You must almost think my illness a mere fiction, but that is assuredly not the case.  I am obliged always to come home early in the evening.  The first time that Y.R.H. was graciously pleased to send for me, I came home immediately afterwards, but feeling much better since then, I made an attempt the evening before last to stay out a little later.  If Y.R.H. does not countermand me, I intend to have the honor of waiting on you this evening at five o’clock.  I will bring the new Sonata with me, merely for to-day, for it is so soon to be engraved that it is not worth while to have it written out.

[K.]

155.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1815.

I intended to have given you this letter myself, but my personal attendance might possibly be an intrusion; so I take the liberty once more to urge on Y.R.H. the request it contains.  I should also be glad if Y.R.H. would send me back my last MS. Sonata, for as I must publish it, it would be labor lost to have it transcribed, and I shall soon have the pleasure of presenting it to you engraved.  I will call again in a few days.  I trust these joyous times may have a happy influence on your precious health.

[K.]

156.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Vienna, July 23, 1815.

When you were recently in town, the enclosed Chorus[1] occurred to me.  I hurried home to write it down, but was detained longer in doing so than I at first expected, and thus, to my great sorrow, I missed Y.R.H.  The bad custom I have followed from childhood, instantly to write down my first thoughts, otherwise they not unfrequently go astray, has been an injury to me on this occasion.  I therefore send Y.R.H. my impeachment and my justification, and trust I may find grace in your eyes.  I hope soon to present myself before Y.R.H., and to inquire after a health so precious to us all.

[K.]

[Footnote 1:  In 1815 the Chorus of Die Meeresstille was composed by Beethoven.  Was this the chorus which occurred to him?  The style of the letter leaves his meaning quite obscure.]

157.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1815.

It is neither presumption, nor the pretension of advocating any one’s cause, still less from the wish of arrogating to myself the enjoyment of any especial favor with Y.R.H., that induces me to make a suggestion which is in itself very simple.  Old Kraft[1] was with me yesterday; he wished to know if it were possible for him to be lodged in your palace, in return for which he would be at Y.R.H.’s service as often as you please it.  He has lived for twenty years in the house of Prince Lobkowitz, and during a great part of that time he received no salary; he is now obliged to vacate his rooms without receiving any compensation whatever.  The position of the poor deserving old man is hard, and I should have considered myself equally hard, had I not ventured to lay his case before you.  Count Troyer will request an answer from Y.R.H.  As the object in view is to brighten the lot of a fellow-creature, pray forgive your, &c., &c.