BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1:  Zelter was in Vienna in 1819.]

316.

TO F. RIES,—­LONDON.

...  Manage this as soon as you can for your poor friend.  I also expect my travelling route from you.  Things have become quite too bad here, and I am fleeced worse than ever.  If I do not go at all, lo! and behold a crimen laesae!...  As it seems that you wish soon to have a dedication from me, I gladly comply with your request, much more so than with that of any great man; though, entre nous, the devil alone can tell how soon one may fall into their hands!  The dedication to you will be written on the new symphony; and I hope I shall at length receive yours to me.

B. is to open the letter he took charge of for the King [George IV.], in which he will see what I have written to His Majesty on the subject of the “Battle of Vittoria.”  The tenor of the enclosed is the same; but not a word as to the mass.[1] Our amiable friend B. must try to get me at least a battle-axe or a turtle for it!  The engraved copy of the score of “The Battle” must also be presented to the King.  This letter will cost you a good deal [seventeen shillings]; but I beg you will deduct it from your remittance to me.  How much I regret being so troublesome!  May God prosper you!

Say all that is amiable to your wife till I come myself.  Beware! you think me old; but I am a young veteran!

Yours, as ever,

B.

[Footnote 1:  On February 24, 1823, Beethoven wrote to the King of England that, so far back as 1813, he had sent him “Wellington’s Victory,” but never had received any communication on the subject; he, therefore, now sent an engraved copy of the work, which had been intended for him since 1815.  He closed the letter by saying:  “Convinced of the discrimination and kindness which your Majesty has always evinced in protecting and encouraging art and artists, the undersigned ventures to hope that your Majesty will graciously take the matter into consideration, and vouchsafe to comply with his respectful solicitation.”]

317.

TO SCHINDLER.

MY VERY BEST OPTIMUS OPTIME,—­

Pray try to hunt out a philanthropist who will advance me some money on a bank-share, that I may not put the generosity of my friends too much to the test, nor myself be placed in difficulty by the delay of this money, for which I have to thank the fine plans and arrangements of my precious brother.

You must not let it appear that this money is really wanted.

318.

TO SCHINDLER.

DEAR SCHINDLER,—­

Don’t forget the bank-share.  It is greatly needed; it would be very annoying to be brought into court; indeed, I would not be so for the whole world.  My brother’s conduct is quite worthy of him.  The tailor is appointed to come to-day, still I hope to be able to get rid of him for the present by a few polite phrases.