In greatest haste, and yet not of shortest standing,

Yours,

BEETHOVEN.

NO. 1117

TO HIS NEPHEW CARL

Baden, October 5, 1825.

For God’s sake, do come home again today!  Who knows what danger might be threatening you!  Hasten, hasten!  My Dear Son!

Only nothing further—­only come to my arms; you shall hear no harsh word.  For Heaven’s sake, do not rush to destruction!  You will be received as ever with affection.  As to considering what is to be done in future, we will talk this over in a friendly way—­no reproaches, on my word of honor, for it would be of no use.  You need expect from me only the most loving help and care.

Only come—­come to the faithful heart of your father,

BEETHOVEN.

Come at once on receipt of this.

Si vous ne viendrez pas vous me tuerez surement.

VOLTI SUB.

NO. 1129

TO THE COPYIST RAMPEL

(1825)

Best Rampel, come tomorrow morning, but go to hell with your calling me gracious. God alone can be called gracious.  The servant I have already engaged—­only impress on her to be honest and attached to me, as well as orderly and punctual in her small services.

Your devoted BEETHOVEN.

* * * * *

FOOTNOTES: 

[Footnote 1:  Translator:  Sir Theodore Martin.  Permission William Blackwood & Sons, London.]

[Footnote 2:  Translator:  Sir Theodore Mart Permission William Blackwood & Sons, London.]

[Footnote 3:  Translator:  Charles Wharton Stork.]

[Footnote 4:  Translator:  T. Brooksbank.  Permission William Heinemann, London.]

[Footnote 5:  Translator:  Sir Theodore Martin.  Permission William Blackwood & Sons, London.]

[Footnote 6:  Translator:  J.E.  Wallis.  Permission The Walter Scott Publishing Co., Ltd., London.]

[Footnote 7:  Translator:  Richard Garnett.  Permission The Walter Scott Publishing Co., Ltd., London.]

[Footnote 8:  Translator:  Alma Strettell.  Permission The Walter Scott Publishing Co., Ltd., London.]

[Footnote 9:  Translator:  Alma Strettell.  Permission The Walter Scott Publishing Co., Ltd., London.]

[Footnote 10:  Translator:  Franklin Johnson.  Permission The Walter Scott Publishing Co., Ltd., London.]

[Footnote 11:  Translator:  J.E.  Wallis.  Permission The Walter Scott Publishing Co., Ltd., London.]

[Footnote 12:  Translator:  T. Brooksbank.  Permission William Heinemann, London.]

[Footnote 13:  Translator:  Charles G. Leland.  Permission The Walter Scott Publishing Co., Ltd., London.]

[Footnote 14:  Translator:  Charles Wharton Stork.]

[Footnote 15:  Translator:  Charles Wharton Stork.]