history of my affairs was up to your
arrival, which unhappily I could not wait for. When I tell
you _that I am flying my country_, I have painted my whole
fortune. But the worst is yet behind. I have not the
necessary _means_ of setting my mishap at defiance. For the
sake of safety, I had to withdraw from Stuttgard with the
utmost speed, at the time of the Prince's arrival. Thus were
my economical arrangements suddenly snapped asunder: I could
not even pay my debts. My hopes had been set on a removal to
Mannheim; there I trusted, by your Excellency's assistance,
that my new play might not only have cleared me of debt, but
have permanently put me into better circumstances. All this
was frustrated by the necessity for hastening my removal. I
went empty away; empty in purse and hope. I blush at being
forced to make such disclosures to you; though I know they
do not disgrace me. Sad enough for me to see realised in
myself the hateful saying, that mental growth and full
stature are things denied to every Swabian!

'If my former conduct, if all that your Excellency knows of
my character, inspires you with confidence in my love of
honour, permit me frankly to ask your assistance. Pressingly
as I now need the profit I expect from my _Fiesco_, it will
be impossible for me to have the piece in readiness before
three weeks: my heart was oppressed; the feeling of my own
situation drove me back from my poetic dreams. But if at the
specified period, I could make the play not only _ready_,
but, as I also hope, _worthy_, I take courage from that
persuasion, respectfully to ask that your Excellency would
be so obliging as _advance_ for me the price that will then
become due. I need it now, perhaps more than I shall ever do
again throughout my life. I had near 200 florins of debt in
Stuttgard, which I could not pay. I may confess to you, that
this gives me more uneasiness than anything about my future
destiny. I shall have no rest till I am free on _that_ side.

'In eight days, too, my travelling purse will be exhausted.
It is yet utterly impossible for me to labour with my mind.
In my hand, therefore, are at present no resources.

* * * * *

'My actual situation being clear enough from what I have
already said, I