The attachment of genuine artists is not to be despised, and cannot be otherwise than gratifying.

Let me hear from you as soon as you have spoken with Hoenigstein; write the dedication of the Overture in C [Op. 124] to Galitzin.  If the H.’s undertake to forward it, give it to them, but look sharp about it.  God be with you, my dear son; I shall expect a letter from you without fail.  May God bless you and me.  The end must soon come of your attached father.  Good-by, you scamp!

N.B.  Do not forget in your letter to Galitzin to mention that the Overture is already announced and about to appear, engraved and dedicated to him.

[Footnote 1:  He refers to Prince Boris Gallizin and the Quartets he had ordered.  The production of the first of them in E flat major had been a failure.  See No. 399.]

432.

TO HIS NEPHEW.

MY DEAR SON,—­

Send this letter at once to my pseudo-brother, and add something yourself.  It is impossible to permit this to continue any longer; no soup to-day, no beef, no eggs, and at last broiled meat from the inn!

When Holz was with me lately, there was really almost nothing to eat at supper; and such is the woman’s bold and insolent behavior, that I have told her to-day I will not suffer her to remain beyond the end of the month.  No more to-day.  All that is necessary about the magistrate is for me to write a note authorizing you to draw the money, but it would be as well were you to take the opportunity of asking what you are to do about converting the bank shares into a share in Rothschild’s Loan.  I shall say nothing further, except that I always look on you as my dear son, and one who deserves to be so. Little as I require what nourishes the body, as you know, still the present state of things is really too bad, besides being every moment in danger of being poisoned.

Farewell!  Be careful, my dear son, of your health in this heat; I trust you will continue well.  Shun all that may enervate or diminish your youthful energies.  Farewell!  A pleasant talk together would be far better than all this writing.  Ever your loving and attached father, who fondly presses you to his heart.

433.

TO HIS NEPHEW.

MY DEAR SON,—­

The enclosed will show you all.  Write this letter to Schlesinger.

  To ——­ Schlesinger, Berlin,
  Emporium of Art and Science.

You can couch some things in better terms.  I think we may calculate on 80 ducats.  If indispensable, delay the letter to Galitzin, but be sure to dispatch the one to Schlesinger on Saturday.  I suppose you received the packet?  I beg you will bring me some shaving-soap, and at least one pair of razors; the man who grinds them gets 2 florins.  You will know if anything is to be paid.  Now pray practise economy, for you certainly receive too much money.  All in vain—­a Viennese will always be a Viennese!  I rejoiced when I could assist my poor parents; what a contrast are you in your conduct towards me!  Thriftless boy, farewell!