at fchool, in our walks, chats, difputes, and feftivities ; the Fomero, chiaja, Giulia Street, Porto del fopolo, and innumerable other places. It has penetrated the moll hidden, and feeling parts of my heart, and rekindled the very ancient flame of tender friendlhip. But as there is no fweet, in this life, unmixed with bitter, fo the unfamiliar and formal ftyle with which you addrefs me, in the third per- son, as if the dignity of fecretary of a royal univerfity, or of Imperial Laureate, could prevail over that of friendship, has deprived me of no fmall portion of the pleafure which your letter would otherwife have given me. I hope you fincerely repent of this at your heart, and have made a vow never again to be guilty of fuch facrilege ; and taking this for granted, for this once I forgive you. I have no doubt of the intereft which you take in the honourable circumftances of for- tune, to which, according to my moderate expectations, I have found no difficulty in limiting my defires ; and am grateful for it, as well as for the reputation to which the number of my friends has more contributed, - than the weight of my merit. And allure vourfelf, that I am equally delighted with ths ( iSi ) the juftice that has been rendered to you* by fo enlightened, glorious, and univerfally admired a Prince, as the fovereign into whofe fervice you have been received. A fate the more enviable, as every day convinces us more and more, that Prophets are feldom honoured in their own country, It is moft certain, that I ardently wifh to make an excurnon to Turin, when the public tranquillity for which we fo much ligh, and my moft atiguft Princes, will per- mit ; chiefly to have it to boaft, that I have feen and venerated a Monarch, who by the unanimous confent of all Europe, has com- bined the qualities of King, Soldier, Citizen, and Father ; and I mail certainly do it fometime or other, and avail myfelf of your moft obliging offers, of which I have a due fenfe, a; well as of thofe of our moft worthy Marquis of Ormea, to whom I hold myfelf previoufly engaged. Befides the qualities of heart and mind, in which nature has been prodigal to this noble friend, an4 the many others for which he is indebted to education and experience, there are public titles which have no lefs claims to my refpecl: and affec- tion, than to the univerfal efteem and love which he has acquired in this Court. It is n 3 impoflihle ( i8* ) impoflible for me to explain all the private obligations for which he is intitled to my reverence and gratitude. Hence I hope, you will not exacl: from me a compliance, which would render me lefs worthy of your friendmip. But my letter is already of a length fuffi- cient to punifli you for your long {ilence : I begin to have compaffion upon you ; and fb, not to wear you out entirely, as, on account of your being a married man it might preju- dice a third perfon, I embrace you tenderly ; and beg of you to preferve your health for my fake, and to believe me invariably yours. Vienna, March 5, 1746. This correfpondence continued, with great { affection till 1775. In 1 747, were written the three follow- ing letters. LETTER IV. TO SIGNOR FILIPPONI. It is fometime fince I began to make ufe of the recipe which you were fo kind as ta commu-* ( m ) communicate to me in your letter of the 2 1 it of January; though, hitherto, with little fuccefs. I have therefore difconti- nued taking it for a fhort time, to avoid be- ino- thought capricious, obftinate, and a dif- o-race to the whole venerable faculty of rae- dicine, as well as to myfelf. Hence the prefcription furnifhes me with more grati- tude than hope. If you ihould have a fmall portion of patience to fpare, pray communi- cate it to me, as that is the fole pharmacy I want to enable me to fupport expectation from time, which is fo alert an enemy, and fo flow a benefactor. You exult at our fituation in Italy, and I perhaps from an hypocondriac habit, can neither think of it with joy nor tranquillity. I fee no caufe for triumph at Genoa nor on the Var. Neither am I convinced that we have nothing to fear in Provence and Na- ples ; I know not what we can hope from maritime affiftance ; nor do I know what to wi(h,as tothe limitations orextenfionof our eiiterprife. In fhort, 1 know fo little, that in this abyfs of ignorance, I have reiolved to be carried down into the hold of this mod: agitated bark, of which I am on board ; and when the ftorm is over, if it mould pleafe N 4 God ( 184 ) God to put an end to it during my life, I mall raife my head, and cry out, w/oere are we f 1 thank you for the partial judgment , which you have pafTed on my Antigono^ and Ipermejira. I was obliged to write the latter in eighteen days, by a royal command ; ib that I had hardly time fufficient allowed me for tranfcribing it. As to the cantata, which begins with GiuJiiDei Che far a, it has no other meaning, than the words naturally imply, on firft reading : which fay ; that the praifes of our Augufi: Princefs are too great a iubjedt for me ; that having been too daring in at- tempting it, heaven has punifhed my pre- fumption, by rendering my lyre difobedient to my will, and that I fee my error and fue for pardon. I mould be glad to know what thefe words could poffibly mean, if not this. But what a difficult talk it is to compofe verfes many times every year on a Princefs, who, though me merits fuch high praife, -will not hear it ? I fhall receive, with the utmofr. pleafure, at your convenience, the two tragedies which you fay you have written $ and have no doubt of their merit, from the long com- merce which you have constantly had with the mufes and their favourites. I beg ( *8 5 ) I beg my refpee"ts to your forfeited priefiefs, to whom I fend my wiihes in blank, fince my former were fo unfuccefsful. Your moll worthy count Canale thanks and fa- lutes you ; and, embracing you tenderly, I am as ufual. Vienna, Feb. 18, 1747* LETTER V. TO THE SAME. I congratulate you, in the firft place, on the magnificent and couragious fenti- ments, with which your mod agreeable letter of the 1 8th of March is filled. I ad- mire your fovereign contempt of the enemy; your paternal confidence in our allies enchants me j your high refpect for our forces and coun- cils gives me confolation ; and, in fhort, I envy and admire that firm and intrepid tran- quillity of mind* which I did not think fub- iifted on earth ; but which I find refides thus undiflurbed in the ferene breaft of my dear Filipponi. May God increafe and fortify thefe gifts, and grant fome little portion of their influence to my feeble and diminutive foul, (, 186 ) foul, which,, remembering the part, and di£ fatisfied with the prefent, is unable to ima- gine any thing good for the future. To our" Marquis Ormea, bold and animated thoughts of right belong ; they are the patrimony of his military profeffion, which he exercifes with fo much honour ; but to me, born and bred, in a manner under the petticoats of the poor puftlanimous mufes, who are in- deed no better than little weak women, doubts are more natural; and fome, who only examine the outride pf things, call this prudence, while others term it timidity. The Marquis of Ormea and Count Brown, as well as yourfelf, do the author of the lit- tle fable of the Ballerina too much honour, by your contempt. How is it poffible to efcape the foolifh loquacity of impertinent people ? Perhaps fome equivoque has given birth to this nonfenfe, without any evil in- tention ; and to the ufual credulity and rage for exaggeration and the wonderful, all the attention which the public has- beftowed upon it maybe imputed. But whatever opinion the world may have of it, pray let it circulate in peace and quiet ; for when we arrive at a certain age, the wild flories of our youthful vigour do not difpleafe us, though apocryphal. I have ( x«7 ) I have jufl received letters from Rome and Naples, with interrogations concerning the romance of La Ballerina. And I begin myfelf to be curious to know whence this fable, without head or tail, or even the leaft foundation, could poffibly have its origin. Vienna, April 22, I.747* LETTER VI. U TO THE SAME. As it is impomble to reconcile your cou- rage with my cowardice, concerning political prefages, I mall follow the advice given in your laft, and freight my letters with other merchandize. Not, however, without fbme inward malignity of felf-complacence, for having communicated to you a little of my own vice of defpondency, inftead of con- tracting, myfelf, fome tincture of your forti- tude. At leaft (but I do not expect you to confefs it) your being the nrfr. to relinquifh your opinion, does not flatter my vanity a little. But let us not triumph in matters concerning which we mould be glad to be 4 vanquished. ( IS8 ) variquifhed. — My Attilio Regolo deeps ; and I cannot prevail on myfelf, in the prefent languid frate of my health, to fet about making the fmall additions to the lad fcene, which are ftill wanting, without being forced to it. If my health is better next year, I mall think of it. Vienna, June 14, 1747. - L E T T E R- VII. TO. THE ABATE PASQUINI. If yotir letter of the 4th inftant had been delivered to me without date, without fig- nature, and written in a ftrange hand, I fhould ftill inftantly have recognized in it my dear Pafquini. That impetuofity, in* dignation, force of expreffion, and con- tempt, are unequivocal traits of character. And is it poffible, after fo many years of public concubinage with the mufes, you fhould be furprifed to find, that it is the fate of all works of genius, to be expofed to ca- pricious cenfure, without examination ? Do you not know, that every one is proud of his own fagacity, though obliged to confefs that he has no fcience : Can, ( m ) Can you forget what has been faid of Homer and Virgil ? Are the Pamphili and Mzevii of Horace out of your memory ? Does not what happened in the Roman theatre, to Laelius and Scipio, confole you? Does the abufe of TafTo, by the barbers of Flo- rence, appear trifling to you ? Have not you afTerted to me a thoufand times, notwith- ftanding all I could fay to you, that on cer- tain occafions you have exhaufted all your impatient friendfhip, in tranfports of true Pafquinian paffion in my defence ? What new ideas then have entered your head ? Would you be the only one of all the poeti- cal family in whom there mould be no caufe for ridicule ? That would be too proud. Do you wifh never to be the fubjedt of con.- verfation ? That would be too modeft, and but ill underltanding your own interefl. The correfpondence between authors and the pub- lic, is like that of lovers, among whom the moll: fatal lymptom is not anger, but neglecl. For my own part, after long experience, I have found no better method of treating critics, than to profit by their remarks, if good, and laugh at them, if bad : and always afpiring at perfection, to let the reft rail till they are tired* 1 do ( 19° ) I do not mean to propofe myfelf as a mo- del, but the recipe has been fuccefsfully tried. Appeafe therefore thefe tumults, I entreat you : let the mind recover its true tone, and let us fpeak of the Generofa Spar- tana, I am proud of the gift, no lefs for its own merit, than as a teftimony of your re- membrance. I have already twice perufed it with attention. And now, with your good leave, I mall give you my fmcere opi- nion of it. I find the verfe round and flowing ; the ffcyle as ornate, and poetical, as belongs to dramatic compofition ; and the places very few in which the fyow feems fomewhat re- laxed, and where I mould have wimed for more ftrength. But for this we have a paf- fage in Horace, verum opere longofas eji obre- pere fomnum. There is a fufficient number of fine thoughts, and folid fentiments, with- out pedantry, no lefs acutely conceived, than luminoufly produced. The airs are all har- monious and happy. In fhort, repeating what I have told you a thoufand times, I do not find many at, prefent, who, in this poeti- cal faculty, pleafe me more than yourfelf. But, after long ufe, you are certainly not ignorant how faflidious and difficult I am, become j ( i9« ) become ; hence it will not appear ftrange, if I preferve my character with a friend who wifhes me to be lincere. I therefore confefs to you, freely, that I mould have wifhed more deiign throughout your opera. Or, to explain myfelf more clearly, that the principles and paffions you propofed to introduce, were better eftablifhed. The audience cannot intereft themfelves, as you would wifn, in the agitations of your perfonages, becaufe there is not fufficient time allowed to render them either hateful or amiable. If the mind of a fpeclator is removed from its ufual temperament and tranquillity, the intereft does not continue Ions: enough to be remembered in the next fcene : fo that it becomes torpid and unwill- ing to be pleafed,even to thatdegereof naufea which foon comes on for thofe very beauties, which, otherwife, might fuccefsfully have folicited and feduced. And thofe who are not initiated in the myfteries of poetry, feel- ing themfelves tired, without knowing the caufe, frequently lay the blame on what is worthy of praife ; exactly as a fick child un- able to point out the luffering part whence its pain had its beginning, either miftakes one place for another, or complains of all alike. ( m ) This is my opinion, yet not given as a law — but who will dare decide positively in theSe matters ? Defire the critics themfelves to name you a perfect Archetype. I know not how to fuggefi: any one to you, except that of my friendship, of which I have given you no {light Specimen, in the dangerous Sincerity with which I have now ventured to write you my fentiments. Receive it kindly ; return it : love me, &nd believe that I am, &c. Vienna, July 22, 1747. This letter may ferve as a ipecimen of the urbanity, yet franknefs, with which he played the critic, in examining the works of his moll intimate friends. This correspondence with Pafquini, the Drefden Laureate, will be re- lumed, occasionally, jn chronological order. END OF THE FIFTH SECTION. SECTION C m ) SECTION VL W E are now arrived at a very interefting period in the correfpondence of Metaftafio, to the lovers of poetry and mufic, when a conftant literary intercourfe With the cele- brated Farinelli began, which continued to the end of both their lives. Farinelli's Wonderful profeffional' abilities have been fb amply celebrated lately, that nothing need be faid in addition to former accounts ( which I am unable to decipher. All I can difcover is, that the corpulency, as well as abfurdity, of the firft female finger (perhaps the Tefi) had been thefubjecl ofFarinelli's plea- fantry. particularly ( 2°9 ) particularly in the part of the firfl woman, and firif. man, for whom I have taken the moft pains. And you would have found in it much lefs to blame, if that great booby, Migliavacca, after I had corrected with great labour, the whole opera, had not taken the liberty in tranfcribing it, to alter, add, and retrench at his pleafure. This put me into a violent rage, When he told it me at my re- turn from the country. His excufe was, the impoffibility of communicating to me his doubts foon enough for the time which you had prefcribed for finifhing it. With all this, the fubjecl is gay, and cannot have been fo injured, as not to leave room to hope for its meeting with fuccefs* From what has happened, you may judge, that our Migliavacca is capable of writing a good fong, cantata, fonnet> and fuch things as, in fhort, require no great art in the conduct and management of the paffions, or fupport of characters. But for theatrical acfion and efFecl, I have found his judgment lefs ma- tured than his age, which is about thirty, promifed ; or his other little and pleating compositions, made me expecl. I tell you this, that you may know pre rifely what to hope, if you mould think of employing him. vol. i. , p I wimed ( 210 ) I I wifhed to render fervice to all, and to recommend engaging the Ten* ; but now it is brought to a crifis, I cannot deceive you. Find out her abilities, and then do her good, if you can. It is certain that experience, of which, at prefent, fhe is in want, might render her much better ; but you wilh me to {peak of the prefent, and not prophefy con- cerning the future. It is not necefTary to communicate my fincerity to Madame, who would perhaps not be pleafed with it. Let it be a hint to you, but not attended with ill v^ill to me. It will therefore be more prudent to fend your letters by the Venetian AmbaiTador's bag, in which I inclofe my own. And when you defire to remit to Migliavacca fome compenfation for his trou- ble, I beg of you to do it by means of the Tefi, who interefts herfelf in his affairs. I did nothing more than try that you mould be as well ferved as poffible ; and this I have done, and ever fhall do, for my valued Gemello. My picture for you, fet off from Vienna with Prince Trivulfi, the beginning of Octo- ber. This Prince entreated to have the care of it, and carried it with him to Ve- nice, that it might afterwards travel with more ( a." ) more fecurity. I know not how it is to go on, but we may depend on his diligence, and true eagernefs to favour me, and to pleafe you. Who knows whether, by the time this letter arrives, I fhall not be already in your hands, and perhaps prefent at the rehearfal of the charming Armida, where the original would efteem himfelf moft happy to be alfo. I mould wrong the good heart of my dear Gemello by reiterating my entreaties about the Percettorial bunnefs ; I feel with what affection you wifh to forward it, and know that your foul is incapable of affuming the Ihameful character of a dealer in that kind of fmoke which abounds in courts. I reflect on what I would do for you, if I were able ; and have not the leaft doubt of your doing every thing for me, which circumftances will admit. The excufe of example, which has been urged from Naples, is eafily refuted ; there are three very juft ways of preventing my cafe from ever becoming a precedent to any other. In the firft place, the difpatches might fay, that the receherjhip was rejtored to me for the fame reafon as offices are rejiored to others, who pofTerTed them by a weighty title ; that Is, by having purchafed them. And this p 2 will ( 2I2 ) will be no lie : the Percettoria was not ob»- tained by me as a free gift, but in recom- pence for a promfed falary which had not been payed. And if the reward agreed upon for labours of the brain are not paid in money, what mufr. be the capital of we poor crickets of ParnafTus ? Should this expedient be dis- approved, here is another which equally pre- cludes precedent : the place of Percettoria may be reftored to me, not as the rejloration of an ancient pojfejjion, but as a new favour which has not the leaji relation to the old grant. ' Where would be the extravagance of a generous Prince, proteclor of the, fine arts, fpontaneoufly exercifmg his munifi- cence on a man who,, by chance, if not merit, is efteemed in Europe not the meanefl of his proferlion ? If this fecond road mould be thought impaflable, though it appears to me the mofl worthy of the royal grandeur of fuch a Sovereign, here is, laflly, a third i. which is, the caufing it to be bought as a new purcbafe, which will equally preclude all precedent of reftitution. Do not forget, my dear friend, to fuggeft thefe expedients, that the fear of precedent may not check the ge- nerous propennty of the Sovereign. I mould not have wearied you So long on this Subject, had ( 213 > had it not feemed abfolutely neceflkry to Fur- nifh you with arms to combat in my favour. I thank you for the recipe, which I mall have made up exactly, and try its efficacy with the greater hope of fuccefs, as every thing is more dear that comes from my beloved Gemello, than from any other quarter. Your idea of providing for the expence of my journey, is extremely grateful to me, as a proof of your affection ; but think how great would be the difficulties of other kinds ; and how little occafion there is for this proof, to convince me that our friendfhip is reci- procal. Our worthy Countefs of Althan has re- ceived news of you, and of being remem- bered by you, with her ufual kindnefs and pleafure. With refpecl to mufic., whatever fhe hears, Farinelli continues to be her hero : and as a proof of this, fhe has freighted a bark with falutations for you, which I mall difpatch, on condition that you, in ,return, will prefent my conftant refpecls to the Duchefs of Bejar, whofe picture in your letter has haunted me ever fmce I law it. Addio, dear Gemello., be careful of your . p 3 health, ( 2I 4 ) health, and . fometimes think of your Me- taflafio. Vienna, Dec. 7, 1747. As no letters to Farinelli have been pre- ferved, that were written in 1748, we fhall return to his correfpondents, Filipponi, and Pafquini, to whom he feems to have written with great opennefs of heart. LETTER III. TO SIG. FILIPPONI.' Your moil: welcome letter of the 2d in-, il:ant, found me in the pleafant country of Moravia, where I have been many months* far from the.noife of the city, in purfuit of that health, which always feems near, yet when I try to catch it, the phantom gives me the flip. I wander through two vail domains belonging to the incomparable Cpuntefs Althan, where the generofity of the magnificent lady of the manfion, the noble variety of the company, the abund- ance of whatever can contribute to delight, as well as comfort, the princely apartments, the ( Hi ) the fituation, air, walks, converfation, and, in fhort, the whole tenor of a life fufficiently ruftic for the enjoyment of all the beauties of nature, without being deprived of the conveniences of art ; and above all, the ad- vantages which I feel in this tranquil retire- ment, from the care that is taken of my difordered machine ; thefe make me forget the complaints I brought With me, which, 'either from the chearfulnefs the mind ac- quires here, "or the circumftances juft men- tioned, appear, or are, in reality, nearly fubdued. This is the news which you de- fired, Soflowitz, Sept. 29, 1747* LETTER IV. TO THE SAME. General Stampa quitted this place, on his return to Milan, the end of laft week. Con- figned to his care, and directed to you, are the MSS. for our Padre Paoli, which Count' Canale had fo repeatedly promifed him. And now I am liberated from a cornmiffioiv which has long lain heavy on my confcience. p 4 They ( # ) They would have been fent much fooner, if any fafe conveyance could have been found ; but MSS. of which there are no duplicates, are of fuch confequence, that it feemed ne- ceflary to meafure my fcruples by the tender regard which an author has for his own pro- ductions ; fo that I hope to be thanked for the delay. Muft I fend you the ufual compliments of the feafon ? It is the exact period for this ceremony ; as, by the time this letter ar- rives, it will be in general performance throughout Chriflendom. But let us not contaminate our friendfhip by fuch vulgar, worn-out, and infipid forms, which now are become a burthen to fociety, and a difgrace for real friends to ufe ; they neither excite benevolence, nor prevent the coldnefs of neglect. I know that you have no doubt of my affection and good wimes, and that I am fure of yours : fo that without new protec- tions, the whole year is Chriftmas with us, reciprocally. My annual retreat into the country for near two months, had turned out fo profit- able, that I flattered myfelf