BEETHOVEN’S LETTERS.

(1790-1826.)

FROM THE COLLECTION OF DR. LUDWIG NOHL.

ALSO HIS

LETTERS TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH, CARDINAL-ARCHBISHOP
OF OLMÜTZ, K.W., FROM THE COLLECTION OF DR.
LUDWIG RITTER VON KÖCHEL.

TRANSLATED BY
LADY WALLACE.

WITH A PORTRAIT AND FAC-SIMILE.

IN TWO VOLUMES.

VOL. II.

BOSTON:
OLIVER DITSON & CO., 277 WASHINGTON STREET.
NEW YORK: C.H. DITSON & CO.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME II.

SECOND PART.

LIFE’S MISSION.
1815-1822.
(Continued.)

1. To Steiner & Co.
2. To the Same
3. To Tobias Haslinger
4. To the Same
5. To Baroness Dorothea von Ertmann
6. To Zmeskall
7. To Steiner & Co.
8. To G. del Rio
9. To the Same
10. To the Same
11. To the Same
12. To the Same
13. To Czerny
14. To the Same
15. To the Same
16. To Zmeskall
17. To G. del Rio
18. To Frau von Streicher
19. To the Same
20. To the Same
21. To F. Ries, London
22. To Zmeskall
23. To the Same
24. To Frau von Streicher
25. To G. del. Rio
26. To Zmeskall
27. To the Same
28. To the Same
29. To the Same
30. To Frau von Streicher
31. To the Same
32. To the Same
33. To the Same
34. To the Archduke Rudolph
35. To G. del Rio
36. To the Same
37. To the Archduke Rudolph
38. To G. del Rio
39. To the Same
40. To Czerny
41. To F. Ries, London
42. To the Rechnungsrath Vincenz Hauschka
43. To the Archduke Rudolph
44. To the Same
45. To Ferdinand Ries
46. To the Same
47. To the Same
48. To the Philharmonic Society in Laibach
49. To Ferdinand Ries, London
50. To the Archduke Rudolph
51. To the Same
52. To the Same
53. To the Same
54. To the Same
55. To the Same
56. To the Same
57. To the Same
58. To the Same
59. To the Same
60. To the Same
61. To Herr Blöchlinger
62. Canon on Herr Schlesinger
63. To Artaria, Vienna
64. A Sketch by Beethoven
65. To Artaria
66. Petition to the Magistracy
67. To F. Ries, London
68. To the Archduke Rudolph
69. Memorandum
70. To the Archduke Rudolph
71. To the Same
72. To the Royal and Imperial High Court of Appeal
73. To the Archduke Rudolph
74. Testimonial in favor of Herr von Kandeler
75. To Theodore Amadeus Hoffmann
76. To Haslinger
77. To the Same
78. To the Archduke Rudolph
79. To the Same
80. To Artaria & Co.
81. To Bolderini
82. To the Archduke Rudolph
83. To Artaria & Co.
84. To Haslinger
85. To the Archduke Rudolph
86. To the Same
87. To Steiner & Co.
88. To a Friend
89. To the Archduke Rudolph
90. To F. Ries, London
91. To Herren Peters & Co., Leipzig
92. To the Same
93. To the Same
94. To Artaria
95. To Herr Peters, Leipzig
96. To the Archduke Rudolph
97. To Herr Peters, Leipzig
98. To F. Ries, London
99. To Ignaz Ritter von Seyfried

THIRD PART.

LIFE’S TROUBLES AND CLOSE
1823-1827.

1. To Zelter
2. To F. Ries, London
3. To Schindler
4. To the Same
5. To Herr Kind
6. To Cherubini
7. To Schindler
8. To Herr Peters, Leipzig
9. To Zelter
10. To the Archduke Rudolph
11. To Schindler
12. To F. Ries, London
13. To Herr Lissner, Petersburg
14. To Schindler
15. To the Same
16. To the Same
17. To the Same
18. To the Same
19. To the Same
20. To the Same
21. To the Same
22. To the Archduke Rudolph
23. To Schindler
24. To Pilat, editor of the “Austrian Observer”
25. To Schindler
26. To the Same
27. To the Same
28. To the Same
29. To the Same
30. To the Same
31. To the Archduke Rudolph
32. To F. Ries
33. To Herr von Könneritz
34. To Herr von Könneritz
35. To Schindler
36. To his Nephew
37. To the Archduke Rudolph
38. To the Same
39. To the Same
40. To F. Ries, London
41. To the Same
42. To the Archduke Rudolph
43. To the Same
44. To Schindler
45. To the Same
46. To the Same
47. To Herr Grillparzer
48. To Herr Probst, Leipzig
49. To Schindler
50. To Herr von Rzehatschek
51. To Prince Trautmannsdorf
52. To Count Moritz Lichnowsky
53. To Herr Schuppanzigh
54. To Schindler
55. To Herr von Sartorius
56. To Schindler
57. To the Same
58. To the Same
59. To the Same
60. To the Same
61. To Steiner & Co
62. To Haslinger
63. To Steiner & Co
64. To Haslinger
65. To the Same
66. To the Same
67. To M. Diabelli
68. To Herr Probst, Leipzig
69. To Haslinger
70. To Herr Schott, Mayence
71. To the Archduke Rudolph
72. To his Nephew
73. To Herr Peters
74. To Hans Georg Nägeli, Zurich
75. To his Nephew
76. To Herr Nägeli
77. To Herr Schott, Mayence
78. To Hauschka
79. To Herr Nägeli, Zurich
80. To the Archduke Rudolph
81. To Herr Schott, Mayence
82. To Carl Holz
83. To the Same
84. To Herr Schott, Mayence
85. To Friends
86. To Schindler
87. To Linke
88. To * * *
89. To F. Ries
90. To Herr Jenger, Vienna
91. To Schott
92. To Ludwig Rellstab
93. To * * *
94. To his brother Johann
95. To Herr von Schlemmer
96. To his Nephew
97. To the Same
98. To Dr. Braunhofer
99. To his Nephew
100. To the Same
101. To the Same
102. To the Same
103. To his Nephew
104. To the Same
105. To the Same
106. To the Same
107. To the Same
108. To the Same
109. To the Same
110. To the Same
111. To the Same
112. To the Same
113. To the Same
114. To the Same
115. To the Same
116. To the Same
117. To the Same
118. To the Same
119. To the Same
120. To his brother Johann, Gneixendorf
121. To his Nephew
122. To the Same
123. To the Same
124. To his Copyist
125. To his Nephew
126. To the Same
127. To Zmeskall
128. To Herr Friedrich Kuhlau
129. To his Nephew
130. To the Same
131. To Herr von Schlesinger
132. To his Nephew
133. To the Same
134. To the Same
135. To the Same
136. To the Abbé Maximilian Stadler
137. To Gottfried Weber
138. To Herr Probst, Leipzig
139. To Stephan von Breuning
140. To the Same
141. To the Same
142. Testimonial for C. Holz
143. To C. Holz
144. To the King of Prussia
145. To Wegeler
146. To Tobias Haslinger
147. To the Same
148. To Carl Holz
149. To Dr. Bach
150. To Wegeler
151. To Sir George Smart, London
152. To Herr Moscheles
153. To Schindler
154. To Baron von Pasqualati
155. To the Same
156. To Sir George Smart, London
157. To Baron von Pasqualati
158. To the Same
159. To Herr Moscheles
160. To Schindler
161. To Herr Moscheles
162. Codicil

BEETHOVEN’S LETTERS.

216.
TO STEINER & CO.

The Adjutant’s innocence is admitted, and there
is an end of it!

We beg you to be so good as to send us two
copies in score of the Symphony in A. We likewise
wish to know when we may expect a copy of
the Sonata for Baroness von Ertmann, as she leaves
this, most probably, the day after to-morrow.

No. 3–I mean the enclosed note–is from a
musical friend in Silesia, not a rich man, for whom
I have frequently had my scores written out. He
wishes to have these works of Mozart in his library;
as my servant, however, has the good fortune, by
the grace of God, to be one of the greatest blockheads
in the world (which is saying a good deal), I
cannot make use of him for this purpose. Be so
kind therefore as to send to Herr —- (for the
Generalissimus can have no dealings with a petty
tradesman), and desire him to write down the price
of each work and send it to me with my two scores
in A, and also an answer to my injunction about
Ertmann, as early to-day as you can (presto, prestissimo!)–nota
bene, the finale to be a march in
double-quick time. I recommend the best execution
of these orders, so that no further obstacle may intervene
to my recovery.

L. VAN BEETHOVEN,
The best generalissimus for the good,
But the devil himself for the bad!

217.
TO STEINER.

The Lieutenant-General is requested to send his
Diabolum, that I may tell him myself my opinion
of the “Battle,” which is printed in the vilest manner.
There is much to be altered.

THE G—-S.

218.
TO TOBIAS HASLINGER.

MY GOOD ADJUTANT,–

Best of all little fellows! Do see again about
that house, and get it for me. I am very anxious
also to procure the treatise on education. It is of
some importance to me to be able to compare my
own opinions on this subject with those of others,
and thus still further improve them. As for our
juvenile Adjutant, I think I shall soon have hit on
the right system for his education. Your

CONTRA FA,
Manu propria.

219.
TO THE HIGH-BORN HERR HASLINGER, HONORARY MEMBER OF
THE HÖFEN GRABENS AND PATER NOSTER GÄSSCHEN.

BEST OF ALL PRINTERS AND ENGRAVERS,–

Be kinder than kind, and throw off a hundred
impressions of the accompanying small plate.^[1] I
will repay you threefold and fourfold. Farewell!

Your

BEETHOVEN.

220.
TO BARONESS DOROTHEA VON ERTMANN.^[1]

Feb. 23, 1817.

MY DEAR AND VALUED DOROTHEA CECILIA,–

You have no doubt often misjudged me, from
my apparently forbidding manner; much of this
arose from circumstances, especially in earlier days,
when my nature was less understood than at present.
You know the manifestations of those self-elected
apostles who promote their interests by
means very different from those of the true Gospel.
I did not wish to be included in that number. Receive
now what has been long intended for you,^[2]
and may it serve as a proof of my admiration of
your artistic talent, and likewise of yourself! My
not having heard you recently at Cz—- [Czerny’s]
was owing to indisposition, which at last appears to
be giving way to returning health.

I hope soon to hear how you get on at St. Polten
[where her husband’s regiment was at that time
quartered], and whether you still think of your admirer
and friend,

L. VAN BEETHOVEN.

My kindest regards to your excellent husband.

221.
TO ZMESKALL.

DEAR Z.,–

I introduce to your notice the bearer of this,
young Bocklet, who is a very clever violin-player.
If you can be of any service to him through your
acquaintances, do your best for him, especially as
he is warmly recommended to me from Prague.^[1]

As ever, your true friend,

BEETHOVEN.

222.
TO STEINER & CO.

The Lieutenant-General is desired to afford all
aid and help to the young artist Bocklet from
Prague. He is the bearer of this note, and a virtuoso
on the violin. We hope that our command
will be obeyed, especially as we subscribe ourselves,
with the most vehement regard, your

GENERALISSIMUS.

223.
TO G. DEL RIO.

I only yesterday read your letter attentively at
home. I am prepared to give up Carl to you at
any moment, although I think it best not to do so
till after the examination on Monday; but I will
send him sooner if you wish it. At all events it
would be advisable afterwards to remove him from
here, and to send him to Mölk, or some place where
he will neither see nor hear anything more of his
abominable mother. When he is in the midst of
strangers, he will meet with less support, and find
that he can only gain the love and esteem of others
by his own merits.

In haste, your
BEETHOVEN.

224.
TO G. DEL RIO.

I request you, my dear friend, to inquire
whether in any of the houses in your vicinity there
are lodgings to be had at Michaelmas, consisting of
a few rooms. You must not fail to do this for me
to-day or to-morrow.

Your friend,
L. VAN BEETHOVEN.

P.S.–N.B. Though I would gladly profit by
your kind offer of living in your garden-house, various
circumstances render this impossible. My
kind regards to all your family.

225.
TO G. DEL RIO.

HOUSE OF GIANNATASIO!–

The treatise on the piano is a general one,–that
is, it is a kind of compendium. Besides, I am
pleased with the Swiss [probably Weber, a young
musician who had been recommended to him], but
the “Guaden” is no longer the fashion.

In haste, the devoted servant and friend of the
Giannatasio family,

BEETHOVEN.

226.
TO G. DEL RIO.

You herewith receive through Carl, my dear
friend, the ensuing quarter due to you. I beg you
will attend more to the cultivation of his feelings
and kindness of heart, as the latter in particular is
the lever of all that is good; and no matter how a
man’s kindly feeling may be ridiculed or depreciated,
still our greatest authors, such as Goethe
and others, consider it an admirable quality; indeed,
many maintain that without it no man can
ever be very distinguished, nor can any depth of
character exist.

My time is too limited to say more, but we can
discuss verbally how in my opinion Carl ought to
be treated on this point.

Your friend and servant,
L. VAN BEETHOVEN.

Alser Vorstadt–Beim Apfel, 2ter Étage,
No. 12, Leiberz, Dressmaker.

227.
TO G. DEL RIO.

This is at any rate the first time that it has been
necessary to remind me of an agreeable duty; very
pressing business connected with my art, as well as
other causes, made me totally forget the account,
but this shall not occur again. As for my servant
bringing home Carl in the evening, the arrangement
is already made. In the mean time I thank
you for having been so obliging as to send your servant
for him yesterday, as I knew nothing about it,
so that Carl probably must otherwise have remained
at Czerny’s. Carl’s boots are too small, and he
has repeatedly complained of this; indeed, they are
so bad that he can scarcely walk, and it will take
some time before they can be altered to fit him.
This kind of thing ruins the feet, so I beg you will
not allow him to wear them again till they are
made larger.

With regard to his pianoforte studies, I beg you
will keep him strictly to them; otherwise his music-master
would be of no use. Yesterday Carl could
not play the whole day, I have repeatedly wished
to hear him play over his lessons, but have been
obliged to come away without doing so.

“La musica merita d’esser studiata.“

Besides, the couple of hours now appointed for his
music lessons are quite insufficient. I must therefore
the more earnestly urge on you their being
strictly adhered to. It is by no means unusual that
this point should be attended to in an institute; an
intimate friend of mine has also a boy at school, who
is to become a professor of music, where every facility
for study is afforded him; indeed, I was
rather struck by finding the boy quite alone in a
distant room practising, neither disturbing others,
nor being himself disturbed.

I beg you will allow me to send for Carl to-morrow
about half-past ten o’clock, as I wish to see
what progress he has made, and to take him with
me to some musicians.

I am, with all possible esteem, your friend,

L. VAN BEETHOVEN.

228.
TO CZERNY.

DEAR CZERNY,–

I beg you will treat Carl with as much patience
as possible; for though he does not as yet get on
quite as you and I could wish, still I fear he will
soon do even less, because (though I do not want
him to know it) he is over-fatigued by the injudicious
distribution of his lesson hours. Unluckily it is not
easy to alter this; so pray, however strict you may
be, show him every indulgence, which will, I am
sure, have also a better effect on Carl under such
unfavorable circumstances.

With respect to his playing with you, when he
has finally acquired the proper mode of fingering,
and plays in right time, and gives the notes with
tolerable correctness, you must only then first direct
his attention to the mode of execution; and when
he is sufficiently advanced, do not stop his playing
on account of little mistakes, but only point them out
at the end of the piece. Although I have myself
given very little instruction, I have always followed
this system, which quickly forms a musician; and
this is, after all, one of the first objects of art, and
less fatiguing both to master and scholar. In certain
passages, like the following,–

I wish all the fingers to be used; and also in similar
ones, such as these,–

&c.
&c.

so that they may go very smoothly; such passages
can indeed be made to sound very perlés, or like a
pearl, played by fewer fingers, but sometimes we
wish for a different kind of jewel.^[1] More as to this
some other time. I hope that you will receive
these suggestions in the same kindly spirit in which
they are offered and intended. In any event I
am, and ever must remain, your debtor. May my
candor serve as a pledge of my wish to discharge
this debt at some future day!

Your true friend,
BEETHOVEN.

229.
TO CZERNY.

DEAR CZERNY,–

I beg you will say nothing on that particular subject
at Giannatasio’s, who dined with us on the day
you were so good as to call on me; he requested
this himself. I will tell you the reason when we
meet. I hope to be able to prove my gratitude for
your patience with my nephew, that I may not always
remain your debtor. In haste,

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

230.
TO CZERNY.

DEAR CZERNY,–

Can you in any way assist the man I now send
to you (a pianoforte maker and tuner from Baden)
in selling his instruments? Though small in size,
their manufacture is solid. In haste,

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

231.
TO ZMESKALL.

Wednesday, July 3, 1817.

DEAR ZMESKALL,–

I have changed my mind. It might hurt the
feelings of Carl’s mother to see her child in the
house of a stranger, which would be more harsh
than I like; so I shall allow her to come to my
house to-morrow; a certain tutor at Puthon, of the
name of Bihler, will also be present. I should be
extremely glad if you could be with me about six
o’clock, but not later. Indeed, I earnestly beg you
to come, as I am desirous to show the Court that
you are present, for there is no doubt that a Court
Secretary will be held in higher estimation by them
than a man without an official character, whatever
his moral character may be!

Now, jesting apart, independent of my real affection
for you, your coming will be of great service
to me. I shall therefore expect you without
fail. I beg you will not take my badinage amiss.
I am, with sincere esteem,

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN

232.
TO G. DEL RIO.

Your friend has no doubt told you of my intention
to send for Carl early to-morrow. I wish to
place his mother in a more creditable position with
the neighborhood; so I have agreed to pay her the
compliment of taking her son to see her in the company
of a third person. This is to be done once a
month.

As to all that is past, I beg you will never allude
to it again, either in speaking or writing, but forget
it all–as I do.

233.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.

I have been occupied in arranging my papers;
an immense amount of patience is required for such
an affair as putting them in order, but having once
summoned it to our aid we must persevere, or the
matter would never be completed. My papers,
both musical and unmusical, are nearly arranged at
last; it was like one of the seven labors of Hercules!^[1]

234.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.

You see what servants are! [He had gone out
and taken the key with him.] Such is housekeeping!
So long as I am ill, I would fain be on a
different footing with those around me; for dearly
as I usually love solitude, it is painful to me now,
finding it scarcely possible, while taking baths and
medicine, to employ myself as usual,–to which is
added the grievous prospect that I may perhaps
never get better. I place no confidence in my
present physician, who at length pronounces my
malady to be disease of the lungs. I will consider
about engaging a housekeeper. If I could only
have the faintest hope, in this corrupt Austrian
State, of finding an honest person, the arrangement
would be easily made; but–but!! [He wishes to
hire a piano and pay for it in advance; the tone to
be as loud as possible, to suit his defective hearing.]

Perhaps you do not know, though I have not
always had one of your pianos, that since 1809 I
have invariably preferred yours.

It is peculiarly hard on me to be a burden on any
one, being accustomed rather to serve others than
to be served by them.

235.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.

I can only say that I am better; I thought much
of death during the past night, but such thoughts
are familiar to me by day also.

236.
TO F. RIES,–LONDON.

Vienna, July 9, 1817.

MY DEAR FRIEND,–

The proposals in your esteemed letter of the 9th
of June are very flattering, and my reply will show
you how much I value them. Were it not for my
unhappy infirmities, which entail both attendance
and expense, particularly on a journey to a foreign
country, I would unconditionally accept the offer of
the Philharmonic Society. But place yourself in
my position, and consider how many more obstacles
I have to contend with than any other artist, and
then judge whether my demands (which I now annex)
are unreasonable. I beg you will convey my
conditions to the Directors of the above Society,
namely:–

1. I shall be in London early in January.

2. The two grand new symphonies shall be
ready by that time; to become the exclusive property
of the Society.

3. The Society to give me in return 300 guineas,
and 100 for my travelling expenses, which will,
however, amount to much more, as I am obliged to
bring a companion.

4. As I am now beginning to work at these
grand symphonies for the Society, I shall expect
that (on receiving my consent) they will remit me
here the sum of 150 guineas, so that I may provide
a carriage, and make my other preparations at once
for the journey.

5. The conditions as to my non-appearance in
any other public orchestra, my not directing, and
the preference always to be given to the Society on
the offer of equal terms by them, are accepted by
me; indeed, they would at all events have been
dictated by my own sense of honor.

6. I shall expect the aid of the Society in arranging
one, or more, benefit concerts in my behalf,
as the case may be. The very friendly feeling of
some of the Directors in your valuable body, and
the kind reception of my works by all the artists, is
a sufficient guaranty on this point, and will be a
still further inducement to me to endeavor not to
disappoint their expectations.

7. I request that I may receive the assent to and
confirmation of these terms, signed by three Directors
in the name of the Society. You may easily
imagine how much I rejoice at the thoughts of becoming
acquainted with the worthy Sir George
Smart [Music Director], and seeing you and Mr.
Neate again; would that I could fly to you myself
instead of this letter!

Your sincere well wisher and friend,

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

[P.S. ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER.]

DEAR RIES,–

I cordially embrace you! I have purposely employed
another hand in my answer to the Society,
that you might read it more easily, and present it
to them. I place the most implicit reliance on your
kindly feelings toward me. I hope that the Philharmonic
Society may accept my proposals, and
they may rest assured that I shall employ all my
energies to fulfil in the most satisfactory manner the
flattering commission of so eminent a society of
artists. What is the strength of your orchestra?
How many violins, &c.? Have you one or two sets
of wind instruments? Is the concert room large
and sonorous?

237.
TO ZMESKALL.

NUSSDORF, July 23, 1817.

MY DEAR GOOD ZMESKALL,–

I shall soon see you again in town. What is the
proper price for fronting a pair of boots? I have
to pay my servant for this, who is always running
about.

I am really in despair at being condemned by my
defective hearing to pass the greater part of my life
with this most odious class of people, and to be in
some degree dependent on them. To-morrow,
early, my servant will call on you, and bring me
back a sealed answer.

238.
TO ZMESKALL.

August 12, 1817.

MY DEAR GOOD Z.,–

I heard of your indisposition with great regret.
As for myself, I am often in despair, and almost
tempted to put an end to my life, for all these remedies
seem to have no end. May God have compassion
on me, for I look upon myself to be as good
as lost! I have a great deal to say to you. That
this servant is a thief, I cannot doubt–he must be
sent away; my health requires living at home and
greater comfort. I shall be glad to have your
opinion on this point. If my condition is not altered,
instead of being in London I shall probably
be in my grave. I thank God that the thread of
my life will soon be spun out.

In haste, your
BEETHOVEN.

N.B. I wish you to buy me a quarter of a
yard of green wax-cloth, green on both sides. It
seems incredible that I have not been able to get
anything of the kind from these green people here.
It is far…. [illegible].

[X. brought the Trio in C minor (Op. 1, No. 3)
to show to Beethoven, having arranged it as a
quintet for stringed instruments (published by Artaria
as Op. 104). Beethoven evidently discovered
a good many faults in the work; still, the undertaking
had sufficient attractions to induce him to
correct it himself, and to make many changes in it.
A very different score was thus of course produced
from that of X., on the cover of whose work the
genial master, in a fit of good humor, inscribed with
his own hand the following title:–

A Terzet arranged as a Quintet,
by Mr. Well-meaning,

translated from the semblance into the reality of five
parts, and exalted from the depths of wretchedness
to a certain degree of excellence,

by Mr. Goodwill.

Vienna, Aug. 14, 1817.

N.B. The original three-part score of the
Quintet has been sacrificed as a solemn burnt-offering
to the subterranean gods.]^[1]

239.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.

When we next meet, you will be surprised to
hear what I have in the mean time learned. My
poor Carl was only misled for the moment; but
there are men who are brutes, and of this number
is the priest here, who deserves to be well
cudgelled.

240.
TO G. DEL RIO.

August 19, 1817.

I unluckily received your letter yesterday too
late, for she had already been here; otherwise I
would have shown her to the door, as she richly deserved.
I sincerely thank Fraulein N. for the
trouble she took in writing down the gossip of this
woman. Though an enemy to all tattling and gossip,
still this is of importance to us; so I shall write
to her, and also give her letter to me to Herr A.S.
[Advocate Schönauer?] I may possibly have let
fall some words in her presence in reference to the
recent occurrence, and the irregularity on your
part, but I cannot in the slightest degree recall ever
having written to her about you.

It was only an attempt on her side to exasperate
you against me; and thus to influence you and obtain
more from you, in the same way that she formerly
reported to me all sorts of things that you had said
about me; but I took no heed of her talk. On this
recent occasion I wished to try whether she might
not be improved by a more patient and conciliatory
mode of conduct: I imparted my intention to Herr
A.S., but it has utterly failed; and on Sunday I
made up my mind to adhere to the former necessary
severity, as even during the glimpse she had
of Carl, she contrived to inoculate him with some
of her venom. In short, we must be guided by the
zodiac, and only allow her to see Carl twelve times
a year, and then barricade her so effectually that
she cannot smuggle in even a pin, whether he is
with you or me, or with a third person. I really
thought that by entirely complying with her wishes,
it might have been an incitement to her to improve,
and to acknowledge my complete unselfishness.

Perhaps I may see you to-morrow. Frau S. can
order the shoes and stockings and all that Carl
requires, and I will remit her the money at once.
I beg that you will always order and buy anything
Carl ought to have, without any reference to me,
merely informing me of the amount, which I will
forthwith discharge, without waiting for the end of
the quarter. I will take care that Carl has a new
coat for the next examination.

One thing more. The mother affects to receive
her information from a person in your house. If
you cannot arrange with Czerny to bring Carl
home, he must not go at all; “trau, schau, wem!”
[trust not till you try.] The only impression that
his mother ought to make on Carl is what I have
already told him,–namely, to respect her as his
mother, but not to follow her example in any respect;
he must be strongly warned against this.

Yours truly,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.

241.
TO ZMESKALL.

Sept. 11, 1817.

DEAR Z.,–

The answer from London arrived yesterday [see
No. 236], but in English. Do you know any one
who could translate it verbally for us? In haste,

Your

BEETHOVEN.

242.
TO ZMESKALL.

Oct. 20, 1817.

DEAR Z.,–

The devil himself cannot persuade your Famulus
to take away the wine. Pray forgive my behavior
yesterday; I intended to have asked your pardon
this very afternoon. In my present condition I require
indulgence from every one, for I am a poor
unfortunate creature!

In haste, as ever, yours.

243.
TO ZMESKALL.

DEAR Z.,–

I give up the journey; at least I will not pledge
myself on this point. The matter must be more
maturely considered. In the mean time the work is
already sent off to the Prince Regent. If they
want me they can have me, and I am still at liberty
to say yes! or no! Liberty!!!! what more can
any one desire!!!

244.
TO ZMESKALL.

DEAR Z.,–

Don’t be angry about my note. Are you not
aware of my present condition, which is like that
of Hercules with Queen Omphale??? I asked
you to buy me a looking-glass like yours, which I
now return, but if you do not require it, I wish
you would send yours back to me to-day, for mine
is broken. Farewell, and do not write in such
high-flown terms about me, for never have I felt so
strongly as now the strength and the weakness of
human nature.

Continue your regard for me.

245.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.

The Autumn of 1817.

I have had an interview with your husband,
whose sympathy did me both good and harm, for
Streicher almost upset my resignation. God alone
knows the result! but as I have always assisted my
fellow-men when I had the power to do so, I also
rely on his mercy to me.

Educate your daughter carefully, that she may
make a good wife.

To-day happens to be Sunday; so I will quote
you something out of the Bible,–“Love one another.”
I conclude with best regards to your best
of daughters, and with the wish that all your
wounds may be healed.

When you visit the ancient ruins [Frau Streicher
was in Baden], do not forget that Beethoven has
often lingered there; when you stray through the
silent pine forests, do not forget that Beethoven
often wrote poetry there, or, as it is termed, composed.

