[Footnote 1: This letter contains all kinds of dashes and flourishes, which prove that the maestro was in his happiest mood when he wrote it. His nephew was at that time in the hospital, probably owing to his attempt at suicide.]
458.
TO THE KING OF PRUSSIA.
YOUR MAJESTY,--
One of the greatest pieces of good fortune of my life is your Majesty having graciously permitted me respectfully to dedicate my present work [the 9th Symphony] to you.
Your Majesty is not only the father of your subjects, but also a patron of art and science; and how much more precious is your gracious permission to me, from being myself so fortunate as to be numbered among your subjects, being a citizen of Bonn.
I beg your Majesty will vouchsafe to accept this work as a slender token of the profound admiration with which I regard your virtues.
I am, your Majesty's obedient humble servant,
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.
459.
TO WEGELER.
Vienna, October 7, 1826.