with the hopes of having wholly fubdued my nervous com- plaints, and all the other barbarous enemies united ( 2I 7" ) united to annoy me ; but the nrft cold pre- curfors of winter have ao-ain driven me near o the enemy, from whom, however, I cou- rageoufly defend myfelf, hoping at length to tire them out. And indeed their alTaults are lefs frequent and lefs furious than for- merly : if I can frill diminim their forces a little, I mall, in this particular, be content with my fate : never expecting a profound peace, but a lefs unequal war. LETTER V. TO THE ABATE PASQUINI. I have attentively read your new paftoral fable, and without entering upon a minute examination of it, I allure you, with that can- dour to which we are mutually accufromed, that, it has pleafed me much more than the Generous Spartan, in all its parts, except the ftyle ; as in that, to own the truth, you ap- pear to me fometimes too neorlieent. You will fay, and with great truth, that the in- • terlocutors mould fpeak a language fuitable to their ftation. But I believe, that be- tween the language of real and theatrical lhepherds, ( * 218 } ihepherds, there mould be the fame propor- tion of difference, as the beft writers ufually obferve between real and theatrical princes. Human nature is vain, and never pleafed with thofe portraits which lower the advan- tageous opinions which it forms of itfelf j like thofe beauties, who are unwilling to fit* nnlefs to fuch dextrous painters as can draw their likenefs, more from the good than bad features of their faces ; diminifhing in fome with modefl adulation wherever there is excefs, and adding to others, with the fame caution, whatever is wanting to perfection. Guarini was too fenfible of this weaknefs, and meant to flatter it in his celebrated PajlorfidO) by the happy pretext of his per- fonages being of divine origin, attributing to fhepherds the language of philofophers, and heroes : and by artfully mixing what- ever was moil pleafing in the country, mofl grand in courts, and moft ingenious in the fchools, has formed fuch a magic compofi- tion, as, in lpite of the many poetical canons which he dared to violate, has extorted ad- miration, not only from his own country- men, but the mofl: polifhed people in every other part of Europe. Indeed he has often had the addreis to -ioften the rigrour even of inexorable ( 2i 9 ) inexorable critics themfelves, who only read his work in order to condemn it. But fuch feem to me the laws to which it is neceffary to fubmit, in order to pleafe by imitating nature. How much it may be neceffary to change the materials, in order to excite wonder and delight ; and what is the difference between imitating nature, and nature herfelf, are not fubjecfs to be dil- cuffed in a fhort letter. Perhaps, fome time or other, I may explain myfelf more fully, if it mould pleafe providence to grant me a few quiet days among thofe that are yet in ftore (j). And now I congratulate myfelf as well as you, on your laft production, not only in compliment to my own judgment, but for that which experience has here pronounced concerning your abilities ; indeed I plainly perceive that more curiofity is excited in your readers by this compofition, than by any other of your dramatic writings. I am much obliged to your Meffrs. Wal- ther for the favourable opinion they enter? (y) He here, doubtlefs, alludes to his notes on an ex- trait from Ariftotle's Poetics, which were not publiflied till after his deceafe. See Zatta's Edit. Venice, 1783. Tom. xvi. And that of Nice, 1786.. tain ( 220 ) tain of my works ; but it is not for me to pronounce upon the expediency of the enter- prife ; it is their bufinefs to examine how the expence of a new impreffion of my writings will be repaid by the public. There are already nine editions at Venice ; there are others at Rome, Milan, Naples, and Lucca ; and perhaps, {till more of which I am ignorant. Hence, if this edition is not fuperior in paper, type, correclnefs, and or- naments, it will be confounded in the croud of others, which are either Yery bad, or not above mediocrity. I have not vet {een the Drefden Boileau : pray fend it by the nrft fafe and Ipeedy con- veyance ; do the fame by Voltaire. But what can I fay to fecond your eagernefs about this new impreffion ? I have but few inedited pieces in my pofTeflion, and of thefe few, fome I cannot, and others I ought not, to make public* However, I have not the heart to refufe granting any requeft of yours. I mall therefore collecl:, on your ac- count, a fmall number of cantatas of my writing, which are limping about in a mi- ferable flate, that has not been bettered by the hands of the lovers of poetry who have given them houfe room ; but thefe will not i amount ( 221 ) amount to above twelve or fourteen. Be-* fides this, I fhall take ? copy of fome edi- tions of Venice, and fheet by meet, correct the errors with which they abound, that they may ferve as originals for the new edi- tion. But flay ! — This is not all. There is an opera intituled Siface, which I wrote many years ago, againft. my will. I muft explain myfelf. Obliged to accommodate a very old and imperfect drama, I began by new verifying, and arranging its fcenes ; but by changing and changing, there did not remain a fingle verfe of the original, and very little in the difpolition of the fcenes. I never would confent to legitimate this offspring, and yet it has always paffed in Italy for mine. If I can find a copy not much disfigured, I mail correct this drama, and with a fhort hijftorical information to the public, add it to the new edition. In eonfideration of the pains I mall take, I muft impofe on you, fome conditions. The 'firft is, that you will undertake to correct the prefs yourfelf, and in a fhort advertifement inform the public of the enormous defects of former editions, and of the advantages of the new, without entering at all into th« ufual panegyrics on 1 the author, for this plain ( 222 ) plain reafon, that you are too friendly and partial a judge for fiich an undertaking. In the fecond place, MefTrs. Walther muft convince me of the elegance of their typo- graphy, by fending me a proof-meet, as a fpecimen, and folemnly agree to an exact performance of their promife to the public. I rejoice that my Demofoonte is in fuch mafterly and friendly hands ; make what ufe of it you pleafe, as I am certain it will receive no injury (z). Oh how I envy your vicinity to that moft worthy Count Arr chinto ! . I have long refpecled his merit. But during his refidence at this court, he infinitely intreafed my reverence. Return him, I entreat you, my moft humble thanks for the benignant remembrance of me which he has deigned to preferve; alluring him of my moft grateful fentiments and wifhes for his health, concerning which I daily fabri- cate in my mind a thoufand fmiling and happy ideas of the time to come. (2) Haffe was at this time new fetting the opera of Demofoonte for the court of Drefden : many of the airs were afterwards performed in England by Mingotti, about the year 1755, when the admirable Cantahile : Se tutti i malimiei, was conftantly encored during the run of the opera. I have ( 22 3 ) s I have dried up your brain fufficiently for to-day ; I will not deprive it of all moiflure at once. It is well if any thing more re- mains for me to do. Take care of your health for your own fake and for that of your friends, among whom I claim a dif- tincT: places as the efteem and friendihip is difrincl:, of yours, &c. Vienna, Jan. 27, 1748. LETTER VI. TO SIG. FILIPPONI. When you have a favourable oppor- tunity, I entreat you to falute, in my name, the worthy Count de Richecourt. Though I was not able to enjoy his company and converfation at Count Canale's fo often as I wimed, yet I faw enough of him to con- vince me how much he is indebted to nature and to himfelf, for his uncommon fhare of merit. I am infinitely obliged to Him for allowing me a place in his remembrance, and mail be extremely indebted to you, if you will try, from time to time, to mingle me among the crowd of his other more grave, 4 ufeful, ( ?24 } ufeful, or pleafant ideas. I bear the excels of your efteem for me, as it arifes from the excels of your friendship, of which I am fo. anxious, that it fubdues my fhame for owing it to a miftake. Continue to love me, but without examining the motives. I tremble left, at a future time, you mould meet with lome pious foul or other who, in chriftian charity, mould ftrive to undeceive you. As to the Ifate of my health, I muft confefs, that my patience is not in perfect equilibrium. The journey is long, and philofophy lame. I neither know what influence the foul has over our machine, nor how it is communi- cated, being fubftances of fuch a different na- ture ; but I feel in a more lively manner than I wifh, that my own poor little foul pays dearly for the decays of its manfion. After you have confeffed yourfelf to be jealous of me, I know not how to compof-t myfelf with your prieftefs. I muft recom- mend myfelf to Plato, an excellent com- forter of hufbands. Pray prefent my com- pliments to her platonically. Do not in- jure me in her opinion, and allow me, with all due reftrictions, to allure her of my being no lefs hers than yours. Vienna, Feb. 3, 1748. The ( 225 ) The two following letters would not have been inferted, had it not been imagined, that fuch readers as intereft. themfelves in the dra- matic works of Metaftatio, would be curious to know his own ideas concerning their performance. — Thefe letters, at leaft, may be of ufe, not only to the directors and perform- ers of the individual drama of Demofoonte^ but of operas in general. LETTER VIL TO THE ABATE PASQUINI. Oh great Pafquini ! Great Pafquini ! Shew me my plan however* that I may not cenfure you for my own blunders. If you afk me how I intended the fituations of my Demo- foonte to be difpofed in the theatre, and how I mould have arranged them if I had direct- ed the whole myfelf, it was proper that I fhould write to you what you mention. If you alk me who fhould be placed on the right hand, and who on the left, I muft tell you I never meant to regulate that by the dignity of the perfonages, but by the conve- nience and neceffity of the a6tior*. And if, vol. i. q, in ( 226 ) in favour of. fuch convenience and necefllty, the fuperior perfonages chance to be on the left of the inferior, they may be refpecled and diftinguifhed in various ways ; for example : by being a little forwarder on the ftage than the reft, or being fituated in the middle of the ftage and facing the audience, while the fubaltern characters are further on the ftage, with their fides to the audience and faces to- wards the principal perfonages* And in- deed by a thouiand other expedients they may be diftinguifhed, without having the right fide of- the ftage affigned to therm If further, in purfuing this fubject, you mould afk what characters have a right to exact re- lpecl, whether Dircea from Creufa, or Creufa from Dircea, I fhould tell you Dircea, as an undifcovered Princefs, owes to Creufa all thofe manifeftations of refpect which are due from private individuals to perfons of royal condition* I But for heaven's fake explain to me, if you can, why you think relpect is fhewn to the principal perfonages by their always occupying the right fide of the ftage? I could give more reafons againft it than thofe already mentioned, if I had time to write them. I have explained myfelf on this fubje<5t to Baron Diefcau, and to Signor Hade, ( m ) Hafife, though more concifely, as he is a pro- feffional man. You are right, however, in fuppofing that Dircea mould take place, upon the ftage, of Creufa. Yet, in my opinion, wholly wrong in imagining that the right (ide is always the poft of honour. But before the arrival of this letter, I hope you will be convinced by what I have writ- ten to Baron Diefcau. Vienna, Feb. 16th. 1748. LETTER VIII. TO BARON DIESCAU, AT DRESDEN. It is a great miftake, in my opinion, to imagine that the right or left fide of the ftage determines the pre-eminence of theatri- cal characters. Thefe places ought to be oc- cupied according to the neceffity of the ac- tors. It is neceflary, for example, that the aclor mould be near the perfon to whom he would fpeak, or whom he would detain, af- fault, defend, or tranfact any kind of bufmefs with, that would be difficult or ridiculous to perform in any other fituation. Wherever a great perfonage happens to be, will become the principal place ; he may, however, indi- ces cats ( 228 ) Cate his fuperiority by being a little forward- er on the ftage than his inferiors, which will be a lefs equivocal diftinc~tion than the right hand, which has varied and changes its fig- nification, according to the caprice of differ- ent ages and nations. Upon thefe princi- ples, in fpite of the old praclife of our thea- tres, I have always regulated the performance of my dramas, efpecially Demofoonte ; which may be feen in a regular plan laid down and tranfmitted to the abate Pafquini, at his re- quell:, but a few days ago. I hope, Sir, that the readinels of my peri- lous obedience, will at lean: iecure me the honour of your patronage* for which I moll humbly fupplicate (a). . . Vienna, Feb. 21, 1748. LETTER IX. TO SIG. FILIPPONI, AT TURIN. To day, in contention with this letter, the Marquis della Rofea fet off for Turin; we mall fee who will arrive firft. I would not confide it to him, that you might have two (a) Baron Diefcau was long fuperintendant of the lyric theatre of the electoral king of Poland, Auguftus III. 3 mementos ( 22 9 ) mementos of me, inflead of one. He will tell how much I love and efteem you ; and do you afTure him, of the indelible traces of veneration and affection which he has left impreffed in my mind, and try to preferve him in that benevolent and partial difpofition towards me, which he manifefted at his de- parture. I wifhed very much to fecond your hint concerning the fubject of a fonnet, but my mufes at prefent are troubled with hyfteric affections; however, we will think of it when they become more tractable. Vienna, April 28th. 174?. LETTER X. TO THE ABATE PASQUINI. I have here the fpecimens which M. Wal- ther the printer has communicated ; and mould do well to fay no more f But if you wifh to fatten him, you may fay, that I am extremely occupied, and cannot poj/ibly difpofe of myfelf-, nor indeed dare I hope for leifure Juffici* ent to fecond the generous partiality of Signor Walt her, to whom I beg you to make due ac* kwwledgements on my behalf 0^3 Know* ( 2 3° ) Know, that Semir amide is exalted to the itars, thanks to the ^excellence of the per- formers, and the magnificence of the decora- tions, in fpite of anarefcvanda/ian mafic, which is infupportable. The Tefi has acted in a manner that has furprifed me and every hu- man creature in Vienna. Venturini and Amorevoli have pleafed extremely. Monti- celli has been much admired. Lenzi and the Favaglini have done wonders. In fhort, it is one of the moil: magnificent ipeclacles which can be prefented by a fovereign. The moil rigid matrons, the moil: ancient and virtuous minifters, and prelates, compofe the moil numerous and partial part of the audience. June 29th. 1748. This opera, the firil which had been per- formed at the imperial court, iince the death of the emperor Charles VI. was reprefented in celebration of the peace, concluded at Aix la Chapelle. Monticelli and Amorevoli, who were in England from 1741, to 1746, after going thence to Venice, went from that city to Vienna, in order to perform on this occa- fion. The opera of Semir amide, which had been originally fet by Vinci for Rome, in j 729, and afterwards by Porpora for Venice, l 735> ( *9i ) 1735, was now new fet by the celebrated Bo- ■noncini, who at near ninety years of age, was invited from Paris on the occanon. No poem feems to have been produced by our author this year, except a very iTiort compliment, by order of the emprefs queen, on the birth-day of the emperor Francis the nril, which was pronounced with muiic, at feven years old, by the arch- duke Jofeph, af- terwards emperor. It was fet by Reutter, at that time the imperial Maeflro di capella. COMPLIMENT O. Di quanta a si gran gkrno Son debitor e, Augujlo Padre, intendo : Ma nonfo dirk. Ah voglia il Ciel che in breve Lo dican Vopre : * che ritrovi il mondo In quel che far desio Ilfuo ben, la tua gloria, e il dover mio. S.u la mia front e intanto FiJJa il pater no ciglio: E leggi il cor d'unfigligy Che nonjifafpiegar. Ma, che per or ha il&ants- Di rifpettarti a I meno: Ma, che comprende apieno Quanto ti deve amar. The fentiniehts of this little poem bear all the marks of delicacy and' propriety, which CL4 f» C 232 ) fo eminently characterize the encomiaftic productions of our aulic bard. They breathe no adulation that could fhame the parent, or degrade the fom How much I owe to this great day, Oh Parent moft auguft, I underftand, Though utt'rance to my thoughts I cannot give. May heav'n ere long, let actions for me fpeak, And all mankind difcover how I wifh Their good, the glory of my fire, and well To practice ev'ry duty of my ftate. Till when, let fond paternal eyes With fix'd regard my face behold, And read my heart, which vainly tries Its tender feelings to unfold. Happy, this day, refpect to fhew To him whofe looks fuch love infpire; Till time more ample means beftow Of rev'rence to fo great a, fire. LETTER XL TO THE ABATE PASQUINI. While I was preparing to anfwer your let- ter of the 1 3th iuft. a parcel arrives from the fecretary of legation at this court, with an- other letter from you, dated the 1 7th, and with it two pleafing cantatas : Lavinia & JOidone-i a very ( z 33 ) a very ingenious and beautiful anfwer to my Palinodia to Nice ; and two ferenatas. I am glad that an equivoque has produced me the pleafure of your two competitions, with which you know I cannot but be pleafed. At the fame time, however, I muft confefs that I feel mortified. Vanity is the natural defect of us poor poets. And mine became exceffive, in reflecting that a perfon of fuch high rank (^), able to write verfes in fuch a manner as to make us all afhamed, had not difdained to number me in the croud of her juft admirers. But it does not become me- to enquire into this myftery. I venerate her, clip the wings of my vain glory, and haften to fpeak my fentiments. You have known me long, and know that the court in which I was born, and this in which I have refided twenty years, have not taught me the lan- guage of adulation. So that what I write, are not unmeaning words of courfe. Know then, that without your folemrt protections, and coincident aflertions of (h) The daughter of the Emperor Charles VII. after- wards Ele&rice of Saxony, who, at the deceafe of her con- fort, quitting politics, attached herfelf to mufic and poetry ; wrote operas in Italian, fet them to mufxc, and performed in them herfelf, in perfon. See Germ, Tour, and Htft* of Mujtc, vol. iv. p. 580, otlrer ( 234 ) other people to whom I cannot refufe giving credit, I mould never have been able to im- agine that a young princefs mould be able to write, and in a foreign language, fuch excel- lent poetry. In the two cantatas, not only the delicate arrangement of the thoughts, the connexion of ideas, the fele6tion of words, the harmony of the verle, and the tender- nefs of expreflion, are admirable; but what fnrprifes me frill more, is a certain artful fa- cility, which mere natural talents never fur- nifh; for here a firmnefs of pulfe appears, which is only to be acquired by long and la- borious application. Now how is it poffible to imagine, that fuch painful means mould ever have been put in practice, by a perfon, who, from the eminence of her ilation, can have fo few moments to herfelf ? I am impatient to receive the other com- pofitions which you promife me ; and hence- forth you may be certain of having an im- portunate folicitor on your back; for I mall never let you reft in peace till I obtain from your friendship every thing of this kind that you can lay your hands on, unlels prevented by an abfolute prohibition. I congratulate you on your two ferenatas, hut on the Orfeo more than the Fiorina. In the ( Z3S ) the flrit, the fubject being more poetical, has more inflamed your imagination than the other. Vienna, Jan. 25, 1749. LETTER XII. TO THE SAME. Will my dear x^bate never become an. ceconomift? With the precious merchan- dize with which you all at once opprefTed me in your letter of the 3d inftant, you migh^ have been able to feed my poetical vanity for whole years, however infatiable it may be. That a princefs placed by providence fo much above the generality of mortals, mould deign to fuffer the productions of her admirable talents to be feen by me; that with a fovereign and precious command me mould put it out of all doubt, from what lublime fource my enviable fortune came; and that fuch a glorious motive for me mould be af- iigned for fuch condefcenfion ; are all fuper- abundant temptations, fufficient to render cynic indifference ambitious, and to difturb iioic infenhbility. But that me mould pufh her ( *3<5 ) her generofity fo far as to affign to me her own happy gifts, is a cjrcumftance which juitifies what I have formerly written : Che unafpecie di tormento E Veccejfo del placer (cj. J have read, and mall often read again, the iirft acl of Deme trio, nnd am unable to defcribe to yon the pleafiire I have had in feeing one of my own children corrected of all natural defects, and ornamented with fuch qualities as the poverty of the parent could never be- f£ow. I mould be proud of its prefent mag- nificent appearance, if I did not recollect how many rivers, in their courfe, are increas- ed by confluent waters, and enriched by gold, which they never derive from their niggard fource. Do you my dear Pafquini, who have not fo many motives of confufion as I, iuf- tain your friend in this dilemma ; take his place, and reprefent for me to this beneficent and royal prpte&refs, the fentiments of vene- ration, gratitude and wonder, which I feel too forcibly for expreflion;; and if you believe that my Supplications can be of any efficacy, unite them with your own, and with thole (c) One ijpecies of torment is the excefs of pleafure, «f ( *37 ) &f the whole poetic family, that the terrible threat may never be put in practice, of de- priving Parnaflus of fo illuftrious a votary. Reprefent like wife, I entreat you, with the moil: profound refpect, how much I feel myfelf honoured by the clemency of the royal electoral prince, and recommend me as much as pomble to his patronage* Tell him that in obedience to his commands, which are fo glorious for me, I have already begun the revifal of my Attilio Rego/o (*/), and as loon as finimed, it mail be configned to the care of the Saxon minifter at this court, for its greater fecurity and difpatch. Happy will it be for me, if this my offspring is al- lowed, in my ftead, to pay its court to a prince fo worthy of univerfal admiration ! And do you intercede, that my Attilio may never again return to Vienna, as it cannot obtain, in other hands, greater glory or protection. I am very lenlible that you are the favour- able wind, which colle6b on my head this Ihower of royal favour; think then how grateful this mult be to my heart, and how much it muft encreafe in me that fincere and (d) This opera, written in 1740, was prevented from, being performed, by the death of the emperor Charles VI. tender ( * 3 8 ) tender