They were all much amused with it; and the Impressario continued to repeat, “I can tell you, I know the public.”
Here several persons, invited guests of the composer, came in; among them Mozart’s pupils, Sutzmayr and Wolfl, with the Abbe Stadler and the excellent tenorist, Peyerl. After an hour or so spent in agreeable conversation, enlivened by an air from Mozart, they went to the dinner table. Schickaneder here played his part well, doing ample justice to the viands and wine. The dinner was really excellent; and the host, notwithstanding his appearance of feeble health, was in first rate spirits, abounding in gayety, which soon communicated itself to the rest of the company.
After they had dined, and the coffee had been brought in, Mozart took his new acquaintance to the window, apart from the others, and asked, “Did you come through Leipzig?”
Beethoven replied in the affirmative.
“Did you remain long there?”
“I merely passed through.”
“That is a pity! I love Leipzig; I have many dear friends there; the dearest, my good old Doles, is dead some time since; yet I have others, and when you return thither you may stay longer; I will give you letters to them. But now, I beg of you, tell me how it stands with yourself, and what you have learned? If I can be of any service to you, command me.”
Louis pressed the master’s hand, which was cordially extended to him, and without hesitation gave his history, and informed him of his plans; concluding by asking his advice.
Mozart listened with a benevolent smile; and when he had ended, said, “Come, you must let me hear you play.” With that he led him to an admirable instrument in another apartment; opened it, and invited him to select a piece of music.
“Will you give me a thema?” asked Louis.