"I am, with all esteem,
"Your most obedient servant and friend,
"L. v. Beethoven,
"Cologne Court Organist.
"To Monsieur de Schaden,
"Counsellor at Augsburg."
When years afterwards Ferdinand Ries came as a boy of fifteen to Beethoven in Vienna, and solicited his help and countenance, the master, who was much occupied at the time, told him so, adding, "Say to your father that I have not forgotten how my mother died. He will be satisfied with that." Franz Ries had, in fact, at the time of the mother's illness, lent substantial assistance to the impoverished family; and this to the heart of the son was a sure claim on his lasting gratitude.
FOOTNOTES:
[3] Margaret, who died while still an infant.
CHAPTER III
YOUTH.
Despondency—The Breuning Family—Literary Pursuits—Count Waldstein—National Theatre of Max Franz—King Lux and his Court—The Abbé Sterkel—Appointment as Court Pianist—First Love—Second Visit of Joseph Haydn.