Most Noble Sir and, mark you, Holder of the Grand Cross of Violoncellity!
If your servant is a good fellow and knows of a good one for me, then you would do me a great kindness if you would tell your good fellow to find a good fellow for me also – But in any case I should like to have one who is married; for greater orderliness, though perhaps not greater honesty, can be expected from a married servant – My present beast of a s[ervant] is leaving at the end of this month. So the new servant could come here at the beginning of next month – Since yesterday I have not been able to go out on account of my cold; and I shall probably have to stay in my room for a few days more – Should you wish to visit me, please let me know what time you are coming – As I provide no livery except a cloak, my servant is paid 25 gulden a month --
Forgive, dear Zmeskall,
your friend
Beethoven