246.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.

How deeply am I indebted to you, my excellent
friend, and I have become such a poor creature that
I have no means of repaying you. I am very
grateful to Streicher for all the trouble he has taken
on my behalf [about a house in the Gärtner Strasse],
and beg he will continue his inquiries. God will,
I hope, one day enable me to return benefit for
benefit, but this being at present impossible, grieves
me most of all….

Now Heaven be praised! [he thus winds up a
long letter about a bad servant,] I have contrived to
collect all these particulars for you with no little
toil and trouble, and God grant that I may never,
never more be obliged to speak, or write, or think
again on such a subject, for mud and mire are not
more pernicious to artistic soil, than such devilry
to any man!!!

247.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.

As to Frau von Stein [stone], I beg she will not
allow Herr von Steiner to turn into stone, that he
may still be of service to me; nor must Frau von
Stein become too stony towards Herr von Steiner,
&c.

My good Frau von Streicher, do not play any
trick [Streiche] to your worthy little husband, but
rather be to all others Frau von Stein [stone]!!!!

Where are the coverlets for the beds?

248.
TO FRAU VON STREICHER.

… It is now very evident from all this that if
you do not kindly superintend things for me, I, with
my infirmities, must meet with the same fate as
usual at the hands of these people. Their ingratitude
towards you is what chiefly degrades both of
them in my eyes. But I don’t understand your
allusion about gossip? on one occasion alone can I
remember having forgotten myself for the moment,
but with very different people. This is all I can say
on the subject. For my part I neither encourage
nor listen to the gossip of the lower orders. I
have often given you hints on the subject, without
telling you a word of what I had heard. Away!
away! away! with such things!

249.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Nussdorf, Sept. 1, 1817.

I hope to be able to join you in Baden; but my
invalid condition still continues, and though in some
respects improved, my malady is far from being entirely
cured. I have had, and still have, recourse
to remedies of every kind and shape; I must now
give up the long-cherished hope of ever being
wholly restored. I hear that Y.R.H. looks wonderfully
well, and though many false inferences
may be drawn from this as to good health, still
every one tells me that Y.R.H. is much better,
and in this I feel sincerely interested. I also trust
that when Y.R.H. again comes to town, I may
assist you in those works dedicated to the Muses.
My confidence is placed on Providence, who will
vouchsafe to hear my prayer, and one day set me
free from all my troubles, for I have served Him
faithfully from my childhood, and done good whenever
it has been in my power; so my trust is in
Him alone, and I feel that the Almighty will not
allow me to be utterly crushed by all my manifold
trials. I wish Y.R.H. all possible good and prosperity,
and shall wait on you the moment you return
to town.

[K.]

250.
TO G. DEL RIO

Vienna, Nov. 12, 1817.

My altered circumstances render it possible that
I may not be able to leave Carl under your care
beyond the end of this quarter; so, as in duty
bound, I give you this warning a quarter in advance.
Though it is painful to admit it, my straitened
circumstances leave me no choice in the matter;
had it been otherwise, how gladly would I have
presented you with an additional quarter’s payment
when I removed Carl, as a slight tribute of my
gratitude. I do hope you will believe that such
are my genuine and sincere wishes on the subject.
If on the other hand I leave Carl with you for the
ensuing quarter, commencing in February, I will
apprise you of it early in January, 1818. I trust
you will grant me this favor, and that I shall not
solicit it in vain. If I ever enjoy better health, so
that I can earn more money, I shall not fail to
evince my gratitude, knowing well how much more
you have done for Carl than I had any right to
expect; and I can with truth say that to be obliged
to confess my inability to requite your services at
this moment, distresses me much.

I am, with sincere esteem, your friend,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.

251.
TO G. DEL RIO.

MY DEAR FRIEND,–

I have been hitherto unable to answer your
friendly letter, having been much occupied and still
far from well.

As to your proposal, it merits both gratitude and
consideration. I must say that the same idea formerly
occurred to me about Carl; at this moment,
however, I am in the most unsettled state. This
was why I made the stipulation to which I begged
you to agree, namely, to let you know in the last
month of the present quarter whether Carl was to
continue with you. In this way our plans would
neither be hurried nor demolished. I am, besides,
well aware that it can be no advantage to you to
have Carl either on his present terms, or according
to your last proposal, and on that very account
I wished to point out to you in my letter how
gladly, besides the usual remuneration, I would
have testified my gratitude in some additional
manner.

When I spoke of my inability, I knew that his
education would cost me even more elsewhere than
with you; but what I intended to convey was that
every father has a particular object in the education
of his child, and it is thus with me and Carl.
No doubt we shall soon discover what is best for
him; whether to have a tutor here, or to go on as
formerly. I do not wish to tie myself down for
the moment, but to remain free to act as his interests
may dictate.

Carl daily costs me great sacrifices, but I only
allude to them on his own account. I know too well
the influence his mother contrives to acquire over
him, for she seems resolved to show herself well
worthy of the name of “Queen of the Night.”
Besides, she everywhere spreads a report that I
do nothing whatever for Carl, whereas she pays
everything!! As we have touched on this point,
I must thank you for your most considerate letter,
which in any event will be of great use to me.
Pray ask Herr L.S. to be so kind as to make my
excuses to his brother for not having yet called on
him. Partly owing to business and also to indisposition,
it has been nearly impossible for me to do
so. When I think of this oft-discussed affair, I
should prefer going to see him on any other subject.
She has not applied to me; so it is not my business
to promote a meeting between her and her son.

With regard to the other matter, I am told that
in this case we must have recourse to compulsion,
which will cost me more money, for which I have
chiefly to thank Herr Adlersburg [his advocate].
As Carl’s education, however, must be carried on
so far as possible independent of his mother, for the
future as well as the present we must act as I have
arranged.

I am, with esteem, your attached friend,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.

252.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Last day of December, 1817.

The old year has nearly passed away, and a new
one draws near. May it bring Y.R.H. no sorrow,
but rather may it bestow on you every imaginable
felicity! These are my wishes, all concentrated
in the one I have just expressed. If it be allowable
to speak of myself, I may say that my health is very
variable and uncertain. I am unhappily obliged to
live at a great distance from Y.R.H., which shall
not, however, prevent my having the extreme gratification
of waiting on you at the first opportunity.
I commend myself to your gracious consideration,
though I may not appear to deserve it. May
Heaven, for the benefit of so many whom you befriend,
enrich each day of your life with an especial
blessing! I am always, &c., &c.

[K.]

253.
TO G. DEL RIO.

Jan. 6, 1818.

To prevent any mistake I take the liberty to inform
you that it is finally settled my nephew Carl
should leave your excellent institution the end of
this month. My hands are also tied with regard to
your other proposal, as if I accepted it, my further
projects for Carl’s benefit would be entirely frustrated;
but I sincerely thank you for your kind intentions.

Circumstances may cause me to remove Carl
even before the end of the month, and as I may
not be here myself, I will appoint some one to fetch
him. I mention this to you now, that it may not
appear strange when the time comes; and let me
add, that my nephew and I shall feel grateful to
you through life. I observe that Carl already feels
thus, which is to me a proof that although thoughtless,
his disposition is not evil; far less has he a bad
heart. I am the more disposed to augur well of
him from his having been for two years under your
admirable guidance.

I am, with esteem, your friend,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.

254.
TO G. DEL RIO.

Vienna, Jan. 24, 1818.

I do not come to you myself, as it would be a
kind of leave-taking, and this I have all my life
avoided. Pray accept my heartfelt thanks for the
zeal, rectitude, and integrity with which you have
conducted the education of my nephew. As soon
as I am at all settled, we mean to pay you a visit;
but on account of the mother, I am anxious that the
fact of my nephew being with me should not be too
much known.

I send you my very best wishes, and I beg especially
to thank Frau A.Z. for her truly maternal
care of Carl.

I am, with sincere esteem, yours,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.

255.
TO CZERNY.

MY DEAR GOOD KIND CZERNY,–^[1]

I have this moment heard that you are in a position
I really never suspected; you might certainly
place confidence in me, and point out how matters
could be made better for you (without any pretensions
to patronage on my part). As soon as I have
a moment to myself, I must speak to you. Rest
assured that I highly value you, and am prepared
to prove this at any moment by deeds.

Yours, with sincere esteem,
L. VAN BEETHOVEN.

256.
TO F. RIES,–LONDON.

Vienna, March 5, 1818.

MY DEAR RIES,–

In spite of my wishes it was impossible for me to
go to London this year [see No. 236]. I beg you
will apprise the Philharmonic Society that my feeble
health prevented my coming; I trust, however,
I shall be entirely restored this spring, so that in
the autumn I may avail myself of their offers and
fulfil all their conditions.

Pray request Neate, in my name, to make no
public use of the various works of mine that he has
in his hands, at least not until I come. Whatever
he may have to say for himself, I have cause to
complain of him.

Potter^[1] called on me several times; he seems to
be a worthy man, and to have a talent for composition.
My wish and hope for you is that your
circumstances may daily improve. I cannot, alas!
say that such is the case with my own…. I
cannot bear to see others want, I must give; you
may therefore believe what a loser I am by this
affair. I do beg that you will write to me soon.
If possible I shall try to get away from this earlier,
in the hope of escaping utter ruin, in which case I
shall arrive in London by the winter at latest. I
know that you will assist an unfortunate friend.
If it had only been in my power, and had I not
been chained to this place, as I always have been,
by circumstances, I certainly would have done far
more for you.

Farewell; remember me to Neate, Smart, and
Cramer. Although I hear that the latter is a counter
subject both to you and to myself, still I rather
understand how to manage people of that kind; so
notwithstanding all this we shall yet succeed in
producing an agreeable harmony in London. I
embrace you from my heart. Your friend,

L. VAN BEETHOVEN.

Many handsome compliments to your charming,
(and as I hear) handsome wife.

257.
TO THE RECHNUNGSRATH, VINCENZ HAUSCHKA.^[1]

1818.

First and foremost member of our society, and
grand cross of the violon–cello! You wish for an
heroic subject, whereas I have none but a spiritual
one! I am contented; still, I think an infusion of
the spiritual would be quite appropriate in such a
mass. I have no objections to H. v. Bernard, but
you must pay him; I do not speak of myself. As
you call yourselves “Friends of Music,” it is only
natural that you should expect a great deal to be
done on the score of friendship.

Now farewell, my good Hauschka! As for myself,
I wander about here with music paper, among
the hills and dales and valleys, and scribble a great
deal to get my daily bread; for I have brought
things to such a pass in this mighty and ignominious
land of the Goths and Vandals, that in order
to gain time for a great composition, I must always
previously scrawl away a good deal for the sake of
money, to enable me to complete an important
work.

However, my health is much improved, and if
the matter is urgent, I can do as you wish now.

In haste, your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

258.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

I have the honor to send the masterly variations^[1]
of Y.R.H. by the copyist Schlemmer, and
to-morrow I shall come in person to wait upon Y.R.H.,
and much rejoice at being able to serve as a
companion to my illustrious pupil on the path of
fame.

[K.]

259.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Jan. 1, 1819.

All that can be comprehended in one wish, or
individually named,–health, happiness, and prosperity,–all
are included in the prayer I offer up
for Y.R.H. on this day. May the wish that I also
form for myself be graciously accepted by Y.R.H.,
namely, that I may continue to enjoy the favor of
Y.R.H. A dreadful occurrence^[1] has lately taken
place in my family, which for a long time stunned
my senses, and to this must be ascribed my not
having waited on Y.R.H., nor taken any notice
of the masterly variations of my much-honored and
illustrious pupil, and favorite of the Muses. The
gratitude I feel for the surprise and the honor you
have done me, I dare not venture to express either
verbally or in writing, for I am too far beneath you,
even if I could or wished ever so ardently to return
like for like. May Heaven accept and listen with
peculiar favor to my prayers for Y.R.H.’s health.
In the course of a few days I trust I shall myself
hear the masterpiece Y.R.H. has sent to me, and
nothing will rejoice me more than to assist Y.R.H.
as early as possible, in taking the place already prepared
for you on Parnassus.

[K.]

260.
TO RIES.

Vienna, April [March?] 30, 1819.

DEAR RIES,–

I am only now able to answer your letter of December
18th. Your sympathy does me good. It
is impossible for me to go to London at present, being
involved here in various ways; but God will, I
trust, aid me, and enable me to visit London next
winter, when I shall bring the new symphonies
with me.

I every day expect the text for a new oratorio,
which I am to write for our Musical Society here,
and no doubt it will be of use to us in London also.
Do what you can on my behalf, for I greatly need
it. I should have been glad to receive any commission
from the Philharmonic, but Neate’s report
of the all but failure of the three overtures vexed
me much. Each in its own style not only pleased
here, but those in E flat major and C major made a
profound impression, so that the fate of those works
at the Philharmonic is quite incomprehensible to
me.

You have no doubt received the arrangement of
the Quintet [Op. 104, see No. 238] and the Sonata
[Op. 106]. See that both, especially the Quintet,
be engraved without loss of time. There is no
such hurry about the Sonata, though I should like
it to appear within two or three months. Never
having received the previous letter to which you
allude, I had no scruple in disposing of both works
here; but for Germany only. It will be at any
rate three months before the Sonata appears here,
but you must make haste with the Quintet. As
soon as you forward me a check for the money, I
will send an authority to the publisher, securing
him the exclusive right to these works for England,
Scotland, Ireland, France, &c., &c.

You shall receive by the next post the Tempi of
the Sonata marked in accordance with Maelzel’s
metronome. Prince Paul Esterhazy’s courier, De
Smidt, took the Quintet and the Sonata with him.
You shall also have my portrait by the next opportunity,
as I understand that you really wish for it.

Farewell! Continue your regard for me,

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

All sorts of pretty compliments to your pretty
wife!!! From me!!!!

261.
TO RIES.

Vienna, April 16, 1819.

DEAR RIES,–

Here are the Tempi of the Sonata.

1st Allegro, Allegro (alone), erase the assai.
Maelzel’s metronome

= 138.

2d movement, Scherzoso. Maelzel’s metronome

= 80.

3d movement, Maelzel’s metronome

= 92.

Observe that a previous bar is to be inserted
here, namely:–

4th movement, Introduzione–largo. Maelzel’s
metronome

= 76.

5th and last movement, 3/4 time. Maelzel’s metronome

= 144.

Pray forgive the confused way in which this is
written. It would not surprise you if you knew
my situation; you would rather marvel that I accomplish
so much in spite of it. The Quintet can
no longer be delayed, and must shortly appear; but
not the Sonata, until I get an answer from you and
the check, which I long to see. The name of the
courier is De Smidt, by whom you will receive both
the Quintet and Sonata. I beg you will give me
an immediate answer. I will write more fully
next time.

In haste, your
BEETHOVEN.

262.
TO RIES.

April 19, 1819.

MY DEAR FRIEND,–

I ask your forgiveness a thousand times for the
trouble I cause you. I cannot understand how it
is that there are so many mistakes in the copying
of the Sonata. This incorrectness no doubt proceeds
from my no longer being able to keep a copyist
of my own; circumstances have brought this
about. May God send me more prosperity, till
—- is in a better position! This will not be for a
whole year to come. It is really dreadful the turn
affairs have taken, and the reduction of my salary,
while no man can tell what the issue is to be till the
aforesaid year has elapsed.

If the Sonata be not suitable for London, I could
send another, or you might omit the Largo, and begin
at once with the Fugue in the last movement,
or the first movement, Adagio, and the third the
Scherzo, the Largo, and the Allegro risoluto. I
leave it to you to settle as you think best. This
Sonata was written at a time of great pressure. It
is hard to write for the sake of daily bread; and yet
I have actually come to this!

We can correspond again about my visit to London.
To be rescued from this wretched and miserable
condition is my only hope of deliverance, for
as it is I can neither enjoy health, nor accomplish
what I could do under more favorable auspices.

263.
TO THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY IN LAIBACH.^[1]

Vienna, May 4, 1819.

I fully appreciate the high compliment paid to
me by the respected members of the Philharmonic
Society, in acknowledgment of my poor musical deserts,
by electing me honorary member of their
Society, and sending me the diploma through Herr
von Tuscher; and as a proof of my sense of this
honor, I intend in due course to forward to the Society
an unpublished work of mine.^[2] Moreover, at
any time when I can be of use to the Society, I
shall be prepared to forward their wishes.

I remain,
the humble servant and honorary member
of the Philharmonic Society,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

264.
TO F. RIES,–LONDON.

Vienna, May 25, 1819.

… I was at the time burdened with cares beyond
all I had ever in my life known,^[1] caused solely
by my too lavish benefits to others. Do compose
industriously! My dear pupil the Archduke Rudolph
and I frequently play your works, and he
says that my quondam pupil does honor to his
master. Now farewell! as I hear that your wife
is so handsome, I venture to embrace her in imagination
only, though I hope to have that pleasure
in person next winter.

Do not forget the Quintet, and the Sonata, and
the money, I mean the Honoraire, avec ou sans
honneur. I hope soon to hear good news from you,
not in allegro time, but veloce prestissimo.

This letter will be given to you by an intelligent
Englishman; they are generally very able fellows,
with whom I should like to pass some time in their
own country.

Prestissimo–Responsio
De suo amico e Maestro,

BEETHOVEN.

265.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

I learned with deep sorrow of your being again
unwell; I trust it will only be a passing indisposition.
No doubt our very variable spring is the
cause of this. I intended to have brought the variations
[see No. 259] yesterday; they may well
boldly face the light of day, and no doubt Y.R.H.
will receive an application for your consent on this
point. I very much regret being only able to express
a pia desideria for Y.R.H’s. health. I earnestly
hope the skill of your Aesculapius may at
length gain the victory and procure permanent
health for Y.R.H.

[K.]

266.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Mödling, July 15, 1819.

I have been very ill since my last visit to Y.R.H.
in town; I hope however to be much better by
next week, in which case I will instantly join Y.R.H.
at Baden. Meanwhile I went several times
to town to consult my physician. My continued
distress about my nephew, whose moral character
has been almost totally ruined, has been the main
cause of my illness. At the beginning of this
week I was obliged to resume my guardianship,
the other guardian having resigned, and much has
taken place for which he has asked my forgiveness.
The solicitor has also given up his office, because,
having interested himself in the good cause, he has
been loudly accused of partiality. Thus these endless
perplexities go on, and no help, no consolation!
The whole fabric that I had reared now blown
away as if by the wind! A pupil of Pestalozzi, at
present an inmate of the Institute where I have
placed my nephew, seems to think that it will be a
difficult matter for him and for my poor Carl to attain
any desirable goal. But he is also of opinion
that the most advisable step is the removal of my
nephew to a foreign country! I hope that the
health of Y.R.H., always so interesting to me,
leaves nothing to be desired, and I look forward
with pleasure to soon being with Y.R.H., that I
may be enabled to prove my anxiety to serve you.

[K.]

267.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

May I beg the favor of Y.R.H. to inform H.R.H.
Archduke Ludwig of the following circumstances.
Y.R.H. no doubt remembers my mentioning
the necessary removal of my nephew from
here, on account of his mother. My intention was
to present a petition to H.R.H. Archduke Ludwig
on the subject; no difficulties however have hitherto
arisen on the subject, as all the authorities concerned
are in my favor. Among the chief of these
are the College of Privy Councillors, the Court
of Guardians, and the guardian himself, who all
entirely agree with me in thinking that nothing can
be more conducive to the welfare of my nephew
than being kept at the greatest possible distance
from his mother; moreover, all is admirably arranged
for the education of my nephew in Landshut,
as the estimable and renowned Professor
Sailer is to superintend everything connected with
the studies of the youth, and I have also some relations
there, so no doubt the most desirable results
may be thus attained for my nephew. Having, as
I already said, as yet encountered no obstacles, I
had no wish whatever to trouble H.R.H. the
Archduke Ludwig, but I now understand that the
mother of my nephew intends to demand an audience
from H.R.H. in order to oppose my scheme.
She will not scruple to utter all sorts of calumnies
against me, but I trust these can be easily refuted
by my well known and acknowledged moral character,
and I can fearlessly appeal to Y.R.H. for
a testimony on this point for the satisfaction of H.R.H.
Archduke Ludwig. As for the conduct of
the mother of my nephew, it is easily to be inferred
from the fact of her having been declared by the
Court wholly incapable of undertaking the guardianship
of her son. All that she plotted in order
to ruin her poor child can only be credited from
her own depravity, and thence arises the unanimous
agreement about this affair, and the boy being entirely
withdrawn from her influence. Such is the
natural and unnatural state of the case. I therefore
beg Y.R.H. to intercede with H.R.H.
Archduke Ludwig, and to warn him against listening
to the slanders of the mother, who would plunge
her child into an abyss whence he could never be
rescued. That sense of justice which guides every
party in our just Austrian land, does not entirely
exclude her either; at the same time, this very same
sense of justice must render all her remonstrances
unavailing. A religious view of the Fourth Commandment
is what chiefly decides the Court to send
away the son as far as possible. The difficulty
those must have who conduct the boy’s education
in not offending against this commandment, and
the necessity that the son should never be tempted
to fail in this duty or to repudiate it, ought certainly
to be taken into consideration. Every effort
has been made by forbearance and generosity
to amend this unnatural mother, but all has been
in vain. If necessary I will supply H.R.H.
Archduke Ludwig with a statement on the subject,
and, favored by the advocacy of my gracious master
Y.R.H. the Archduke Rudolph, I shall certainly
obtain justice.

[K.]

268.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

I regret to say that, owing to a judicial meeting
about the affairs of my nephew (being unable to
alter the hour fixed), I must give up the pleasure
of waiting on Y.R.H. this evening, but shall not
fail to do so to-morrow at half-past four o’clock.
As for the affair itself, I know that I shall be
treated with indulgence. May Heaven at length
bring it to a close! for my mind suffers keenly
from such a painful turmoil.

[K.]

269.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Mödling, July 29, 1819.

I heard with deep regret of Y.R.H.’s recent indisposition,
and having received no further reliable
information on the subject, I am extremely uneasy.
I went to Vienna to search in Y.R.H.’s library
for what was most suitable to me. The chief object
must be to hit off our idea at once, and in accordance
with a high class of art, unless the object
in view should require different and more practical
treatment. On this point the ancient composers
offer the best examples, as most of these possess
real artistic value (though among them the German
Handel and Sebastian Bach can alone lay
claim to genius); but freedom and progress are
our true aim in the world of art, just as in the
great creation at large; and if we moderns are not
so far advanced as our forefathers in solidity, still
the refinement of our ideas has contributed in many
ways to their enlargement. My illustrious musical
pupil, himself a competitor for the laurels of fame,
must not incur the reproach of onesidedness, et
iterum venturus judicare vivos et mortuos. I send
you three poems, from which Y.R.H. might select
one to set to music. The Austrians have now
learned that the spirit of Apollo wakes afresh in
the Imperial House; I receive from all sides requests
for something of yours. The editor of the
“Mode Zeitung” is to write to Y.R.H. on the
subject. I only hope that I shall not be accused
of being bribed–to be at court and yet no courtier!
After that, what is not credible??!!!

I met with some opposition from His Excellency
the Obersthofmeister^[1] in selecting the music. It is
not worth while to trouble Y.R.H. on the subject
in writing; but this I will say, that such conduct
might have the effect of repelling many talented,
good, and noble-minded men, who had not enjoyed
the good fortune to learn from personal intercourse
with Y.R.H. all the admirable qualities of your
mind and heart. I wish Y.R.H. a speedy, speedy
recovery, and, for my own peace of mind, that I
may hear some good tidings of Y.R.H.

[K.]

270.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

I have unhappily only myself to blame! I went
out yesterday for the first time, feeling pretty well,
but I forgot, or rather paid no attention to the fact,
that, being an invalid only just recovering, I ought
to have gone home early; I have consequently
brought on another attack. I think, however, that
by staying at home to-day, all will be right by to-morrow,
when I hope to be able to wait on my esteemed
and illustrious pupil without fail. I beg Y.R.H.
not to forget about Handel’s works, as they certainly
offer to your mature musical genius the highest
nourishment, and their study will always be
productive of admiration of this great man.

[K.]

271.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Mödling, Aug. 31, 1819.

I yesterday received the intelligence of a fresh
recognition and homage^[1] offered to the admirable
qualities of your head and heart. I beg that Y.R.H.
will graciously accept my congratulations.
They spring from the heart, and do not require to
be suggested! I hope things will soon go better
with me also. So much annoyance has had a most
prejudicial effect on my health, and I am thus far
from well; so for some time past I have been obliged
to undergo a course of medicine which has only
permitted me to devote myself for a few hours in
the day to the most cherished boon of Heaven, my
art and the Muses. I hope, however, to be able to
finish the Mass^[2] so that it can be performed on the
19th–if that day is still fixed. I should really be
in despair^[3] were I prevented by bad health from
being ready by that time. I trust, however, that
my sincere wishes for the accomplishment of this
task may be fulfilled. As to that chef-d’oeuvre, the
variations of Y.R.H., I think they should be published
under the following title:–

Theme or Subject
composed by L. van Beethoven,
forty times varied,
and dedicated to his Instructor,
by the Illustrious Author.

The inquiries about this work are numerous, and
yet, after all, this excellent composition may be
ushered into the world in mutilated copies, for Y.R.H.
yourself cannot possibly resist giving it first
to one person and then to another; so, in Heaven’s
name, together with the great homage Y.R.H.
now publicly receives, let the homage to Apollo
(or the Christian Cecilia) also be made public.
Perhaps Y.R.H. may accuse me of vanity; but I
do assure you that precious as this dedication is to
my heart, and truly proud of it as I am, this is certainly
not my chief object. Three publishers have
offered to take the work,–Artaria, Steiner, and a
third whose name does not at this moment occur to
me. So of the two I have named, which is to have
the variations? I await the commands of Y.R.H.
on this point. They are to be engraved at the cost
of either of those publishers, according to their own
offer. The question now is whether Y.R.H. is
satisfied with the title. My idea is that Y.R.H.
should entirely close your eyes to the fact of the
publication; when it does appear, Y.R.H. may
deem it a misfortune, but the world will consider it
the reverse. May Providence protect Y.R.H., and
shower down the richest blessings of His grace on
Y.R.H.’s sacred head, and preserve for me your
gracious regard! [On the cover] My indisposition
must be my excuse with Y.R.H. for this confused
letter.

[K.]

272.^[1]
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

I perceive that Baron Schweiger has not informed
Y.R.H. of the attack I had yesterday. I
was suddenly seized with such sharp fever that I
entirely lost consciousness; a bruised foot may have
contributed to bring this on. It is therefore impossible
for me to leave the house to-day. I hope,
however, to be quite recovered by to-morrow, and I
request Y.R.H. to appoint the orchestra to come
to-morrow afternoon at a quarter to three o’clock,
that the musicians may appear a little earlier, and
leave sufficient time to try over the two Overtures.
If Y.R.H. wishes to hear these, I shall require four
horns; the Symphonies, however, require only two.
For the proper performance of the Symphonies we
must have at least four violins, four second, four
first, two double basses, two violoncellos. I beg
you will be so good as to let me know what you
decide on. No pleasure can ever be greater to me
than hearing my works performed before my illustrious
pupil. May God speedily restore your
health, which often causes me anxiety!

[K.]

273.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

I beg you will be so kind as to let Herr von
Wranitzky^[1] know your commands about the music,
and whether to bespeak two or four horns. I have
already spoken with him, and suggested his only
selecting musicians who can accomplish a performance,
rather than a mere rehearsal.

[K.]

274.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

It is impossible to double the parts by eleven
o’clock to-morrow, most of the copyists having so
much to write this week. I think therefore you
will perhaps appoint next Saturday for our resurrection
day, and by that time I expect to be entirely
recovered, and better able to conduct, which would
have been rather an arduous task for me to-morrow,
in spite of my good-will. On Friday I do
hope to be able to go out and inquire for Y.R.H.

