Malfatti, who had
prescribed for Beethoven during previous illnesses and knew his
patient's idiosyncrasies. Beethoven's childlike simplicity is
illustrated in the difference of his demeanor toward his two physicians.
He always had a warm welcome for the one who had administered the iced
punch, remembering no doubt its immediately alleviating and beneficial
results, but Dr. Wawruch fared poorly at his hands, especially when he
was in a bad humor. On more than one occasion when the latter appeared
the patient turned his face to the wall with the remark, "Ach der Esel."
Everything possible was now done to add to his comfort. Two servants
were engaged to attend him. His friends cheered him by their visits.
Huemmel called, bringing his young pupil Ferdinand Hiller. Some of
Schubert's songs were brought him, probably by Huettenbrenner. They
consisted of Die Junge Nonne, Der Taucher, the Ossian songs, Die
Buergschaft. Schindler states they awakened the master's surprise and
delight, eliciting from him the remark, "Truly, Schubert has the divine
fire.
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