whose name was also Ludwig, with the second name of Maria, who died.  In order to know my precise age, the date of my birth must be first ascertained, this circumstance having already led others into error, and caused me to be thought older than I really am.  Unluckily, I lived for some time without myself knowing my age [see Nos. 26 and 51].  I had a book containing all family incidents, but it has been lost, Heaven knows how!  So pardon my urgently requesting you to try to discover Ludwig Maria’s birth, as well as that of the present Ludwig.  The sooner you can send me the certificate of baptism the more obliged shall I be.[1] I am told that you sing one of my songs in your Freemason Lodge, probably the one in E major, which I have not myself got; send it to me, and I promise to compensate you threefold and fourfold.[2] Think of me with kindness, little as I apparently deserve it.  Embrace your dear wife and children, and all whom you love, in the name of your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1:  Wegeler says:—­“I discovered the solution of the enigma (why the baptismal certificate was so eagerly sought) from a letter written to me three months afterwards by my brother-in-law, Stephan von Breuning, in which he said:  ’Beethoven tells me at least once a week that he means to write to you; but I believe his intended marriage is broken off; he therefore feels no ardent inclination to thank you for having procured his baptismal certificate.’”]

[Footnote 2:  Beethoven was mistaken; Wegeler had only supplied other music to the words of Matthisson’s Opfer Lied.]

65.

TO ZMESKALL.

July 9, 1810.

DEAR Z.,—­

You are about to travel, and so am I on account of my health.  In the mean time all goes topsy-turvy with me.  The Herr[1] wants to have me with him, and Art is not less urgent in her claims.  I am partly in Schoenbrunn and partly here; every day assailed by messages from strangers and new acquaintances, and even as regards art I am often driven nearly distracted by my undeserved fame.  Fortune seeks me, and for that very reason I almost dread some new calamity.  As for your “Iphigenie,” the facts are these.  I have not seen it for the last two years and a half, and have no doubt lent it to some one; but to whom?—­that is the question.  I have sent in all directions, and have not yet discovered it, but hope still to find it.  If lost, you shall be indemnified.  Farewell, my dear Z. I trust that when we meet again you will find that my art has made some progress in the interim.

Ever remain my friend, as much as I am yours,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1:  The “Herr” is his pupil, the Archduke Rudolph.]

66.

TO BETTINA BRENTANO.[1]

Vienna, August 11, 1810.

MY DEAREST FRIEND,—­