you to use all your influence
in this matter, and I leave it entirely to your own judgment and knowledge
of local matters to act as you think best. Although I do not doubt that the
recommendation of my Cardinal will have considerable weight, still the
decision of his Majesty cannot fail to be much influenced by the advice of
the Administrator of objects connected with the fine arts. Hitherto, in
spite of apparent brilliant success, I have scarcely realized as much as a
publisher would have given me for the work, the expenses of copying being
so very great. It was the idea of my friends to circulate this Mass, for,
thank God! I am a mere novice in all speculations. In the mean time, there
is not a single _employe_ of our Government who has not been, like myself,
a loser. Had it not been for my continued bad health for many years past, a
foreign country would at least have enabled me to live free from all cares
except those for art. Judge me kindly, and not harshly; I live only for my
art, and my sole wish is to fulfil my duties as a man; but this, alas!
cannot always be accomplished without the influence of the _subterranean
powers_. While commending my cause to you, I also venture to hope that your
love of art, and above all your philanthropy, will induce you to be so good
as to write me a few lines, informing me of the result as soon as you are
acquainted with it.

I am, sir, with high consideration,

Your obedient

BEETHOVEN.

349.

TO SCHINDLER.

August, 1823.

YOU SAMOTHRACIAN VILLAIN!--

Make haste and come, for the weather is just right. Better early than
late--_presto, prestissimo_! We are to drive from here.[1]

[Footnote 1: Beethoven had apartments in a summer residence of Baron
Pronay's on his beautiful property at Hetzendorf. Suddenly, however, the
_maestro_, deeply immersed in the _Ninth Symphony_, was no longer satisfied
with this abode, because "the Baron would persist in making him profound
bows every time that he met him." So, with the help of Schindler and Frau
Schnaps, he removed to Baden in August, 1823.]

350.

TO HIS NEPHEW.

Baden, August 16, 1823.

MY DEAR BOY,--

I did not wish to say anything to you till I found my health improving
here, which, however, is scarcely even yet the case. I came here with a
cold and catarrh, which were very trying to me, my constitution being
naturally rheumatic, which will, I fear, soon cut the thread of my life,
or, still worse, gradually w