«Through more precious hands I could not receive Your Excellency’s [precious] letter, and through hands dearer to you I could not address this respectful reply.
The least healthy part of my worn out machine is my eyes.
Writing tires me, and I am not always able to dictate. Of the thousand things I would have to say to you, I shall be content to say: thank you for introducing me to Sig. Abbate Manenti; the other is to continue to graciously love me, as you rightly love him. I am, and shall always be with the deepest esteem, and the most respectful [tenderness] the humblest, the most favourable, the most obliged servant of Your Excellency. Paris, 25 April 1791
Carlo Goldoni»