[Footnote 1: Carl Czerny relates in the Vienna _A.M. Zeitung_ of 1845, No.
113, as follows:--"Beethoven came to me usually every day himself with the
boy, and used to say to me, 'You must not think that you please me by
making Carl play my works; I am not so childish as to wish anything of the
kind. Give him whatever you think best.' I named Clementi. 'Yes, yes,' said
he, 'Clementi is very good indeed;' and, added he, laughing, 'Give Carl
occasionally what is _according to rule_, that he may hereafter come to
what is _contrary to rule_.' After a hit of this sort, which he introduced
into almost every speech, he used to burst into a loud peal of laughter.
Having in the earlier part of his career been often reproached by the
critics with his _irregularities_, he was in the habit of alluding to this
with gay humor."]


229.

TO CZERNY.

DEAR CZERNY,--

I beg you will say nothing _on that particular subject_ at Giannatasio's,
who dined with us on the day you were so good as to call on me; he
requested this himself. I _will tell you the reason_ when we meet. I hope
to be able to prove my gratitude for your patience with my nephew, that I
may not always remain your debtor. In haste,

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.