(Reported by Schindler as having been said by Beethoven when, on his
death-bed, he angrily threw a book of Walter Scott’s aside.)
146. “He, too, then, is nothing better than an ordinary man! Now he will
trample on all human rights only to humor his ambition; he will place
himself above all others,--become a tyrant!”
(With these words, as testified to by Ries, an eye-witness, Beethoven
tore the title-page from the score of his “Eroica” symphony (which bore
a dedication to Bonaparte) when the news reached him that Napoleon had
declared himself emperor.)
147. “I believe that so long as the Austrian has his brown beer and
sausage he will not revolt.”
(To Simrock, publisher, in Bonn, August 2, 1794.)
148. “Why do you sell nothing but music? Why did you not long ago follow
my well-meant advice? Do get wise, and find your raison. Instead of a
hundred-weight of paper order genuine unwatered Regensburger, float
this much-liked article of trade down the Danube, serve it in measures,
half-measures and seidels at cheap prices, throw in at intervals
sausages, rolls, radishes, butter and cheese, invite the hungry and
thirsty with letters an ell long on a sign: ‘Musical Beer House,’ and
you will have so many guests at all hours of the day that one will hold
the door open for the other and your office will never be empty.”
(To Haslinger, the music publisher, when the latter had complained about
the indifference of the Viennese to music.)