1.  I shall be in London early in January.

2.  The two grand new symphonies shall be ready by that time; to become the exclusive property of the Society.

3.  The Society to give me in return 300 guineas, and 100 for my travelling expenses, which will, however, amount to much more, as I am obliged to bring a companion.

4.  As I am now beginning to work at these grand symphonies for the Society, I shall expect that (on receiving my consent) they will remit me here the sum of 150 guineas, so that I may provide a carriage, and make my other preparations at once for the journey.

5.  The conditions as to my non-appearance in any other public orchestra, my not directing, and the preference always to be given to the Society on the offer of equal terms by them, are accepted by me; indeed, they would at all events have been dictated by my own sense of honor.

6.  I shall expect the aid of the Society in arranging one, or more, benefit concerts in my behalf, as the case may be.  The very friendly feeling of some of the Directors in your valuable body, and the kind reception of my works by all the artists, is a sufficient guaranty on this point, and will be a still further inducement to me to endeavor not to disappoint their expectations.

7.  I request that I may receive the assent to and confirmation of these terms, signed by three Directors in the name of the Society.  You may easily imagine how much I rejoice at the thoughts of becoming acquainted with the worthy Sir George Smart [Music Director], and seeing you and Mr. Neate again; would that I could fly to you myself instead of this letter!

Your sincere well wisher and friend,

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

[P.S.  ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER.]

DEAR RIES,—­

I cordially embrace you!  I have purposely employed another hand in my answer to the Society, that you might read it more easily, and present it to them.  I place the most implicit reliance on your kindly feelings toward me.  I hope that the Philharmonic Society may accept my proposals, and they may rest assured that I shall employ all my energies to fulfil in the most satisfactory manner the flattering commission of so eminent a society of artists.  What is the strength of your orchestra?  How many violins, &c.?  Have you one or two sets of wind instruments?  Is the concert room large and sonorous?

237.

TO ZMESKALL.

NUSSDORF, July 23, 1817.

MY DEAR GOOD ZMESKALL,—­

I shall soon see you again in town.  What is the proper price for fronting a pair of boots?  I have to pay my servant for this, who is always running about.

I am really in despair at being condemned by my defective hearing to pass the greater part of my life with this most odious class of people, and to be in some degree dependent on them.  To-morrow, early, my servant will call on you, and bring me back a sealed answer.