Note 55 — LETTERS OF FELIX MENDELSSOHN. (continued 4)

This has reference to an incident which occurred when Moscheles, then twenty years of age, was residing in Vienna. In 1824 Beethoven’s “Fidelio” was produced, and Moscheles was commissioned to make the pianoforte arrangement of that work. In his diaries of those days we find various entries recording his visits to Beethoven. The alterations suggested by the master were made with due care and deference, and the completed arrangement was finally left at Beethoven’s rooms. On the last page of the manuscript Moscheles had written, “End, with the help of God.” When the manuscript was returned four characteristic words had been added, in Beethoven’s bold and all but illegible handwriting: “Mensch, hilf dir selber!” (Man, help thyself!)