around can only call
themselves your fellow-creatures [Nebenmann], whereas I alone have a right
to claim the honored name of captain [_Hauptmann_].

In my secret heart, your true friend and admirer,

BEETHOVEN.

My poor unfortunate brother is dead, which has been the cause of my long
silence. As soon as you have replied to this letter, I will write myself to
Baron de la Motte-Fouque. No doubt your influence in Berlin will easily
obtain for me a commission to write a grand opera (in which you shall be
especially studied) on favorable terms; but do answer me soon, that I may
arrange my other occupations accordingly.

[Music: Tenor clef, C Major, 4/4 time.
Ich kues-se Sie, drue-cke Sie an's Herz!
Ich der Haupt-mann, der Haupt-mann.]

Away with all other false _Hauptmaenner_! [captains.]

[Footnote 1: Mdlle. Milder married Hauptmann, a jeweller in Munich, in
1810, travelled in 1812, and was engaged at Berlin in 1816.]

165.

TO RIES

Vienna, Jan. 20, 1816.

DEAR RIES,--

The Symphony is to be dedicated to the Empress of Russia. The pianoforte
score of the Symphony in A must not, however, appear before June, for the
publisher here cannot be ready sooner. Pray, dear Ries, inform Mr. Birchall
of this at once. The Sonata with violin accompaniment, which will be sent
from here by the next post, can likewise be published in London in May, but
the Trio at a later date (it follows by the next post); I will myself name
the time for its publication. And now, dear Ries, pray receive my heartfelt
thanks for your kindness, and especially for the corrections of the proofs.
May Heaven bless you more and more, and promote your progress, in which I
take the most sincere interest. My kind regards to your wife. Now as ever,

Your sincere friend,

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.

166.

TO MR. BIRCHALL,--LONDON.

Vienne, le 3. Febr. den 1816

VOUS RECEUES CI JOINT--

Le grand Trio p. Pf. V. et Vllo. Sonata pour Pf. et Violin--qui form le
reste de ce qu'il vous a plus a me comettre. Je vous prie de vouloir payer
la some de 130 Ducats d'Holland come le poste lettre a Mr. Th. Cutts et Co.
de votre ville e de me croire avec toute l'estime et consideration

Votre tres humble Serviteur,

LOUIS VAN BEETHOVEN.

167.

TO CZERNY.[1]

MY DEAR CZERNY,--

Pray give the enclosed to your parents for the dinners the boy had recently
at your house; I positively will not accept these _gratis_. Moreover, I am
very far from wishing t