I therefore place upon you, my dear Gleichenstein, the care of one of my best and most proved friends, the more since your occupation already creates a sort of bond between you, and this you will strengthen by frequently showing concern for his welfare, which you can easily do inasmuch as he is well disposed towards you--but your noble heart, which I know right well, surely needs no injunctions in respect of this; act for me and for your good Breuning. I embrace you with all my heart. It was upon finding himself in the Walfischgasse without a servant that Beethoven seems first to have thought of trying the experiment of living independently of hotels and eating-houses, and dining at home. It was therefore of importance to him, if possible, to obtain the joint service of some man and wife, and such a couple now offered themselves as servant and housekeeper. This, with the remark that the rehearsal mentioned was of the Lobkowitz Quartet, Op. 74, is sufficient introduction to the following excerpts from the Zmeskall correspondence: To-day comes Herzog, who wishes to become my servant for 30 fl., you may negotiate with him with his wife ~obligato~--wood, candles, no livery--I must have somebody to cook, as long as the present wretched food continues I shall remain ill--to-day I eat at home, because of the better wine, if you will order what you want, I should be glad to have you come to me also, you will get the wine gratis and better than that at the beastly Swan. Here comes Herzog with his wife--listen to their condescension--she will cook when I want her to--also mend, etc., for this is a highly important matter--I will come to you afterward in order to hear the result--perhaps it would be best to ask what service they are going to perform for me?