[K.]

275.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

(A Fragment.)

The day when a High Mass of mine is performed
in honor of the solemnities for Y.R.H. will be the
most delightful of my life, and God will enlighten
me so that my poor abilities may contribute to the
splendors of that solemn occasion. I send you the
Sonata with heartfelt gratitude; I think the violoncello
part is wanting,–at least I could not lay my
hand on it at the moment. As the work is beautifully
engraved, I have taken the liberty to add a
published copy, and also a violin quintet. In addition
to the two pieces written in my hand on Y.R.H.’s
name-day, there are two more; the last a
grand Fugato, so that it forms one great sonata,^[1]
which is now shortly to appear, and has been long
in my heart dedicated to Y.R.H. The recent occurrence
connected with Y.R.H.^[2] is not in the slightest
degree the cause of this. I beg you will forgive
my bad writing. I implore the Lord to bestow His
richest blessings on Y.R.H., whose love of humanity
is so comprehensive,–one of the choicest of all
qualities; and in this respect Y.R.H. will always,
either in a worldly or spiritual point of view, be
one of our brightest examples.

[K.]

276.
TO HERR BLÖCHLINGER.

Mödling, Sept. 14, 1819.

85 florins enclosed.

DEAR SIR,–

I have the honor to send you payment for the
ensuing month, which begins on the 22d Sept., and
I add 10 florins in order to provide for any unforeseen
expenses, which you will please account for to
me on the 12th October. The following persons
alone are to have free access to my nephew: Herr
von Bernard, Herr von Oliva, Herr von Piuss.

If any persons, exclusive of those I have named,
wish to see my nephew, I will give them a letter to
you, when you will be so obliging as to admit them;
for the distance to your house is considerable, and
those who go there can only do so to oblige me,
as, for example, the bandage-maker, &c., &c.

My nephew must never leave your house without
a written permission from me. From this you
will at once plainly perceive your line of conduct
towards Carl’s mother. I must impress on you the
necessity of these rules (proceeding from the magistrates
and myself) being strictly enforced. You,
dear sir, are too little experienced in these circumstances,
however obvious your other merits are to
me, to act on your own judgment in the matter,
as you have hitherto done. Credulity can in the
present instance only lead to embarrassment, the
result of which might prove injurious to you rather
than beneficial, and this I wish to avoid for the sake
of your own credit.

I hear that my nephew requires, or at all events
wishes to have, a variety of things from me; he has
only to apply to myself. Be so good as to forward
all his letters through Herr Steiner & Co., Pater
Noster Gässel, auf’m Graben.

Your obedient
BEETHOVEN,
Sole guardian of my nephew Carl Van Beethoven.

N.B. Any outlay will be at once repaid.

277.

Vienna, Sept. 21, 1819.

In honor of the visit of Herr Schlesinger of Berlin.

L. V. BEETHOVEN.

278.
TO HERR ARTARIA,–VIENNA.

Oct. 1, 1819.

MOST EXCELLENT AND MOST VIRTUOUS OF VIRTUOSI, AND NO
HUMBUG!

While informing you of all sorts of things from
which we hope you will draw the best conclusions,
we request you to send us six (say 6) copies of the
Sonata in B flat major, and also six copies of the
variations on the Scotch songs, as the author’s right.
We beg you to forward them to Steiner, in Pater
Noster Gässel, whence they will be sent to us with
some other things.

In the hope that you are conducting yourself
with all due propriety and decorum, we are your,
&c.,

B—-.

279.
A SKETCH WRITTEN BY BEETHOVEN,–

Corrected by Artaria’s Bookkeeper, Wuister.

1819.

Having heard from Herr B. that Y.R. Highness
[the Archduke Rudolph] has written a most masterly
work, we wish to be the first to have the
great honor of publishing Y.R. Highness’s composition,
that the world may become acquainted with
the admirable talents of so illustrious a Prince.
We trust Y. Royal Highness will comply with our
respectful solicitation.

FALSTAFF–^[1]
Ragged Rascal!

280.
TO ARTARIA.

Mödling, Oct. 12, 1819.

Pray forgive me, dear A. (?), for plaguing you
as follows:–

We are coming to town the day after to-morrow,
and expect to arrive at four o’clock. The two
days’ festival compels us to return the same day,
as Carl must prepare with his master here for the
second examination, these very holidays enabling
the tutor to devote more time to him; but I must
soon return to town on account of the certificate of
Carl’s birth, which costs more time and money than
I like. I at all times dislike travelling by the diligence,
and this one has moreover one peculiarity,
that you may wish to go on what day you please,
but it always turns out to be a Friday on which it
sets off; and though a good Christian, still one Friday
in the year is sufficient for me. I beg you will
request the leader of the choir (the devil alone
knows what the office is!) to be so good as to give
us Carl’s certificate of birth on the afternoon of the
same day if possible. He might do so at seven
o’clock in the morning, at the time we arrive; but
he ought to be punctual, for Carl is to appear at the
examination at half-past seven o’clock. So it must
be either to-morrow at seven, or at all events in the
afternoon. We shall call on you to-morrow before
seven o’clock to inquire about this, with the proviso
of a visit later in the day. In haste, and asking
your pardon,

Your
L. VAN BEETHOVEN.

281.
PETITION TO THE MAGISTRACY.^[1]

Oct. 30, 1819.

GENTLEMEN,–

My brother, Carl van Beethoven, died on November
5, 1815, leaving a boy twelve years old,–his
son Carl. In his will, by clause 5, he bequeathed
to me the guardianship of the boy, and in
the codicil B he expressed a wish that his widow,
Johanna, should have a share in this duty, adding
that, for the sake of his child, he recommended her
to submit to my guidance. This explicit declaration
of the father, added to my legal claim, I being
the nearest relative (clause 198), entitles me clearly
to the guardianship of my nephew, Carl van Beethoven;
and the Court of Justice, by their Decree
E, committed to me, under existing circumstances,
the guardianship, to the exclusion moreover of Beethoven’s
widow. A journey on business having
compelled me to be for some time absent, I did not
object to an official guardian supplying my place
for the time, which was effected by the nomination
of the Town Sequestrator, Herr Nussböck.

Being now, however, finally settled here, and
the welfare of the boy very precious to me, both
love and duty demand that I should resume my
rights; especially as this talented lad is coming to
an age when greater care and expense must be bestowed
on his education, on which his whole future
prospects depend. This duty ought not to be confided
to any woman, far less to his mother, who
possesses neither the will nor the power to adopt
those measures indispensable to a manly and suitable
education.

I am the more anxious to reclaim my guardianship
of Carl, as I understand that, in consequence
of want of means to defray the expenses of the
school where I placed him, he is to be removed,
and his mother wishes him to live with her, in order
herself to spend his trifling provision, and thus save
the one half of her pension, which, according to the
decree, she is bound to apply to his use.

I have hitherto taken a paternal charge of my
nephew, and I intend to do the same in future at
my own expense, being resolved that the hopes of
his deceased father, and the expectations I have
formed for this clever boy, shall be fulfilled by his
becoming an able man and a good citizen.

With this view I accordingly request that the
highly respected magistrates whom I now address
will be pleased to annul the Town Sequestrator
Nussböck’s interim office, and forthwith transfer to
me the sole guardianship of my nephew Carl van
Beethoven.^[2]

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

282.
TO F. RIES,–LONDON.

Vienna, Nov. 10, 1819.

DEAR RIES,–

I write to let you know that the Sonata is already
out, though only a fortnight ago, and it is nearly
six months since I sent you both the Quintet and
the Sonata. In the course of a few days I will
send them both to you engraved, and from them
you can correct the two works.

Having received no letter from you on the subject,
I thought the thing was at an end. I have
indeed made shipwreck already with Neate this
year! I only wish you could contrive to get me
the fifty ducats which I have yet to receive, as I
calculated on them, and really am in great want
of money. I shall say no more to-day, but must
inform you that I have nearly completed a new
Grand Mass. Write to me whether you could do
anything with this in London; but soon, very soon,
and send the money soon also for both works. I
will write more fully next time. In haste,

Your true and faithful friend,
BEETHOVEN.

283.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Dec. 14, 1819.

Immediately on last leaving Y.R.H. I was
taken ill, of which I apprised Y.R.H., but owing
to a change in my household, neither the letter in
question nor another to Y.R.H. was ever sent. In
it I begged Y.R.H.’s indulgence, having some
works on hand that I was obliged to dispatch with
all speed, owing to which I was, alas! compelled to
lay aside the Mass also.^[1] I hope Y.R.H. will
ascribe the delay solely to the pressure of circumstances.
This is not the time to enter fully into
the subject, but I must do so as soon as the right
moment arrives, that Y.R.H. may not form too
severe or undeserved a judgment of me. My heart
is always with Y.R.H., and I trust at length circumstances
may in so far change, that I may be
able to contribute more than I have hitherto done,
to perfecting your great talent. I think, however,
Y.R.H. is already aware of my good-will in this
respect, and is fully convinced that insurmountable
obstacles alone can ever detain me from the
most excellent of all princes, so revered by me,
and so entwined with every feeling of my heart. I
did not till yesterday hear of the mistake about the
two letters, and I now intend to bring them myself,
for I have no one in my service on whom I can
depend. I will present myself at your house this
afternoon at half-past four o’clock. My warmest
thanks for Y.R.H.’s kind letter to me. When Y.R.H.
thus vouchsafes to declare your esteem for
me, it only heightens and increases my impulse to
all that is good.

284.
MEMORANDUM.

1822.

The Mass^[1] will soon be all in Y.R.H.’s hands;
it ought to have been, and would have been so long
ago, but–but–but–when Y.R.H. becomes
acquainted with my circumstances, you will be surprised
that I have even now been able to finish it.

[K.]

285.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

I heard with heartfelt sorrow of Y.R.H.’s indisposition,
but hope soon to hear of your recovery.
Why am I also ill? for I might possibly discover
the best mode of restoring Y.R.H. I will call
again to inquire after Y.R.H., and hope to hear
good news.

[K.]

286.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

I have been rather an invalid all this time,
though I try to think myself tolerably well. I
deeply regret to hear of Y.R.H.’s attack, especially
as I knew nothing of it, or I certainly should
have hastened to inquire whether it was in my
power in any way to alleviate your sufferings. To-morrow,
in compliance with Y.R.H.’s wish, I shall
certainly enjoy the pleasure of seeing my own most
dear and illustrious master.

[K.]

287.
TO THE ROYAL AND IMPERIAL HIGH COURT OF APPEAL.

Jan. 7, 1820.

GENTLEMEN,–

On the plea of the Decree A, I sought to have
transferred to myself the guardianship of my
nephew, Carl v. Beethoven, but was referred by
the magistracy to the previous decision. On my
consequent remonstrance the same result ensued.

I find myself the more aggrieved by this, inasmuch
as not only are my own rights set at naught,
but even the welfare of my nephew is thus utterly
disregarded. I am therefore compelled to have recourse
to the highest Court of Appeal to lay before
them my well-founded claim, and rightfully to demand
that the guardianship of my nephew should
be restored to me.

My reasons are the following:–

1st. I am entitled to the guardianship of my
nephew, not only by his father’s will, but by law,
and this the Court of Justice confirmed to the exclusion
of the mother. When business called me
away from Vienna, I conceded that Herr Nussböck
should act for me ad interim. Having now, however,
taken up my residence here, the welfare of
my nephew demands that I should again undertake
the office of his guardian.

2d. My nephew has arrived at an age when he
requires to be trained to a higher degree of cultivation.
Neither his mother nor his present guardian
are calculated to guide the boy in the pursuit
of his studies. The former, in the first place, because
she is a woman; and as to her conduct, it
has been legally proved that, to say the least of it,
she has no creditable testimonials to bring forward,^[1]
on which account she was expressly prohibited
from acting by the Court of Justice. How the
Honorable Magistracy could nevertheless again
appoint her is quite incomprehensible. The latter
is unfit; because, on the one hand, his office as sequestrator
and administrator of houses and lands,
occupies his time too much to enable him properly
to undertake the duties of guardian to the boy; and,
on the other, because his previous occupation as a
paper manufacturer, does not inspire me with any
confidence that he possesses the intelligence or
judgment indispensable to conduct a scientific education.

3d. The welfare of my nephew is dearer to my
heart than it can be to any one else. I am myself
childless, and have no relations except this boy,
who is full of talent, and I have good grounds to
hope the best for him, if properly trained. Now I
am compelled to hear that he has been delayed a
whole year by remaining in his previous class, from
want of means to defray the expense, and that his
mother intends to remove him from his present
school, and wishes him to live with her. What a
misfortune to the boy, were he to become a victim
to the mismanagement of his mother, who would
fain squander on herself that portion of her pension
which she is obliged to devote to the education
of her son!

I have therefore declared in due form to the Honorable
Magistracy that I am myself willing to undertake
the expenses of his present school, and also
to provide the various masters required. Being
rather deaf, which is an impediment to conversation,
I have requested the aid of a colleague, and suggested
for this purpose Herr Peters, Councillor of
Prince Lobkowitz, in order that a person may
forthwith be appointed to superintend the education
and progress of my nephew, that his moral
character may one day command esteem, and whose
acquirements may be a sure guaranty to all those
who feel an interest in the youth’s welfare, that he
will undoubtedly receive the education and culture
necessary to develop his abilities.

My efforts and wishes have no other aim than to
give the boy the best possible education,–his abilities
justifying the brightest hopes,–and to fulfil
the trust placed in my brotherly love by his father.
The shoot is still flexible; but if longer neglected
it will become crooked, and outgrow the gardener’s
training hand, and upright bearing, intellect, and
character, be destroyed forever.

I know no duty more sacred than the education
and training of a child. The chief duties of a guardian
consist in knowing how to appreciate what is
good, and in adopting a right course; then alone
has proper attention been devoted to the welfare
of his ward, whereas in opposing what is good he
neglects his duty.

Indeed, keeping in view what is most for the
benefit of the boy, I do not object to the mother in
so far sharing in the duties of a guardian that she
may visit her son, and see him, and be apprised of
all the measures adopted for his education; but to
intrust her with the sole guardianship of the boy
without a strict guardian by her side, would cause
the irrevocable ruin of her son.

On these cogent grounds I reiterate my well-founded
solicitation, and feel the more confident of
a favorable answer, as the welfare of my nephew
alone guides my steps in this affair.^[2]

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

288.
TO HIS HIGHNESS THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

From your obedient servant,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.

Jan. 12, 1820.

289.
TESTIMONIAL IN FAVOR OF HERR V. KANDELER.

It is certainly the duty of every musical composer
to become acquainted with all the earlier as
well as more modern poets, in order to select what
is most suitable to his purpose for songs. Such,
however, not being invariably the case, this present
collection of Herr v. Kandeler’s cannot fail to be
useful and commendable to many who wish to
write songs, and also tend to induce more able
poets to contribute something in the same direction.

LUDWIG V. BEETHOVEN.–M.P.

I entirely agree with Herr v. Beethoven.

JOS. WEIGEL.

290.
TO THEODORE AMADEUS HOFFMANN.^[1]

Vienna, March 23, 1820.

I seize the opportunity through Herr N. of approaching
a man so gifted as yourself. You have
also written of my humble self, and Herr N.N.
showed me some lines of yours about me in his
album; I have, therefore, every reason to believe
that you feel some interest in me. Permit me to
say that, on the part of so talented a man as
yourself, this is truly gratifying to me. I wish you
all possible good and happiness, and remain,

Sir, with esteem, your obedient
BEETHOVEN.

291.
TO HERR HASLINGER,–ADJUTANTERL.

I request the Adjutant to lend me the score of
the Overture in E flat, which I will return as soon
as the performance is over. I also beg he will be
so good as to send me Kirnberger’s work to supply
the place of mine, as I am at this moment giving
lessons in counterpoint, and have been unable to
find my own manuscript amid my confused mass of
papers. Yours,

MI CONTRA FA.

292.
TO TOBIAS,–ADJUTANT.

MOST WORTHY ADJUTANT,–

I have made a bet of ten florins, W.W., against
the truth of your having been obliged to pay a compensation
of 2000 florins to Artaria for the new
edition of Mozart’s works, which have been again
and again engraved and sold everywhere. I really
wish to know the truth on this subject, for I cannot
possibly believe what is said. If it be the fact that
you have been so unhandsomely treated, then Ah,
dolce contento must pay the ten florins. Send me a
true report. Farewell; be a good Christian. Your

BEETHOVEN.

293.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Vienna, April 3, 1820.

YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS,–

So far as I can recollect, when I was about to
wait on you, I was told that Y.R.H. was indisposed;
I called on Sunday evening to inquire,
having been assured that Y.R.H. did not intend
to set off on Monday. In accordance with my
usual custom, not to remain long in an anteroom, I
hurried away after receiving this information,
though I observed that the gentleman in waiting
wished to say something to me. Unhappily I did
not hear till Monday afternoon that Y.R.H. had
really gone to Olmütz. I must confess that this
caused me a very painful feeling, but my consciousness
of never having neglected my duty in any respect,
induced me to suppose that the same may
have been the case on this occasion, as it often is
in human life,–for I can easily conceive that Y.R.H.,
immersed in ceremonies and novel impressions,
had very little time to spare in Olmütz for
other things. I should otherwise certainly have
anticipated Y.R.H. in writing. May I ask you
graciously to inform me what length of stay you intend
to make in Olmütz? It was reported that Y.R.H.
intended to return here towards the end of
May; but a few days ago I heard that you were to
remain a year and a half in Olmütz; owing to this
I may perhaps have adopted wrong measures, not
with regard to Y.R.H., but myself. As soon as I
receive information from you on the subject, I will
enter into further explanations. May I also beg that
in the mean time Y.R.H. will not listen to certain
reports about me? I have heard a great deal of
what may be termed gossip here, which people
seem to think may be acceptable to Y.R.H. As
Y.R.H. is pleased to say that I am one of those
whom you esteem, I can confidently declare that
Y.R.H. is the person whom I value most in the
universe. Although no courtier, I believe that Y.R.H.
knows me too thoroughly to believe that mere
selfish interest has ever attached or attracted me
towards Y.R.H., but, on the contrary, true and
heartfelt affection alone. I can with truth say that
a second Blondel has long since set forth on his
pilgrimage, and if no Richard can be found in this
world for me, God shall be my Sovereign!

It seems to me that my idea of giving a quartet
is the best; even though some works have been already
performed on a grand scale at Olmütz, still
something might thus be introduced into Moravia
to attract the attention of the musical world, and
for the benefit of Art.

If, according to the above reports, Y.R.H.
should return here in May, I advise Y.R.H. to
reserve your spiritual children for me [see No.
279] till then, because it would be better that I
should hear them performed by yourself. But if
your stay in Olmütz is really to be of such long duration,
I will receive them now with the greatest
pleasure, and strive to accompany Y.R.H. to the
summit of Parnassus. May God preserve Y.R.H.
in health for the good of humanity, and also for
that of all your warm admirers. I beg you will be
graciously pleased soon to write to me. Y.R.H.
cannot fail to be convinced of my readiness at all
times to fulfil your wishes.

I am Y.R.H.’s humble and faithful servant,

LUDWIG V. BEETHOVEN

294.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Mödling, Aug. 3, 1820.

I have this moment received the letter in which
Y.R.H. informs me yourself of your journey
hither, and I sincerely thank Y.R.H. for such a
mark of attention. I intended to have hastened to
town to-morrow to wait on Y.R.H., but no carriage
is to be had; I expect however to get one
before next Saturday, when I shall lose no time,
and set off at an early hour to inquire for Y.R.H.
With regard to the sacrifice Y.R.H. intends to
offer up to the Muses, I will make a proposal verbally
on the subject. I heartily rejoice in knowing
that Y.R.H. is once more so near me. May I in
all respects be enabled to assist in fulfilling your
wishes! May Heaven bless Y.R.H., and mature
all your plans!

[K.]

295.
TO HERR ARTARIA, FALSTAFF, & CO.

Vienna, Oct. 26, 1820.

I politely request that you will hand over to
Herr Oliva the sum of 300 florins, which has no
doubt already been received by you in full. Having
been entirely occupied by removing to my new
lodgings, I could not do myself the honor of expressing
my thanks to you and Sir John Falstaff in
person.

Your obedient servant,
LUDWIG V. BEETHOVEN.

296.
TO BOLDERINI.

MY VERY WORTHY FALSTAFF!–

I request, with all due civility, that you will send
me a copy of each of the two works for pianoforte
and flute, with variations. As for the receipt, you
shall have it to-morrow; and I also beg you will
forward it forthwith. Give my compliments to
Herr Artaria, and thank him from me for his kind
offer of an advance, but as I have received from
abroad the money due to me, I do not require to
avail myself of his aid. Farewell, Knight Falstaff;
do not be too dissipated, read the Gospel, and be
converted!

We remain, your well-affected
BEETHOVEN.

To Sir John Falstaff, Knight.
To the care of Herr Artaria & Co.

297.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Mödling, Sept. 1820.

Since last Tuesday evening I have been far from
well, but hoped by Friday, certainly, to have had
the happiness of waiting on Y.R.H. This proved
a delusion, and it is only to-day that I am able to
say confidently that I expect to present myself before
Y.R.H. next Monday or Tuesday at an early
hour. I ascribe my illness to having taken an open
calèche, in order not to miss my appointment with
Y.R.H. The day was very wet and positively
cold here towards the evening. Nature seems almost
to have been offended by the liberty I took,
and by my audacity, and to have punished me in
consequence. May Heaven bestow on Y.R.H. all
that is good and holy, as well as every charm and
blessing, and on me your favor, but only in so far
as justice sanctions!

[K.]

298.
TO HERR ARTARIA & CO.

Vienna, Dec. 17, 1820.

I thank you warmly for the advance of 150
florins, for which I have made out the receipt in the
name of his Imperial Highness the Cardinal, and I
beg, as I am in danger of losing one of my bank
shares, that you will advance me another 150 florins,
which I pledge myself to repay within three
months at latest from this date. As a proof of my
gratitude, I engage in this letter to make over to
you, as your exclusive property, one of my compositions,
consisting of two or more movements, without
claiming payment for it hereafter.

Your ever-complaisant
BEETHOVEN.
[L.S.]

299.
TO TOBIAS V. HASLINGER.

Baden, Sept. 10, 1821.

MY VERY DEAR FRIEND,–

On my way to Vienna yesterday, sleep overtook
me in my carriage, which was by no means strange,
for having been obliged to rise so early every morning,
I never had a good night’s sleep. While thus
slumbering I dreamt that I had gone on a far journey,
to no less a place than to Syria, on to Judea,
and back, and then all the way to Arabia, when at
length I actually arrived at Jerusalem. The Holy
City gave rise to thoughts of the Holy Books. No
wonder then if the man Tobias occurred to me,
which also naturally led me to think of our own
little Tobias and our great Tobias. Now during
my dream-journey, the following Canon came into
my head:–

But scarcely did I wake when away flew the
Canon, and I could not recall any part of it. On
returning here however, next day, in the same carriage,
(that of a poor Austrian musician,) I resumed
my dream-journey, being, however, on this occasion
wide awake, when lo and behold! in accordance
with the laws of the association of ideas the
same Canon again flashed across me; so being now
awake I held it as fast as Menelaus did Proteus,
only permitting it to be changed into three parts.

Farewell! I intend to send next something composed
on Steiner’s name, to show that his is no heart
of stone [Stein]. Adieu, my good friend; it is my
most heartfelt wish that you may prosper as a
publisher; may all credit be given to you, and yet
may you never require credit. Sing daily the
Epistles of St. Paul, and daily visit Father Werner,
who can show you in his little book how
to go straight to heaven. See, how anxious I am
about the welfare of your soul!

I remain always, with infinite pleasure, henceforth
and forever,

Your faithful debtor,
BEETHOVEN.

300.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Unterdöbling, July 18, 1821.

I yesterday heard of Y.R.H.’s arrival here;
joyful tidings for me, but saddened by knowing that
it must be some time before I can have the good
fortune to wait on Y.R.H.; having been long
very ill, at last jaundice declared itself, which I
consider a most loathsome malady. I trust, however,
I shall be so far recovered as to see Y.R.H.
before you leave this. Last winter, too, I had some
very severe rheumatic attacks. Much of this proceeds
from the melancholy state of my family
affairs; I have hitherto hoped, by every possible
exertion on my part, at last to remedy these. That
Providence, who searches my inmost heart, and
knows that as a man I have striven sacredly to fulfil
all the duties imposed on me by humanity, God,
and Nature, will no doubt one day extricate me from
all these troubles. The Mass [in D] will be delivered
to Y.R.H. here. I hope Y.R.H. will
excuse my entering into the various causes of the
delay. The details could not be otherwise than
painful to Y.R.H. I would often gladly have
written to Y.R.H. from here, but you told me to
wait till I first heard from you. What, then, was
I to do? Y.R.H. might have been displeased
had I not attended to your injunction, and I know
that there are people who are glad to calumniate me
to Y.R.H., which pains me exceedingly. I therefore
often think that my sole recourse is to keep
quiet till Y.R.H. expresses a wish either to see or
to hear of me. I was told that Y.R.H. had been
indisposed, but I hope it was nothing serious.
May Heaven shower down its most precious blessings
on Y.R.H.! I trust it may not be very
long before I shall be so fortunate as to assure Y.R.H.
how entirely I am, &c., &c.

[K.]

301.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Unterdöbling, July 18, 1821.

I have written a long and minute letter to Y.R.H.,
which my copyist Schlemmer will deliver. I
wrote it on hearing the day before yesterday of the
arrival of Y.R.H. How much I grieve that the
attack of jaundice with which I am affected prevents
my at once hastening to Y.R.H. to express
in person my joy at your arrival. May the Lord
of all things, for the sake of so many others, take
Y.R.H. under His protection!

[K.]

302.
TO THE MOST CELEBRATED MUSIC FIRM IN EUROPE, MESSRS.
STEINER & CO., PATERNOSTER-(MISERERE) GÄSSEL.

I request Geh’-bauer^[1] to send me two tickets,
as some of my friends wish to attend your hole-and-corner
music. You probably have some of these
worthless admission tickets; so let me have one or
two.

The part I send belongs to the Chorus, of which
Bauer has the other portions. Your amicus

BEETHOVEN.

303.
ADDRESS UNKNOWN.

Baden, Sept. 27, 1821.

I hope, sir, that you will forgive the liberty I
take in thus intruding on you. The bearer of this,
H. v.—-, has been commissioned by me to exchange
or sell a bank-note. Being ignorant of
everything connected with these matters, I beg you
will be so good as to communicate your views and
advice to the bearer. The two illnesses I had last
winter and summer rather deranged all my calculations.
I have been here since the 7th of September,
and must remain till the end of October. All
this costs a great deal of money, and prevents my
earning it as usual. I indeed expect shortly to receive
money from abroad, but as bank-notes stand
so high at present, I consider this the easiest resource,
and intend subsequently to purchase a new
bank-note in its place.

Immediate–in haste.

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

[This unsealed letter was enclosed in an envelope on which was
written:]

You will at once see what kind of commercial
genius I am. After writing the enclosed, I for the
first time consulted a friend about the note, who
pointed out to me that all I had to do was to cut
off a coupon, and the affair was completed. I rejoice,
therefore, not to be obliged to plague you
further on the subject.

Yours,
BEETHOVEN.

304.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Feb. 27, 1822.

