Devil take such a life!]

[Footnote 2:  The Elegante Zeitung of 1858, No. 73, relates the following anecdote about this visit:—­“During the composition of the Opera many conferences took place between the two artistic colleagues, when the new work was zealously discussed on both sides.  On one occasion the poet drove out to visit the composer in the country.  Beethoven’s writing-desk was placed somewhat like a sentry-box opposite a cupboard for provisions, the contents of which compelled the housekeeper to be perpetually coming and going, attracting thereby many an admonitory look askance in the midst of his conversation from the deaf maestro.  At last the clock struck the dinner-hour.  Beethoven went down to his cellar, and soon after returned carrying four bottles of wine, two of which he placed beside the poet, while the other two were allotted to the composer himself and a third guest.  After dinner Beethoven slipped out of the room, and held a short parley with the coachman hired for the occasion, who was still waiting at the door.  When the time arrived for returning to town, Beethoven proposed driving part of the way with his guests, and did not get out of the carriage till close to the Burgthor.  Scarcely was he gone when the companions he had just quitted found some papers lying on the seat he had vacated, which proved to be six gulden, the amount of the carriage-hire.  They instantly stopped the carriage, and shouted to their friend (who was making off as quick as he could) that he had forgotten some money; but Beethoven did not stand still till he was at a safe distance, when he waved his hat, rejoicing with the glee of a child at the success of his trick.  There was no possibility of refusing his naif generosity, and they had sufficient delicacy of feeling not to poison his enjoyment by any untimely remonstrances.”]

362.

TO PROBST, MUSIC PUBLISHER,—­LEIPZIG.

Vienna, March 10, 1824.

...  These are all I can at present give you for publication.  I must, alas! now speak of myself, and say that this, the greatest work I have ever written, is well worth 1000 florins C.M.  It is a new grand symphony, with a finale and voice parts introduced, solo and choruses, the words being those of Schiller’s immortal “Ode to Joy,” in the style of my pianoforte Choral Fantasia, only of much greater breadth.  The price is 600 florins C.M.  One condition is, indeed, attached to this Symphony, that it is not to appear till next year, July, 1825; but to compensate for this long delay, I will give you a pianoforte arrangement of the work gratis, and in more important engagements you shall always find me ready to oblige you.

363.

TO SCHINDLER.

1824.

Frau S. [Schnaps] will provide what is required, so come to dinner to-day at two o’clock.  I have good news to tell you,[1] but this is quite entre nous, for the braineater [his brother Johann] must know nothing about it.