d 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 by the Government_. You remember
the appearance of the walls of your room owing to smoke, and the large sum
it cost even to lessen in any degree this discomfort, although to do away
with it wholly was impossible. My chief anxiety at present is that he may
be ordered to take down his placard, and to give me a receipt for the
house-rent I have paid; but nothing will induce me to pay for the
abominable lighting, without which it cost me enough actually to preserve
my life in such a lodging. My eyes do not yet suffer me to encounter the
town atmosphere, or I would myself apply in person to the police.

Your attached

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: The Pfarrgasse, in the Laimgrube, where Schindler lived with
him.]

342.

TO SCHINDLER.

I must have an attested copy of all the writings; I send you 45 kreutzers.
How could you possibly accept such a proposal from our churlish landlord
when accompanied by a threat? Where was your good sense? Where it always
is.

To-morrow early I shall send for the Variations, copy and originals. It is
not certain whether the Pr. comes or not; so be so good as to stay at home
till eight o'clock. You can come to dinner either to-day or to-morrow; but
you must settle which you mean to do, as it is not easy _for me_ to provide
provisions. Not later than half-past two o'clock. The housekeeper will tell
you about a lodging in the Landstrasse. It is high time, truly! As soon as
you hear of anything to be had on the Bastei or the Landstrasse, you must
at once give me notice. We must find out what room the landlord uses on
account of the well.