as to the writing.  In the scene “By the Rivulet,” where the 12/8 time begins (in B flat major), these words are written, “Violoncelli tutti con Basso.”  The B especially recalls his mode of writing.  Moreover the tempo at the beginning of “The Shepherd’s Song,” (in F, 6/8 time,) allegretto, is qualified by the same hand in pencil thus, Quasi allegro.  No direct proof exists of this being sent by him.]

264.

TO F. RIES,—­LONDON.

Vienna, May 25, 1819.

...  I was at the time burdened with cares beyond all I had ever in my life known,[1] caused solely by my too lavish benefits to others.  Do compose industriously!  My dear pupil the Archduke Rudolph and I frequently play your works, and he says that my quondam pupil does honor to his master.  Now farewell! as I hear that your wife is so handsome, I venture to embrace her in imagination only, though I hope to have that pleasure in person next winter.

Do not forget the Quintet, and the Sonata, and the money, I mean the Honoraire, avec ou sans honneur.  I hope soon to hear good news from you, not in allegro time, but veloce prestissimo.

This letter will be given to you by an intelligent Englishman; they are generally very able fellows, with whom I should like to pass some time in their own country.

Prestissimo—­Responsio De suo amico e Maestro,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1:  In Schindler’s Beethoven’s Nachlass there is a large calendar of the years 1819 used by Beethoven, in which he has marked, “Arrived at Moedling May 12!!!—­miser sum pauper.”  Carl too was again ill at that time.  Beethoven took him to Bloechlinger’s Institution, June 22.]

265.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

I learned with deep sorrow of your being again unwell; I trust it will only be a passing indisposition.  No doubt our very variable spring is the cause of this.  I intended to have brought the variations [see No. 259] yesterday; they may well boldly face the light of day, and no doubt Y.R.H. will receive an application for your consent on this point.  I very much regret being only able to express a pia desideria for Y.R.H’s. health.  I earnestly hope the skill of your Aesculapius may at length gain the victory and procure permanent health for Y.R.H.

[K.]

266.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Moedling, July 15, 1819.

I have been very ill since my last visit to Y.R.H. in town; I hope however to be much better by next week, in which case I will instantly join Y.R.H. at Baden.  Meanwhile I went several times to town to consult my physician.  My continued distress about my nephew, whose moral character has been almost totally ruined, has been the main cause of my illness.  At the beginning of this week I was obliged to resume my guardianship, the other guardian having resigned,