During the proceedings the case was at one time in a high court on the assumption that the “van” in Beethoven’s name indicated nobility.  The widow contested this, and brought action requesting that the case be tried in a lower court.  When Beethoven was examined on this issue, he pointed to his head and heart, saying, “my nobility is here and here.” “van” is not a sign of nobility like the German “von,” and the case was sent to the lower court.

Beethoven formed high hopes on the lad’s account, thinking that he would become a great musician or scholar.  He had no prevision that here he was to meet with the greatest disappointment of his life.  The boy was handsome and intelligent and soon won the affection of the master, who became much occupied with the interesting task of guiding his mental and spiritual development.  “The heart is only for rare occasions,” said Thoreau, “the intellect affords us the most unfailing satisfaction.”  This rather cynical observation was abundantly confirmed in Beethoven’s case by subsequent developments.  He wasted precious years on account of his nephew, and the anxiety occasioned by his waywardness, was no doubt one of the factors which shortened his life.

With the advent of the nephew into his life he finally abandoned all idea of marriage.  In conversation with Giannatasio del Rio, who kept the school at which the nephew was placed, he stated, “I will never be able to form a closer tie than the one which now binds me to my nephew.”  He took lodgings near the school and visited Giannatasio’s family frequently.  The daughter, in her journal, published after her death, makes frequent mention of Beethoven, giving interesting glimpses into his character.  She tells of his bringing violets to her on March 17, which he found in his walks in the fields, also of his carrying with him on his walks a pocket edition of Shakespeare.  The sarcastic, satirical mood, which frequently took possession of Beethoven is touched on in the journal, and is illustrated in the following incident.  The father on one occasion had remarked as if in compliment to the master, “My daughter plays your music,” upon which Beethoven laughed outright.  It is hardly necessary to say that the young lady played no more of Beethoven’s music, while he was about.  On one occasion, however, she was playing his Kennst Du das Land? when he came in unexpectedly.  He recognized it, and at once went to her and stood at the piano, marking time and making suggestions in regard to the rendering of it, thus making amends for his former rudeness.

His interest in his nephew led him to make friendly advances to the father as well as to the daughters, and he spent many pleasant hours with them.  On rare occasions he assumed his old air of happy boisterous humor, when young people were about.  He greatly enjoyed singing Goethe’s “Song of the Flea,” calling out as the flea is killed:  “Now he’ll be smashed!  Now he’ll be smashed!” (jetzt wird er gegnaxt!) making a crash on the instrument at the word “smashed.”