It seems likely that the suggestion that formal stipulations for a contract under which Beethoven would decline the offer from Cassel and remain in Vienna be drawn up came from Countess Erdödy. At any rate Beethoven writes to Gleichenstein: “Countess Erdödy is of the opinion that you ought to outline a plan with her according to which you might negotiate in case they approach you as she is convinced they will. If you have time this afternoon, the Countess will be glad to see you.” The outline of the proposition which was to be submitted to certain noble gentlemen was drawn up by Beethoven for Gleichenstein as follows: (On the outside: “Outline for a Musical Constitution.”) First the offer of the King of Westphalia is to be set forth. B. cannot be held down to any obligation on account of this salary since the chief object, viz., the invention of new works would suffer thereby--this remuneration must be assured to Beethoven until he voluntarily renounces it--the Imperial title also if possible--to alternate with Salieri and Eibeler--the promise of active court service as soon as possible--or ~adjunction~ if it be worth while. Contract with the theatres likewise with the title of Member of one of the Committees of Theatrical Direction--a fixed day forever for a concert, even if there be a change in the directorate in the theatre, in return for which Beethoven binds himself to compose a new work every year for one of the charity concerts as may be thought most useful--or to conduct two--a place at a money changer’s or such kind where Beethoven would receive the stipulated salary--the salary must be paid also by the heirs. On some of these points Beethoven changed his mind and wrote again thus: It is probably too late to-day--I could not get your writing back from E.--until now, inasmuch as A. wanted to add a few ~items~, buts, and inasmuches--I beg of you to have everything turn on the true and proper practice of my art, thus you will write what is in my heart and head--the introduction is what I am to get in Westphalia, 600 ducats in gold, 150 ducats travelling expenses, for which I have to do nothing except conduct the King’s concerts which are short and not numerous--I am not even bound to conduct any opera that I may write--from all which it is clear that I can devote myself wholly to the most important purpose of my art to compose works of magnitude--also an orchestra at my disposal.