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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:19:19 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:19:19 -0700 |
| commit | be64468c572dfb3decd83587982d3a6eddbf84e6 (patch) | |
| tree | 82f4d60edecac67d98f92f90f083e60b79d2c15f /2527-h | |
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diff --git a/2527-h/2527-h.htm b/2527-h/2527-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..729a01e --- /dev/null +++ b/2527-h/2527-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4492 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Sorrows of Young Werther, by J.w. Von Goethe + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 2527 ***</div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE SORROWS OF YOUNG WERTHER + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By J.W. von Goethe + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated by R.D. Boylan <br /><br /> Edited by Nathen Haskell Dole + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> BOOK I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> BOOK II. </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + I have carefully collected whatever I have been able to learn of the story + of poor Werther, and here present it to you, knowing that you will thank + me for it. To his spirit and character you cannot refuse your admiration + and love: to his fate you will not deny your tears. + </p> + <p> + And thou, good soul, who sufferest the same distress as he endured once, + draw comfort from his sorrows; and let this little book be thy friend, if, + owing to fortune or through thine own fault, thou canst not find a dearer + companion. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK I + </h2> + <h3> + MAY 4. + </h3> + <p> + How happy I am that I am gone! My dear friend, what a thing is the heart + of man! To leave you, from whom I have been inseparable, whom I love so + dearly, and yet to feel happy! I know you will forgive me. Have not other + attachments been specially appointed by fate to torment a head like mine? + Poor Leonora! and yet I was not to blame. Was it my fault, that, whilst + the peculiar charms of her sister afforded me an agreeable entertainment, + a passion for me was engendered in her feeble heart? And yet am I wholly + blameless? Did I not encourage her emotions? Did I not feel charmed at + those truly genuine expressions of nature, which, though but little + mirthful in reality, so often amused us? Did I not—but oh! what is + man, that he dares so to accuse himself? My dear friend I promise you I + will improve; I will no longer, as has ever been my habit, continue to + ruminate on every petty vexation which fortune may dispense; I will enjoy + the present, and the past shall be for me the past. No doubt you are + right, my best of friends, there would be far less suffering amongst + mankind, if men—and God knows why they are so fashioned—did + not employ their imaginations so assiduously in recalling the memory of + past sorrow, instead of bearing their present lot with equanimity. Be kind + enough to inform my mother that I shall attend to her business to the best + of my ability, and shall give her the earliest information about it. I + have seen my aunt, and find that she is very far from being the + disagreeable person our friends allege her to be. She is a lively, + cheerful woman, with the best of hearts. I explained to her my mother's + wrongs with regard to that part of her portion which has been withheld + from her. She told me the motives and reasons of her own conduct, and the + terms on which she is willing to give up the whole, and to do more than we + have asked. In short, I cannot write further upon this subject at present; + only assure my mother that all will go on well. And I have again observed, + my dear friend, in this trifling affair, that misunderstandings and + neglect occasion more mischief in the world than even malice and + wickedness. At all events, the two latter are of less frequent occurrence. + </p> + <p> + In other respects I am very well off here. Solitude in this terrestrial + paradise is a genial balm to my mind, and the young spring cheers with its + bounteous promises my oftentimes misgiving heart. Every tree, every bush, + is full of flowers; and one might wish himself transformed into a + butterfly, to float about in this ocean of perfume, and find his whole + existence in it. + </p> + <p> + The town itself is disagreeable; but then, all around, you find an + inexpressible beauty of nature. This induced the late Count M to lay out a + garden on one of the sloping hills which here intersect each other with + the most charming variety, and form the most lovely valleys. The garden is + simple; and it is easy to perceive, even upon your first entrance, that + the plan was not designed by a scientific gardener, but by a man who + wished to give himself up here to the enjoyment of his own sensitive + heart. Many a tear have I already shed to the memory of its departed + master in a summer-house which is now reduced to ruins, but was his + favourite resort, and now is mine. I shall soon be master of the place. + The gardener has become attached to me within the last few days, and he + will lose nothing thereby. + </p> + <p> + MAY 10. + </p> + <p> + A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these + sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, + and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the + bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in + the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. + I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; + and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now. When, while the + lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes + the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few + stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the + tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a + thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the + little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless + indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of + the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that + universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an + eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, + and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like + the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would + I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is + living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, + as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God! O my friend—but it is + too much for my strength—I sink under the weight of the splendour of + these visions! + </p> + <p> + MAY 12. + </p> + <p> + I know not whether some deceitful spirits haunt this spot, or whether it + be the warm, celestial fancy in my own heart which makes everything around + me seem like paradise. In front of the house is a fountain,—a + fountain to which I am bound by a charm like Melusina and her sisters. + Descending a gentle slope, you come to an arch, where, some twenty steps + lower down, water of the clearest crystal gushes from the marble rock. The + narrow wall which encloses it above, the tall trees which encircle the + spot, and the coolness of the place itself,—everything imparts a + pleasant but sublime impression. Not a day passes on which I do not spend + an hour there. The young maidens come from the town to fetch water,—innocent + and necessary employment, and formerly the occupation of the daughters of + kings. As I take my rest there, the idea of the old patriarchal life is + awakened around me. I see them, our old ancestors, how they formed their + friendships and contracted alliances at the fountain-side; and I feel how + fountains and streams were guarded by beneficent spirits. He who is a + stranger to these sensations has never really enjoyed cool repose at the + side of a fountain after the fatigue of a weary summer day. + </p> + <p> + MAY 13. + </p> + <p> + You ask if you shall send me books. My dear friend, I beseech you, for the + love of God, relieve me from such a yoke! I need no more to be guided, + agitated, heated. My heart ferments sufficiently of itself. I want strains + to lull me, and I find them to perfection in my Homer. Often do I strive + to allay the burning fever of my blood; and you have never witnessed + anything so unsteady, so uncertain, as my heart. But need I confess this + to you, my dear friend, who have so often endured the anguish of + witnessing my sudden transitions from sorrow to immoderate joy, and from + sweet melancholy to violent passions? I treat my poor heart like a sick + child, and gratify its every fancy. Do not mention this again: there are + people who would censure me for it. + </p> + <p> + MAY 15. + </p> + <p> + The common people of the place know me already, and love me, particularly + the children. When at first I associated with them, and inquired in a + friendly tone about their various trifles, some fancied that I wished to + ridicule them, and turned from me in exceeding ill-humour. I did not allow + that circumstance to grieve me: I only felt most keenly what I have often + before observed. Persons who can claim a certain rank keep themselves + coldly aloof from the common people, as though they feared to lose their + importance by the contact; whilst wanton idlers, and such as are prone to + bad joking, affect to descend to their level, only to make the poor people + feel their impertinence all the more keenly. + </p> + <p> + I know very well that we are not all equal, nor can be so; but it is my + opinion that he who avoids the common people, in order not to lose their + respect, is as much to blame as a coward who hides himself from his enemy + because he fears defeat. + </p> + <p> + The other day I went to the fountain, and found a young servant-girl, who + had set her pitcher on the lowest step, and looked around to see if one of + her companions was approaching to place it on her head. I ran down, and + looked at her. "Shall I help you, pretty lass?" said I. She blushed + deeply. "Oh, sir!" she exclaimed. "No ceremony!" I replied. She adjusted + her head-gear, and I helped her. She thanked me, and ascended the steps. + </p> + <p> + MAY 17. + </p> + <p> + I have made all sorts of acquaintances, but have as yet found no society. + I know not what attraction I possess for the people, so many of them like + me, and attach themselves to me; and then I feel sorry when the road we + pursue together goes only a short distance. If you inquire what the people + are like here, I must answer, "The same as everywhere." The human race is + but a monotonous affair. Most of them labour the greater part of their + time for mere subsistence; and the scanty portion of freedom which remains + to them so troubles them that they use every exertion to get rid of it. + Oh, the destiny of man! + </p> + <p> + But they are a right good sort of people. If I occasionally forget myself, + and take part in the innocent pleasures which are not yet forbidden to the + peasantry, and enjoy myself, for instance, with genuine freedom and + sincerity, round a well-covered table, or arrange an excursion or a dance + opportunely, and so forth, all this produces a good effect upon my + disposition; only I must forget that there lie dormant within me so many + other qualities which moulder uselessly, and which I am obliged to keep + carefully concealed. Ah! this thought affects my spirits fearfully. And + yet to be misunderstood is the fate of the like of us. + </p> + <p> + Alas, that the friend of my youth is gone! Alas, that I ever knew her! I + might say to myself, "You are a dreamer to seek what is not to be found + here below." But she has been mine. I have possessed that heart, that + noble soul, in whose presence I seemed to be more than I really was, + because I was all that I could be. Good heavens! did then a single power + of my soul remain unexercised? In her presence could I not display, to its + full extent, that mysterious feeling with which my heart embraces nature? + Was not our intercourse a perpetual web of the finest emotions, of the + keenest wit, the varieties of which, even in their very eccentricity, bore + the stamp of genius? Alas! the few years by which she was my senior + brought her to the grave before me. Never can I forget her firm mind or + her heavenly patience. + </p> + <p> + A few days ago I met a certain young V—, a frank, open fellow, with + a most pleasing countenance. He has just left the university, does not + deem himself overwise, but believes he knows more than other people. He + has worked hard, as I can perceive from many circumstances, and, in short, + possesses a large stock of information. When he heard that I am drawing a + good deal, and that I know Greek (two wonderful things for this part of + the country), he came to see me, and displayed his whole store of + learning, from Batteaux to Wood, from De Piles to Winkelmann: he assured + me he had read through the first part of Sultzer's theory, and also + possessed a manuscript of Heyne's work on the study of the antique. I + allowed it all to pass. + </p> + <p> + I have become acquainted, also, with a very worthy person, the district + judge, a frank and open-hearted man. I am told it is a most delightful + thing to see him in the midst of his children, of whom he has nine. His + eldest daughter especially is highly spoken of. He has invited me to go + and see him, and I intend to do so on the first opportunity. He lives at + one of the royal hunting-lodges, which can be reached from here in an hour + and a half by walking, and which he obtained leave to inhabit after the + loss of his wife, as it is so painful to him to reside in town and at the + court. + </p> + <p> + There have also come in my way a few other originals of a questionable + sort, who are in all respects undesirable, and most intolerable in their + demonstration of friendship. Good-bye. This letter will please you: it is + quite historical. + </p> + <p> + MAY 22. + </p> + <p> + That the life of man is but a dream, many a man has surmised heretofore; + and I, too, am everywhere pursued by this feeling. When I consider the + narrow limits within which our active and inquiring faculties are + confined; when I see how all our energies are wasted in providing for mere + necessities, which again have no further end than to prolong a wretched + existence; and then that all our satisfaction concerning certain subjects + of investigation ends in nothing better than a passive resignation, whilst + we amuse ourselves painting our prison-walls with bright figures and + brilliant landscapes,—when I consider all this, Wilhelm, I am + silent. I examine my own being, and find there a world, but a world rather + of imagination and dim desires, than of distinctness and living power. + Then everything swims before my senses, and I smile and dream while + pursuing my way through the world. + </p> + <p> + All learned professors and doctors are agreed that children do not + comprehend the cause of their desires; but that the grown-up should wander + about this earth like children, without knowing whence they come, or + whither they go, influenced as little by fixed motives, but guided like + them by biscuits, sugar-plums, and the rod,—this is what nobody is + willing to acknowledge; and yet I think it is palpable. + </p> + <p> + I know what you will say in reply; for I am ready to admit that they are + happiest, who, like children, amuse themselves with their playthings, + dress and undress their dolls, and attentively watch the cupboard, where + mamma has locked up her sweet things, and, when at last they get a + delicious morsel, eat it greedily, and exclaim, "More!" These are + certainly happy beings; but others also are objects of envy, who dignify + their paltry employments, and sometimes even their passions, with pompous + titles, representing them to mankind as gigantic achievements performed + for their welfare and glory. But the man who humbly acknowledges the + vanity of all this, who observes with what pleasure the thriving citizen + converts his little garden into a paradise, and how patiently even the + poor man pursues his weary way under his burden, and how all wish equally + to behold the light of the sun a little longer,—yes, such a man is + at peace, and creates his own world within himself; and he is also happy, + because he is a man. And then, however limited his sphere, he still + preserves in his bosom the sweet feeling of liberty, and knows that he can + quit his prison whenever he likes. + </p> + <p> + MAY 26. + </p> + <p> + You know of old my ways of settling anywhere, of selecting a little + cottage in some cosy spot, and of putting up in it with every + inconvenience. Here, too, I have discovered such a snug, comfortable + place, which possesses peculiar charms for me. + </p> + <p> + About a league from the town is a place called Walheim. (The reader need + not take the trouble to look for the place thus designated. We have found + it necessary to change the names given in the original.) It is + delightfully situated on the side of a hill; and, by proceeding along one + of the footpaths which lead out of the village, you can have a view of the + whole valley. A good old woman lives there, who keeps a small inn. She + sells wine, beer, and coffee, and is cheerful and pleasant notwithstanding + her age. The chief charm of this spot consists in two linden-trees, + spreading their enormous branches over the little green before the church, + which is entirely surrounded by peasants' cottages, barns, and homesteads. + I have seldom seen a place so retired and peaceable; and there often have + my table and chair brought out from the little inn, and drink my coffee + there, and read my Homer. Accident brought me to the spot one fine + afternoon, and I found it perfectly deserted. Everybody was in the fields + except a little boy about four years of age, who was sitting on the + ground, and held between his knees a child about six months old: he + pressed it to his bosom with both arms, which thus formed a sort of + arm-chair; and, notwithstanding the liveliness which sparkled in its black + eyes, it remained perfectly still. The sight charmed me. I sat down upon a + plough opposite, and sketched with great delight this little picture of + brotherly tenderness. I added the neighbouring hedge, the barn-door, and + some broken cart-wheels, just as they happened to lie; and I found in + about an hour that I had made a very correct and interesting drawing, + without putting in the slightest thing of my own. This confirmed me in my + resolution of adhering, for the future, entirely to nature. She alone is + inexhaustible, and capable of forming the greatest masters. Much may be + alleged in favour of rules, as much may be likewise advanced in favour of + the laws of society: an artist formed upon them will never produce + anything absolutely bad or disgusting; as a man who observes the laws, and + obeys decorum, can never be an absolutely intolerable neighbour, nor a + decided villain: but yet, say what you will of rules, they destroy the + genuine feeling of nature, as well as its true expression. Do not tell me + "that this is too hard, that they only restrain and prune superfluous + branches, etc." My good friend, I will illustrate this by an analogy. + These things resemble love. A warmhearted youth becomes strongly attached + to a maiden: he spends every hour of the day in her company, wears out his + health, and lavishes his fortune, to afford continual proof that he is + wholly devoted to her. Then comes a man of the world, a man of place and + respectability, and addresses him thus: "My good young friend, love is + natural; but you must love within bounds. Divide your time: devote a + portion to business, and give the hours of recreation to your mistress. + Calculate your fortune; and out of the superfluity you may make her a + present, only not too often,—on her birthday, and such occasions." + Pursuing this advice, he may become a useful member of society, and I + should advise every prince to give him an appointment; but it is all up + with his love, and with his genius if he be an artist. O my friend! why is + it that the torrent of genius so seldom bursts forth, so seldom rolls in + full-flowing stream, overwhelming your astounded soul? Because, on either + side of this stream, cold and respectable persons have taken up their + abodes, and, forsooth, their summer-houses and tulip-beds would suffer + from the torrent; wherefore they dig trenches, and raise embankments + betimes, in order to avert the impending danger. + </p> + <p> + MAY 27. + </p> + <p> + I find I have fallen into raptures, declamation, and similes, and have + forgotten, in consequence, to tell you what became of the children. + Absorbed in my artistic contemplations, which I briefly described in my + letter of yesterday, I continued sitting on the plough for two hours. + Toward evening a young woman, with a basket on her arm, came running + toward the children, who had not moved all that time. She exclaimed from a + distance, "You are a good boy, Philip!" She gave me greeting: I returned + it, rose, and approached her. I inquired if she were the mother of those + pretty children. "Yes," she said; and, giving the eldest a piece of bread, + she took the little one in her arms and kissed it with a mother's + tenderness. "I left my child in Philip's care," she said, "whilst I went + into the town with my eldest boy to buy some wheaten bread, some sugar, + and an earthen pot." I saw the various articles in the basket, from which + the cover had fallen. "I shall make some broth to-night for my little Hans + (which was the name of the youngest): that wild fellow, the big one, broke + my pot yesterday, whilst he was scrambling with Philip for what remained + of the contents." I inquired for the eldest; and she had scarcely time to + tell me that he was driving a couple of geese home from the meadow, when + he ran up, and handed Philip an osier-twig. I talked a little longer with + the woman, and found that she was the daughter of the schoolmaster, and + that her husband was gone on a journey into Switzerland for some money a + relation had left him. "They wanted to cheat him," she said, "and would + not answer his letters; so he is gone there himself. I hope he has met + with no accident, as I have heard nothing of him since his departure." I + left the woman, with regret, giving each of the children a kreutzer, with + an additional one for the youngest, to buy some wheaten bread for his + broth when she went to town next; and so we parted. I assure you, my dear + friend, when my thoughts are all in tumult, the sight of such a creature + as this tranquillises my disturbed mind. She moves in a happy + thoughtlessness within the confined circle of her existence; she supplies + her wants from day to day; and, when she sees the leaves fall, they raise + no other idea in her mind than that winter is approaching. Since that time + I have gone out there frequently. The children have become quite familiar + with me; and each gets a lump of sugar when I drink my coffee, and they + share my milk and bread and butter in the evening. They always receive + their kreutzer on Sundays, for the good woman has orders to give it to + them when I do not go there after evening service. They are quite at home + with me, tell me everything; and I am particularly amused with observing + their tempers, and the simplicity of their behaviour, when some of the + other village children are assembled with them. + </p> + <p> + It has given me a deal of trouble to satisfy the anxiety of the mother, + lest (as she says) "they should inconvenience the gentleman." + </p> + <p> + MAY 30. + </p> + <p> + What I have lately said of painting is equally true with respect to + poetry. It is only necessary for us to know what is really excellent, and + venture to give it expression; and that is saying much in few words. + To-day I have had a scene, which, if literally related, would, make the + most beautiful idyl in the world. But why should I talk of poetry and + scenes and idyls? Can we never take pleasure in nature without having + recourse to art? + </p> + <p> + If you expect anything grand or magnificent from this introduction, you + will be sadly mistaken. It relates merely to a peasant-lad, who has + excited in me the warmest interest. As usual, I shall tell my story badly; + and you, as usual, will think me extravagant. It is Walheim once more—always + Walheim—which produces these wonderful phenomena. + </p> + <p> + A party had assembled outside the house under the linden-trees, to drink + coffee. The company did not exactly please me; and, under one pretext or + another, I lingered behind. + </p> + <p> + A peasant came from an adjoining house, and set to work arranging some + part of the same plough which I had lately sketched. His appearance + pleased me; and I spoke to him, inquired about his circumstances, made his + acquaintance, and, as is my wont with persons of that class, was soon + admitted into his confidence. He said he was in the service of a young + widow, who set great store by him. He spoke so much of his mistress, and + praised her so extravagantly, that I could soon see he was desperately in + love with her. "She is no longer