regard which I fhall never ceafe td feel for you. P. S. In fending my letters to the poft, I have been put in poiTeffion of another par- cel from you, containing the fecond acl of Demetrio, and a cantata. In fpite of hurry, I have twice run through this laft. Oh poor Pafquini ! and poor me ! If fbvereigns write fuch excellent poetry, what is to become of us wretched plebeian bards ! Vienna, Feb. 5th, 1749. LETTER XIII. TO THE SAME. Loaded with the applaufe and ejjeem of the whole city and court, our moft amiable Venturini fets off on his return to Drefden; and carries with him my Attilio Rego/o, in order to be prefented to his royal highnels the electoral prince of Saxony. Since my laft letter, having fpoken to my moft auguft patronefs, I have obtained pater- nal and defpotic power over my Attilio; fo that I now completely enjoy the enviable felicity of being able to offer this fmall tri- bute to fuch a great and enlightened prince, who deigns to be fo unlimitedly my protec- 1 tor. ( 2 39 ) tor. Let him lock it up in the fecret recef- fes of his cabinet; expofe it to viciffitudes of the ftage ; or gratify the curiofity of the pub- lic, by printing it, I mail always regard its fate as happy to what ever ufe it mall be deitined by the arbitration of fiich a prince. Certain that my name and writings have fometimes the fupreme glory to occupy his thoughts, I eagerly feize this opportunity of laying at his feet this fmall teftimony of my mbmimon and impatient gratitude. The gift is unworthy of him, Ne che poco 10 vl dla da imputar Jim Se qutxnto pojjo dar tutto vl dono. *' If all I can beftow I freely give, w No blame is due for gift diminutive. Though deceived by friendfhip yourfelf, you did wrong to deceive his highnefs with refpecl to the merit of Attilio-, take care however to continue the deceit. The un- deceiving would now coil too much to him who is ever yours. Vienna, Feb. 26th. 1749. L E T- ( 240 } LETTER XIV. TO THE SAME. Your letter of the 17th of laft month, has really comforted me, with the certainty that you did not take amifs the liberty with which I treated your Canzone. But I was to blame for doubting it. You know me lufficiently to be certain, that criticifm from me can flow from nothing but true friend - fhip. I know too that you afk my opinion, not as is generally done, to procure praife, but to be more certain, by the vote of one in the trade. And I mould feel guilty of treach- ery, if I did not wholly open my heart, even at the rifk of difpleaiing you. So that I place among your mofl conliderable merits* that exemplary docility which you poffefs, and which is fo uncommon to poets. And, in return, you mould not forget to number among mine, the heroifm with which I undertake to obey you, when in ex- amining your, works, I rifk the cruel alter- native, either of deceiving, or offending you. But I fee how you think on thefe fubjecls, fo that ( 2 4 l ) that I may venture to ufe that freedom with you which I could not do with others. Vienna, Marqh I, 1749. LETTER XV. TO THE SAME. • I am enchanted with the 3d act of De- metrio, which arrived with your laft letter. It feems to me as if the beneficent hand which has undertaken to enrich me, has been frill more prodigal in this gift, than in either of the former. My dear Abate, if I was lefs fearful of being fufpedted of adula- tion, I mould enlarge more on this fubjecl:. But the enormous diflance between the writer and the encomiaft., will but too much authorize fufpicion. However, T cannot contain myfelf fo entirely, as not to confefs, candidly, that I had never believed it pof- fible, to meet with fo formidable a rival in the fplendid buttle of a court. But this is all entre nous. In the fortunate moments that you will be allowed to fpeak to this in- comparable Princefs, forget not to make known what I think of her talents ; you . vol. 1. r cannot ( 242 ) cannot fay half (o much as I think, nor fb little, perhaps, as not to offend. As my im- mediate plenipotentiary, your commiffion extends no further than to implore her royal patronage, and to reprefent, in every point of view, my profound veneration. Would to heaven my Attilio, with all his father's defects on his head, may afford his Electoral Highnefs a moment's amufement, in return for the many favours with which his clemency has deigned to honour me. I recommend the poor pilgrim to your care : mew him the road, inftruct, recommend, conduct, and let him, through your means, enjoy all the rights of hofpitality. I know not whether he has more claims to favour than his brothers ; but he has certainly coil me the moft pains in educating ; and is lefs deficient in that fblidity, which, though they never arrived at it, I endeavoured to pro- cure for them all. I congratulate you on your beautiful ode on Count Bruhl. It has really furprifed me, as I was ignorant of your powers in the Pindaric flyle. It is majeftic, fpirited, rich in thoughts and images, and full of the fire and fancy which characterize that fpecies of compofition. In fhort, it feerns to me, as if your ( 243 ) your Mecamus ought to be pleafed with his Horace. I am much obliged by your com- munication of it, and wifh you a long en- joyment of that juvenile vigour which fuch enterprifes require. It is very true that I have not only once, but many times, entreated various perfons to remind the worthy Count Vacherbart of my ancient reverence and attachment to his perfon. I learned to refpect him from the firft moment of my arrival at this court, where he then refided ; and the univerfal opinion of his lingular merit, which has lince increafed, makes me proud of my fagacity. I wim you much better health than you enjoyed when you wrote your laft letter. Africa weeps, my dear Pafquini (e), and Italy does not fmile : let us enjoy the few tranquil days which are frill allowed us by providence, and tolerating the prefent evils, hope for future good. Vienna, March 8, 1749. (e) This feems to allude to the infults which the Italian States had received, at this time, from the Algerines; who, with a fleet of eleven fhips, had alarmed the coaft of Naples, intending to feize the King in the ifle of Forc'ida, where he was hunting. 52 L E T- ( 244 } LETTER XVL TO THE SAME. * I have great occafion for your affirmance, but much more for your counfel. And as I have no reafbn to think that you will deny me either, I mail proceed to bufinefs with- out preface. You will remember, or if you fhould not, the annexed memorial will remind you, that I loft an office -in the kingdom of Naples, to which I had been appointed by the Em- peror Charles VI. All others under the fame circumftances, at, the peace, fet about recovering their rights ; I. only remained tranquil, not being animated to any fuch hope by the general tenor of my perverfe fortune. But all my friends, from w T hom my vanity could not conceal the innumerable favours with which I had been honoured by the clemency of your princes, have loudly and unanimoufly cenfured my indolence, in not applying to fuch powerful patrons, who might, with fo much probability of fuccefs, favour my petition to the Queen of the two Sicilies. Not being able to refift thefe re- monftrances, ( 245 ) monftrances, I have drawn up the inclofed memorial. Now begins your miniftry, as counfellor and commiffary. . As counfellor therefore, read, and confi- der both the letter and memorial ; examine impartially, whether the juftice of my caufe deferves pity and protection. Tell me if it appears to you that I may fafely implore the affiftance of thefe royal perfonages, without appearing what I am not, a mercenary man ; but in this fecond difcuffion, it is neceffary I mould affure you, that when I thought of doing myfelf the honour of lay- ing my Attilio at the feet of the Electoral Prince, I never dreamed of my loft place in the kingdom of Naples. You know me well enough to believe this ; but that is not fufficient. My protectors mull: likewife be- lieve it ; for I prize their good opinion much more than all the wealth of Crcefus. Exa- mine, laftly, whether, without repugnance, your court would undertake to fupport my claims on that of Naples. If, on inquiry, you think the attempt improper, be filent, never mention the bunnefs, and I mall be indebted to you for your advice. If, how-' ever, you are of a different opinion, you then become my commilTary. R I - In ( Z46 ) In that cafe, throw yourfelf at the feet of their Royal HighnefTes, explain the affair, and my want of protection ; implore their af- firmance; procure melikewife, by their means, that of the King and Queen; requeftthe coun- fel and affiftance of his excellence Count Vach- erbart ; folicit recommendations, which will be more efficacious, the fooner they are pro- cured. Vifit, ipeak, write, and, in fhort, do every thing for me that I mould do for you, in limilar circumftances. I received no letter from you to-day, but flatter myfelf that want , of health has not occafioned your filence. Continue to love me, however; troublefome I may be. Vienna, March 15, 1749. LETTER XVII. TO THE SAME. By your moft welcome letter of the 10th inftant, as well as by one from our dear Venturini, I am affured of the gracious re- ception of my pilgrim, Attilio, by his Elec- toral highnefs. I did not doubt of his cle- mency ; but confefs, that I was very anxious for ( 247 ) for letters to confirm it ; as, betides the re- verence due to a perfonage who unites to his eminent ftation fo many virtues and accomplifhments, I had conceived for him, after being prefented to him at Vienna, a certain affeclion, which I fhould call love, if I knew how to reconcile that word with refpecl as well in my letter as in my heart. You, by long habit, will underftand me ; therefore try, in proper time and place, to explain my meaning. The thought of my laft tirefome packet arriving in an evil hour, juft when you were on the point of holding a ferious conference with the good fon of Maja, vexes me ex- tremely. If I was as much a prophet as a poet, I fhould not have been guilty of fb great a blunder. Pardon, and pity me, for weakly giving way to the cries of my friends, fo far as to undertake an application, to which I felt a prefaging repugnance. At prefent, I muft write to our dear Venturini, which will be fome relief to you. Commu- nicate to him my letters, and the whole bufinefs. Decide together on the propriety of the application, and if it is agreed on, beg him to do every thing for me, that you would wifh him to do for yourfelf. Adding R 4 - to ( 2 4 * ) to the information, that the Marquis Malaf- pina, the prime minifter at Naples, has al- ways manifested a partiality for me ; if, therefore, he mould be deemed a fit inftru- ment to fecond the principal impulfe, forget not to make ufe of him. I doubt not, but that powerful divinity, whofe votary you are, will take as much care of your frame, as he has hitherto done of your genius. However, I am impatient to know from yourfelf the effects of his pa.- tronage. Gratify my affectionate folicitude, and fail riot to let me know the progrefs of our fuit. Vienna, March 22, 1749, LETTER XVIII, TO THE SAME. Last Saturday evening, after I had written and fent my letter to the poit, your's of the 1 7th inftant was brought to me, and with it the copy of his excellency Count Vachebart's note. I could not then, to my great affliction, acknowledge the re- ceipt of them, for want of time ; but tor day ? ( 249 ) day, having more leifure, I perceive myfelf in a worfe condition, for want of an honeit excufe for my filence. Indeed this new and authentic teftimony, of the extraordinary o;oodnefs with which the Electoral Prince and Princefs honour me and my works, has fo agitated my mind, that I am totally unable to write. I have no power to ex- prefs the extraordinary emotions of vain- glory, confulion, gratitude, reverence, and- many other effects, which 1 feel on this oc- cafion. They are fuch temptations, my dear Abate, as would difcurb the modera- tion of the moft tranquil Lyceum, as well as the flormy Parnaffus. Think of my honour ; reprefent me fuch as I ought to be, for it may not be to my advantage were you to defcribe me fuch as I am. However, in the midH: of this delight, I am fufficientlv reafonable to perceive, from the ftyle, the part which the moit. worthy writer has had in procuring me royal favour, and with how much pleafure he communicates it. Ex^ plain to him, in my name, the ferifibility with which I perceive the obligations I have to his zeal. Vienna, March 26, 1749* LET- ( 2 5° ) LETTER XIX. TO THE SAME. I have not leifure for a long anfwer to your letter of the 24th; but I ihall haften to fatisfy your doubts : for the office required, will become more difficult to obtain, as the prefent circumftances of the peace become more diitant. The following, therefore, are the particulars you wifli to know previous to- your application to Count Vacherbart. The place then, of which I demand the restitution, was not conferred on any other perfon, to my knowledge, at Vienna. This charge was eftimated at a thoufand Neapo- litan ducats per annum ; but I am unable to inform you whether it itill retains its value. The King of Naples has reftored all the conflfcated places to fuch as have proved a valid title ; and fuch is furely mine, having received it in lieu of a falary agreed on, but not paid. Whether any have been reftored, that were free- gifts at Vienna, I know not. Remember that the Marquis Malaipina, will fbpply information and fecond endeavours, but will not be the firft mover. The chief force ( *S* ) force mufr. have come from higher powers. And an office de communlbus is not fufficient. If you difcover rocks, {top immediately. A zephyr will not fuffice for our navigation, we rauft have a brifk gale. I rejoice moll heartily at your recovery. Vienna, March 29, 1749. LETTER XX. TO THE SAME. I acknowledge, in great hafte, the re- ceipt of your letter of the 7th inftant, and beg that the reafons may ceafe which pre- vented your anfwering mine. The Marquis Malafpina has not told you a fingle circum- ftance of which I had not previously apprifed you. If my affair could have been adjudged in a court of juftice, I mould not have ap- plied to fuch great proteclors. My receiver- flip was not granted as a co?npenfation for merit ; it was an equivalent for a portion of promifed f alary ^ not ajjigned. I a Iked four thoufand florins, the mm allowed Apoftolo Zeno ; three only were granted, and, for excufe, it was faid that the exchequer could be charged with no more ; but it was pro- mifed to be made up to me by fome other 1 means. ( 252 ) •means. Hence the protection refted on the proverb : that unpaid merit may pais for ready money. Nor do I well know how a court of juftice could be called on to. enforce •filch promifes of reward ; though, in equity, the refufal would have a bad appearance. Butthefe are all reveries, to which your letter led me ; they mail be written however, 'Unce you wim it, to Count Richecourt, though I muil: confefs that I do not approve your plan. We daily advance into the croud of human wants, and yet you would renounce, in a great meafure, the means of fupplying them. But enough of this. If the thing is refolved, all counfel is vain. Addio, dear Pafquini, Vienna, April 12, 1749- LETT ER XXL TO THE SAME. By your kind letter of the 24th inftant, I perceive with what zeal the Electoral Prince Royal has undertaken to patronize my pretentions. Upon fo folid a foundation, I feem authorized to build great hopes ; and if thefe mould fail, there will always remain the glorious remembrance of a patronage, which ( *53 ) which does me fo much honour. I entreat you, my dear Abate, in fome dextrous mo- ment,, to reprefent to this royal protector, how much my relpeft is increafed by his be- nevolence. Nor forget to atteft to his ex- cellence Count Vacherbart, how fincerely I acknowledge myfelf indebted to him, for the royal propennty towards me, which his ex- ample has procured. I have no doubt, but that the fear of precedent will be pleaded againft me. But againft this objeclion, fe- veral expedients are fuggefled in my memo- rial. Vienna, April a6, 1749. LETTER XXII. TO SIG. FILIPPONI. Your very kind letter of the 2d of May deferved no cenfure, I know how affection- ately you wifhed to keep the correfpondence alive, without writing merely for the fake of writing, contrary to ftipulation. Nor is your letter fo empty as you pretend. The aflurances of your having difcovered how fincerely the Marquis della Rocca, and Count Ormea loved me ; and your interpretations. •f ( 2 54 ) of the molt amiable Madame del Bene, are very plaufable materials aiid occaflons for a letter, without any other legal pretext. Re- turn aloud, in my name, to the two nrit, the moll: tender and refpectful acknowledg- ments ; proteft to the third, in a more mo- del!: tone, but not lefs expreiiive, how fenli- ble I am of the honour which me is pleafed to confer on me. You are much miftaken if you fuppofe me to be an enthuuaitic collector of Antiques. I have none in my poffeflion, except a few for common ufe. My purfe and patience are engaged in more neceflary works. It would be infupportable to me, if I were conftantly in the hands of impoftors. I would give the whole mufeum Florentinum, for fome little piece of excellent modern workmanmip, which has neither undergone the examination of that nor any other aca- demy. You fee how capricious my poetics are, by this confeffion. Count Canale falutes you cordially. I beg you will not forget to recommend me to the orifons of your prieltefs, and believe me molt, conftantly yours. Vienna, May 28, 1749* END OF THE FIFTH SECTION* ( *55 ) SECTION VI. LETTER. I. TO FARINELLI. A thousand bleffings light on, my admi- rable Gemello I Your letter of the 28 th of January has generoufly aftonifhed our poor Migliavacca, wit-h the gift of 300 UngherL It was with the greater!: difficuly that he could believe it real. He knew he did not merit any fuch fum, though he was in fuch ex- treme want of it, that he abfolutely thought it to have been miraculoufly fent, by the holy King David, the protector of poets. It has given me infinite pleafure to think myfelf, in fome meafiire, the inftrument which provi- dence has ufed in fuccouring this poor man ; andflill more, that the rumour of fuch uncom- mon generofity does fo much honour to my dear twin brother. Migliavacca will not be lilent ; and I have filled both the city and court with the ftory. I have every day the fatisfaction ( *$ .) fatisfadion of being called upon by perfo.tis of the highefr. difHnclion, to confirm the fact, and confequently and I believe, under your direction, that it cannot fail of fuccefs. To fatisfy you with refpecl: to the embelliihments at the end, which you feem to wifh, Ihave two expe- dients ; thefe I have pointed put to Miglia- vacca, and when he has executed them in the manner agreed on, I will, as ufiial, lend a hand, in order that you may be ferved as you ought. In one of thefe expedients, it is prppofed, by the power of enchantment, to introduce into the texture of the drama, the court of Apollo or the Sun, according to your wifh. But as the denruction of the enchantment is neceUary to the cataftrophe of the opera, the laft eight or ten verfes muft be recited in the natural grove which was feen at the beginning of the piece. 3 And ( *S7 ) And with this I know not whether you will be fatisfied. A fimilar expedient was, how- ever, received with applaufe in my Sogno di Scipione. Another method of introducing a magnificent fcene with whatever machinery you may wifh, is to have a Licenza, or compliment at the end, wholly detached from the texture of the drama $ appro- priating the whole feftival to a name-day, or birth-day, of fome royal perfonage. In this cafe, the aclion may be terminated without being maimed : and the fcene changed to the Palace of the Sun, with as much fplendor and magnificence, as you pleafe. Here our mafter Apollo, angry with the Mufes, and the Genii their followers, with which the ma- chine will be filled, in a pompous recitative and air, will tell them, he wonders ex- tremely that being engaged to fing the praifes of the Gods of Manfanare *, they mould lofe their time in reprefenting the madnefs,of Rma/do and Armida. And com- manding them all, upon pain of excommu- nication, to follow him inftantly and begin the work : the Mufes and Genii, imme- diately ruing from their feats on the ilage, in order to obey him, form a magnificent * The river, on the banks of which Madrid is built. vol. i s dance ( *5* ) dance to the harmony of a full chorus, wifhinsr the audience a good night. In this expedient it is neither neceffary that the performance mould be on a name or birth- pay. The Licenza, or farewel, may be contrived to ferve for any other common day, as every day is proper to pay relpect to the fovcreign of a court. For my own part, I mould not hefitate a moment, my dear Farinelli, to adopt this fecond method : as the firft, to my conception, would always appear like a wen, or tail added to the fes- tival, which does not fit, and fpoils the cataftrophe ; and at 3 aft, to thefe difadvan- tages, muft be added that of returning air orrido Bofco % for the final verfes. Oh, but fay you, if the -firft manner is fo bad, why propofe, write, and correcl it ? Softly, ioftly, my mailer. In the firft place, if you will abfolutely adopt it, there would be no herefy in it worthy of the inquifition. And, Se- condly, I muft have convinced you, that if, unluckily, every thing is not arranged to your mind, it is not for want of pains, but literally from the impoffibility of the enter- priie, Migliavacca will fend you, by the * To the horrid wood. -The final chorus of the opera. next ( 2 59 ) tiext poft, what has been doing; and, fi- nally, I return to the charge of recom- mending to you the choice of. the fecond ex- pedient for a Licenza. When, in the name of wonder, will my bleffed picture arrive; Prince Trivulzi every pofl aflures me, that you ought to have re- ceived it by this time. We mall fee whe- ther my evil genius [will not purfue, even my portrait. r 1 do not remind you of the Neapolitan af- fair, as it would be an injury to your friend- ihip to imagine it wanted a fHmulus. If ever it mould fucceed, I mail make fuch a noife about it, that, for your fovereign ? s glory and your own, it mail extend to China. You flatter my vanity too much in mak- ing me hope that my writings fometimes obtain the approbation of fo enlightened a princefs, as your royal miftrefs. Such temptations as thefe would vanquifh the moderation of the moft humble and refigned philofopher. Think then what a tumult they muft raife in the bread of a poet ! Do you, my dear Gemello, who thanks to the fingular talents with which providence has furnifhe'd you, have the fupreme happinefs of approaching her throne, implore . for me s 2 lb ( 26o ) fo great a patronage ; and in letting her know that I am not a ftranger to the praifes of her numerous royal qualities, try to obtain for me the fovereign influence of her favour. My nofe and my health are extremely thankful to you for having thought of them. They ought in gratitude to be both em- ployed in your fervice ; yet I own myfelf at a lofs how to ufe the firil with any hope of giving you pleafure. — But ftay — I will fad- die it with a huge pair of fpeclacles every time I write to you, though hitherto I have had no occafion for them. All the ladies whom you falute, return yourfalutations, but