The old year has nearly passed away, and a new one draws near.  May it bring Y.R.H. no sorrow, but rather may it bestow on you every imaginable felicity!  These are my wishes, all concentrated in the one I have just expressed.  If it be allowable to speak of myself, I may say that my health is very variable and uncertain.  I am unhappily obliged to live at a great distance from Y.R.H., which shall not, however, prevent my having the extreme gratification of waiting on you at the first opportunity.  I commend myself to your gracious consideration, though I may not appear to deserve it.  May Heaven, for the benefit of so many whom you befriend, enrich each day of your life with an especial blessing!  I am always, &c., &c.

[K.]

253.

TO G. DEL RIO.

Jan. 6, 1818.

To prevent any mistake I take the liberty to inform you that it is finally settled my nephew Carl should leave your excellent institution the end of this month.  My hands are also tied with regard to your other proposal, as if I accepted it, my further projects for Carl’s benefit would be entirely frustrated; but I sincerely thank you for your kind intentions.

Circumstances may cause me to remove Carl even before the end of the month, and as I may not be here myself, I will appoint some one to fetch him.  I mention this to you now, that it may not appear strange when the time comes; and let me add, that my nephew and I shall feel grateful to you through life.  I observe that Carl already feels thus, which is to me a proof that although thoughtless, his disposition is not evil; far less has he a bad heart.  I am the more disposed to augur well of him from his having been for two years under your admirable guidance.

I am, with esteem, your friend,

L. V. BEETHOVEN.

254.

TO G. DEL RIO.

Vienna, Jan. 24, 1818.

I do not come to you myself, as it would be a kind of leave-taking, and this I have all my life avoided.  Pray accept my heartfelt thanks for the zeal, rectitude, and integrity with which you have conducted the education of my nephew.  As soon as I am at all settled, we mean to pay you a visit; but on account of the mother, I am anxious that the fact of my nephew being with me should not be too much known.

I send you my very best wishes, and I beg especially to thank Frau A.Z. for her truly maternal care of Carl.

I am, with sincere esteem, yours,

L. V. BEETHOVEN.

255.

TO CZERNY.

MY DEAR GOOD KIND CZERNY,—­[1]

I have this moment heard that you are in a position I really never suspected; you might certainly place confidence in me, and point out how matters could be made better for you (without any pretensions to patronage on my part).  As soon as I have a moment to myself, I must speak to you.  Rest assured that I highly value you, and am prepared to prove this at any moment by deeds.