...  For some time past I have been far from well; the loss of my brother affected both my spirits and my works.  Salomon’s death grieves me much, as he was an excellent man whom I have known from my childhood.  You are his executor by will, while I am the guardian of my late poor brother’s child.  You can scarcely have had as much vexation from Salomon’s death as I have had from that of my brother!—­but I have the sweet consolation of having rescued a poor innocent child from the hands of an unworthy mother.  Farewell, dear Ries; if I can in any way serve you, look on me as

Your true friend,

BEETHOVEN.

170.

TO GIANNATASIO DEL RIO,—­VIENNA.

Feb. 1816.

SIR,—­

I have great pleasure in saying that at last I intend to-morrow to place under your care the dear pledge intrusted to me.  But I must impress on you not to permit any influence on the mother’s part to decide when and where she is to see her son.  We can, however, discuss all this more minutely to-morrow....  You must keep a watchful eye on your servant, for mine was bribed by her on one occasion.  More as to this verbally, though it is a subject on which I would fain be silent; but the future welfare of the youth you are to train renders this unpleasant communication necessary.  I remain, with esteem,

Your faithful servant and friend,

BEETHOVEN.

171.

TO G. DEL RIO.

1816.

Your estimable lady, Mdme. A.G. [Giannatasio] is politely requested to let the undersigned know as soon as possible (that I may not be obliged to keep it all in my head) how many pairs of stockings, trousers, shoes, and drawers are required, and how many yards of kerseymere to make a pair of black trousers for my tall nephew; and for the sake of the “Castalian Spring” I beg, without any further reminders on my part, that I may receive an answer to this.

As for the Lady Abbess [a nickname for their only daughter], there shall be a conference held on Carl’s affair to-night, viz., if things are to continue as they are.

Your well (and ill) born

BEETHOVEN.

172.

TO G. DEL RIO.

1816.

I heard yesterday evening, unluckily at too late an hour, that you had something to give me; had it not been for this, I would have called on you.  I beg, however, that you will send it, as I have no doubt it is a letter for me from the “Queen of the Night."[1] Although you gave me permission to fetch Carl twice already, I must ask you to let him come to me when I send for him at eleven o’clock to-morrow, as I wish to take him with me to hear some interesting music.  It is also my intention to make him play to me to-morrow, as it is now some time since I heard him.  I hope you will urge him to study more closely than usual to-day, that he may in some degree make up for his holiday.  I embrace you cordially, and remain,