or
weak-sided Dr. Wolf, then, according to the assurances of the
_Oberstburggraf_ himself, the affair might have had a still more favorable
result. I shall therefore ever and always be grateful to you for your
services. The Court now deduct the sixty ducats I mentioned of my own
accord, and to which the late Prince never alluded either to his treasurer
or any one else. Where truth could injure me it has been accepted, so why
reject it when it could have benefited me? How unfair! Baron Pasqualati
requires information from you on various points.

I am again very tired to-day, having been obliged to discuss many things
with poor P.; such matters exhaust me more than the greatest efforts in
composition. It is a new field, the soil of which I ought not to be
required to till. This painful business has cost me many tears and much
sorrow. The time draws near when Princess Kinsky must be written to. Now I
must conclude. How rejoiced shall I be when I can write you the pure
effusions of my heart once more; and this I mean to do as soon as I am
extricated from all these troubles. Pray accept again my heartfelt thanks
for all that you have done for me, and continue your regard for

Your attached friend,

BEETHOVEN.

146.

TO THE ARCHDUKE RUDOLPH.

1815.

I heard yesterday, and it was indeed confirmed by meeting Count Troyer,
that Y.R.H. is now here. I therefore send the dedication of the Trio [in B
flat] to Y.R.H., whose name is inscribed on it; but all my works on which I
place any value, though the name does not appear, are equally designed for
Y.R.H. I trust, however, that you will not think I have a motive in saying
this,--men of high rank being apt to suspect self-interest in such
expressions,--and I mean on this occasion to risk the imputation so far as
_appearances_ go, by at once asking a favor of Y.R.H. My well-grounded
reasons for so doing you will no doubt at once perceive, and graciously
vouchsafe to grant my request. I have been very much indisposed in Baden
since the beginning of last October; indeed, from the 5th of October I have
been entirely confined to my bed, or to my room, till about a week ago. I
had a very serious inflammatory cold, and am still able to go out very
little, which has also been the cause of my not writing to Y.R.H. in
Kremsir. May all the blessings that Heaven can shower upon earth attend
you.

[K.]

SECOND PART.

LIFE'S MISSION.

1815 TO 1822.

PART II.