to the bass singer
Preisinger.]

371.[1]

TO SCHINDLER.

I beg you will come to see me to-morrow, as I have a tale to tell you as
sour as vinegar. Duport said yesterday that he had written to me, though I
have not yet got his letter, but he expressed his satisfaction, which is
best of all. The chief feat however is not yet performed, that which is to
be acted in front of the _Proscenium_!

[In Beethoven's writing:] Yours, _from C# below to high F_,

BEETHOVEN.

[Footnote 1: Written by his nephew.]

372.

TO SCHINDLER.

After six weeks of discussion, here, there, and everywhere, I am fairly
boiled, stewed, and roasted. What will be the result of this much-talked-of
concert if the prices are not raised? What shall I get in return for all my
outlay, as the copying alone costs so much?

373.

TO SCHINDLER.

At twelve o'clock to-day "in die Birne" [an inn on the
Landstrasse]--thirsty and hungry--then to the coffee-house, back again
here, and straight to Penzing, or I shall lose the lodging.

374.

TO SCHINDLER.

When you write to me, write exactly as I do to you, without any formal
address or signature--_vita brevis, ars longa_. No necessity for details;
only the needful!

375.

TO HERR STEINER & CO.

Baden, May 27, 1824.

P.N.G. [PATERNOSTERGAeSSEL],--

Have the goodness to give me a proof of your great complaisance, by using
your hand-rostrum (ruler) (not _Rostrum Victoriatum_) to rule 202 lines of
music for me, somewhat in the style I now send, and also on equally fine
paper, which you must include in your account. Send it, if possible,
to-morrow evening by Carl, for I require it.

Perhaps plenary indulgence may then be granted.

376.

POUR M. DE HASLINGER, GENERAL MUSICIEN ET GENERAL-LIEUTENANT.

MY DEAR FRIEND,--

You would really do me great injustice were you to suppose that negligence
prevented my sending you the tickets; I assure you that it was my intention
to do so, but I forgot it like many other things. I hope that some other
opportunity may occur to enable me to prove my sentiments with regard to
you. I am, I assure you, entirely innocent of all that Duport has done, in
the same way that it was _he_ who thought fit to represent the Terzet [Op.
116] as new, _not I_. You know too well my love of truth; but it is better
to be silent now on the subject, as it is not every one who is aware of the
true state of the case, and I, though innocent, might incur blame. I do