398.
TO SCHOTT,--MAYENCE.
Vienna, December 17 [Beethoven's birthday], 1824.
I write to say that a week must yet elapse before the works can be dispatched to you. The Archduke only left this yesterday, and much precious time was I obliged to spend with him. I am beloved and highly esteemed by him, but--I cannot live on that, and the call from every quarter to remember "that he who has a lamp ought to pour oil into it" finds no response here.
As the score ought to be correctly engraved, I must look it over repeatedly myself, for I have no clever copyist at present. Pray, do not think ill of me! Never was I guilty of anything base!
399.
March, 1825.
MY GOOD FRIENDS,--
Each is herewith appointed to his own post, and formally taken into our service, pledging his honor to do his best to distinguish himself, and each to vie with the other in zeal.
Every individual cooperating in this performance must subscribe his name to this paper.[1]
Schuppanzigh, (Manu propria.)
Weiss.
Linke, (M.P.)
Confounded violoncello of the great masters.
Holz, (M.P.)
The last, but only as to his signature.