Your Imperial Highness!
I have only this moment received in the score of the final chorus [Anderson footnote: “Probably WoO 94.”] so I must ask you to forgive me for letting you have it so late – Since on account of its size the score can certainly not be used, Y.I.H. had better have it copied – I wanted to bring it to you myself, but since Sunday I have again been afflicted with a heavy cold, which makes me feel very poorly and on account of which I have to keep very quiet – There is no greater happiness for me than when Y.I.H. takes pleasure in something of mine – I hope that I shall soon be able to wait upon you; and I beg you to keep me until then in your favourable remembrance.
Your Imperial Highness’s
Most loyal and most obedient
Ludwig van Beethoven