I went to-day early to the Palace, not, indeed,
with the intention of meeting Y.R.H., (not being
yet dressed), but only to beg Zips to mention that
I had called, and was sincerely rejoiced at your arrival
here; but I could no longer discover Y.R.H.’s
apartments, and wherever I knocked in the
hope of finding Y.R.H., my dress seemed to be so
closely scrutinized that I hurried away, and write
to-day to recommend myself to Y.R.H. To-morrow
I intend to pay my respects to Y.R.H., when I
hope also to hear whether the usual musical and
intellectual meetings are to continue, and when they
are to take place. My not having written all this
time to Y.R.H. has indeed a very bad appearance,
but I delayed from day to day, hoping always
to send the Mass, the mistakes in which were really
quite dreadful; so much so that I was obliged to
revise every part, and thus the delay occurred.
Other pressing occupations and various circumstances
tended to impede me, which is often the
case when a man least expects it. That Y.R.H.,
however, was ever present with me is shown by the
following copies of some novelties,^[1] which have
been lying finished by me for some time for Y.R.H.,
but I resolved not to forward them till I could
at the same time send the Mass. The latter now
only requires binding, when it shall be respectfully
delivered to Y.R.H. by myself. Sincerely rejoiced
at the hope of soon personally waiting on Y.R.H.,
I remain, with devoted homage, yours till death.

[K.]

305.
TO F. RIES,–LONDON.

Vienna, April 6, 1822.

MY DEAREST AND BEST RIES,–

Having been again in bad health during the last
ten months, I have hitherto been unable to answer
your letter. I duly received the 26l. sterling, and
thank you sincerely; I have not, however, yet got
the sonata you dedicated to me. My greatest
work is a Grand Mass that I have recently written.
As time presses, I can only say what is most urgent.
What would the Philharmonic give me for
a symphony?

I still cherish the hope of going to London next
spring, if my health admits of it! You will find in
me one who can thoroughly appreciate my dear
pupil, now become a great master, and who can tell
what benefit art might derive from our conjunction!
I am, as ever, wholly devoted to my Muse, who
constitutes the sole happiness of my life, and I toil
and act for others as I best can. You have two
children; I only one (my brother’s son); but you
are married, so both yours will not cost you so much
as my one costs me.

Now farewell! kiss your handsome wife for me
until I can perform this solemn act in person.

Your attached

BEETHOVEN.

Pray send me your dedication, that I may strive
to return the compliment, which I mean to do as
soon as I receive your work.

306.
TO HERREN PETERS & CO., MUSIC PUBLISHERS,–LEIPZIG.

Vienna, June 5, 1822.

GENTLEMEN,–

You did me the honor to address a letter to me
at a time when I was much occupied, and I have
also been extremely unwell for the last five months.
I now only reply to the principal points. Although
I met Steiner by chance a few days ago, and asked
him jestingly what he had brought me from Leipzig,
he did not make the smallest allusion to your
commission or to yourself. He urged me, however,
in the very strongest manner, to pledge myself to
give him the exclusive right of publishing all my
works, both present and future,–and indeed to sign
a contract to that effect,–which I declined. This
trait sufficiently proves to you why I often give the
preference to other publishers both home and foreign.
I love uprightness and integrity, and am of
opinion that no one should drive a hard bargain
with artists, for, alas! however brilliant the exterior
of Fame may appear, an artist does not enjoy
the privilege of being the daily guest of Jupiter on
Olympus; unhappily commonplace humanity only
too often unpleasantly drags him down from these
pure ethereal heights.

The greatest work I have hitherto written is a
Grand Mass with Choruses, and four obbligati voice
parts, and full orchestra. Several persons have
applied to me for this work, and I have been offered
100 Louis d’or, hard cash, for it; but I demand
at least 1000 florins C.M. [20 florins to
the mark], for which sum I will also furnish a
pianoforte arrangement. Variations on a waltz
[Diabelli’s] for the piano (they are numerous), 30
ducats in gold,–N.B. Vienna ducats. With
regard to songs, I have several rather important
descriptive ones: as, for example, a comic Aria,
with full orchestra, on Goethe’s text, “Mit Mädeln
sich vertragen;” and another Aria, in the same
style, 16 ducats each (furnishing also a pianoforte
arrangement if required); also several descriptive
songs, with pianoforte accompaniment, 12 ducats
each; among these is a little Italian Cantata, with
Recitative; there is also a Song with recitative
among the German ones. A Song with pianoforte
accompaniment, 8 ducats. An Elegy, four voices,
with the accompaniment of two violins, viola, and
violoncello, 24 ducats. A Dervise Chorus, with full
orchestra, 20 ducats.

Also the following instrumental music: a Grand
March for full orchestra, with pianoforte accompaniment,
12 ducats, written for the tragedy of
“Tarpeia.” Romance for the violin (a solo with
full orchestra), 15 ducats. Grand Terzet for two
oboes, and one English horn (which might be arranged
for other instruments), 30 ducats. Four
military Marches with Turkish music; when applied
for, I will name the sum. Bagatelles, or
minor pianoforte solos, the price to be fixed when
required. The above works are all completed.
Solo pianoforte Sonata, 40 ducats (which could
soon be delivered); Quartet for two violins, tenor,
and violoncello, 50 ducats (this will also soon be
ready). I am by no means so anxious about these,
however, as about a full and complete edition of my
works, being desirous to edit them during my lifetime.
I have indeed received many proposals on
this subject, but accompanied by stipulations to
which I could scarcely agree, and which I neither
could nor would fulfil. I am willing to undertake,
in the course of two years, or possibly a year, or a
year and a half, with proper assistance, to edit and
superintend a complete edition of my works, and
to furnish a new composition in each style; namely,
a new work in the style of variations, one in the
sonata style, and so on in every separate class of
work that I have ever composed, and for the whole
combined I ask 10,000 florins C.M.

I am no man of business, and only wish I were;
as it is, I am guided by the offers made to me by
different competitors for my works, and such a competition
is rather strong just now. I request you
to say nothing on the subject, because, as you may
perceive from the proceedings of these gentlemen,
I am exposed to a great deal of annoyance. When
once my works appear published by you, I shall
no longer be plagued. I shall be very glad if a
connection be established between us, having heard
you so well spoken of. You will then also find that
I infinitely prefer dealing with one person of your
description than with a variety of people of the ordinary
stamp.

Pray, let me have an immediate answer, as I am
now on the verge of deciding on the publication of
various works. If you consider it worth while, be
so good as to send me a duplicate of the list with
which you furnished Herr Steiner. In the expectation
of a speedy reply, I remain, with esteem,

Your obedient
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

307.
TO HERREN PETERS & CO.

Vienna, July 26, 1822.

I write merely to say that I agree to give you
the Mass and pianoforte arrangement of it for 1000
florins C.M. You shall receive the above, written
out in score, by the end of July, perhaps a few
days sooner or later. As I am always very much
occupied, and have been indisposed for the last five
months, and works to be sent to a distance requiring
the most careful supervision, I must proceed
rather more slowly than usual. At all events,
Steiner shall get nothing further from me, as he
has just played me a most Jewish trick; so he is
not one of those who might have had the Mass.
The competition for my works is at present very
great, for which I thank the Almighty, as I have
hitherto been such a loser. I am the foster-father
of my brother’s destitute child, a boy who shows
so much aptitude for scientific pursuits that not
only does his study of these, and his maintenance,
cost a great deal of money, but I must also strive
to make some future provision for him; being
neither Indians nor Iroquois, who, as we know,
leave everything to Providence, whereas we consider
a pauper’s existence to be a very sad one.

I assure you on my honor, which, next to God,
is what I prize most, that I authorized no one to
accept commissions for me. My fixed principle has
always been never to make any offer to publishers;
not from pride, but simply from a wish to ascertain
how far the empire of my small talents extended.

I must conclude for to-day, and wishing you
every success, I am, with esteem,

Your obedient
BEETHOVEN.

308.^[1]
TO HERR PETERS.

Vienna, August 3, 1822.

I already wrote to you that my health was still
far from being quite restored. I am obliged to
have recourse to baths and mineral waters as well
as to medicine; all this makes me rather unpunctual,
especially as I must go on writing; corrections,
too, run away with a great deal of time.

As to the songs and marches and other trifles,
my choice is still undecided, but by the 15th of this
month everything shall be ready to be sent off. I
await your orders on the subject, and in the mean
time shall make no use of your bill of exchange.
As soon as I know that the money for the Mass
and the other works has arrived here, all shall be
ready for delivery by the 15th; and after that date
I must set off to some mineral waters near this,
when it will be most desirable for me to avoid all
business for a time. More as to other matters
when less occupied. Pray, do not suspect me of
any ignoble motives. It pains me when I am
obliged to bargain.

In haste. With esteem, yours,
BEETHOVEN.

309.
TO HERR ARTARIA.

August 22, 1822.

Being overwhelmed with work, I can only briefly
say that I will always do what I can to repay your
obliging kindness to me. With regard to the Mass,
I have been offered 1000 florins (C.M.) for it.
My circumstances do not permit me to accept a
less sum from you; all that I can do is to give you
the preference. Rest assured that I do not ask
you one farthing more than others have offered me,
which I can prove to you by written documents.
You can consider about this, but I must request
you to send me an answer on the subject to-morrow,
it being a post-day, and my decision expected
elsewhere. With regard to the 150 florins for
which I am your debtor, I intend to make you a proposal,
as I stand in great need of the 1000 florins.

I beg you will observe strict secrecy as to the
Mass. Now, as ever,

Your grateful friend,
BEETHOVEN.

310.
TO HERR PETERS,–LEIPZIG

Vienna, November 22, 1822.

I now reply to your letter of the 9th November,
in which I expected to find just reproaches for my
apparent negligence, you having sent me the money
and as yet received nothing in return. Unfair as
this may appear, I know you would be mollified
towards me in a few minutes were we to meet.

Everything is now ready for you, except selecting
the songs, but at all events you shall receive
one more than our agreement. I can send you
more bagatelles than I promised, as I have got ten
others beside; if you write to me immediately, I
will send you these, or as many as you wish for,
along with the rest.

My health, indeed, is not entirely reestablished
by the baths, yet on the whole I think I have improved.
I had another annoyance here, owing to
a person having engaged an unsuitable lodging for
me, which is hard on me, as I cannot yet accustom
myself to it, and my occupations are thus sadly deranged.

The case with regard to the Mass stands thus: I
finished one long ago, and another is in progress.
There is always a certain degree of gossip about
people of our class, which has, no doubt, misled
you. I don’t yet know which you are to get.
Besieged on all sides, I am almost forced to testify
the reverse of the dictum that “the spirit cannot
be weighed.” I send you my best wishes, and
trust that time will foster a beneficial and honorable
connection between us.

BEETHOVEN.

311.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

I was extremely unwell both yesterday and the
day before; unfortunately there was no one whom
I could send to apprise Y.R.H. of the fact. As
I felt better towards evening, I went into the town
to make Schlemmer correct the Sonata.^[1] He was
not at home, so I requested him to come here to-day.
I send the Sonata by him, and will come in
to-day before four o’clock to wait on Y.R.H.

[K.]

312.
TO HERR PETERS.

Vienna, December 20, 1822.

I take advantage of a moment’s leisure to-day to
answer your letter. Not one of all the works that
are your property is unfinished, but time is too
precious to particularize all the details that prevent
the copying and sending off the music to you. I
recollect in a former letter having offered you some
more bagatelles, but I by no means press you to
take them. If you wish only to have the four, so
be it; but in that case I must make a different selection.
Herr —- has not as yet got anything
from me. Herr —- begged me to make him a
present of the songs for the “Journal de la Mode,”
which, in fact, I did not write for money; indeed,
I find it quite impossible to act in every case according
to so much per cent. It is painful for me
to calculate in this manner oftener than is absolutely
necessary. My position is far from being so
brilliant as you think, &c., &c. It is not possible
to listen to all these proposals at once, being far
too numerous, but many cannot be refused. A
commission is not always quite in accordance with
the inclinations of an author. If my salary were
not so far reduced as to be no salary at all,^[1] I would
write nothing but symphonies for a full orchestra,
and church music, or at most quartets.

Of my minor works, you can still have Variations
for two oboes and one English horn, on the theme
from “Don Giovanni,” “La ci darem la mano,”
and a Gratulation Minuet for a full orchestra. I
should be glad, likewise, to have your opinion
about the full edition of my works.

In the most desperate haste, your obedient

BEETHOVEN.

313.
TO F. RIES,–LONDON

Vienna, December 20, 1822.

MY DEAR RIES,–

I have been so overburdened with work that I
am only now able to reply to your letter of November
15. I accept with pleasure the proposal
to write a new symphony for the Philharmonic
Society. Although the prices given by the English
cannot be compared with those paid by other
nations, still I would gladly write even gratis for
those whom I consider the first artists in Europe–were
I not still, as ever, the poor Beethoven.

If I were only in London, what would I not
write for the Philharmonic! For Beethoven, thank
God! can write–if he can do nothing in the
world besides! If Providence only vouchsafes to
restore my health, which is at least improving, I
shall then be able to respond to the many proposals
from all parts of Europe, and even North
America, and may thus perhaps be some day in
clover.

314.
TO IGNAZ RITTER VON SEYFRIED.

1822.

MY DEAR AND WORTHY BROTHER IN APOLLO,–

I heartily thank you for the trouble you have
taken in aiding my charitable work.^[1] I rejoice that
its success is universally admitted, and hope you
will never fail to let me know when it is in my
power to serve you by my poor talents. The worthy
municipal corporation is, no doubt, thoroughly
convinced of my good-will; in order to give fresh
proofs of it, we ought to have a friendly interview
as to the mode in which I can best serve the corporation.
When such a master as yourself takes
an interest in us, our pinions ought never to droop.

I am, with the warmest esteem,
Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

THIRD PART

LIFE’S TROUBLES AND CLOSE.
1823 TO 1827.

315.
TO ZELTER.^[1]

Vienna, Feb. 8, 1823.

MY BRAVE COLLEAGUE IN ART,–

I write, having a favor to ask of you, for we are
now so distant from each other that we can no
longer converse together, and, indeed, unhappily,
we can seldom write either. I have written a
grand mass, which might also be given as an oratorio
(for the benefit of the poor, a good established
custom here). I do not wish to publish it in the
usual way, but to dispose of it to some of the leading
courts alone. I ask fifty ducats for it. No
copies are to be sold except those subscribed for,
so that the mass will be, as it were, in manuscript;
but there must be a fair number of subscribers, if
any profit is to accrue to the author. I have made
an application to the Prussian embassy here, to
know if the King of Prussia would vouchsafe to
take a copy, and I have also written to Prince
Radziwill, to ask him to interest himself in the affair.
I beg you likewise to do what you can for
me. It is a work that might likewise be useful to
the Academy of Singing, for there is scarcely any
portion of it that could not be almost entirely executed
by voices. The more these are increased
and multiplied in combination with instruments,
the more effective would be the result. It ought
to be appropriate also as an oratorio, for such societies
as those for the benefit of the poor require
marks of this kind. Having been an invalid for
some years past, and consequently my position anything
but brilliant, I have had recourse to this
scheme. I have written much; but as to profits,
they are nearly nil! The more do I look upwards;
but both for his own sake, and that of others, man
is obliged to turn his eyes earthwards; for this, too,
is part of the destiny of humanity. I embrace
you, my dear fellow-artist, and am, with sincere
esteem,

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

316.
TO F. RIES,–LONDON.

… Manage this as soon as you can for your
poor friend. I also expect my travelling route
from you. Things have become quite too bad here,
and I am fleeced worse than ever. If I do not
go at all, lo! and behold a crimen laesae!… As
it seems that you wish soon to have a dedication
from me, I gladly comply with your request, much
more so than with that of any great man; though,
entre nous, the devil alone can tell how soon one
may fall into their hands! The dedication to you
will be written on the new symphony; and I hope
I shall at length receive yours to me.

B. is to open the letter he took charge of for the
King [George IV.], in which he will see what I
have written to His Majesty on the subject of the
“Battle of Vittoria.” The tenor of the enclosed
is the same; but not a word as to the mass.^[1] Our
amiable friend B. must try to get me at least a
battle-axe or a turtle for it! The engraved copy
of the score of “The Battle” must also be presented
to the King. This letter will cost you a
good deal [seventeen shillings]; but I beg you will
deduct it from your remittance to me. How much
I regret being so troublesome! May God prosper
you!

Say all that is amiable to your wife till I come
myself. Beware! you think me old; but I am a
young veteran!

Yours, as ever,
B.

317.
TO SCHINDLER.

MY VERY BEST OPTIMUS OPTIME,–

Pray try to hunt out a philanthropist who will
advance me some money on a bank-share, that I
may not put the generosity of my friends too much
to the test, nor myself be placed in difficulty by
the delay of this money, for which I have to thank
the fine plans and arrangements of my precious
brother.

You must not let it appear that this money is
really wanted.

318.
TO SCHINDLER.

DEAR SCHINDLER,–

Don’t forget the bank-share. It is greatly
needed; it would be very annoying to be brought
into court; indeed, I would not be so for the whole
world. My brother’s conduct is quite worthy of
him. The tailor is appointed to come to-day, still
I hope to be able to get rid of him for the present
by a few polite phrases.

319.
TO HERR KIND.

DEAR KIND,–

I intend to call on you at latest on Wednesday
afternoon at four o’clock, when I will settle everything.

Your obedient
BEETHOVEN.

320.
TO CHERUBINI.^[1]

March 15, 1823.

HIGHLY ESTEEMED SIR,–

I joyfully take advantage of this opportunity to
address you. I have done so frequently in spirit,
as I prize your theatrical works beyond others.
The artistic world has only to lament that, in Germany
at least, no new dramatic piece of yours has
appeared. Highly as all your works are valued
by true connoisseurs, still it is a great loss to art not
to possess any fresh production of your great genius
for the theatre.

True art is imperishable, and the true artist feels
heartfelt pleasure in grand works of genius, and
that is what enchants me when I hear a new composition
of yours; in fact, I take greater interest in
it than in my own; in short, I love and honor you.
Were it not that my continued bad health prevents
my going to see you in Paris, with what exceeding
delight would I discuss questions of art with you!
Do not think that this is merely intended to serve
as an introduction to the favor I am about to ask
of you. I hope and feel convinced that you do not
for a moment suspect me of such base sentiments.

I recently completed a grand solemn mass, and
have resolved to offer it to the various European
courts, as it is not my intention to publish it at
present. I have therefore solicited the King of
France, through the French embassy here, to subscribe
to this work, and I feel certain that his Majesty
would, at your recommendation, agree to do so.
Ma situation critique demande que je ne fixe pas
seulement, comme ordinnaire, mes voeux au ciel; au
contraire, il faut les fixer aussi [“aussi” in Beethoven’s
hand] en bas pour les nécessités de la vie.
Whatever may be the fate of my request to you,
I shall forever continue to love and esteem you, et
vous resterez toujours celui de mes contemporains que
je l’estime le plus. Si vous me voulez faire un extrême
plaisir, c’était si vous m’écrivez quelques lignes,
ce que me soulagera bien. L’art unit tout le monde,
how much more, then, true artists, et peut-être vous
me dignez aussi to include me in that number.
Avec le plus haut estime,

Votre ami et serviteur,
BEETHOVEN.

321.
TO SCHINDLER.^[1]

DEAR SCHINDLER,–

I am not sure whether the other copy was corrected
or not, so I send you this one instead. As
to N. in S—-, I beg you not to say a word; Bl.
is already very uneasy on the subject. In haste,
your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

322.
TO HERR PETERS,–LEIPZIG.

Vienna, March 20, 1823.

The other three marches are only to be sent off
to-day, as I missed the post last week. Irregular as
I have been on this occasion in our transactions,
you would not think me so culpable if you were
here, and aware of my position, a description of
which would be too tedious both for you and me.

I have now an observation to make with regard
to what I have sent off to you.

Several sets of wind instruments may combine in
the performance of the Grand March, and if this
cannot be done, and a regimental band is not
strong enough for its present arrangement, any
bandmaster can easily adapt it by omitting some of
the parts.

You can, no doubt, find some one in Leipzig to
show you how this can be managed with a smaller
number, although I should regret if it were not to
appear engraved exactly as it is written.

You must forgive the numerous corrections in
the works I send; my old copyist no longer sees
distinctly, and the younger one has yet to be trained,
but at all events there are no errors left.

It is impossible for me to comply at once with
your request for a stringed and a pianoforte quartet,
but if you will write to me fixing the time you wish
to have both works, I will do what I can to complete
them. I must, however, apprise you that I
cannot accept less than 50 ducats for a stringed
quartet, and 70 for a pianoforte one, without incurring
loss; indeed, I have repeatedly been offered
more than 50 ducats for a violin quartet. I am,
however, always unwilling to ask more than necessary,
so I adhere to the sum of 50 ducats, which is,
in fact, nowadays the usual price.

The other commission is indeed an uncommon
one, and I, of course, accept it, only I must beg
you to let me know soon when it is required; otherwise,
willing as I am to give you the preference, I
might find it almost impossible to do so. You
know I wrote to you formerly that quartets were
precisely what had risen most in value, which makes
me feel positively ashamed when I have to ask a
price for a really great work. Still, such is my
position that it obliges me to secure every possible
advantage. It is very different, however, with the
work itself; when I never, thank God, think of
profit, but solely of how I write it. It so happens
that two others besides yourself wish to have a
mass of mine, and I am quite disposed to write at
least three. The first has long been finished, the
second not yet so, and the third not even begun.
But in reference to yourself, I must have a certainty,
that I may in any event be secure.

More of this next time I write; do not remit the
money, at any rate till you hear from me that the
work is ready to be sent off.

I must now conclude. I hope your distress is,
by this time, in some degree alleviated.

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

323.
TO ZELTER.

Vienna, March 25, 1823.

SIR,–

I avail myself of the present opportunity to send
you my best wishes. The bearer of this asked me
to recommend her to you; her name is Cornega;
she has a fine mezzo soprano, and is a very artistic
singer, and has, moreover, been favorably received
in several operas.

I have also specially considered your proposals
about your Academy for Singing. If the Mass is
ever published, I will send you a copy free of all
charge. There is no doubt that it might be almost
entirely executed à la capella; in which case, however,
the work would have to be arranged accordingly;
perhaps you have patience to do this. Besides,
there is already a movement in the work
quite à la capella, and that style may be specially
termed the true church style. Thanks for your
wish to be of service to me, but never would I accept
anything whatever from so highly esteemed an
artist as yourself. I honor you, and only wish I
could have an opportunity to prove this by my actions.

I am, with high consideration,
Your friend and servant,
BEETHOVEN.

324.
TO HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

The Spring of 1823.

YOUR IMPERIAL HIGHNESS,–

It must still be some days before I can wait on
you again, as I am in the greatest hurry to send
off the works that I named to your R.H. yesterday,
for if they are not punctually dispatched, I
might lose all profit. Your R.H. can easily understand
how much time is occupied in getting
copies made, and looking through every part; indeed,
it would not be easy to find a more troublesome
task. Your R.H. will, I am sure, gladly
dispense with my detailing all the toil caused by
this kind of thing, but I am compelled to allude to
it candidly, though only in so far as is absolutely
necessary to prevent your R.H. being misled with
regard to me, knowing, alas! only too well what
efforts are made to prejudice your R.H. against
me. But time will prove that I have been in all
respects most faithful and attached to your R.H.,
and if my position were only as great as my zeal to
serve your R.H., no happier man than myself
would exist.

I am your R.H.’s faithful and obedient servant,

BEETHOVEN.

325.
TO SCHINDLER.

Imprimis.–Papageno, not a word of what I
said about Prussia. No reliance is to be placed on
it; Martin Luther’s table-talk alone can be compared
to it. I earnestly beg my brother also not to
remove the padlock from his lips, and not to allow
anything to transpire beyond the Selchwurst-Gasse.^[1]

Finis.–Inquire of that arch-churl Diabelli when
the French copy of the Sonata in C minor [Op. 111]
is to be published. I stipulated to have five
copies for myself, one of which is to be on fine paper,
for the Cardinal [the Archduke Rudolph].
If he attempts any of his usual impertinence on
this subject, I will sing him in person a bass aria
in his warehouse which shall cause it and all the
street (Graben) to ring!^[2]

326.
TO F. RIES,–LONDON.

Vienna, April 25, 1823.

DEAR RIES,–

The Cardinal’s stay here of a month robbed me
of a great deal of time, being obliged to give him
daily lessons of two or three hours each; and after
such lessons I was scarcely able next day to think,
far less to write. My continued melancholy situation
compels me, however, to write immediately
what will bring me in sufficient money for present
use. What a sad revelation is this! I am, besides,
far from well, owing to my many troubles,–weak
eyes among others.

But do not be uneasy, you shall shortly receive
the Symphony; really and truly, my distressing
condition is alone to blame for the delay. In the
course of a few weeks you shall have thirty-three
new variations on a theme [Valse, Op. 120] dedicated
to your wife.

Bauer [First Secretary to the Austrian Embassy]
has the score of the “Battle of Vittoria,” which
was dedicated to the then Prince Regent, and for
which I have still to receive the costs of copying.
I do beg you, my dear friend, to remit me as soon
as possible anything you can get for it. With regard
to your tender conjugal discussion, you will
always find an opponent in me,–that is, not so
much an opponent of yours as a partisan of your
wife’s. I remain, as ever, your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

327.
TO HERR LISSNER,–PETERSBURG.

Vienna, May 7, 1823.

SIR,–

Herr v. Schuppanzigh assured me, when he was
here, that you were anxious to acquire some of my
productions for your house. Perhaps the following
works might suit your purpose, namely: six bagatelles
for pianoforte, 20 gold ducats; thirty-five variations
on a favorite theme for pianoforte, forming
one entire work, 30 gold ducats; two grand airs
with chorus, the poetry by Goethe and Matthisson,
which can be sung either with instrumental or
pianoforte accompaniment, 12 gold ducats.

I request an answer as soon as possible, for others
also wish to have my works.

I am, sir, your obedient
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

328.
^[1]
TO SCHINDLER.

Hetzendorf, 1823.

SAMOTHRACIAN VAGABOND!–^[2]

You must hunt out from Schlemmer [the copyist]
what is still wanting in the “Kyrie;” show him
the postscript, and so, satis, no more of such a
wretch! Farewell! arrange everything; I am to
bind up my eyes at night, and to spare them as
much as possible; otherwise, says Smetana, I shall
write little more music in the time to come.

[Footnote 1: “We arrived at Hetzendorf on May 17” is written by Carl in
Beethoven’s note-book of 1823; and on this note is written, in the
“scamp’s” hand, Hetzendorf, 1823.]

[Footnote 2: “By the word ‘Samothracian,’ Beethoven alludes to the Samothracian
Mysteries, partly grounded on music. Their mutual participation
in the Beethoven Mysteries is intended to be thus indicated.
Among the initiated were also Brunswick, Lichnowsky, and Zmeskall.”
[From a note of Schindler’s on the subject.]]

329.
TO SCHINDLER.

Hetzendorf, 1823 (?).

Pray, forward the packet to-day, and inquire
this afternoon, if possible, about the housekeeper
in the Glockengasse, No. 318, 3d Étage. She is
a widow, understands cookery, and is willing to
serve merely for board and lodging, to which, of
course, I cannot consent, or only under certain conditions.
My present one is too shameful. I cannot
invite you here, but be assured of my gratitude.

330.
TO SCHINDLER.^[1]

Hetzendorf, 1823.

I enclose the letter to Herr v. Obreskow [Chargé
d’Affaires of the Russian Legation]; as soon as I
receive the money, I will immediately send you 50
florins for your trouble. Not a word more than
what is absolutely necessary!

I have advertised your house. You can mention,
merely as a casual remark at the right moment,
that France also remitted the money to you.

Never forget that such persons represent Majesty
itself.

331.
TO SCHINDLER.

I beg you will kindly write out the enclosed invitation
neatly for me on the paper I send you, for
Carl has too much to do. I wish to dispatch it
early on Wednesday. I want to know where Grillparzer
lives; perhaps I may pay him a visit myself.^[1]
You must have a little patience about the 50 florins;
as yet it is impossible for me to send them,
for which you are as much to blame as I am.

