Your Imperial Highness!
I hope to be forgiven for my absence, the more so as your displeasure would grieve an innocent man; and, moreover, in a few days I shall make up for all the time that has been lost – The authorities want to revive my opera Fidelio, and this is giving me a lot of work. Furthermore, notwithstanding my healthy appearance I am not well – In addition, arrangements have been more or less completed for a second concert, and for this I have to compose something new for Milder – Meanwhile I have heard something which consoles me, and that is, that Your Imperial Highness is feeling better again; and, if I am not flattering myself unduly, I hope soon to be able once more to contribute something to your recovery. Meanwhile I have taken the liberty of informing Mylord Falstaff that he will soon have the privilege of appearing before Y.I.H. –
Your Imperial Highness’s
Loyal and most obedient servant
Ludwig van Beethoven