Now for explanations.  You may perhaps be surprised that I make no difference of price between the sonata, septet, and symphony.  I do so because I find that a septet or a symphony has not so great a sale as a sonata, though a symphony ought unquestionably to be of the most value.  (N.B.  The septet consists of a short introductory adagio, an allegro, adagio, minuetto, andante, with variations, minuetto, and another short adagio preceding a presto.) I only ask ten ducats for the concerto, for, as I already wrote to you, I do not consider it one of my best.  I cannot think that, taken as a whole, you will consider these prices exorbitant; at least, I have endeavored to make them as moderate as possible for you.

With regard to the banker’s draft, as you give me my choice, I beg you will make it payable by Germueller or Schueller.  The entire sum for the four works will amount to 70 ducats; I understand no currency but Vienna ducats, so how many dollars in gold they make in your money is no affair of mine, for really I am a very bad man of business and accountant.  Now this troublesome business is concluded;—­I call it so, heartily wishing that it could be otherwise here below!  There ought to be only one grand depot of art in the world, to which the artist might repair with his works, and on presenting them receive what he required; but as it now is, one must be half a tradesman besides—­and how is this to be endured?  Good heavens!  I may well call it troublesome!

As for the Leipzig oxen,[2] let them talk!—­they certainly will make no man immortal by their prating, and as little can they deprive of immortality those whom Apollo destines to attain it.

Now may Heaven preserve you and your colleagues!  I have been unwell for some time; so it is rather difficult for me at present to write even music, much more letters.  I trust we shall have frequent opportunities to assure each other how truly you are my friend, and I yours.

I hope for a speedy answer.  Adieu!

L. V. BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1:  I have at this moment in my hands this edition of Bach, bound in one thick volume, together with the first part of Naegeli’s edition of the Wohltemperirtes Clavier, also three books of exercises (D, G, and C minor), the Toccata in D Minor, and Twice Fifteen Inventions.]

[Footnote 2:  It is thus that Schindler supplies the gap.  It is probably an allusion to the Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung, founded about three years previously.]

21.

TO HERR HOFMEISTER.

Vienna, April 22, 1801.

You have indeed too good cause to complain not a little of me.  My excuse is that I have been ill, and in addition had so much to do, that I could scarcely even think of what I was to send you.  Moreover, the only thing in me that resembles a genius is, that my papers are never in very good order, and yet no one but myself can succeed in arranging them.  For instance, in the score of the concerto, the piano part, according to my usual custom, was not yet written down; so, owing to my hurry, you will receive it in my own very illegible writing.  In order that the works may follow as nearly as possible in their proper order, I have marked the numbers to be placed on each, as follows:—­