Beethoven tells his friend Countess Erdödy in detail about the illnesses which have plagued him in the last months, as well as how they were treated. He especially complains about his worsening hearing. In earlier years he was often reliant on the help of others because of it, but he is now finding it difficult to look after himself, so he does not even have a tidy apartment.
His helplessness and dependency on others have made him "prey for bad people". In addition, since his brother's death there is the guardianship of his nephew Karl.
Beethoven would like to visit the Countess in late summer (he longs for familiar friends and the security which they offer him). However, he must first of all find out about arrangements and prices for the journey, as well as a cheap form of transportation because his financial situation is not the best. Beethoven stresses, however, that he does not want to receive any money from Marie Erdödy.
At the end he conveys his best wishes to the Countess for her health (she is always very ill and bedridden).
