The prophetic apprehensions of Leopold Mozart had a partial accomplishment, and before we establish the family again in the quiet of Salzburg, which was towards the close of the jear 1766, it may be necessary to explain the “misgivings” which attended his return. These relate entirely to his serf-like position at the court of his prince. He feared that he had been educating musicians whose services would be appropriated without any acknowledgement; and though he escaped this during the life of the reigning archbishop, the course of a few years showed that his prognostics were not ill-founded.

As no one better appreciated his son's genius than Leopold Mozart, the silent gratitude and modesty with which he witnessed its gradual expansion, marks his good taste and feeling. Indeed, he was by this time so accustomed to his son's exploits, that far from expressing exultation at them, he only incidentally alluded to them in his correspondence. To what severe trials the invention and address of the boy were perpetually exposed, must, therefore, be learned from other pens; and when it is considered that any one failure would have involved irretrievable disgrace, his laurels will be deemed fairly and honourably won.