nic Society here, whose aim it is
to promote refinement of feeling and cultivation of taste in the science of
music, and who strive by their incessant efforts to impart to the Society
both inwardly and outwardly, by the judicious selection of new members,
greater value, solidity, and distinction, are universally animated with the
desire to see their list adorned by the name of Beethoven. The organ of
this society, the undersigned directors, fulfil the general wish in thus
performing _their most agreeable duty_, and giving you, sir, the strongest
proof of their profound admiration, by appointing you one of their honorary
members.--Laibach, March 15, 1819.'" A fac-simile of Beethoven's
handwriting is hung up in a frame under glass in the hall of the Society
and affixed to Dr. Keesbacher's pamphlet.]

[Footnote 2: We are told, "One work alone of Beethoven's in the collection
of the Society bears visible marks of coming from his own hand, and that is
the _Pastoral Symphony_." The above-mentioned copy is a MS. score (though
not in his writing); on the cover is written by himself in red pencil, now
almost illegible, "Sinfonie Pastorale;" and underneath are inscribed the
following words in ink by another hand: "Beethoven's writing in red
pencil." This score contains various corrections in pencil. Two of these
appear to be by Beethoven, but unluckily the pencil marks are so much
effaced that it is difficult to decide as to the writing. In the scene "By
the Rivulet," where the 12/8 time begins (in B flat major), these words are
written, "Violoncelli tutti con Basso." The B especially recalls his mode
of writing. Moreover the _tempo_ at the beginning of "The Shepherd's Song,"
(in F, 6/8 time,) _allegretto_, is qualified by the same hand in pencil
thus, _Quasi allegro_. No direct proof exists of this being sent by him.]

264.

TO F. RIES,--LONDON.

Vienna, May 25, 1819.

... I was at the time burdened with cares beyond all I had ever in my life
known,[1] caused solely by my too lavish benefits to others. Do compose
industriously! My dear pupil the Archduke Rudolph and I frequently play
your works, and he says that my quondam pupil does honor to his master. Now
farewell! as I hear that your wife is so handsome, I venture to embrace her
in imagination only, though I hope to have that pleasure in person next
winter.

Do not forget the Quintet, and the Sonata, and the money, I mean the
_Honoraire, avec ou sans honneur_. I hope