Your Imperial Highness!
You must have almost thought that my illness was feigned. But I assure you that it was not. I have always to be home early in the evening; and on the first occasion when Your Imperial Highness was so gracious as to send a message to me, I arrived home immediately afterwards. But seeing that t since that time I seemed to be better, during the evening of the day before yesterday I made the first attempt to remain out of doors a little longer – Unless Your Imperial Highness countermands your suggestion, I shall have the honour of paying my respects to you at five o’clock this evening. I shall bring the new sonata, but only for today. For, as it is being engraved at once, it is really not worth the trouble to have it copied. –
Your Imperial Highness’s
Most obedient and faithful servant
L. v. Beethoven