Dear Kind Friedrich!
I am truly in despair that I have not yet been able to dine with you again – I shall probably be able to come tomorrow towards evening. But my servant will let you know this more definitely tomorrow – I have just begun a very urgent task today, or I should have been to see your kind Countess – I am so sorry that I am unable to contribute to the recovery of her health as much as my heart desires – But the Countess must take courage and then she will certainly overcome her illness to a great extent at least –
In haste, your friend
Beethoven