young," he said: "and she was treated so + badly by her former husband that she does not mean to marry again." From + his account it was so evident what incomparable charms she possessed for + him, and how ardently he wished she would select him to extinguish the + recollection of her first husband's misconduct, that I should have to + repeat his own words in order to describe the depth of the poor fellow's + attachment, truth, and devotion. It would, in fact, require the gifts of a + great poet to convey the expression of his features, the harmony of his + voice, and the heavenly fire of his eye. No words can portray the + tenderness of his every movement and of every feature: no effort of mine + could do justice to the scene. His alarm lest I should misconceive his + position with regard to his mistress, or question the propriety of her + conduct, touched me particularly. The charming manner with which he + described her form and person, which, without possessing the graces of + youth, won and attached him to her, is inexpressible, and must be left to + the imagination. I have never in my life witnessed or fancied or conceived + the possibility of such intense devotion, such ardent affections, united + with so much purity. Do not blame me if I say that the recollection of + this innocence and truth is deeply impressed upon my very soul; that this + picture of fidelity and tenderness haunts me everywhere; and that my own + heart, as though enkindled by the flame, glows and burns within me. + </p> + <p> + I mean now to try and see her as soon as I can: or perhaps, on second + thoughts, I had better not; it is better I should behold her through the + eyes of her lover. To my sight, perhaps, she would not appear as she now + stands before me; and why should I destroy so sweet a picture? + </p> + <p> + JUNE 16. + </p> + <p> + "Why do I not write to you?" You lay claim to learning, and ask such a + question. You should have guessed that I am well—that is to say—in + a word, I have made an acquaintance who has won my heart: I have—I + know not. + </p> + <p> + To give you a regular account of the manner in which I have become + acquainted with the most amiable of women would be a difficult task. I am + a happy and contented mortal, but a poor historian. + </p> + <p> + An angel! Nonsense! Everybody so describes his mistress; and yet I find it + impossible to tell you how perfect she is, or why she is so perfect: + suffice it to say she has captivated all my senses. + </p> + <p> + So much simplicity with so much understanding—so mild, and yet so + resolute—a mind so placid, and a life so active. + </p> + <p> + But all this is ugly balderdash, which expresses not a single character + nor feature. Some other time—but no, not some other time, now, this + very instant, will I tell you all about it. Now or never. Well, between + ourselves, since I commenced my letter, I have been three times on the + point of throwing down my pen, of ordering my horse, and riding out. And + yet I vowed this morning that I would not ride to-day, and yet every + moment I am rushing to the window to see how high the sun is. + </p> + <p> + I could not restrain myself—go to her I must. I have just returned, + Wilhelm; and whilst I am taking supper I will write to you. What a delight + it was for my soul to see her in the midst of her dear, beautiful + children,—eight brothers and sisters! + </p> + <p> + But, if I proceed thus, you will be no wiser at the end of my letter than + you were at the beginning. Attend, then, and I will compel myself to give + you the details. + </p> + <p> + I mentioned to you the other day that I had become acquainted with S—, + the district judge, and that he had invited me to go and visit him in his + retirement, or rather in his little kingdom. But I neglected going, and + perhaps should never have gone, if chance had not discovered to me the + treasure which lay concealed in that retired spot. Some of our young + people had proposed giving a ball in the country, at which I consented to + be present. I offered my hand for the evening to a pretty and agreeable, + but rather commonplace, sort of girl from the immediate neighbourhood; and + it was agreed that I should engage a carriage, and call upon Charlotte, + with my partner and her aunt, to convey them to the ball. My companion + informed me, as we drove along through the park to the hunting-lodge, that + I should make the acquaintance of a very charming young lady. "Take care," + added the aunt, "that you do not lose your heart." "Why?" said I. "Because + she is already engaged to a very worthy man," she replied, "who is gone to + settle his affairs upon the death of his father, and will succeed to a + very considerable inheritance." This information possessed no interest for + me. When we arrived at the gate, the sun was setting behind the tops of + the mountains. The atmosphere was heavy; and the ladies expressed their + fears of an approaching storm, as masses of low black clouds were + gathering in the horizon. I relieved their anxieties by pretending to be + weather-wise, although I myself had some apprehensions lest our pleasure + should be interrupted. + </p> + <p> + I alighted; and a maid came to the door, and requested us to wait a moment + for her mistress. I walked across the court to a well-built house, and, + ascending the flight of steps in front, opened the door, and saw before me + the most charming spectacle I had ever witnessed. Six children, from + eleven to two years old, were running about the hall, and surrounding a + lady of middle height, with a lovely figure, dressed in a robe of simple + white, trimmed with pink ribbons. She was holding a rye loaf in her hand, + and was cutting slices for the little ones all around, in proportion to + their age and appetite. She performed her task in a graceful and + affectionate manner; each claimant awaiting his turn with outstretched + hands, and boisterously shouting his thanks. Some of them ran away at + once, to enjoy their evening meal; whilst others, of a gentler + disposition, retired to the courtyard to see the strangers, and to survey + the carriage in which their Charlotte was to drive away. "Pray forgive me + for giving you the trouble to come for me, and for keeping the ladies + waiting: but dressing, and arranging some household duties before I leave, + had made me forget my children's supper; and they do not like to take it + from any one but me." I uttered some indifferent compliment: but my whole + soul was absorbed by her air, her voice, her manner; and I had scarcely + recovered myself when she ran into her room to fetch her gloves and fan. + The young ones threw inquiring glances at me from a distance; whilst I + approached the youngest, a most delicious little creature. He drew back; + and Charlotte, entering at the very moment, said, "Louis, shake hands with + your cousin." The little fellow obeyed willingly; and I could not resist + giving him a hearty kiss, notwithstanding his rather dirty face. "Cousin," + said I to Charlotte, as I handed her down, "do you think I deserve the + happiness of being related to you?" She replied, with a ready smile, "Oh! + I have such a number of cousins, that I should be sorry if you were the + most undeserving of them." In taking leave, she desired her next sister, + Sophy, a girl about eleven years old, to take great care of the children, + and to say good-bye to papa for her when he came home from his ride. She + enjoined to the little ones to obey their sister Sophy as they would + herself, upon which some promised that they would; but a little + fair-haired girl, about six years old, looked discontented, and said, "But + Sophy is not you, Charlotte; and we like you best." The two eldest boys + had clambered up the carriage; and, at my request, she permitted them to + accompany us a little way through the forest, upon their promising to sit + very still, and hold fast. + </p> + <p> + We were hardly seated, and the ladies had scarcely exchanged compliments, + making the usual remarks upon each other's dress, and upon the company + they expected to meet, when Charlotte stopped the carriage, and made her + brothers get down. They insisted upon kissing her hands once more; which + the eldest did with all the tenderness of a youth of fifteen, but the + other in a lighter and more careless manner. She desired them again to + give her love to the children, and we drove off. + </p> + <p> + The aunt inquired of Charlotte whether she had finished the book she had + last sent her. "No," said Charlotte; "I did not like it: you can have it + again. And the one before was not much better." I was surprised, upon + asking the title, to hear that it was ____. (We feel obliged to suppress + the passage in the letter, to prevent any one from feeling aggrieved; + although no author need pay much attention to the opinion of a mere girl, + or that of an unsteady young man.) + </p> + <p> + I found penetration and character in everything she said: every expression + seemed to brighten her features with new charms,—with new rays of + genius,—which unfolded by degrees, as she felt herself understood. + </p> + <p> + "When I was younger," she observed, "I loved nothing so much as romances. + Nothing could equal my delight when, on some holiday, I could settle down + quietly in a corner, and enter with my whole heart and soul into the joys + or sorrows of some fictitious Leonora. I do not deny that they even + possess some charms for me yet. But I read so seldom, that I prefer books + suited exactly to my taste. And I like those authors best whose scenes + describe my own situation in life,—and the friends who are about me, + whose stories touch me with interest, from resembling my own homely + existence,—which, without being absolutely paradise, is, on the + whole, a source of indescribable happiness." + </p> + <p> + I endeavoured to conceal the emotion which these words occasioned, but it + was of slight avail; for, when she had expressed so truly her opinion of + "The Vicar of Wakefield," and of other works, the names of which I omit + (Though the names are omitted, yet the authors mentioned deserve + Charlotte's approbation, and will feel it in their hearts when they read + this passage. It concerns no other person.), I could no longer contain + myself, but gave full utterance to what I thought of it: and it was not + until Charlotte had addressed herself to the two other ladies, that I + remembered their presence, and observed them sitting mute with + astonishment. The aunt looked at me several times with an air of raillery, + which, however, I did not at all mind. + </p> + <p> + We talked of the pleasures of dancing. "If it is a fault to love it," said + Charlotte, "I am ready to confess that I prize it above all other + amusements. If anything disturbs me, I go to the piano, play an air to + which I have danced, and all goes right again directly." + </p> + <p> + You, who know me, can fancy how steadfastly I gazed upon her rich dark + eyes during these remarks, how my very soul gloated over her warm lips and + fresh, glowing cheeks, how I became quite lost in the delightful meaning + of her words, so much so, that I scarcely heard the actual expressions. In + short, I alighted from the carriage like a person in a dream, and was so + lost to the dim world around me, that I scarcely heard the music which + resounded from the illuminated ballroom. + </p> + <p> + The two Messrs. Andran and a certain N. N. (I cannot trouble myself with + the names), who were the aunt's and Charlotte's partners, received us at + the carriage-door, and took possession of their ladies, whilst I followed + with mine. + </p> + <p> + We commenced with a minuet. I led out one lady after another, and + precisely those who were the most disagreeable could not bring themselves + to leave off. Charlotte and her partner began an English country dance, + and you must imagine my delight when it was their turn to dance the figure + with us. You should see Charlotte dance. She dances with her whole heart + and soul: her figure is all harmony, elegance, and grace, as if she were + conscious of nothing else, and had no other thought or feeling; and, + doubtless, for the moment, every other sensation is extinct. + </p> + <p> + She was engaged for the second country dance, but promised me the third, + and assured me, with the most agreeable freedom, that she was very fond of + waltzing. "It is the custom here," she said, "for the previous partners to + waltz together; but my partner is an indifferent waltzer, and will feel + delighted if I save him the trouble. Your partner is not allowed to waltz, + and, indeed, is equally incapable: but I observed during the country dance + that you waltz well; so, if you will waltz with me, I beg you would + propose it to my partner, and I will propose it to yours." We agreed, and + it was arranged that our partners should mutually entertain each other. + </p> + <p> + We set off, and, at first, delighted ourselves with the usual graceful + motions of the arms. With what grace, with what ease, she moved! When the + waltz commenced, and the dancers whirled around each other in the giddy + maze, there was some confusion, owing to the incapacity of some of the + dancers. We judiciously remained still, allowing the others to weary + themselves; and, when the awkward dancers had withdrawn, we joined in, and + kept it up famously together with one other couple,—Andran and his + partner. Never did I dance more lightly. I felt myself more than mortal, + holding this loveliest of creatures in my arms, flying, with her as + rapidly as the wind, till I lost sight of every other object; and O + Wilhelm, I vowed at that moment, that a maiden whom I loved, or for whom I + felt the slightest attachment, never, never should waltz with any one else + but with me, if I went to perdition for it!—you will understand + this. + </p> + <p> + We took a few turns in the room to recover our breath. Charlotte sat down, + and felt refreshed by partaking of some oranges which I had had secured,—the + only ones that had been left; but at every slice which, from politeness, + she offered to her neighbours, I felt as though a dagger went through my + heart. + </p> + <p> + We were the second couple in the third country dance. As we were going + down (and Heaven knows with what ecstasy I gazed at her arms and eyes, + beaming with the sweetest feeling of pure and genuine enjoyment), we + passed a lady whom I had noticed for her charming expression of + countenance; although she was no longer young. She looked at Charlotte + with a smile, then, holding up her finger in a threatening attitude, + repeated twice in a very significant tone of voice the name of "Albert." + </p> + <p> + "Who is Albert," said I to Charlotte, "if it is not impertinent to ask?" + She was about to answer, when we were obliged to separate, in order to + execute a figure in the dance; and, as we crossed over again in front of + each other, I perceived she looked somewhat pensive. "Why need I conceal + it from you?" she said, as she gave me her hand for the promenade. "Albert + is a worthy man, to whom I am engaged." Now, there was nothing new to me + in this (for the girls had told me of it on the way); but it was so far + new that I had not thought of it in connection with her whom, in so short + a time, I had learned to prize so highly. Enough, I became confused, got + out in the figure, and occasioned general confusion; so that it required + all Charlotte's presence of mind to set me right by pulling and pushing me + into my proper place. + </p> + <p> + The dance was not yet finished when the lightning which had for some time + been seen in the horizon, and which I had asserted to proceed entirely + from heat, grew more violent; and the thunder was heard above the music. + When any distress or terror surprises us in the midst of our amusements, + it naturally makes a deeper impression than at other times, either because + the contrast makes us more keenly susceptible, or rather perhaps because + our senses are then more open to impressions, and the shock is + consequently stronger. To this cause I must ascribe the fright and shrieks + of the ladies. One sagaciously sat down in a corner with her back to the + window, and held her fingers to her ears; a second knelt down before her, + and hid her face in her lap; a third threw herself between them, and + embraced her sister with a thousand tears; some insisted on going home; + others, unconscious of their actions, wanted sufficient presence of mind + to repress the impertinence of their young partners, who sought to direct + to themselves those sighs which the lips of our agitated beauties intended + for heaven. Some of the gentlemen had gone down-stairs to smoke a quiet + cigar, and the rest of the company gladly embraced a happy suggestion of + the hostess to retire into another room which was provided with shutters + and curtains. We had hardly got there, when Charlotte placed the chairs in + a circle; and, when the company had sat down in compliance with her + request, she forthwith proposed a round game. + </p> + <p> + I noticed some of the company prepare their mouths and draw themselves up + at the prospect of some agreeable forfeit. "Let us play at counting," said + Charlotte. "Now, pay attention: I shall go round the circle from right to + left; and each person is to count, one after the other, the number that + comes to him, and must count fast; whoever stops or mistakes is to have a + box on the ear, and so on, till we have counted a thousand." It was + delightful to see the fun. She went round the circle with upraised arm. + "One," said the first; "two," the second; "three," the third; and so on, + till Charlotte went faster and faster. One made a mistake, instantly a box + on the ear; and, amid the laughter that ensued, came another box; and so + on, faster and faster. I myself came in for two. I fancied they were + harder than the rest, and felt quite delighted. A general laughter and + confusion put an end to the game long before we had counted as far as a + thousand. The party broke up into little separate knots: the storm had + ceased, and I followed Charlotte into the ballroom. On the way she said, + "The game banished their fears of the storm." I could make no reply. "I + myself," she continued, "was as much frightened as any of them; but by + affecting courage, to keep up the spirits of the others, I forgot my + apprehensions." We went to the window. It was still thundering at a + distance: a soft rain was pouring down over the country, and filled the + air around us with delicious odours. Charlotte leaned forward on her arm; + her eyes wandered over the scene; she raised them to the sky, and then + turned them upon me; they were moistened with tears; she placed her hand + on mine and said, "Klopstock!" at once I remembered the magnificent ode + which was in her thoughts: I felt oppressed with the weight of my + sensations, and sank under them. It was more than I could bear. I bent + over her hand, kissed it in a stream of delicious tears, and again looked + up to her eyes. Divine Klopstock! why didst thou not see thy apotheosis in + those eyes? And thy name so often profaned, would that I never heard it + repeated! + </p> + <p> + JUNE 19. + </p> + <p> + I no longer remember where I stopped in my narrative: I only know it was + two in the morning when I went to bed; and if you had been with me, that I + might have talked instead of writing to you, I should, in all probability, + have kept you up till daylight. + </p> + <p> + I think I have not yet related what happened as we rode home from the + ball, nor have I time to tell you now. It was a most magnificent sunrise: + the whole country was refreshed, and the rain fell drop by drop from the + trees in the forest. Our companions were asleep. Charlotte asked me if I + did not wish to sleep also, and begged of me not to make any ceremony on + her account. Looking steadfastly at her, I answered, "As long as I see + those eyes open, there is no fear of my falling asleep." We both continued + awake till we reached her door. The maid opened it softly, and assured + her, in answer to her inquiries, that her father and the children were + well, and still sleeping. I left her asking permission to visit her in the + course of the day. She consented, and I went, and, since that time, sun, + moon, and stars may pursue their course: I know not whether it is day or + night; the whole world is nothing to me. + </p> + <p> + JUNE 21. + </p> + <p> + My days are as happy as those reserved by God for his elect; and, whatever + be my fate hereafter, I can never say that I have not tasted joy,—the + purest joy of life. You know Walheim. I am now completely settled there. + In that spot I am only half a league from Charlotte; and there I enjoy + myself, and taste all the pleasure which can fall to the lot of man. + </p> + <p> + Little did I imagine, when I selected Walheim for my pedestrian + excursions, that all heaven lay so near it. How often in my wanderings + from the hillside or from the meadows across the river, have I beheld this + hunting-lodge, which now contains within it all the joy of my heart! + </p> + <p> + I have often, my dear Wilhelm, reflected on the eagerness men feel to + wander and make new discoveries, and upon that secret impulse which + afterward inclines them to return to their narrow circle, conform to the + laws of custom, and embarrass themselves no longer with what passes around + them. + </p> + <p> + It is so strange how, when I came here first, and gazed upon that lovely + valley from the hillside, I felt charmed with the entire scene surrounding + me. The little wood opposite—how delightful to sit under its shade! + How fine the view from that point of rock! Then, that delightful chain of + hills, and the exquisite valleys at their feet! Could I but wander and + lose myself amongst them! I went, and returned without finding what I + wished. Distance, my friend, is like futurity. A dim vastness is spread + before our souls: the perceptions of our mind are as obscure as those of + our vision; and we desire earnestly to surrender up our whole being, that + it may be filled with the complete and perfect bliss of one glorious + emotion. But alas! when we have attained our object, when the distant + there becomes the present here, all is changed: we are as poor and + circumscribed as ever, and our souls still languish for unattainable + happiness. + </p> + <p> + So does the restless traveller pant for his native soil, and find in his + own cottage, in the arms of his wife, in the affections of his children, + and in the labour necessary for their support, that happiness which he had + sought in vain through the wide world. + </p> + <p> + When, in the morning at sunrise, I go out to Walheim, and with my own + hands gather in the garden the pease which are to serve for my dinner, + when I sit down to shell them, and read my Homer during the intervals, and + then, selecting a saucepan from the kitchen, fetch my own butter, put my + mess on the fire, cover it up, and sit down to stir it as occasion + requires, I figure to myself the illustrious suitors of Penelope, killing, + dressing, and preparing their own oxen and swine. Nothing fills me with a + more pure and genuine sense of happiness than those traits of patriarchal + life which, thank Heaven! I can imitate without affectation. Happy is it, + indeed, for me that my heart is capable of feeling the same simple and + innocent pleasure as the peasant whose table is covered with food of his + own rearing, and who not only enjoys his meal, but remembers with delight + the happy days and sunny mornings when he planted it, the soft evenings + when he watered it, and the pleasure he experienced in watching its daily + growth. + </p> + <p> + JUNE 29. + </p> + <p> + The day before yesterday, the physician came from the town to pay a visit + to the judge. He found me on the floor playing with Charlotte's children. + Some of them were scrambling over me, and others romped with me; and, as I + caught and tickled them, they made a great noise. The doctor is a formal + sort of personage: he adjusts the plaits of his ruffles, and continually + settles his frill whilst he is talking to you; and he thought my conduct + beneath the dignity of a sensible man. I could perceive this by his + countenance. But I did not suffer myself to be disturbed. I allowed him to + continue his wise conversation, whilst I rebuilt the children's card + houses for them as fast as they threw them down. He went about the town + afterward, complaining that the judge's children were spoiled enough + before, but that now Werther was completely ruining them. + </p> + <p> + Yes, my dear Wilhelm, nothing on this earth affects my heart so much as + children. When I look on at their doings; when I mark in the little + creatures the seeds of all those virtues and qualities which they will one + day find so indispensable; when I behold in the obstinate all the future + firmness and constancy of a noble character; in the capricious, that + levity and gaiety of temper which will carry them lightly over the dangers + and troubles of life, their whole nature simple and unpolluted,—then + I call to mind the golden words of the Great Teacher of mankind, "Unless + ye become like one of these!" And now, my friend, these children, who are + our equals, whom we ought to consider as our models, we