[Footnote 1:  It is well known that in the winter of 1822-23 Beethoven was engaged in the composition of an opera for the Royal Theatre; for which purpose Grillparzer had given him his Melusina.]

332.

TO SCHINDLER.

I send K.’s [Kanne’s] book [libretto].  Except the first act, which is rather insipid, it is written in such a masterly style that it does not by any means require a first-rate composer.  I will not say that on this very account it would be the more suitable for me; still, if I can get rid of previous engagements, who knows what may or will happen!  Please acknowledge the receipt of this.

333.

TO SCHINDLER.

I wish to know about Esterhazy, and also about the post.  A letter-carrier from the Mauer [a place near Hetzendorf] was here; I only hope the message has been properly delivered.  Nothing as yet from Dresden [see No. 330].  I mean to ask you to dine with me a few days hence, for I still suffer from my weak eyes; to-day, however, for the first time, they seem to improve, but I scarcely dare make any use of them as yet.

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

P.S.  As for the Tokay,[1] it is better adapted for summer than for autumn, and also for some fiddler who could respond to its noble fire, and yet stand firm as a rock.

[Footnote 1:  A musical friend had sent the maestro six bottles of genuine Tokay, expressing his wish that it might tend to restore his strength.  Schindler, he says, wrote to Beethoven at Hetzendorf, to tell him of this, and received the above answer, and the order through “Frau Schnaps” to do as he pleased with the wine.  He sent one bottle of it to Hetzendorf, but Beethoven at that time had inflamed eyes.]

334.

TO SCHINDLER.

I cannot at present accept these tempting invitations [from Sonntag and Unger]; so far as my weak eyes permit, I am very busy, and when it is fine, I go out.  I will myself thank these two fair ladies for their amiability.  No tidings from Dresden.  I shall wait till the end of this month, and then apply to a lawyer in Dresden.  I will write about Schoberlechner to-morrow.

335.

TO SCHINDLER.

June 18, 1823.

You ought to have perfectly well known that I would have nothing to do with the affair in question.  With regard to my being “liberal,” I think I have shown you that I am so on principle; indeed, I suspect you must have observed that I even have gone beyond these principles. Sapienti sat.[1]