out myself, but no day, not
a single one, am I free from work, and I shall thank the good Lord when
I can leave London; the sooner the better. My labours are augmented
by the arrival of my pupil Pleyel, who has been summoned here by the
Professional Society to direct their concerts. He brought with him a
number of new compositions, which were, however, written long ago! He
accordingly promised to give a new piece every evening. On seeing this,
I could easily perceive that there was a dead set against me, so I
also announced publicly that I would likewise give twelve different new
pieces; so in order to keep my promise, and to support poor Salomon, I
must be the victim, and work perpetually. I do feel it, however, very
much. My eyes suffer most, and my nights are very sleepless, but with
God's help I will overcome it all. The Professors wished to put a spoke
in my wheel because I did not join their concerts, but the public is
just. Last year I received great applause, but this year still more.
Pleyel's presumption is everywhere criticized, and yet I love him, and
have gone to his concert each time, and been the first to applaud him.
I sincerely rejoice that you and yours are well. My kind regards to
all. The time draws near to put my trunks in travelling order. Oh! how
delighted shall I be to see you again, and to show personally all the
esteem that I felt for you in absence, and that I ever shall feel for
you.

Yours, etc.,

HAYDN.

P.S.--Please apologize to Herr v. Kees for want of time preventing my
sending him the new symphonies. I hope to have the honour of directing
them myself in your house, at our next Christmas music.

To Frau v. Genzinger.

LONDON, April 24, 1792.

I yesterday evening received with much pleasure your last letter of 5
April, with the extract from the newspaper, extolling my poor talents to
the Viennese. I must confess that I have gained considerable credit with
the English in vocal music, by this little chorus, [The "Storm Chorus,"
see p. 91.] my first attempt with English words. It is only to be
regretted that, during my stay here, I have not been able to write more
pieces of a similar nature, but we could not find any boys to sing at
our concerts, they having been already engaged for a year past to sing
at other concerts, of which there are a vast number. In spite of the
great opposition of my musical enemies, who are so bitter against me,
more especially leaving nothing undone wi