Ah, love. Nothing feels so glorious or hurts so profoundly. Certainly there should not be only one day to celebrate it, but 365. Today, however, is a day for lovers so I will share with you a love letter by a man who I think knew quite a lot about passion, both of music and of love. Beethoven's Immortal Beloved was a woman of mystery and his written declarations of his love for her are bold and desperately beautiful. This unsent letter, one of three, was found among his papers after his death. It is rather sad that she never had the chance to read these words of love.
Letter written to "Immortal Beloved" 7 July
Even in bed my ideas yearn towards you, my Immortal Beloved, here and there joyfully, then again sadly, awaiting from Fate, whether it will listen to us. I can only live, either altogether with you or not al all. Yes, I have determined to wander about for so long far away, until I can fly into your arms and call myself quite at home with you, can send my soul enveloped by yours into the realm of spirits - yes, I regret, it must be. You will get over it all the more as you know my faithfulness to you; never another one can own my heart, never - never! O God, why must one go away from what one loves so, and yet my life in W. as it is now is a miserable life. Your love made me the happiest and unhappiest at the same time. At my actual age I should need some continuity, sameness of life - can that exist under our circumstances? Angel, I just hear that the post goes out every day - and must close therefore, so that you get the L. at once. Be calm - love me- today- yesterday.
What longing in tears for you - You- my Life - my All - farewell. Oh, go on loving me - never doubt the faithfullest heart
Of your beloved
L.
Ever thine.
Ever mine.
Ever ours.
*Taken from the book "Love Letters of Great Men", edited by Ursula Doyle
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