tarting for the country yesterday, I was obliged to make
some preparations myself; so unluckily your visit to me was in vain.
Forgive me in consideration of my very delicate health. As perhaps I may
not see you again, I wish you every possible prosperity. Think of me when
writing your poems.

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

Convey my affectionate regards and esteem to Zelter,--that faithful prop of
true art.

Though convalescent, I still feel very weak. Kindly accept the following
token of remembrance from

Your friend,

BEETHOVEN.

[Music: treble clef, C-major.
Das Schoe-ne mit dem Guten.]

407.

TO * * *

Vienna.

SIR,--

Being on the point of going into the country, and only very recently
recovered from an attack of internal inflammation, I can merely write you a
few words. In the passage in the "Opferlied," 2d strophe, where it runs
thus:--

[Music: C-clef on bottom line, A major, marked "Solostimme".
E-rde.]

I wish it to be written thus:--

[Music: E-rde. (with different notes)]

408.

TO HIS BROTHER JOHANN.

Baden, May 6, 1825.

The bell and bell-pulls, &c., &c., are on no account whatever to be left in
my former lodging. No proposal was ever made to these people to take any of
my things. Indisposition prevented my sending for it, and the locksmith had
not come during my stay to take down the bell; otherwise it might have been
at once removed and sent to me in town, as they have no right whatever to
retain it. Be this as it may, I am quite determined not to leave the bell
there, for I require one here, and therefore intend to use the one in
question for my purpose, as a similar one would cost me twice as much as in
Vienna, bell-pulls being the most expensive things locksmiths have. If
necessary, apply at once to the police. The window in my room is precisely
in the same state as when I took possession, but I am willing to pay for
it, and also for the one in the kitchen,--2 florins 12 kreutzers for the
two. The key I will not pay for, as I found none; on the contrary, the door
was fastened or nailed up when I came, and remained in the same condition
till I left; there never was a key, so of course neither I myself, nor
those who preceded me, could make use of one. Perhaps it is intended to
make a collection, in which case I am willing to put my hand in my pocket.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

409.

TO HERR VON SCHLEMMER.[1]

SIR,--

It strikes me as very remarkable that Carl cannot