Dear Little Wife,

I have a host of petitions to make to you:

1st, I implore you not to give way to grief;

2d. To take care of your health and to remember that the air of the spring is treacherous;

3d, Not to go out walking alone or, better still, not to go for walks at all. (Constance had been suffering from an illness that made walking somewhat dangerous for her.)

4th, Never to doubt the depth and sincerity of my love; I have never written a letter to you without first placing your dear picture where my eyes will fall on it.

5th, To guard not only your honor and mine, but even to watch over outward appearances. Do not let this recommendation offend you, for you should love mall the more for being anxious about your good name.

6th and ultimo, I be of you to give me longer details in your letter. I want to know whether your brother in law Hofer came to see you the day after my departure, if he comes often to enquire after you as hi promised he would, if the Lange family com to visit you, if your portrait is progressing; if you do this or that; everything is of supreme interest to me.

Adieu, dearest. Keep well. Every evening before I go to bed I have a good half hour’s chat with your dear likeness and also when I awake. Adieu, I send you 199,506,043,082 kisses – there is wherewith to exercise yourself in enumeration.

Wolfgang

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