ied with regard to your other proposal, as
if I accepted it, my further projects for Carl's benefit would be entirely
frustrated; but I sincerely thank you for your kind intentions.

Circumstances may cause me to remove Carl even before the end of the month,
and as I may not be here myself, I will appoint some one to fetch him. I
mention this to you now, that it may not appear strange when the time
comes; and let me add, that my nephew and I shall feel grateful to you
through life. I observe that Carl already feels thus, which is to me a
proof that although thoughtless, his disposition is not evil; far less has
he a bad heart. I am the more disposed to augur well of him from his having
been for two years under your admirable guidance.

I am, with esteem, your friend,

L. V. BEETHOVEN.

254.

TO G. DEL RIO.

Vienna, Jan. 24, 1818.

I do not come to you myself, as it would be a kind of leave-taking, and
this I have all my life avoided. Pray accept my heartfelt thanks for the
zeal, rectitude, and integrity with which you have conducted the education
of my nephew. As soon as I am at all settled, we mean to pay you a visit;
but on account of the mother, I am anxious that the fact of my nephew being
with me should not be too much known.

I send you my very best wishes, and I beg especially to thank Frau A.Z. for
her truly maternal care of Carl.

I am, with sincere esteem, yours,

L. V. BEETHOVEN.

255.

TO CZERNY.

MY DEAR GOOD KIND CZERNY,--[1]

I have this moment heard that you are in a position I really never
suspected; you might certainly place confidence in me, and point out how
matters could be made better for you (without any pretensions to patronage
on my part). As soon as I have a moment to myself, I must speak to you.
Rest assured that I highly value you, and am prepared to prove this at any
moment by deeds.

Yours, with sincere esteem,

L. VAN BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: Zellner, in his _Blaetter fuer Musik_, relates what follows on
Czerny's own authority:--In 1818 Czerny was requested by Beethoven in a
letter (which he presented some years ago to Cocks, the London music
publisher) to play at one of his last concerts in the large _Redoutensaal_,
his E flat major Concerto, Op. 73. Czerny answered, in accordance with the
truth, that having gained his livelihood entirely for many years past by
giving lessons on the piano, for more than twelve hours daily, he had so
completely laid aside his pi