em, are accepted by me; indeed, they would at all
events have been dictated by my own sense of honor.

6. I shall expect the aid of the Society in arranging one, or more, benefit
concerts in my behalf, as the case may be. The very friendly feeling of
some of the Directors in your valuable body, and the kind reception of my
works by all the artists, is a sufficient guaranty on this point, and will
be a still further inducement to me to endeavor not to disappoint their
expectations.

7. I request that I may receive the assent to and confirmation of these
terms, signed by three Directors in the name of the Society. You may easily
imagine how much I rejoice at the thoughts of becoming acquainted with the
worthy Sir George Smart [Music Director], and seeing you and Mr. Neate
again; would that I could fly to you myself instead of this letter!

Your sincere well wisher and friend,

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

[P.S. ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER.]

DEAR RIES,--

I cordially embrace you! I have purposely employed another hand in my
answer to the Society, that you might read it more easily, and present it
to them. I place the most implicit reliance on your kindly feelings toward
me. I hope that the Philharmonic Society may accept my proposals, and they
may rest assured that I shall employ all my energies to fulfil in the most
satisfactory manner the flattering commission of so eminent a society of
artists. What is the strength of your orchestra? How many violins, &c.?
Have you _one or two sets of wind instruments_? Is the concert room large
and sonorous?

237.

TO ZMESKALL.

NUSSDORF, July 23, 1817.

MY DEAR GOOD ZMESKALL,--

I shall soon see you again in town. What is the proper price for fronting a
pair of boots? I have to pay my servant for this, who is always running
about.

I am really in despair at being condemned by my defective hearing to pass
the greater part of my life with this most odious class of people, and to
be in some degree dependent on them. To-morrow, early, my servant will call
on you, and bring me back a _sealed answer_.

238.

TO ZMESKALL.

August 12, 1817.

MY DEAR GOOD Z.,--

I heard of your indisposition with great regret. As for myself, I am often
in despair, and almost tempted to put an end to my life, for all these
remedies seem to have no end. May God have compassion on me, for I look
upon myself to be as good as lost! I have a great deal to say to you. That
this servant is a