The
quartet in the third act [Anderson footnote: "Act III,
no. 16, the quartet sung by Leonore, Florestan, Pizarro and Rocco.
It became Act II, no. 14, in the third version of 'Fidelio'."]
is now quite correct. The copyist should immediately ink over
what is been entered in red pencil [Anderson footnote: "Beethoven's
famous red pencil of monstrous size, resembling that of a carpenter."],
or the entries will become illegible -- This afternoon I shall
send again for Acts I and II, because I want to go through these
myself also -- I cannot come, for since yesterday I have been
suffering from colic pains -- my usual complaint
-- don't worry about the overture and the rest. If necessary,
everything could be ready by tomorrow. But owing to the present
distressing crisis [Anderson footnote: "The occupation
of Vienna by Napoleon's army. The French left on November 27th
and he Peace of Pressburg was signed on December 26, 1805."]
I have still so many other Affairs to attend to that I must postpone
everything that is not absolutely necessary --
Your
friend
Beethoven