treat them as + though they were our subjects. They are allowed no will of their own. And + have we, then, none ourselves? Whence comes our exclusive right? Is it + because we are older and more experienced? Great God! from the height of + thy heaven thou beholdest great children and little children, and no + others; and thy Son has long since declared which afford thee greatest + pleasure. But they believe in him, and hear him not,—that, too, is + an old story; and they train their children after their own image, etc. + </p> + <p> + Adieu, Wilhelm: I will not further bewilder myself with this subject. + </p> + <p> + JULY 1. + </p> + <p> + The consolation Charlotte can bring to an invalid I experience from my own + heart, which suffers more from her absence than many a poor creature + lingering on a bed of sickness. She is gone to spend a few days in the + town with a very worthy woman, who is given over by the physicians, and + wishes to have Charlotte near her in her last moments. I accompanied her + last week on a visit to the Vicar of S—, a small village in the + mountains, about a league hence. We arrived about four o'clock: Charlotte + had taken her little sister with her. When we entered the vicarage court, + we found the good old man sitting on a bench before the door, under the + shade of two large walnut-trees. At the sight of Charlotte he seemed to + gain new life, rose, forgot his stick, and ventured to walk toward her. + She ran to him, and made him sit down again; then, placing herself by his + side, she gave him a number of messages from her father, and then caught + up his youngest child, a dirty, ugly little thing, the joy of his old age, + and kissed it. I wish you could have witnessed her attention to this old + man,—how she raised her voice on account of his deafness; how she + told him of healthy young people, who had been carried off when it was + least expected; praised the virtues of Carlsbad, and commended his + determination to spend the ensuing summer there; and assured him that he + looked better and stronger than he did when she saw him last. I, in the + meantime, paid attention to his good lady. The old man seemed quite in + spirits; and as I could not help admiring the beauty of the walnut-trees, + which formed such an agreeable shade over our heads, he began, though with + some little difficulty, to tell us their history. "As to the oldest," said + he, "we do not know who planted it,—some say one clergyman, and some + another: but the younger one, there behind us, is exactly the age of my + wife, fifty years old next October; her father planted it in the morning, + and in the evening she came into the world. My wife's father was my + predecessor here, and I cannot tell you how fond he was of that tree; and + it is fully as dear to me. Under the shade of that very tree, upon a log + of wood, my wife was seated knitting, when I, a poor student, came into + this court for the first time, just seven and twenty years ago." Charlotte + inquired for his daughter. He said she was gone with Herr Schmidt to the + meadows, and was with the haymakers. The old man then resumed his story, + and told us how his predecessor had taken a fancy to him, as had his + daughter likewise; and how he had become first his curate, and + subsequently his successor. He had scarcely finished his story when his + daughter returned through the garden, accompanied by the above-mentioned + Herr Schmidt. She welcomed Charlotte affectionately, and I confess I was + much taken with her appearance. She was a lively-looking, good-humoured + brunette, quite competent to amuse one for a short time in the country. + Her lover (for such Herr Schmidt evidently appeared to be) was a polite, + reserved personage, and would not join our conversation, notwithstanding + all Charlotte's endeavours to draw him out. I was much annoyed at + observing, by his countenance, that his silence did not arise from want of + talent, but from caprice and ill-humour. This subsequently became very + evident, when we set out to take a walk, and Frederica joining Charlotte, + with whom I was talking, the worthy gentleman's face, which was naturally + rather sombre, became so dark and angry that Charlotte was obliged to + touch my arm, and remind me that I was talking too much to Frederica. + Nothing distresses me more than to see men torment each other; + particularly when in the flower of their age, in the very season of + pleasure, they waste their few short days of sunshine in quarrels and + disputes, and only perceive their error when it is too late to repair it. + This thought dwelt upon my mind; and in the evening, when we returned to + the vicar's, and were sitting round the table with our bread and milk, the + conversation turned on the joys and sorrows of the world, I could not + resist the temptation to inveigh bitterly against ill-humour. "We are + apt," said I, "to complain, but—with very little cause, that our + happy days are few, and our evil days many. If our hearts were always + disposed to receive the benefits Heaven sends us, we should acquire + strength to support evil when it comes." "But," observed the vicar's wife, + "we cannot always command our tempers, so much depends upon the + constitution: when the body suffers, the mind is ill at ease." "I + acknowledge that," I continued; "but we must consider such a disposition + in the light of a disease, and inquire whether there is no remedy for it." + </p> + <p> + "I should be glad to hear one," said Charlotte: "at least, I think very + much depends upon ourselves; I know it is so with me. When anything annoys + me, and disturbs my temper, I hasten into the garden, hum a couple of + country dances, and it is all right with me directly." "That is what I + meant," I replied; "ill-humour resembles indolence: it is natural to us; + but if once we have courage to exert ourselves, we find our work run fresh + from our hands, and we experience in the activity from which we shrank a + real enjoyment." Frederica listened very attentively: and the young man + objected, that we were not masters of ourselves, and still less so of our + feelings. "The question is about a disagreeable feeling," I added, "from + which every one would willingly escape, but none know their own power + without trial. Invalids are glad to consult physicians, and submit to the + most scrupulous regimen, the most nauseous medicines, in order to recover + their health." I observed that the good old man inclined his head, and + exerted himself to hear our discourse; so I raised my voice, and addressed + myself directly to him. "We preach against a great many crimes," I + observed, "but I never remember a sermon delivered against ill-humour." + "That may do very well for your town clergymen," said he: "country people + are never ill-humoured; though, indeed, it might be useful, occasionally, + to my wife for instance, and the judge." We all laughed, as did he + likewise very cordially, till he fell into a fit of coughing, which + interrupted our conversation for a time. Herr Schmidt resumed the subject. + "You call ill humour a crime," he remarked, "but I think you use too + strong a term." "Not at all," I replied, "if that deserves the name which + is so pernicious to ourselves and our neighbours. Is it not enough that we + want the power to make one another happy, must we deprive each other of + the pleasure which we can all make for ourselves? Show me the man who has + the courage to hide his ill-humour, who bears the whole burden himself, + without disturbing the peace of those around him. No: ill-humour arises + from an inward consciousness of our own want of merit, from a discontent + which ever accompanies that envy which foolish vanity engenders. We see + people happy, whom we have not made so, and cannot endure the sight." + Charlotte looked at me with a smile; she observed the emotion with which I + spoke: and a tear in the eyes of Frederica stimulated me to proceed. "Woe + unto those," I said, "who use their power over a human heart to destroy + the simple pleasures it would naturally enjoy! All the favours, all the + attentions, in the world cannot compensate for the loss of that happiness + which a cruel tyranny has destroyed." My heart was full as I spoke. A + recollection of many things which had happened pressed upon my mind, and + filled my eyes with tears. "We should daily repeat to ourselves," I + exclaimed, "that we should not interfere with our friends, unless to leave + them in possession of their own joys, and increase their happiness by + sharing it with them! But when their souls are tormented by a violent + passion, or their hearts rent with grief, is it in your power to afford + them the slightest consolation? + </p> + <p> + "And when the last fatal malady seizes the being whose untimely grave you + have prepared, when she lies languid and exhausted before you, her dim + eyes raised to heaven, and the damp of death upon her pallid brow, there + you stand at her bedside like a condemned criminal, with the bitter + feeling that your whole fortune could not save her; and the agonising + thought wrings you, that all your efforts are powerless to impart even a + moment's strength to the departing soul, or quicken her with a transitory + consolation." + </p> + <p> + At these words the remembrance of a similar scene at which I had been once + present fell with full force upon my heart. I buried my face in my + handkerchief, and hastened from the room, and was only recalled to my + recollection by Charlotte's voice, who reminded me that it was time to + return home. With what tenderness she chid me on the way for the too eager + interest I took in everything! She declared it would do me injury, and + that I ought to spare myself. Yes, my angel! I will do so for your sake. + </p> + <p> + JULY 6. + </p> + <p> + She is still with her dying friend, and is still the same bright, + beautiful creature whose presence softens pain, and sheds happiness around + whichever way she turns. She went out yesterday with her little sisters: I + knew it, and went to meet them; and we walked together. In about an hour + and a half we returned to the town. We stopped at the spring I am so fond + of, and which is now a thousand times dearer to me than ever. Charlotte + seated herself upon the low wall, and we gathered about her. I looked + around, and recalled the time when my heart was unoccupied and free. "Dear + fountain!" I said, "since that time I have no more come to enjoy cool + repose by thy fresh stream: I have passed thee with careless steps, and + scarcely bestowed a glance upon thee." I looked down, and observed + Charlotte's little sister, Jane, coming up the steps with a glass of + water. I turned toward Charlotte, and I felt her influence over me. Jane + at the moment approached with the glass. Her sister, Marianne, wished to + take it from her. "No!" cried the child, with the sweetest expression of + face, "Charlotte must drink first." + </p> + <p> + The affection and simplicity with which this was uttered so charmed me, + that I sought to express my feelings by catching up the child and kissing + her heartily. She was frightened, and began to cry. "You should not do + that," said Charlotte: I felt perplexed. "Come, Jane," she continued, + taking her hand, and leading her down the steps again, "it is no matter: + wash yourself quickly in the fresh water." I stood and watched them; and + when I saw the little dear rubbing her cheeks with her wet hands, in full + belief that all the impurities contracted from my ugly beard would be + washed off by the miraculous water, and how, though Charlotte said it + would do, she continued still to wash with all her might, as though she + thought too much were better than too little, I assure you, Wilhelm, I + never attended a baptism with greater reverence; and, when Charlotte came + up from the well, I could have prostrated myself as before the prophet of + an Eastern nation. + </p> + <p> + In the evening I would not resist telling the story to a person who, I + thought, possessed some natural feeling, because he was a man of + understanding. But what a mistake I made. He maintained it was very wrong + of Charlotte, that we should not deceive children, that such things + occasioned countless mistakes and superstitions, from which we were bound + to protect the young. It occurred to me then, that this very man had been + baptised only a week before; so I said nothing further, but maintained the + justice of my own convictions. We should deal with children as God deals + with us, we are happiest under the influence of innocent delusions. + </p> + <p> + JULY 8. + </p> + <p> + What a child is man that he should be so solicitous about a look! What a + child is man! We had been to Walheim: the ladies went in a carriage; but + during our walk I thought I saw in Charlotte's dark eyes—I am a fool—but + forgive me! you should see them,—those eyes.—However, to be + brief (for my own eyes are weighed down with sleep), you must know, when + the ladies stepped into their carriage again, young W. Seldstadt, Andran, + and I were standing about the door. They are a merry set of fellows, and + they were all laughing and joking together. I watched Charlotte's eyes. + They wandered from one to the other; but they did not light on me, on me, + who stood there motionless, and who saw nothing but her! My heart bade her + a thousand times adieu, but she noticed me not. The carriage drove off; + and my eyes filled with tears. I looked after her: suddenly I saw + Charlotte's bonnet leaning out of the window, and she turned to look back, + was it at me? My dear friend, I know not; and in this uncertainty I find + consolation. Perhaps she turned to look at me. Perhaps! Good-night—what + a child I am! + </p> + <p> + JULY 10. + </p> + <p> + You should see how foolish I look in company when her name is mentioned, + particularly when I am asked plainly how I like her. How I like her! I + detest the phrase. What sort of creature must he be who merely liked + Charlotte, whose whole heart and senses were not entirely absorbed by her. + Like her! Some one asked me lately how I liked Ossian. + </p> + <p> + JULY 11. + </p> + <p> + Madame M— is very ill. I pray for her recovery, because Charlotte + shares my sufferings. I see her occasionally at my friend's house, and + to-day she has told me the strangest circumstance. Old M— is a + covetous, miserly fellow, who has long worried and annoyed the poor lady + sadly; but she has borne her afflictions patiently. A few days ago, when + the physician informed us that her recovery was hopeless, she sent for her + husband (Charlotte was present), and addressed him thus: "I have something + to confess, which, after my decease, may occasion trouble and confusion. I + have hitherto conducted your household as frugally and economically as + possible, but you must pardon me for having defrauded you for thirty + years. At the commencement of our married life, you allowed a small sum + for the wants of the kitchen, and the other household expenses. When our + establishment increased and our property grew larger, I could not persuade + you to increase the weekly allowance in proportion: in short, you know, + that, when our wants were greatest, you required me to supply everything + with seven florins a week. I took the money from you without an + observation, but made up the weekly deficiency from the money-chest; as + nobody would suspect your wife of robbing the household bank. But I have + wasted nothing, and should have been content to meet my eternal Judge + without this confession, if she, upon whom the management of your + establishment will devolve after my decease, would be free from + embarrassment upon your insisting that the allowance made to me, your + former wife, was sufficient." + </p> + <p> + I talked with Charlotte of the inconceivable manner in which men allow + themselves to be blinded; how any one could avoid suspecting some + deception, when seven florins only were allowed to defray expenses twice + as great. But I have myself known people who believed, without any visible + astonishment, that their house possessed the prophet's never-failing cruse + of oil. + </p> + <p> + JULY 13. + </p> + <p> + No, I am not deceived. In her dark eyes I read a genuine interest in me + and in my fortunes. Yes, I feel it; and I may believe my own heart which + tells me—dare I say it?—dare I pronounce the divine words?—that + she loves me! + </p> + <p> + That she loves me! How the idea exalts me in my own eyes! And, as you can + understand my feelings, I may say to you, how I honour myself since she + loves me! + </p> + <p> + Is this presumption, or is it a consciousness of the truth? I do not know + a man able to supplant me in the heart of Charlotte; and yet when she + speaks of her betrothed with so much warmth and affection, I feel like the + soldier who has been stripped of his honours and titles, and deprived of + his sword. + </p> + <p> + JULY 16. + </p> + <p> + How my heart beats when by accident I touch her finger, or my feet meet + hers under the table! I draw back as if from a furnace; but a secret force + impels me forward again, and my senses become disordered. Her innocent, + unconscious heart never knows what agony these little familiarities + inflict upon me. Sometimes when we are talking she lays her hand upon + mine, and in the eagerness of conversation comes closer to me, and her + balmy breath reaches my lips,—when I feel as if lightning had struck + me, and that I could sink into the earth. And yet, Wilhelm, with all this + heavenly confidence,—if I know myself, and should ever dare—you + understand me. No, no! my heart is not so corrupt, it is weak, weak enough + but is not that a degree of corruption? + </p> + <p> + She is to me a sacred being. All passion is still in her presence: I + cannot express my sensations when I am near her. I feel as if my soul beat + in every nerve of my body. There is a melody which she plays on the piano + with angelic skill,—so simple is it, and yet so spiritual! It is her + favourite air; and, when she plays the first note, all pain, care, and + sorrow disappear from me in a moment. + </p> + <p> + I believe every word that is said of the magic of ancient music. How her + simple song enchants me! Sometimes, when I am ready to commit suicide, she + sings that air; and instantly the gloom and madness which hung over me are + dispersed, and I breathe freely again. + </p> + <p> + JULY 18. + </p> + <p> + Wilhelm, what is the world to our hearts without love? What is a + magic-lantern without light? You have but to kindle the flame within, and + the brightest figures shine on the white wall; and, if love only show us + fleeting shadows, we are yet happy, when, like mere children, we behold + them, and are transported with the splendid phantoms. I have not been able + to see Charlotte to-day. I was prevented by company from which I could not + disengage myself. What was to be done? I sent my servant to her house, + that I might at least see somebody to-day who had been near her. Oh, the + impatience with which I waited for his return! the joy with which I + welcomed him! I should certainly have caught him in my arms, and kissed + him, if I had not been ashamed. + </p> + <p> + It is said that the Bonona stone, when placed in the sun, attracts the + rays, and for a time appears luminous in the dark. So was it with me and + this servant. The idea that Charlotte's eyes had dwelt on his countenance, + his cheek, his very apparel, endeared them all inestimably to me, so that + at the moment I would not have parted from him for a thousand crowns. His + presence made me so happy! Beware of laughing at me, Wilhelm. Can that be + a delusion which makes us happy? + </p> + <p> + JULY 19. + </p> + <p> + "I shall see her today!" I exclaim with delight, when I rise in the + morning, and look out with gladness of heart at the bright, beautiful sun. + "I shall see her today!" And then I have no further wish to form: all, all + is included in that one thought. + </p> + <p> + JULY 20. + </p> + <p> + I cannot assent to your proposal that I should accompany the ambassador to + ———. I do not love subordination; and we all know that + he is a rough, disagreeable person to be connected with. You say my mother + wishes me to be employed. I could not help laughing at that. Am I not + sufficiently employed? And is it not in reality the same, whether I shell + peas or count lentils? The world runs on from one folly to another; and + the man who, solely from regard to the opinion of others, and without any + wish or necessity of his own, toils after gold, honour, or any other + phantom, is no better than a fool. + </p> + <p> + JULY 24. + </p> + <p> + You insist so much on my not neglecting my drawing, that it would be as + well for me to say nothing as to confess how little I have lately done. + </p> + <p> + I never felt happier, I never understood nature better, even down to the + veriest stem or smallest blade of grass; and yet I am unable to express + myself: my powers of execution are so weak, everything seems to swim and + float before me, so that I cannot make a clear, bold outline. But I fancy + I should succeed better if I had some clay or wax to model. I shall try, + if this state of mind continues much longer, and will take to modelling, + if I only knead dough. + </p> + <p> + I have commenced Charlotte's portrait three times, and have as often + disgraced myself. This is the more annoying, as I was formerly very happy + in taking likenesses. I have since sketched her profile, and must content + myself with that. + </p> + <p> + JULY 25. + </p> + <p> + Yes, dear Charlotte! I will order and arrange everything. Only give me + more commissions, the more the better. One thing, however, I must request: + use no more writing-sand with the dear notes you send me. Today I raised + your letter hastily to my lips, and it set my teeth on edge. + </p> + <p> + JULY 26. + </p> + <p> + I have often determined not to see her so frequently. But who could keep + such a resolution? Every day I am exposed to the temptation, and promise + faithfully that to-morrow I will really stay away: but, when tomorrow + comes, I find some irresistible reason for seeing her; and, before I can + account for it, I am with her again. Either she has said on the previous + evening "You will be sure to call to-morrow,"—and who could stay + away then?—or she gives me some commission, and I find it essential + to take her the answer in person; or the day is fine, and I walk to + Walheim; and, when I am there, it is only half a league farther to her. I + am within the charmed atmosphere, and soon find myself at her side. My + grandmother used to tell us a story of a mountain of loadstone. When any + vessels came near it, they were instantly deprived of their ironwork: the + nails flew to the mountain, and the unhappy crew perished amidst the + disjointed planks. + </p> + <p> + JULY 30. + </p> + <p> + Albert is arrived, and I must take my departure. Were he the best and + noblest of men, and I in every respect his inferior, I could not endure to + see him in possession of such a perfect being. Possession!—enough, + Wilhelm: her betrothed is here,—a fine, worthy fellow, whom one + cannot help liking. Fortunately I was not present at their meeting. It + would have broken my heart! And he is so considerate: he has not given + Charlotte one kiss in my presence. Heaven reward him for it! I must love + him for the respect with which he treats her. He shows a regard for me, + but for this I suspect I am more indebted to Charlotte than to his own + fancy for me. Women have a delicate tact in such matters, and it should be + so. They cannot always succeed in keeping two rivals on terms with each + other; but, when they do, they are the only gainers. + </p> + <p> + I cannot help esteeming Albert. The coolness of his temper contrasts + strongly with the impetuosity of mine, which I cannot conceal. He has a + great deal of feeling, and is fully sensible of the treasure he possesses + in Charlotte. He is free from ill-humour, which you know is the fault I + detest most. + </p> + <p> + He regards me as a man of sense; and my attachment to Charlotte, and the + interest I take in all that concerns her, augment his triumph and his + love. I shall not inquire whether he may not at times tease her with some + little jealousies; as I know, that, were I in his place, I should not be + entirely free from such sensations. + </p> + <p> + But, be that as it may, my pleasure with Charlotte is over. Call it folly + or infatuation, what signifies a name? The thing speaks for itself. Before + Albert came, I knew all that I know now. I knew I could make no + pretensions to her, nor did I offer any, that is, as far as it was + possible, in the presence of so much loveliness, not to pant for its + enjoyment. And now, behold me like a silly fellow, staring with + astonishment when another comes in, and deprives me of my love. + </p> + <p> + I bite my lips, and feel infinite scorn for those who tell me to be + resigned, because there is no help for it. Let me escape from the yoke of + such silly subterfuges! I ramble through the woods; and when I return to + Charlotte, and find Albert sitting by her side in the summer-house in the + garden, I am unable to bear it, behave like a fool, and commit a thousand + extravagances. "For Heaven's sake," said Charlotte today, "let us have no + more scenes like those of last night! You terrify me when you are so + violent." Between ourselves, I am always away now when he visits her: and + I feel delighted when I find her alone. + </p> + <p> + AUGUST 8. