贝多芬（Ludwig van Beethoven）（1770-1827）是历史上最著名的作曲家之一。在他57岁去世时，人们在他的遗物中发现了一封情书。这封情书是写给一位不知名的女士的，贝多芬称其为“永远的爱人”。

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　July 6, 1806

My angel, my all, my very self -- only a few words today and at that with your pencil -- not till tomorrow will my lodgings be definitely determined upon -- what a useless waste of time. Why this deep sorrow where necessity speaks -- can our love endure except through sacrifices -- except through not demanding everything -- can you change it that you are not wholly mine, I not wholly thine?

Oh, God! look out into the beauties of nature and comfort yourself with that which must be -- love demands everything and that very justly -- that it is with me so far as you are concerned, and you with
me. If we were wholly united you would feel the pain of it as little as I!

Now a quick change to things internal from things external. We shall surely see each other; moreover, I cannot communicate to you the observations I have made during the last few days touching my own life -- if our hearts were always close together I would make none of the kind. My heart is full of many things to say to you - Ah! -- there are moments when I feel that speech is nothing after all -- cheer up -- remain my true, only treasure, my all as I am yours; the gods must send us the rest that which shall be best for us.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Your faithful,
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Ludwig