I am, sir, with high consideration,

Your obedient

BEETHOVEN.

339.

TO SCHINDLER.

Hetzendorf, July, 1823.

MOST WORTHY RAGAMUFFIN OF EPIRUS AND BRUNDUSIUM!—­

Give this letter to the editor of the “Observer,” but write the address on it first; ask him at the same time whether his daughter makes great progress on the piano, and if I can be of any use to her by sending her a copy of one of my compositions.  I wrote that I was an “honorary member;” I don’t know, however, whether this is correct; perhaps I ought to have said, “a corresponding member;” neither knowing nor caring much about such things.  You had also better say something on the subject to Bernardum non sanctum (editor of the “Vienna Zeitschrift").  Make inquiries, too, from Bernard about that knave Ruprecht; tell him of this queer business, and find out from him how he can punish the villain.  Ask both these philosophical newspaper scribes whether this may be considered an honorable or dishonorable nomination.

340.

TO SCHINDLER.

Master flash in the pan, and wide of the mark! full of reasons, yet devoid of reason!—­Everything was ready yesterday for Glaeser (the copyist).  As for you, I shall expect you in Hetzendorf to dinner at half-past two o’clock.  If you come later, dinner shall be kept for you.

341.

TO SCHINDLER.

Hetzendorf, July 2, 1823.

WORTHY HERR V. SCHINDLER,—­

The incessant insolence of my landlord from the hour I entered his house up to the present moment compels me to apply for aid to the police; so I beg you will do so for me at once.  As to the double winter windows, the housekeeper was desired to see about them, and especially to state if they were not necessary after such a violent storm, in case of the rain having penetrated into the room; but her report was that the rain had not come in, and, moreover, that it could not possibly do so.  In accordance with her statement, I locked the door to prevent this rude man entering my room during my absence (which he had threatened).  Say also further what his conduct to you was, and that he put up a placard of the lodgings being to let, without giving me notice, which, besides, he has no right to do till St. James’s Day.  He is equally unfair in refusing to give up the receipt from St. George’s Day till St. James’s, as the enclosure shows; I am charged, too, for lighting, of which I know nothing.  This detestable lodging,[1] without any open stove, and the principal flue truly abominable, has cost me (for extra outlay, exclusive of the rent) 259 florins, in order merely to keep me alive while I was there during the winter.  It was a deliberate fraud, as I never was allowed to see the rooms on the first floor, but only those on the second, that I might not become aware of their many disagreeable drawbacks.  I cannot understand how a flue so destructive to health can be tolerated