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, dear Wilhelm, I did not allude to you when I spoke so severely + of those who advise resignation to inevitable fate. I did not think it + possible for you to indulge such a sentiment. But in fact you are right. I + only suggest one objection. In this world one is seldom reduced to make a + selection between two alternatives. There are as many varieties of conduct + and opinion as there are turns of feature between an aquiline nose and a + flat one. + </p> + <p> + You will, therefore, permit me to concede your entire argument, and yet + contrive means to escape your dilemma. + </p> + <p> + Your position is this, I hear you say: "Either you have hopes of obtaining + Charlotte, or you have none. Well, in the first case, pursue your course, + and press on to the fulfilment of your wishes. In the second, be a man, + and shake off a miserable passion, which will enervate and destroy you." + My dear friend, this is well and easily said. + </p> + <p> + But would you require a wretched being, whose life is slowly wasting under + a lingering disease, to despatch himself at once by the stroke of a + dagger? Does not the very disorder which consumes his strength deprive him + of the courage to effect his deliverance? + </p> + <p> + You may answer me, if you please, with a similar analogy, "Who would not + prefer the amputation of an arm to the periling of life by doubt and + procrastination!" But I know not if I am right, and let us leave these + comparisons. + </p> + <p> + Enough! There are moments, Wilhelm, when I could rise up and shake it all + off, and when, if I only knew where to go, I could fly from this place. + </p> + <p> + THE SAME EVENING. + </p> + <p> + My diary, which I have for some time neglected, came before me today; and + I am amazed to see how deliberately I have entangled myself step by step. + To have seen my position so clearly, and yet to have acted so like a + child! Even still I behold the result plainly, and yet have no thought of + acting with greater prudence. + </p> + <p> + AUGUST 10. + </p> + <p> + If I were not a fool, I could spend the happiest and most delightful life + here. So many agreeable circumstances, and of a kind to ensure a worthy + man's happiness, are seldom united. Alas! I feel it too sensibly,—the + heart alone makes our happiness! To be admitted into this most charming + family, to be loved by the father as a son, by the children as a father, + and by Charlotte! then the noble Albert, who never disturbs my happiness + by any appearance of ill-humour, receiving me with the heartiest + affection, and loving me, next to Charlotte, better than all the world! + Wilhelm, you would be delighted to hear us in our rambles, and + conversations about Charlotte. Nothing in the world can be more absurd + than our connection, and yet the thought of it often moves me to tears. + </p> + <p> + He tells me sometimes of her excellent mother; how, upon her death-bed, + she had committed her house and children to Charlotte, and had given + Charlotte herself in charge to him; how, since that time, a new spirit had + taken possession of her; how, in care and anxiety for their welfare, she + became a real mother to them; how every moment of her time was devoted to + some labour of love in their behalf,—and yet her mirth and + cheerfulness had never forsaken her. I walk by his side, pluck flowers by + the way, arrange them carefully into a nosegay, then fling them into the + first stream I pass, and watch them as they float gently away. I forget + whether I told you that Albert is to remain here. He has received a + government appointment, with a very good salary; and I understand he is in + high favour at court. I have met few persons so punctual and methodical in + business. + </p> + <p> + AUGUST 12. + </p> + <p> + Certainly Albert is the best fellow in the world. I had a strange scene + with him yesterday. I went to take leave of him; for I took it into my + head to spend a few days in these mountains, from where I now write to + you. As I was walking up and down his room, my eye fell upon his pistols. + "Lend me those pistols," said I, "for my journey." "By all means," he + replied, "if you will take the trouble to load them; for they only hang + there for form." I took down one of them; and he continued, "Ever since I + was near suffering for my extreme caution, I will have nothing to do with + such things." I was curious to hear the story. "I was staying," said he, + "some three months ago, at a friend's house in the country. I had a brace + of pistols with me, unloaded; and I slept without any anxiety. One rainy + afternoon I was sitting by myself, doing nothing, when it occurred to me I + do not know how that the house might be attacked, that we might require + the pistols, that we might in short, you know how we go on fancying, when + we have nothing better to do. I gave the pistols to the servant, to clean + and load. He was playing with the maid, and trying to frighten her, when + the pistol went off—God knows how!—the ramrod was in the + barrel; and it went straight through her right hand, and shattered the + thumb. I had to endure all the lamentation, and to pay the surgeon's bill; + so, since that time, I have kept all my weapons unloaded. But, my dear + friend, what is the use of prudence? We can never be on our guard against + all possible dangers. However,"—now, you must know I can tolerate + all men till they come to "however;"—for it is self-evident that + every universal rule must have its exceptions. But he is so exceedingly + accurate, that, if he only fancies he has said a word too precipitate, or + too general, or only half true, he never ceases to qualify, to modify, and + extenuate, till at last he appears to have said nothing at all. Upon this + occasion, Albert was deeply immersed in his subject: I ceased to listen to + him, and became lost in reverie. With a sudden motion, I pointed the mouth + of the pistol to my forehead, over the right eye. "What do you mean?" + cried Albert, turning back the pistol. "It is not loaded," said I. "And + even if not," he answered with impatience, "what can you mean? I cannot + comprehend how a man can be so mad as to shoot himself, and the bare idea + of it shocks me." + </p> + <p> + "But why should any one," said I, "in speaking of an action, venture to + pronounce it mad or wise, or good or bad? What is the meaning of all this? + Have you carefully studied the secret motives of our actions? Do you + understand—can you explain the causes which occasion them, and make + them inevitable? If you can, you will be less hasty with your decision." + </p> + <p> + "But you will allow," said Albert; "that some actions are criminal, let + them spring from whatever motives they may." I granted it, and shrugged my + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + "But still, my good friend," I continued, "there are some exceptions here + too. Theft is a crime; but the man who commits it from extreme poverty, + with no design but to save his family from perishing, is he an object of + pity, or of punishment? Who shall throw the first stone at a husband, who, + in the heat of just resentment, sacrifices his faithless wife and her + perfidious seducer? or at the young maiden, who, in her weak hour of + rapture, forgets herself in the impetuous joys of love? Even our laws, + cold and cruel as they are, relent in such cases, and withhold their + punishment." + </p> + <p> + "That is quite another thing," said Albert; "because a man under the + influence of violent passion loses all power of reflection, and is + regarded as intoxicated or insane." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! you people of sound understandings," I replied, smiling, "are ever + ready to exclaim 'Extravagance, and madness, and intoxication!' You moral + men are so calm and so subdued! You abhor the drunken man, and detest the + extravagant; you pass by, like the Levite, and thank God, like the + Pharisee, that you are not like one of them. I have been more than once + intoxicated, my passions have always bordered on extravagance: I am not + ashamed to confess it; for I have learned, by my own experience, that all + extraordinary men, who have accomplished great and astonishing actions, + have ever been decried by the world as drunken or insane. And in private + life, too, is it not intolerable that no one can undertake the execution + of a noble or generous deed, without giving rise to the exclamation that + the doer is intoxicated or mad? Shame upon you, ye sages!" + </p> + <p> + "This is another of your extravagant humours," said Albert: "you always + exaggerate a case, and in this matter you are undoubtedly wrong; for we + were speaking of suicide, which you compare with great actions, when it is + impossible to regard it as anything but a weakness. It is much easier to + die than to bear a life of misery with fortitude." + </p> + <p> + I was on the point of breaking off the conversation, for nothing puts me + so completely out of patience as the utterance of a wretched commonplace + when I am talking from my inmost heart. However, I composed myself, for I + had often heard the same observation with sufficient vexation; and I + answered him, therefore, with a little warmth, "You call this a weakness—beware + of being led astray by appearances. When a nation, which has long groaned + under the intolerable yoke of a tyrant, rises at last and throws off its + chains, do you call that weakness? The man who, to rescue his house from + the flames, finds his physical strength redoubled, so that he lifts + burdens with ease, which, in the absence of excitement, he could scarcely + move; he who, under the rage of an insult, attacks and puts to flight half + a score of his enemies, are such persons to be called weak? My good + friend, if resistance be strength, how can the highest degree of + resistance be a weakness?" + </p> + <p> + Albert looked steadfastly at me, and said, "Pray forgive me, but I do not + see that the examples you have adduced bear any relation to the question." + "Very likely," I answered; "for I have often been told that my style of + illustration borders a little on the absurd. But let us see if we cannot + place the matter in another point of view, by inquiring what can be a + man's state of mind who resolves to free himself from the burden of life,—a + burden often so pleasant to bear,—for we cannot otherwise reason + fairly upon the subject. + </p> + <p> + "Human nature," I continued, "has its limits. It is able to endure a + certain degree of joy, sorrow, and pain, but becomes annihilated as soon + as this measure is exceeded. The question, therefore, is, not whether a + man is strong or weak, but whether he is able to endure the measure of his + sufferings. The suffering may be moral or physical; and in my opinion it + is just as absurd to call a man a coward who destroys himself, as to call + a man a coward who dies of a malignant fever." + </p> + <p> + "Paradox, all paradox!" exclaimed Albert. "Not so paradoxical as you + imagine," I replied. "You allow that we designate a disease as mortal when + nature is so severely attacked, and her strength so far exhausted, that + she cannot possibly recover her former condition under any change that may + take place. + </p> + <p> + "Now, my good friend, apply this to the mind; observe a man in his + natural, isolated condition; consider how ideas work, and how impressions + fasten on him, till at length a violent passion seizes him, destroying all + his powers of calm reflection, and utterly ruining him. + </p> + <p> + "It is in vain that a man of sound mind and cool temper understands the + condition of such a wretched being, in vain he counsels him. He can no + more communicate his own wisdom to him than a healthy man can instil his + strength into the invalid, by whose bedside he is seated." + </p> + <p> + Albert thought this too general. I reminded him of a girl who had drowned + herself a short time previously, and I related her history. + </p> + <p> + She was a good creature, who had grown up in the narrow sphere of + household industry and weekly appointed labour; one who knew no pleasure + beyond indulging in a walk on Sundays, arrayed in her best attire, + accompanied by her friends, or perhaps joining in the dance now and then + at some festival, and chatting away her spare hours with a neighbour, + discussing the scandal or the quarrels of the village, trifles sufficient + to occupy her heart. At length the warmth of her nature is influenced by + certain new and unknown wishes. Inflamed by the flatteries of men, her + former pleasures become by degrees insipid, till at length she meets with + a youth to whom she is attracted by an indescribable feeling; upon him she + now rests all her hopes; she forgets the world around her; she sees, + hears, desires nothing but him, and him only. He alone occupies all her + thoughts. Uncorrupted by the idle indulgence of an enervating vanity, her + affection moving steadily toward its object, she hopes to become his, and + to realise, in an everlasting union with him, all that happiness which she + sought, all that bliss for which she longed. His repeated promises confirm + her hopes: embraces and endearments, which increase the ardour of her + desires, overmaster her soul. She floats in a dim, delusive anticipation + of her happiness; and her feelings become excited to their utmost tension. + She stretches out her arms finally to embrace the object of all her wishes + and her lover forsakes her. Stunned and bewildered, she stands upon a + precipice. All is darkness around her. No prospect, no hope, no + consolation—forsaken by him in whom her existence was centred! She + sees nothing of the wide world before her, thinks nothing of the many + individuals who might supply the void in her heart; she feels herself + deserted, forsaken by the world; and, blinded and impelled by the agony + which wrings her soul, she plunges into the deep, to end her sufferings in + the broad embrace of death. See here, Albert, the history of thousands; + and tell me, is not this a case of physical infirmity? Nature has no way + to escape from the labyrinth: her powers are exhausted: she can contend no + longer, and the poor soul must die. + </p> + <p> + "Shame upon him who can look on calmly, and exclaim, 'The foolish girl! + she should have waited; she should have allowed time to wear off the + impression; her despair would have been softened, and she would have found + another lover to comfort her.' One might as well say, 'The fool, to die of + a fever! why did he not wait till his strength was restored, till his + blood became calm? all would then have gone well, and he would have been + alive now.'" + </p> + <p> + Albert, who could not see the justice of the comparison, offered some + further objections, and, amongst others, urged that I had taken the case + of a mere ignorant girl. But how any man of sense, of more enlarged views + and experience, could be excused, he was unable to comprehend. "My + friend!" I exclaimed, "man is but man; and, whatever be the extent of his + reasoning powers, they are of little avail when passion rages within, and + he feels himself confined by the narrow limits of nature. It were better, + then—but we will talk of this some other time," I said, and caught + up my hat. Alas! my heart was full; and we parted without conviction on + either side. How rarely in this world do men understand each other! + </p> + <p> + AUGUST 15. + </p> + <p> + There can be no doubt that in this world nothing is so indispensable as + love. I observe that Charlotte could not lose me without a pang, and the + very children have but one wish; that is, that I should visit them again + to-morrow. I went this afternoon to tune Charlotte's piano. But I could + not do it, for the little ones insisted on my telling them a story; and + Charlotte herself urged me to satisfy them. I waited upon them at tea, and + they are now as fully contented with me as with Charlotte; and I told them + my very best tale of the princess who was waited upon by dwarfs. I improve + myself by this exercise, and am quite surprised at the impression my + stories create. If I sometimes invent an incident which I forget upon the + next narration, they remind one directly that the story was different + before; so that I now endeavour to relate with exactness the same anecdote + in the same monotonous tone, which never changes. I find by this, how much + an author injures his works by altering them, even though they be improved + in a poetical point of view. The first impression is readily received. We + are so constituted that we believe the most incredible things; and, once + they are engraved upon the memory, woe to him who would endeavour to + efface them. + </p> + <p> + AUGUST 18. + </p> + <p> + Must it ever be thus,—that the source of our happiness must also be + the fountain of our misery? The full and ardent sentiment which animated + my heart with the love of nature, overwhelming me with a torrent of + delight, and which brought all paradise before me, has now become an + insupportable torment, a demon which perpetually pursues and harasses me. + When in bygone days I gazed from these rocks upon yonder mountains across + the river, and upon the green, flowery valley before me, and saw all + nature budding and bursting around; the hills clothed from foot to peak + with tall, thick forest trees; the valleys in all their varied windings, + shaded with the loveliest woods; and the soft river gliding along amongst + the lisping reeds, mirroring the beautiful clouds which the soft evening + breeze wafted across the sky,—when I heard the groves about me + melodious with the music of birds, and saw the million swarms of insects + dancing in the last golden beams of the sun, whose setting rays awoke the + humming beetles from their grassy beds, whilst the subdued tumult around + directed my attention to the ground, and I there observed the arid rock + compelled to yield nutriment to the dry moss, whilst the heath flourished + upon the barren sands below me, all this displayed to me the inner warmth + which animates all nature, and filled and glowed within my heart. I felt + myself exalted by this overflowing fulness to the perception of the + Godhead, and the glorious forms of an infinite universe became visible to + my soul! Stupendous mountains encompassed me, abysses yawned at my feet, + and cataracts fell headlong down before me; impetuous rivers rolled + through the plain, and rocks and mountains resounded from afar. In the + depths of the earth I saw innumerable powers in motion, and multiplying to + infinity; whilst upon its surface, and beneath the heavens, there teemed + ten thousand varieties of living creatures. Everything around is alive + with an infinite number of forms; while mankind fly for security to their + petty houses, from the shelter of which they rule in their imaginations + over the wide-extended universe. Poor fool! in whose petty estimation all + things are little. From the inaccessible mountains, across the desert + which no mortal foot has trod, far as the confines of the unknown ocean, + breathes the spirit of the eternal Creator; and every atom to which he has + given existence finds favour in his sight. Ah, how often at that time has + the flight of a bird, soaring above my head, inspired me with the desire + of being transported to the shores of the immeasurable waters, there to + quaff the pleasures of life from the foaming goblet of the Infinite, and + to partake, if but for a moment even, with the confined powers of my soul, + the beatitude of that Creator who accomplishes all things in himself, and + through himself! + </p> + <p> + My dear friend, the bare recollection of those hours still consoles me. + Even this effort to recall those ineffable sensations, and give them + utterance, exalts my soul above itself, and makes me doubly feel the + intensity of my present anguish. + </p> + <p> + It is as if a curtain had been drawn from before my eyes, and, instead of + prospects of eternal life, the abyss of an ever open grave yawned before + me. Can we say of anything that it exists when all passes away, when time, + with the speed of a storm, carries all things onward,—and our + transitory existence, hurried along by the torrent, is either swallowed up + by the waves or dashed against the rocks? There is not a moment but preys + upon you,—and upon all around you, not a moment in which you do not + yourself become a destroyer. The most innocent walk deprives of life + thousands of poor insects: one step destroys the fabric of the industrious + ant, and converts a little world into chaos. No: it is not the great and + rare calamities of the world, the floods which sweep away whole villages, + the earthquakes which swallow up our towns, that affect me. My heart is + wasted by the thought of that destructive power which lies concealed in + every part of universal nature. Nature has formed nothing that does not + consume itself, and every object near it: so that, surrounded by earth and + air, and all the active powers, I wander on my way with aching heart; and + the universe is to me a fearful monster, for ever devouring its own + offspring. + </p> + <p> + AUGUST 21. + </p> + <p> + In vain do I stretch out my arms toward her when I awaken in the morning + from my weary slumbers. In vain do I seek for her at night in my bed, when + some innocent dream has happily deceived me, and placed her near me in the + fields, when I have seized her hand and covered it with countless kisses. + And when I feel for her in the half confusion of sleep, with the happy + sense that she is near, tears flow from my oppressed heart; and, bereft of + all comfort, I weep over my future woes. + </p> + <p> + AUGUST 22. + </p> + <p> + What a misfortune, Wilhelm! My active spirits have degenerated into + contented indolence. I cannot be idle, and yet I am unable to set to work. + I cannot think: I have no longer any feeling for the beauties of nature, + and books are distasteful to me. Once we give ourselves up, we are totally + lost. Many a time and oft I wish I were a common labourer; that, awakening + in the morning, I might have but one prospect, one pursuit, one hope, for + the day which has dawned. I often envy Albert when I see him buried in a + heap of papers and parchments, and I fancy I should be happy were I in his + place. Often impressed with this feeling I have been on the point of + writing to you and to the minister, for the appointment at the embassy, + which you think I might obtain. I believe I might procure it. The minister + has long shown a regard for me, and has frequently urged me to seek + employment. It is the business of an hour only. Now and then the fable of + the horse recurs to me. Weary of liberty, he suffered himself to be + saddled and bridled, and was ridden to death for his pains. I know not + what to determine upon. For is not this anxiety for change the consequence + of that restless spirit which would pursue me equally in every situation + of life? + </p> + <p> + AUGUST 28. + </p> + <p> + If my ills would admit of any cure, they would certainly be cured here. + This is my birthday, and early in the morning I received a packet from + Albert. Upon opening it, I found one of the pink ribbons which Charlotte + wore in her dress the first time I saw her, and which I had several times + asked her to give me. With it were two volumes in duodecimo of Wetstein's + "Homer," a book I had often wished for, to save me the inconvenience of + carrying the large Ernestine edition with me upon my walks. You see how + they anticipate my wishes, how well they understand all those little + attentions of friendship, so superior to the costly presents of the great, + which are humiliating. I kissed the ribbon a thousand times, and in every + breath inhaled the remembrance of those happy and irrevocable days which + filled me with the keenest joy. Such, Wilhelm, is our fate. I do not + murmur at it: the flowers of life are but visionary. How many pass away, + and leave no trace behind—how few yield any fruit—and the + fruit itself, how rarely does it ripen! And yet there are flowers enough! + and is it not strange, my friend, that we should suffer the little that + does really ripen, to rot, decay, and perish unenjoyed? Farewell! This is + a glorious summer. I often climb into the trees in Charlotte's orchard, + and shake down the pears that hang on the highest branches. She stands + below, and catches them as they fall. + </p> + <p> + AUGUST 30. + </p> + <p> + Unhappy being that I am! Why do I thus deceive myself? What is to come of + all this wild, aimless, endless passion? I cannot pray except to her. My + imagination sees nothing but her: all surrounding objects are of no + account, except as they relate to her. In this dreamy state I enjoy many + happy hours, till at length I feel compelled to tear myself away from her. + Ah, Wilhelm, to what does not my heart often compel me! When I have spent + several hours in her company, till I feel completely absorbed by her + figure, her grace, the divine expression of her thoughts, my mind becomes + gradually excited to the highest excess, my sight grows