to set to music. The Austrians have now learned that the _spirit of
Apollo_ wakes afresh in the Imperial House; I receive from all sides
requests for something of yours. The editor of the "Mode Zeitung" is to
write to Y.R.H. on the subject. I only hope that I shall not be accused of
being _bribed_--to be _at court and yet no courtier_! After that, what is
not credible??!!!

_I met with some opposition from His Excellency the Obersthofmeister[1] in
selecting the music._ It is not worth while to trouble Y.R.H. on the
subject in writing; but this I will say, that such conduct might have the
effect of repelling many talented, good, and noble-minded men, who had not
enjoyed the good fortune to learn from personal intercourse with Y.R.H. all
the admirable qualities of your mind and heart. I wish Y.R.H. a speedy,
speedy recovery, and, _for my own peace of mind_, that I may hear some good
tidings of Y.R.H.

[K.]

[Footnote 1: Probably the Obersthofmeister, Count Laurencin, by no means
approved of the manner in which Beethoven searched for music, which
accounts for this outbreak on the part of the irritable _maestro_.]

270.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

I have unhappily only myself to blame! I went out yesterday for the first
time, feeling pretty well, but I forgot, or rather paid no attention to the
fact, that, being an invalid only just recovering, I ought to have gone
home early; I have consequently brought on another attack. I think,
however, that by staying at home to-day, all will be right by to-morrow,
when I hope to be able to wait on my esteemed and illustrious pupil without
fail. I beg Y.R.H. not to forget about Handel's works, as they certainly
offer to your mature musical genius the highest nourishment, and their
study will always be productive of admiration of this great man.

[K.]

271.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Moedling, Aug. 31, 1819.

I yesterday received the intelligence _of a fresh recognition and homage[1]
offered to the admirable qualities of your head and heart_. I beg that
Y.R.H. will graciously accept my congratulations. They spring from the
heart, and do not require to be suggested! I hope things will soon go
better with me also. So much annoyance has had a most prejudicial effect on
my health, and I am thus far from well; so for some time past I have been
obliged to undergo a course of medicine which has only permitted me to
devote myself for a few hours in the day to the most