anoforte playing, that he could not venture to
attempt playing the concerto properly within the course of a few days
(which Beethoven desired). On which he received, in the above letter, a
touching proof of Beethoven's sympathy. He also learned subsequently that
Beethoven had exerted himself to procure him a permanent situation.]

256.

TO F. RIES,--LONDON.

Vienna, March 5, 1818.

MY DEAR RIES,--

In spite of my wishes it was impossible for me to go to London this year
[see No. 236]. I beg you will apprise the Philharmonic Society that my
feeble health prevented my coming; I trust, however, I shall be entirely
restored this spring, so that in the autumn I may avail myself of their
offers and fulfil all their conditions.

Pray request Neate, in my name, to make no public use of the various works
of mine that he has in his hands, at least not until I come. Whatever he
may have to say for himself, I have cause to complain of him.

Potter[1] called on me several times; he seems to be a worthy man, and to
have a talent for composition. My wish and hope for you is that your
circumstances may daily improve. I cannot, alas! say that such is the case
with my own.... I cannot bear to see others want, I must give; you may
therefore believe what a loser I am by this affair. I do beg that you will
write to me soon. If possible I shall try to get away from this earlier, in
the hope of escaping utter ruin, in which case I shall arrive in London by
the winter at latest. I know that you will assist an unfortunate friend. If
it had only been in my power, and had I not been chained to this place, as
I always have been, by circumstances, I certainly would have done far more
for you.

Farewell; remember me to Neate, Smart, and Cramer. Although I hear that the
latter is a _counter subject_ both to you and to myself, still I rather
understand how to manage people of that kind; so notwithstanding all this
we shall yet succeed in producing an agreeable harmony in London. I embrace
you from my heart. Your friend,

L. VAN BEETHOVEN.

Many handsome compliments to your charming, (and as I hear) handsome wife.

[Footnote 1: Schindler, in his _Biography_ (Vol. II. 254), states that
Cipriani Potter came to Vienna in 1817.]

257.

TO THE RECHNUNGSRATH, VINCENZ HAUSCHKA.[1]

1818.

First and foremost member of our society, and grand cross of the
violon--cello! You wish for an _heroic_ subject, whereas I have none but a
_spiritua