ill send Carl to me with the bearer of this letter; otherwise I
shall not be able to see him all day, which would be contrary to his own
interest, as my influence seems to be required; in the same view, I beg you
will give him a few lines with a report of his conduct, so that I may enter
at once on any point where improvement is necessary.

I am going to the country to-day, and shall not return till rather late at
night; being always unwilling to infringe your rules, I beg you will send
some night-things with Carl, so that if we return too late to bring him to
you to-day, I can keep him all night, and take him back to you myself early
next morning.

In haste, always yours,

L. V. BEETHOVEN.

179.

TO G. DEL RIO.

1816.

I must apologize to you, my good friend, for Carl having come home at so
late an hour. We were obliged to wait for a person who arrived so late that
it detained us, but I will not soon repeat this breach of your rules. As to
Carl's mother, I have now decided that your wish not to see her again in
your house shall be acceded to. This course is far more safe and judicious
for our dear Carl, experience having taught me that every visit from his
mother leaves a root of bitterness in the boy's heart, which may injure,
but never can benefit him. I shall strive to arrange occasional meetings at
my house, which is likely to result in everything being entirely broken off
with her. As we thoroughly agree on the subject of Carl's mother, we can
mutually decide on the mode of his education.

Your true friend,

BEETHOVEN.

180.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Vienna, July 11, 1816.

Your kindness towards me induces me to hope that you will not attribute to
any _selfish_ design on my part the somewhat audacious (though only as to
the surprise) dedication annexed. The work[1] was written for Y.R.H., or
rather, it owes its existence to you, and this the world (the musical
world) ought to know. I shall soon have the honor of waiting on Y.R.H. in
Baden. Notwithstanding all the efforts of my physician, who will not allow
me to leave this, the weakness in my chest is no better, though my general
health is improved. I hope to hear all that is cheering of your own health,
about which I am always so much interested.

[K.]

[Footnote 1: Does Beethoven here allude to the dedication of the Sonata for
pianoforte and violin in G major, Op. 96, which, though sold to a publisher
in April, 1815, was designated as q