“Oh, you know everything already, Herr Count, for it is you I have to thank for your kind intercession,” replied Beethoven, cordially. “Chamber musician! A hundred ducats! A journey to Vienna! My head swims.”
“Oh, yes, I suppose because of your sorrow over the unkindness of the Elector, who has punished you for your petulancy,” said the Count, with his peculiar smile. “As a punishment you have been consigned to banishment from your colleagues. Keep this in mind. The Elector so wills it.”
“Yes, but for my advantage, Herr Count,” said Beethoven, joyfully. “But, God knows, it is a merciful punishment, for which one should be a thousand times thankful.”
And away he flew to the beloved mother to make his sorrowful complaint of the severity of the hard, cruel, merciful Elector.
Tears flowed. It was but natural. But the tears were certainly not altogether those of sorrow.
In Vienna
The most distinguished and refined society of that period was accustomed to assemble at the house of Prince Lichnowski,[23] and the best music was often performed there by the most eminent artists. Both the Prince and his amiable wife had received a thorough musical education, and loved and promoted music of the highest kind.
Beethoven brought a most cordial letter of introduction from Count Waldstein to the Prince, and consequently received an immediate invitation to a musical evening at the Lichnowski palace, which he of course accepted.
Upon entering the splendid apartments of the Prince, he found a brilliant company assembled. The contrast with his simple, ordinary dress made him feel a little uneasy, and he would have quietly slipped away had not Prince Lichnowski fortunately prevented his attempt to escape, just in time. Beethoven’s name had hardly been announced to him by a servant before he hastened to receive him, greeted him in the most cordial manner, bade him welcome, and shook hands with him warmly.
“I am exceedingly delighted to see you at my house,” said he. “My friend, Count Waldstein, has written many nice and kindly things about you, and His Electoral Highness, the Archbishop, has added with his own hand the strongest and most hearty words of recommendation. I hope you will feel perfectly at home with us very soon. I beg you to come with me, that I may present you to the Princess, who will be no less pleased than myself to make your acquaintance.”