Don’t be vexed with me for sending you this little sheet of paper – Are you not aware of the kind of situation in which I am placed, just as Hercules was formerly with Queen Omphale??? [Anderson footnote: “According to the legend, Hercules was three years in bondage to Omphale, Queen of Lydia. Beethoven is probably referring to his bondage to Therese Malfatti, with whom he was in love.] I asked you to buy me a looking-glass like yours. When you no longer require yours which I am sending you with this note, please return it to me today, for mine is smashed – All good wishes, and don’t describe me any more as ‘the great man’ – for never have I felt so deeply as I do now the strength or the weakness of human nature – Be fond of me –