dim, my hearing + confused, my breathing oppressed as if by the hand of a murderer, and my + beating heart seeks to obtain relief for my aching senses. I am sometimes + unconscious whether I really exist. If in such moments I find no sympathy, + and Charlotte does not allow me to enjoy the melancholy consolation of + bathing her hand with my tears, I feel compelled to tear myself from her, + when I either wander through the country, climb some precipitous cliff, or + force a path through the trackless thicket, where I am lacerated and torn + by thorns and briers; and thence I find relief. Sometimes I lie stretched + on the ground, overcome with fatigue and dying with thirst; sometimes, + late in the night, when the moon shines above me, I recline against an + aged tree in some sequestered forest, to rest my weary limbs, when, + exhausted and worn, I sleep till break of day. O Wilhelm! the hermit's + cell, his sackcloth, and girdle of thorns would be luxury and indulgence + compared with what I suffer. Adieu! I see no end to this wretchedness + except the grave. + </p> + <p> + SEPTEMBER 3. + </p> + <p> + I must away. Thank you, Wilhelm, for determining my wavering purpose. For + a whole fortnight I have thought of leaving her. I must away. She has + returned to town, and is at the house of a friend. And then, Albert—yes, + I must go. + </p> + <p> + SEPTEMBER 10. + </p> + <p> + Oh, what a night, Wilhelm! I can henceforth bear anything. I shall never + see her again. Oh, why cannot I fall on your neck, and, with floods of + tears and raptures, give utterance to all the passions which distract my + heart! Here I sit gasping for breath, and struggling to compose myself. I + wait for day, and at sunrise the horses are to be at the door. + </p> + <p> + And she is sleeping calmly, little suspecting that she has seen me for the + last time. I am free. I have had the courage, in an interview of two + hours' duration, not to betray my intention. And O Wilhelm, what a + conversation it was! + </p> + <p> + Albert had promised to come to Charlotte in the garden immediately after + supper. I was upon the terrace under the tall chestnut trees, and watched + the setting sun. I saw him sink for the last time beneath this delightful + valley and silent stream. I had often visited the same spot with + Charlotte, and witnessed that glorious sight; and now—I was walking + up and down the very avenue which was so dear to me. A secret sympathy had + frequently drawn me thither before I knew Charlotte; and we were delighted + when, in our early acquaintance, we discovered that we each loved the same + spot, which is indeed as romantic as any that ever captivated the fancy of + an artist. + </p> + <p> + From beneath the chestnut trees, there is an extensive view. But I + remember that I have mentioned all this in a former letter, and have + described the tall mass of beech trees at the end, and how the avenue + grows darker and darker as it winds its way among them, till it ends in a + gloomy recess, which has all the charm of a mysterious solitude. I still + remember the strange feeling of melancholy which came over me the first + time I entered that dark retreat, at bright midday. I felt some secret + foreboding that it would, one day, be to me the scene of some happiness or + misery. + </p> + <p> + I had spent half an hour struggling between the contending thoughts of + going and returning, when I heard them coming up the terrace. I ran to + meet them. I trembled as I took her hand, and kissed it. As we reached the + top of the terrace, the moon rose from behind the wooded hill. We + conversed on many subjects, and, without perceiving it, approached the + gloomy recess. Charlotte entered, and sat down. Albert seated himself + beside her. I did the same, but my agitation did not suffer me to remain + long seated. I got up, and stood before her, then walked backward and + forward, and sat down again. I was restless and miserable. Charlotte drew + our attention to the beautiful effect of the moonlight, which threw a + silver hue over the terrace in front of us, beyond the beech trees. It was + a glorious sight, and was rendered more striking by the darkness which + surrounded the spot where we were. We remained for some time silent, when + Charlotte observed, "Whenever I walk by moonlight, it brings to my + remembrance all my beloved and departed friends, and I am filled with + thoughts of death and futurity. We shall live again, Werther!" she + continued, with a firm but feeling voice; "but shall we know one another + again—what do you think? what do you say?" + </p> + <p> + "Charlotte," I said, as I took her hand in mine, and my eyes filled with + tears, "we shall see each other again—here and hereafter we shall + meet again." I could say no more. Why, Wilhelm, should she put this + question to me, just at the moment when the fear of our cruel separation + filled my heart? + </p> + <p> + "And oh! do those departed ones know how we are employed here? do they + know when we are well and happy? do they know when we recall their + memories with the fondest love? In the silent hour of evening the shade of + my mother hovers around me; when seated in the midst of my children, I see + them assembled near me, as they used to assemble near her; and then I + raise my anxious eyes to heaven, and wish she could look down upon us, and + witness how I fulfil the promise I made to her in her last moments, to be + a mother to her children. With what emotion do I then exclaim, 'Pardon, + dearest of mothers, pardon me, if I do not adequately supply your place! + Alas! I do my utmost. They are clothed and fed; and, still better, they + are loved and educated. Could you but see, sweet saint! the peace and + harmony that dwells amongst us, you would glorify God with the warmest + feelings of gratitude, to whom, in your last hour, you addressed such + fervent prayers for our happiness.'" Thus did she express herself; but O + Wilhelm! who can do justice to her language? how can cold and passionless + words convey the heavenly expressions of the spirit? Albert interrupted + her gently. "This affects you too deeply, my dear Charlotte. I know your + soul dwells on such recollections with intense delight; but I implore—" + "O Albert!" she continued, "I am sure you do not forget the evenings when + we three used to sit at the little round table, when papa was absent, and + the little ones had retired. You often had a good book with you, but + seldom read it; the conversation of that noble being was preferable to + everything,—that beautiful, bright, gentle, and yet ever-toiling + woman. God alone knows how I have supplicated with tears on my nightly + couch, that I might be like her." + </p> + <p> + I threw myself at her feet, and, seizing her hand, bedewed it with a + thousand tears. "Charlotte!" I exclaimed, "God's blessing and your + mother's spirit are upon you." "Oh! that you had known her," she said, + with a warm pressure of the hand. "She was worthy of being known to you." + I thought I should have fainted: never had I received praise so + flattering. She continued, "And yet she was doomed to die in the flower of + her youth, when her youngest child was scarcely six months old. Her + illness was but short, but she was calm and resigned; and it was only for + her children, especially the youngest, that she felt unhappy. When her end + drew nigh, she bade me bring them to her. I obeyed. The younger ones knew + nothing of their approaching loss, while the elder ones were quite + overcome with grief. They stood around the bed; and she raised her feeble + hands to heaven, and prayed over them; then, kissing them in turn, she + dismissed them, and said to me, 'Be you a mother to them.' I gave her my + hand. 'You are promising much, my child,' she said: 'a mother's fondness + and a mother's care! I have often witnessed, by your tears of gratitude, + that you know what is a mother's tenderness: show it to your brothers and + sisters, and be dutiful and faithful to your father as a wife; you will be + his comfort.' She inquired for him. He had retired to conceal his + intolerable anguish,—he was heartbroken, 'Albert, you were in the + room.' She heard some one moving: she inquired who it was, and desired you + to approach. She surveyed us both with a look of composure and + satisfaction, expressive of her conviction that we should be happy,—happy + with one another." Albert fell upon her neck, and kissed her, and + exclaimed, "We are so, and we shall be so!" Even Albert, generally so + tranquil, had quite lost his composure; and I was excited beyond + expression. + </p> + <p> + "And such a being," She continued, "was to leave us, Werther! Great God, + must we thus part with everything we hold dear in this world? Nobody felt + this more acutely than the children: they cried and lamented for a long + time afterward, complaining that men had carried away their dear mamma." + </p> + <p> + Charlotte rose. It aroused me; but I continued sitting, and held her hand. + "Let us go," she said: "it grows late." She attempted to withdraw her + hand: I held it still. "We shall see each other again," I exclaimed: "we + shall recognise each other under every possible change! I am going," I + continued, "going willingly; but, should I say for ever, perhaps I may not + keep my word. Adieu, Charlotte; adieu, Albert. We shall meet again." "Yes: + tomorrow, I think," she answered with a smile. Tomorrow! how I felt the + word! Ah! she little thought, when she drew her hand away from mine. They + walked down the avenue. I stood gazing after them in the moonlight. I + threw myself upon the ground, and wept: I then sprang up, and ran out upon + the terrace, and saw, under the shade of the linden-trees, her white dress + disappearing near the garden-gate. I stretched out my arms, and she + vanished. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK II. + </h2> + <h3> + OCTOBER 20. + </h3> + <p> + We arrived here yesterday. The ambassador is indisposed, and will not go + out for some days. If he were less peevish and morose, all would be well. + I see but too plainly that Heaven has destined me to severe trials; but + courage! a light heart may bear anything. A light heart! I smile to find + such a word proceeding from my pen. A little more lightheartedness would + render me the happiest being under the sun. But must I despair of my + talents and faculties, whilst others of far inferior abilities parade + before me with the utmost self-satisfaction? Gracious Providence, to whom + I owe all my powers, why didst thou not withhold some of those blessings I + possess, and substitute in their place a feeling of self-confidence and + contentment? + </p> + <p> + But patience! all will yet be well; for I assure you, my dear friend, you + were right: since I have been obliged to associate continually with other + people, and observe what they do, and how they employ themselves, I have + become far better satisfied with myself. For we are so constituted by + nature, that we are ever prone to compare ourselves with others; and our + happiness or misery depends very much on the objects and persons around + us. On this account, nothing is more dangerous than solitude: there our + imagination, always disposed to rise, taking a new flight on the wings of + fancy, pictures to us a chain of beings of whom we seem the most inferior. + All things appear greater than they really are, and all seem superior to + us. This operation of the mind is quite natural: we so continually feel + our own imperfections, and fancy we perceive in others the qualities we do + not possess, attributing to them also all that we enjoy ourselves, that by + this process we form the idea of a perfect, happy man,—a man, + however, who only exists in our own imagination. + </p> + <p> + But when, in spite of weakness and disappointments, we set to work in + earnest, and persevere steadily, we often find, that, though obliged + continually to tack, we make more way than others who have the assistance + of wind and tide; and, in truth, there can be no greater satisfaction than + to keep pace with others or outstrip them in the race. + </p> + <p> + November 26. + </p> + <p> + I begin to find my situation here more tolerable, considering all + circumstances. I find a great advantage in being much occupied; and the + number of persons I meet, and their different pursuits, create a varied + entertainment for me. I have formed the acquaintance of the Count C— and + I esteem him more and more every day. He is a man of strong understanding + and great discernment; but, though he sees farther than other people, he + is not on that account cold in his manner, but capable of inspiring and + returning the warmest affection. He appeared interested in me on one + occasion, when I had to transact some business with him. He perceived, at + the first word, that we understood each other, and that he could converse + with me in a different tone from what he used with others. I cannot + sufficiently esteem his frank and open kindness to me. It is the greatest + and most genuine of pleasures to observe a great mind in sympathy with our + own. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 24. + </p> + <p> + As I anticipated, the ambassador occasions me infinite annoyance. He is + the most punctilious blockhead under heaven. He does everything step by + step, with the trifling minuteness of an old woman; and he is a man whom + it is impossible to please, because he is never pleased with himself. I + like to do business regularly and cheerfully, and, when it is finished, to + leave it. But he constantly returns my papers to me, saying, "They will + do," but recommending me to look over them again, as "one may always + improve by using a better word or a more appropriate particle." I then + lose all patience, and wish myself at the devil's. Not a conjunction, not + an adverb, must be omitted: he has a deadly antipathy to all those + transpositions of which I am so fond; and, if the music of our periods is + not tuned to the established, official key, he cannot comprehend our + meaning. It is deplorable to be connected with such a fellow. + </p> + <p> + My acquaintance with the Count C— is the only compensation for such + an evil. He told me frankly, the other day, that he was much displeased + with the difficulties and delays of the ambassador; that people like him + are obstacles, both to themselves and to others. "But," added he, "one + must submit, like a traveller who has to ascend a mountain: if the + mountain was not there, the road would be both shorter and pleasanter; but + there it is, and he must get over it." + </p> + <p> + The old man perceives the count's partiality for me: this annoys him, and, + he seizes every opportunity to depreciate the count in my hearing. I + naturally defend him, and that only makes matters worse. Yesterday he made + me indignant, for he also alluded to me. "The count," he said, "is a man + of the world, and a good man of business: his style is good, and he writes + with facility; but, like other geniuses, he has no solid learning." He + looked at me with an expression that seemed to ask if I felt the blow. But + it did not produce the desired effect: I despise a man who can think and + act in such a manner. However, I made a stand, and answered with not a + little warmth. The count, I said, was a man entitled to respect, alike for + his character and his acquirements. I had never met a person whose mind + was stored with more useful and extensive knowledge,—who had, in + fact, mastered such an infinite variety of subjects, and who yet retained + all his activity for the details of ordinary business. This was altogether + beyond his comprehension; and I took my leave, lest my anger should be too + highly excited by some new absurdity of his. + </p> + <p> + And you are to blame for all this, you who persuaded me to bend my neck to + this yoke by preaching a life of activity to me. If the man who plants + vegetables, and carries his corn to town on market-days, is not more + usefully employed than I am, then let me work ten years longer at the + galleys to which I am now chained. + </p> + <p> + Oh, the brilliant wretchedness, the weariness, that one is doomed to + witness among the silly people whom we meet in society here! The ambition + of rank! How they watch, how they toil, to gain precedence! What poor and + contemptible passions are displayed in their utter nakedness! We have a + woman here, for example, who never ceases to entertain the company with + accounts of her family and her estates. Any stranger would consider her a + silly being, whose head was turned by her pretensions to rank and + property; but she is in reality even more ridiculous, the daughter of a + mere magistrate's clerk from this neighbourhood. I cannot understand how + human beings can so debase themselves. + </p> + <p> + Every day I observe more and more the folly of judging of others by + ourselves; and I have so much trouble with myself, and my own heart is in + such constant agitation, that I am well content to let others pursue their + own course, if they only allow me the same privilege. + </p> + <p> + What provokes me most is the unhappy extent to which distinctions of rank + are carried. I know perfectly well how necessary are inequalities of + condition, and I am sensible of the advantages I myself derive therefrom; + but I would not have these institutions prove a barrier to the small + chance of happiness which I may enjoy on this earth. + </p> + <p> + I have lately become acquainted with a Miss B—, a very agreeable + girl, who has retained her natural manners in the midst of artificial + life. Our first conversation pleased us both equally; and, at taking + leave, I requested permission to visit her. She consented in so obliging a + manner, that I waited with impatience for the arrival of the happy moment. + She is not a native of this place, but resides here with her aunt. The + countenance of the old lady is not prepossessing. I paid her much + attention, addressing the greater part of my conversation to her; and, in + less than half an hour, I discovered what her niece subsequently + acknowledged to me, that her aged aunt, having but a small fortune, and a + still smaller share of understanding, enjoys no satisfaction except in the + pedigree of her ancestors, no protection save in her noble birth, and no + enjoyment but in looking from her castle over the heads of the humble + citizens. She was, no doubt, handsome in her youth, and in her early years + probably trifled away her time in rendering many a poor youth the sport of + her caprice: in her riper years she has submitted to the yoke of a veteran + officer, who, in return for her person and her small independence, has + spent with her what we may designate her age of brass. He is dead; and she + is now a widow, and deserted. She spends her iron age alone, and would not + be approached, except for the loveliness of her niece. + </p> + <p> + JANUARY 8, 1772. + </p> + <p> + What beings are men, whose whole thoughts are occupied with form and + ceremony, who for years together devote their mental and physical + exertions to the task of advancing themselves but one step, and + endeavouring to occupy a higher place at the table. Not that such persons + would otherwise want employment: on the contrary, they give themselves + much trouble by neglecting important business for such petty trifles. Last + week a question of precedence arose at a sledging-party, and all our + amusement was spoiled. + </p> + <p> + The silly creatures cannot see that it is not place which constitutes real + greatness, since the man who occupies the first place but seldom plays the + principal part. How many kings are governed by their ministers—how + many ministers by their secretaries? Who, in such cases, is really the + chief? He, as it seems to me, who can see through the others, and + possesses strength or skill enough to make their power or passions + subservient to the execution of his own designs. + </p> + <p> + JANUARY 20. + </p> + <p> + I must write to you from this place, my dear Charlotte, from a small room + in a country inn, where I have taken shelter from a severe storm. During + my whole residence in that wretched place D—, where I lived amongst + strangers,—strangers, indeed, to this heart,—I never at any + time felt the smallest inclination to correspond with you; but in this + cottage, in this retirement, in this solitude, with the snow and hail + beating against my lattice-pane, you are my first thought. The instant I + entered, your figure rose up before me, and the remembrance! O my + Charlotte, the sacred, tender remembrance! Gracious Heaven! restore to me + the happy moment of our first acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Could you but see me, my dear Charlotte, in the whirl of dissipation,—how + my senses are dried up, but my heart is at no time full. I enjoy no single + moment of happiness: all is vain—nothing touches me. I stand, as it + were, before the raree-show: I see the little puppets move, and I ask + whether it is not an optical illusion. I am amused with these puppets, or, + rather, I am myself one of them: but, when I sometimes grasp my + neighbour's hand, I feel that it is not natural; and I withdraw mine with + a shudder. In the evening I say I will enjoy the next morning's sunrise, + and yet I remain in bed: in the day I promise to ramble by moonlight; and + I, nevertheless, remain at home. I know not why I rise, nor why I go to + sleep. + </p> + <p> + The leaven which animated my existence is gone: the charm which cheered me + in the gloom of night, and aroused me from my morning slumbers, is for + ever fled. + </p> + <p> + I have found but one being here to interest me, a Miss B—. She + resembles you, my dear Charlotte, if any one can possibly resemble you. + "Ah!" you will say, "he has learned how to pay fine compliments." And this + is partly true. I have been very agreeable lately, as it was not in my + power to be otherwise. I have, moreover, a deal of wit: and the ladies say + that no one understands flattery better, or falsehoods you will add; since + the one accomplishment invariably accompanies the other. But I must tell + you of Miss B—. She has abundance of soul, which flashes from her + deep blue eyes. Her rank is a torment to her, and satisfies no one desire + of her heart. She would gladly retire from this whirl of fashion, and we + often picture to ourselves a life of undisturbed happiness in distant + scenes of rural retirement: and then we speak of you, my dear Charlotte; + for she knows you, and renders homage to your merits; but her homage is + not exacted, but voluntary, she loves you, and delights to hear you made + the subject of conversation. + </p> + <p> + Oh, that I were sitting at your feet in your favourite little room, with + the dear children playing around us! If they became troublesome to you, I + would tell them some appalling goblin story; and they would crowd round me + with silent attention. The sun is setting in glory; his last rays are + shining on the snow, which covers the face of the country: the storm is + over, and I must return to my dungeon. Adieu!—Is Albert with you? + and what is he to you? God forgive the question. + </p> + <p> + FEBRUARY 8. + </p> + <p> + For a week past we have had the most wretched weather: but this to me is a + blessing; for, during my residence here, not a single fine day has beamed + from the heavens, but has been lost to me by the intrusion of somebody. + During the severity of rain, sleet, frost, and storm, I congratulate + myself that it cannot be worse indoors than abroad, nor worse abroad than + it is within doors; and so I become reconciled. When the sun rises bright + in the morning, and promises a glorious day, I never omit to exclaim, + "There, now, they have another blessing from Heaven, which they will be + sure to destroy: they spoil everything,—health, fame, happiness, + amusement; and they do this generally through folly, ignorance, or + imbecility, and always, according to their own account, with the best + intentions!" I could often beseech them, on my bended knees, to be less + resolved upon their own destruction. + </p> + <p> + FEBRUARY 17. + </p> + <p> + I fear that my ambassador and I shall not continue much longer together. + He is really growing past endurance. He transacts his business in so + ridiculous a manner, that I am often compelled to contradict him, and do + things my own way; and then, of course, he thinks them very ill done. He + complained of me lately on this account at court; and the minister gave me + a reprimand,—a gentle one it is true, but still a reprimand. In + consequence of this, I was about to tender my resignation, when I received + a letter, to which I submitted with great respect, on account of the high, + noble, and generous spirit which dictated it. He endeavoured to soothe my + excessive sensibility, paid a tribute to my extreme ideas of duty, of good + example, and of perseverance in business, as the fruit of my youthful + ardour, an impulse which he did not seek to destroy, but only to moderate, + that it might have proper play and be productive of good. So now I am at + rest for another week, and no longer at variance with myself. Content and + peace of mind are valuable things: I could wish, my dear friend, that + these precious jewels were less transitory. + </p> + <p> + FEBRUARY 20. + </p> + <p> + God bless you, my dear friends, and may he grant you that happiness which + he denies to me! + </p> + <p> + I thank you, Albert, for having deceived me. I waited for the news that + your wedding-day was fixed; and I intended on that day, with solemnity, to + take down Charlotte's profile from the wall, and to bury it with some + other papers I possess. You are now united, and her picture still remains + here. Well, let it remain! Why should it not? I know that I am still one + of your society, that I still occupy a place uninjured in Charlotte's + heart, that I hold the second place therein; and I intend to keep it. Oh, + I should become mad if she could forget! Albert, that thought is hell! + Farewell, Albert farewell, angel of heaven farewell, Charlotte! + </p> + <p> + MARCH 15. + </p> + <p> + I have just had a sad adventure, which will drive me away from here. I + lose all patience!