The most insignificant of mortals has just been to wait on his gracious master, when he found everything closed; so he came here, where indeed all was open, but no one to be found except the trusty servant.  I had a heavy packet of music with me, in order to ensure a good musical evening before we parted; but in vain.  Malfatti[2] is resolved that I shall go to Toeplitz, which is anything but agreeable to me.  As, however, I must obey, I hope at least that my gracious master will not enjoy himself quite so much without me. O vanitas! for it is nothing else.  Before I set off for Toeplitz I will either go to Baden to see you or write.  Farewell!  Pray present my homage to my gracious master, and continue your regard for

Your friend,

[K.] BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1:  The journey to Toeplitz took place in the year 1812.]

[Footnote 2:  A very celebrated physician in Vienna at that time, consulted by Beethoven.]

90.

TO VARENNA,—­GRATZ.

Toeplitz, July 19, 1812.

My thanks have been too long delayed for all the dainties which the worthy ladies sent for my enjoyment; being constantly ill in Vienna, I was at last forced to take refuge here.

However, better late than never; so I beg you will say all sorts of kind things in my name to the admirable Ursuline ladies, though I did not deserve so much gratitude; indeed it is rather for me to thank Him who enables me to render my art occasionally useful to others.  When you next wish to make use of my poor abilities for the benefit of the venerable ladies, you have only to write to me.

A new symphony is now ready for you, and as the Archduke Rudolph has had it copied out, it will cost you nothing.  Perhaps I may one of these days be able to send you something vocal.  I only wish and hope that you will not ascribe my anxiety to serve these venerable ladies to a certain degree of vanity or desire for fame, as this would grieve me exceedingly.  If these good ladies wish to do me any service in return, I beg they will include me with their pupils in their pious orisons.  I remain, with esteem,

Your friend,

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

I shall remain here for some weeks; so if there is any occasion to write, address to me here.

91.

WRITTEN IN THE ALBUM OF THE SINGER, MDME. AUGUSTE SEBALD.

Toeplitz, August 8, 1812.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN,

  Who even if you would,
  Forget you never should.

92.

TO H.R.  HIGHNESS THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Franzensbrunn, Aug. 12, 1812.