particularly the countefs of Althan. The poor countefs of Fouchs is ftill ftruggling with a terrible cough, which had reduced her to a IkeJeton. At prefent her life is not in immediate danger, but her recovery will, inevitably, be very flow. By this time you mult be fufriciently tired. Pray love me in exchange for the frie.ndfhip, efteem, and affection, which I mail ever re- tain for you. Vienna, March 8, 1749. LET- ( a6i ) LETTER III. TO THE SAME. And fo your hand writing is fo precious, that there is no afpiring at the poffeflion of fuch a bleffing, without having firlt fighed for it many Olympiads ! Ah barbarous ! Un- grateful man ! Hyrcanian tiger ! Deaf ad- der ! Mountain cat ! Tarantula of i^pulia ! In fo many months could it never enter your head, to let me know that you were alive ! I believe that the ftreams of Manfanare are the waters of Lethe, and that you fwim in them like a trout. I believe that you have entirely forgot my name, and if any one mould mention it, you would afk, who is this Metaftafio ? I made Migliavacca correct the Armida Placata, and it was fpeedily trans- mitted to you. I wrote to you about this and my own affairs. I hoped that my pic- ture muft be arrived by ' this time, and the delicate commhTion I gave you, executed ; but with all thefe Jiimuli, not one lign of life is given. I would have you take care of your felf. Either contrive to difarm my poetical fury, or I mail transfix you with a fatire in s 3 your ( 262 ) your praife, fufficient to make the beard of the Farnefe Hercules tremble, though made offtone. And here I begin. A beautiful lady whofe nods are laws, knowing that we are friends, will have me write to you in order to propofe for your theatre, a firen of ours, whom me protects. The firen recom* mended is called Colombo. Mattei; me is a Ro- man, and feems about two or three and twenty, at molt. Her voice is a foprano, clear in tone, without defects ; has great agility, and extends, with eafe, to two octaves, from B to b, Sings in good tafte, and has a good portamento. She has a well propor- tioned figure, fine eyes, is not ugly, acts well, and is very ambitious of diftinguiihing herfelf by her performance. Here me has acquired univerfal applaufe, as well for her finging, as action ; though on the fame ftage with our African, the Tefi, the capricious CafFariello, and a tenor in the fervice of the Elector of Cologn, called RaafF, who lings like a feraph. I, who am the father of all doubters, hear her with pleafure, and mould not know what more to wifh in her, if her {tature, which is fo genteel and well propor- tioned, had a little more height, and her voice, with all its fweetnefs and agility, had £very ( *i ) a very little more fullnefs. She has per- formed three years at Palermo, as fird wo- mon ; at Naples, as fecond, with the Aftrua ; as firft at the court of Bareith, in the nomi- nal fervice of which me is at prefent ; and now me is fecond to the Teii ; but will ling no more as fecond, unlefs with a few of the moil celebrated profeffors on the (lage; as (lie knows that the reft are not better than her- ielf. The gentlemen who direcl the opera, have already requefled her to remain here another feafon ; but me keeps them in fuf- penfe, having heard from fome Maeftro di Capella or other, before me quitted Naples, that fhe would have an application from Ma* drid ; and it appears to me, that fhe is more partial to the Doubloons of Spain, than the Ungheri of Germany. I am not anxious that you mould engage her ; but I very much wiih that the lady who patronifes her, mould .be convinced how implicitly (he has been obeyed. So that if you do not want her, at leaft write me a letter that may preferve my credit; But if you mould wifh to enter into a treaty with her, in order to fave time, at fo enormous a diftance, you might include in your letter to me, a (ketch of an article, fpecifying the falary and the conditions by S 4 which ( *6 4 ) which it is to be obtained ; and by this fketch, I mall regulate my conduct, always ftudying your intereft moil allured ly more than that that of any other. I mufl tell you, that I make a great facrifice, by entering into this theatrical negotiation. Though if you were to fee from what beautiful lips the com- mands I execute came, you would approve my condefcenhon. But let us have done with firens *. How am I to account for your profound filence about my loft place, which has fo * By this account of the opera fingers at Vienna, in 1749, we may judge of Metaftafio's opinions, candour, and good tafte, in fpeaking of vocal talents. Cafftrelli came young into England, to great disadvantage, as the immediate fucceffor of Farinelli; but afterwards mounted to the fummit of his art, not only in talents, but caprice. The Teji never was in England, nor a favourite of Metaf- tafio ; but as an a&refs, as well as finger, in a grand, more than an amiable ftyle, fhe acquired great reputation, par- ticularly in the German courts. His character of the Mattel is exact to the niceft degree of difcrimi nation, as many perfons ftill living, who faw and heard her after- wards in England, as fecond woman with Mihgotti> and firft with Potenza and Elizi, will allow. And the high praife he has beftowed on the celebrated Tenor, Raaf, was that of every feeling judge of vocal abilities who heard him. See characters of all thefe opera fingers : Mujical Teurs, zndHift. of Afujic, vol. iv. long ( *6 S ) long aiuicled me ? You have perhaps loft all courage at the firft repulfe ? Has a flight contrary wind then made you run into port? No, my dear Gemello : fuch little fortitude would never characterize you. With a fair wind, no one would ever have recourfe to the powers of Farinelli. It is from the dif- ficulties of the enterprife, that it becomes worthy of his care. If the doors are not opened at the firft attempt, they may per- haps at the fecond. And it happens fre- quently, that Jhe who refifts the firft affault, at the lecond, is vanquished. Remember that you are combatting for your fellow twin, in a moft juft caufe. And if it lhould be gained, it would be no dilgrace in the eyes of Europe, either to s thofe who granted, or thofe who folicited, the favour. You will, perhaps, be curious to know how Caffariello has been received ; and here fol- lows the true hiftory. The wonders related of him by his adherents, had excited expec- tations of fomething above humanity ; but the firft night, he abfolutely diipleafed every body, and was moft clearly and univerfally difapproyed. He faid that he was fo op- preffed and difconcerted by the prefence of their Imperial Majefties, that he could not recover ( 266 ) recover himfelf; and indeed, in the fubfe- quent reprefentations, he regained his credit fo much, that fome of the nobility and gen- try now exalt him to the firmament, and even go fo far as to make heretical com- parifons. There are, however, innumerable critics, who find his voice ftrong, but falfe, fcreaming, and diibbedient ; fo that he can do nothing considerable without forcing it, and when forced, it becomes harm and dif- agreeable. They fay that he has no judg- ment, and by frequently attempting what he is unable to execute, leaves it half fmimed ; that he has an old faihioned and bad tafte, and pretend, that they can difcover in his graces, the antique, and {rale flourishes of Niccolini and Mateuccio. They cry out, that no one ever trod the ftage worfe ; that in the recitatives he is an old nun ; and in all he tings, there conflantly reigns a whim- pering tone of lamentation, fufflcient to four the gaiefT. allegro*. They allow that he can fometimes pleafe, even to excefs; but fay, that thefe happy moments are uncertain, and depend on the caprice of his voice and * This, with refpe& to the tone of his voice, is ex- actly the effect which Marchefi's firft performance on the Englifh ftage, had on the writer of thefe memoirs. difpofition s ( *6 7 ) difpofttion, and do not make amends for what his imperfections oblige them to fufFer. You will be pleafed to obferve, that I only cite, but do not decide : on the contrary, I proteft to you, that I have all the efleem for this performer, which he merits. The difgrace of the firft night, the diver- fity of opinions, and the little appearance there is of his having acquired the favour of our molt auguft patronefs, a princefs whom you know to be an exquifite judge of mufic, have humbled him fo extremely, that from his prefent modefty and refignation, you would not know him. If he continues m this difpofition, I hope he will acquire many of thofe fuffrages which were at firft refufed to him. Our Countefs of Althan, who during thefe occurrences, has a moft lively remembrance of you, fends you a thoufand falutations. And I, fufpending my choler, embrace you with my ufual, but ill returned affection. Vienna, May 28, 1749. Metaftafio more frequently complains of the tention of his nerves, and of hypochon- driac affe&ions, this year (1749) than at any other ( 268 ) other period of his life ; and yet, in his let- ters, he has given frequent proofs of hilarity, particularly in writing to his nrft and con- stant patronefs, the Princefs di Belmonte. Two of thefe letters, not in the collection published at Nice, have been inferted in Sig. Saverio Mattei's Memoirs of the poet. The firft contains an account of an earth- quake that happened in Germany, in June 1749, which he defcribes in the following manner. " On Monday was fevennight, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, we were favoured with the unexpected vifit of an earthquake, an animal hardly known in thefe regions. The effects of this vifit were certainly not flight, as there is fcarcely a fingle perfon here who did not perceive it; and if the city has efcaped from damage, the environs and the country have fuffered confiderably, by the appearance of great bodies of water, without knowing whence they came, and which have inundated considerable tracts of land. The motion was not, as ufual, undulatory, from fide to fide, but upwards and down- wards, which will perhaps account for the little damage which the buildings fuf- tained. The principal mock was preceded and ( 269 ) and followed by others, but much lefs Vio- lent. Your excellency will eafily believe, that we are full of terrors ; as indeed we well may, as this is one of the leaft amuf- ing of all nature's fports ; and as it has hap- pened in a country not at all ufed to com- pliments of this kind, it is natural that, befides the umal fear on fuch occafions, it mould have produced all the fymptoms of a terrible furprife. You will take it for granted, that our churches are full, and our theatres empty ; our. muficians idle, and our preach- ers fatigued ; that we are covered with fack- cloth and afhes, and, in fhort, that Vienna refembles Nineveh in penitence. But your excellence will now be pleafed to obferve, how poffible it is, from good reafoning, to draw falfeconclufions. Nothing of all this has happened. The theatres were never more frequented ; the inhabitants more fe- rene ; or aflemblies more chearful. We did indeed, for about two days, talk of this un- expected gueft ; but not more than we mould have done of a Rhinoceros, an Elephant, or any other ftrange animal. iU the time I am writing this letter, it is no longer fpoken of: and the journey of Madamoifelle Taglia- %iniy the dancer, through this city, , from i Italy ( 2 7 ) Italy to Drefden, has inftantly fuperfeded all kind of mention of the earthquake in our converfation. Your Excellence will con- clude, from this moil faithful account, how much more quiet our conferences are here, than elfewhere : and that nature has benign- ly furnifhed us with that fortitude and equa- nimity, without trouble, which, in other countries, is only to be acquired by a long and painful fhidy of philofophy. Nor is your Excellency to believe, that this heroifm is granted here to none but the Germans : this hofpitab.le climate communicates its privi- leges, even to foreigners : for I have obfer- ved the fame firmnefs in all the Italians refi- dent in this city. So true it is, that coward- ife is a diforder which is caught by the mind, as the fmall-pox or meazles by th« body." In a fecond letter to the fame princefs, dated July the 5th, we have a very pleafant and lively relation of a Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee quarrel, which had juft hap- pened in the Opera-houfe at Vienna. " In exchange for the mufical news with which your Excellence has honoured me, concerning our amiable friend, Monticelli> I (hall give you fome military tidings of our valiant Cajfarelli, who a few days ago, gave public ( 2 7 I ) public proofs of his being no lefs a votary of Mars, than of Apollo, For my misfortune, I was not prefent at thefe military feats : but the following is a moft faithful narrative. The Poet of this theatre, is a Milanefe young man, defcended from very worthy parents ; but inconfiderate, a great admirer of the fair fex, defpifing money, and not more rich in abilities, than deficient in judg- ment. To this young author, the mana-' gers of this theatre have confided, not only the fettling the books of the words, but all the arrangements of the ftage. I know not whether it proceeded from rivalry of talents, or perfonal beauty, but the poet and the finger, from the beginning, have been upon the qui vive, and treated each other with fneers and farcafms. At length, Mwliavacca (the poet) ifTued out orders for a rehearial of the opera that was preparing. All the performers obeyed the fummons, except Caffarelli; whofe abfence was occasioned, either by a mutinous fpirit, or an innate averfion to every fpecies of obedience. However, at the end of the rehearfal, he appeared ; and to the falutations of the company, in a very contemptuous and dif- dainful manner, alked, What was the ufe of 4 thefe ( 2 7 2 ) thefe rchearfah ? The Coryphaeus anfwered, in a voice of authority, that " No one was obliged to be accountable to him for what was doing ; that he ought to be glad that his own failure of attendance had been fuf- fered : that his prefence or his abfence Would be of little utility to the fuccefs of the opera ; and though he did what he pleafed himfelf, he ought, at leaft, to let others do their -duty." Caffarelli violently irritated at the air of authority which Migliavacca had af- fumed, politely interrupted him by faying, that "he who had ordered fuch a rehearfal was a folemn coxcomb."^— Here all the pa- tience and dignity of the director left him ; and fufFering himfelf to be blindly trans- ported from a poetical fury, to a more igno- ble rage, he honoured the chanter with all thofe glorious titles which Caffarelli had merited in different parts of Europe ; and flightly touched, but " in very lively colours, fome of the raoft memorable tranfactions of his life ; nor was he likely fbon to come to a clofe ; but the hero of his panegyric, cut- ting the thread of his own praife, boldly cried out to the panegyrift ; " follow me, if thou haft courage, to a place where there is. no one to affift. thee :" then moving towards the: ( 273 ) the door, beckoned him to come out. The perplexed and threatened poet remained a moment in doubt : then fmiling, he fays ; " truly fuch a rival as thee makes me blufh : but come along ! fince the chaftifing mad- men and fools is always a chrifUan work." And then advanced in order to take the field. But Caffarelli having either thought that the Mufes would not be fb valiant, or that, according to the rules of the criminal law, a delinquent ought to be punifhed in loco patrati delifti, changed his firft refolu- tion of feeking another field of battle, and intrenching himfelf behind the door, drew his bright blade, and prefented the point to the enemy. Nor did the other refufe the contefl: : Ma fiero anch^egll il rllucente acclato Libera d&lla placida guarlna* But freeing from its peaceful fcabbard, he Fiercely the fhining fteel difplays. The fpeclators tremble : each calling on his titular faint ; expecting every moment to fee poetical and vocal blood fmoke upon the harpfichords and double-bafes. Till, at length, the Signora Te/i, rifing from under her canopy, where, till now, (he had re- vol. i, t mained ( m J mained a; mod tranquil fpedtator, walked gently, and in a {lately ftep, towards the combatants. When (Oh ! fovereign power of beauty ! ) the mad Cqffarelli, in the moft violent ebullition of his wrath, captivated and appeafed, by this unexpected tendernefs, meets her with rapture;, throws away his fword, or rather lays it at her feet ; begs pardon for his error, generoufly facrificing to her his vengeance, and fealing repeated protections of obedience, refpecl, and hu- miliation, with a thoufand kiffes impreffed on the hand of the arbitrefs of his fury. The nymph fignified forgivenefs by a nod; the poet fheathed his fword ; the fpeclators be- gan to breathe ; and to the joyous found of horfe-laughs, the tumultuous afTembly was diffolved. In collecting the numbers of the wounded and the flain, none was found but the poor copyift, who contracted, in trying to feparate the combatants, a fmall contu- iion in the clavicula of the foot, from an involuntary kick of Migliavaccds Pegafus. The next day the battle was recorded in an anonymous fonnet ; and foon after, an an- fvver was produced by the belligerant poet. I hope to procure a copy of both, to indole in this letter. To. day the German com- i medians ( *75 ) medians will reprefent this extraordinary- event on the ltage. They fay, that already not a place is to be had for love or money, and it is not yet twelve o'clock. I {hould be very glad to be one of the audience, if I were polferTed of an invinble ring. LETTER III. TO THE CAVALIER FARINELLI. I was meditating a fatire in your praife, to revenge my furFerings from your barba- rous iilence, when the Venetian ambaflador fent me your moft affectionate letter of the 6th of May, written at Aranjues. I ought to conceal from you the afcendant you have over my foul, and the rapidity with which your hand writing not only appeafed my wrath, but reprefented to my mind the moft minute circumftances of your merit, againft which I have no defence. Pray make no bad ufe of this confeffion ; be more humane in future ; and do not rely too much on the fweetnefs of my temper. There is no bitter fo infupportable, as that which arifes from corrupted fweetnefs. You remember the Neapolitan pumpkins, called winter melons : t 2 while ( *7« ) while they are found, how neclareous ! ButT the inftant they begin to decay, how poi- fonous ! Suppofe your Metaftafio to be one of them, take care that he is not ipoiled, if you wifli not to be poifoned. Thank hea- ven ! my. picture has at length reached you. Oh how I envy its good fortune to be al- ways in the company of my dear Gemello, while I am feparated from him by half Europe ! I confefs great obligations to the' portrait, as it has procured to the original the approbation of thofe mofr. clement mo- narchs.. The account you have given me, is fufficient to turn the heads of all the hermits of the Thebaid ; confider then what effecl it rnurr. have had upon the mind of a poor grafshopper of ParnarTus, naturally vain, like the reft of the poetical tribe. I never ceafe, from morning to night, repeating to myfelf Se le conofce en la cara> &c. (f). What a pro- digious fatigue is it not to believe all this, and tell it to the whole world ! This glory I owe to you, confider therefore how much I think myfelf obliged to you. I am certain that Migliavacca is perfectly contented with the magnificent prefent (f) A Neapolitan old ballad. which ( *77 ) which you procured him, and believe he will never have fuch another as long as he lives, nor one acquired with lefs fatigue. Indeed he only fpoiled what I had iketched out'; and obliged me, for the credit of my interpofition, and for your fake, to new write the principal fcenes ; to help the feet of the limping fongs, and, in fhort, to give myfelf more trouble than if he had not written a fingle verfe. It is, however, fuf- ficient, that, by dint of fcolding and fretting, the piece is likely to have a good effect, if the perfon who performs the part of Armlda is a good Affrice. I am unacquainted with the firfl woman, and therefore can form no progiioftics. All I am certain of is, that the fuperb prefent made to Migliavacca has afforded me much more pleafure than I mould have experienced if you had procured me a Cardinal's cap. It afforded me a fine text to preach on through the court and city; and an opportunity of acquainting every body with the noble and generous way of thinking of my dear Farinelli, for which I love him ftill more than for that excel- lence which fets him at the head of all the tuneful hierarchy. t 3 Would ( V* ) Would to. heaven I could boafl, my dear friend, that the nerves of my poor head correfponded with the placid countenance which the painter has been pleafed to give to my portrait. This letter was begun the 1 9th, will be finimed, God willing, to-day, the 25th. When I apply with a little attention, the nerves of my fenfbrium are put into a violent tumult. I grow as red as a drunk- ard ; and am obliged to quit my work, or heaven knows what might be the' confe- quence. Moft people are deceived by ap- pearances, which they do not believe; and my Imperial Miftrefs has been, and perhaps is now, in the fame error as yourfelf. How- ever, in revenge for my not having written any thing during the lafr. five years, though it was very much wifhed, me has increafed my falary, a few weeks ago, 500 florins, an- nually, for which I never had the leaft idea of foliciting. Think how much I muil bluih at finding myfelf fo unable to manifest my gratitude for this Imperial bounty, which being; fpontaneous during fuch an adverfe or o period as the prefent, is of infinitely more value, than much greater gifts, granted to folicitation in prosperous times. I have therefore determined to try the ftrength of ( 279 > of my head this fummer (if we are to have any, for we ftill wear cloth clothes), and give a teflimony to my fbvereign of my in- clination, at leaft, by fome production, long, fhort, good or bad, as it may happen. Fjrom this too faithful account, my dear Gen4ello may judge what promife I am able to make, to furnifh the opera you wifti for your court. If there is an individual in the world whom I wifh to pleafe, be aflured that it is yourfelf. But how can I attempt it, while I am fo deep in my fovereign's n,the fuccefs ( **3 ) fuccefs of the enterprife, but on your fincere, friendly, and generous activity. Vienna, June 27> 1749- LETTER V. TO THE SAME. The rapturous gratitude and affection which overflowed in my laft letter, con- cerning the news which I had received from Naples, did not allow me tranquillity to tran- fcribe the Cantata which I now inclofe. Your manner of acting appeared to me fo generous and uncommon, that I could think of nothing elfe. The general practice is to promife much, and do very little ; but you do a great deal, and fay nothing. So that my intelligence of the kind offices which you perform for me in Spain, comes from Naples. In fhort, there is but one Farinelli, I am proud to find that the irrififlible in- clination which I always felt to attach my- felf to you, is fo reafonable, I wifh you to believe, that whatever may be the termina- tion of this bufinefs, my gratitude will ever remain the fame : for you have convinced me, that if it were in