—Death!—It is not to be remedied; and you + alone are to blame, for you urged and impelled me to fill a post for which + I was by no means suited. I have now reason to be satisfied, and so have + you! But, that you may not again attribute this fatality to my impetuous + temper, I send you, my dear sir, a plain and simple narration of the + affair, as a mere chronicler of facts would describe it. + </p> + <p> + The Count of O— likes and distinguishes me. It is well known, and I + have mentioned this to you a hundred times. Yesterday I dined with him. It + is the day on which the nobility are accustomed to assemble at his house + in the evening. I never once thought of the assembly, nor that we + subalterns did not belong to such society. Well, I dined with the count; + and, after dinner, we adjourned to the large hall. We walked up and down + together: and I conversed with him, and with Colonel B—, who joined + us; and in this manner the hour for the assembly approached. God knows, I + was thinking of nothing, when who should enter but the honourable Lady + accompanied by her noble husband and their silly, scheming daughter, with + her small waist and flat neck; and, with disdainful looks and a haughty + air they passed me by. As I heartily detest the whole race, I determined + upon going away; and only waited till the count had disengaged himself + from their impertinent prattle, to take leave, when the agreeable Miss B— came + in. As I never meet her without experiencing a heartfelt pleasure, I + stayed and talked to her, leaning over the back of her chair, and did not + perceive, till after some time, that she seemed a little confused, and + ceased to answer me with her usual ease of manner. I was struck with it. + "Heavens!" I said to myself, "can she, too, be like the rest?" I felt + annoyed, and was about to withdraw; but I remained, notwithstanding, + forming excuses for her conduct, fancying she did not mean it, and still + hoping to receive some friendly recognition. The rest of the company now + arrived. There was the Baron F—, in an entire suit that dated from + the coronation of Francis I.; the Chancellor N—, with his deaf wife; + the shabbily-dressed I—, whose old-fashioned coat bore evidence of + modern repairs: this crowned the whole. I conversed with some of my + acquaintances, but they answered me laconically. I was engaged in + observing Miss B—, and did not notice that the women were whispering + at the end of the room, that the murmur extended by degrees to the men, + that Madame S— addressed the count with much warmth (this was all + related to me subsequently by Miss B—); till at length the count + came up to me, and took me to the window. "You know our ridiculous + customs," he said. "I perceive the company is rather displeased at your + being here. I would not on any account—" "I beg your excellency's + pardon!" I exclaimed. "I ought to have thought of this before, but I know + you will forgive this little inattention. I was going," I added, "some + time ago, but my evil genius detained me." And I smiled and bowed, to take + my leave. He shook me by the hand, in a manner which expressed everything. + I hastened at once from the illustrious assembly, sprang into a carriage, + and drove to M—. I contemplated the setting sun from the top of the + hill, and read that beautiful passage in Homer, where Ulysses is + entertained by the hospitable herdsmen. This was indeed delightful. + </p> + <p> + I returned home to supper in the evening. But few persons were assembled + in the room. They had turned up a corner of the table-cloth, and were + playing at dice. The good-natured A— came in. He laid down his hat + when he saw me, approached me, and said in a low tone, "You have met with + a disagreeable adventure." "I!" I exclaimed. "The count obliged you to + withdraw from the assembly!" "Deuce take the assembly!" said I. "I was + very glad to be gone." "I am delighted," he added, "that you take it so + lightly. I am only sorry that it is already so much spoken of." The + circumstance then began to pain me. I fancied that every one who sat down, + and even looked at me, was thinking of this incident; and my heart became + embittered. + </p> + <p> + And now I could plunge a dagger into my bosom, when I hear myself + everywhere pitied, and observe the triumph of my enemies, who say that + this is always the case with vain persons, whose heads are turned with + conceit, who affect to despise forms and such petty, idle nonsense. + </p> + <p> + Say what you will of fortitude, but show me the man who can patiently + endure the laughter of fools, when they have obtained an advantage over + him. 'Tis only when their nonsense is without foundation that one can + suffer it without complaint. + </p> + <p> + March 16. + </p> + <p> + Everything conspires against me. I met Miss B— walking to-day. I + could not help joining her; and, when we were at a little distance from + her companions, I expressed my sense of her altered manner toward me. "O + Werther!" she said, in a tone of emotion, "you, who know my heart, how + could you so ill interpret my distress? What did I not suffer for you, + from the moment you entered the room! I foresaw it all, a hundred times + was I on the point of mentioning it to you. I knew that the S——s + and T——s, with their husbands, would quit the room, rather + than remain in your company. I knew that the count would not break with + them: and now so much is said about it." "How!" I exclaimed, and + endeavoured to conceal my emotion; for all that Adelin had mentioned to me + yesterday recurred to me painfully at that moment. "Oh, how much it has + already cost me!" said this amiable girl, while her eyes filled with + tears. I could scarcely contain myself, and was ready to throw myself at + her feet. "Explain yourself!" I cried. Tears flowed down her cheeks. I + became quite frantic. She wiped them away, without attempting to conceal + them. "You know my aunt," she continued; "she was present: and in what + light does she consider the affair! Last night, and this morning, Werther, + I was compelled to listen to a lecture upon my acquaintance with you. I + have been obliged to hear you condemned and depreciated; and I could not—I + dared not—say much in your defence." + </p> + <p> + Every word she uttered was a dagger to my heart. She did not feel what a + mercy it would have been to conceal everything from me. She told me, in + addition, all the impertinence that would be further circulated, and how + the malicious would triumph; how they would rejoice over the punishment of + my pride, over my humiliation for that want of esteem for others with + which I had often been reproached. To hear all this, Wilhelm, uttered by + her in a voice of the most sincere sympathy, awakened all my passions; and + I am still in a state of extreme excitement. I wish I could find a man to + jeer me about this event. I would sacrifice him to my resentment. The + sight of his blood might possibly be a relief to my fury. A hundred times + have I seized a dagger, to give ease to this oppressed heart. Naturalists + tell of a noble race of horses that instinctively open a vein with their + teeth, when heated and exhausted by a long course, in order to breathe + more freely. I am often tempted to open a vein, to procure for myself + everlasting liberty. + </p> + <p> + MARCH 24. + </p> + <p> + I have tendered my resignation to the court. I hope it will be accepted, + and you will forgive me for not having previously consulted you. It is + necessary I should leave this place. I know all you will urge me to stay, + and therefore I beg you will soften this news to my mother. I am unable to + do anything for myself: how, then, should I be competent to assist others? + It will afflict her that I should have interrupted that career which would + have made me first a privy councillor, and then minister, and that I + should look behind me, in place of advancing. Argue as you will, combine + all the reasons which should have induced me to remain, I am going: that + is sufficient. But, that you may not be ignorant of my destination, I may + mention that the Prince of —— is here. He is much pleased with my + company; and, having heard of my intention to resign, he has invited me to + his country house, to pass the spring months with him. I shall be left + completely my own master; and, as we agree on all subjects but one, I + shall try my fortune, and accompany him. + </p> + <p> + APRIL 19. + </p> + <p> + Thanks for both your letters. I delayed my reply, and withheld this + letter, till I should obtain an answer from the court. I feared my mother + might apply to the minister to defeat my purpose. But my request is + granted, my resignation is accepted. I shall not recount with what + reluctance it was accorded, nor relate what the minister has written: you + would only renew your lamentations. The crown prince has sent me a present + of five and twenty ducats; and, indeed, such goodness has affected me to + tears. For this reason I shall not require from my mother the money for + which I lately applied. + </p> + <p> + MAY 5. + </p> + <p> + I leave this place to-morrow; and, as my native place is only six miles + from the high road, I intend to visit it once more, and recall the happy + dreams of my childhood. I shall enter at the same gate through which I + came with my mother, when, after my father's death, she left that + delightful retreat to immure herself in your melancholy town. Adieu, my + dear friend: you shall hear of my future career. + </p> + <p> + MAY 9. + </p> + <p> + I have paid my visit to my native place with all the devotion of a + pilgrim, and have experienced many unexpected emotions. Near the great elm + tree, which is a quarter of a league from the village, I got out of the + carriage, and sent it on before, that alone, and on foot, I might enjoy + vividly and heartily all the pleasure of my recollections. I stood there + under that same elm which was formerly the term and object of my walks. + How things have since changed! Then, in happy ignorance, I sighed for a + world I did not know, where I hoped to find every pleasure and enjoyment + which my heart could desire; and now, on my return from that wide world, O + my friend, how many disappointed hopes and unsuccessful plans have I + brought back! + </p> + <p> + As I contemplated the mountains which lay stretched out before me, I + thought how often they had been the object of my dearest desires. Here + used I to sit for hours together with my eyes bent upon them, ardently + longing to wander in the shade of those woods, to lose myself in those + valleys, which form so delightful an object in the distance. With what + reluctance did I leave this charming spot; when my hour of recreation was + over, and my leave of absence expired! I drew near to the village: all the + well-known old summerhouses and gardens were recognised again; I disliked + the new ones, and all other alterations which had taken place. I entered + the village, and all my former feelings returned. I cannot, my dear + friend, enter into details, charming as were my sensations: they would be + dull in the narration. I had intended to lodge in the market-place, near + our old house. As soon as I entered, I perceived that the schoolroom, + where our childhood had been taught by that good old woman, was converted + into a shop. I called to mind the sorrow, the heaviness, the tears, and + oppression of heart, which I experienced in that confinement. Every step + produced some particular impression. A pilgrim in the Holy Land does not + meet so many spots pregnant with tender recollections, and his soul is + hardly moved with greater devotion. One incident will serve for + illustration. I followed the course of a stream to a farm, formerly a + delightful walk of mine, and paused at the spot, where, when boys, we used + to amuse ourselves making ducks and drakes upon the water. I recollected + so well how I used formerly to watch the course of that same stream, + following it with inquiring eagerness, forming romantic ideas of the + countries it was to pass through; but my imagination was soon exhausted: + while the water continued flowing farther and farther on, till my fancy + became bewildered by the contemplation of an invisible distance. Exactly + such, my dear friend, so happy and so confined, were the thoughts of our + good ancestors. Their feelings and their poetry were fresh as childhood. + And, when Ulysses talks of the immeasurable sea and boundless earth, his + epithets are true, natural, deeply felt, and mysterious. Of what + importance is it that I have learned, with every schoolboy, that the world + is round? Man needs but little earth for enjoyment, and still less for his + final repose. + </p> + <p> + I am at present with the prince at his hunting lodge. He is a man with + whom one can live happily. He is honest and unaffected. There are, + however, some strange characters about him, whom I cannot at all + understand. They do not seem vicious, and yet they do not carry the + appearance of thoroughly honest men. Sometimes I am disposed to believe + them honest, and yet I cannot persuade myself to confide in them. It + grieves me to hear the prince occasionally talk of things which he has + only read or heard of, and always with the same view in which they have + been represented by others. + </p> + <p> + He values my understanding and talents more highly than my heart, but I am + proud of the latter only. It is the sole source of everything of our + strength, happiness, and misery. All the knowledge I possess every one + else can acquire, but my heart is exclusively my own. + </p> + <p> + MAY 25. + </p> + <p> + I have had a plan in my head of which I did not intend to speak to you + until it was accomplished: now that it has failed, I may as well mention + it. I wished to enter the army, and had long been desirous of taking the + step. This, indeed, was the chief reason for my coming here with the + prince, as he is a general in the service. I communicated my design to him + during one of our walks together. He disapproved of it, and it would have + been actual madness not to have listened to his reasons. + </p> + <p> + JUNE 11. + </p> + <p> + Say what you will, I can remain here no longer. Why should I remain? Time + hangs heavy upon my hands. The prince is as gracious to me as any one + could be, and yet I am not at my ease. There is, indeed, nothing in common + between us. He is a man of understanding, but quite of the ordinary kind. + His conversation affords me no more amusement than I should derive from + the perusal of a well-written book. I shall remain here a week longer, and + then start again on my travels. My drawings are the best things I have + done since I came here. The prince has a taste for the arts, and would + improve if his mind were not fettered by cold rules and mere technical + ideas. I often lose patience, when, with a glowing imagination, I am + giving expression to art and nature, he interferes with learned + suggestions, and uses at random the technical phraseology of artists. + </p> + <p> + JULY 16. + </p> + <p> + Once more I am a wanderer, a pilgrim, through the world. But what else are + you! + </p> + <p> + JULY 18. + </p> + <p> + Whither am I going? I will tell you in confidence. I am obliged to + continue a fortnight longer here, and then I think it would be better for + me to visit the mines in—. But I am only deluding myself thus. The + fact is, I wish to be near Charlotte again, that is all. I smile at the + suggestions of my heart, and obey its dictates. + </p> + <p> + JULY 29. + </p> + <p> + No, no! it is yet well all is well! I her husband! O God, who gave me + being, if thou hadst destined this happiness for me, my whole life would + have been one continual thanksgiving! But I will not murmur—forgive + these tears, forgive these fruitless wishes. She—my wife! Oh, the + very thought of folding that dearest of Heaven's creatures in my arms! + Dear Wilhelm, my whole frame feels convulsed when I see Albert put his + arms around her slender waist! + </p> + <p> + And shall I avow it? Why should I not, Wilhelm? She would have been + happier with me than with him. Albert is not the man to satisfy the wishes + of such a heart. He wants a certain sensibility; he wants—in short, + their hearts do not beat in unison. How often, my dear friend, I'm reading + a passage from some interesting book, when my heart and Charlotte's seemed + to meet, and in a hundred other instances when our sentiments were + unfolded by the story of some fictitious character, have I felt that we + were made for each other! But, dear Wilhelm, he loves her with his whole + soul; and what does not such a love deserve? + </p> + <p> + I have been interrupted by an insufferable visit. I have dried my tears, + and composed my thoughts. Adieu, my best friend! + </p> + <p> + AUGUST 4. + </p> + <p> + I am not alone unfortunate. All men are disappointed in their hopes, and + deceived in their expectations. I have paid a visit to my good old woman + under the lime-trees. The eldest boy ran out to meet me: his exclamation + of joy brought out his mother, but she had a very melancholy look. Her + first word was, "Alas! dear sir, my little John is dead." He was the + youngest of her children. I was silent. "And my husband has returned from + Switzerland without any money; and, if some kind people had not assisted + him, he must have begged his way home. He was taken ill with fever on his + journey." I could answer nothing, but made the little one a present. She + invited me to take some fruit: I complied, and left the place with a + sorrowful heart. + </p> + <p> + AUGUST 21. + </p> + <p> + My sensations are constantly changing. Sometimes a happy prospect opens + before me; but alas! it is only for a moment; and then, when I am lost in + reverie, I cannot help saying to myself, "If Albert were to die?—Yes, + she would become—and I should be"—and so I pursue a chimera, + till it leads me to the edge of a precipice at which I shudder. + </p> + <p> + When I pass through the same gate, and walk along the same road which + first conducted me to Charlotte, my heart sinks within me at the change + that has since taken place. All, all, is altered! No sentiment, no + pulsation of my heart, is the same. My sensations are such as would occur + to some departed prince whose spirit should return to visit the superb + palace which he had built in happy times, adorned with costly + magnificence, and left to a beloved son, but whose glory he should find + departed, and its halls deserted and in ruins. + </p> + <p> + SEPTEMBER 3. + </p> + <p> + I sometimes cannot understand how she can love another, how she dares love + another, when I love nothing in this world so completely, so devotedly, as + I love her, when I know only her, and have no other possession. + </p> + <p> + SEPTEMBER 4. + </p> + <p> + It is even so! As nature puts on her autumn tints it becomes autumn with + me and around me. My leaves are sere and yellow, and the neighbouring + trees are divested of their foliage. Do you remember my writing to you + about a peasant boy shortly after my arrival here? I have just made + inquiries about him in Walheim. They say he has been dismissed from his + service, and is now avoided by every one. I met him yesterday on the road, + going to a neighbouring village. I spoke to him, and he told me his story. + It interested me exceedingly, as you will easily understand when I repeat + it to you. But why should I trouble you? Why should I not reserve all my + sorrow for myself? Why should I continue to give you occasion to pity and + blame me? But no matter: this also is part of my destiny. + </p> + <p> + At first the peasant lad answered my inquiries with a sort of subdued + melancholy, which seemed to me the mark of a timid disposition; but, as we + grew to understand each other, he spoke with less reserve, and openly + confessed his faults, and lamented his misfortune. I wish, my dear friend, + I could give proper expression to his language. He told me with a sort of + pleasurable recollection, that, after my departure, his passion for his + mistress increased daily, until at last he neither knew what he did nor + what he said, nor what was to become of him. He could neither eat nor + drink nor sleep: he felt a sense of suffocation; he disobeyed all orders, + and forgot all commands involuntarily; he seemed as if pursued by an evil + spirit, till one day, knowing that his mistress had gone to an upper + chamber, he had followed, or, rather, been drawn after her. As she proved + deaf to his entreaties, he had recourse to violence. He knows not what + happened; but he called God to witness that his intentions to her were + honourable, and that he desired nothing more sincerely than that they + should marry, and pass their lives together. When he had come to this + point, he began to hesitate, as if there was something which he had not + courage to utter, till at length he acknowledged with some confusion + certain little confidences she had encouraged, and liberties she had + allowed. He broke off two or three times in his narration, and assured me + most earnestly that he had no wish to make her bad, as he termed it, for + he loved her still as sincerely as ever; that the tale had never before + escaped his lips, and was only now told to convince me that he was not + utterly lost and abandoned. And here, my dear friend, I must commence the + old song which you know I utter eternally. If I could only represent the + man as he stood, and stands now before me, could I only give his true + expressions, you would feel compelled to sympathise in his fate. But + enough: you, who know my misfortune and my disposition, can easily + comprehend the attraction which draws me toward every unfortunate being, + but particularly toward him whose story I have recounted. + </p> + <p> + On perusing this letter a second time, I find I have omitted the + conclusion of my tale; but it is easily supplied. She became reserved + toward him, at the instigation of her brother who had long hated him, and + desired his expulsion from the house, fearing that his sister's second + marriage might deprive his children of the handsome fortune they expected + from her; as she is childless. He was dismissed at length; and the whole + affair occasioned so much scandal, that the mistress dared not take him + back, even if she had wished it. She has since hired another servant, with + whom, they say, her brother is equally displeased, and whom she is likely + to marry; but my informant assures me that he himself is determined not to + survive such a catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + This story is neither exaggerated nor embellished: indeed, I have weakened + and impaired it in the narration, by the necessity of using the more + refined expressions of society. + </p> + <p> + This love, then, this constancy, this passion, is no poetical fiction. It + is actual, and dwells in its greatest purity amongst that class of mankind + whom we term rude, uneducated. We are the educated, not the perverted. But + read this story with attention, I implore you. I am tranquil to-day, for I + have been employed upon this narration: you see by my writing that I am + not so agitated as usual. I read and re-read this tale, Wilhelm: it is the + history of your friend! My fortune has been and will be similar; and I am + neither half so brave nor half so determined as the poor wretch with whom + I hesitate to compare myself. + </p> + <p> + SEPTEMBER 5. