I am not well and therefore cannot come to you – Accept these few bottles of wine, which will surely be of more use to you than they are to me – I can well believe that the arrival of the M[alfattis] takes up all your time; and therefore I cannot even ask you to visit me.  But if you can, then come alone – All good wishes.  Be fond of me.
                                                                                                         Your
                                                                                                     Beethoven