suit his defective hearing.]

Perhaps you do not know, though I have not always had one of your pianos,
that since 1809 I have invariably preferred yours.

It is peculiarly hard on me to be a burden on any one, being accustomed
rather to serve others than to be served by them.


235.

TO FRAU VON STREICHER.

I can only say that I am better; I thought much of death during the past
night, but such thoughts are familiar to me by day also.


236.

TO F. RIES,--LONDON.

Vienna, July 9, 1817.

MY DEAR FRIEND,--

The proposals in your esteemed letter of the 9th of June are very
flattering, and my reply will show you how much I value them. Were it not
for my unhappy infirmities, which entail both attendance and expense,
particularly on a journey to a foreign country, I would _unconditionally_
accept the offer of the Philharmonic Society. But place yourself in my