ore ought to be correctly engraved, I must look it over repeatedly
myself, for I have no clever copyist at present. Pray, do not think ill of
me! _Never_ was I guilty of anything base!

399.

March, 1825.

MY GOOD FRIENDS,--

Each is herewith appointed to his own post, and formally taken into our
service, pledging his honor to do his best to distinguish himself, and each
to vie with the other in zeal.

Every individual cooperating in this performance must subscribe his name to
this paper.[1]

Schuppanzigh, (_Manu propria._)
Weiss.
Linke, (M.P.)
Confounded violoncello of the great masters.
Holz, (M.P.)
The _last_, but only as to his signature.

[Footnote 1: In reference to the rehearsals of the first production of the
E flat major Quartet, Op. 127, in March, 1825.]

400.

TO SCHINDLER.

The Spring of 1825.

I have waited till half-past one o'clock, but as the _caput confusum_ has
not come, I know nothing of what is likely to happen. Carl must be off to
the University in the Prater; so I am obliged to go, that Carl, who must
leave this early, may have his dinner first. I am to be found in the "Wilde
Mann" [an inn in the Prater].

To Herr Schindler, _Moravian numskull_.[1]

[Footnote 1: Schindler was a Moravian.]

401.

TO LINKE, VIOLONCELLIST.[1]

DEAR LINKE,--

Having heard Herr v. Bocklet very highly spoken of, I think it would be
advisable to ask him kindly to play in the trio at your concert. I do not
know him myself, or I would have applied to him on your behalf. Always rely
on me when it is in my power to serve you.

Yours truly,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: Bocklet, a pianist in Vienna, tells me that he rehearsed the
Trio with Holz and Linke in 1825 or 1826 at Beethoven's.]

402.[1]

TO * * *

SIR,--

Through the stupidity of my housekeeper your mother was recently sent away
from my house, without my having been informed of her visit. I highly
disapprove of such incivility, especially as the lady was not even shown
into my apartments. The _rudeness_ and _coarseness_ of the persons whom I
am so unfortunate as to have in my service are well known to every one; I
therefore request your forgiveness.

Your obedient servant,

L. V. BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: In the New Vienna _Musik Zeitung_ the occasion of this note is
thus related:--"In 1825, a well-known artist and _dilettante_ in the
composition of music published a book of waltzes, each of these being
composed b