e or home,
and without a prebendary (like myself). I wish you all these, most faithful
servant of my illustrious master, as well as everything else in the world,
from which you may select what you like best.[1] That there may be no
mistake, I hereby declare that it is our intention to set to music the
Bernard Oratorio, the "Sieg des Kreuzes" and speedily to complete the same.
Witness this our sign and seal,

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

1st P.S. Take care that the venison is not devoured by rats or mice--you
understand? Strive for better choice and variety.

Yours, as a Christian and in Apollo,

B.

2d P.S. As for the little flag on the white tower, we hope soon to see it
waving again!

[Footnote 1: An allusion to Hauschka's subserviency to all persons in high
Court offices.]

393.

TO HERR NAeGELI,--ZURICH.

Vienna, November 17, 1824.

MY MUCH-VALUED FRIEND,--

Deeply absorbed in work, and not sufficiently protected against this late
season of the year, I have again been ill; so believe me it was impossible
for me to write to you sooner. With regard to your subscription, I have
only succeeded in getting one subscriber for two copies, Herr v. Bihler,
tutor in the family of His Imperial Highness the Archduke Carl; he tried to
get the Archduke also, but failed. I have exerted myself with every one,
but, unluckily, people are here actually deluged with things of the same
kind. This is all that I can write to you in my hurry. I urged the matter,
too, on Haslinger, but in vain; we are really poor here in Austria, and the
continued pressure of the war leaves but little for art and science. I will
see that the subscriptions are paid, but let me know distinctly where the
money is to be sent to. I embrace you in spirit. Always rely on the high
esteem of your true friend,

BEETHOVEN.

394.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

November 18, 1824.

YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS,--

On my return from Baden, illness prevented my waiting on Y.R.H. according
to my wish, being prohibited going out; thus yesterday was the first time I
dared to venture again into the open air. When your gracious letter
arrived, I was confined to bed, and under the influence of sudorifics, my
illness having been caused by a chill; so it was impossible for me to rise.
I feel sure that Y.R.H is well aware that I never would neglect the respect
so properly your due. I shall have the pleasure of waiting on you to-morrow
forenoon. Moreover, there will be no l