I am, sir, with high consideration, yours,

BEETHOVEN.

370.

TO SCHINDLER.

1824.

If you have any information to give me, pray write it down; but seal the note, for which purpose you will find wax and a seal on my table.  Let me know where Duport[1] lives, when he is usually to be met with, and whether I could see him alone, or if it is probable that people will be there, and who?

I feel far from well. Portez-vous bien. I am still hesitating whether to speak to Duport or to write to him, which I cannot do without bitterness.

Do not wait dinner for me; I hope you will enjoy it.  I do not intend to come, being ill from our bad fare of yesterday.  A flask of wine is ready for you.

[Footnote 1:  Schindler says that on April 24, 1824, he applied to Duport, at that time administrator of the Kaernthnerthor Theatre, in Beethoven’s name, to sanction his giving a grand concert there, allowing him to have the use of the house for the sum of 400 florins C.M.  Further, that the conducting of the concert should be intrusted to Umlauf and Schuppanzigh, and the solos to Mesdames Unger and Sonntag, and to the bass singer Preisinger.]

371.[1]

TO SCHINDLER.

I beg you will come to see me to-morrow, as I have a tale to tell you as sour as vinegar.  Duport said yesterday that he had written to me, though I have not yet got his letter, but he expressed his satisfaction, which is best of all.  The chief feat however is not yet performed, that which is to be acted in front of the Proscenium!

[In Beethoven’s writing:] Yours, from C# below to high F,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1:  Written by his nephew.]

372.

TO SCHINDLER.

After six weeks of discussion, here, there, and everywhere, I am fairly boiled, stewed, and roasted.  What will be the result of this much-talked-of concert if the prices are not raised?  What shall I get in return for all my outlay, as the copying alone costs so much?

373.

TO SCHINDLER.

At twelve o’clock to-day “in die Birne” [an inn on the Landstrasse]—­thirsty and hungry—­then to the coffee-house, back again here, and straight to Penzing, or I shall lose the lodging.

374.

TO SCHINDLER.

When you write to me, write exactly as I do to you, without any formal address or signature—­vita brevis, ars longa.  No necessity for details; only the needful!

375.

TO HERR STEINER & CO.

Baden, May 27, 1824.

P.N.G. [PATERNOSTERGAeSSEL],—­

Have the goodness to give me a proof of your great complaisance, by using your hand-rostrum (ruler) (not Rostrum Victoriatum) to rule 202 lines of music for me, somewhat in the style I now send, and also on equally fine paper, which you must include in your account.  Send it, if possible, to-morrow evening by Carl, for I require it.