My dear and
honoured Pleyel,
How
are you and how is your family? I have often wanted to visit you,
but so far it has not been possible. Moreover the war has been
partly responsible for my not doing so. Now I wonder whether I
ought to let myself be deterred still further - or any longer
- for if so, I shall probably never see Paris.
My
dear Camillus - If I am not mistaken, that was the name of the
Roman who drove the wicked Gauls out of Rome. At that rate I too
would like to bear that name, provided I could drive them away
from where they have no right to be - What are you doing with
your talent, dear Camille? -- I trust that you are not letting
it fend for itself - but that you are fostering it - With all
my heart I embrace you both, father and son, and in
addition to the business matters concerning which you have to
write to me, I should like to hear a good deal about you and your
family - All good wishes. And do not forget your true friend
Beethoven