Your devoted, incomparativo,
B----N.
Paternoster-Gässel primus will no doubt, like Mephistopheles, emit fiery flames from his jaws.
381.
TO M. DIABELLI.
SIR,--
Pray forgive my asking you to send me the score of my Mass,[1] being in urgent need of it; but I repeat that no public use is to be made of it until I can let you know how and when. It will be at first performed under my direction, with the addition of several new pieces composed expressly for it, which I will with pleasure send to you afterwards. There are certain conventionalities which must be observed, especially as I am so dependent on foreign connections, for Austria does not furnish me with the means of existence, and gives me nothing but vexation. I will soon appoint a day for you to visit Carl.
I remain, sir, with the highest esteem, yours,
BEETHOVEN.
[Footnote 1: This letter seems to be addressed to Diabelli, who in the summer of 1824 begged the loan of the Mass in D for a few days, but neglected to return it.]
382.
TO PROBST,--LEIPZIG.
Vienna, July 3, 1824