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 Abbe 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.]

[Footnote 1:  Count Moritz Dietrichstein was in 1823 Court director of the royal band.]

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.]