My answer has been too long delayed; but I was ill, and had a great press of business.  Not a single farthing is yet come of the ten gold ducats, and I now almost begin to think that the English are only liberal when in foreign countries.  It is the same with the Prince Regent, who has not even sent me the cost of copying my “Battle Symphony,” nor one verbal or written expression of thanks.  My whole income consists of 3400 florins in paper-money.  I pay 1100 for house-rent, and 900 to my servant and his wife; so you may reckon for yourself what remains.  Besides this, the entire maintenance of my young nephew devolves on me.  At present he is at school, which costs 1100 florins, and is by no means a good one; so that I must arrange a proper household and have him with me.  How much money must be made to live at all here! and yet there seems no end to it—­because!—­because!—­because!—­but you know well what I mean.

Some commissions from the Philharmonic would be very acceptable to me, besides, the concert.  Now let me say that my dear scholar Ries must set to work and dedicate something valuable to me, to which his master may respond, and repay him in his own coin.  How can I send you my portrait?  My kind regards to your wife.  I, alas! have none.  One alone I wished to possess, but never shall I call her mine![1] This, however, has not made me a woman-hater.

Your true friend,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1:  See the statement of Fraeulein del Rio in the Grenzboten.  We read:—­“My father’s idea was that marriage alone could remedy the sad condition of Beethoven’s household matters; so he asked him whether he knew any one, &c., &c.  Our long-existing presentiment was then realized.”  His love was unfortunate.  Five years ago he had become acquainted with a person with whom he would have esteemed it the highest felicity of his life to have entered into closer ties; but it was vain to think of it, being almost an impossibility! a chimera! and yet his feelings remained the same as the very first day he had seen her!  He added, “that never before had he found such harmony! but no declaration had ever been made, not being able to prevail on himself to do so.”  This conversation took place in Sept. 1816, at Helenenthal, in Baden, and the person to whom he alluded was undoubtedly Marie L. Pachler-Koschak in Gratz. (See No. 80.)]

175.

TO F. RIES.

Vienna, April 3, 1816.

Neate[1] is no doubt in London by this time.  He took several of my works with him, and promised to do the best he could for me.

The Archduke Rudolph [Beethoven’s pupil, see No. 70] also plays your works with me, my dear Ries; of these “Il Sogno” especially pleased us.  Farewell!  Remember me to your charming wife, and to any fair English ladies who care to receive my greetings.

Your true friend,

BEETHOVEN.