your power to elect me Pope, I might already begin to grant Indigencies : ( a«4 ) Indigencies ; and this is fufficient to bind the heart and affection of aii honeft man. Succefs does not depend on ourfelves. I inclofe two Cantatas : the firft for two voices, confuting of recitative, with two airs for graceful mulic, and a very tender duet. The interlocutors' are an affectionate nymph, and a lhepherd naturally jealous ; and I lhould hope, that feafoned by your notes, and executed to your fatisfacfion, it might have an efFect. The other is a Can- tata for a fingle voice, in a more chearful ftyle. An ingenuous man fpeaks in it to a little nymph of the bird kind, who willies to entangle him ; which he does not per- ceive. If you knew the original, the copy would not dilpleafe you. But fuch originals abound every where ; and you will find fome of them at Madrid. The recitative is very long ; but the force of the cantata lies only in the recitative. If it will ferve you for no other purpofe, divert yourfelf with read- ing it. As neither this nor the other has yet been publifhed, that circumftance will, perhaps, give them fome value, if they can boafl of no other. I muff, inform you, that. I fing your air like a feraph : Count Anthony of Althan plays ( s8 5 ) plays the- firft 'violin; the other performers are unknown to you. But, my good matter, you muft not laugh at us, as, by the con- feflion of many, we do you very great ho- nour : fo fpare your ridicule, I entreat you. But a propos to ridicule, I believe I com- mitted a great blunder in my laft letter. It feems as if I faid, that in a defperate cafe, if the place could not be reilored, an equi- valent might be folicited in an ecclejiajlical benefice, which would coft the royal treafury nothing: now I ought to have faid, an ecclejiajlical penfion, and not a benefice. As, I believe, to be qualified for a benefice, the candidate mould be a native, though not for a penfion. But thefe are only hints for a defperate cafe, to which, with your fupport, I hope we mall never be driven. For by accounts from Naples, as I find the tree was /hook by the nrfr. blow it received from you, it is to be hoped that, by another little itroke, it will fall. But I have already teazed you too much on this fubjec~r. Adieu. Vienna, Julf 9, 1749. The next letter to Farinelli dwells on a long, and now unintereiting difcuffion of his ( 286 ) his Neapolitan claims, and is ended in tho following manner. LETTER VI. TO THE SAME. I began a little drama, to pleafe my au* guft Miftrefs, but have been obliged to dis- continue it. My head fuffers cruelly from the (lighter!: exercife of intellect. It is a barbarous thing, my dear friend, and frill more barbarous, as it is difficult to be be- lieved. However, I mail try again, as I am afhamed of my inactivity, though involun- tary. I beg you to believe firmly that, next to my patronefs, to whom my firlt duty is due, I (hall place my dear Gemello before all the monarchs upon earth. From the courts of Turin and Drefden, befides many other places of lefs confequence, I have been aflailed with offers innumerable ; but life is a far -die \ number one. And we muft preferve it as long as God pleafes. The dim total of all this is, that if I am able to work for any one except my patronefs, it will be for you. Though you have not promifed to take care of my Neapolitan bufinefs, I know it will not ( *» 7 ) not be forgotten, and I am already as much indebted to you as if it was happily fmiihed. I know that twins only labour with fuch zeal and efficacy as you have done. I mould not difcontinue writing, but it is late, and I am tired. All falutations are returned to you, and I embrace you with my accuftomed affection. Vienna, Augufl: 16, 1749. LETTER VII. TO THE SAME. I was juft in the acf of pulling on my boots for my ufual journey into Moravia, at this time of the year, when your mofl de- lightful letter from Madrid, of the 29th of July, was brought to me ; but the poftilion waits, and I cannot let him depart with- out an anfwer for my deareft Charles. I mould feem to travel with a fting in my confeience, which would let me have no peace during the whole journey ; and with fuch a fin on my back, God knows how many fpokes may be broken, how often I may be overturned, how many horfes may become reftirF, or how many drunken pof- tilions ( 288 ) till oas may rob me of all patience. No, no, let us avoid all danger. I feel at this very time, that a chert, of Vanilla chocolate, muff, and bark, tributes which India furnifhes to Spain, and your great heart to me, are under fail. By the gift I judge of the donor. My palate flat- tered with fiich delicious beverage, my nofe fo delightfully tickled, my veins furnifhed with fuch guards againfl all irregular effer- vefcence of the blood, and every other mem- ber of my very frail little frame, through envy or pleafure, are all in fuch a tumult of gratitude, as to protert. that all their motions ihall be regulated in future by the nod of their generous benefactor. You who are a great algebraift, calculate yourfelf, in the firfr. place, how much I love and efleem you ; then how dear every thing is that comes from you, though in itfelf indifferent ; afterwards, find out how much I am de- lighted with every new teffcimony of your affection ; and, finally, the intrinfic value of the gift ; fum up all, thefe together, and then, if arithmetic can go fo far, give me the producl. But alas! my very fhort acknowledge- ments appear already, too prolix to your vir- 4 g' 1 " ( *% ) gin modefty ; you already bluih, grow im- patient and angry, but I laugh at all this ; and fee you are already appeafed. What is the beautiful Caftellini doing; and is it true that, fhe is fo pleafed with myfalu- tations ? that fhe means to honour me with her correfpondence ? Ah ! if you love me, let not my friendship be put to fo great a trial. After the alluring defcription which you have given of this amiable perfon, the violent temptation of a letter would precipi- tate me into the commiffion of fome mental infidelity, for which I mould be inconfolable. Tell her, however, that, as a twin, I can only receive the emotions of your heart at the rebound ; that when I hear your name, I feel a certain tingling fenfation which in- commodes me, and yet I have no wifh that it fhould be difcontinued ; that if the Man- zanare was not fo diflant from the Danube, I Should have come to try whether fhe would receive me with open arms, as fhe does my falutations ; and tell her No Sir, tell her nothing. The road is too frippery, and it is eafier to keep out of it, than, when en- tered, to avoid falling. I would not have you imagine, that my journey into the country will occafion the vol. i. u leafl ( 2 9° ) Xeaffc prejudice to the affairs of Sig. Rodolfo, I leave them in the hands of a zealous agent, and moft amiable friend, who is on the watch, and ready to write to me, if any ma- terial occurrence mould happen. It is un-> lucky that the Emperor, is continually mov- ing about from place to place : now in Hungary, now in Moravia, now in the chace, now encamped, or at the Baths, During thefe laft two- months, he has not been four days in his palace in this neigh- bourhood. When he is ilationary there, at this time of the year, he is three miles dif- tantfrom the city, and the poor agents are forced to run many times after him, before they can catch him flying. I thank you for your categorical anfwer to Mademoifelle Mattei, I have had it read to the perfon who gave me the commiffion, and that's all I wanted. The poftilion founds his horn, and I muft conclude. All who know that I am writing to you, beg to be remembered ; but I am not in a humour to write all their names. Our dear Countefs of Althan muft, how- ever, not be omitted, who is as partial to you as ever. Vienna, September 6 ? 1749. 4. I" ? X* ( 2 9* ) LETTER VIII. TO THE SAME. Behold me again at Vienna; where I have to anfwer your two letters of the 23d, and 30th of September. But the chapters are different, and muft be feparated ; let us begin with the moft. eafy. I ordered, even from the country, Mig- Jiavacca to have the Licenza ready for you, whenever it might be wanted. On my re- turn, hither, I immediately fent for him, and on Saturday morning made him read, correct what he had done, and inclofe the Licenza you requefled in a letter, with my affectionate falutations, and an afTu ranee that I only poftponed writing myfelf, till Wednefday, when I hoped to foave it in my power to fay fomething pofitive to you concerning Cavalli. Yeflerday I was informed that Migliavacca, in com- ing from the opera, was fuddenly attack- ed in his way home ; received two vio- lent wounds in his head, by perfons ui> known, and that, as yet, there was no de- termining what would be the coiifecruence, V 3 Not ( 2 9 2 ) Not being the moft exact commhTary in tfie world, God knows whether he had written the letter and fent away the Licenza, as I had defired him, previous to this event. In his preient ftate, it would feem devoid of all chriftian charity to difturb him about this bufinefs : I have therefore tried to recollect the Licenza, have read it over and over again, chewed it, and really believe that I have recovered every line. I have tran- fcribed and enclofed it, that it may arrive in time. — But behold ! Here comes a perfon who informs me, that laft night Migliavacca was at the theatre ! A proof that the wounds were not very ferious ; they will I hope however ferve as correctives. Now I have room, and have written fb little, I mail add a few words, as an adver- tifement, not a recommendation. Know then, that a Neapolitan Maeftro di Capella of the name of Jomelli, has fet two of my operas here. He is about thirty-five years of age, of a ipherical figure (g), pacific dif- poiition, with an engaging countenance, moft pleafing manners, and excellent mo- rals. He has furprifed me. I have found in him all the harmony of HafTe, with all the (gj Jomelli was remarkably corpulent. grace, ( *93 ) grace, cxprefllon, and invention of Vinci. At prefent he is gone to Venice, to bring on the ftage my Ciro y and returns immediately to Vienna, to do the fame piece of fervice to Didone. Befides this, he is engaged to compofe two operas for our theatre, next year. You will certainly hear of him from other quarters ; but I wifh you to know my opinion of him. It appears to me, as if be wifhed to be heard in Spain ; if that mould ever happen, I am certain he would do you honour. You will confider whether it will be expedient to engage him for one year or two. Befides the operas which he entirely new fets, he will make no difficulty of ac- commodating whatever old operas youpleafe; and if you thought it more convenient that he mould compofe at home, and fend you his productions, as was done by Leo, he will be equally ready to join iflue with you. In fhort, he is made of a pafte to which you rnay give whatever form you pleafe. Make ufe of this information, which, however, is no recom- mendation, and requires no oftenfible anfwer. Adieu my dear Gemello ; I can write no more to day. Love me, and believe me obflinately yours. Vienna, November 12, 1749. u 3 The ( 2 9 4 ) The Licenza mentioned by Metaftaiio in this letter, is printed at the end of it, though not in his works. It is a kind of compli- mentary Epilogue to the Opera of Armida, performed before the king and queen of Spain, at the court of _ Madrid. The inter- locutors are, Apollo, and the Mufes. The God chides his daughters for trifling away their time in talking about Armida, while the virtues of their beft friends, the Sove* reigns of Manzanare, remain unfung. LETTER IX. TO FARINELLI. You were fb angry with the monaftic re- fidenCe, called a country feat, where you had caught your fore throat, wken you wrote your laft. letter to me, that you neither named tjbte year, day, nor place, in which it was written. God fend the fame thing may not happen in directing your next letter to me ; as I may then expect it till the day of judgment, without its ever coming to my hands. I am extremely impatient to hear, that your throat is in prtftinum\ and hope you will not (295 ) not retard the news, but relieve my mind from its fblicitude on that account, as foon as poffible. But my dear Gemello, though I own it to be a very troublefome com- plaint, and pity you fincerely ; yet, to con- , fefs the truth, (under favour) it is but fair that per quee quis peccat, per hcec & puniatur^ that the peccant part mould fufFer. God knows how many fins the witchcraft of your throat has occafioned ; therefore a little caf- tigation of that part may not be amifs. . By to day's pofl, I have advice, that the cheft of muff is arrived at Triejie. My nofe is in the greateft impatience. The wax-faced Ten wimes to have a certain Ranieri Collin fecretary to the Abate Vernaccini, recommended to you, and wants me to do the bufmefs. It is fufficient that you acknowledge I have written to you about him ; however, I am very little ac- quainted with him. Count Nicolas Efterhafi, who will be our Ambaffador at your court, calls himfelf your friend, and wimes me to fend compliments to you in his name ; and to fay, among other things, that he is very impatient to embrace you, u_ 4 If ( 2 9 6 ) If I had more room, I would fend you a long Litany of falutations, but that not being the cafe, content yourfelf with thofe of the Countefs d'Althan. Vienna, December 3, 1749* LETTER X. TO THE SAME. By working for you in verfe, I mall have^ no time to-day, fqr writing to you in profe. Here is the poem you wifhed, with the fup- plement. I mould have attempted this for none but my dear Gemello. The thing is not fo eafy as you imagine. It is not fuf- ficient that an additional part mould be good in itfelf, it mould be fb adapted as to fit the place, otherwife it is a wen upon a produc- tion that was conceived without it. Be that as it may, the bufmefs is done, and i£ well reprefented, may have an effect. I have not had time even to tranfcribe it. God knows whether you will be able to decipher my original {ketch. With more leifure it might perhaps have been better ; but, at prefent, you muft content yourfelf, howefer deficient you may find it* The ( 2 97 ) The pleafure I felt at your recovering from the terrible fore throat with which you were afflicted, made me fwallow the pill without making faces. It is a great confo- lation to me to perceive, by your letter, the tranquil ftate of your mind ; a proof that the machine is in order, which I wifh indii- fbluble. I have made a good ufe of the in- formation you gave me, concerning the flat- tering remembrance of your moil: gracious fbvereign. I have fpread it about the court, and it is talked of every where ! Good God ! why has not it been always the fame ! The muff is not yet arrived ; but accord- ing to the advice I have received, it cannot be far from Vienna. You mall be informed the inftant I get fcent of it. I wifh you joy of the mufic of Buranello, who, according to what I have heard, will be a"good compofer for violins, violoncellos, and for lingers ; but a very bad workman for poets. He thinks as much about the words when he is fetting them, as you of being elected Pope ; and if he did think of them, I am not fure he would do better. He abounds in ideas, though not always his own, nor well connected together. In fhort, he is not . my Apoftle. I fpeak with fin- cerity ( 2 9 8 ) Cerity to my dear Gemello, but in public, I leave him in that ftate of credit in which he is held by thofe who judge with the ear, and not the underftanding. Vienna, December 27, 1749- This is a very fevere cenfure of that fpi- rited and fanciful compofer, Galuppi detto Buranello. But though Buranello's Pegafiis, in the year 1 749, was wild and ungoverna- ble, he lived long enough to break and bring him into order. This compofer, in his younger days, wrote with a rapidity which allowed him little leifure for attending to words, or indee'd to the ftricT: rules of coun- terpoint ; but continuing to compofe up- wards of thirty years after this period, he produced works both for the church and flage, which, in fpite of the tranfient flate of mufical fame, will long- be admired by true judges of the art. Galuppi died at Venice, 1782, at 85. See Hiji. Mujic, vol iv. END OF THE SIXTH SECTION. ( 2 99 ) SECTION VII. .Having prefented the reader with all the letters which the poet wrote to his friend Farinelli during the year 1749, a retrospect mufr. be taken of thofe to his other corres- pondents .during the fame year. And the firft which has been hitherto unnoticed, is addreffed to an author of an oratorio, to which a Bolognefe printer had affixed the name of Metaftafio. LETTER I. TO SIG. D. LUIGI LOCATELLI, AT GENOA. There is no refentment, Sir, more jufl, than that which you feem to feel at finding yourfelf defrauded of the glory juftly due to your own labours, nor undertaking more laudable, than that of reclaiming it. It is not only mine, but the common interefr. of every writer, to take an a&ive part in your . - / favour. ( 3°° ) favour. I therefore am mofr. 'ready to pub- lim as often as you pleafe, that I had no kind of mare in the writing, or conception of the drama called La Via della croce, to which as you have been pleafed to inform me, my name has been fet by the Bolognefe printer. 1 am fb little to blame for this robbery, that having been totally ignorant of it till now, I am wholly exempt even from the complacence into which the mis- take that does me honour, might have fedu- ced me. I am, however, obliged to him who has thus procured me your friendfhip, though by an oblique road. And beg of you to furnifli me with frequent occafions of meriting that honour, and to believe me to be, &c. Vienna, March 20, 1749. Metaftafio, in foiling his papers many years after, found a copy of this letter; and in order to authenticate it, gave teftimony on the back with his own hand, that it was genuine, figning it Pietro Metastasio. Vienna, June 26, 1755. The next letters, written in 1749, of' which the notice has been hitherto poft- poned, ( 3°i ) poned, in order to avoid breaking the chain of his correfpondence with Farinelli, are the following. LETTER II. TO THE PRINCESS DI BELMONTE, AT NAPLES. I perceive, by your monV refpected letter of the 14th of July, that you regard the flow arrival at ratiocination among the peo- ple who refide within the Arctic Circle, as a difadvantage. But I, (begging your par- don) regard it as one of the greateir. bleffings which providence can grant to us poor mor- tals, and am unable to fay what I would not give to be poffened of a fiiperior degree of ftupidity. Of what ufe is this perfpica- cious celerity of combination ? Perhaps to forefee the future ? Oh what vanity ! In fo many years painful experience, I have difcovered, to my fhame, that in reafoning upon the events of this world in the moft accurate manner I was able, I have deduced the moit. falfe confequences. For fo nu- merous and uncertain are the poffible con- tingences, that it is utterly impoffible for the human ( 3 02 ) human mind to fee them all : and one finorlc circum fiance omitted, in laying the foun- dation of our reafoning, ruins the whole edifice. You know that if a line deviates one fingle point from its parallel, it be- comes more diftant the further it is extended. Hence I feem much more inclined to laugh at the predictions deduced from the reafon- ing of our modern Ariftotles, than at the dreams of the Abate Joachim (h) or the vifions of Noftradamus (/). A mort apologue of a Greek poet, feem- ingly puerile, but of very ferious ufe in reality, exhibits clearly to our view, both the fallacy and mifchief of our reafoning faculty. And being very mort 9 it may help to fill up the vacuity of this letter. He fays, that human fouls, when con- demned to animate our bodies, come forth from their tranquil habitation at a door which has a vafe on each fide ; in the one is (b) A vifionary Theologian of the twelfth century, whofe reveries were condemned by fubfequent councils. (7 ) A celebrated Aftrologer and Fortune-teller of the fixteentrk century, whofe wild predictions were not only believed by the credulous multitude, but fought and ref- pected by moft of the princes of his time. It was the younger brother of this Charlatan who wrote the lives of the ancient Provencal bards, publilhed at Lyons, 1575. continue^ ( 3°3 ) contained the fweet, and in the other the bitter, which renders life happy or miferable. The new traveller is obliged, by the laws of fate, to flop at going out, and tafte of both thefe vafes, without knowing their contents; but may drink much or little, juft as he pleafes. Now as all are poffeffed with a pes- tilent rage for divining by the force of rea- fon, fee what are the confequences. The foul which flops firfr. to tafte of the fweet vafe, conjectures that the contents of the other muft be the fame, and eager to double his pleafure, takes a greater gulp of the bitter, but finds himfelf deceived. The foul that flops firft at the bitter vafe, by the fame falfe reafoning, fuppoiing he fhall di- minifh difguft, takes the fmalleft quantity poffible of the fweet, and is equally deceived. Hence it is, fays the poet, that in the whole courfe of our lives, the fweet is fo much lefs than the bitter (/£). But mould the reafoning faculty be grant- ed to human pride, if the power of directing the courfe of events is not likewife granted, it would be of no other ufe than to make us Wretched. No axiom is more demonftrable (}) Seq Homer's Iliad, Book xxiv. than ( 3°4 ) than that in this valley of tears our pains are far more numerous than our pleafures. And that our imaginary evils are infinitely more terrible than the real. A poet with whom I have fome flight acquaintance, among his papers, not yet publifhed, illuflrates the truth of this fentiment, in the following manner. Sempre e maggior del vera IS Idea del/a /ventura, jil credulo penjiero Depinta dal timor , Chijlolta 11 mal figura Affretta 11 propria affanno, Ed ajjtcura un danno. £htando e dubbiofo ancor (/), Ideal evil, when defign'd, And colour'd by the artift fear, Can more than real, rack mankind, And gen'rate Offerings more fevere. Mortals who fancied woes explore Misfortune but anticipate, And render certain, what before Was doubtful and unfixt by fate. And if your" excellence tells me, that by forefeeing misfortunes, and making a good ufe of free-will, we may avoid them ; I fhall anfwer, that this power is limited to our own (I)' Jtlilio Regolo, attq iom". fc. u. not publifhed when this letter was written. . i kittle (305) little frames, and does not extend beyond them. Whatever free-agency I may boaft, it is not in my power to prev6nt the ruin of a kingdom which I may wilh profperous, the difgrace of a friend whom I may wifh happy, or the infidelity of a nymph whom I mould wifh to be conftant. So that after the mofr. fubtle arguments, reafoning, com- binations, and lyftems ; after having ex- tracted from the brain, the memdry of things part ; after totally forgetting* the prefent in purfiiing the future, we at length, in fpite of the ridiculous privilege of tormenting our- felves, find that we are plunged into the fame inconvenience in which we mould have been, if we had remained quiet, and let things take their courfe. What then re- mains for uSj but to have recourfe to that enviable indolence which is produced by ftoical arrogance ? And what, except the Syllogifms of Seneca and Epicletus, have thefe fortunate, people to fupport them in their placid apathy ?