The following note from Waldstein evinces the deep interest he took in Beethoven, and his faith in the young composer's genius:—
"Dear Beethoven,—"You are now going to Vienna for the realization of your wishes, so long frustrated. The Genius of Mozart still mourns and laments the death of his disciple. He found refuge with the inexhaustible Haydn, but no scope for action, and through him he now wishes once more to be united to some one. Receive, through unbroken industry, the spirit of Mozart from the hands of Haydn.
"Your true friend,
"Waldstein.
"Bonn, 29th October, 1792."
In the beginning of November, then, 1792, Beethoven finally took leave of his boyhood's friends—father and brothers, Wegeler, Franz Ries, Neefe, Reicha, Waldstein, pretty Barbara Koch, and, hardest of all, the Breunings.
Some of these he saw for the last time.
He was destined never again to tread the old familiar streets of Bonn.
FOOTNOTES:
[4] One of the greatest pianists of the time.
[5] The following birthday greeting, surrounded by a wreath of flowers and accompanied by a silhouette of Eleanore, was found among Beethoven's papers:—