332.
TO SCHINDLER.

I send K.’s [Kanne’s] book [libretto]. Except
the first act, which is rather insipid, it is written in
such a masterly style that it does not by any means
require a first-rate composer. I will not say that
on this very account it would be the more suitable
for me; still, if I can get rid of previous engagements,
who knows what may or will happen!
Please acknowledge the receipt of this.

333.
TO SCHINDLER.

I wish to know about Esterhazy, and also about
the post. A letter-carrier from the Mauer [a place
near Hetzendorf] was here; I only hope the message
has been properly delivered. Nothing as yet
from Dresden [see No. 330]. I mean to ask you
to dine with me a few days hence, for I still suffer
from my weak eyes; to-day, however, for the first
time, they seem to improve, but I scarcely dare
make any use of them as yet.

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

P.S. As for the Tokay,^[1] it is better adapted
for summer than for autumn, and also for some fiddler
who could respond to its noble fire, and yet
stand firm as a rock.

334.
TO SCHINDLER.

I cannot at present accept these tempting invitations
[from Sonntag and Unger]; so far as my
weak eyes permit, I am very busy, and when it is
fine, I go out. I will myself thank these two fair
ladies for their amiability. No tidings from Dresden.
I shall wait till the end of this month, and
then apply to a lawyer in Dresden. I will write
about Schoberlechner to-morrow.

335.
TO SCHINDLER.

June 18, 1823.

You ought to have perfectly well known that I
would have nothing to do with the affair in question.
With regard to my being “liberal,” I think I
have shown you that I am so on principle; indeed,
I suspect you must have observed that I even have
gone beyond these principles. Sapienti sat.^[1]

336.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Vienna, June 1, 1823.

I have been always ailing since Y.R.H. left
this, and latterly afflicted by severe inflammation of
the eyes, which has now in so far subsided that for
the last eight days I have been able once more to
use my sight, though very sparingly. Y.R.H.
will perceive from the enclosed receipt of June 27,
the dispatch of some music. As Y.R.H. seemed
to take pleasure in the C minor Sonata,^[1] I thought
I did not take too much on myself by surprising
Y.R.H. with the dedication. The Variations^[2]
have been written out for at least five or six weeks
past, but the state of my eyes did not permit me to
revise them thoroughly myself. My hope of being
entirely restored proved vain. At last I made
Schlemmer look them over, so, though they may
not look very neat, still they are correct. The C
minor Sonata was engraved in Paris in a very
faulty manner, and being engraved here from that
copy, I tried to make it as correct as possible. I
intend shortly to send you a beautifully engraved
copy of the Variations. With regard to the Mass^[3]
that Y.R.H. wished should be more generally
known, my continued bad health for some years
past, causing me to incur heavy debts, and compelling
me to give up my intention of going to England,
induced me to ponder on some mode of improving
my condition. This Mass seemed well
adapted to my purpose. I was advised to offer it
to different courts. Painful as this was to me, I
felt that I should have cause for self-reproach if I
neglected doing so. I therefore applied to various
courts to subscribe to the Mass, fixing the price at
fifty ducats; the general opinion being that this
was not too much, and if there were a good many
subscribers, the scheme would not be unprofitable.
Hitherto the subscription is indeed flattering to me,
as their Majesties of France and Prussia have each
taken a copy. I also received a letter from my
friend Prince Nicolaus Gallizin a few days ago,
from Petersburg, in which this most amiable Prince
mentions that H.M. the Emperor of Russia had
become a subscriber, and that I should soon hear
further on the subject from the Imperial Russian
Embassy. Notwithstanding all this (and though
there are some other subscribers), I have not yet
realized as much as the sum a publisher offered me
for it; the only advantage being that the work remains
mine. The costs of copying are also great,
and further increased by three new pieces being
added, which, as soon as they are completed, I will
send to Y.R.H. Perhaps you would not think
it too much trouble to apply to H.R.H. the Grand
Duke of Tuscany to take a copy of this Mass.
The application was indeed made some time ago
to the Grand Duke of Tuscany through the agent
here, V. Odelga, who faithfully assured me that
the proposal would be graciously accepted. I place
no great faith, however, in this, as some months
have elapsed, and no notice has been again taken
of the application. As the affair is now set
agoing, it is but natural that I should do all I can
to attain my desired object. The undertaking was
from the first disagreeable to me, and still more so
to mention it to Y.R.H., or to allude to it at all,
but “necessity has no law.” I only feel grateful
to Him who dwells above the stars that I now begin
once more to be able to use my eyes. I am
at present writing a new symphony for England,^[4]
bespoken by the Philharmonic Society, and hope
it will be quite finished fourteen days hence. I
cannot strain my eyes as yet long at a time; I beg
therefore Y.R.H.’s indulgence with regard to
your Variations,^[5] which appear to me very charming,
but still require closer revision on my part.
Y.R.H. has only to persevere, especially to accustom
yourself to write down your ideas at once at
the piano, quickly and briefly. For this purpose a
small table ought to be placed close beside the
piano. By this means not only is the imagination
strengthened; but you learn instantly to hold fast
the most fugitive ideas. It is equally necessary to
be able to write without any piano; and sometimes
a simple choral melody, to be carried out in simple
or varied phrases, in counterpoint, or in a free
manner, will certainly entail no headache on Y.R.H.,
but rather, in finding yourself thus right amid
the centre of art, cause you very great pleasure.
The faculty of representing precisely what we wish
and feel comes by degrees; an essential desideratum
for a noble-minded man. My eyes warn me
to conclude. With every kind and good wish for
Y.R.H., I remain, &c., &c.

[K.]

POSTSCRIPT.

If Y.R.H. should confer the happiness of a
letter on me, I beg you will address to me at
Vienna, for I shall receive all my letters here safely
forwarded by the post from there. If agreeable to
Y.R.H., I would beg you to recommend the Mass
to Prince Anton in Dresden,^[6] so that the King of
Saxony may subscribe to it, which he will, no
doubt, do if Y.R.H. shows any interest in the
matter. As soon as I know that you have actually
done me this favor, I will forthwith apply to the
General-Director there^[7] of the Royal Theatre and
of Music, whose office it is to arrange these things,
and send him a request to procure a subscription
from the King of Saxony, which I am reluctant to
do without a recommendation from Y.R.H.

My opera, “Fidelio,” was performed with much
applause in Dresden at the festivities there in honor
of the visit of the King of Bavaria, when their
Majesties were all present. I received this intelligence
from the above-named director-general, who
asked me for the score through Weber, and afterwards
sent me really a very handsome present in
return. I hope Y.R.H. will excuse my intruding
such a request on you, but Y.R.H. knows that I
am not usually importunate. Should, however,
the slightest obstacle arise to render my request
disagreeable to you, I shall not be the less convinced
of your generosity and kindness. Neither
avarice, nor the love of speculation, which I have
always avoided, prompted this scheme; but necessity
compels me to use every effort to rescue my
self from my present condition. Candor is best,
for it will prevent my being too hardly judged.
Owing to constant ill health, which has prevented
my writing as usual, I have incurred a debt of 200
to 300 florins C.M.,^[8] which can only be discharged
by vigorous exertions on my part. If my subscription
succeeds better than it has hitherto done,
it will be an effectual help, and if my health improves,
of which there is every hope, I shall be
able once more to resume my compositions with
fresh energy. In the mean time I trust Y.R.H.
will not be offended by my candor. Had it not
been the fear of being accused of not sufficiently
bestirring myself, I would have persevered in my
usual silence. As to the recommendation, I am at
all events convinced that Y.R.H. is always glad
to effect good results for others when possible, and
that you are not likely to make any exception in
my case.

337.
TO SCHINDLER.

Hetzendorf, July 1, 1823.

I am myself writing to Wocher [cabinet courier
to Prince Esterhazy? No. 333], and for more
speed I send by Carl, who chances to be driving in,
the application to Prince E. Be so good as to inquire
the result; I doubt its being favorable, not
expecting much kindly feeling on his part towards
me, judging from former days.^[1] I believe that
female influence alone ensures success with him in
such matters; at all events, I now know, by your
obliging inquiries, how I can safely write to this
Scholz. The bad weather, and more especially the
bad atmosphere, prevented my paying her [Countess
Schafgotsch] a visit about this affair.^[2]

Your amicus,
BEETHOVEN.

P.S. Nothing yet from Dresden! Schlemmer
[the copyist] has just been here asking again for
money. I have now advanced him 70 Gulden.
Speculations are for commercial men, and not for
poor devils like myself. Hitherto the sole fruit
of this unlucky speculation [a subscription for his
Mass] are only more debts. You have, no doubt,
seen that the “Gloria” is completed. If my eyes
were only strong again, so that I could resume my
writing, I should do well enough. [Written on
the cover:] Are the Variations [Op. 120] sent off
yet to London? N.B.–So far as I can remember,
it was not mentioned in the application to
Prince Esterhazy that the Mass was to be delivered
in manuscript only. What mischief may ensue
from this! I suspect that such was the intention
of Herr Artaria in proposing to present the Mass
gratis to the Prince, as it would give Artaria an
opportunity for the third time to steal one of my
works. Wocher’s attention must be called to this.

Of course, there is nothing obligatory on Papageno
in the matter.

338.
TO PILAT, EDITOR OF THE “AUSTRIAN OBSERVER.”

SIR,–

I shall feel highly honored if you will be so
good as to mention in your esteemed journal my
nomination as an honorary member of the Royal
Swedish Musical Academy. Although neither
vain nor ambitious, still I consider it advisable not
wholly to pass over such an occurrence, as in
practical life we must live and work for others,
who may often eventually benefit by it. Forgive
my intrusion, and let me know if I can in any way
serve you in return, which it would give me much
pleasure to do.

I am, sir, with high consideration,
Your obedient
BEETHOVEN.

339.
TO SCHINDLER.

Hetzendorf, July, 1823.

MOST WORTHY RAGAMUFFIN OF EPIRUS AND BRUNDUSIUM!–

Give this letter to the editor of the “Observer,”
but write the address on it first; ask him at the
same time whether his daughter makes great progress
on the piano, and if I can be of any use to her
by sending her a copy of one of my compositions.
I wrote that I was an “honorary member;” I
don’t know, however, whether this is correct; perhaps
I ought to have said, “a corresponding member;”
neither knowing nor caring much about
such things. You had also better say something
on the subject to Bernardum non sanctum (editor
of the “Vienna Zeitschrift”). Make inquiries,
too, from Bernard about that knave Ruprecht;
tell him of this queer business, and find out from
him how he can punish the villain. Ask both
these philosophical newspaper scribes whether this
may be considered an honorable or dishonorable
nomination.

340.
TO SCHINDLER.

Master flash in the pan, and wide of the mark!
full of reasons, yet devoid of reason!–Everything
was ready yesterday for Gläser (the copyist). As
for you, I shall expect you in Hetzendorf to dinner
at half-past two o’clock. If you come later, dinner
shall be kept for you.

341.
TO SCHINDLER.

Hetzendorf, July 2, 1823.

WORTHY HERR V. SCHINDLER,–

The incessant insolence of my landlord from the
hour I entered his house up to the present moment
compels me to apply for aid to the police; so I beg
you will do so for me at once. As to the double
winter windows, the housekeeper was desired to
see about them, and especially to state if they were
not necessary after such a violent storm, in case of
the rain having penetrated into the room; but her
report was that the rain had not come in, and,
moreover, that it could not possibly do so. In accordance
with her statement, I locked the door to
prevent this rude man entering my room during
my absence (which he had threatened). Say also
further what his conduct to you was, and that he
put up a placard of the lodgings being to let, without
giving me notice, which, besides, he has no
right to do till St. James’s Day. He is equally
unfair in refusing to give up the receipt from St.
George’s Day till St. James’s, as the enclosure
shows; I am charged, too, for lighting, of which I
know nothing. This detestable lodging,^[1] without
any open stove, and the principal flue truly abominable,
has cost me (for extra outlay, exclusive of
the rent) 259 florins, in order merely to keep me
alive while I was there during the winter. It was
a deliberate fraud, as I never was allowed to see
the rooms on the first floor, but only those on the
second, that I might not become aware of their
many disagreeable drawbacks. I cannot understand
how a flue so destructive to health can be tolerated
by the Government. You remember the
appearance of the walls of your room owing to
smoke, and the large sum it cost even to lessen in
any degree this discomfort, although to do away
with it wholly was impossible. My chief anxiety
at present is that he may be ordered to take down
his placard, and to give me a receipt for the house-rent
I have paid; but nothing will induce me to
pay for the abominable lighting, without which it
cost me enough actually to preserve my life in such
a lodging. My eyes do not yet suffer me to encounter
the town atmosphere, or I would myself
apply in person to the police.

Your attached
BEETHOVEN.

342.
TO SCHINDLER.

I must have an attested copy of all the writings;
I send you 45 kreutzers. How could you possibly
accept such a proposal from our churlish landlord
when accompanied by a threat? Where was your
good sense? Where it always is.

To-morrow early I shall send for the Variations,
copy and originals. It is not certain whether the
Pr. comes or not; so be so good as to stay at home
till eight o’clock. You can come to dinner either
to-day or to-morrow; but you must settle which
you mean to do, as it is not easy for me to provide
provisions. Not later than half-past two o’clock.
The housekeeper will tell you about a lodging in
the Landstrasse. It is high time, truly! As soon
as you hear of anything to be had on the Bastei or
the Landstrasse, you must at once give me notice.
We must find out what room the landlord uses on
account of the well.–Vale!

343.
TO SCHINDLER.^[1]

Hetzendorf, 1823.

SAMOTHRACIAN VAGABOND!–

You were dispatched yesterday to the South
Pole, whereas we went off to the North Pole, a
slight difference now equalized by Captain Parry.
There were, however, no mashed potatoes there.

Bach [his lawyer], to whom I beg my best regards,
is requested to say what the lodging in
Baden is to cost; we must also try to arrange that
Carl should come to me once every fortnight there
(but cheaply; good heavens! poverty and economy!).
I intrust this matter to you, as you have
your friends and admirers among the drivers and
liverymen. If you get this in time, you had better
go to Bach to-day, so that I may receive his answer
to-morrow forenoon. It is almost too late now.

You might also take that rascal of a copyist by
surprise; I don’t expect much good from him. He
has now had the Variations for eight days.

Your [“friend” stroked out] amicus,
BEETHOVEN.

344.
TO SCHINDLER.^[1]

June, 1823.

SAMOTHRACIAN!–

Don’t trouble yourself to come here till you receive
a Hati Scherif. I must say you do not deserve
the golden cord. My fast-sailing frigate, the
worthy and well-born Frau Schnaps, will call every
three or four days to inquire after your health.

Farewell! Bring no one whatever with you:
farewell!

345.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Hetzendorf, July 15, 1823.

I trust that you are in the best possible health.
As for my eyes, they are improving, though slowly,
and in six or seven days at most I hope to have the
good fortune to wait on Y.R.H. If I were not
obliged to use spectacles, I should get better sooner.
It is a most distressing occurrence, and has thrown
me back in everything. What soothes my feelings,
however, is Y.R.H. being fully aware that I am
always to be of service to you. I have another favor
to ask of Y.R.H., which I hope you will graciously
accede. Will Y.R.H. be so kind as to
grant me a testimonial to the following effect:
“That I wrote the Grand Mass expressly for Y.R.H.;
that it has been for some time in your possession;
and that you have been pleased to permit me
to circulate it.” This ought to have been the case,
and being no untruth, I hope I may claim this favor.
Such a testimonial will be of great service to me; for
how could I have believed that my slight talents
would have exposed me to so much envy, persecution,
and calumny. It has always been my intention
to ask Y.R.H.’s permission to circulate
the Mass, but the pressure of circumstances, and
above all my inexperience in worldly matters, as
well as my feeble health, has caused this confusion.

If the Mass is engraved hereafter, I hope to
dedicate it to Y.R.H. when published,^[1] and not
till then will the limited list of royal subscribers
appear. I shall ever consider Y.R.H. as my
most illustrious patron, and make this known to
the world whenever it is in my power. In conclusion,
I entreat you again not to refuse my request
about the testimonial. It will only cost Y.R.H.
a few lines, and ensure the best results for
me.

I will bring the Variations^[2] of Y.R.H. with me.
They require little alteration, and cannot fail to
become a very pretty pleasing work for all lovers
of music. I must indeed appear a most importunate
suitor. I beg you will kindly send me the
testimonial as soon as possible, for I require it.

[K.]

346.
TO F. RIES.

Hetzendorf, July 16, 1823.

MY DEAR RIES,–

I received your letter with much pleasure the
day before yesterday. The Variations have, no
doubt, arrived by this time. I could not write the
dedication to your wife, not knowing her name;
so I beg you will write it yourself on the part of
your wife’s friend and your own; let it be a surprise
to her, for the fair sex like that.–Entre
nous, surprise is always the greatest charm of the
beautiful! As for the Allegri di Bravura, I must
make allowance for yours. To tell you the truth,
I am no great friend to that kind of thing, as it is
apt to entail too much mere mechanism; at least,
such is the case with those I know. I have not
yet looked at yours, but I shall ask —- about
them. I recommend you to be cautious in your
intercourse with him. Could I not be of use to
you in many ways here? These printers, or rather
misprinters, as they ought to be called to deserve
their names, pirate your works, and give you nothing
in return; this, surely, might be differently
managed. I mean to send you some choruses
shortly, even if obliged to compose some new ones,
for this is my favorite style.

Thanks for the proceeds of the bagatelles, with
which I am quite satisfied. Give nothing to the
King of England. Pray accept anything you can
get for the Variations. I shall be perfectly contented.
I only must stipulate to take no other
reward for the dedication to your wife than the
kiss which I am to receive in London.

You name guineas, whereas I only get pounds
sterling, and I hear there is a difference between
these. Do not be angry with un pauvre musicien
autrichien, who is still at a very low ebb. I am
now writing a new violin quartet. Might not
this be offered to the musical or unmusical London
Jews?–en vrai Juif.

I am, with cordial regard,
Your old friend,
BEETHOVEN.

347.
TO HERR GEHEIMRATH VON KÖNNERITZ,–DRESDEN,^[1]
DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL ORCHESTRA AND THEATRE IN SAXONY.

Hetzendorf, July 17, 1823.

SIR,–

I have too long deferred sending you a signed
receipt and thanks, but I feel sure you will pardon
the delay from my great pressure of business, owing
to my health having improved, and God knows
how long this may continue. The description
given by my dear friend Maria Weber^[2] of your
generous and noble disposition encourages me to
apply to you on another subject, namely, about a
Grand Mass which I am now issuing in manuscript.
Though I have met with a previous refusal on this
matter [337], still, as my esteemed Cardinal, H.R.
Highness the Archduke Rudolph, has written
to H.R.H. Prince Anton, requesting him to
recommend the Mass to his Majesty the King of
Saxony, I think this fresh application might at all
events be made, as I should consider it a great
honor to number among my distinguished subscribers
(such as the King of Prussia, the Emperor
of Russia, the King of France, &c.) so great a
connoisseur in music as the King of Saxony.

I leave it to you, sir, to decide from this statement
how and when you can best effect my purpose.
I am unable to send you to-day the application
for a subscription to my Mass to H.M. the
King of Saxony, but I will do so by the next post.
In any event I feel assured that you will not think
I am one of those who compose for the sake of
paltry gain; but how often do events occur which
constrain a man to act contrary to his inclinations
and his principles? My Cardinal is a benevolent
Prince, but means are wanting! I hope to receive
your forgiveness for my apparent importunity.
If my poor abilities can in any way be employed
in your service, what extreme pleasure it
would give me.

I am, sir, with esteem,
Your expectant
BEETHOVEN.

348.
TO HERR V. KÖNNERITZ,–DRESDEN.

Vienna, July 25, 1823.

SIR,–

Forgive my importunity in sending to your care
the enclosed letter from me to his R.H. Prince
Anton of Saxony; it contains an application to
his Majesty the King of Saxony to subscribe to a
mass of mine. I recently mentioned to you that the
Cardinal Archduke Rudolph had written to his M.
the King of Saxony about this Mass; I entreat you
to use all your influence in this matter, and I leave
it entirely to your own judgment and knowledge of
local matters to act as you think best. Although
I do not doubt that the recommendation of my
Cardinal will have considerable weight, still the
decision of his Majesty cannot fail to be much influenced
by the advice of the Administrator of objects
connected with the fine arts. Hitherto, in
spite of apparent brilliant success, I have scarcely
realized as much as a publisher would have given me
for the work, the expenses of copying being so very
great. It was the idea of my friends to circulate
this Mass, for, thank God! I am a mere novice in
all speculations. In the mean time, there is not a
single employé of our Government who has not
been, like myself, a loser. Had it not been for
my continued bad health for many years past, a
foreign country would at least have enabled me to
live free from all cares except those for art. Judge
me kindly, and not harshly; I live only for my
art, and my sole wish is to fulfil my duties as a
man; but this, alas! cannot always be accomplished
without the influence of the subterranean powers.
While commending my cause to you, I also venture
to hope that your love of art, and above all
your philanthropy, will induce you to be so good
as to write me a few lines, informing me of the
result as soon as you are acquainted with it.

I am, sir, with high consideration,

Your obedient
BEETHOVEN.

349.
TO SCHINDLER.

August, 1823.

YOU SAMOTHRACIAN VILLAIN!–

Make haste and come, for the weather is just
right. Better early than late–presto, prestissimo!
We are to drive from here.^[1]

350.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, August 16, 1823.

MY DEAR BOY,–

I did not wish to say anything to you till I found
my health improving here, which, however, is
scarcely even yet the case. I came here with a
cold and catarrh, which were very trying to me,
my constitution being naturally rheumatic, which
will, I fear, soon cut the thread of my life, or, still
worse, gradually wear it away. The miserable
state of my digestive organs, too, can only be restored
by medicines and diet, and for this I have
to thank my faithful servants! You will learn
how constantly I am in the open air when I tell
you that to-day for the first time I properly (or
improperly, though it was involuntary) resumed
my suit to my Muse. I must work, but do not
wish it to be known. Nothing can be more tempting
(to me at least) than the enjoyment of beautiful
Nature at these baths, but nous sommes trop
pauvres, et il faut écrire ou de n’avoir pas de quoi.
Get on, and make every preparation for your examination,
and be unassuming, so that you may
prove yourself higher and better than people expect.
Send your linen here at once; your gray
trousers must still be wearable, at all events at
home; for, my dear son, you are indeed very dear
to me! My address is, “At the coppersmith’s,” &c.
Write instantly to say that you have got this letter.
I will send a few lines to that contemptible creature,
Schindler, though I am most unwilling to
have anything to do with such a wretch. If we
could write as quickly as we think and feel, I
could say a great deal not a little remarkable; but
for to-day I can only add that I wish a certain Carl
may prove worthy of all my love and unwearied
care, and learn fully to appreciate it.

Though not certainly exacting, as you know,
still there are many ways in which we can show
those who are better and nobler than ourselves
that we acknowledge their superiority.

I embrace you from my heart.

Your faithful and true
FATHER.

351.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

August, 1823.

I am really very ill, and not suffering from my
eyes alone. I intend to drag myself to-morrow to
Baden, to look out for a lodging, and to go there
altogether in the course of a few days. The air in
town has a very bad effect on my whole organization,
and has really injured my health, having gone
twice to town to consult my physicians. It will
be easier for me to repair to Y.R.H. in Baden.
I am quite inconsolable, both on account of Y.R.H.
and myself, that my usefulness is thus limited.
I have marked some things in the Variations, but
I can explain these better verbally.

[K.]

352.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Baden, August 22, 1823.

Your gracious letter led me to believe that Y.R.H.
intended to return to Baden, where I arrived
on the 13th, very ill; but I am now better.
I had recently another inflammatory cold, having
just recovered from one. My digestion, too, was
miserable, and my eyes very bad; in short, my
whole system seemed impaired. I was obliged to
make the effort to come here, without even being
able to see Y.R.H. Thank God, my eyes are so
much better that I can again venture to make tolerable
use of them by daylight. My other maladies,
too, are improving, and I cannot expect more
in so short a period. How I wish that Y.R.H.
were only here, when in a few days we could entirely
make up for lost time. Perhaps I may still
be so fortunate as to see Y.R.H. here, and be
able to show my zeal to serve Y.R.H. How
deeply does this cause me to lament my unhappy
state of health. Much as I wish for its entire restoration,
still I greatly fear that this will never
be the case, and on this account I hope for Y.R.H.’s
indulgence. As I can now at length prove
how gladly I place myself at Y.R.H.’s disposal,
my most anxious desire is that you would be
pleased to make use of me.

[K.]

353.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1823.

I have just been enjoying a short walk and composing
a Canon, “Grossen Dank, ÷ ÷ ÷,” when,
on returning home, with the intention of writing it
out for Y.R.H., I find a petitioner who is under
the delusion that his request will be better received
if made through me. What can I do? A good
action cannot be too soon performed, and even a
whim must be sometimes humored. The bearer
of this is Kapellmeister Drechsler, of the Josephstadt
and Baden Theatre; he wishes to obtain the
situation of second Court organist. He has a good
knowledge of thorough bass, and is also a good
organist, besides being favorably known as a composer,–all
qualities that recommend him for this
situation. He rightly thinks that the best recommendation
to secure him the appointment is that of
Y.R.H., who, being yourself so great a connoisseur
and performer, know better than any one how to
appreciate true merit; and assuredly H.I. Majesty
would prefer such testimony to every other. I
therefore add my entreaties, though with some hesitation,
to those of Herr D., relying on the indulgence
and kindness of Y.R.H., and in the hope
that the illustrious patron and protector of all that
is good will do what lies in his power to be of use
on this occasion.

My Canon shall be sent to-morrow,^[1] together
with the confession of my sins, intentional and unintentional,
for which I beg your gracious absolution.
My eyes, alas! prevent me from saying to-day as I
could wish my hopes and desires that all good may
attend you.

P.S. I ought also to mention that Herr
Drechsler is the unsalaried professor of thorough
bass at St. Anna’s, and has been so for the last ten
years.

[K.]

354.
TO F. RIES.

Baden, September 5, 1823.

MY DEAR FRIEND,–

You advise me to engage some one to look after
my affairs; now I did so as to the Variations; that
is, my brother and Schindler took charge of them,
but how?

The Variations were not to have appeared here
till after being published in London; but everything
went wrong. The dedication to Brentano
[Antonie v. Brentano, née Edlen von Birkenstock]
was to be confined to Germany, I being under
great obligations to her, and having nothing else
to spare at the moment; indeed, Diabelli, the publisher,
alone got it from me. But everything went
through Schindler’s hands. No man on earth was
ever more contemptible,–an arch villain; but I
soon sent him packing! I will dedicate some other
work to your wife in the place of this one. You,
no doubt, received my last letter [No. 346]. I
think thirty ducats would be enough for one of the
Allegri di Bravura, but I should like to publish
them here at the same time, which might easily be
arranged. Why should I give up so much profit
to these rogues here? It will not be published
here till I am told that it has arrived in London;
moreover, you may yourself fix the price, as you
best know London customs.

The copyist to-day at last finished the score of
the Symphony; so Kirchhoffer and I are only
waiting for a favorable opportunity to send it off.
I am still here, being very ill when I arrived, and
my health still continues in a most precarious condition,
and, good heavens! instead of amusing myself
like others at these baths, my necessities compel
me to write every day. I am also obliged to
drink the mineral waters besides bathing. The
copy will shortly be sent off; I am only waiting
till I hear of an opportunity from Kirchhoffer, for
it is too bulky to forward by post.

My last letter must have given you an insight
into everything. I will send you some choruses;
let me have any commissions for oratorios as soon
as you can, that I may fix the time at once. I am
sorry about the Variations on account of —-, as I
wrote them more for London than here. This is
not my fault. Answer me very soon, both as to
particulars and time. Kind regards to your family.

355.
TO F. RIES,–LONDON.

Baden, September 5, 1823.

