The treatise on the piano is a general one,--that is, it is a kind of
compendium. Besides, I am pleased with the Swiss [probably Weber, a young
musician who had been recommended to him], but the "Guaden" is no longer
the fashion.

In haste, the devoted servant and friend of the Giannatasio family,

BEETHOVEN.


226.

TO G. DEL RIO.

You herewith receive through Carl, my dear friend, the ensuing quarter due
to you. I beg you will attend more to the cultivation of his feelings and
kindness of heart, as the latter in particular is the lever of all that is
good; and no matter how a man's kindly feeling may be ridiculed or
depreciated, still our greatest authors, such as Goethe and others,
consider it an admirable quality; indeed, many maintain that without it no
man can ever be very distinguished, nor can any depth of character exist.

My time is too limited to say more, but we can discuss verbally how in my
opinion Carl ought to be treated on this point.

Your friend and servant,

L. VAN BEETHOVEN.