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte had written a letter to her husband in the country, where he was + detained by business. It commenced, "My dearest love, return as soon as + possible: I await you with a thousand raptures." A friend who arrived, + brought word, that, for certain reasons, he could not return immediately. + Charlotte's letter was not forwarded, and the same evening it fell into my + hands. I read it, and smiled. She asked the reason. "What a heavenly + treasure is imagination:" I exclaimed; "I fancied for a moment that this + was written to me." She paused, and seemed displeased. I was silent. + </p> + <p> + SEPTEMBER 6. + </p> + <p> + It cost me much to part with the blue coat which I wore the first time I + danced with Charlotte. But I could not possibly wear it any longer. But I + have ordered a new one, precisely similar, even to the collar and sleeves, + as well as a new waistcoat and pantaloons. + </p> + <p> + But it does not produce the same effect upon me. I know not how it is, but + I hope in time I shall like it better. + </p> + <p> + SEPTEMBER 12. + </p> + <p> + She has been absent for some days. She went to meet Albert. To-day I + visited her: she rose to receive me, and I kissed her hand most tenderly. + </p> + <p> + A canary at the moment flew from a mirror, and settled upon her shoulder. + "Here is a new friend," she observed, while she made him perch upon her + hand: "he is a present for the children. What a dear he is! Look at him! + When I feed him, he flutters with his wings, and pecks so nicely. He + kisses me, too, only look!" + </p> + <p> + She held the bird to her mouth; and he pressed her sweet lips with so much + fervour that he seemed to feel the excess of bliss which he enjoyed. + </p> + <p> + "He shall kiss you too," she added; and then she held the bird toward me. + His little beak moved from her mouth to mine, and the delightful sensation + seemed like the forerunner of the sweetest bliss. + </p> + <p> + "A kiss," I observed, "does not seem to satisfy him: he wishes for food, + and seems disappointed by these unsatisfactory endearments." + </p> + <p> + "But he eats out of my mouth," she continued, and extended her lips to him + containing seed; and she smiled with all the charm of a being who has + allowed an innocent participation of her love. + </p> + <p> + I turned my face away. She should not act thus. She ought not to excite my + imagination with such displays of heavenly innocence and happiness, nor + awaken my heart from its slumbers, in which it dreams of the worthlessness + of life! And why not? Because she knows how much I love her. + </p> + <p> + SEPTEMBER 15. + </p> + <p> + It makes me wretched, Wilhelm, to think that there should be men incapable + of appreciating the few things which possess a real value in life. You + remember the walnut trees at S—, under which I used to sit with + Charlotte, during my visits to the worthy old vicar. Those glorious trees, + the very sight of which has so often filled my heart with joy, how they + adorned and refreshed the parsonage yard, with their wide-extended + branches! and how pleasing was our remembrance of the good old pastor, by + whose hands they were planted so many years ago: The schoolmaster has + frequently mentioned his name. He had it from his grandfather. He must + have been a most excellent man; and, under the shade of those old trees, + his memory was ever venerated by me. The schoolmaster informed us + yesterday, with tears in his eyes, that those trees had been felled. Yes, + cut to the ground! I could, in my wrath, have slain the monster who struck + the first stroke. And I must endure this!—I, who, if I had had two + such trees in my own court, and one had died from old age, should have + wept with real affliction. But there is some comfort left, such a thing is + sentiment, the whole village murmurs at the misfortune; and I hope the + vicar's wife will soon find, by the cessation of the villagers' presents, + how much she has wounded the feelings of the neighborhhood. It was she who + did it, the wife of the present incumbent (our good old man is dead), a + tall, sickly creature who is so far right to disregard the world, as the + world totally disregards her. The silly being affects to be learned, + pretends to examine the canonical books, lends her aid toward the + new-fashioned reformation of Christendom, moral and critical, and shrugs + up her shoulders at the mention of Lavater's enthusiasm. Her health is + destroyed, on account of which she is prevented from having any enjoyment + here below. Only such a creature could have cut down my walnut trees! I + can never pardon it. Hear her reasons. The falling leaves made the court + wet and dirty; the branches obstructed the light; boys threw stones at the + nuts when they were ripe, and the noise affected her nerves; and disturbed + her profound meditations, when she was weighing the difficulties of + Kennicot, Semler, and Michaelis. Finding that all the parish, particularly + the old people, were displeased, I asked "why they allowed it?" "Ah, sir!" + they replied, "when the steward orders, what can we poor peasants do?" But + one thing has happened well. The steward and the vicar (who, for once, + thought to reap some advantage from the caprices of his wife) intended to + divide the trees between them. The revenue-office, being informed of it, + revived an old claim to the ground where the trees had stood, and sold + them to the best bidder. There they still lie on the ground. If I were the + sovereign, I should know how to deal with them all, vicar, steward, and + revenue-office. Sovereign, did I say? I should, in that case, care little + about the trees that grew in the country. + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 10. + </p> + <p> + Only to gaze upon her dark eyes is to me a source of happiness! And what + grieves me, is, that Albert does not seem so happy as he—hoped to be—as + I should have been—if—I am no friend to these pauses, but here + I cannot express it otherwise; and probably I am explicit enough. + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 12. + </p> + <p> + Ossian has superseded Homer in my heart. To what a world does the + illustrious bard carry me! To wander over pathless wilds, surrounded by + impetuous whirlwinds, where, by the feeble light of the moon, we see the + spirits of our ancestors; to hear from the mountain-tops, mid the roar of + torrents, their plaintive sounds issuing from deep caverns, and the + sorrowful lamentations of a maiden who sighs and expires on the mossy tomb + of the warrior by whom she was adored. I meet this bard with silver hair; + he wanders in the valley; he seeks the footsteps of his fathers, and, + alas! he finds only their tombs. Then, contemplating the pale moon, as she + sinks beneath the waves of the rolling sea, the memory of bygone days + strikes the mind of the hero, days when approaching danger invigorated the + brave, and the moon shone upon his bark laden with spoils, and returning + in triumph. When I read in his countenance deep sorrow, when I see his + dying glory sink exhausted into the grave, as he inhales new and + heart-thrilling delight from his approaching union with his beloved, and + he casts a look on the cold earth and the tall grass which is so soon to + cover him, and then exclaims, "The traveller will come,—he will come + who has seen my beauty, and he will ask, 'Where is the bard, where is the + illustrious son of Fingal?' He will walk over my tomb, and will seek me in + vain!" Then, O my friend, I could instantly, like a true and noble knight, + draw my sword, and deliver my prince from the long and painful languor of + a living death, and dismiss my own soul to follow the demigod whom my hand + had set free! + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 19. + </p> + <p> + Alas! the void the fearful void, which I feel in my bosom! Sometimes I + think, if I could only once but once, press her to my heart, this dreadful + void would be filled. + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 26. + </p> + <p> + Yes, I feel certain, Wilhelm, and every day I become more certain, that + the existence of any being whatever is of very little consequence. A + friend of Charlotte's called to see her just now. I withdrew into a + neighbouring apartment, and took up a book; but, finding I could not read, + I sat down to write. I heard them converse in an undertone: they spoke + upon indifferent topics, and retailed the news of the town. One was going + to be married; another was ill, very ill, she had a dry cough, her face + was growing thinner daily, and she had occasional fits. "N— is very + unwell too," said Charlotte. "His limbs begin to swell already," answered + the other; and my lively imagination carried me at once to the beds of the + infirm. There I see them struggling against death, with all the agonies of + pain and horror; and these women, Wilhelm, talk of all this with as much + indifference as one would mention the death of a stranger. And when I look + around the apartment where I now am—when I see Charlotte's apparel + lying before me, and Albert's writings, and all those articles of + furniture which are so familiar to me, even to the very inkstand which I + am using,—when I think what I am to this family—everything. My + friends esteem me; I often contribute to their happiness, and my heart + seems as if it could not beat without them; and yet—-if I were to + die, if I were to be summoned from the midst of this circle, would they + feel—or how long would they feel the void which my loss would make + in their existence? How long! Yes, such is the frailty of man, that even + there, where he has the greatest consciousness of his own being, where he + makes the strongest and most forcible impression, even in the memory, in + the heart, of his beloved, there also he must perish,—vanish,—and + that quickly. + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 27. + </p> + <p> + I could tear open my bosom with vexation to think how little we are + capable of influencing the feelings of each other. No one can communicate + to me those sensations of love, joy, rapture, and delight which I do not + naturally possess; and, though my heart may glow with the most lively + affection, I cannot make the happiness of one in whom the same warmth is + not inherent. + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 27: Evening. + </p> + <p> + I possess so much, but my love for her absorbs it all. I possess so much, + but without her I have nothing. + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 30. + </p> + <p> + One hundred times have I been on the point of embracing her. Heavens! what + a torment it is to see so much loveliness passing and repassing before us, + and yet not dare to lay hold of it! And laying hold is the most natural of + human instincts. Do not children touch everything they see? And I! + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 3. + </p> + <p> + Witness, Heaven, how often I lie down in my bed with a wish, and even a + hope, that I may never awaken again. And in the morning, when I open my + eyes, I behold the sun once more, and am wretched. If I were whimsical, I + might blame the weather, or an acquaintance, or some personal + disappointment, for my discontented mind; and then this insupportable load + of trouble would not rest entirely upon myself. But, alas! I feel it too + sadly. I am alone the cause of my own woe, am I not? Truly, my own bosom + contains the source of all my sorrow, as it previously contained the + source of all my pleasure. Am I not the same being who once enjoyed an + excess of happiness, who, at every step, saw paradise open before him, and + whose heart was ever expanded toward the whole world? And this heart is + now dead, no sentiment can revive it; my eyes are dry; and my senses, no + more refreshed by the influence of soft tears, wither and consume my + brain. I suffer much, for I have lost the only charm of life: that active, + sacred power which created worlds around me,—it is no more. When I + look from my window at the distant hills, and behold the morning sun + breaking through the mists, and illuminating the country around, which is + still wrapped in silence, whilst the soft stream winds gently through the + willows, which have shed their leaves; when glorious nature displays all + her beauties before me, and her wondrous prospects are ineffectual to + extract one tear of joy from my withered heart, I feel that in such a + moment I stand like a reprobate before heaven, hardened, insensible, and + unmoved. Oftentimes do I then bend my knee to the earth, and implore God + for the blessing of tears, as the desponding labourer in some scorching + climate prays for the dews of heaven to moisten his parched corn. + </p> + <p> + But I feel that God does not grant sunshine or rain to our importunate + entreaties. And oh, those bygone days, whose memory now torments me! why + were they so fortunate? Because I then waited with patience for the + blessings of the Eternal, and received his gifts with the grateful + feelings of a thankful heart. + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 8. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte has reproved me for my excesses, with so much tenderness and + goodness! I have lately been in the habit of drinking more wine than + heretofore. "Don't do it," she said. "Think of Charlotte!" "Think of you!" + I answered; "need you bid me do so? Think of you—I do not think of + you: you are ever before my soul! This very morning I sat on the spot + where, a few days ago, you descended from the carriage, and—" She + immediately changed the subject to prevent me from pursuing it farther. My + dear friend, my energies are all prostrated: she can do with me what she + pleases. + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 15. + </p> + <p> + I thank you, Wilhelm, for your cordial sympathy, for your excellent + advice; and I implore you to be quiet. Leave me to my sufferings. In spite + of my wretchedness, I have still strength enough for endurance. I revere + religion—you know I do. I feel that it can impart strength to the + feeble and comfort to the afflicted, but does it affect all men equally? + Consider this vast universe: you will see thousands for whom it has never + existed, thousands for whom it will never exist, whether it be preached to + them, or not; and must it, then, necessarily exist for me? Does not the + Son of God himself say that they are his whom the Father has given to him? + Have I been given to him? What if the Father will retain me for himself, + as my heart sometimes suggests? I pray you, do not misinterpret this. Do + not extract derision from my harmless words. I pour out my whole soul + before you. Silence were otherwise preferable to me, but I need not shrink + from a subject of which few know more than I do myself. What is the + destiny of man, but to fill up the measure of his sufferings, and to drink + his allotted cup of bitterness? And if that same cup proved bitter to the + God of heaven, under a human form, why should I affect a foolish pride, + and call it sweet? Why should I be ashamed of shrinking at that fearful + moment, when my whole being will tremble between existence and + annihilation, when a remembrance of the past, like a flash of lightning, + will illuminate the dark gulf of futurity, when everything shall dissolve + around me, and the whole world vanish away? Is not this the voice of a + creature oppressed beyond all resource, self-deficient, about to plunge + into inevitable destruction, and groaning deeply at its inadequate + strength, "My God! my God! why hast thou forsaken me?" And should I feel + ashamed to utter the same expression? Should I not shudder at a prospect + which had its fears, even for him who folds up the heavens like a garment? + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 21. + </p> + <p> + She does not feel, she does not know, that she is preparing a poison which + will destroy us both; and I drink deeply of the draught which is to prove + my destruction. What mean those looks of kindness with which she often—often? + no, not often, but sometimes, regards me, that complacency with which she + hears the involuntary sentiments which frequently escape me, and the + tender pity for my sufferings which appears in her countenance? + </p> + <p> + Yesterday, when I took leave she seized me by the hand, and said, "Adieu, + dear Werther." Dear Werther! It was the first time she ever called me + dear: the sound sunk deep into my heart. I have repeated it a hundred + times; and last night, on going to bed, and talking to myself of various + things, I suddenly said, "Good night, dear Werther!" and then could not + but laugh at myself. + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 22 + </p> + <p> + I cannot pray, "Leave her to me!" and yet she often seems to belong to me. + I cannot pray, "Give her to me!" for she is another's. In this way I + affect mirth over my troubles; and, if I had time, I could compose a whole + litany of antitheses. + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 24. + </p> + <p> + She is sensible of my sufferings. This morning her look pierced my very + soul. I found her alone, and she was silent: she steadfastly surveyed me. + I no longer saw in her face the charms of beauty or the fire of genius: + these had disappeared. But I was affected by an expression much more + touching, a look of the deepest sympathy and of the softest pity. Why was + I afraid to throw myself at her feet? Why did I not dare to take her in my + arms, and answer her by a thousand kisses? She had recourse to her piano + for relief, and in a low and sweet voice accompanied the music with + delicious sounds. Her lips never appeared so lovely: they seemed but just + to open, that they might imbibe the sweet tones which issued from the + instrument, and return the heavenly vibration from her lovely mouth. Oh! + who can express my sensations? I was quite overcome, and, bending down, + pronounced this vow: "Beautiful lips, which the angels guard, never will I + seek to profane your purity with a kiss." And yet, my friend, oh, I wish—but + my heart is darkened by doubt and indecision—could I but taste + felicity, and then die to expiate the sin! What sin? + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 26. + </p> + <p> + Oftentimes I say to myself, "Thou alone art wretched: all other mortals + are happy, none are distressed like thee!" Then I read a passage in an + ancient poet, and I seem to understand my own heart. I have so much to + endure! Have men before me ever been so wretched? + </p> + <p> + NOVEMBER 30. + </p> + <p> + I shall never be myself again! Wherever I go, some fatality occurs to + distract me. Even to-day alas—for our destiny! alas for human + nature! + </p> + <p> + About dinner-time I went to walk by the river-side, for I had no appetite. + Everything around seemed gloomy: a cold and damp easterly wind blew from + the mountains, and black, heavy clouds spread over the plain. I observed + at a distance a man in a tattered coat: he was wandering among the rocks, + and seemed to be looking for plants. When I approached, he turned round at + the noise; and I saw that he had an interesting countenance in which a + settled melancholy, strongly marked by benevolence, formed the principal + feature. His long black hair was divided, and flowed over his shoulders. + As his garb betokened a person of the lower order, I thought he would not + take it ill if I inquired about his business; and I therefore asked what + he was seeking. He replied, with a deep sigh, that he was looking for + flowers, and could find none. "But it is not the season," I observed, with + a smile. "Oh, there are so many flowers!" he answered, as he came nearer + to me. "In my garden there are roses and honeysuckles of two sorts: one + sort was given to me by my father! they grow as plentifully as weeds; I + have been looking for them these two days, and cannot find them. There are + flowers out there, yellow, blue, and red; and that centaury has a very + pretty blossom: but I can find none of them." I observed his peculiarity, + and therefore asked him, with an air of indifference, what he intended to + do with his flowers. A strange smile overspread his countenance. Holding + his finger to his mouth, he expressed a hope that I would not betray him; + and he then informed me that he had promised to gather a nosegay for his + mistress. "That is right," said I. "Oh!" he replied, "she possesses many + other things as well: she is very rich." "And yet," I continued, "she + likes your nosegays." "Oh, she has jewels and crowns!" he exclaimed. I + asked who she was. "If the states-general would but pay me," he added, "I + should be quite another man. Alas! there was a time when I was so happy; + but that is past, and I am now—" He raised his swimming eyes to + heaven. "And you were happy once?" I observed. "Ah, would I were so + still!" was his reply. "I was then as gay and contented as a man can be." + An old woman, who was coming toward us, now called out, "Henry, Henry! + where are you? We have been looking for you everywhere: come to dinner." + "Is he your son?" I inquired, as I went toward her. "Yes," she said: "he + is my poor, unfortunate son. The Lord has sent me a heavy affliction." I + asked whether he had been long in this state. She answered, "He has been + as calm as he is at present for about six months. I thank Heaven that he + has so far recovered: he was for one whole year quite raving, and chained + down in a madhouse. Now he injures no one, but talks of nothing else than + kings and queens. He used to be a very good, quiet youth, and helped to + maintain me; he wrote a very fine hand; but all at once he became + melancholy, was seized with a violent fever, grew distracted, and is now + as you see. If I were only to tell you, sir—" I interrupted her by + asking what period it was in which he boasted of having been so happy. + "Poor boy!" she exclaimed, with a smile of compassion, "he means the time + when he was completely deranged, a time he never ceases to regret, when he + was in the madhouse, and unconscious of everything." I was thunderstruck: + I placed a piece of money in her hand, and hastened away. + </p> + <p> + "You were happy!" I exclaimed, as I returned quickly to the town, "'as gay + and contented as a man can be!'" God of heaven! and is this the destiny of + man? Is he only happy before he has acquired his reason, or after he has + lost it? Unfortunate being! And yet I envy your fate: I envy the delusion + to which you are a victim. You go forth with joy to gather flowers for + your princess,—in winter,—and grieve when you can find none, + and cannot understand why they do not grow. But I wander forth without + joy, without hope, without design; and I return as I came. You fancy what + a man you would be if the states general paid you. Happy mortal, who can + ascribe your wretchedness to an earthly cause! You do not know, you do not + feel, that in your own distracted heart and disordered brain dwells the + source of that unhappiness which all the potentates on earth cannot + relieve. + </p> + <p> + Let that man die unconsoled who can deride the invalid for undertaking a + journey to distant, healthful springs, where he often finds only a heavier + disease and a more painful death, or who can exult over the despairing + mind of a sinner, who, to obtain peace of conscience and an alleviation of + misery, makes a pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre. Each laborious step + which galls his wounded feet in rough and untrodden paths pours a drop of + balm into his troubled soul, and the journey of many a weary day brings a + nightly relief to his anguished heart. Will you dare call this enthusiasm, + ye crowd of pompous declaimers? Enthusiasm! O God! thou seest my tears. + Thou hast allotted us our portion of misery: must we also have brethren to + persecute us, to deprive us of our consolation, of our trust in thee, and + in thy love and mercy? For our trust in the virtue of the healing root, or + in the strength of the vine, what is it else than a belief in thee from + whom all that surrounds us derives its healing and restoring powers? + Father, whom I know not,—who wert once wont to fill my soul, but who + now hidest thy face from me,—call me back to thee; be silent no + longer; thy silence shall not delay a soul which thirsts after thee. What + man, what father, could be angry with a son for returning to him suddenly, + for falling on his neck, and exclaiming, "I am here again, my father! + forgive me if I have anticipated my journey, and returned before the + appointed time! The world is everywhere the same,—a scene of labour + and pain, of pleasure and reward; but what does it all avail? I am happy + only where thou art, and in thy presence am I content to suffer or enjoy." + And wouldst thou, heavenly Father, banish such a child from thy presence? + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 1. + </p> + <p> + Wilhelm, the man about whom I wrote to you—that man so enviable in + his misfortunes—was secretary to Charlotte's father; and an unhappy + passion for her which he cherished, concealed, and at length discovered, + caused him to be dismissed from his situation. This made him mad. Think, + whilst you peruse this plain narration, what an impression the + circumstance has made upon me! But it was related to me by Albert with as + much calmness as you will probably peruse it. