n heavy. If your husband will rely on my opinion,
that Herr Schanz is the best maker for this class of instruments, I
would then settle everything at once. In great haste, yours, etc.,

HAYDN.

To Frau v. Genzinger.

Estoras, August 15.

I ought to have written to you last week in answer to your letter, but
as this day has been long enshrined in my heart, I have been striving
earnestly all the time to think how and what I was to wish for you; so
thus eight days passed, and now, when my wishes ought to be expressed,
my small amount of intellect comes to a standstill, and (quite abashed)
I find nothing to say; why? wherefore? because I have not been able to
fulfill those musical hopes for this particular day that you have justly
the right to expect. Oh, my most charming and kind benefactress! if
you could only know, or see into my troubled heart on this subject, you
would certainly feel pity and indulgence for me. The unlucky promised
symphony has haunted my imagination ever since it was bespoken, and it
is only, alas! the pressure of urgent occurrences that has prevented its
being hitherto ushered into the world! The hope, however, of your lenity
towards me for the delay, and the approaching time of the fulfillment
of my promise, embolden me to express my wish, which, among the hundreds
offered to you to-day and yesterday, may perhaps appear to you only an
insignificant interloper; I say perhaps, for it would be too bold in me
to think that you could form no better wish for yourself than mine. You
see, therefore, most kind and charming lady, that I can wish nothing
for you on your nameday, because my wishes are too feeble, and therefore
unproductive. As for me, I venture to wish for myself your kind
indulgence, and the continuance of your friendship, and the goodness
that I so highly prize. This is my warmest wish! But if any wish of mine
may be permitted, then mine shall become identical with your own, for
thus I shall feel assured that none other remains, except the wish once
more to be allowed to subscribe myself your very sincere friend and
servant,

HAYDN.

No further letters appear to have been addressed to the lady until
Haydn started on his first visit to London in December 1790. One or two
extracts from these London letters have been used in Chapter V., but as
the repetitions will be very slight, we allow the letters to stand as
they are.

To Frau v. Genzinger.

CALAIS, Decr. 31, 1790.

HIGH