My Dearest Sir!
You would be misjudging me if you were to accuse me of ever forgetting you – But since I last wrote to you from Teplitz [September 17, 1812 - letter 383] how much has happened! – and far more evil than good! – However, I would much rather talk to you sometime about all that. If I hesitate about the publication of my numerous more recent works, you must ascribe this hesitation to the uncertainty of all things pertaining to human relationships. For compare what used to be certain in this respect with what is still certain now? Circumstances such as the need to raise money drove me to have some dealings with a publisher in Vienna, an of what kind? That you will soon know. And when you do I shall be able, I fancy, to come more easily to some arrangement with you again – Many thanks for your Musik[alische] Z[eitung]. I will soon let you have something for it –
As for the demons of darkness, I realize that even in the brightest light of our time these will never be altogether chased away – One of my acquaintances would like to have Chladni’s address. [Anderson footnote: “Ernst Florens Friedrich Chladni (1756-1827), born at Wittenberg, became a famous authority on acoustics…”] Please let me have it sometime or other – With your latest issues of the Musik[alische] Z[eitung] there was noted, I believe, some music as well which I was to receive. But I have received nothing. Perhaps it was a mistake -- or due to the slackness of Herr Traeg ! ! ! --
Well, all good wishes, very good wishes. Your present political conditions do not please me very much either, but –– but –– children before they grow up must have dolls to play with, of course –– And that is all there is to be said on subject ––
In haste, your truly most devoted
Beethoven