— Softly, foftly, good Sig. .Abate, you gallop without a bridle ; your argument proves too much, and preci- pitates you into abfurdity without your per- ceiving it. For, according to you, the life of an oyfter or a tortoife would be infinitely vol. I. x preferable ( 3°). (p) This being the celebrated piece of Recitative, whiehj as fet by Jomelli, was conftantly encored when performed, in England, by Serafini, in 1754, I ihall give it here en- tire, with a literal tranflation. Romani, addio. Siano i congedi Romans, adieu. L,ct this our ejlremi laft farewel Degni di noi. Lode agli Dei, Vf Be worthy of us all. Thank lafcio, heaven I leave you, Evi la/do Romani. Ah conjervate And leave you Romans. Ahftrive to keep Illibato il gran nome : e with which the Romans take a final leave of Regulus, as mail demonftrate, that this Chorus is not like moft others, a fuperfluity, but a moft effential part of the cataftrophe. I here quit the fubjeft, not indeed, for want of materials, or will to converfe with you longer; but becaufe I am really tired myfelf, and fearful of tiring you, Signor Annibali, is defirous that I mould write fomething to him, concerning his part (a). But I muft entreat you to read to him fuch pafTages of this letter, as you may think likely to afford him any fatisfacr tion. I have not time to perufe what I have written; think then, whether it is poffible for me to tranfcribe any part of it. (a) Annibali, whofe voice was a contralto^ and who performed the part of Attilio, was in England, and fung in Handel's Operas, at Covent Garden, in 1736-& 7. See his Character, Hijiory of Muftc^ vol, iv, p, 398. 402. Prefeuf ( 33* ) Prefent a thoufand affectionate compli- ments in my name, to the incomparable Signpra Fauftina, and believe me, upon all ©ccafions, yours moil truly (b). Vienna, 1749, LETTER V, TO THE ABATE PASOUINI, I should rejoice* without bounds, at your happy arrival in your native country, if in the letter which you have bqeil pleafed to write' to me on the fubjecl, there tranfpired the leaft fign that you would rejoice your- felf. I wifh I may be mifiakeri in my con-> jedures ; but it is certain, that in your J^aconic epiftle, there does not appear the (J>) Regarding thefe memoirs £s a lcind of fuppliment to my General Htjiory af Mujic, I have inferted a traftfla* tion of this letter, at full length, however long and tech* nical it may appear to fome of my readers : as I cannot help regarding the inftru£Hons pf fuch a Poet, to fuch a ^/tufician, as precious relics, not only worthy of prefer- yation, but of being contemplated with reverence, by young Opera compofers, ambitious not only to embellifh, but enforce the imagery and ientiments of the Poetry which they have (0 cloath with melody and harmony. froaUeft -'( 33 l ) |malle# fpark of that content which ufaally inflames a mind, njoti compos. I wifh you may enjoy that tranquility which you pro- pofe to yourfelf, and wiih it from my heart; would to God you may difcover the un- known fource of happinefs. My Attilio Regolo is preparing for the Theatre Royal at Drefden, with all con- venient difpatch, Annibali writes me word, that the mufic of the two firH: acts, has already been rehearfed before their MajefUes, and is moil: excellent. I wifh, as you may imagine, that its fuccefs may anfwet- expectation ; but of this, you will certainly have a more fincere account than myfelf ; however, if it mould fail, there is no likelihpod that rumour will be filent. It js long fince my tranquility was at the mercy of popular breath. The public may determine how they pleafe on the prefent occafion; neither the excefs nor want of approbation, will furprife me. I am too well convinced, that thefe rather depend on the fortuitous concourfe of a thoufand fecret and minute accidents, than on the apparent mo» tives tp which they are afcribed. Vienna ppc, 517th, 1749, LET, ( 33* ) L E TTER VI. TO THE SAME, AT SIENNA. Your letter of the 19th of January, changed the pleafure which I conftantly ufed to receive from your correfpondence, into bittemefs, at your complaints' of the ac- eomplimment of my prediction concerning your migration into Tufcany. Good God ! have you then read, thought, and perhaps'' written, fo much in vain about happinefs being the more difficult to attain, in propor- tion to the eagernefs with which it is pur-> fued ! and have you then fuffered your ima- gination to run away with you,' fo far as to think you mail come to beggary ? Oh, but fay you, I was not in earneft, and our old matters tell you that turpe eft dicere non putabam : and, particularly, when before you took this ftep, your friends with zeal haf- tened to your amftance, as you well know, upon the' firft rumour, and did every thing in their power to enlighten you; they tried to hold you by the fleeve, but you tore your- felf from their hold. So true it is, that wife maxims ( 333 ) maxims can never enable the mind to refirl the emotions of the heart, when, thanks to daily practice, they are mechanically con- verted into habits. For our difgrace, the trade of a poet coniifts more in ikying what is right, than of practifing it. But all this fine homily is already out of feafon : confider it merely as a tranfport of grief, I mould pleafe you more, if I were lefs inter efted in your welfare. You regard me as Moliere's old man, who difturbed at the news of his fon's captivity, cries out every moment, but what the devil had he to do on Jhip-board? You afk my help ; but when you have ob tained all that I can give, it will amount to but little. Yet, however convinced I may be of my debility, I fhall not remain with my hands in my bofom, but mall try, at leaft, to ftimulate thofe who have more ftrensfth to help you on. I muff, confefs, however, that I mould have had much more courage, if I were able to draw water from the fource : there it is limpid and open, qualities which it does not preferve in its canals. That the Princefs Royal occupies herfelf in translating my Attiiio, is Hill a feoret to me. She has, however, communicated to me many of her poetical productions, and with- out ( 334 > Gut adulation, I declare, that I am always more and more (urprifed to find, that in fpite of the delicacy of fex, and the weighty af- fairs incident to her rank, !he has been able to mount fo high on Parnaflus. All the letters .from Drefden confirm the fortune of Attilio. But the moft flattering of all proofs, is the approbation of the King, who knows a great part of it by heart ; a circumftance of which he did not wiih me to remain ignorant. He has deigned to have it infinuated to me, that- he mould have been highly pleafed, if I could have been prefent at any one of the reprefentarjons ; and in fpite of the impertinence of my nerves, and of the uncommonly horrid winter which this perverfe year has produced, 1 mould have given way to fuch an excufable vanky, if the whole medical faculty, and the outcries of my friends, had not prevented me. This, my dear Abate, is the moft illuftrious pre- mium that I can propofe to my labours, the reft is more an affair of others, than my own. The Neapolitan Envoy at Drefden, loads me with a mercantile care, little adapted to my proferlion. He never had written to me before ; but now writes only on this fubject, and " v 33$ ) and is determined that I mall have enough of it, for he fpeaks of nothing elfe. This confidence does not more furprife, than hon- our me. You, according to him, are to fpeak to me on the fame chapter. Oh poor humanity ! Adieu, believe me without ex- aggeration, yours moft fincerely. Vienna, February 7, 1750. LETTER VII. TO SIGNpR FILIPPONI. j^feel more pain than remorfe at not hav- ing been able to anfwer your letter of the 25 th of ApriJ, fooner. My health, fome domeftic affairs, a world of com millions for other people, and different maledidlions, have phyfically prevented me from being with you, but not at all from thinking of you. I have frequently ipoken of your affairs to Count Lofi, and have always found him full of benevolence towards you. It would not be amifs, if you were to join in teazing him, by thanking him for the partiality towards you which he has repeatedly men- tioned to me ; defcribing to him in the fhort- efl manner poffible, the true jftate of your 3 affairs ; ( 33* ) • affairs ; and magnifying the hope you place in his kind offices. I read with pleafure the Canzonetta of Signora Livia Accarigi. It is poetical, happy, graceful, and harmonious : and coming from a lady, is, in fhort, more than fufficient to difgrace our whole fex. You may fafely and confcientioufly congratulate her upon it in my name. I know not whether our au- gufr. patron has yet feen it; but I know that I have laid fuch a train, that he certainly will fee it. Vienna, June 6, 1750. END OF THE SEVENTH SECTION. SEC ( 337 ) SECTION VIII. W e fhall now refume the correfpondenc^ of our poet with his friend Farinelli, which feems to have been the moil cordial and cbnftant literary intercourfe he fuftained after the death of the Romanini. In a former letter to him that has been inferted in thelp me- moirs (<:), Metaftafio fpeaks of his nafal impa- tience for the arrival of a prelent of muff, which had beenfent to him from Spain by the vocal favourite of that court ; and now he gives an account of its being in his poffeffion. LETTER I. tO THE CAVALIER FARINELLI. Notwithstanding a croud of letters that lie before me, and which will remain (c) See above, p. 295. vol. i. % in ( 338 ) in peace, till the tortured nerves of my poor head will allow me to anfwer them, I can- not poftpone embracing you, and giving you an account of the muff being arrived, and -in my pofTefiion, together with the vanilla, and bark. I received the cheft two days ago, proud of ever having had a fhare in the Spanifh Flota. It is impoflible to thank you in a more exprerlive formula, than in faying aloud, that the gift is worthy of your heart. The whole city and court are al- ready informed of it ; and I take efpecial care, that juftice is done to my moft beloved twin. The bark and muff, are arrived in the higheft prefervation. The vanilla is a little dry, and, infome of the extremities, it has Con- tracted a kind of ruff, or mouldinefs, which made me fear it was fpoiled. But the learn- ed in fuch matters have cleaned it, and fay that it will be ftill ufeful. I mould enter upon a long and formal acknowledgement, but we know one another too well : you would fkip like a grafshopper ; and I mould not fay half what 1 feel. You who are in my heart, or rather who have it with you, afk it how it feels. Laft week I fent you the drama of the Cinefi, with the additional part you defired. i If ( 339 ) If the pafTage which you propofed by a merchant fhip, is as fhort as it ought to be, you will have it twenty-three, or twenty-four days, before Eafter., But if not, the fault will be your correspondent's, not mine. The prefent letter will go through Paris directly to Madrid. Obferve, when you receive it, the difference of time that it has been on the road, from that of former letters. Marefchal Count Pinos has been here, to thank me for the partiality which you have fhewn to his nephew. He is impatient to obey your commands in fomething or other, and extremely forry that the bunnefs of Sig. Rodolfo is abfolutely impracticable. He entreats you to put him to fome other trial ; and, in the mean time, if it mould be con- venient and defirable for his fon to try his fortune, and enter into his fervice, he will give him a company in his own regiment. Our Countefs d'Althan thanks you for the favourable notice you have taken of her nephew ; is much pleafed with your remem- brance; and having divided with her my fnurF, it will conftantly ftimulate gratitude, at leaft in the nafal fenfe. By your filence concerning feveral of my letters, I begin to apprehend that they are £ 2 loft. ( 34o ) loft. • Your laft is dated the 28th of No- vember. Whenever an opportunity offers, I beg you will never fail to lay at the feet of your Deity, the moft humble tributes of my pro- found refpecT: and fay, that authorifed by fuch an oracle, my vanity begins to become a virtue. Adieu my dear Gemello. Thanks' again, and — No, no ; you begin to bounce. Love me as I do you, and I defire no "more. Vienna, 3d of 1750 (d). In the next letter to his old and zealous friend, he refumes the unfortunate fubjecl of his Neapolitan place ; and fpeaks of the profecutions of fortune, in ipite of all the favour and partiality of the four principal fovereigns in Europe, with equal energy and indignation. And it does feem, as if princes were more negligent, or lefs able than is generally imagined, to reward fuch captivating talents as Metaftafio's, even at the time when they Were moft enchanted by them, and when they moft openly con- (fl) In none of Metaftafio's Letters, written during the fir ft month of the year, is January mentioned. fefTe4 ( 341 ) fefled their obligations. That no one of thefe princes would encourage the feizure of a purchafed place, in order to reward his inerit at another's expence, was a virtuous forbearance ; but that no one of them, or that all together, would not indemnify the poet's lofs by an adequate pennon, is a moft marvellous inflance of the inefficacy of royal favour ! LETTER II, TO FARINELLI, All the newfpapers are full of the royal magnificence with which you have brought out my Demofoo?ite. In Ihort Madrid, thanks to your care, occupies the firft place among all the theatres in Europe. And this will always happen, where princes have good nofes, and can diftinguifh a melon from a pumpkin ; in fhort, when they do not order the fhoe-maker to do the bufinefs of a barber; or the barber to make boots. All this theatrical primacy on the banks of the Manzanare, except the fovereign ,fup- port, is your work : and whatever does you honour, fweetly excites my twin tendernefs. z 3 You ( 342 ) You may. eafily imagine whether I am flat- tered or not, by the generous nation in which you refide, honouring me with the title of the great Spanifh poet : I mould be pleafed if I were a hermit in a defert, or a mummy baked into a monk of La Trappe; confider then to what degree I mufl be intoxicated, being a poet, and living in a court. But the venerated oracle pronounced in my favour, by the firft. ftar of this firmament, is fo great and fo enviable a premium for my poor labours, that I forget, their inefficacy in pro- curing me fome little favour from my ene- my fortune. I begin to wifh that fome. author would take it into his head to write my life, and without the leaft. deviation from trtuh, would begin thus: In the eigh- teenth century, lived a certain Abate Metajla- fo, a) tolerable poet among bad ones : neither handfome nor -i/ - wr • - rat think of me ! Wilt e - ver think of 9^ -■*] ■ ^ , ■ pilr-r d-to { i=3 J-^s . ^ . JL' ^_'J»L^ t=P - rt^-j me\ me ! I II. Soffr'i cbe in traccia almeno Del mio perduta pace Vehga il penfier Jeguace SuVerme deltuopie. Sempre neltuo camlno, Sempre vidvrai vicino ; E tu, chifafe mat Tifowerrai di me ! Let me in volant thought Ideal blifs renew, By reminifcence taught I'll ftill thy fteps purfue. Full in my fight as now Thy image e'er will be : Yet, who can tell if thou Wilt ever think of me ! Io ( 35* > 7(5 fra remote fponde Msfto volgendoipajfi, Andrb chiedendo a ifaffi, La ninfa mia dov' & ! D alt una alValtra aurora, Te andro chiamando ognora , E tu, chifafe mai ] . Yijovvcrrai di me I Io rivedrofo'vente Le amene piagge, o Nice, Dove •vivea felice Quando uiji 6) Vienna, February 20, 1750. (g) This alludes to his tranflation of the fixth fatire of the fecond book of Horace, which did not appear in any edition of his works till after his deceafe. It is now gene- rally placed in the thirteenth or fourteenth volume, with his other pofthumous works. The tranflation is in Terze Rime, the verification of Dante, and is extremely clofe and happy. The original text is printed at the bottom of the page. (/;) This was a title which he always, in pleafantry, gave to Signora Filipponi. L E IV ( 3*7 ) LETTER XI. TO THE SAME. I owe you an anfwer to two charming letters, and wiflied to pay you with intereft ; but have not had time to attempt it. And I now match a moment that is hardly fuf- ficient for the acknowledgement of my debt, and prevent profcription. If I were to tell you all my impediments, you would be in- dulgent; but their detail would occupy more room than a categorical anfwer ; and the excufe would be more tirefome than the fuppofed negligence. I thank you for your partial analyfis of my Regulus'y you gratify my pious prurience by it, as this opera is the Benjamin of all the reft. The German aclors here have repre- fented it in their own language, with great applaufe ; but I have never yet had the cou- rage to go near it. The Teutonic air, in a Roman hero, feems to me like the boar in the fea, and the dolphin in the wood, which Horace laughs at. c c % You ( 388 ) You have procured me the good opinion - of the mofr. worthy Marchionefs of Lenzi ; take care to preferve it for me ; reprefent to her how highly I think myfelf honoured by her notice ; and how much for her fake I am grieved, at having fo little merited her favour, unlefs fhe places to my account, the infinite refpecl I have for her. Vienna, June 16, 1750* LETTER XII. TO THE SAME. A most agreeable letter from you was delivered to me in Moravia, at the fame time as a command from court to return to Vienna, in order to write and direct the reprefentation of a very fhort drama, which is to be fung by three Arch-dutchefTes, in ce- lebration of their moil auo-uft mother's birth- day. This occupation, more indeed of body than mind, has obliged me to make a fhort parenthefis in the midfi of all my civil, oeconomical, political, literary, and voluptu- ous affairs. You mull not, therefore, accufe me of negligence, for not anfwering your letter fooner, nor for doing it now in fo fum- mary ( 3«9 ) mary a way ; as I am obliged to divide myfelf among a great number of creditors. The printer of Turin does my writings great honour, in fuppofing that an edition in i2mo. little different from innumerable others already publimed, would meet with purchafers. His plan does not tempt my vanity. The inedited pieces which I have frill by me, have occasion for the ax and the file ; therefore the time neceffary for preparing them, would vex him, and fatigue me. As to the order in which they mould appear, I have nothing more to fay, than that I wifh all the writings of my early youth might be placed at the end of the work ; but as the reft have no connexion with each other, they may be difpofed at pleafure. Tell him, if it is not too late for him to profit from the information, that I have lately received petitions of the fame kind from Leipfic, Paris, and Piacenza ; and have made the fame anfwer. In order to be doing fomething to remind you of me, I mall give directions for an excellent little picture of myfelf, which is now in my poffemon, to be copied for you. Vienna, October 2 2, 1750 c c q LET- ( 39° ) LETTER XIII. TO THE SAME. I should have anfwered your laft letter fooner, had I not waited till the pi&ure was fininied ; and now, it being Chriftmas Eve, I mufl be fhort, as the feveral offices, active and paffive, have abforbed the whole day. I fend you one picture of me in wax, which is moft excellently done. Another in miniature, which I have had copied three times ; and, at length, with tolerable fuccefs. It is now in the hands of a moil tedious en- graver. When finished, you fhall have a print likewife from this. Adieu, I write in company, and therefore can add nothing more than ufual good wifhes. Vienna, December 24, 1750. LETTER XIV. TO THE SAME During my filence, I had to combat with my complaints, and with the mufes. I have written an opera, by command of my ( 39 l ) my moft auguft Patron ; I fmiihed it but yefterday, and you are to regard my writing to you to-day, as no fmall mark of my favour. In order to appeafe you, I enclofe half a dozen Metaftafios, upon whom you may fatiate your vengeance, and then refume your good humour. Adieu. Make my re- verences to the amiable prieftefs ; look upon this as a long letter, and try to fancy that it merits fuch complaifance. Vienna, April 19, 1751. LETTER XV. TO THE CAVALIER FARINELLI. Notwithstanding appearances are fo much againft me, my plagues and infirm- ities were fuch, as not to permit me to fend you even two lines by laft Saturday's poft, in anfwer to your moft. agreeable let- ter of the 25th of November, which I receiv- ed in the ufual way ; and at prefent, I know not whether my eagernefs to write to you will be fufficient to fubdue my difficulties. J3ut let us fpeak of pleafanter things. c c 4 The ( 39 2 ) The Minifter Plenipotentiary, Don Anto- nio di Azlor, from your court, is arrived. I have been twice at his door in vain ; and he has been once at mine, with the fame fuccefs. But at length we have met, and we now fee one another almoft. every evening, at the affemblies in Althan houfe. He has already had an audience of my moll Auguft Patrons, and I am told, has been moil gracioufly received. He pleafes me extremely ; and fuch feems to have been his fate with, the nobility, and corps diploma- tique. He has an agreeable ferioumefs in his afpecl, an opennefs in fpeaking, and fo noble, courteous, and judicious an addrefs, that I hope he will worthily and ufefully fuftain the character with which he is ho- noured. There is no aflerting any thing positive for the future ; but whoever begins well, has half performed his talk. I have interrogated him very much concerning yourfelf^ as all are folicitous about what is moft dear to them, and I am extremely pleafed with his anfwers. He amires me,. that your profpeiity has not in the leafl: altered the fweetnefs and moderation of your character. A rock, according to ancient and modern examples, extremely difficult to ( 393 ) to avoid ; and much more amidft the favours^ than the perfecutions of fortune. He has allured me, that though mounted to fuch an enviable iituation, you have not an enemy. To obtain forgivenefs for fuch profperity, I can eafily conceive how wife, how difinterefted, and how beneficent muft be your conducl:, I congratulate you on thefe inestimable cha- racteristics, which are your own, and not the gifts of fortune ; and I congratulate my- fclf for having known and loved you, be- fore you had given fuch illuftrious proofs of your efrimable and amiable qualities. If you knew Jomelli perfonally, you would not wonder at the indolence of which you complain. He has a tranquil and fe- rene mind, and loves to faunter at his eafe, and indulge the fatnefs of his well-fed body ; giving way to every impulfe that can lave him the trouble of refiftance : fo that he is always influenced by thofe that are neareft him. Grieve at this on your own account, if you will, or rather deplore in him this moil troublefome defect, but never believe that he ever meant to deceive you. A fraud would involve his pacific djipofition in too much trouble. I wouI4 I 394 ) I would fay a thousand things more, but my head has protefted againft it, for fome- time. Adieu. Vienna, January 9, 1751. LETTER XVI. TO THE SAME. You began the world by performing miracles : and it is not one of a common fort, to make me write verfes at this time of life, when I have more reafon to execrate my impertinent infirmities, which plague me more and more every