You will see from the enclosed document, my dear, kind, Gleichenstein, how honourable my remaining here has now become for me –– Moreover, the title of Imperial Kapellmeister is to follow –– and so forth –– Now let me know as soon as possible whether you think that in the present warlike conditions I ought to travel and whether you still firmly intend to travel with me. Several people are dissuading me. But in this matter I shall follow your advice entirely. As you already have a carriage, our journey should be so arranged that you come to meet me and I go to meet you for part of the way –– Write very soon –– Now you can help me to look for a wife. Indeed you might find us some beautiful girl at F[reiburg] where you are at present, and one who would perhaps now and then grant a sigh to my harmonies. But she must not be like Elise Bürger. If you do find one, however, please form of the connexion in advance –– But she must be beautiful, for it is impossible for me to love anything that is not beautiful –– or else I should have to love myself. Accept my good wishes android soon. My compliments to your parents and to your brother––
With all my heart I embrace you
and remain your faithful friend
Beethoveen