BEETHOVEN 200 YEARS AGO TODAY: Monday, June 19, 1826
This morning, Beethoven is perusing his baptismal certificate that he acquired in 1810, looking at the Latin entries. He writes in the conversation book:
septingetentesimus [sic] der 700
Septugesimus the 70th septimus decimus 17th
Decem et septem septem et decem 17
Frau Elisabeth Passy, the new housekeeper, is late for work on her first day. “I am sorry that I could not come earlier, but the heavy rain, and I had no mud shoes.” She promises to come very early tomorrow. “I will do everything I can to bring everything in order. Because of this great intellectual work, you cannot think of such things.”
She notes that the kitchen is very dirty. “I will try to do everything, and calmly and quietly give orders.” She mentions she saw Nephew Karl in the City. She thinks the ante-room looks very noble. Everything can be arranged. She will, if Beethoven allows, only bring sheets and linen. “I will care for you like you were my child. I will pay attention to everything.”
Passy goes on and on: “You, best and noble Sir, cannot be left alone. I only ask sometimes. I will be careful to buy everything good and fresh. I will pay attention to your health. For the world honors only one Bedhoffen [sic] and I do as well!”
Beethoven asks after her friend (or possibly relative) cloth dealer Johann Wolfmayer. She mentions that he married a woman named [Josepha] Weiss. “They have been married for 3 years, but they have no children.”
“I kiss your hand and will come tomorrow by 7 o’clock. I still need to go to the City today.” Beethoven asks if she will be bringing her things [she has apparently come empty-handed today]; she says she will only little by little. She will bring all her linens.
Then she brings up something that immediately causes trouble. She does not want to stay at the Schwarzspanierhaus all of the time. “I only ask you to allow me to go home once in a while to check [on her aged mother and children.] Not every day. I won’t go without permission. I ask you to have faith in me.”
Beethoven gets agitated over this unexpected turn of events, and Passy panics. “Your time is too precious to think of such things. I only ask you for your understanding, that will always please me.”
Changing the subject, she mentions that Frau Schlemmer, where Karl lives, told her about the eggs; one must get angry at the previous housekeeper [Elise Seidl] who bought 36 eggs and they all turned green at once.
“I am looking forward to coming to you, for I have been left by everybody, and I will treasure you very much, and take care of your health.”
She asks him to decide on a menu for the evening, presumably so she can shop appropriately. She departs with a final comment, “Oh! Eternal unforgettable immortal spirit!”
[Karl was right. She talks a lot and prattles on.]
Conversation Book 113, 22v-26r.