day. And you will perforin another miracle, if they mould let me finilh this letter. Here is Didone for you, abridged, as much as poilible, without injuring it too much, and even corrected in fome place. In the firn: a6fc, I have not been able to make much ufe of the fheers ; in the fecond, but little ; in the third, however, they have been very aclive. The number of airs is that pre- fcribed by yourfelf. But in the third act, as Jarbas, after the combat, would have come in without an air, and there is a change of fcene, I have written two verfes which ( 395 ) which connect with the fenfe and fituation of the recitative ; but if rung, arcibreviffima^ to a Cavatina, they will give fpirit to the entrance of the perfonage, and afford the inftruments an opportunity of feconding the mutation, without lengthening the opera a minute. The Licenza (ij, if felf-love does not feduce me, feems not to partake of my fuffering ; which only fays, that it is all the little I mould have been able to do, if I had not been fo tormented. Pray let the machinist: read over and over again the re- marks prefixed to the MS. that he may underftand and faithfully exprefs your ideas and mine. I have received by the favour of the wor- thy minifter plenipotentiary from your court, free even from the heavy expences and in- exorable demands of this cuftom-houfe, your magnificent prefent of fnufF, porcelain, bark, vanilla, and other unknown articles. I re- turn thanks to the generous donor. And wiih I may ever pofTefs the faculty of me- riting fuch enviable kindnefs. If my head (z) Epilogue, or Finale^ generally a compliment to the fovereign for whofe court, and at whofe expence, the opera is performed; like the prologues to the operas of Lulli, written by Quinault for Louis XIV- would ( 39 6 ) would permit me to write much, this would be an exceffive long chapter. It will be fo Hill, when I am able. In the mean time, be affured, that I am unable to fay whether I am more glad or more confufed. I hope that the Marquis d'Enfenada, to whom I beg my morl: humble reipecls, will believe this truth; and that you will do the fame. You wrote me word fometime ago, that I mould find, in a flafk of earth, an herb that was good for the breaji^ and a diuretic. Now inftead of this herb, I have found a white fubitence refembling foap, but what it is, no one in Vienna can tell. If you wim that your prefent ihould not be ufelefs, I beg you will not forget, in your anfwer, to tell me its name, virtue, , and the manner of uling it. However, if it has been fpoiled on the road, I mufl beg you to fend me another flafk. The Countefs d' Althan thanks you for the little canifter of fnuff; but, luckily, it is too good for ladies ; fo that it will come to my fhare. Adieu; you have performed the fecond miracle, at which I rejoice, -and am, &c. Vienna, January 30, I75 1 - J./ ETf ( 397 ) LETTER XVIL TO THE SAME. You will wonder at my delay in anfwer- ing your letter; but when you know the caufe, you will wonder ftill more, at my being able to fteal a moment to write thefe two lines. After my laft letter, I went into Moravia for the country air, which my health, more impaired than ufual, required. In the beginning of Autumn, we were aflailed among the mountains by a winter ex- traordinary ; fo furnifhed with ice, with wind, and all the ornaments of December, that in defpite of ftoves, chimneys, and pellices lined with fur, there was no one of the company who efcaped a cough, accompanied, more or lefs, with its ufual attendants ; and I, not lefs favoured than the reft, had a due fhare of thefe bleffings. But at laft, when the feafon began to grow milder, and I hoped to re- cover my ftrength, comes an exprefs with an Imperial mandate to transfer myfelf to Vienna, as it was determined that the opera for the ladies, which was to have come out in December, mould be reprefented in Octo- ber. So that, with tl>e blefled remains of 3 my ( 398 ) my defiuxion and other numerous complaints, I am here in the midft of a crowd of tu- multuous applications. For befides inftruct- ing four young ladies, who are quite novices, both in the language and ufe of the ftage, the weight of trie director of the mufic falls on my poor moulders, without my deriv- ing from it either honour or advantage. This is one of the court phenomena, in which, without the leaft crime, I mall fuffer all the penalty. You know what it is to be a ftage rudder; it is therefore needlefs. to defcribe to you my fituation. The opera will be brought on the ftage in eight or ten days. I fend you the words before they are pub- lifhed, not only as my dear Gemello has the preference in this, as well as in the reft of my heart, but becaufe it feems very fit for his purpofe. Adieu. A crowd of people are waiting for me. Vienna, O&ober 18, 1751. LETTER XVIII. TO THE SAME. You muft imagine, that, till to-day, I could neither have the book, nor a moment i to ( 399 ) to fmifh this letter ; which is the exact truth. I mall not plague myfelf in trying to per- fuade you of this, becaufe you have been often in my cafe ; but with political and oeconomical circumftances, much more fa- vourable than mine! This evening the opera appears on the ftage for the nrft. time, therefore addio. A propos to the ftage, at Naples my bu- finefs is pleafantly fung. They have told my agent, that when the archbifhop of Montreal is provided for, fomething will be given to me* The archbifhopric of Mont- real becomes vacant by the death of Cardi- nal Acquaviva, and God knows which of our nephews may live to fee him provided for. Then, my beloved Gemello, what are we to underftand by this ^vtc\o\xs fomethijtg f But I have no time for declamation; and you may ealily conceive whether I have been able to write verfes. Adieu, once more ; they are all crucifying me at this moment. Vienna, Oftober 27, 1751. LET- ( 400 ) LETTER XIX. TO THE SAME. Yours from the efcurial, of the 1 2th, of laft month, afflicts me with the news of the bad liate of your dear health, and aggravates my own fiifferings ; which amidft my plagues in attending the rehearfals of 77 Re Pajiore, were more intolerable than ufual. One of the difagreeable effects of this tumult, is my not having been able to fecond the wifhes of my beloved Gemello, in writing fuch a feftival drama as he had fuggefted to me. I had intended to devote myfelf to his fer- vice in the country, but I was there attack- ed by a fever and defluxio'n, on my arrival ; and before I was recovered, comes an ex- prefs which obliged me to gallop to Vienna, where I alone was forced to practice every trade, or rather to be Jack of all Trades. And amidft my fatigues and the enormous coldnefs of the Theatre; my ill-cured de- fluxion has taken fuch deep root, and entered into an alliance with my other complaints fo clolely, that it affects my fpirits as well as my health. I comfort myfelf with the hope that II Re Pa/lore, which I fent you the ( w ) the inftant it came out of the prefs, will an* fwer your purpofe extremely well. It is gay, tender, amorous, fhort ; and has, indeed, all the neceffary requifites for your wants. No reprefentation here is remembered to have extorted fuch univerfal applaufe. The la- dies who performed in it, did wonders, par- ticularly as to action. The mufic is fb graceful, fo well adapted and fo lively, that it enchants by its own merit, without in- juring the paffion of the perfonage ; and pleafes exceffively. I mould inflantly have had it copied and , fent to you ; but as the four ladies are aWJbpranos, and there is no part for any other kind of voice, except that for AlefTandro, which is a tenor, 1 did not think it could be of ufe to yon, without alterations. If ever you mould wifh to have it, read the drama with attention, caft the parts; and I will prevail on the compofer himfelf to adjufr. it to your purpofe, or new fet whatever you pleafe. The author is Sig. Giufeppe Bono: he was born at* Vienna of Italian parents, and fent by Charles VI. to fludy mufic under Leo, with whom he pair- ed his firft youth*. I know two other Ger- man * This is the firft time that the name of this compofer has come td my knowledge; of his works I am ftil! ignorant; vol. i D d however. ( 402 ) man compofers, Gluck, and Wagenfeil* The firft has furprifing fire, but is mad ; and the other is a great harpfichord player. Gluck compofed an opera for Venice, which was very unfortunate. He has compofed others here with various fuccefs. I am not a man to pretend to judge of him. My dear Gemello, I can write no more, my head rebels. Adieu, if you wiih me to be well, mew me a good example ; and be- lieve that I am more vexed than you can be, at my inability to oblige you. You know fo well how fincerely I fpeak, that it is un- neceffary to enforce this affertion. Vienna, November 16, 1751. Soon after the performance of Attifio Re- golo at Drefden, # the Mingotti, who there firft difKnguifhed herfelf in the part of At- iih'a, in that opera, being invited to , the theatre royal at Naples, to fing in the fame drama, obtained a letter of recommendation to the Princefs di Belmonte, from Metaflafio, however, the character given of him here by Metaftafio, on whofe probity and good tafte we may rely, afligns him an honourable ftation among compofers whofe abilities reft only on tradition, though his productions may never have penetrated into this country. 4 which ( 4°3 ) which has not been mferted in the poet s correspondence publifhed at Nice, but ap- pears in Sig. Saverio Mattel's Memoirs 9 which, though fhort, contain many curious anecdotes relative to our Lyric Bard's pri* Vate life, that, previous to this publication* Were not to be found elfewhere (if). A fketch of the life of the celebrated finger and ac"trefs, Mingotti, has already been given elfewhere, from her own mouth (r); but as this letter is not mentioned there, and is fuch an unequivocal teftimony of the favour in which me ftood with the poet in this early period of her celebrity, it feems to be connected with the preceding account of Attilio* LETTER XX. TO THE PRINCESS DI BELMONTE. " Signora Regina Mingotti, one of the principal ornaments of the vocal band at Drefden, being engaged at Naples in the (b) Memorie perfervire alia vita del Metajlafio raccolte da Saverio Mattei: Edizi 'one prima, in colle. 1785. (c) Prefent State of Mufic in Germany, &c. vol 1. Art. Munich. d d 2 fame ( 404 ) fame rank, has not efcaped the epidemic defire of being furnifhed with a letter from me to your excellence* This requeft, how- ever, would have been fruitlefs, had fhe not moft wickedly, and malicioufiy, hit upon the following expedient for vanquifh- ing my well known repugnance to give way to fuch applications. When fhe left the court of Drefden, what does fhe do, but port: away to Vienna ; and without giving me the ieafr. previous notice of my danger, ear- ly one fine morning, prefents herfelf in my foom, and in a military habit, preceded only by her fame, and accompanied by all the graces of youth, vivacity, and talents*- and what is ftill worfe, entitled to the chief credit of the fuceefs of my Attilio in Dref- den. Now tell me, madam, with your ufual candour, if ever you heard of fo cun- ning a mufical trick ? It was like putting a knife to the throat of a poor chriftian. I know not not what Socrates, Cato, or Arif- tides would have done in inch a cafe; but this I know, that I could not help writing the letter, and even devoutly thanking Hea- ven that fhe had the moderation to limit her pretentions to a letter only. This ( 405 > This letter has no date, but it muft have teen written in 1751, when Attilio wasfirft reprefeiited at Naples : as a letter written that year by the poet, to the fame princefs, to reprefs the too faifguine expectations of his nrft. patronefs, for the fuccefs of this opera, appears in Sig. Mattel's Memoirs, which is the more curious, as it contains Metaftafio's opinion of the talents of the ad- mirable tenor finger, Raaff", then young, and whofe fame -like that of Mingotti, was fcarcely fledged. LETTER XXI. TO THE PRINCESS DI BELMONTE. Though my Regulus is an opera, of which I am the leaft afhamed ; and though my dear Raaff 'is fuch a performer as cannot be paralleled; I believe that they are not made for each other, and that, joined together, they will both be facrificed. That is to fay, the part of Regulus will ruin my poor Raaff] and Raaff" will be the ruin of the part, and of the opera. 'This drama cannot fucceed, unlefs the principal perfonage pleafes ex- tremely ; and our dear Raajf is phyfically P 4 3 unable ( 406 ) unable to fupport this weight. The reafons are numerous, founded on experience ; and I hope that your excellence will believe a' man who venerates you, and efteems Raaff as much as he merits, that is to fay, excef- fively. — Befides, that immenfe fpace in the great theatre of San Carlo, will abforb all thofe inimitable graces, and that wonderful agility, which render this charming finger fo admirable in a room : indeed he has fplit upon this rock elfewhere, in theatres three times lefs fpacious than this ; fo that I can hardly hope that he will mare a better fat© in future. The event, however, to the great joy of Metaftafio, did not correfpond with his ex- pectations ; the incomparable Raaff having overcome every obftacle ; and the predictions of the Princefs of Belmonte, were better verified than thofe of the poet ; who by the firm confidence which the princefs placed in the abilities of Raaff, began to doubt of the rectitude of his own judgment, before the opera was brought on the Neapolitan ftage ; and anticipating his defence in another let- ter on the fubjecl to the fame princefs, he fays, '< wherever my matchlefs Raaff can be heard, ( 4°7 ) heard, he will doubtlefs ravifh the hearts of all the audience ; but if the fize of this theatre is fo enormous as it has been de- fcribed to me, it is impomble to imagine that the exquifite delicacy of his tafte and expreffion will not be loft, and in fhort, all the wonderful and peculiar graces of his ftyle of finging. You, madam, will fay, that there is no reafoning againft facts : and I fhalf re- ply, that men are obliged to reafon, but not to propriety; particularly about theatrical matters, as they often elude all prudence and conjecture, and lefs frequently difgrace miflakes, than credit predictions. " END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. SECTION I. PREFACE Metastasio's birth — His early talents as an Improvifatorc — Adopted and educated by Gravina — Studies the law; but unable to fub- due his paffion for poetry — Produces a tragedy at ' 14 — Carried by Gravina, at 18, to Naples, where he contends with the raoft celebrated Improvlfatsri of his time. — Death and character of Gravina. ■-.."- - - - p. 1— 15. Metaftafio's conduct: after this lofs. — At 22 goes a fe- cond time to Naples. - - 18. Determining to quit poetry, places himfelf under an advocate, in order to ftudy the law — But is again feduced by the Mufes. - - . 21. Writes an opera, and becomes acquainted with the celebrated Romanina. - - 28. Effect of his firft drama upon the audience — ib— Quits the law — -Anecdote — Writes Didone and Siroe. ■ - - - 35. Returns to Rome — Unites his own family with that of the Bulgarina* - - - 39. Writes CONTENTS. Writes Catone in Utlca, Ezie, and Semlratnlde riconof- eiuta. - - - - p. 40 Letter i. From Prince Pio of Savoy, offering him the place of Imperial laureate at Vienna 44. The poet's conflict with himfelf on this proportion— • 44—46. Letter a'. Anfwer to the invitation from Vienna. ib. Letter 3. Reply to this anfwer, from Prince Pio. - - 48. Letter 4. Metaftafib's final acceptance of the con- ditions offered him. - 50. Letter 5. To Apostolo Zeno, who had recom- mended him to the patronage of the Emperor. •- - 52. Account of Jpojiolo Zeno and his dramatic works. 54. Metaftafio's departure from Rome. - - 58. SECTION II. The poet's arrival at Vienna. - 60. Letter i. To a friend at Rome, giving an account of his firft audience with the Emperor. ib. Letter 2. To the Romanina at Rome — Imaginary account of what is paffing there during the Carnival — Severity of the froft at Vienna defcribed. - > 63. L et- ui*; CONTENTS. » Letter 3» To the fame. Thanks for the intereft fhe takes in his happinefs. — Account of his own health — Arrival of the apoftolic Nuncio at Vienna — Character of the abate Pie'rfanti auditor of the nunciature. — Thanks her for Roman news. - 67* Letter 4, To the fame. Excufes himfelf for the myftery with which he was charged in concealing from his correfpondent the preparations for the enfuing Carnival- Chides her for thinking he could want a formal account of money tranfa6tions i — Praifes her oeconomy — But promifes to be fevere whenever he can. - 69. Letter 5. To the fame. Satisfaction at hearing of the complete fuccefs of his opera of Artaferfe at Rome — Gratitude to his native city, and the performers, for the manner in which it was received — Sor- row and reflexion on the death of Vinci during its run — Praifes the prudent conduct of the Romanina. -. 71. Connecting narrative — Firft appearance of Adrlano in Slria. - - - - 74. Letter 6. To the Romanina. Succefs of the opera of Demetrio at its firft reprefentation— Character of the Singers. - 75. Extracts of another letter on the fame fubjeft — Iffipile announced. - 76. Letter. 7. To the Romanina. Defends the brevity of his letters — 111 fuccefs of D'idone when revived at Rome by bad perform- ers — CONTENTS. ers — Fears that Demetrip will mare the fame fate. - - - 78. Account of his occupations at Vienna, 79, LETTER 8. To the fame. Account of the fuccefs of JJJipile, and of the theatrical tranfac- tions at the Imperial court at this time. The Emperor's praife of Iflipile in going out of the theatre — Metaftafio wifhes to obtain a vacant abbey in Sicily, 80. Letter 9. To the fame. Two new operas on the flocks-— Complaint of the climate and its^effedts on his health — A moral Son- net — Apology for fome of its fenti- ments. - - r 83, Letter 10. To the fame. Account of a terrible ac- cident which happened while the Em- peror was on a mooting party in Bo- hemia-*-Difgrace of the theatre delle Dame at Rome — Metaftatio's thanks for the Romanina's anxiety for nis health. ^ 87. Letter n. To the fame. Reflexions upon the Em-r peror's unhappy accident, and upon fome finifter events at Rome — His Imperial majefty's affliction, and un- willingriefs to receive comfort — Indif- pofition of the Archduchefs — EfFedts of public calamities on the poet's own fpirits. - 9©. Letter 12. To the fame. Plaifantry . on his having the Influenza twice ; while others are only favoured with it once — His drama VAfih di Atmrt performing at Rome, *:■ at CONTENTS, at the fame time as a piece written by Cardinal Polignac. Praife of this lat- ter, with reflections on that fpecies of poetry which inftru&s without pleafing -<-But he will not moralize — Though he has no fear of offending his corref* pondent by it. - - 92* Letter 13. To the fame. Afks the Romanina to furnifh him with a fubject for an opera -T-Such is his own indecifion, that if not obliged to determine he fhould hefitate to the day of judgment — Reflexions upon irrefolution — Examples of inconflftencc in the greateft characters — The Roma- nina patiently bears with his playing the philofopher. - - 94. Letter 14. To the fame. Grateful effufions of gra- titude to the Emperor for inverting him, unfolicited, with a place. — The man- ner in which this benefit was conferred ■ — His joy moderated by a fall — Promifes to relate what pafles at his audience of thanks. - 97. Narrative of the Romanina's death — Of her bequeft to Metaftafio — And his total renunciation in favour of her Hufband — Reflexions on his attachment to this generous female. - 90. Letter 15. To Sig. Domenico Bulgarini, on the death of his wife, Marianna (the Romanina,) - 102. Letter 16. To his brother the advocate Leopold Trap a ssi — .His agitation at the un- expected CONTENTS. expected ftroke of the generous Mafi* anna's death— Afligns reafons for re- nouncing all claim to her intended be- queft' — Advifes him to unite interefts with Bulgarini, and not condemn the renunciation in his favour. io6« Letter 17. To a friend at Rome — Is forry that fueh a great calamity as had lately befallen. him, in the death of the Romanlna, was neceflary to procure the long wifh- ed for pleafure of renewing their cor- refpondence — Regards himfelf as left in a populous defert — Vain hope of fyftems of happinefs — Reafons for not going to Rome, as his friend advifes him, to fettle the bufinefs of the tefta- ment, of which to avail himfelf would give him more pain than the want of nepeffaries. - - 108. The comfort he receives from the appro- bation of his country. - no. SECTION III. Extracts of letters to his brother, containing maxims of prudence and filial piety — Metailaflo defended from the feverity of fome anecdotes lately published con- cerning his want of affection for his family. ill* Letter i. To Felice Trapassi, his father — Full of refpe£t and affection — wifhing it poffible to lengthen his parent's life by fhortening his own. - - 113. Letter 2. To the fame. Laments that the narrow ' limits of his fortune and the duties of his CONTENTS. his office prevent his embracing and giving him new tefUmonies of tender- nefs and refpecl: — No likelihood of pontifical patronage producing any- thing but good wifhes. « 1 14. Letter 3. To the fame. Fleafure he receives from every new proof of paternal affection - 115. Letter 4. The turbulent fituation of affairs in Ger- many renders his plan of happinefs very unliable— Clofe application to his books, his only refource — Imitates his father in wifhing for happinefs, but not in expecting it — Commends his parent's faculty of anticipating expect- ed bleffings — But thofe confoling de-» luiions which are balm to a credulous mind, are poifon to incredulity. lb. More extracts of letters to his brother — Metaftafio's reflexions on princely patronage — Specimen of his peculiar fpecies of wit and humour — Correfpond- ence with his brother ; when rinilhed-^-Introdu6lion to that with his banker at Rome, manifefting the utmoft anxiety for this brother during illnefs. 1 iS. Letter 5. To Sig. Francesco Argenvilliers, banker at Rome — Gratitude for the care he took of his brother, during illnefs — Entreats him not to fpare his Roman property, in any thing that can contri- bute to his afliflance. - - 122. Letter 6. To the fame. Further expreilions of gratitude for the care of his brother's health, CONTENTS. health, and his own peace of mlnd-=* Begs him to thank his fitter for fo well exercifing' her duty on this occafion — Defires his correfpondent to give him credit for whatever his brother fhould want, if it fhould exceed his ftandirig account. - - - 123. Letter 7. To the fame. Complains that, all his * . expectations of letters from Rome hav- ing failed him, his mind is in the utmoft agitation for his brother's fafety. - 124. Three days after, receives an account of his brother's amendment — The benevolence and fenfibility of Metaftafio defended, -i - 125. SECTION IV. Metaftafio's poetical productions in 1733, including La Liberta — - - - 127. His own Mufic to that celebrated Canzonet, with an Englifh verfion in the meafure of the original. 