It is probably too late to do anything today – For until this very moment I was unable to retrieve your written statement from the A[rchduke], because His L[ordship] again wanted to insert a few more items, such as, and, but, and whereas – Please make the whole statement refer exclusively to the true practice of my art in aa way that will suit me. Then you will best express what is in my heart and in my head – The introduction states what I have been offered in Westphalia, that is to say, 600 gold ducats, and 150 ducats for travelling expenses, and that I shall have nothing to do but to conduct at the King’s concerts, which are short and not very frequent – I am not even bound to conduct an opera of my own composition – It is clear from these conditions that I shall be able to devote myself wholly to the most important object of my art, namely, the composition of great works – and I shall have an orchestra at my disposal too.
NB. The title of member of a committee of the threatre should be omitted – it would only cause bad feeling – As to the Imperial services, WELL, I think that this point must be dealt with tactfully – and certainly not so as to suggest that I am asking for the title of Imperial Kapellmeister – but purely with a view to being able, by means of an income paid by the Court, to relinquish the sum which thee Lords are now going to pay me. I think that this point might best be expressed by saying that I hope, and that it is my most ardent desire, to enter the service of the Emperor, and that in this event I would immediately draw a smaller sum, namely, smaller by the amount of the income which I should receive from His Imperial Majesty –
We must have the document at noon tomorrow, for we must then go to Kinsky – I hope to see you today.