Herr v.  Schuppanzigh assured me, when he was here, that you were anxious to acquire some of my productions for your house.  Perhaps the following works might suit your purpose, namely:  six bagatelles for pianoforte, 20 gold ducats; thirty-five variations on a favorite theme for pianoforte, forming one entire work, 30 gold ducats; two grand airs with chorus, the poetry by Goethe and Matthisson, which can be sung either with instrumental or pianoforte accompaniment, 12 gold ducats.

I request an answer as soon as possible, for others also wish to have my works.

I am, sir, your obedient

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

328.[1]

TO SCHINDLER.

Hetzendorf, 1823.

SAMOTHRACIAN VAGABOND!—­[2]

You must hunt out from Schlemmer [the copyist] what is still wanting in the “Kyrie;” show him the postscript, and so, satis, no more of such a wretch!  Farewell! arrange everything; I am to bind up my eyes at night, and to spare them as much as possible; otherwise, says Smetana, I shall write little more music in the time to come.

[Footnote 1:  “We arrived at Hetzendorf on May 17” is written by Carl in Beethoven’s note-book of 1823; and on this note is written, in the “scamp’s” hand, Hetzendorf, 1823.]

[Footnote 2:  “By the word ‘Samothracian,’ Beethoven alludes to the Samothracian Mysteries, partly grounded on music.  Their mutual participation in the Beethoven Mysteries is intended to be thus indicated.  Among the initiated were also Brunswick, Lichnowsky, and Zmeskall.” [From a note of Schindler’s on the subject.]]

329.

TO SCHINDLER.

Hetzendorf, 1823 (?).

Pray, forward the packet to-day, and inquire this afternoon, if possible, about the housekeeper in the Glockengasse, No. 318, 3d Etage.  She is a widow, understands cookery, and is willing to serve merely for board and lodging, to which, of course, I cannot consent, or only under certain conditions.  My present one is too shameful.  I cannot invite you here, but be assured of my gratitude.

330.

TO SCHINDLER.[1]

Hetzendorf, 1823.

I enclose the letter to Herr v.  Obreskow [Charge d’Affaires of the Russian Legation]; as soon as I receive the money, I will immediately send you 50 florins for your trouble.  Not a word more than what is absolutely necessary!

I have advertised your house.  You can mention, merely as a casual remark at the right moment, that France also remitted the money to you.

Never forget that such persons represent Majesty itself.

[Footnote 1:  Louis VIII. sent a gold medal for his subscription copy of the Mass on February 20, 1824.]

331.

TO SCHINDLER.

I beg you will kindly write out the enclosed invitation neatly for me on the paper I send you, for Carl has too much to do.  I wish to dispatch it early on Wednesday.  I want to know where Grillparzer lives; perhaps I may pay him a visit myself.[1] You must have a little patience about the 50 florins; as yet it is impossible for me to send them, for which you are as much to blame as I am.