MY DEAR KIND RIES,–

I have still no tidings of the Symphony, but you
may depend on its soon being in London. Were I
not so poor as to be obliged to live by my pen, I
would accept nothing from the Philharmonic Society;
but as it is, I must wait till the money for
the Symphony is made payable here; though as a
proof of my interest and confidence in that Society,
I have already sent off the new Overture, and I
leave it to them to settle the payment as they
please.

My brother, who keeps his carriage, wished also
to profit by me; so without asking my permission,
he offered this Overture to Boosey, a London publisher.
Pray, tell him that my brother was mistaken
with regard to the Overture. I see now
that he bought it from me in order to practise
usury with it. O Frater!!

I have never yet received the Symphony you
dedicated to me. If I did not regard this dedication
as a kind of challenge to which I am bound to
respond, I would ere this have dedicated some
work to you. I always, however, wished first to
see yours, and how joyfully would I then testify
my gratitude to you in one way or another.

I am, indeed deeply your debtor for your kind
services and many proofs of attachment. Should
my health improve by my intended course of baths,
I hope to kiss your wife in London in 1824.

Yours, ever,
BEETHOVEN.

356.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1823.

I have just heard that Y.R.H. is expected here
to-morrow. If I am still unable to follow the impulse
of my heart, I hope you will ascribe it to the
state of my eyes. I am better, but for some days
to come I dare not breathe the town air, so prejudicial
to my eyes. I only wish that the next time
Y.R.H. returns from Baden, you would be so
good as to let me know, and also name the hour at
which I am to present myself, and once more have
the good fortune to see my gracious master. But
as it is probable Y.R.H. will not long remain here,
it is the more incumbent on us to take advantage
of the short time at our disposal to carry out our
artistic discussions and practice. I will myself
bring “Grossen Dank, ÷ ÷ ÷,” as it must be sent
to Baden. Herr Drechsler thanked me to-day for
the liberty I had taken in recommending him to Y.R.H.,
who received him so graciously that I beg
to express my warmest gratitude for your kindness.
I trust that Y.R.H. will continue firm, for it is
said that Abbé Stadler is endeavoring to procure
the situation in question for some one else. It
would also be very beneficial to Drechsler if Y.R.H.
would vouchsafe to speak to Count Dietrichstein^[1]
on the subject. I once more request the
favor of being told the date of your return from
Baden, when I will instantly hasten into town to
wait on the best master I have in this world. Y.R.H.’s
health seems to be good; Heaven be
praised that it is so, for the sake of so many who
wish it, and among this number I may certainly be
included.

[K.]

357.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

I was very much affected on receiving your
gracious letter yesterday. To flourish under the
shade of a stately verdant fruit-tree is refreshing to
any one capable of elevated thought and feeling,
and thus it is with me under the aegis of Y.R.H.
My physician assured me yesterday that my malady
was disappearing, but I am still obliged to swallow
a whole bottle of some mixture every day, which
weakens me exceedingly, and compels me, as Y.R.H.
will see from the enclosed instructions of the
physician, to take a great deal of exercise. I have
every hope, however, that soon, even if not entirely
recovered, I shall be able to be a great deal
with Y.R.H. during your stay here. This hope
will tend to recruit my health sooner than usual.
May Heaven bestow its blessings on me through
Y.R.H., and may the Lord ever guard and watch
over you! Nothing can be more sublime than to
draw nearer to the Godhead than other men, and
to diffuse here on earth these godlike rays among
mortals. Deeply impressed by the gracious consideration
of Y.R.H. towards me, I hope very soon
to be able to wait on you.

[K.]

358.
TO SCHINDLER.

Baden, September, 1823.

SIGNORE PAPAGENO,–

That your scandalous reports may no longer distress
the poor Dresdener, I must tell you that the
money reached me to-day, accompanied by every
possible mark of respect to myself.

Though I should have been happy to offer you a
substantial acknowledgment for the [illegible, effaced
by Schindler] you have shown me, I cannot
yet accomplish to the full extent what I have so
much at heart. I hope to be more fortunate some
weeks hence. [See No. 329.]

Per il Signore Nobile, Papageno Schindler.

359.
TO SCHINDLER.

1823.

The occurrence that took place yesterday, which
you will see in the police reports, is only too likely
to attract the notice of the established police to
this affair. The testimony of a person whose name
is not given entirely coincides with yours. In such
a case private individuals cannot act; the authorities
alone are empowered to do so.^[1]

Yours,
BEETHOVEN.

360.
TO SCHINDLER.

WISEACRE! I kiss the hem of your garment!

361.
TO HERR GRILLPARZER, COURT COMPOSER.

ESTEEMED SIR,–

The directors wish to know your terms with regard
to “Melusina.” [See No. 331.] In so far
she has asserted herself, which is certainly better
than being obliged to importune others on such
matters. My household has been in great disorder
for some time past, otherwise I should have called
on you, and requested you to visit me in return.^[1]
Pray, write your conditions at once, either to the
directors or to myself, in which case I will undertake
to deliver them. I have been so busy that I
could not call on you, nor can I do so now, but
hope to see you before long. My number is 323.

In the afternoons you will find me in the coffee-house
opposite the “Goldene Birne.” If you do
come, I beg that you may be alone. That obtrusive
appendage, Schindler, has long been most obnoxious
to me, as you must have perceived when
at Hetzendorf,^[2] otium est vitium. I embrace and
esteem you from my heart.

Yours,
BEETHOVEN.

362.
TO PROBST, MUSIC PUBLISHER,–LEIPZIG.

Vienna, March 10, 1824.

… These are all I can at present give you for
publication. I must, alas! now speak of myself,
and say that this, the greatest work I have ever
written, is well worth 1000 florins C.M. It is a
new grand symphony, with a finale and voice parts
introduced, solo and choruses, the words being
those of Schiller’s immortal “Ode to Joy,” in the
style of my pianoforte Choral Fantasia, only of
much greater breadth. The price is 600 florins C.M.
One condition is, indeed, attached to this
Symphony, that it is not to appear till next year,
July, 1825; but to compensate for this long delay,
I will give you a pianoforte arrangement of the
work gratis, and in more important engagements
you shall always find me ready to oblige you.

363.
TO SCHINDLER.

1824.

Frau S. [Schnaps] will provide what is required,
so come to dinner to-day at two o’clock. I have
good news to tell you,^[1] but this is quite entre nous,
for the braineater [his brother Johann] must know
nothing about it.

364.
TO HERR V. RZEHATSCHEK.

1824.

MY WORTHY HERR V. RZEHATSCHEK,–

Schuppanzigh assures me that you intend to be
so kind as to lend me the instruments required for
my concert;^[1] thus encouraged, I venture to ask
you to do so, and hope not to meet with a refusal
when thus earnestly soliciting you to comply with
my request.

Your obedient servant,
BEETHOVEN.

365.
TO THE HIGH CHAMBERLAIN PRINCE TRAUTMANNSDORF.^[1]

I am deeply indebted to your Highness for your
invariable politeness, which I prize probably the
more from Y.H. being by no means devoid of
sympathy for my art. I hope one day to have the
opportunity of proving my esteem for your H.

366.
TO COUNT MORITZ LICHNOWSKY.^[1]

Insincerity I despise; visit me no more; my
concert is not to take place.

BEETHOVEN.

367.
TO HERR SCHUPPANZIGH.

Come no more to see me. I give no concert.

BEETHOVEN.

368.
TO HERR SCHINDLER.

Do not come to me till I summon you. No
concert.

BEETHOVEN.

369.
TO HERR V. SARTORIUS, ROYAL CENSOR.

SIR,–

As I hear that obstacles are likely to arise on the
part of the royal censorship to a portion of sacred
music being given at an evening concert in the
Theatre “an der Wien,” I must inform you that
I have been particularly requested to give these
pieces, that the copies for this purpose have already
caused serious expense, and the intervening time is
too short to produce other new works. Besides,
only three sacred compositions are to be given, and
these under the title of hymns. I do earnestly
entreat you, sir, to interest yourself in this matter,
as there are always so many difficulties to contend
with on similar occasions. Should this permission
not be granted, I do assure you that it will be impossible
to give a concert at all, and the whole outlay
expended on the copying be thrown away. I
hope you have not quite forgotten me.

I am, sir, with high consideration, yours,
BEETHOVEN.

370.
TO SCHINDLER.

1824.

If you have any information to give me, pray
write it down; but seal the note, for which purpose
you will find wax and a seal on my table.
Let me know where Duport^[1] lives, when he is
usually to be met with, and whether I could see
him alone, or if it is probable that people will be
there, and who?

I feel far from well. Portez-vous bien. I am still
hesitating whether to speak to Duport or to write
to him, which I cannot do without bitterness.

Do not wait dinner for me; I hope you will enjoy
it. I do not intend to come, being ill from our
bad fare of yesterday. A flask of wine is ready
for you.

371.
^[1]
TO SCHINDLER.

TO SCHINDLER.

I beg you will come to see me to-morrow, as I
have a tale to tell you as sour as vinegar. Duport
said yesterday that he had written to me, though I
have not yet got his letter, but he expressed his
satisfaction, which is best of all. The chief feat
however is not yet performed, that which is to be
acted in front of the Proscenium!

[In Beethoven’s writing:] Yours, from C# below to high F,

BEETHOVEN.

372.
TO SCHINDLER.

After six weeks of discussion, here, there, and
everywhere, I am fairly boiled, stewed, and roasted.
What will be the result of this much-talked-of
concert if the prices are not raised? What shall I
get in return for all my outlay, as the copying
alone costs so much?

373.
TO SCHINDLER.

At twelve o’clock to-day “in die Birne” [an
inn on the Landstrasse]–thirsty and hungry–then
to the coffee-house, back again here, and
straight to Penzing, or I shall lose the lodging.

374.
TO SCHINDLER.

When you write to me, write exactly as I do to
you, without any formal address or signature–vita
brevis, ars longa. No necessity for details; only
the needful!

375.
TO HERR STEINER & CO.

Baden, May 27, 1824.

P.N.G. [PATERNOSTERGÄSSEL],–

Have the goodness to give me a proof of your
great complaisance, by using your hand-rostrum
(ruler) (not Rostrum Victoriatum) to rule 202
lines of music for me, somewhat in the style I now
send, and also on equally fine paper, which you
must include in your account. Send it, if possible,
to-morrow evening by Carl, for I require it.

Perhaps plenary indulgence may then be granted.

376.
POUR M. DE HASLINGER, GÉNÉRAL MUSICIEN ET GÉNÉRAL-LIEUTENANT.

MY DEAR FRIEND,–

You would really do me great injustice were you
to suppose that negligence prevented my sending
you the tickets; I assure you that it was my intention
to do so, but I forgot it like many other things.
I hope that some other opportunity may occur to
enable me to prove my sentiments with regard to
you. I am, I assure you, entirely innocent of all
that Duport has done, in the same way that it was
he who thought fit to represent the Terzet [Op.
116] as new, not I. You know too well my love of
truth; but it is better to be silent now on the subject,
as it is not every one who is aware of the
true state of the case, and I, though innocent,
might incur blame. I do not at all care for the
other proposals Duport makes, as by this concert I
have lost both time and money. In haste, your
friend,

BEETHOVEN.

377.
TO STEINER & CO.

MY KIND FRIEND,–

Be so good as to read the enclosed, and kindly
forward it at once to the authorities.

Your servant and amicus,
BEETHOVEN.

378.
TO HERR TOBIAS PETER PHILIP HASLINGER.

The horn part and the score are shortly to follow.
We are immensely indebted to you. Observe
the laws. Sing often my Canon in silence,–per
resurrectionem, &c. Farewell!

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

379.
TO HASLINGER.

Have the goodness to send me my shoes and
my sword. You can have the loan of the “Eglantine”
for six days, for which, however, you
must give an acknowledgment. Farewell!

Yours,
BEETHOVEN.

380.
TO HASLINGER.

Baden, June 12.

MY GOOD FRIEND,–

Something worth having has been put in your
way; so make the most of it. You will no doubt
come off with a handsome fee, and all expenses
paid. As for the March with Chorus [in the
“Ruins of Athens,” Op. 114], you have yet to
send me the sheets for final revision, also the Overture
in E flat [“To King Stephen,” Op. 117]; the
Terzet [Op. 116]; the Elegy [Op. 118]; the
Cantata [“Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt,” Op.
112]; and the Opera. Out with them all! or I
shall be on very little ceremony, your right having
already expired. My liberality alone confers on
you a larger sum than you do on me. I want the
score of the Cantata for a few days, as I wish to
write a kind of recitative for it; mine is so torn
that I cannot put it together, so I must have it
written out from the parts. Has the Leipzig musical
paper yet retracted its lies about the medal I
got from the late King of France?

I no longer receive the paper, which is a shabby
proceeding. If the editor does not rectify the statement,
I shall cause him and his consumptive chief
to be harpooned in the northern waters among the
whales.

Even this barbarous Baden is becoming enlightened,
and now instead of gutten Brunn, people
write guten Brun. But tell me what are they
about in Paternoster Street?

I am, with all esteem for yourself, but with none
for the barbarian Paternoster-Gässel,

Your devoted, incomparativo,
B—-N.

Paternoster-Gässel primus will no doubt, like
Mephistopheles, emit fiery flames from his jaws.

381.
TO M. DIABELLI.

SIR,–

Pray forgive my asking you to send me the
score of my Mass,^[1] being in urgent need of it;
but I repeat that no public use is to be made of it
until I can let you know how and when. It will
be at first performed under my direction, with the
addition of several new pieces composed expressly
for it, which I will with pleasure send to you afterwards.
There are certain conventionalities which
must be observed, especially as I am so dependent
on foreign connections, for Austria does not furnish
me with the means of existence, and gives me
nothing but vexation. I will soon appoint a day
for you to visit Carl.

I remain, sir, with the highest esteem, yours,

BEETHOVEN.

382.
TO PROBST,–LEIPZIG.

Vienna, July 3, 1824

SIR,–

Overwhelmed with work and concerts, it is only
now in my power to inform you that the works you
wished to have are finished and transcribed, and
can be delivered at any time to Herr Glöggl [music
publisher in Vienna]. I therefore request you will
transmit the 100 Viennese ducats to Herr Glöggl,
and let me know when you have done so. I must
conclude for to-day, and defer the pleasure of
writing further till another opportunity. I am,
with esteem, yours obediently,

BEETHOVEN.^[1]

383.
TO T. HASLINGER.^[1]

MY VERY WORTHY FRIEND,–

Have the goodness to send me the Rochlitz article
on the Beethoven works, and we will return it
to you forthwith by the flying, driving, riding, or
migrating post.

Yours,
BEETHOVEN.

384.
TO HERR SCHOTT,–MAYENCE.

1824.

The Overture^[1] that you got from my brother
was recently performed here, and I received many
eulogiums on the occasion.

What is all this compared to the grandest of all
masters of harmony above! above! above! Rightfully
the Most High! While here below all is a
mere mockery–Dwarfs–and the Most High!!

You shall receive the Quartet with the other
works. You are open and candid, qualities which
I never before found in publishers, and this pleases
me. I say so in writing, but who knows whether
it may not soon be in person? I wish you would
transmit the sum due for the Quartet to P., as at
this moment I require a great deal of money, for I
derive everything from foreign sources, and sometimes
a delay occurs–caused by myself.

385.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Baden, August 23, 1824.

YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS,–

I live–how?–the life of a snail. The unfavorable
weather constantly throws me back, and
at these baths it is impossible to command one’s
natural strength. A few days ago, Nägeli, a musical
author and poet of considerable repute, wrote to
me from Zurich; he is about to publish 200 poems,
and among these some are suitable for musical composition.
He urged me much to apply to Y.R.H.
to request that you would be graciously pleased to
subscribe to this collection. The price is very
moderate, 20 groschen, or 1 florin 80 kreutzers.
Were Y.R.H. to subscribe for six copies, it
would immediately be noised abroad, although I am
well aware that my illustrious master does not care
for anything of the kind; it will suffice for the
present if Y.R.H. will condescend to inform me
of your will on the subject. The money can be
paid when the copies arrive, probably a couple of
months hence. I have conveyed Herr Nägeli’s request,
and now I must ask another favor, on his account,
from myself. Everything cannot be measured
by line and plummet; but Wieland says: “A
little book may be well worth a few groschen.”
Will Y.R.H. therefore honor these poems by
permitting your august name to be prefixed to
them, as a token of your sympathy for the benefit
of this man? the work is not likely to be quite devoid
of value. Being convinced of Y.R.H.’s interest
in all that is noble and beautiful, I hope I
shall not fail in my intercession for Nägeli, and I
beg that Y.R.H. will give me a written permission
to inform Nägeli that you will be one of his
subscribers.

I remain, with all dutiful fidelity and devotion,
your R. Highness’s obedient servant,

BEETHOVEN.

386.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, August 29, 1824.

MY DEAR YOUNG SCAMP,–

How active our mahogany Holz [wood] is! My
plans are decided. We will give the present
quartet to Artaria, and the last to Peters. You see
I have learned something; I now perceive why I
first explored the path; it was for your sake, that
you might find it smooth. My digestion is terribly
out of order, and no physician! I wish to have
some ready-made pens, so send some in a letter.
Don’t write to Peters on Saturday; we had better
wait a little, to show him our indifference on the
subject.

Since yesterday I have only taken some soup,
and a couple of eggs, and drank nothing but water;
my tongue is discolored; and without medicine and
tonics, whatever my farcical doctor may say, my
digestion will never improve.

The third quartet [in C sharp minor, Op. 131]
also contains six movements, and will certainly be
finished in ten or twelve days at most. Continue
to love me, my dear boy; if I ever cause you pain,
it is not from a wish to grieve you, but for your
eventual benefit. I now conclude. I embrace you
cordially. All I wish is that you should be loving,
industrious, and upright. Write to me, my dear
son. I regret all the trouble I give you, but it
will not go on long. Holz seems inclined to become
our friend. I expect a letter soon from [illegible].

Your faithful
FATHER.

387.
ROUGH DRAFT OF A LETTER TO PETERS.

1824.

I wrote to you that a quartet [“and a grand
one too” is effaced] is ready for you; as soon,
therefore, as you let me know that you will accept
it for the 360 florins C.M., or 80 ducats, I will at
once forward it to you. My works are now paid
at a higher rate than ever; besides, you have only
yourself to blame in this affair. Your own letters
show what you formerly desired to have, and the
works I sent you were what they ought to have been
(the numerous pirated editions prove the truth of
this); but the Quartet will convince you that, so
far from wishing to take my revenge, I now give
you what could not possibly be better, were it intended
even for my best friend.

I beg that you will make no delay, so that I may
receive your answer by the next post; otherwise I
must forthwith return you the 360 florins C.M.
I shall, at all events, be rather in a scrape, for there
is a person who wishes to have not only this but
another newly finished work of mine, though he
does not care to take only one. It is solely because
you have waited so long (though you are yourself
to blame for this) that I separate the Quartet from
the following one, now also completed. (Do you
think that the latter ought to be also offered here?
but, of course, cunningly and warily: comme marchand
coquin!) You need have no misgivings
that I am sending you something merely to fulfil
my promise; no, I assure you on my honor as an
artist that you may place me on a level with the
lowest of men, if you do not find that it is one of
my very best works.

388.
TO HANS GEORG NÄGELI,–ZURICH.

Baden, September 9, 1824.

MY MUCH-VALUED FRIEND,–

The Cardinal Archduke is in Vienna, and owing
to my health, I am here. I only yesterday received
from him a gracious written consent to subscribe
to your poems, on account of the services you
have rendered to the progress of music. He takes
six copies of your work. I will shortly send you
the proper address. An anonymous friend is also
on the list of subscribers. I mean myself, for as
you do me the honor to become my panegyrist, I
will on no account allow my name to appear. How
gladly would I have subscribed for more copies,
but my means are too straitened to do so. The
father of an adopted son, (the child of my deceased
brother,) I must for his sake think and act for the
future as well as for the present. I recollect that
you previously wrote to me about a subscription;
but at that time I was in very bad health, and continued
an invalid for more than three years, but
now I am better. Send also the complete collection
of your lectures direct to the Archduke Rudolph,
and, if possible, dedicate them to him; you are
certain at all events to receive a present, not a
very large one probably, but still better than nothing;
put some complimentary expressions in the
preface, for he understands music, and it is his
chief delight and occupation. I do really regret,
knowing his talents, that I cannot devote myself to
him as much as formerly.

I have made various applications to procure you
subscribers, and shall let you know as soon as I receive
the answers. I wish you would also send me
your lectures, and likewise Sebastian Bach’s five-part
Mass, when I will at once remit you the
money for both. Pray, do not imagine that I am
at all guided by self-interest; I am free from all
petty vanity; in godlike Art alone dwells the impulse
which gives me strength to sacrifice the best
part of my life to the celestial Muse. From childhood
my greatest pleasure and felicity consisted in
working for others; you may therefore conclude how
sincere is my delight in being in any degree of use
to you, and in showing you how highly I appreciate
all your merits. As one of the votaries of
Apollo, I embrace you.

Yours cordially,
BEETHOVEN.

Write to me soon about the Archduke, that I
may introduce the subject to his notice; you need
take no steps towards seeking permission for the
dedication. It will and ought to be a surprise to
him.

389.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, evening, September 14, 1824.

MY DEAR SON,–,

Whether it rains heavily to-morrow or not, stifling
dust or pouring rain would be equally prejudicial
to me. It does grieve me to know that you are
so long with this demon; but, pray, strive to keep
out of her way. You must give her a letter, written
in my name, to the manager of the hospital, in
which you must state that she did not come on the
1st, partly because she was unwell, and also from
various people having come here to meet me,
Basta cosi!

I send you 40 florins for the singing-master [corépétiteur].
Get a written receipt from him: how
many mistakes are thus avoided! and this should
be done by every one who pays money for another.
Did not Holz bring Rampel’s receipt [the copyist]
unasked, and do not others act in the same way?
Take the white waistcoat for yourself, and have the
other made for me. You can bring the metronome
with you; nothing can be done with it. Bring
also your linen sheets and two coverlets, and some
lead-pencils and patterns; be sure you get the former
at the Brandstatt. And now farewell, my
dear son; come to my arms as early as you can,–perhaps
to-morrow. [The paper is here torn
away.]

As ever, your faithful
FATHER.

P.S. All that could be done was to send you
by the old woman’s char à banc, which, however,
including everything, costs 8 florins 36 kreutzers.

Do not forget anything, and be careful of your
health.

390.
TO HERR NÄGELI.

Vienna, September 16, 1824.

MY ESTEEMED FRIEND,–

I gladly comply with your wish that I should
arrange the vocal parts of my last Grand Mass for
the organ, or piano, for the use of the different
choral societies. This I am willing to do, chiefly
because these choral associations, by their private
and still more by their church festivals, make an
unusually profound impression on the multitude,
and my chief object in the composition of this
Grand Mass was to awaken, and deeply to impress,
religious feelings both on singers and hearers. As,
however, a copy of this kind and its repeated revision
must cause a considerable outlay, I cannot, I
fear, ask less than 50 ducats for it, and leave it to
you to make inquiries on the subject, so that I
may devote my time exclusively to it.

I am, with high consideration,
Your obedient
BEETHOVEN.

391.
TO SCHOTT,–MAYENCE.

Baden, near Vienna, September 17, 1824.

The Quartet [Op. 127, in E flat major] you
shall also certainly receive by the middle of October.
Overburdened by work, and suffering from
bad health, I really have some claim on the indulgence
of others. I am here entirely owing to my
health, or rather to the want of it, although I
already feel better. Apollo and the Muses do not
yet intend me to become the prey of the bony
Scytheman, as I have yet much to do for you, and
much to bequeath which my spirit dictates, and
calls on me to complete, before I depart hence for
the Elysian fields; for I feel as if I had written
scarcely more than a few notes of music.

I wish your efforts all possible success in the
service of art; it is that and science alone which
point the way, and lead us to hope for a higher life.
I will write again soon. In haste, your obedient

BEETHOVEN.

392.
TO HAUSCHKA.

Baden, September 23, 1824.

MY DEAR AND VALUED FRIEND,–

As soon as I arrive in town, I will write Bernard’s
Oratorio [see No. 257], and I beg you will
also transmit him payment for it. We can discuss
when we meet in town what we further require
and think necessary, and in the mean-time, I appoint
you High and Puissant Intendant of all singing
and humming societies, Imperial Violoncello-General,
Inspector of the Imperial Chasse, as well
as Deacon of my gracious master, without house or
home, and without a prebendary (like myself). I
wish you all these, most faithful servant of my
illustrious master, as well as everything else in the
world, from which you may select what you like
best.^[1] That there may be no mistake, I hereby
declare that it is our intention to set to music the
Bernard Oratorio, the “Sieg des Kreuzes” and
speedily to complete the same. Witness this our
sign and seal,

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

1st P.S. Take care that the venison is not devoured
by rats or mice–you understand? Strive
for better choice and variety.

Yours, as a Christian and in Apollo,
B.

2d P.S. As for the little flag on the white
tower, we hope soon to see it waving again!

393.
TO HERR NÄGELI,–ZURICH.

Vienna, November 17, 1824.

MY MUCH-VALUED FRIEND,–

Deeply absorbed in work, and not sufficiently
protected against this late season of the year, I
have again been ill; so believe me it was impossible
for me to write to you sooner. With regard to
your subscription, I have only succeeded in getting
one subscriber for two copies, Herr v. Bihler, tutor
in the family of His Imperial Highness the Archduke
Carl; he tried to get the Archduke also, but
failed. I have exerted myself with every one, but,
unluckily, people are here actually deluged with
things of the same kind. This is all that I can
write to you in my hurry. I urged the matter, too,
on Haslinger, but in vain; we are really poor here
in Austria, and the continued pressure of the war
leaves but little for art and science. I will see
that the subscriptions are paid, but let me know
distinctly where the money is to be sent to. I embrace
you in spirit. Always rely on the high esteem
of your true friend,

BEETHOVEN.

394.
TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

November 18, 1824.

YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS,–

On my return from Baden, illness prevented my
waiting on Y.R.H. according to my wish, being
prohibited going out; thus yesterday was the first
time I dared to venture again into the open air.
When your gracious letter arrived, I was confined
to bed, and under the influence of sudorifics, my
illness having been caused by a chill; so it was
impossible for me to rise. I feel sure that Y.R.H
is well aware that I never would neglect the
respect so properly your due. I shall have the
pleasure of waiting on you to-morrow forenoon.
Moreover, there will be no lack of opportunity
here to awaken the interest Y.R.H. takes in
music, which cannot fail to prove so beneficial to
art,–ever my refuge, thank God!

I remain Y.R.H.’s obedient servant,
BEETHOVEN.

395.
TO SCHOTT,–MAYENCE.

Vienna, November 18, 1824.

I regret being obliged to tell you that some
little time must yet elapse before I can send off the
works. There was not in reality much to revise
in the copies; but as I did not pass the summer
here, I am obliged to make up for this now, by
giving two lessons a day to H.R.H. the Archduke
Rudolph. This exhausts me so much that it almost
entirely unfits me for all else. Moreover, I
cannot live on my income, and my pen is my sole
resource; but no consideration is shown either for
my health or my precious time. I do hope that this
may not long continue, when I will at once complete
the slight revision required. Some days ago
I received a proposal which concerns you also; its
purport being that a foreign music publisher was
disposed, &c., &c., to form a connection with you,
in order to guard against piracy. I at once declined
the offer, having had sufficiently painful experience
on these matters. (Perhaps this was only
a pretext to spy into my affairs!)

396.
TO CARL HOLZ.

I send you my greetings, and also wish to tell
you that I am not going out to-day. I should be
glad to see you, perhaps this evening after your
office hours.

In haste, your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

I am by no means well.

397.
TO CARL HOLZ.

MY WORTHY HOLZ–BE NO LONGER HOLZ [WOOD]!

