[K.]

111.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Vienna, July 24, 1813.

From day to day I have been expecting to return to Baden; in the mean time, the discords that detain me here may possibly be resolved by the end of the ensuing week.  To me a residence in a town during the summer is misery, and when I also remember that I am thus prevented waiting on Y.R.H., it is still more vexatious and annoying.  It is, in fact, the Lobkowitz and Kinsky affairs that keep me here.  Instead of pondering over a number of bars, I am obliged constantly to reflect on the number of peregrinations I am forced to make; but for this, I could scarcely endure to the end.  Y.R.H. has no doubt heard of Lobkowitz’s misfortunes,[1] which are much to be regretted; but after all, to be rich is no such great happiness!  It is said that Count Fries alone paid 1900 gold ducats to Duport, for which he had the security of the ancient Lobkowitz house.  The details are beyond all belief.  I hear that Count Rasumowsky[2] intends to go to Baden, and to take his Quartet with him, which is really very pretty, and I have no doubt that Y.R.H. will be much pleased with it.  I know no more charming enjoyment in the country than quartet music.  I beg Y.R.H. will accept my heartfelt wishes for your health, and also compassionate me for being obliged to pass my time here under such disagreeable circumstances.  But I will strive to compensate twofold in Baden for what you have lost.

[K.]

[Footnote 1:  Prince Lobkowitz’s “misfortunes” probably refer to the great pecuniary difficulties which befell this music and pomp loving Prince several years before his death.  Beethoven seems to have made various attempts to induce the Prince to continue the payment of his share of the salary agreed on, though these efforts were long fruitless.  The subject, however, appears to have been again renewed in 1816, for on the 8th of March in this year Beethoven writes to Ries to say that his salary consists of 3400 florins E.S., and this sum he received till his death.]

[Footnote 2:  Those who played in Count Rasumowsky’s Quartets, to whom Beethoven dedicated various compositions, were the virtuosi Schuppanzigh (1st), Sina (2d violin), Linke (violoncello), Weiss (violin).]

112.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1813.[1]

I beg to inquire whether, being in some degree restored, I am to wait on you this evening?  I at the same time take the liberty to make a humble request.  I was in hopes that by this time, at all events, my melancholy circumstances would have brightened, but all continues in its old state, so I must determine on giving two concerts.[2] I find that I am compelled to give up my former resolution never to give any except for benevolent purposes; as self-maintenance demands that I should do so.  The hall of the University would be the most advantageous and distinguished for my present object, and my humble request consists in entreating Y.R.H. to be so gracious as to send a line to the present Rector Magnificus of the University, through Baron Schweiger, which would certainly ensure my getting the hall.  In the hope of a favorable answer, I remain, &c., &c.