vitium_. I embrace
and esteem you from my heart.

Yours,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: In the note-book of 1823 is written, in Beethoven's hand:

8th or 9th November, bad humor.
Another bad day.
Another bad day.

And underneath, in Schindler's hand:

Devil take such a life!]

[Footnote 2: The _Elegante Zeitung_ of 1858, No. 73, relates the following
anecdote about this visit:--"During the composition of the Opera many
conferences took place between the two artistic colleagues, when the new
work was zealously discussed on both sides. On one occasion the poet drove
out to visit the composer in the country. Beethoven's writing-desk was
placed somewhat like a sentry-box opposite a cupboard for provisions, the
contents of which compelled the housekeeper to be perpetually coming and
going, attracting thereby many an admonitory look askance in the midst of
his conversation from the deaf _maestro_. At last the clock struck the
dinner-hour. Beethoven went down to his cellar, and soon after returned
carrying four bottles of wine, two of which he placed beside the poet,
while the other two were allotted to the composer himself and a third
guest. After dinner Beethoven slipped out of the room, and held a short
parley with the coachman hired for the occasion, who was still waiting at
the door. When the time arrived for returning to town, Beethoven proposed
driving part of the way with his guests, and did not get out of the
carriage till close to the Burgthor. Scarcely was he gone when the
companions he had just quitted found some papers lying on the seat he had
vacated, which proved to be six _gulden_, the amount of the carriage-hire.
They instantly stopped the carriage, and shouted to their friend (who was
making off as quick as he could) that he had forgotten some money; but
Beethoven did not stand still till he was at a safe distance, when he waved
his hat, rejoicing with the glee of a child at the success of his trick.
There was no possibility of refusing his _naif_ generosity, and they had
sufficient delicacy of feeling not to poison his enjoyment by any untimely
remonstrances."]

362.

TO PROBST, MUSIC PUBLISHER,--LEIPZIG.

Vienna, March 10, 1824.

... These are all I can at present give you for publication. I must, alas!
now speak of myself, and say that this, the greatest work I have ever
written, is well worth 1000 florins C.M. It is a new grand symphony, with a
finale and voice parts introduced, solo