The well-beloved government wishes to see me
to-day at ten o’clock. I beg you will go in my
place; but first call on me, which you can arrange
entirely according to your own convenience. I
have already written a letter to the powers that be,
which you can take with you. I much regret being
forced to be again so troublesome to you, but my
going is out of the question, and the affair must
be brought to a close,

Yours,
BEETHOVEN.

398.
TO SCHOTT,–MAYENCE.

Vienna, December 17 [Beethoven’s birthday], 1824.

I write to say that a week must yet elapse before
the works can be dispatched to you. The
Archduke only left this yesterday, and much precious
time was I obliged to spend with him. I am
beloved and highly esteemed by him, but–I cannot
live on that, and the call from every quarter to remember
“that he who has a lamp ought to pour oil
into it” finds no response here.

As the score ought to be correctly engraved, I
must look it over repeatedly myself, for I have no
clever copyist at present. Pray, do not think ill
of me! Never was I guilty of anything base!

399.

March, 1825.

MY GOOD FRIENDS,–

Each is herewith appointed to his own post, and
formally taken into our service, pledging his honor
to do his best to distinguish himself, and each to vie
with the other in zeal.

Every individual cooperating in this performance
must subscribe his name to this paper.^[1]

Schuppanzigh, (Manu propria.)
  Weiss.
  Linke, (M.P.)
Confounded violoncello of the great masters.
  Holz, (M.P.)
The last, but only as to his signature.

400.
TO SCHINDLER.

The Spring of 1825.

I have waited till half-past one o’clock, but as
the caput confusum has not come, I know nothing
of what is likely to happen. Carl must be off to
the University in the Prater; so I am obliged to
go, that Carl, who must leave this early, may have
his dinner first. I am to be found in the “Wilde
Mann” [an inn in the Prater].

To Herr Schindler, Moravian numskull.^[1]

401.
TO LINKE, VIOLONCELLIST.^[1]

DEAR LINKE,–

Having heard Herr v. Bocklet very highly
spoken of, I think it would be advisable to ask him
kindly to play in the trio at your concert. I do not
know him myself, or I would have applied to him
on your behalf. Always rely on me when it is in
my power to serve you.

Yours truly,
BEETHOVEN.

402.^[1]
TO * * *

SIR,–

Through the stupidity of my housekeeper your
mother was recently sent away from my house,
without my having been informed of her visit. I
highly disapprove of such incivility, especially as the
lady was not even shown into my apartments. The
rudeness and coarseness of the persons whom I am
so unfortunate as to have in my service are well
known to every one; I therefore request your forgiveness.

Your obedient servant,
L. V. BEETHOVEN.

403.
TO F. RIES.

Vienna, April 9, 1825.

MY DEAR GOOD RIES,–

I write only what is most pressing! So far as I
can remember in the score of the Symphony [the
9th] that I sent you, in the first hautboy, 242d
bar, there stands

instead of
.
I have carefully revised all the instrumental parts,
but those of the brass instruments only partially,
though I believe they are tolerably correct. I
would already have sent you my score [for performance
at the Aix musical festival], but I have
still a concert in prospect, if indeed my health admits
of it, and this MS. is the only score I possess.
I must now soon go to the country, as this is the
only season when I profit by it.

You will shortly receive the second copy of the
“Opferlied;” mark it at once as corrected by myself,
that it may not be used along with the one you
already possess. It is a fine specimen of the wretched
copyists I have had since Schlemmer’s death. It
is scarcely possible to rely on a single note. As
you have now got all the parts of the finale of the
Symphony copied out, I have likewise sent you the
score of the choral parts. You can easily score
these before the chorus commences, and when the
vocal parts begin, it could be contrived, with a little
management, to affix the instrumental parts just
above the scored vocal parts. It was impossible for
me to write all these out at once, and if we had
hurried such a copyist, you would have got nothing
but mistakes.

I send you an Overture in C, 6/8 time, not yet
published; you shall have the engraved parts by
the next post. A Kyrie and Gloria, two of the
principal movements (of the solemn Mass in D
major), and an Italian vocal duet, are also on their
way to you. You will likewise receive a grand
march with chorus, well adapted for a musical performance
on a great scale, but I think you will find
what I have already sent quite sufficient.

Farewell! You are now in the regions of the
Rhine [Ries at that time lived at Godesberg, near
Bonn], which will ever be so dear to me! I wish
you and your wife every good that life can bestow!
My kindest and best regards to your father, from
your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

404.
TO HERR JENGER,–VIENNA.^[1]

1824.

MY ESTEEMED FRIEND,–

It will give me much pleasure to send you some
day soon the score of Matthisson’s “Opferlied.”
The whole of it, published and unpublished, is
quite at your service. Would that my circumstances
permitted me to place at once at your disposal
the greater works I have written, before they
have been heard. I am, alas! fettered on this
point; but it is possible that such an opportunity
may hereafter occur, when I shall not fail to take
advantage of it.

The enclosed letter is for Hofrath v. Kiesewetter.
I beg you will be so good as to deliver it, especially
as it concerns yourself quite as much as the Herr
Hofrath.

I am, with high esteem, your devoted friend,

BEETHOVEN.

405.
TO SCHOTT.

I have much pleasure in herewith contributing
to the “Cecilia”^[1] and its readers some Canons
written by me, as a supplement to a humorous and
romantic biography of Herr Tobias Haslinger residing
here, which is shortly to appear in three parts.

In the first part, Tobias appears as the assistant
of the celebrated and solid Kapellmeister Fux,
holding the ladder for his Gradus ad Parnassum.
Being, however, mischievously inclined, he contrives,
by shaking and moving the ladder, to cause
many who had already climbed up a long way,
suddenly to fall down, and break their necks.

He now takes leave of this earthly clod and
comes to light again in the second part in the time
of Albrechtsberger. The already existing Fux,
nota cambiata, is now dealt with in conjunction with
Albrechtsberger. The alternating subjects of the
Canon are most fully illustrated. The art of
creating musical skeletons is carried to the utmost
limit, &c.

Tobias begins once more to spin his web as a
caterpillar, and comes forth again in the third part,
making his third appearance in the world. His
half-fledged wings bear him quickly to the Paternostergässel,
of which he becomes the Kapellmeister.
Having emerged from the school of the nota
cambiata, he retains only the cambiata and becomes
a member of several learned societies, &c. But
here are the Canons.

On a certain person of the name of Schwencke.^[2]

On a certain person of the name of Hoffmann.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

406.
TO LUDWIG RELLSTAB.

May 3, 1825.

As I was just starting for the country yesterday,
I was obliged to make some preparations myself; so
unluckily your visit to me was in vain. Forgive
me in consideration of my very delicate health.
As perhaps I may not see you again, I wish you
every possible prosperity. Think of me when writing
your poems.

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

Convey my affectionate regards and esteem to
Zelter,–that faithful prop of true art.

Though convalescent, I still feel very weak.
Kindly accept the following token of remembrance
from

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

407.
TO * * *

Vienna.

SIR,–

Being on the point of going into the country,
and only very recently recovered from an attack
of internal inflammation, I can merely write you a
few words. In the passage in the “Opferlied,”
2d strophe, where it runs thus:–

I wish it to be written thus:–

408.
TO HIS BROTHER JOHANN.

Baden, May 6, 1825.

The bell and bell-pulls, &c., &c., are on no account
whatever to be left in my former lodging.
No proposal was ever made to these people to take
any of my things. Indisposition prevented my
sending for it, and the locksmith had not come during
my stay to take down the bell; otherwise it
might have been at once removed and sent to me in
town, as they have no right whatever to retain it.
Be this as it may, I am quite determined not to
leave the bell there, for I require one here, and
therefore intend to use the one in question for my
purpose, as a similar one would cost me twice as
much as in Vienna, bell-pulls being the most expensive
things locksmiths have. If necessary, apply at
once to the police. The window in my room is
precisely in the same state as when I took possession,
but I am willing to pay for it, and also for the one
in the kitchen,–2 florins 12 kreutzers for the two.
The key I will not pay for, as I found none; on
the contrary, the door was fastened or nailed up
when I came, and remained in the same condition
till I left; there never was a key, so of course
neither I myself, nor those who preceded me,
could make use of one. Perhaps it is intended to
make a collection, in which case I am willing to
put my hand in my pocket.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

409.
TO HERR VON SCHLEMMER.^[1]

SIR,–

It strikes me as very remarkable that Carl cannot
be persuaded to go into good society, where he
might amuse himself in a creditable manner. This
almost leads me to suspect that he possibly finds
recreations, both in the evening and at night, in
less respectable company. I entreat you to be on
your guard as to this, and on no pretext whatever
to allow him to leave the house at night, unless you
receive a written request from me to that effect, by
Carl. He once paid a visit, with my sanction, to
Herr Hofrath Breuning. I strongly recommend
this matter to your attention; it is far from being
indifferent, either to you or to me; so I would once
more urge you to practise the greatest vigilance.

I am, sir,
Your obedient
BEETHOVEN.

410.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Frau Schlemmer is to receive, or has already
received, her money by our housekeeper. Some
letters must be written to-morrow. Let me know
what time would suit you best? Your

UNCLE.

I left my pocket-handkerchief with you.

411.^[1]

MY DEAR SON,–

I have this moment got your letter. I still feel
very weak and solitary, and only read the horrid
letter I enclose! I send you 25 florins to buy
the books at once, and you can spend the surplus
when you require to do so. Pray bring me back
Reisser’s note.^[2] On Saturday, the 14th of May,
I will send a carriage into town to fetch you here;
the charge is as yet very reasonable. The old
woman is to inquire what hour will suit you best;
you can set off at any time before six in the evening,
so that you need neglect nothing. Perhaps I
may come myself, and then your shirts might be
purchased; in which case it would be as well if
you were to be at liberty by four o’clock; but if I
do not come, which is very possible, drive straight
here at five or six o’clock in the evening. You
will not thus feel so much fatigued, and you can
leave this again on Monday, if nothing is neglected
by the delay. You can take the money with you
for the Correpetitor. Are you aware that this
affair of the Correpetitor, including board and
lodging, amounts to 2000 florins a year? I can
write no more to-day, I can scarcely guide my pen.
Show this letter to Reisser.

Your affectionate
FATHER.

412.
TO DR. BRAUNHOFER.

Baden, May 13, 1825.

MY ESTEEMED FRIEND,–

Doctor. “How does our patient get on?”

Patient. “Still in a bad way, feeling weak and
irritable, and I think that at last we must have
recourse to stronger medicines, and yet not too
violent; surely I might now drink white wine with
water, for that deleterious beer is quite detestable.
My catarrhal condition is indicated by the following
symptoms. I spit a good deal of blood, though
probably only from the windpipe. I have constant
bleeding from the nose, which has been often the
case this winter. There can be no doubt that my
digestion is terribly weakened, and in fact my
whole system, and, so far as I know my own constitution,
my strength will never be recruited by
its natural powers.”

Doctor. “I will prescribe for you, and soon,
very soon, shall your health be restored.”

Patient. “How glad I should be to sit down at
my writing-table, with some cheerful companions.
Reflect on this proposal.” Finis.

P.S. I will call on you as soon as I come to
town, only tell Carl at what hour I am likely to
see you. It would be a good plan to give Carl
directions what I am to do. (I took the medicine
only once, and have lost it.)

I am, with esteem and gratitude,

Your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

Written on May 11th, 1825, in Baden, Helenenthal,
second floor, Anton’s-Brücke, near Siechenfeld.

413.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, May 17.

MY DEAR SON,–

The weather here is abominable, and the cold
greater even than yesterday; so much so that I
have scarcely the use of my fingers to write; this
is the case, however, only in the mountains, and
more especially in Baden. I forgot the chocolate
to-day, and am sorry to be obliged to trouble you
about it, but all will go better soon. I enclose you
2 florins, to which you must add 15 kreutzers;
send it if possible with the post in the afternoon;
otherwise I shall have none the day after to-morrow;
the people of the house will assist you in this.
May God bless you! I begin to write again very
tolerably; still, in this most dreary, cold stormy
weather, it is almost impossible to have any clear
conceptions.

Now as ever,
Your good and loving
FATHER.

414.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Noon, 1 o’clock.

MY DEAR SON,–

I merely wish to let you know that the old
woman is not yet returned,–why, I cannot tell.
Inquire immediately at Höbel’s in the Kothgasse,
whether the Höbel who belongs to this place set
off from Vienna to Baden? It is really so distressing
to me to depend on such people, that if
life did not possess higher charms, it would be utterly
insupportable in my eyes. You no doubt
got my yesterday’s letter, and the 2 florins for the
chocolate. I shall be obliged to drink coffee to-morrow;
perhaps after all it is better for me than
chocolate, as the prescriptions of this B. [Braunhofer]
have been repeatedly wrong. Indeed he
seems to me very ignorant, and a blockhead into
the bargain; he must have known about the asparagus.
Having dined at the inn to-day, I have
a threatening of diarrhoea. I have no more white
wine, so I must get it from the inn, and such wine
too! for which, however, I pay 3 florins! Two
days ago the old woman wrote to me that she
wished to end her days in an alms-house; perhaps
she will not return to me; so be it in God’s name!
she will always be a wicked old woman. She ought
to make arrangements with the person whom she
knows of. She wrote to me in a very different
strain from that in which she spoke to you on Sunday,
and said “that the people refused to give up
the bell-pull.” Who knows whether she may not
have some interest in the matter? She went into
town yesterday at six o’clock, and I begged her to
make haste back here this forenoon; if she still
comes, I must go to town the day after to-morrow.
Leave a written message to say when I am to see
you…. Write me a few lines immediately. How
much I regret troubling you, but you must see that
I cannot do otherwise….

Your attached
FATHER.

How distressing to be in such a state here!

To Herr Carl van Beethoven,
Vienna, Alleengasse 72, Karlskirche, 1ter Étage,
at Herr Schlemmer’s.

415.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

MY DEAR SON,–

I sent for the cabinet-maker to-day with the old–witch–to
Asinanius’^[1] house. Don’t forget
the paintings, and the things sent in last summer;
at all events look for them. I may perhaps come
on Saturday; if not, you must come to me on Sunday.
May God watch over you, my dear son.

Your attached
FATHER.

I cannot write much. Send me a few words.^[2]

416.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Do send the chocolate at last by the old woman.
If Ramler is not already engaged, he may perhaps
drive her over. I become daily thinner, and feel
far from well; and no physician, no sympathizing
friends! If you can possibly come on Sunday,
pray do so; but I have no wish to deprive you of
any pleasure, were I only sure that you would
spend your Sunday properly away from me.

I must strive to wean myself from everything;
if I were only secure that my great sacrifices would
bring forth worthy fruits!

Your attached
FATHER.

417.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Wednesday, May 17.

MY DEAR SON,–

The old woman is just come, so you need be
under no uneasiness; study assiduously and rise
early, as various things may occur to you in the
morning, which you could do for me. It cannot
be otherwise than becoming in a youth, now in his
nineteenth year, to combine his duties towards his
benefactor and foster-father with those of his education
and progress. I fulfilled my obligations
towards my own parents. In haste,

Your attached
FATHER.

The old bell-pull is here. The date of my letter
is wrong; it is not May the 17th, but the 18th.

418.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

May 19.

Ask the house agent about a lodging in the Landstrasse,
Ungargasse, No. 345, adjoining the Bräuhaus,–four
rooms and a kitchen, commanding a
view of the adjacent gardens. I hear there are
various others too in the Hauptstrasse. Give a
gulden to the house agent in the Ungargasse, to
promise me the refusal of the lodgings till Saturday,
when, if the weather is not too bad, I mean to
come on to fetch you. We must decide to-morrow
whether it is to be hired from Michaelmas or now.
If I do come on Saturday, take care that I find you
at home.

Your attached
FATHER.

419.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Say everything that is kind and amiable from
me to my esteemed fellow-guardian, Dr. v. Reissig;
I feel still too feeble to write to him myself. I
hope he will not object to your coming to me here
every Saturday evening. You are well aware that
I never abused such a permission when you were
at Blöchlinger’s [see No. 276]. Besides, I feel
sure of your intercession in support of my request.

Your attached father,
BEETHOVEN.

420.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, May 23.

I have been assured, though as yet it is only a
matter of conjecture, that a clandestine intercourse
has been renewed between your mother and yourself.
Am I doomed again to experience such detestable
ingratitude? No! if the tie is to be severed,
so be it! By such ingratitude you will incur
the hatred of all impartial persons. The expressions
my brother made use of yesterday before Dr.
Reissig (as he says); and your own with respect
to Schönauer (who is naturally adverse to me, the
judgment of the Court being the exact reverse of
what he desired), were such, that I will not mix
myself up with such shameful doings! No! never
more!

If you find the Pactum oppressive, then, in God’s
name, I resign you to His holy keeping! I have
done my part, and on this score I do not dread
appearing before the Highest of all Judges. Do
not be afraid to come to me to-morrow; as yet I
only suspect; God grant that those suspicions may
not prove true, for to you it would be an incalculable
misfortune, with whatever levity my rascally
brother, and perhaps your mother also, may treat
the matter to the old woman. I shall expect you
without fail.

421.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, May 31, 1825.

MY DEAR SON,–

I intend to come to town on Saturday, and to
return here either on Sunday evening, or early on
Monday. I beg you will therefore ask Dr. Bach
[advocate] at what hour I can see him, and also
fetch the key from brother Bäcker’s [a brother-in-law
of Johann Beethoven’s], to see whether in the
room inhabited by my unbrotherly brother, the
arrangements are such that I can stay a night
there; and if there is clean linen, &c., &c. As
Thursday is a holiday, and it is unlikely that you
will come here (indeed I do not desire that you
should), you may easily execute these two commissions
for me. You can let me know the result
when I arrive on Saturday. I don’t send you
money, for if you want any, you can borrow a
gulden at home. Moderation is necessary for
young people, and you do not appear to pay sufficient
attention to this, as you had money without
my knowledge, nor do I yet know whence it came.
Fine doings! It is not advisable that you should
go to the theatre at present, on account of the
distraction it causes. The 5 florins procured by
Dr. Reissig, I will pay off by instalments, punctually
every month. So enough of this! Misled
as you have been, it would be no bad thing were
you at length to cultivate simplicity and truth, for
my heart has been so deeply wounded by your
deceitful conduct, that it is difficult to forget it.
Even were I disposed to submit like an ox to so
hard a yoke without murmuring, if you pursue
the same course towards others, you will never
succeed in gaining the love of any one. As God
is my witness, I can think of nothing but you, and
my contemptible brother, and the detestable family
that I am afflicted with. May God vouchsafe to
listen to my prayer, for never again can I trust
you!

Your Father, alas!
Yet fortunately not your Father.

422.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, June 9, 1825.

I wish you at least to come here on Sundays.
In vain do I ask for an answer. God help you and
me!

As ever,
Your attached
FATHER.

I have written to Herr v. Reissig to desire you
to come here on Sundays. The calèche leaves his
house at six o’clock, from the Kugel, auf der Wieden.
You have only to work and study a little in
advance, to lose nothing. I regret being obliged
to cause you this annoyance; you are to return
the same afternoon at five o’clock, with the calèche.
Your place is already paid for; you can shave here
in the morning, and a shirt and neckcloth will be
ready for you, so that you may arrive at the right
time.

Farewell. If I reproach you it is not without
good cause, and it would be hard to have sacrificed
so much, merely to bestow a commonplace man on
the world. I hope to see you without fail.

If the intrigues are already matured, say so
frankly (and naturally), and you will find one who
will always be true to the good cause. The lodging
A. was again advertised in the paper on Tuesday;
could you not have arranged about this?
You might at all events have done so through
some one else, or by writing, if you were at all
indisposed. I should much prefer not moving, if I
were not compelled to do so. You know my mode
of living here, and it is far worse in this cold
stormy weather. My continued solitude only still
further enfeebles me, and really my weakness
often amounts to a swoon. Oh! do not further
grieve me, for the scythe of Death will grant me
no long delay!

If I could find a good lodging in the Alleengasse,
I would at once engage it.

423.

Tuesday Morning.

MY DEAR SON,–

The two patterns, one placed at the top and the
other below, each 21 florins, seem to me the best;
the landlord can advise you. For the trousers
88–4-1/2. I enclose 62 florins W.W. 30 kreutzers.
Give me an exact account of how you spend this
money, for it was hard to earn; still it is not worth
while, for the sake of a florin a yard, not to select
the best material; so choose, or get some one to
choose for you, the best of the two at 21 florins.
Order the highest quality for your trousers also;
remember you ought never to wear your best
clothes at home; no matter who comes, you need
never be well dressed in the house.^[1] The moment
you come home change your good clothes, and be
at your ease in those set aside for the purpose.
Farewell.

Your attached
FATHER.

P.S. The creature went off yesterday and has
not returned; we shall see how this turns out.
The old beast was determined to be off, being like
a restless wild animal devoid of purpose or reason.
May Heaven have pity on me! The new cooking
began yesterday.

424.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, June 15.

MY DEAR SON,–

I hope you received the 62 florins 30 kreutzers.
If you wish to order trousers of the same cloth, do
so. You probably chose that at 25 florins, and on
such occasions the best quality should not be rejected
for the sake of a couple of florins. You
may also order two pairs of trousers of the gray
cloth. You must let me know the amount of the
tailor’s bill, &c., &c., which shall be paid by me.
“Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand
doeth.” Such is the sentiment of noble-minded
men. You have, alas! only yourself to blame for
my being forced to draw your attention to this.
Do not forget to call on Riess (??). May Aurora
not only awaken you but speed your industry.

Now for my every-day household matters. The
maid came indeed, but is not to remain; in the
mean time I have spoken pretty plainly to the old
woman, so far as it is possible to speak to such
people.

But let us say no more of all this bedevilment.
My brother Asinanio has written to me. What I
find most trying of all is being alone at dinner, and
it is really surprising that I can write to you even
tolerably from here. Possibly I may come to town
on Saturday, and if so you will perhaps drive out
here with me at six o’clock in the evening?

Now farewell, my darling! deserve this name.
Retain what money you require; anything you
want shall be purchased for you when I come in.
I embrace you, and hope you will be my good,
studious, noble son.

Now as ever, your attached
FATHER.

I should like to know that you received the
money safely. Did the Correpetitor come?

425.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

MY DEAR SON,–

I send you herewith the 90 florins. Get a written
receipt from the landlady to prevent all mistakes
afterwards; this is the invariable custom with those
still under the control of guardians. My wafers
are done; cannot you manage to send me a box
in some way or other? Acknowledge the receipt
of the money at once. God bless you! Do all
you possibly can to rid me of that old demon.

Do not involve yourself in any clandestine doings
with my brother; above all do nothing clandestine
towards me; towards your attached father. Goodnight.
Farewell! farewell! The old witch and
Satan and I?!

426.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

I rejoice, my dear son, that you take pleasure
in this new sphere, and such being the case you
must zealously strive to acquire what is necessary
for it. I did not recognize your writing; I indeed
look only to the sense and meaning, but you must
now attain some outward elegance also. If it is
too hard a task for you to come here, give it up;
but if you can by any possibility do so, I shall
rejoice in my desert home to have a feeling heart
near me. If you do come, the housekeeper will
settle that you leave Vienna at five o’clock, which
leaves you ample time for your studies.

I embrace you cordially.

Your attached
FATHER.

P.S. Don’t forget to bring the “Morgenblatt”
and Ries’s letter.^[1]

427.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, June 28, 1825.

MY DEAR SON,–

As in this heat you may perhaps wish to bathe,
I send you two more florins. You must be careful
to take a written receipt from those to whom you
pay money; for that errors do occur is proved by
the blue cloth, and the three florins for the looking-glass.
You are a thorough Viennese, and although
I do not expect you to become a W.W. (depreciated
Vienna currency), still it is no disgrace at
your age to give an exact account of all that you
receive, as no one is considered to be of age till
five and twenty, and even if you had property of
your own, you would be obliged to account for it
to your guardian at your present years. Let us
not refer to the past; it would be easy to do so,
but only cause me pain; at last it would come to
this, “You are indeed a first-rate guardian,” &c.
If you had any depth of feeling you would have
acted very differently in most things.

Now as to my domestic rabble; yesterday the
kitchenmaid was off again and got a fresh place;
the cause is difficult to discover from my old witch,
who is now once more all smiles, and no longer
persists in declaring that she has incurred any loss
from the weekly bills; what do you think of that?

[The last page of this letter is an illegible fragment.]

428.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden.

MY DEAR GOOD CARL,–

I have just got your letter this evening, and
could not help laughing at it. It was not right in
the people at Mayence to have acted thus, but
since the thing has occurred, it does not signify.
Our epoch requires strong minds to scourge those
frivolous, contemptible, malicious beings, repulsive
as it is to my feelings to cause pain to any man.
Besides, I intended a mere jest, and it was far from
my intention to let such a thing be printed.^[1]

You must ascertain instantly from a magistrate
the proper mode of converting the Bank obligations
into Rothschild’s Austrian Loan, that you may get
the authority from a magistrate (not from the
Court of those pseudo-guardians!)

Be good and honest; you have here an instance
how people rejoice when such men are properly
estimated. Be my own dear precious son, and imitate
my virtues, but not my faults; still, though
man is frail, do not at least have worse defects
than those of

Your sincere and fondly attached
FATHER.

Write to me about the conversation on Sunday–it
is of the Court, courtly, so you must be on
your guard. Holz did not come to-day; whether
he is trustworthy I cannot say.

429.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

To-day is Friday, to-morrow Saturday.

Here comes Satanas. To-day her raging fury
and madness have somewhat subsided, but if she
applies to you, refer her to me the day after to-morrow.
During the whole week I was forced to
submit and to suffer like a saint. Avaunt! such
dregs of the people! What a reproach to our
civilization to stand in need of a class like this,
and to have those whom we despise so constantly
near us. Go with her to-morrow as formerly to
the Carolin Thor about the Seltzer water; if the
small bottles are as genuine as the larger ones,
order some of them, but I think the larger size are
more likely to be the safest; ce dépend de votre
esprit, votre distinction, &c. Now farewell, my
dear son; take care to get me the genuine, and
not the artificial Seltzer water, and go yourself to
see about it, or I might get Heaven knows what!
Farewell again, my good fellow; we are well
affected towards you, and shall expect you the day
after to-morrow at eight o’clock. Breakfast shall
be ready for you, if that early meal does not become
as usual a late meal. Ah! au diable avec
ces grands coquins de neveux, allez-vous en, soyez
mon fils, mon fils bien aimé. Adieu; je vous baise,
votre père sincère comme toujours.

430.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

The old goose is the bearer of this. She has
given you the quills, and you have again told an
untruth. Alas! farewell. I await your report
about the book. She is going to-day to Katel, so
she will have very little time for her stupid blundering.
May the Lord one day deliver me from
her! Libera me Domine de illis, &c.

431.^[1]

DEAR SON, DEAR BOY,–

Do not omit the point about “the happiness.” I
know from my experience of the late Lichnowsky,
that those so-called great personages do not like to
see an artist, who is at all events their equal, prosperous.
Voilà le même cas, votre Altesse, sometimes
in the context V.A. The address “à son
Altesse Monseigneur le Prince,” &c., &c. We
cannot tell whether he may have that weakness
or not. A blank sheet ought to follow with my
signature. You might add that he must not regard
the newspaper trash, the writers of which,
if I chose, would loudly trumpet forth my merits.
The Quartet did indeed fail the first time that it
was played by Schuppanzigh; for on account of
his corpulence he requires more time than formerly
to decipher a piece at a glance, and many
other circumstances concurred in preventing its
success, which were indeed predicted by me; for
although Schuppanzigh and two others receive
pensions from royal personages [Rasumowsky],
their quartet-playing is not what it was when all
four were in the habit of constantly playing together.
On the other hand, it has been six times
performed in the most admirable manner by other
artists, and received with the greatest applause;
it was played twice over in one evening, and then
again after supper. A violinist of the name of
Böhm means also to give it at his benefit, and I
must now let many others have it.

