[Footnote 3: Beethoven had, however, no cause for despair on the subject.
The kind-hearted Archduke showed the utmost indulgence to him on this
occasion as well as on many others, and even at a later period accepted the
dedication of this long delayed composition.]


272.[1]

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1819.

I perceive that Baron Schweiger has not informed Y.R.H. of the attack I had
yesterday. I was suddenly seized with such sharp fever that I entirely lost
consciousness; a bruised foot may have contributed to bring this on. It is
therefore impossible for me to leave the house to-day. I hope, however, to
be quite recovered by to-morrow, and I request Y.R.H. to appoint the
orchestra to come to-morrow afternoon at a quarter to three o'clock, that
the musicians may appear a little earlier, and leave sufficient time to try
over the two Overtures. If Y.R.H. wishes to hear these, I shall require
four horns; the Symphonies, however, require only two. For the proper
performance of the Symphonies we must have at least four violins, four
second, four first, two double basses, two violoncellos. I beg you will be
so good as to let me know what you decide on. No pleasure can ever be
greater to me than hearing my works performed before my illustrious pupil.
May God speedily restore your health, which often causes me anxiety!

[K.]