[10]. The centennial anniversary of Schiller’s birth.—Translator.
[11]. Schiller’s birthday.—Translator.
[12]. If the illegible word is a proper name, it should be a masculine name of four syllables with accent on the third. If not a proper name, it should be preceded by “the” in the translation.—Translator.
[13]. Too great a reward for my poor labors is the sympathy of so courteous and lofty a soul as is manifested in the letter which you have done me the honor to write to me. In such a soul it is a matter of course that indulgence also must find a place; and if in this case it is excessive, this is one reason the more why it should arouse in me a lively sense of gratitude. For the rest, excess in kindly feelings is one of the least dangerous disorders in this world. May God preserve and reward the noble inclinations which he has bestowed upon you.
Pray accept the respectful expression of my gratitude, and the assurance of the high esteem with which I have the honor of signing myself
Your most humble and devoted servant
Alessandro Manzoni
[14]. Compare the dates of the autographs in the preceding chapter.—Translator.
[15]. Both titles are “countess” in English; but in German Gräfin is the count’s wife or widow, Komtesse his unmarried daughter.—Translator.
[16]. Manoel Garcia del Popolo Vicente, a native of Seville, born 1775, died 1832, was successful as singer and composer, and supreme as music teacher. The reputation of his book Metodo di canto is high and permanent. He had two daughters, Maria born in 1808 and Pauline born in 1821. The elder, named Malibran by marriage, was one of the most renowned singers of the nineteenth century; she died in 1836. Pauline made her first appearance on the stage in 1837; married Louis Viardot, at that time director of the grand opera at Paris, in 1840; remained on the stage, with much success, till 1863; and settled in Paris as a teacher of singing in 1871.—Translator.