BEETHOVEN.

106.

TO ZMESKALL.

MOST WORTHY COUNSELLOR, OWNER OF MINES AND LORD OF FASTNESSES IN BURGUNDY
AND BUDA!—­

Be so good as to let me know how matters stand, as this afternoon at latest I shall take advantage of your reply to my question, by giving my servant warning for this day fortnight.  His wages, &c., &c. [The rest relates to his servant.]

107.

TO ZMESKALL.

April 19, 1813.

MY DEAR ZMESKALL,—­

I have been refused the University Hall.  I heard this two days since; but being indisposed yesterday I could not go to see you, nor can I to-day either.  We have no resource now but the Kaernthnerthor Theatre, or the one “an der Wien.”  I believe there will only be one concert.  If both these fail, we must then have recourse to the Augarten, in which case we ought certainly to give two concerts.  Reflect on this, my dear friend, and let me have your opinion.  To-morrow the symphonies may perhaps be tried over at the Archduke’s if I am able to go out, of which I will apprise you.

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

108.

TO ZMESKALL.

April 23, 1813.

DEAR Z.,—­

All will go right, the Archduke being resolved to take this Prince Fizlypuzly roundly to task.  Let me know if you are to dine at the tavern to-day, or where?  Pray tell me if “Sentivany” is properly spelt, as I wish to write to him at the same time about the Chorus.  We must also consult together what day to choose.  By the by, be cautious not to mention the intercession of the Archduke, for Prince Fizlypuzly is not to be with him till Sunday, and if that evil-minded creditor had any previous hint of the affair, he would still try to evade us.

Yours ever,

BEETHOVEN.

109.

TO ZMESKALL.

April 26, 1813.

Lobkowitz will give me a day on the 15th of May, or after that period, which seems to me scarcely better than none at all; so I am almost disposed to give up all idea of a concert.  But the Almighty will no doubt prevent my being utterly ruined.

Yours,

BEETHOVEN.

110.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Baden, May 27, 1813.

I have the honor to inform you of my arrival in Baden, which is indeed still very empty of human beings, but with all the greater luxuriance and full lustre does Nature shine in her enchanting loveliness.  Where I fail, or ever have failed, be graciously indulgent towards me, for so many trying occurrences, succeeding each other so closely, have really almost bewildered me; still I am convinced that the resplendent beauties of Nature here, and the charming environs, will gradually restore my spirits, and a double share of tranquillity be my portion, as by my stay here I likewise fulfil the wishes of Y.R.H.  Would that my desire soon to hear that Y.R.H. is fully restored were equally fulfilled!  This is indeed my warmest wish, and how much I grieve that I cannot at this moment contribute to your recovery by means of my art!  This is reserved for the goddess Hygeia alone, and I, alas! am only a poor mortal, who commends himself to Y.R.H., and sincerely hopes soon to be permitted to wait on you.