away I have written music of all kinds except operas and sacred works. Yes, do not refuse; help your friend to bear with his troubles, his infirmity. I have also greatly improved my pianoforte playing. I hope this journey may also turn to your advantage; afterwards you will always remain with me. I have duly received all your letters, and although I have only answered a few, you have been always in my mind, and my heart, as always, beats tenderly for you. _Please keep as a great secret_ _what I have told you about my hearing; trust no one, whoever it may be, with it._ Do write frequently; your letters, however short they may be, console me, do me good. I expect soon to get another one from you, my dear friend. Don't lend out my Quartet any more, because I have made many changes in it. I have only just learnt how to write quartets properly, as you will see when you receive them. Now, my dear good friend, farewell! If, perchance, you believe that I can show you any kindness here, I need not of course, remind you to first address yourself to Your faithful, truly loving, L. V. BEETHOVEN. II. To Fräulein GERARDI. (1798?) Dear Chr. You let me hear something yesterday about a portrait of myself. I wish you to proceed somewhat carefully in the matter. I fear if we return it through F., the disagreeable B. or the arch-fool Joseph might interfere, and then the matter might be meant as a mean trick played on me, and that would be really most annoying. I should have to avenge myself, and the whole _populasse_ does not deserve it. Try to get hold of the thing as well as you can. I assure you that after this I should put a notice in the newspaper, requesting all painters not to take my portrait without my consent, were I afraid of falling into perplexity over my own countenance. As to the matter of taking off my hat, it is altogether stupid, and at the same time too impolite for me to retaliate. Pray explain to him the truth about the walk. Adieu. The devil take you. III. To Frl. ELEONORE VON BREUNING in Bonn. _Vienna, November_ 2, 1793. Honoured Eleonore, my dearest friend.