--_Vale!_

343.

TO SCHINDLER.[1]

Hetzendorf, 1823.

SAMOTHRACIAN VAGABOND!--

You were dispatched yesterday to the South Pole, whereas we went off to the
North Pole, a slight difference now equalized by Captain Parry. There were,
however, no mashed potatoes there.

Bach [his lawyer], to whom I beg my best regards, is requested to say what
the lodging in Baden is to cost; we must also try to arrange that Carl
should come to me once every fortnight there (but cheaply; good heavens!
poverty and economy!). I intrust this matter to you, as you have your
friends and admirers among the drivers and liverymen. If you get this in
time, you had better go to Bach to-day, so that I may receive his answer
to-morrow forenoon. It is almost too late now.

You might also take that rascal of a copyist by surprise; I don't expect
much good from him. He has now had the Variations for eight days.

Your ["friend" stroked out] _amicus_,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: He no doubt alludes to Captain Parry, the celebrated
traveller, who wrote an article in the _A.M. Zeitung_ on the music of the
Esquimaux.]

344.

TO SCHINDLER.[1]

June, 1823.

SAMOTHRACIAN!--

Don't trouble yourself to come here till you receive a _Hati Scherif_. I
must say you do not deserve the _golden_ cord. My fast-sailing frigate, the
worthy and well-born Frau Schnaps, will call every three or four days to
inquire after your health.

Farewell! Bring _no one whatever_ with you: farewell!

[Footnote 1: Schindler says in his _Biography_: "These _Variations_ [Op.
120] were completed in June, 1823, and delivered to the publisher,
Diabelli, without the usual amount of time bestowed on giving them the
finishing touches; and now he set to work at once at the ninth Symphony,
some jottings of which were already written down. Forthwith all the gay
humor that had made him more sociable, and in every respect more
accessible, at once disappeared. All visits were declined," &c.]

345.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

Hetzendorf, July 15, 1823.

I trust that you are in the best possible health. As for my eyes, they are
improving, though slowly, and in six or seven days at most I hope to have
the good fortune to wait on Y.R.H. If I were not obliged to use spectacles,
I should get better sooner. It is a most distressing occurrence, and has
thrown me back in everything. What soothes my feelings, however, is Y.R.H.
being fully aware that I am always to be of service t