On a certain person of the name of Hoffmann.

[Music:  treble clef, key of C, 3/4 time.  Hoff-mann!  Hoff-mann!  Sei ja kein Hof-mann! ja kein Hof-mann! nein, nein / nein / / / ich hei-sse Hoff-mann und bin kein Hof-mann]

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1:  A periodical published for the musical world, and edited by a society of savants, art-critics, and artists; Mayence, B. Schott & Sons.  The publishers applied to Beethoven, in the name of the editors, for a contribution to the Cecilia.]

[Footnote 2:  It appears that Kapellmeister Schwencke in Hamburg, in many complimentary and flowery phrases, had requested Beethoven to send him his autograph.  Perhaps Beethoven, to whom the sound of certain names appeared comical, alludes here to this Hamburg Kapellmeister Schwencke.]

406.

TO LUDWIG RELLSTAB.

May 3, 1825.

As I was just starting for the country yesterday, I was obliged to make some preparations myself; so unluckily your visit to me was in vain.  Forgive me in consideration of my very delicate health.  As perhaps I may not see you again, I wish you every possible prosperity.  Think of me when writing your poems.

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

Convey my affectionate regards and esteem to Zelter,—­that faithful prop of true art.

Though convalescent, I still feel very weak.  Kindly accept the following token of remembrance from

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

[Music:  treble clef, C-major.  Das Schoe-ne mit dem Guten.]

407.

TO * * *

Vienna.

SIR,—­

Being on the point of going into the country, and only very recently recovered from an attack of internal inflammation, I can merely write you a few words.  In the passage in the “Opferlied,” 2d strophe, where it runs thus:—­

[Music:  C-clef on bottom line, A major, marked “Solostimme”.  E-rde.]

I wish it to be written thus:—­

[Music:  E-rde. (with different notes)]

408.

TO HIS BROTHER JOHANN.

Baden, May 6, 1825.

The bell and bell-pulls, &c., &c., are on no account whatever to be left in my former lodging.  No proposal was ever made to these people to take any of my things.  Indisposition prevented my sending for it, and the locksmith had not come during my stay to take down the bell; otherwise it might have been at once removed and sent to me in town, as they have no right whatever to retain it.  Be this as it may, I am quite determined not to leave the bell there, for I require one here, and therefore intend to use the one in question for my purpose, as a similar one would cost me twice as much as in Vienna, bell-pulls being the most expensive things locksmiths have.  If necessary, apply at once to the police.  The window in my room is precisely in the same state as when I took possession, but I am willing to pay for