Six bagatelles for the pianoforte, Op. 126 (composed in 1821). 
Sonata for pianoforte in E major " 109 ( " " ?1821).
   " " " A flat major " 110 ( " " 1821).]

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.