In haste, with much esteem, ever yours,

L. V. BEETHOVEN.

199.

TO HERR TSCHISCHKA.

SIR,—­

It is certainly of some moment to me not to appear in a false light, which must account for the accompanying statement being so prolix.  As to the future system of education, I can at all events congratulate myself on having done all that I could possibly effect at present for the best, and trust that the future may be in accordance with it.  But if the welfare of my nephew demands a change, I shall be the first not only to propose such a step, but to carry it out.  I am no self-interested guardian, but I wish to establish a new monument to my name through my nephew.  I have no need of my nephew, but he has need of me.  Idle talk and calumnies are beneath the dignity of a man with proper self-respect, and what can be said when these extend even to the subject of linen!!!  This might cause me great annoyance, but a just man ought to be able to bear injustice without in the most remote degree deviating from the path of right.  In this conviction I will stand fast, and nothing shall make me flinch.  To deprive me of my nephew would indeed entail a heavy responsibility.  As a matter of policy as well as of morality, such a step would be productive of evil results to my nephew. I urgently recommend his interests to you. As for me, my actions for his benefit (not for my own) must speak for me.

I remain, with esteem,

Your obedient

BEETHOVEN.

Being very busy, and rather indisposed, I must claim your indulgence for the writing of the memorial.

200.

WRITTEN IN ENGLISH TO MR. BIRCHALL,—­LONDON.

Vienna 14.  December 1816—­1055 Sailerstette.

DEAR SIR,—­

I give you my word of honor that I have signed and delivered the receipt to the home Fries and Co. some day last August, who as they say have transmitted it to Messrs. Coutts and Co. where you’ll have the goodness to apply.  Some error might have taken place that instead of Messrs. C. sending it to you they have been directed to keep it till fetched.  Excuse this irregularity, but it is not my fault, nor had I ever the idea of withholding it from the circumstance of the L5 not being included.  Should the receipt not come forth as Messrs. C., I am ready to sign any other, and you shall have it directly with return of post.

If you find Variations—­in my style—­too dear at L30, I will abate for the sake of your friendship one third—­and you have the offer of such Variations as fixed in our former lettres for L20 each Air.

Please to publish the Symphony in A immediately—­as well as the Sonata—­and the Trio—­they being ready here.  The Grand Opera Fidelio is my work.  The arrangement for the Pianoforte has been published here under my care, but the score of the Opera itself is not yet published.  I have given a copy of the score to Mr. Neate under the seal of friendship and whom I shall direct to treat for my account in case an offer should present.