Immediately on last leaving Y.R.H.  I was taken ill, of which I apprised Y.R.H., but owing to a change in my household, neither the letter in question nor another to Y.R.H. was ever sent.  In it I begged Y.R.H.’s indulgence, having some works on hand that I was obliged to dispatch with all speed, owing to which I was, alas! compelled to lay aside the Mass also.[1] I hope Y.R.H. will ascribe the delay solely to the pressure of circumstances.  This is not the time to enter fully into the subject, but I must do so as soon as the right moment arrives, that Y.R.H. may not form too severe or undeserved a judgment of me.  My heart is always with Y.R.H., and I trust at length circumstances may in so far change, that I may be able to contribute more than I have hitherto done, to perfecting your great talent.  I think, however, Y.R.H. is already aware of my good-will in this respect, and is fully convinced that insurmountable obstacles alone can ever detain me from the most excellent of all princes, so revered by me, and so entwined with every feeling of my heart.  I did not till yesterday hear of the mistake about the two letters, and I now intend to bring them myself, for I have no one in my service on whom I can depend.  I will present myself at your house this afternoon at half-past four o’clock.  My warmest thanks for Y.R.H.’s kind letter to me.  When Y.R.H. thus vouchsafes to declare your esteem for me, it only heightens and increases my impulse to all that is good.

[Footnote 1:  Another allusion to the Grand Mass in D, which seemed likely never to be completed.]

284.

MEMORANDUM.

1822.

The Mass[1] will soon be all in Y.R.H.’s hands; it ought to have been, and would have been so long ago, but—­but—­but—­when Y.R.H. becomes acquainted with my circumstances, you will be surprised that I have even now been able to finish it.

[K.]

[Footnote 1:  The circumstances which prevented the completion of this work were undoubtedly his perpetual state of strife with his nephew and his sister-in-law.]

285.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

I heard with heartfelt sorrow of Y.R.H.’s indisposition, but hope soon to hear of your recovery.  Why am I also ill? for I might possibly discover the best mode of restoring Y.R.H.  I will call again to inquire after Y.R.H., and hope to hear good news.

[K.]

286.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

I have been rather an invalid all this time, though I try to think myself tolerably well.  I deeply regret to hear of Y.R.H.’s attack, especially as I knew nothing of it, or I certainly should have hastened to inquire whether it was in my power in any way to alleviate your sufferings.  To-morrow, in compliance with Y.R.H.’s wish, I shall certainly enjoy the pleasure of seeing my own most dear and illustrious master.

[K.]

287.

TO THE ROYAL AND IMPERIAL HIGH COURT OF APPEAL.