ing it scarcely possible, while taking baths and
medicine, to employ myself as usual,--to which is added the grievous
prospect that I may perhaps never get better. I place no confidence in my
present physician, who at length pronounces my malady to be _disease of the
lungs_. I will consider about engaging a housekeeper. If I could only have
the faintest hope, in this corrupt Austrian State, of finding an honest
person, the arrangement would be easily made; but--but!! [He wishes to hire
a piano and pay for it in advance; the tone to be as loud as possible, to
suit his defective hearing.]

Perhaps you do not know, though I have not always had one of your pianos,
that since 1809 I have invariably preferred yours.

It is peculiarly hard on me to be a burden on any one, being accustomed
rather to serve others than to be served by them.

235.

TO FRAU VON STREICHER.

I can only say that I am better; I thought much of death during the past
night, but such thoughts are familiar to me by day also.

236.

TO F. RIES,--LONDON.

Vienna, July 9, 1817.

MY DEAR FRIEND,--

The proposals in your esteemed letter of the 9th of June are very
flattering, and my reply will show you how much I value them. Were it not
for my unhappy infirmities, which entail both attendance and expense,
particularly on a journey to a foreign country, I would _unconditionally_
accept the offer of the Philharmonic Society. But place yourself in my
position, and consider how many more obstacles I have to contend with than
any other artist, and then judge whether my demands (which I now annex) are
unreasonable. I beg you will convey my conditions to the Directors of the
above Society, namely:--

1. I shall be in London early in January.

2. The two grand new symphonies shall be ready by that time; to become the
exclusive property of the Society.

3. The Society to give me in return 300 guineas, and 100 for my travelling
expenses, which will, however, amount to much more, as I am obliged to
bring a companion.

4. As I am now beginning to work at these grand symphonies for the Society,
I shall expect that (on receiving my consent) they will remit me here the
sum of 150 guineas, so that I may provide a carriage, and make my other
preparations at once for the journey.

5. The conditions as to my non-appearance in any other public orchestra, my
not directing, and the preference always to be given to the Society on the
offer of equal terms by th