Mention the Grand Quartet in your letter to
Peters at Leipzig; lose no time about this, and desire
him to send me an early reply. Mischances
of this kind cannot well be avoided, and we must
appear rather coy. Seal the enclosed letter to my
brother and send it to the post. Desire the tailor
in the Kärntnerstrasse to get lining for trousers
for me, and to make them long and without straps,
one pair to be of kerseymere and the other of
cloth. The great-coat can be fetched from Wolf’s.
The shoemaker’s shop is in the “Stadt” in the
Spiegelgasse, in front when coming from the Graben.
His name is Magnus Senn, at the Stadthaus,
No. 1093. Call on Hönigstein [a banker] and be
candid, that we may really know how this wretch
has acted; it would be wise to ascertain this before
the letter to Galitzin is sent off. It is probable
that something else may be found for you this
winter, but we can talk over the matter. Before
coming here on Saturday call on Zinbrachen in the
Naglergasse about the knives, which you can send
at once; the old woman made a fine mess of it!
When driving home yesterday I met Clement,
Holz, Linke, and Rtschaschek [Rzehatschek] in
Neudorf; they had all been to call on me while I
was in town. They wish to have the Quartet
again. Holz drove straight back here from Neudorf
and supped with me in the evening, when I
gave him the Quartet to take back with him.

The attachment of genuine artists is not to be
despised, and cannot be otherwise than gratifying.

Let me hear from you as soon as you have spoken
with Hönigstein; write the dedication of the Overture
in C [Op. 124] to Galitzin. If the H.’s
undertake to forward it, give it to them, but look
sharp about it. God be with you, my dear son;
I shall expect a letter from you without fail. May
God bless you and me. The end must soon come
of your attached father. Good-by, you scamp!

N.B. Do not forget in your letter to Galitzin to
mention that the Overture is already announced
and about to appear, engraved and dedicated to
him.

432.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

MY DEAR SON,–

Send this letter at once to my pseudo-brother,
and add something yourself. It is impossible to
permit this to continue any longer; no soup to-day,
no beef, no eggs, and at last broiled meat from
the inn!

When Holz was with me lately, there was really
almost nothing to eat at supper; and such is the
woman’s bold and insolent behavior, that I have
told her to-day I will not suffer her to remain beyond
the end of the month. No more to-day.
All that is necessary about the magistrate is for me
to write a note authorizing you to draw the money,
but it would be as well were you to take the opportunity
of asking what you are to do about converting
the bank shares into a share in Rothschild’s
Loan. I shall say nothing further, except that I
always look on you as my dear son, and one who
deserves to be so. Little as I require what nourishes
the body, as you know, still the present state
of things is really too bad, besides being every moment
in danger of being poisoned.

Farewell! Be careful, my dear son, of your
health in this heat; I trust you will continue well.
Shun all that may enervate or diminish your youthful
energies. Farewell! A pleasant talk together
would be far better than all this writing. Ever
your loving and attached father, who fondly presses
you to his heart.

433.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

MY DEAR SON,–

The enclosed will show you all. Write this letter
to Schlesinger.

To —- Schlesinger, Berlin,
Emporium of Art and Science.

You can couch some things in better terms. I
think we may calculate on 80 ducats. If indispensable,
delay the letter to Galitzin, but be sure
to dispatch the one to Schlesinger on Saturday. I
suppose you received the packet? I beg you will
bring me some shaving-soap, and at least one pair
of razors; the man who grinds them gets 2 florins.
You will know if anything is to be paid. Now
pray practise economy, for you certainly receive
too much money. All in vain–a Viennese will
always be a Viennese! I rejoiced when I could
assist my poor parents; what a contrast are you in
your conduct towards me! Thriftless boy, farewell!

Your attached
FATHER.

Bring the newspaper with you. You have a
great deal to do this time. You no doubt will
write before Sunday. Do not flatter that wretch
—-. He is a miserable, weak-minded fellow. I
embrace you. My health is no better.

434.
TO HIS BROTHER JOHANN,–GNEIXENDORF.

Baden, July 13, 1825.

MY WORTHY BROTHER,–

As you have taken such good care of the book,
I beg you will take equal care that it be returned
to the proprietor here. Another pretty business!
As to your wish that I should come to see you, I
long ago fully explained myself on that point; so I
request that you will never again allude to the subject,
for you will find me as immovable as ever.
Pray spare me all details, as I am unwilling to repeat
what is disagreeable. You are happy, and it
is my desire that you should be so; continue thus,
for every one is best in his own sphere.

I only once made use of your lodgings, but the
baking-oven nearly made me ill, so I did not go
again; as I have now a lodging of my own, it is
not probable that I shall even once make use of
the room you offer me. When you write, be sure
to seal your letters, and address them to the care of
Carl, in Vienna, as such letters cost a great deal
here. I once more urge you to restore the book
belonging to the machinist, an dem Graben, for
such occurrences are really almost incredible, and
place me in no small embarrassment. So the book!
the book! to be sent to Carl in Vienna with all
possible haste and speed. Farewell, most worthy
brother! Yours,

LUDWIG.

435.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, July 15.

MY DEAR SON,–

In your letter to Schlesinger don’t forget to ask
whether Prince Radziwill is in Berlin. As to the
80 ducats, you can also write that they may be
paid in Conventionsgulden, at only 4 florins 30 kreutzers
to the ducat; but I leave this entirely to yourself,
though gold ducats would not be too much
from one who has the right of publishing in England
and also in France. You must be quite decided
too with respect to the four months’ bill. A.
Mayseder receives 50 ducats for a set of violin
variations! Do not fail to call attention to the fact
that my bad health and other circumstances constrain
me to look more closely after my interests
than formerly. Bargaining is odious to me, but it
must be so! What are my feelings when I find
myself thus alone among these men! Be sure to
forward my letter to my brother, that the book may
be restored–what a trick! I should have liked,
too, to do all I could to benefit my hearing, and
here I should have had time to do so. How melancholy
to have such a brother! Alas! alas!
Farewell! I embrace you from my heart.

Your attached
FATHER.

P.S. Do not be dilatory, and rise early. If
you would rather not, pray do not come on Sunday;
but at all events write, though not at present,
for if you can come we can discuss all matters together.

436.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, July 18, Monday.

MY DEAR SON,–

You will see from the enclosure all that you wish
to know; only observe moderation. Fortune
crowns my efforts, but do not lay the foundation
of misery by mistaken notions; be truthful and
exact in the account of your expenses, and give
up the theatre for the present. Follow the advice
of your guide and father; be counselled by him
whose exertions and aspirations have always been
directed to your moral welfare, though without
neglecting your temporal benefit.

This Herr Thal will call on you, and he will also
be at Herr Hönigstein’s; you can give him the
Overture if you think fit. He is to stay three
weeks. You may invite him to dine here. Sunday
would be best, as a certain scamp comes on
that day at an early hour, in a carriage that I will
send for him. Pray show some amiability of manner
towards this man; art and science form a link
between the noblest spirits, and your future vocation^[1]
by no means exempts you from this. You
might take a fiacre and drive to the copyist’s if you
can spare time. With respect to the transcription
of the Quartet, you may tell him that I write very
differently now, much more legibly than during my
illness; this Quartet must be written out twice,
and I can send it at once. I have had the offer of
a copyist here, but I don’t know what he can do.
I should be careful not to be too confidential at first
with the Holz Christi, or the splinter of the Holz
Christi.

Write to me forthwith. Perhaps the old goose
may go to Vienna the day after to-morrow. Farewell!
Attend to my advice.

Your attached
FATHER,
Who cordially embraces you.

You may possibly go to D—- with this Herr
Thal; do not, however, show too much anxiety
about the money.

437.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

MY DEAR SON,–

So let it be! Bring G—-‘s letter with you,
for I have scarcely read it myself. My Signor
Fratello came the day before yesterday with his
brother-in-law [see No. 435]–what a contemptible
fellow! The old witch, who went almost crazy
again yesterday, will bring you the answer about
the book from his brother-in-law. If it does not
convey a positive certainty on the subject, send this
letter at once to the base creature! When Cato
exclaimed, with regard to Caesar, “This man and
myself!” what can be done in such a case? I
don’t send the letter, for it will be time enough a
couple of days hence. It is too late to-day. I
impress my love, as with a seal, on your affectionate
attachment to me. If you are likely to miss
your work by coming here, then stay where you
are.

As ever, your loving and anxious
FATHER.

Three times over:
________________
|: Come soon! 😐

438.
TO THE COPYIST.^[1]

Read violino 2do–the passage in the first Allegretto
in the 1st violin–thus:–

&c.

So write it in this way; in the first Allegretto,
mark the signs of expression in all the four parts:

The notes are all right; so do not misunderstand
me.

Now, my good friend, as to your mode of writing–obbligatissimo;
but the signs

&c., are shamefully neglected, and often, very often,
in the wrong place, which is no doubt owing to
haste. For Heaven’s sake impress on Kempel
[a copyist] to copy everything just as it stands;
look carefully over my present corrections, and you
will find all that you have to say to him. When

is put over a note,

is not to take its place, and vice
versa. It is not the same thing to write

and
.
The

are often purposely placed
after the notes. For instance:–
.
The ties to be just as they are now placed. It is
not synonymous to write

or thus
.
Such is our will and pleasure! I have passed no
less than the whole forenoon to-day, and yesterday
afternoon, in correcting these two pieces, and I am
actually quite hoarse from stamping and swearing.

In haste, yours,
BEETHOVEN.

Pray excuse me for to-day, as it is just four
o’clock. [The close of this letter has not been deciphered
by its possessor, who has traced over the
hieroglyphics with a pencil; it reads somewhat to
this effect, “to go to Carl at four o’clock. We
were much amused,” &c.]

439.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Tuesday, August 2.

MY DEAR SON,–

Send the enclosed to-morrow morning (Wednesday)
to the post; as it refers to corrections, haste
is absolutely necessary. We must have done with
this evil old creature! I have scarcely enough to
eat, and am forced also to endure the sauciness and
insolence of this most malicious old witch–and with
such wages too! I think I must ask my pseudo-brother
to come, and would be glad to engage again
the woman from Winter’s, in the Kothgasse, who at
least knew how to cook.

Write me a few lines to-morrow, and direct here.
I send you another florin. Do not neglect your
bathing; continue well, and guard against illness.
Spend your money on good objects alone. Be my
dear son! What a frightful discord would it be,
were you to prove false to me, as many persons
maintain that you already are! May God bless
you!

Your attached
FATHER.

N.B. Send off the letter to-morrow (Wednesday).
I have heard nothing as yet of the knives,
and my made pens also begin to fail.

440.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, August

MY DEAR SON,–

I am in mortal anxiety about the Quartet–namely,
the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth parts, that
Holz took away, while the first bars of the third
movement have been left here; the number of these
sheets is 13. I hear nothing of Holz. I wrote to
him yesterday, and he is not usually remiss in
writing. What a sad business it will be if he
has lost it! He drinks hard, entre nous. Tranquillize
me on this point as quickly as possible.
You can find out Linke’s lodgings from Haslinger;
he was here to-day and very friendly, and brought
some of the sheets and other things, and begged
hard for the new quartets. Never interfere in this
kind of business; it can only lead to what is unpleasant.
For Heaven’s sake pacify me about the
Quartet–a serious loss. The sketch is only written
on small fragments of paper, and I could not
manage to write out the whole exactly from these.

Your attached
FATHER.

I must remind you that next Sunday and Monday
are holidays, so that you may arrange accordingly.
On this occasion you could perhaps, when
I come in, return with me here on Saturday evening,
which would give you the whole of Sunday
morning to yourself.

441.
TO ZMESKALL.

1825.

MY GOOD FRIEND,–

I had scarcely got home when I bethought me
of the stuff I may have written yesterday. Give
the enclosed to Kuhlau; you know all the rest.
Write to me as soon as possible, or come here, next
Thursday being a holiday, but write beforehand.
Ask if the cook understands anything about game,
that she may take the command of my game preserves
for me. As to Carl, it would be better for
him to tell me about it at the Atrapper at Rosen.
All this prestissimo! As for my friendship, think
of me always as Cantum firmum. Farewell!

Ever your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

442.
TO HERR FRIEDRICH KUHLAU.

Baden, September 3, 1825.

I must admit that the champagne went a little to
my head yesterday, and I learned once more from
experience, that such things rather prostrate than
promote my energies; for, though able to respond
fluently at the moment, still I can no longer recall
what I wrote yesterday.

Sometimes bear in mind your attached

BEETHOVEN.

443.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

September 6, 1825.

MY DEAR SON,–

I see perfectly well how troublesome it would be
for you all to come here; we must therefore make
an appointment to meet every Friday at Schlesinger’s,
when I will come to town; for, in case any
thing goes amiss, I must be present. This is the
best plan, and settles the affair. He was here yesterday,
and said that he would pay for the Quintet
as soon as you sent it to him.

It will be enough if they play the new one only,
but you can judge what is best. If they prefer
Thursday, I can be present then. Only see that
they come to an arrangement as quickly as possible,
so that the money may be transmitted to Peters in
Leipzig, to whom, however, you must on no account
allude. Schlesinger scarcely expects to be
still in Vienna on Sunday; haste is therefore necessary.
The ducats must be in gold; mention, as a
precedent, that others do this.

Be sure to write to me by the old woman to-day.
All I want is a rehearsal, to see whether corrections
are required. Make no delays, and take care that
the old woman sets off in good time. The best
plan would be to fix where I am to come to in
town every Friday for rehearsals. If Schlesinger
has brought you the Quartet (the first), pray
stand on no ceremony, for it is clear he means to
pay.

Your letter has this moment come. So Holz is
not to be here till Thursday, and who can tell
whether even this is certain? Your letter changes
everything, as Friday is now decided on. Holz can
inform me whether we meet here or in Vienna.
Our main point now is with Schlesinger, for we
must delay no longer. If he is only waiting for
the rehearsal, he certainly shall not have it. He
said yesterday that he would not publish the quartets
here; I told him it was a matter of entire indifference
to me. May God bless you and keep
you!

Your attached
FATHER.

444.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

September.

MY DEAR SON,–

Do not forget to give Tobias [Haslinger] the
receipt together with the money. The gentleman
ought to have come a little sooner; but as the affair
stands, you must do as he advises. I do not
wish now that you should come to me on the 19th
of September. It is better to finish your studies.
God has never yet forsaken me, and no doubt some
one will be found to close my eyes. The whole
thing seems to me to have been some artful collusion,
in which my brother (pseudo) has played a
part. I also know that you have no pleasure now
in coming to me–which is only natural, for my
atmosphere is too pure for you. Last Sunday you
again borrowed 1 florin 15 kreutzers from the housekeeper,
from a mean old kitchen wench,–this was
already forbidden,–and it is the same in all things.
I could have gone on wearing the out-of-doors
coat for two years–to be sure I have the shabby
custom of putting on an old coat at home–but
Herr Carl! What a disgrace it would be! and
why should he do so? Herr Ludwig van Beethoven’s
money-bags are expressly for this purpose.

You had better not come next Sunday, for true
harmony and concord can never exist with conduct
such as yours. Why such hypocrisy? Avoid it,
and you will then become a better man, and not
require to be deceitful nor untruthful, which will
eventually benefit your moral character. Such is
the impression you have made on my mind–for
what avail even the most gentle reproofs? They
merely serve to embitter you. But do not be uneasy;
I shall continue to care for you as much as
ever. What feelings were aroused in me when I
again found a florin and 15 kreutzers charged in
the bill!

Do not send any more such flimsy notes, for the
housekeeper can see through them in the light. I
have just received this letter from Leipzig, but I
don’t mean to send the Quartet yet; we can talk
of this on Sunday. Three years ago I only asked
40 ducats for a quartet; we must therefore refer to
the exact words you have written.

Farewell! He who, though he did not give you
life, has certainly provided for it, and above all
striven to perfect your mental culture, and been
more than a father to you, earnestly implores you
to pursue steadily the only true path to all that is
good and right. Farewell!

Bring back the letter with you on Sunday.

Your attached and kind
FATHER.

445.
TO HERR VON SCHLESINGER.

Vienna, September 26, 1825.

My worthy friend, I wish you the loveliest
bride! And I take this opportunity of asking you
to present my compliments to Herr Marx, in Berlin,
and beg him not to be too hard on me, and
sometimes to allow me to slip out at the backdoor.

Yours,
BEETHOVEN.

446.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, October 4.

MY DEAR SON,–

Like the sage Odysseus, I know the best course
to take; if you come on Saturday, you need not
fear the cold, for a portion of the old window-shutters
is still here, with which we can protect ourselves.
I hope also to get rid of my cold and catarrh
here; at the same time this place is a great
risk in my rheumatic condition, for wind, or rather
hurricanes, still prevail here. As to Biedermann,
you must inquire whether Schlesinger gave him
a commission; for if this be not the case, we ought
to write at once to Peters. You could scarcely
write to me to-day, but I hope to hear from you
to-morrow, and to see you positively on Saturday.
I wish you never may have cause to feel ashamed
of your want of love for me; if I alone suffer,
what matters it? I wish and hope that all the
pretexts you made here to go into Vienna may
prove true.

Rest assured that you may at all times expect
every possible kindness from me, but can I hope
for the same from you? When you see me irritable,
ascribe it solely to my great anxiety on your
account, for you are exposed to many dangers. I
hope at all events to get a letter from you to-morrow;
do not cause me uneasiness, but think of my
sufferings. I ought not, properly, to have any such
apprehensions, but what sorrow have I not already
experienced?!

As ever, your attached
FATHER.

Remember that I am all alone here, and subject
to sudden illness. [On the outside:] N’oubliez
pas de demander des quittances, et donnez-moi aussi
vite que possible des nouvelles.

447.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

MY DEAR SON,–

Say no more! only come to my arms; not one
harsh word shall you hear! For God’s sake do
not bring misery on your own head. You shall be
received as lovingly as ever. We can discuss in a
friendly manner what is to be done and settled as
to the future. I pledge my word of honor you
shall meet with no reproaches from me, which, indeed,
could no longer avail. You need expect only
the most affectionate care and assistance from me.
Only come! Come to the faithful heart of–

Your father,
BEETHOVEN.
Volti sub.

Set off the moment you receive this letter. Si
vous ne viendrez pas, vous me tuerez sûrement. Lisez
la lettre et restez à la maison chez vous. Venez
embrasser votre père, vous vraiment adonné. Soyez
assuré que tout cela restera entre nous. For God’s
sake come home to-day, for we cannot tell what
risks you run,–hasten,–hasten to me!

448.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

October 5.

DEAR AND MUCH-BELOVED SON,–

I have just received your letter. I was a prey
to anguish, and resolved to hurry into Vienna myself
this very day. God be praised! this is not
necessary; follow my advice, and love and peace
of mind, as well as worldly happiness, will attend
us, and you can then combine an inward and spiritual
existence with your outer life. But it is well
that the former should be esteemed superior to the
latter. Il fait trop froid. So I am to see you on
Saturday? Write to say whether you come early
or in the evening, that I may hasten to meet you.
I embrace and kiss you a thousand times over, not
my lost, but my new-born son.

I wrote to Schlemmer; do not take it amiss, but
my heart is still too full [a piece is here torn away].
Live! and my care of the son I have found again
will show only love on the part of your father.
[On the cover:] Ayez la bonté de m’envoyer a lucifer-match
bottle and matches from Rospini, ou en
portez avec vous, puisque de celle de Kärnthnerthor
on ne veut pas faire usage.

449.
TO HIS NEPHEW.

Immediate. Baden, October 14.

I write in the greatest haste to say, that even
if it rains, I shall certainly come in to-morrow forenoon;
be sure, therefore, that I find you at home.

I rejoice at the thoughts of seeing you again, and
if you detect any heavy clouds lowering, do not
attribute them to deliberate anger, for they will be
wholly chased away by your promise to strive more
earnestly after the true and pure happiness, based
on active exertion. Something hovered before me
in my last letter, which though perhaps not quite
justly yet called forth a dark mood; this, after all
that has passed, was indeed very possible; still who
would not rejoice when the transgressor returns to
the right path?–and this I hope I shall live to
see. I was especially pained by your coming so
late on Sunday, and hurrying away again so early.
I mean to come in to-morrow with the joiner and
to send off these old hags; they are too bad for
anything. Until the other housekeeper arrives, I
can make use of the joiner. More of this when
we meet, and I know you will think I am right.
Expect me then to-morrow without fail, whether it
rains or not.

Your loving
FATHER,
Who fondly embraces you.

450.
TO THE ABBÉ MAXIMILIAN STADLER.

February 6, 1826.

REVEREND AND HONORED SIR,–

You have really done well in rendering justice
to the manes of Mozart by your inimitable pamphlet,
which so searchingly enters into the matter
[the Requiem], and you have earned the gratitude
of the lay and the profane, as well as of all who
are musical, or have any pretensions to be so. To
bring a thing of this kind forward as H.W.^[1] has
done, a man must either be a great personage, or a
nonentity. Be it remembered also that it is said
this same person has written a book on composition,
and yet has ascribed to Mozart such passages as the
following:–

and has added such things as,–

as samples of his own composition! H.W.’s astonishing
knowledge of harmony and melody recall the
old composers of the Empire,–Sterkel, [illegible,]
Kalkbrenner (the father), André, &c.

Requiescant in pace! I especially thank you,
my dear friend, for the pleasure you have conferred
on me by your pamphlet. I have always accounted
myself one of Mozart’s greatest admirers, and shall
continue to be so to my last breath. I beg, venerable
sir, for your blessing, and I am, with sincere
esteem and veneration, yours,

BEETHOVEN.

451.
TO GOTTFRIED WEBER.

April 3, 1826.

Holz tells me that it is your intention to publish
a larger size of the engraving representing Handel’s
monument, in St. Peter’s Church in London. This
affords me extreme pleasure, independent of the
fact that I was the person who suggested this.
Accept my thanks beforehand.

I am your obedient
BEETHOVEN.

452.
TO HERR PROBST, MUSIC PUBLISHER,–LEIPZIG.

Vienna, June 3, 1826.

SIR,–

I always consider myself in some degree bound
to make you the offer of my compositions when it
is possible to do so. I am at this moment more at
liberty than usual. I was obliged to give my minor
works to those who took the greater ones also, as
without the former they refused to accept the latter.
So far as I remember, however, you wished to have
nothing to do with the greater works. In this
view, I offer you an entirely new Quartet for two
violins, viola and violoncello; you must not, however,
be surprised at my demanding the sum of 80
gold ducats for it. I assure you, upon my honor,
that the same sum has been remitted to me for
several quartets. I must request you, in any event,
to write to me on this point as soon as possible.
Should you accept my offer, I beg you will send
the money to some bank here, where I can receive
it on delivery of the work. If the reverse be the
case, I shall equally expect an immediate reply, as
other publishers have already made me offers. I
have also the following trifles ready, with which I
can supply you. A Serenade-congratulatory-Minuet,
and an Entr’acte, both for a full orchestra,–the
two for 20 gold ducats. In the hope of a speedy
answer,

I am, sir, your obedient
BEETHOVEN.

453.
TO STEPHAN V. BREUNING.^[1]

MY DEAR AND MUCH-LOVED STEPHAN,–

May our temporary estrangement be forever
effaced by the portrait I now send. I know that I
have rent your heart. The emotion which you
cannot fail now to see in mine has sufficiently punished
me for it. There was no malice towards you
in my heart, for then I should be no longer worthy
of your friendship. It was passion both on your
part and on mine; but mistrust was rife within me,
for people had come between us, unworthy both of
you and of me.

My portrait^[2] was long ago intended for you;
you knew that it was destined for some one–and
to whom could I give it with such warmth of heart
as to you, my faithful, good, and noble Stephan?

Forgive me for having grieved you; but I did
not myself suffer less when I no longer saw you
near me. I then first keenly felt how dear you
were, and ever will be to my heart. Surely you
will once more fly to my arms as you formerly did.

454.
TO STEPHAN VON BREUNING.

MY BELOVED FRIEND,–

You are harassed by work, and so am I–besides,
I am still far from well. I would have invited
you to dinner ere this, but I have been
obliged to entertain people whose most highly
prized author is the cook, and not finding his interesting
productions at home, they hunt after them
in the kitchens and cellars of others [Holz for instance].
Such society would not be very eligible
for you, but all this will soon be altered. In the
mean time do not buy Czerny’s “School for the
Pianoforte;”^[1] for in a day or two I expect to
get some information about another. Along with
the “Journal des Modes” that I promised to your
wife, I also send something for your children. I
can always regularly transmit you the journal–you
have only to express your wish on any point,
for me to comply with it at once.

I am, with love and esteem, your friend,
BEETHOVEN.

I hope we shall soon meet.

455.
TO STEPHAN V. BREUNING

MY DEAR GOOD FRIEND,–

I can at length realize my boast, and send you
Clement’s long-promised “Pianoforte School” for
Gerhard [Breuning’s eldest son]. If he makes the
use of it that I advise, the results cannot fail to be
good. I shall see you very shortly now, and cordially
embrace you.

Your
BEETHOVEN.

456.
^[1]
TO CARL HOLZ.

TESTIMONIAL FOR C. HOLZ.

Vienna, August 30, 1826.

I am happy to give my friend Carl Holz the testimonial
he wishes, namely, that I consider him
well fitted to write my Biography hereafter, if indeed
I may presume to think that this will be desired.
I place the most implicit confidence in his
faithfully transmitting to posterity what I have imparted
to him for this purpose.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

457.
TO CARL HOLZ.

Both the gentlemen were here, but they have
been admonished on every side to observe the most
strict secrecy with regard to the Order. Haslinger
declares that in this respect you are a son of the
deceased Papageno. Prenez garde!

I told Carl to-day it was definitively settled that
he could not quit the hospital except with you or
me. I dine at home to-morrow, so I shall be very
glad if you can come. As you have no official
work to-morrow you might arrive later, but it is
very necessary that you should come. Portez-vous
bien, Monsieur terrible amoureux.^[1]

Your indeclinable friend,
BEETHOVEN.

458.
TO THE KING OF PRUSSIA.

YOUR MAJESTY,–

One of the greatest pieces of good fortune of my
life is your Majesty having graciously permitted me
respectfully to dedicate my present work [the 9th
Symphony] to you.

Your Majesty is not only the father of your subjects,
but also a patron of art and science; and
how much more precious is your gracious permission
to me, from being myself so fortunate as to be
numbered among your subjects, being a citizen of
Bonn.

I beg your Majesty will vouchsafe to accept this
work as a slender token of the profound admiration
with which I regard your virtues.

I am, your Majesty’s obedient humble servant,

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

459.
TO WEGELER.

Vienna, October 7, 1826.

MY OLD AND BELOVED FRIEND,–

I really cannot express the pleasure your letter
and that of your Lorchen caused me. An answer
speedy as an arrow’s flight ought indeed to have
responded, but I am always rather indolent about
writing, because I think that the better class of
men know me sufficiently without this. I often
compose the answer in my head, but when I wish
to write it down I generally throw aside the pen,
from not being able to write as I feel. I recall all
the kindness you have ever shown me; for example,
your causing my room to be whitewashed,
which was an agreeable surprise to me. It was
just the same with all the Breuning family. Our
separation was in the usual course of things; each
striving to pursue and to attain his object; while
at the same time the everlasting and immutable
principles of good still held us closely united. I
cannot unfortunately write so much to you to-day
as I could wish, being confined to bed,^[1] so I limit
my reply to some points in your letter.

You write that in some book I am declared to
be the natural son of the late King of Prussia;
this was mentioned to me long ago, but I have
made it a rule never either to write anything about
myself, or to answer anything written by others
about me. I therefore gladly devolve on you the
duty of making known to the world the respectability
of my parents, and especially that of my mother.

You write to me about your son. There is no
possible doubt that when he comes here he will
find a friend and a father in me, and whenever it
may be in my power to serve or to assist him, I
will gladly do so.