Sir!
Many concerns have prevented my answers your favours, to which I reply only in part. All your songs with the exception of a few are ready to be forwarded, I mean those two which I was to write the accompaniments, for with respect to the 6 canzonettes, which I am to compose, I own the honorary you offered is totally inadequate. Circumstances here have been much altered and taxes have been so much raised after the English fashion that my share four 1814 was near L60. Besides an original good air –– and what you also wish –– an overture, are perhaps the most difficult undertakings in musical compositions. I therefore beg to state that my honorary for 6 songs or airs must be L35 or seventy Imp. Ducats and for an overture L20 or 50 Imp. Ducats. You will please to assign the payments here as usual, and you may dependent that I shall do you justice. No artist of talent and merit will find my pretensions extravagant.
Concerning the overture you will please to indicate in your reply whether you wish to have it composed for an easy or more difficult execution. I expect your immediate answer having several orders to attend, and I shell in a little time write more copiously in reply to your favors already received. I beg to thank the author for the very ingenious and flattering verses which I obtained by your means. Allow me to subscribe myself Sir your very obedt and humble servt
Ludwig van Beethoven