Notwithstanding all this (and though there are some other subscribers), I have not yet realized as much as the sum a publisher offered me for it; the only advantage being that the work remains mine.  The costs of copying are also great, and further increased by three new pieces being added, which, as soon as they are completed, I will send to Y.R.H.  Perhaps you would not think it too much trouble to apply to H.R.H. the Grand Duke of Tuscany to take a copy of this Mass.  The application was indeed made some time ago to the Grand Duke of Tuscany through the agent here, V. Odelga, who faithfully assured me that the proposal would be graciously accepted.  I place no great faith, however, in this, as some months have elapsed, and no notice has been again taken of the application.  As the affair is now set agoing, it is but natural that I should do all I can to attain my desired object.  The undertaking was from the first disagreeable to me, and still more so to mention it to Y.R.H., or to allude to it at all, but “necessity has no law.”  I only feel grateful to Him who dwells above the stars that I now begin once more to be able to use my eyes.  I am at present writing a new symphony for England,[4] bespoken by the Philharmonic Society, and hope it will be quite finished fourteen days hence.  I cannot strain my eyes as yet long at a time; I beg therefore Y.R.H.’s indulgence with regard to your Variations,[5] which appear to me very charming, but still require closer revision on my part.  Y.R.H. has only to persevere, especially to accustom yourself to write down your ideas at once at the piano, quickly and briefly.  For this purpose a small table ought to be placed close beside the piano.  By this means not only is the imagination strengthened; but you learn instantly to hold fast the most fugitive ideas.  It is equally necessary to be able to write without any piano; and sometimes a simple choral melody, to be carried out in simple or varied phrases, in counterpoint, or in a free manner, will certainly entail no headache on Y.R.H., but rather, in finding yourself thus right amid the centre of art, cause you very great pleasure.  The faculty of representing precisely what we wish and feel comes by degrees; an essential desideratum for a noble-minded man.  My eyes warn me to conclude.  With every kind and good wish for Y.R.H., I remain, &c., &c.

[K.]

POSTSCRIPT.

If Y.R.H. should confer the happiness of a letter on me, I beg you will address to me at Vienna, for I shall receive all my letters here safely forwarded by the post from there.  If agreeable to Y.R.H., I would beg you to recommend the Mass to Prince Anton in Dresden,[6] so that the King of Saxony may subscribe to it, which he will, no doubt, do if Y.R.H. shows any interest in the matter.  As soon as I know that you have actually done me this favor, I will forthwith apply to the General-Director there[7] of the Royal Theatre and of Music, whose office it is to arrange these things, and send him a request to procure a subscription from the King of Saxony, which I am reluctant to do without a recommendation from Y.R.H.