Devout though I am, yet your devout invitation to Naumann’s church recitals came too late; and I had – to remain a sinner, who neglected you for so long, looked you up so late and again had just to miss seeing you. – Heaven decides the fate of human and inhuman people; and Heaven will lead me to what is better, though not now perhaps, yet once again; and among the better people I include you, my esteemed and noble friend –
I have read your poems in which I found the reflection of your sensitive and spiritual nature. You will soon receive one of them together with my feeble strains – All good wishes. Do cherish some regard for me. That is my earnest wish, my noble friend.
Your friend
Beethoven