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

LUDWIG V. BEETHOVEN

294.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Moedling, 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.

Moedling, 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 caleche, 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!