343.
TO SCHINDLER.[1]
Hetzendorf, 1823.
SAMOTHRACIAN VAGABOND!--
You were dispatched yesterday to the South Pole, whereas we went off to the North Pole, a slight difference now equalized by Captain Parry. There were, however, no mashed potatoes there.
Bach [his lawyer], to whom I beg my best regards, is requested to say what the lodging in Baden is to cost; we must also try to arrange that Carl should come to me once every fortnight there (but cheaply; good heavens! poverty and economy!). I intrust this matter to you, as you have your friends and admirers among the drivers and liverymen. If you get this in time, you had better go to Bach to-day, so that I may receive his answer to-morrow forenoon. It is almost too late now.
You might also take that rascal of a copyist by surprise; I don't expect much good from him. He has now had the Variations for eight days.
Your ["friend" stroked out] amicus,
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: He no doubt alludes to Captain Parry, the celebrated traveller, who wrote an article in the A.M. Zeitung on the music of the Esquimaux.]
344.
TO SCHINDLER.[1]
June, 1823.