I heard yesterday, and it was indeed confirmed by meeting Count Troyer, that Y.R.H. is now here. I therefore send the dedication of the Trio [in B flat] to Y.R.H., whose name is inscribed on it; but all my works on which I place any value, though the name does not appear, are equally designed for Y.R.H. I trust, however, that you will not think I have a motive in saying this,--men of high rank being apt to suspect self-interest in such expressions,--and I mean on this occasion to risk the imputation so far as appearances go, by at once asking a favor of Y.R.H. My well-grounded reasons for so doing you will no doubt at once perceive, and graciously vouchsafe to grant my request. I have been very much indisposed in Baden since the beginning of last October; indeed, from the 5th of October I have been entirely confined to my bed, or to my room, till about a week ago. I had a very serious inflammatory cold, and am still able to go out very little, which has also been the cause of my not writing to Y.R.H. in Kremsir. May all the blessings that Heaven can shower upon earth attend you.
[K.]
[SECOND PART.]
LIFE'S MISSION.
1815 TO 1822.
147.
WRITTEN IN SPOHR'S ALBUM.[1]
Vienna, March 3, 1815.
Whenever, dear Spohr, you chance to find true art and true artists, may you kindly remember
Your friend,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: From the fac-simile in Spohr's Autobiography, Vol. I.]