old, having just recovered from one. My
digestion, too, was miserable, and my eyes very bad; in short, my whole
system seemed impaired. I was obliged to make the effort to come here,
without even being able to see Y.R.H. Thank God, my eyes are so much better
that I can again venture to make tolerable use of them by daylight. My
other maladies, too, are improving, and I cannot expect more in so short a
period. How I wish that Y.R.H. were only here, when in a few days we could
entirely make up for lost time. Perhaps I may still be so fortunate as to
see Y.R.H. here, and be able to show my zeal to serve Y.R.H. How deeply
does this cause me to lament my unhappy state of health. Much as I wish for
its entire restoration, still I greatly fear that this will never be the
case, and on this account I hope for Y.R.H.'s indulgence. As I can now at
length prove how gladly I place myself at Y.R.H.'s disposal, my most
anxious desire is that you would be pleased to make use of me.

[K.]

353.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1823.

I have just been enjoying a short walk and composing a Canon, "Grossen
Dank, / / /," when, on returning home, with the intention of writing it out
for Y.R.H., I find a petitioner who is under the delusion that his request
will be better received if made through me. What can I do? A good action
cannot be too soon performed, and even a whim must be sometimes humored.
The bearer of this is Kapellmeister Drechsler, of the Josephstadt and Baden
Theatre; he wishes to obtain the situation of second Court organist. He has
a good knowledge of thorough bass, and is also a good organist, besides
being favorably known as a composer,--all qualities that recommend him for
this situation. He _rightly_ thinks that the best recommendation to secure
him the appointment is that of Y.R.H., who, being yourself so great a
connoisseur and performer, know better than any one how to appreciate true
merit; and assuredly H.I. Majesty would prefer such testimony to every
other. I therefore add my entreaties, though with some hesitation, to those
of Herr D., relying on the indulgence and kindness of Y.R.H., and in the
hope that the illustrious patron and protector of all that is good will do
what lies in his power to be of use on this occasion.

My Canon shall be sent to-morrow,[1] together with the confession of my
sins, intentional and unintentional, for which I beg your gracious
absolution. My eyes, alas! prevent me from saying to