128. Introduction to his correfpondence with the bookfeller Bettinelli, concerning a new and entire edition of his works — Johnfon's reflexion on the utility of a bookfeller's patronage to an author — Metaftafio's polite treatment of Betinelli. ~> - J33. Letter i. To Sig. Jofeph Bettinelli. Thanks him for the good opinion he manifefts of his works — and for the communica- tion of his plan for a new edition of them — but difluades him from the en- terprize. -« ' • - 135. Let- CONTENTS. Letter 2. To the fame. Unable to procure leifure fufficient to finifh what he had begun in Italy — Wifhes to know the fize, paper, and character of this new edition. — The beauty and corre£tnefs of which, with a fmall number of copies, will be all the rewards he fhall expect for the trouble he intends to undertake. - 336 ■Letter 3. To the fame. Has given inftructions to his brother at Rome, to endeavour to find for him all his poetical compofi- tions — and fent him a paper of arrange- ments. — Informs him of another printer purfuing a fimilar plan. - - 138 Letter 4. To the fame. An edition preparing at Na- ples, without confulting the author, or having correct copies to print from. 139 Letter 5. To the fame. Has received his addrefs to the public — thinks it well written — ■ wifhes to know who drew it up. 140 Is difpleafed with Bettinelli, for the impetuofity with which he printshis works — for omitting corrections which he had fent him — Their interefts reciprocal- Prom ifes to fend him Cato, corrected and altered—* and every week fomething for the compofitor, if he will but have patience — Defires two copies of firfl: vol. as foon as ready, for his Imperial Patrons, and begs him to excufe his poetical franknefs - - 141 Fragments of other letters to the fame, — Sends him another opera — Thanks for the copies fent for their Imperial Majefties — on reading the proof-fheets, found fo little to correct, that it feemed ufelefs to fend more — gives an account of three of his dramas, vol. 1, E e an4 CONTENTS. and by whom fct — defires that Facciolati may be followed in the orthography— fends Bettinelli his Oratorios — Contents of the feventh volume of his Edition. — Speaks of the feeblenefs of his early pro^ duclions— Praifes Bettinelii's care and diligence, as well as civility — Sends him hislaft, and, he thinks, his beft oratorio — Bettinelli having rapidly difpofed of the firft impreffion of the poet's works, confults him about another — Sends him a fcvere critique of his Dtmofoonte, which produced the following letter. 142 Letter 6. Ironically confeffes his obligations to the author — will read the Critique frequent- ly, in order to difcover his faults, and improve his ftyle — Defends the cha- ractersof Timante and Crufa, from the charge of inconfiftency — Quotes TaJJo in his defence, and Arioflo — Suppofe the author of theCritique tobe a man of plea- fantry — Who wifhed to be entertained by a quarrel of his own making, between Metaftafio and Apoftolo Zeno— The report of Metaftafio's Oratorio Qloas being near condemnation, ill-founded — Never wrote a fatire in his life, nor • ever would — Allows Bettinelli to re- peat what he writes on this occafion, but never to publifh it. - 147 Letter 7. Tq Sig. Joseph PERRoNi-rWilheshimfelf at Rome, during the Carnival — Anxi? ous for the fate of his operas there— * And for Bulgarini, left his zeal fhould involve him in fome fcrape — Complains of not hearing from his friends. 153 Let-* CONTENTS. Letter 8. To the fame — Thanks him for Roman news — Account of the Brunette — And rehearfal of 1'Olimpiade — Nina Caldara. 155 Letter 9. To the fame. The poet's hurry during the Carnival— Writes an entertainment for the archdutcheffes to perform — In- ftru£tsthem at the rehearfal s — His plea- fure in that duty — Their courtefy and humility- 1 — Laments that the whole world was not admitted to the perform- • ance — Is prefented with a gold fnuff- box, for inftrucSting the Archdutcheffes. Succefs of Denwfoonte at Rome — Ciam- pi's misfortune — Theatrical matters ever fubjedl to accidents. — ib* Letter 10, To the fame — Thanks for the pleafure he manifefts for the fuccefs of Demo- foonte — Obliged to be fhort for want of abilities to fill a letter with nothing— - " - ,57 i Firfl performance of La Clemenza di Tito at Vi- enna and Venice — Reflexion on the influence which the character of the Emperor Charles VI. had on Metaftafio's writings. Moral congeniality of their difpofitions — Dramatic compofitions produced by the Imperial Laureat in 1735 — Of what kind — Betti- nelli, the printer, conftantly importunate for hi? new productions, ^ «- t- - 158 Letter ii. To Sig. Bettinelli — So numerous are the applications from bookfellers E c 2 for CONTENTS, for bis new pieces, that he thinks it moft prudent to comply with none — r - - - j6o Opera of Temistoi^es, when firft performed — . Achille in Sciro, written in eighteen days — Occa^ fion on which it was produced — Great favour fhewn to this performance, by the whole Imperial court — A prefent from the D. of Lorraine on the occafion — ^ Ciro riconqsciuto — 1737 a fabatical year with the poet — His productions in the year 1738 — Ex- tent of his fame — Enobled in the city of Afifi. 161 Letter 12. To the Magistrates of Asisi-t; Thanks them for the distinction with 1 which they have honoured .him — ■ Wifhes his merit may ever be a fuffi- cient apology to pofterity for their partiality. - ' - r 164 Letter 13. To Sig. Angelini di Asisj — Grati- tude for his new honour, — J65 The Imperial Laureat's profeffional labours from 173S? to 1740, when he loft his Patron the Emperor Charles VI. - - -. 166 Letter 14. To a Friend— Time and manner of the Emperor's death — Affliction for his lofs. - r - 163 Letter 15. To Bettinelli, previous to this event —Sends him his new oratorio of Isacco — - 170, Letter 16. To the fame — The poet rendered inac- tive by events and low fpirits — 171 3 SEC, CONTENTS. SECTION V. Confequences of the demife of the Emperor Charles VL and the fubfequent war, till the year. 1743. - 172 Letter i. To the Marquis Charles Cavallio Ravenna — Thanks for his remembrance — Rejoices at the true lovers of litera- ture he has found at Ravenna — At Vi- enna all are immerfed in the pleafures of the Carnival — Rejoices in the joy of others, though unable to partake of them. '-* - - 174 Account of his poetical productions in 1744, and of the commencement of his correfpondence with Pai- quini, the Italian dramatic poet, in the fervice of the court of Drefden. - 175 Letter 2. To the Abte Pasquini in Drefden — ■ Playful reproaches for the Abate's long filence— Rejoices in his friend's prefent tranquillity — Obliged by the aflillance his opera of Anticono has received from him — Hopes when he again touches the lyre that he fhall not be for- gotten — Difclaims the poetical fupre- macy to which his partiality would elecl: him — Envies him the company of HafTe and Fauftina — Their Eloge — . *> - ' - 176 State of Germany in 1745. Metaftafio's productions in 1746, beginning of a new correfpondence. - 177 e e 3 Let- Contents. Letter 3. To Sig. Fil-ipponi, fecretary of the univerfity of Turin — Difficulty of ob- • taining a letter from him, humour* oufly defcribed- — Its arrival not only appeafeshis anger, but awakensdelights- ful thoughts of old times — His pleafurc fomewhat embittered by his correfpon- dent's formality in addrefling him— Wi flies much to make an excurfion to Turin — Eloge of the King of Sardinia — Of the Marquis Ormea, - 179 Letter 4. To the fame. — Has taken a prefcription without effect — If his correfpondent has any patience to fpare, begs him to beitow it on him-*-No caufe for joy at the political lituation of Italy— Aullria has caufe of fear from Provence and Naples — No great hope from maritime affiftance— He is in an abyfs of ignorance — "Will go into the hold of the agitated bark, till the ftorm is over — Thanks him for partiality to Antigono and Ipermestra — His Cantata: Giufti del che fara, explained— Expects with impatience from his friend, two trage- dies of his writing— - - 182 Letter 5. Thanks for his heroic hopes in politics — Unable himfelf to imagine any thing good for the future — His opinion of a fable called La Ballerina — Enquiries about it from Rome. - 185 Letter 6. To the fame — Metaftafio unable to recon- cile his friend's courage in politics, with his own cowardice — His Attil'10 Regain fleeps —Unable to revife it. 187 Let- CONTENTS* Letter 7* To the Abate Pasquini — Rallies him on his being fo much mortified at the failure of one of his dramas — The bell method of treating critics — Review of Pafquini's drama — - - 188 SECTION VI. Introduction to Metaftafio's correfpondence with the celebrated Farinelli. - - - 193 — n— — Letter i. The letter from Farinelli, to which this is an anfwer, faid by Metaftafio to be, though fhort, long enough to convince him of his affection — The confidence with which he fpeaks of his own affairs, and cordiality of his offers to the poet, remove all doubt of the fincerity of his friendfhip.— -Uneafinefs at his account of his health — He has the ardent wifhes of all perfons of tafte in Europe — Is proud of being vanquifhed by him in the mufic he has fet to Nice — That mufic defcribed — Enchanted with his \ mufic to Se mi da'u — Metaftafio's hap- pinefs in the extreme good fortune of his Nice at the court of Spain — Per- ceives that Farinelli means to turn his head — Believes the poet in danger from the Teutonic beauties — But their fleep is never difturbed by love — Hiftory of Sicilian place given him by the late Emperor — Wifhes the queen of Spain to know the circumfxances-— Promifes eternal gratitude, if fhe deigned him redrefs — Prefents from Farinelli ac- E e 4 knowledged C 6 N t E N T $ knowledged — Proud of mewing his let- ters to the ladies of Vienna — All eager to fee and hear every thing that comes from him— Confents, unwillingly, to give Farinelli his picture — Sends two cantatas for a lady at the court of Spain. — Wifhing Farinelli to illuflrate them with his notes and voice — - - 196 Letter 2. To the fame — Acknowledges the receipt of an affectionate letter from him. — Has laughed at his humourous descrip- tions — Promifes the opera of Armida placat&y (which he had revifed) foon— - Blames Migliavacca for making altera- tions in tranfcribing it — Charafter of that poet's abilities — Of the Tejl's, as a finger — His pi£ture fet out for Spain-~- The fubjedl of his place in Sicily re- newed — Propofes three methods of ob- viating the difficulty which has been Virged againit its reilitution — Thanks him for a recipe — And for his invita- tion to Madrid — Countefs of Althan's pleafure in hearing from and of him — He is ftill her hero. - - 208. Litter 3. To Sig. Filipponi — Defcriptiou of his autumnal residence in Moravia. 214 Letter 4. To the fame. MSS. borrowed for his friend Padre Paoli — Cenfures the old practice of fending compliments of the feafon -The health acquired in his fummer tour, all deftroyed by the ap- proaches of winter Refufal of the Opera of Audio for Turin — Sarcafm on the Tefi. » - - 215 Let- CONTENTS- Letter 5. To the Abate Pasquini — Remarks on a paftoral fable of his -writing — and on the P aft or fid of Guarini — Congratu- lates him on his la ft work — Menage to theWalthers, bookfellersatDrefden, on their intended new edition of Metafta- fio's works — Opera of Si face — Con- ditions. on which he will oblige Meffrs. Walther — DemofoontefettingforDref- den by Haffe — Count Archinto's cha- racter. - - 217 Ltter 6. To Sig. Filipponi — Safe arrival of the MSS. he had borrowed for his friend — Count de Richecourt — Fears for his, friendfhip, as it is founded on a mif- take — Want of health, want of patience. His foul pays dearly for the decays of its manfion — Platonic compliments to Sig. Filipponi's lady — - 223 Letter 7. To the Abate Pasquini — Inftru&ions for the performance of Demofoonte at Drefden. - 225 Letter 8. To Baron Descau — On the fame fub- jedl. - - 227 Letter 9. To Sic Filipponi — Compliments to the Marquis della Rofea — The fame to Count Ormea — Promifes a fonnet, whenthe mufes are traceable — 228 Letter 10. To the Abate Pasquini — Negative reply to the Walthers — Succcfs of Se- miramzde t in fpite cf Gothic nruftc. 229 Performers in this opera, which was new fet by Bonon- cini. - - - - -lb. Sonnet on the birth-day of the Emperor Francis the Fiift — - 231 Let- CONTENTS. Letter ii. To the Abate Pasquini — On the pot'rit he had recei ved of the Electoral princefs of Saxony — Congratulates him on his Orfeo. - - 232 Letter 12. To the fame — Further reflexions and encomiums on the genius and talents of the princefs of Saxony- 1 — A promife to comply with the requeft of the Elec- toral prince, in letting him have his Attilio for the Drefden theatre — Thanks Pafquini for his favour at that court— Receives another packet from the princefs. - - 235 Letter 13. To the fame— Recommends Venturini, who was to prefent his opera of At- tilio Rcgolo to the Electoral prince. 238 LETTER 14. To the fame — Praifes the docility with which he bore his criticifms — And his own heroifm in venturing to make them — Venturini's journey to Drefden, with the opera of Attilio for the Elec- toral prince — Arrival of the third a£l of Demetrio rifatto, by the Electoral princefs. - - - 240 Letter 15. To the fame — His eJoge of this work, and of the abilities of that princefs— Paternal fears for the fate of his Attilio Regolo — Praifes the Abate's ode to Count Bruhl — Character of Count Va- cherbart — - - 241 Letter 16. To the fame — On thefubje£t of his Sici- lian place — Entreats Pafquini to L'y his- cafe before the court of Drefden. 244 Letter 17. To the fame — Metaftafio's happinefs at the favourable reception of Attilio, by the CONTENTS. the Electoral Prince — Anxiety Con- cerning the effect of his petition. 246 Letter 18. To the fame — Exultation at the flatter- ing acceptance of his Audio, by the Electoral Prince and Princefs. 24? Letter 19. To the fame — Explanations for Count Vacherbart, concerning the loft place in Sicily. - - 250 Letter 20. To the fame — Further explanations concerning his Sicilian claims. lb. Letter 21. To the fame — Gratitude for the zeal which his Electoral Highnefs manifefts in his favour. - ' - 252. Letter 22. To Sic. Filipponi — His letter not fo worthlefs as he pretends — His difcover- ing the affection which the Marquis della Bocca and Count Ormea had for him, very important fubjects for a Letter — His contempt for Antiques. 2 53 SECTION VII. Letter i. To Farinelli. Praifes his generofity to Migliavacca. — Hopes for the fuccefs of Armida Placata — Expedients for the laft fcene — Wonder at his picture being fo long on the road — Reafons for filence on the Neapolitan affair — Ex- cefs of his vanity from the approbation of the Queen of Spain — Thanks for his prefents — Farinelli's favour with the ladies of Vienna. - - 255 Letter 2. To the fame — Sportive abufe for his long filence — Recapitulation of the 4 contents CONTENTS. contents of his laft letter.-— Chara&er of Mattei, and the opera fingers of Vienna, during this period — Recom- mends the former, as firft woman at Madrid Metaftafio's judgment and good tafte, in defcribing vocal abilities* (Note *) — Sicilian place— Caffarelli's character. - - - . p. 261 Metaftafio's frequent complaints of a tention of nerves in 1749; in fpite of which, two pleafant - letters of his writing to the Princefs di Belmonte, have been preferved and inferted : the one on an Earthquake at Vienna-*-The other on a Duel be- tween Migliavacca, the poet, and Caffarelli, the finger, at the opera houfe, in Vienna. Letter 3. To Farinelli — Wrath for long filence foon appeafed by his letter Rejoices at the arrival of his picture — His head turned, by the praifes of the King and Queen of Spain— Migliavacca per- fectly fatisfied with his prefent— Com- plains of want of health — Promifes to write an opera for Spain — Thanks his correfpondent for an air which he had fent him — -Neapolitan place. 275 Letter 4. To the fame — Thanks him for the zeal with which he has efpoufed his caufe on the Neapolitan bufinefs New ex- pedients propofed to get over new difficulties. - - 281 Letter 5. To the fame — Sends two new Cantatas — On the iblidity, of Farinelli's friend- ihip— M^i>, CONTENTS. fhip — On the two Cantatas which he fent him. - 283 Letter 6. To the fame — Unable to bear the exercife of intellect — Promifes, however, the inftarit he finds himfelf equal to the talk, to produce fomething for his dear Gemello Has received applications from various courts and theatres ; but muft take care of No. 1. — Is fure his Neapolitan bufinefs will not be for- gotten by him. - - - 286 Letter 7, To the fame< — Juft fetting off for Mo- ravia — Enumerates the dangers his in- gratitude would incur, if he did not write — -Knows thatprefents for him are on the road — Yet Farinelli will not bear prolix acknowledgements A Iks what the beautiful Caftellini is doings — Fears to be too much intoxicated by her letters — The affair of Signor Rodolfo, will not be neglected during his abfence— The Emperor hard to catch — Thanks for the anfwer to Mattei — Not in the humour to mention all who wifh to be remembered by him. - - 287 X«etter 8t To the fame — Has two of his letters to anfwer — Migliavacca wounded in com- ing from the Opera — Unable to give an account of the bufinefs with which he was charged— Jomelli recommended to Farinelli, for Madrid — His cha- racter—- His engagements — Wiihes to go to Spain— -His qualifications. 291 Account CONTENTS. Account of a IJcenza or Finale, written by Metaftaflo, for Armlday at the Court of Spain. - Page 294 Letter 9. To the fame — So angry at his fore throat, that he forgot to fign or date his letter — Pities his throat, but thinks it has done fuch mifchief in its time, that fome fuffering is due to it — Snuff ar- rived at Triefte — Recommends Ranieri Collin to him, - - - ib. Letter 10. To the fame — Sends him the Poem he wifhed, with the fupplement Diffi- culty of making additions exactly fit—- The pleafure he received from his re- covery, made him fwallow the pill without making faces — His opinion of ^Buranello. - 296 This opinion extenuated. - - 2 98 SECTION VIII. * Connecting Period, Letter i. To Signor D. Luigi Locatelli, at Genoa — Author of an Oratorio, to whicha printer of Bologna, had fetMe- taftafio's name — On the juftice of his complaint — -Offers to make a public declaration, that he had no fhare in the writing of this piece, or knowledge of its publication. . 299 Metaftafio's record of this tranfadtion. 300 Letter 2. To the Piuncess di Belmonte who thought the flow progrefs by which we arrive at reafon, a great difadvantage— « Metaftafio. I CONTENTS. Metaftafio regards it as a great bieffing. In reafoning on events, man is always miflaken — Has a profound contempt for the predictions of modern Ariftotles —Apologue of the two jars, contain- ing the fweets and bitters of life-r~ Pains more aumerous than pleafures— And imaginary evils more terrible than real — Verfes from Attilio Regolo-~- Power of preventing evils which we forefee, limited — Stoical arrogance and apathy — Tortoife and the oifter, their idifadvantages — Whether thofe are moft happy who think but little, or thofe who think too much — Giovanni Batt, Gelli's account of UlyfTes, and his companions, at the court of Circe— The Poet perceives he grows old by his paflion for goffiping Jomelli's Mufic to the Opera of Achille in Sciro much admired at the rehearfal. 301 Jitter 3. To the fame. — Manner of paffing his time in Moravia — Early froft there defcribed Enjoys the beauties of Winter-- ^Return to his Poetics at Vienna. - 312 ]Lette 5.4 . To Signor Adolfo Hasse— Who had requefted his instructions for fetting the Opera of Attilio Regolo — Compliments to that compofer — Defcribes the feveral characters in this drama — r— Wifhes Haffe to colour and finifh his portraits — Goes through the bufmefs of each act — Mentions where he would have accompanied Recitative Where Ri- torneJIi CONTENTS. tome Hi — Where the mufic fhould be impaflioned, and where tranquil •"W iilies him to paint the fituation of the hero's mind — Technical terms for inftrumental colouring — Words of the Jaft fcene, and tranflation — The Poet's wifhes concerning the lafl chorus — Quits the fubje6t from fatigue, not want of matter — Annibali muft con- tent himfelf with hearing fuch parts of this 1 tter as may afford him any fatis- fadtion — Compliments to the Fauftina. - - - 181 Heafons forgiving this long letter entire. (Note b.) Letter 5. To the Abate Pasquini — Hisarrivalin Italy, does not appear by his letter to have afforded him the happinefs he expected A.ttil'10 Regolo preparing for the Drefden Theatre-- — HafTe's Mufic of the two firft. Acts, excellent — Long fince his tranquility was at the mercy of the public — Succefs depends on fortuitous cicumftances. - ib. Letter 6, To the fame — His ufual pleafure at the receipt of his letters changed into bit- ternefs — Wonders at his forgetting all he has read about the difficulty of at- taining happinefs — His friends tried . every poflible means to enlighten him — Wife maxims ufelefs to the heart — • ThePrincefs Royal of Saxony, has com- municated to him many of her pro- ductions— Fortune of Attilio at Dref- den. CONTENTS. den Loaded with bufinefs by the Neapolitan Envoy. - Page 332 Letter 7. To the fam£ — Reafons for not writing — -^-Advifes him to write to Count Lofi — Has read with pleafure the Can- zonet of Signora Livia Acearigi --Speaks favourably of it - - 335 SECTION IX. Return to the correfpondence with Farinelli. Letter i. Prefents arrived — Court of Vienna in- formed of it — Dares not thank him too much — Has fent him the Drama of, Le Cinefi — Count Pinos — Countefs d 7 Althan — She partakes of his Snuff — Refpectful meffages to the Queen of Spain. ... 337 Reflections on the inefficacy of Royal favour. - 34O Letter 2. To Farinelli — Manner in which De- mofoonte had been brought out at Madrid — The Author flattered by his favour at the Court of Spain — It makes him forget the fpite of his enemy Fortune — Writes a period for his Bio- grapher — Sends his Canzonet, La Par- tenza, with his own Mufic — Jomelli's praife for attending to words — Admits that he repeats too much — Farinelli's favour ft ill at Vienna. - 34 1 . Criftini. P. 26, 1. 3, for Thofe, r. Three. P. 30. 1. %,for that city, r. of Rome. P. 41, 1. 4, for happy, r. historical. P. 95, 1. 17, rff/e after- wards. P. 160, lalt line, after is, r. lefs. P. 174, 1, 1, after Metaftaiio's, add account. P. 201, 1. 21, r. benifked. P. 254, 1. 2, r. plaufible. Ibid, bottom, /«- FIFTH, r. SIXTH. P. 255, top,>- VI. r. VII. P. 25S, 1, 5, for pay, r. day. P. &6i,for Letter III/ r. II. P. 277, 1. 14, for adtrice, ?-. adtrefs. P. 283, 1. \o,for cantata, r. cantatas. P. 298, bottom, for SIXTH, r. SEVENTH. P. 299,/er Sedtion VII. r. VIII. P. 307, 1. i6,for Ionia, r. Ionian. P. 317, I. 16, r. majciric. P. 319, 1. 6, for genius, r. affedtion. P- 333,1 6, for of,-, in. P. 336. bottom,/«-SEVENTH,Sedt. ;-. EIGHTH. P. 337, top, for Sedt. VIII. r. IX. P. 340, 1. 16, for profecutions, r. perfe- cutions. P. 345, laft line, r. effrontery. P. 349, 1. 6. r. tell. " P. 354, . J7, for ciafcum, r. cial'cun. p. 387, 1. 6, after and, add to. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Sedt. IV. Letter 6, 1. 3, after his, add own. Ibid. 1. 5, r. Creufa. Let. ii. r. Themiftocles. Sedt. V. Let. J. 1. 8. for them, r. it. Let. 3. 1. 5, ia delightful, dele s. Sedt. VII. Introd. to Let. 3, 1. 1, r. tenfion. Sect. VTJI, end of Let. 4, for p. 18, r, 315. End of ditto, note (&) r. p v 330. *» £ '+* --•■ m Mill mmm ttfimaSk ■