Forgive
me, most illustrious princess! If the bearer of this letter gives
you perhaps an unpleasant surprise -- Poor Ries, who is
a pupil of mine, must shoulder his musket in this unfortunate
war and -- as he is a foreigner, must also leave Vienna in a few
days -- He has nothing, absolutely nothing -- and he has to undertake
a long journey -- In these circumstances he has no opportunity
whatever to give a concert -- So he must have recourse to charity
-- I recommend him to you -- I know that you will forgive me for
taking this step -- It is only in extreme necessity that a noble-minded
man can resort to such measures -- Convinced of this I am sending
the poor fellow to you so that you may perhaps alleviate to some
extent is difficult circumstances -- He is compelled to appeal
for help to all who know him.
With
deepest homage
L.
van Beethoven