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.