ely exclude her either; at the same time, this _very same
sense of justice_ must render all her remonstrances unavailing. A religious
view of the Fourth Commandment is what chiefly decides the Court to send
away the son as far as possible. The difficulty those must have who conduct
the boy's education in not offending against this commandment, and the
necessity that the son should never be tempted to fail in this duty or to
repudiate it, ought certainly to be taken into consideration. Every effort
has been made by forbearance and generosity to amend this unnatural mother,
but all has been in vain. If necessary I will supply H.R.H. Archduke Ludwig
with a statement on the subject, and, favored by the advocacy of my
gracious master Y.R.H. the Archduke Rudolph, I shall certainly obtain
justice.

[K.]

268.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

I regret to say that, owing to a judicial meeting about the affairs of my
nephew (being unable to alter the hour fixed), I must give up the pleasure
of waiting on Y.R.H. this evening, but shall not fail to do so to-morrow at
half-past four o'clock. As for the affair itself, I know that I shall be
treated with indulgence. May Heaven at length bring it to a close! for my
mind suffers keenly from such a painful turmoil.

[K.]

269.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Moedling, July 29, 1819.

I heard with deep regret of Y.R.H.'s recent indisposition, and having
received no further reliable information on the subject, I am extremely
uneasy. I went to Vienna to search in Y.R.H.'s library for what was most
suitable to me. The chief object must be to _hit off our idea at once_, and
_in accordance with a high class of art_, unless the object in view should
require different and more _practical_ treatment. On this point the ancient
composers offer the best examples, as most of these possess real artistic
value (though among them the _German Handel_ and Sebastian Bach can alone
lay claim to _genius_); but _freedom_ and _progress_ are our true aim in
the world of art, just as in the great creation at large; and if we moderns
are not so far advanced as our _forefathers_ in _solidity_, still the
refinement of our ideas has contributed in many ways to their enlargement.
My illustrious musical pupil, himself a competitor for the laurels of fame,
must not incur the reproach of _onesidedness, et iterum venturus judicare
vivos et mortuos_. I send you three poems, from which Y.R.H. might select
one