I was really very much
hurt that you, my beloved friend, should have run away
without even letting me know anything about your departure - Perhaps
something about me annoyed you, but certainly it was nothing deliberate
on my part - I have too little time today to write much more
to you. So all that I will add is that your symphony has
been ready for a long time and that I am now sending it to you
by the next post - You should add 50 gulden, for the copies I
have had made for you have cost that amount at least - But if
you don't want the symphony, let me know this well before the
next post day - If you do take it, however, then cheer me up as
soon as possible with the 300 gulden which are still due to me
- The last movement of the symphony has three trombones
and a piccolo - and although, it is true, there are not three
kettledrums, yet this combination of instruments will make more
noise and, what is more, a more pleasing noise than six kettledrums.
I am still nursing my poor unfortunate finger and on this
account I have not been able to go out at all for the last fortnight
- All good wishes - Let me soon have some news of you, dearest
Count - I am not at all well -
In
haste, your most devoted
Beethoven