The smallest of small persons has just called on our most gracious lord [The Archduke Rudolph], but has found everything locked and barred; he has then called here, where everything is open but where there is nobody but the faithful servant – I had brought a large parcel of music with which to arrange as a fitting conclusion a fine musical evening – but all to no purpose – Malfatti insists on my going to Teplitz, but somehow I really don’t care for the idea – I hope at least, and this I cannot help hoping, that my most gracious lord will not be quite as well entertained without me – O Vanitas – nothing but that – Before I leave for Teplitz I will visit you at Baden or I will write – Accept my good wishes and give my most cordial regards to our most gracious lord; and be fond of
your friend
Beethoven