subject in writing; but this I will say, that such conduct might have the
effect of repelling many talented, good, and noble-minded men, who had not
enjoyed the good fortune to learn from personal intercourse with Y.R.H. all
the admirable qualities of your mind and heart. I wish Y.R.H. a speedy,
speedy recovery, and, _for my own peace of mind_, that I may hear some good
tidings of Y.R.H.

[K.]

[Footnote 1: Probably the Obersthofmeister, Count Laurencin, by no means
approved of the manner in which Beethoven searched for music, which
accounts for this outbreak on the part of the irritable _maestro_.]


270.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

I have unhappily only myself to blame! I went out yesterday for the first
time, feeling pretty well, but I forgot, or rather paid no attention to the
fact, that, being an invalid only just recovering, I ought to have gone
home early; I have consequently brought on another attack. I think,
however, that by staying at home to-day, all will be right by to-morrow,
when I hope to be able to wait on my esteemed and illustrious pupil without
fail. I beg Y.R.H. not to forget about Handel's works, as they certainly
offer to your mature musical genius the highest nourishment, and their
study will always be productive of admiration of this great man.