As soon as I arrive in town, I will write Bernard’s Oratorio [see No. 257], and I beg you will also transmit him payment for it.  We can discuss when we meet in town what we further require and think necessary, and in the mean-time, I appoint you High and Puissant Intendant of all singing and humming societies, Imperial Violoncello-General, Inspector of the Imperial Chasse, as well as Deacon of my gracious master, without house or home, and without a prebendary (like myself).  I wish you all these, most faithful servant of my illustrious master, as well as everything else in the world, from which you may select what you like best.[1] That there may be no mistake, I hereby declare that it is our intention to set to music the Bernard Oratorio, the “Sieg des Kreuzes” and speedily to complete the same.  Witness this our sign and seal,

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

1st P.S.  Take care that the venison is not devoured by rats or mice—­you understand?  Strive for better choice and variety.

Yours, as a Christian and in Apollo,

B.

2d P.S.  As for the little flag on the white tower, we hope soon to see it waving again!

[Footnote 1:  An allusion to Hauschka’s subserviency to all persons in high Court offices.]

393.

TO HERR NAeGELI,—­ZURICH.

Vienna, November 17, 1824.

MY MUCH-VALUED FRIEND,—­

Deeply absorbed in work, and not sufficiently protected against this late season of the year, I have again been ill; so believe me it was impossible for me to write to you sooner.  With regard to your subscription, I have only succeeded in getting one subscriber for two copies, Herr v.  Bihler, tutor in the family of His Imperial Highness the Archduke Carl; he tried to get the Archduke also, but failed.  I have exerted myself with every one, but, unluckily, people are here actually deluged with things of the same kind.  This is all that I can write to you in my hurry.  I urged the matter, too, on Haslinger, but in vain; we are really poor here in Austria, and the continued pressure of the war leaves but little for art and science.  I will see that the subscriptions are paid, but let me know distinctly where the money is to be sent to.  I embrace you in spirit.  Always rely on the high esteem of your true friend,

BEETHOVEN.

394.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

November 18, 1824.

YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS,—­

On my return from Baden, illness prevented my waiting on Y.R.H. according to my wish, being prohibited going out; thus yesterday was the first time I dared to venture again into the open air.  When your gracious letter arrived, I was confined to bed, and under the influence of sudorifics, my illness having been caused by a chill; so it was impossible for me to rise.  I feel sure that Y.R.H is well aware that I never would neglect the respect so properly your due.  I shall have the pleasure of waiting on you to-morrow forenoon.  Moreover, there will be no lack of opportunity here to awaken the interest Y.R.H. takes in music, which cannot fail to prove so beneficial to art,—­ever my refuge, thank God!