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 4. + </p> + <p> + I implore your attention. It is all over with me. I can support this state + no longer. To-day I was sitting by Charlotte. She was playing upon her + piano a succession of delightful melodies, with such intense expression! + Her little sister was dressing her doll upon my lap. The tears came into + my eyes. I leaned down, and looked intently at her wedding-ring: my tears + fell—immediately she began to play that favourite, that divine, air + which has so often enchanted me. I felt comfort from a recollection of the + past, of those bygone days when that air was familiar to me; and then I + recalled all the sorrows and the disappointments which I had since + endured. I paced with hasty strides through the room, my heart became + convulsed with painful emotions. At length I went up to her, and exclaimed + With eagerness, "For Heaven's sake, play that air no longer!" She stopped, + and looked steadfastly at me. She then said, with a smile which sunk deep + into my heart, "Werther, you are ill: your dearest food is distasteful to + you. But go, I entreat you, and endeavour to compose yourself." I tore + myself away. God, thou seest my torments, and wilt end them! + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 6. + </p> + <p> + How her image haunts me! Waking or asleep, she fills my entire soul! Soon + as I close my eyes, here, in my brain, where all the nerves of vision are + concentrated, her dark eyes are imprinted. Here—I do not know how to + describe it; but, if I shut my eyes, hers are immediately before me: dark + as an abyss they open upon me, and absorb my senses. + </p> + <p> + And what is man—that boasted demigod? Do not his powers fail when he + most requires their use? And whether he soar in joy, or sink in sorrow, is + not his career in both inevitably arrested? And, whilst he fondly dreams + that he is grasping at infinity, does he not feel compelled to return to a + consciousness of his cold, monotonous existence? + </p> + <p> + THE EDITOR TO THE READER. + </p> + <p> + It is a matter of extreme regret that we want original evidence of the + last remarkable days of our friend; and we are, therefore, obliged to + interrupt the progress of his correspondence, and to supply the deficiency + by a connected narration. + </p> + <p> + I have felt it my duty to collect accurate information from the mouths of + persons well acquainted with his history. The story is simple; and all the + accounts agree, except in some unimportant particulars. It is true, that, + with respect to the characters of the persons spoken of, opinions and + judgments vary. + </p> + <p> + We have only, then, to relate conscientiously the facts which our diligent + labour has enabled us to collect, to give the letters of the deceased, and + to pay particular attention to the slightest fragment from his pen, more + especially as it is so difficult to discover the real and correct motives + of men who are not of the common order. + </p> + <p> + Sorrow and discontent had taken deep root in Werther's soul, and gradually + imparted their character to his whole being. The harmony of his mind + became completely disturbed; a perpetual excitement and mental irritation, + which weakened his natural powers, produced the saddest effects upon him, + and rendered him at length the victim of an exhaustion against which he + struggled with still more painful efforts than he had displayed, even in + contending with his other misfortunes. His mental anxiety weakened his + various good qualities; and he was soon converted into a gloomy companion, + always unhappy and unjust in his ideas, the more wretched he became. This + was, at least, the opinion of Albert's friends. They assert, moreover, + that the character of Albert himself had undergone no change in the + meantime: he was still the same being whom Werther had loved, honoured, + and respected from the commencement. His love for Charlotte was unbounded: + he was proud of her, and desired that she should be recognised by every + one as the noblest of created beings. Was he, however, to blame for + wishing to avert from her every appearance of suspicion? or for his + unwillingness to share his rich prize with another, even for a moment, and + in the most innocent manner? It is asserted that Albert frequently retired + from his wife's apartment during Werther's visits; but this did not arise + from hatred or aversion to his friend, but only from a feeling that his + presence was oppressive to Werther. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte's father, who was confined to the house by indisposition, was + accustomed to send his carriage for her, that she might make excursions in + the neighbourhood. One day the weather had been unusually severe, and the + whole country was covered with snow. + </p> + <p> + Werther went for Charlotte the following morning, in order that, if Albert + were absent, he might conduct her home. + </p> + <p> + The beautiful weather produced but little impression on his troubled + spirit. A heavy weight lay upon his soul, deep melancholy had taken + possession of him, and his mind knew no change save from one painful + thought to another. + </p> + <p> + As he now never enjoyed internal peace, the condition of his fellow + creatures was to him a perpetual source of trouble and distress. He + believed he had disturbed the happiness of Albert and his wife; and, + whilst he censured himself strongly for this, he began to entertain a + secret dislike to Albert. + </p> + <p> + His thoughts were occasionally directed to this point. "Yes," he would + repeat to himself, with ill-concealed dissatisfaction, "yes, this is, + after all, the extent of that confiding, dear, tender, and sympathetic + love, that calm and eternal fidelity! What do I behold but satiety and + indifference? Does not every frivolous engagement attract him more than + his charming and lovely wife? Does he know how to prize his happiness? Can + he value her as she deserves? He possesses her, it is true, I know that, + as I know much more, and I have become accustomed to the thought that he + will drive me mad, or, perhaps, murder me. Is his friendship toward me + unimpaired? Does he not view my attachment to Charlotte as an infringement + upon his rights, and consider my attention to her as a silent rebuke to + himself? I know, and indeed feel, that he dislikes me, that he wishes for + my absence, that my presence is hateful to him." + </p> + <p> + He would often pause when on his way to visit Charlotte, stand still, as + though in doubt, and seem desirous of returning, but would nevertheless + proceed; and, engaged in such thoughts and soliloquies as we have + described, he finally reached the hunting-lodge, with a sort of + involuntary consent. + </p> + <p> + Upon one occasion he entered the house; and, inquiring for Charlotte, he + observed that the inmates were in a state of unusual confusion. The eldest + boy informed him that a dreadful misfortune had occurred at Walheim,—that + a peasant had been murdered! But this made little impression upon him. + Entering the apartment, he found Charlotte engaged reasoning with her + father, who, in spite of his infirmity, insisted on going to the scene of + the crime, in order to institute an inquiry. The criminal was unknown; the + victim had been found dead at his own door that morning. Suspicions were + excited: the murdered man had been in the service of a widow, and the + person who had previously filled the situation had been dismissed from her + employment. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Werther heard this, he exclaimed with great excitement, "Is it + possible! I must go to the spot—I cannot delay a moment!" He + hastened to Walheim. Every incident returned vividly to his remembrance; + and he entertained not the slightest doubt that that man was the murderer + to whom he had so often spoken, and for whom he entertained so much + regard. His way took him past the well-known lime trees, to the house + where the body had been carried; and his feelings were greatly excited at + the sight of the fondly recollected spot. That threshold where the + neighbours' children had so often played together was stained with blood; + love and attachment, the noblest feelings of human nature, had been + converted into violence and murder. The huge trees stood there leafless + and covered with hoarfrost; the beautiful hedgerows which surrounded the + old churchyard wall were withered; and the gravestones, half covered with + snow, were visible through the openings. + </p> + <p> + As he approached the inn, in front of which the whole village was + assembled, screams were suddenly heard. A troop of armed peasants was seen + approaching, and every one exclaimed that the criminal had been + apprehended. Werther looked, and was not long in doubt. The prisoner was + no other than the servant, who had been formerly so attached to the widow, + and whom he had met prowling about, with that suppressed anger and + ill-concealed despair, which we have before described. + </p> + <p> + "What have you done, unfortunate man?" inquired Werther, as he advanced + toward the prisoner. The latter turned his eyes upon him in silence, and + then replied with perfect composure; "No one will now marry her, and she + will marry no one." The prisoner was taken into the inn, and Werther left + the place. The mind of Werther was fearfully excited by this shocking + occurrence. He ceased, however, to be oppressed by his usual feeling of + melancholy, moroseness, and indifference to everything that passed around + him. He entertained a strong degree of pity for the prisoner, and was + seized with an indescribable anxiety to save him from his impending fate. + He considered him so unfortunate, he deemed his crime so excusable, and + thought his own condition so nearly similar, that he felt convinced he + could make every one else view the matter in the light in which he saw it + himself. He now became anxious to undertake his defence, and commenced + composing an eloquent speech for the occasion; and, on his way to the + hunting-lodge, he could not refrain from speaking aloud the statement + which he resolved to make to the judge. + </p> + <p> + Upon his arrival, he found Albert had been before him: and he was a little + perplexed by this meeting; but he soon recovered himself, and expressed + his opinion with much warmth to the judge. The latter shook his head + doubtingly; and although Werther urged his case with the utmost zeal, + feeling, and determination in defence of his client, yet, as we may easily + suppose, the judge was not much influenced by his appeal. On the contrary, + he interrupted him in his address, reasoned with him seriously, and even + administered a rebuke to him for becoming the advocate of a murderer. He + demonstrated, that, according to this precedent, every law might be + violated, and the public security utterly destroyed. He added, moreover, + that in such a case he could himself do nothing, without incurring the + greatest responsibility; that everything must follow in the usual course, + and pursue the ordinary channel. + </p> + <p> + Werther, however, did not abandon his enterprise, and even besought the + judge to connive at the flight of the prisoner. But this proposal was + peremptorily rejected. Albert, who had taken some part in the discussion, + coincided in opinion with the judge. At this Werther became enraged, and + took his leave in great anger, after the judge had more than once assured + him that the prisoner could not be saved. + </p> + <p> + The excess of his grief at this assurance may be inferred from a note we + have found amongst his papers, and which was doubtless written upon this + very occasion. + </p> + <p> + "You cannot be saved, unfortunate man! I see clearly that we cannot be + saved!" + </p> + <p> + Werther was highly incensed at the observations which Albert had made to + the judge in this matter of the prisoner. He thought he could detect + therein a little bitterness toward himself personally; and although, upon + reflection, it could not escape his sound judgment that their view of the + matter was correct, he felt the greatest possible reluctance to make such + an admission. + </p> + <p> + A memorandum of Werther's upon this point, expressive of his general + feelings toward Albert, has been found amongst his papers. + </p> + <p> + "What is the use of my continually repeating that he is a good and + estimable man? He is an inward torment to me, and I am incapable of being + just toward him." + </p> + <p> + One fine evening in winter, when the weather seemed inclined to thaw, + Charlotte and Albert were returning home together. The former looked from + time to time about her, as if she missed Werther's company. Albert began + to speak of him, and censured him for his prejudices. He alluded to his + unfortunate attachment, and wished it were possible to discontinue his + acquaintance. "I desire it on our own account," he added; "and I request + you will compel him to alter his deportment toward you, and to visit you + less frequently. The world is censorious, and I know that here and there + we are spoken of." Charlotte made no reply, and Albert seemed to feel her + silence. At least, from that time he never again spoke of Werther; and, + when she introduced the subject, he allowed the conversation to die away, + or else he directed the discourse into another channel. + </p> + <p> + The vain attempt Werther had made to save the unhappy murderer was the + last feeble glimmering of a flame about to be extinguished. He sank almost + immediately afterward into a state of gloom and inactivity, until he was + at length brought to perfect distraction by learning that he was to be + summoned as a witness against the prisoner, who asserted his complete + innocence. + </p> + <p> + His mind now became oppressed by the recollection of every misfortune of + his past life. The mortification he had suffered at the ambassador's, and + his subsequent troubles, were revived in his memory. He became utterly + inactive. Destitute of energy, he was cut off from every pursuit and + occupation which compose the business of common life; and he became a + victim to his own susceptibility, and to his restless passion for the most + amiable and beloved of women, whose peace he destroyed. In this unvarying + monotony of existence his days were consumed; and his powers became + exhausted without aim or design, until they brought him to a sorrowful + end. + </p> + <p> + A few letters which he left behind, and which we here subjoin, afford the + best proofs of his anxiety of mind and of the depth of his passion, as + well as of his doubts and struggles, and of his weariness of life. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 12. + </p> + <p> + Dear Wilhelm, I am reduced to the condition of those unfortunate wretches + who believe they are pursued by an evil spirit. Sometimes I am oppressed, + not by apprehension or fear, but by an inexpressible internal sensation, + which weighs upon my heart, and impedes my breath! Then I wander forth at + night, even in this tempestuous season, and feel pleasure in surveying the + dreadful scenes around me. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday evening I went forth. A rapid thaw had suddenly set in: I had + been informed that the river had risen, that the brooks had all overflowed + their banks, and that the whole vale of Walheim was under water! Upon the + stroke of twelve I hastened forth. I beheld a fearful sight. The foaming + torrents rolled from the mountains in the moonlight,—fields and + meadows, trees and hedges, were confounded together; and the entire valley + was converted into a deep lake, which was agitated by the roaring wind! + And when the moon shone forth, and tinged the black clouds with silver, + and the impetuous torrent at my feet foamed and resounded with awful and + grand impetuosity, I was overcome by a mingled sensation of apprehension + and delight. With extended arms I looked down into the yawning abyss, and + cried, "Plunge!'" For a moment my senses forsook me, in the intense + delight of ending my sorrows and my sufferings by a plunge into that gulf! + And then I felt as if I were rooted to the earth, and incapable of seeking + an end to my woes! But my hour is not yet come: I feel it is not. O + Wilhelm, how willingly could I abandon my existence to ride the whirlwind, + or to embrace the torrent! and then might not rapture perchance be the + portion of this liberated soul? + </p> + <p> + I turned my sorrowful eyes toward a favourite spot, where I was accustomed + to sit with Charlotte beneath a willow after a fatiguing walk. Alas! it + was covered with water, and with difficulty I found even the meadow. And + the fields around the hunting-lodge, thought I. Has our dear bower been + destroyed by this unpitying storm? And a beam of past happiness streamed + upon me, as the mind of a captive is illumined by dreams of flocks and + herds and bygone joys of home! But I am free from blame. I have courage to + die! Perhaps I have,—but I still sit here, like a wretched pauper, + who collects fagots, and begs her bread from door to door, that she may + prolong for a few days a miserable existence which she is unwilling to + resign. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 15. + </p> + <p> + What is the matter with me, dear Wilhelm? I am afraid of myself! Is not my + love for her of the purest, most holy, and most brotherly nature? Has my + soul ever been sullied by a single sensual desire? but I will make no + protestations. And now, ye nightly visions, how truly have those mortals + understood you, who ascribe your various contradictory effects to some + invincible power! This night I tremble at the avowal—I held her in + my arms, locked in a close embrace: I pressed her to my bosom, and covered + with countless kisses those dear lips which murmured in reply soft + protestations of love. My sight became confused by the delicious + intoxication of her eyes. Heavens! is it sinful to revel again in such + happiness, to recall once more those rapturous moments with intense + delight? Charlotte! Charlotte! I am lost! My senses are bewildered, my + recollection is confused, mine eyes are bathed in tears—I am ill; + and yet I am well—I wish for nothing—I have no desires—it + were better I were gone. + </p> + <p> + Under the circumstances narrated above, a determination to quit this world + had now taken fixed possession of Werther's soul. Since Charlotte's + return, this thought had been the final object of all his hopes and + wishes; but he had resolved that such a step should not be taken with + precipitation, but with calmness and tranquillity, and with the most + perfect deliberation. + </p> + <p> + His troubles and internal struggles may be understood from the following + fragment, which was found, without any date, amongst his papers, and + appears to have formed the beginning of a letter to Wilhelm. + </p> + <p> + "Her presence, her fate, her sympathy for me, have power still to extract + tears from my withered brain. + </p> + <p> + "One lifts up the curtain, and passes to the other side,—that is + all! And why all these doubts and delays? Because we know not what is + behind—because there is no returning—and because our mind + infers that all is darkness and confusion, where we have nothing but + uncertainty." + </p> + <p> + His appearance at length became quite altered by the effect of his + melancholy thoughts; and his resolution was now finally and irrevocably + taken, of which the following ambiguous letter, which he addressed to his + friend, may appear to afford some proof. + </p> + <p> + DECEMBER 20. + </p> + <p> + I am grateful to your love, Wilhelm, for having repeated your advice so + seasonably. Yes, you are right: it is undoubtedly better that I should + depart. But I do not entirely approve your scheme of returning at once to + your neighbourhood; at least, I should like to make a little excursion on + the way, particularly as we may now expect a continued frost, and + consequently good roads. I am much pleased with your intention of coming + to fetch me; only delay your journey for a fortnight, and wait for another + letter from me. One should gather nothing before it is ripe, and a + fortnight sooner or later makes a great difference. Entreat my mother to + pray for her son, and tell her I beg her pardon for all the unhappiness I + have occasioned her. It has ever been my fate to give pain to those whose + happiness I should have promoted. Adieu, my dearest friend. May every + blessing of Heaven attend you! Farewell. + </p> + <p> + We find it difficult to express the emotions with which Charlotte's soul + was agitated during the whole of this time, whether in relation to her + husband or to her unfortunate friend; although we are enabled, by our + knowledge of her character, to understand their nature. + </p> + <p> + It is certain that she had formed a determination, by every means in her + power to keep Werther at a distance; and, if she hesitated in her + decision, it was from a sincere feeling of friendly pity, knowing how much + it would cost him, indeed, that he would find it almost impossible to + comply with her wishes. But various causes now urged her to be firm. Her + husband preserved a strict silence about the whole matter; and she never + made it a subject of conversation, feeling bound to prove to him by her + conduct that her sentiments agreed with his. + </p> + <p> + The same day, which was the Sunday before Christmas, after Werther had + written the last-mentioned letter to his friend, he came in the evening to + Charlotte's house, and found her alone. She was busy preparing some little + gifts for her brothers and sisters, which were to be distributed to them + on Christmas Day. He began talking of the delight of the children, and of + that age when the sudden appearance of the Christmas-tree, decorated with + fruit and sweetmeats, and lighted up with wax candles, causes such + transports of joy. "You shall have a gift too, if you behave well," said + Charlotte, hiding her embarrassment under sweet smile. "And what do you + call behaving well? What should I do, what can I do, my dear Charlotte?" + said he. "Thursday night," she answered, "is Christmas Eve. The children + are all to be here, and my father too: there is a present for each; do you + come likewise, but do not come before that time." Werther started. "I + desire you will not: it must be so," she continued. "I ask it of you as a + favour, for my own peace and tranquillity. We cannot go on in this manner + any longer." He turned away his face, walked hastily up and down the room, + muttering indistinctly, "We cannot go on in this manner any longer!" + Charlotte, seeing the violent agitation into which these words had thrown + him, endeavoured to divert his thoughts by different questions, but in + vain. "No, Charlotte!" he exclaimed; "I will never see you any more!" "And + why so?" she answered. "We may—we must see each other again; only + let it be with more discretion. Oh! why were you born with that excessive, + that ungovernable passion for everything that is dear to you?" Then, + taking his hand, she said, "I entreat of you to be more calm: your + talents, your understanding, your genius, will furnish you with a thousand + resources. Be a man, and conquer an unhappy attachment toward a creature + who can do nothing but pity you." He bit his lips, and looked at her with + a gloomy countenance. She continued to hold his hand. "Grant me but a + moment's patience, Werther," she said. "Do you not see that you are + deceiving yourself, that you are seeking your own destruction? Why must + you love me, me only, who belong to another? I fear, I much fear, that it + is only the impossibility of possessing me which makes your desire for me + so strong." He drew back his hand, whilst he surveyed her with a wild and + angry look. "'Tis well!" he exclaimed, "'tis very well! Did not Albert + furnish you with this reflection? It is profound, a very profound remark." + "A reflection that any one might easily make," she answered; "and is there + not a woman in the whole world who is at liberty, and has the power to + make you happy? Conquer yourself: look for such a being, and believe me + when I say that you will certainly find her. I have long felt for you, and + for us all: you have confined yourself too long within the limits of too + narrow a circle. Conquer yourself; make an effort: a short journey will be + of service to you. Seek and find an object worthy of your love; then + return hither, and let us enjoy together all the happiness of the most + perfect friendship." + </p> + <p> + "This speech," replied Werther with a cold smile, "this speech should be + printed, for the benefit of all teachers. My dear Charlotte, allow me but + a short time longer, and all will be well." "But however, Werther," she + added, "do not come again before Christmas." He was about to make some + answer, when Albert came in. They saluted each other coldly, and with + mutual embarrassment paced up and down the room. Werther made some common + remarks; Albert did the same, and their conversation soon dropped. Albert + asked his wife about some household matters; and, finding that his + commissions were not executed, he used some expressions which, to + Werther's ear, savoured of extreme harshness. He wished to go, but had not + power to move; and in this situation he remained till eight o'clock, his + uneasiness and discontent continually increasing. At length the cloth was + laid for supper, and he took up his hat and stick. Albert invited him to + remain; but Werther, fancying that he was merely paying a formal + compliment, thanked him coldly, and left the house. + </p> + <p> + Werther returned home, took the candle from his servant, and retired to + his room alone. He talked for some time with great earnestness to himself, + wept aloud, walked in a state of great excitement through his chamber; + till at length, without undressing, he threw himself on the bed, where he + was found by his servant at eleven o'clock, when the latter ventured to + enter the room, and take off his boots. Werther did not prevent him, but + forbade him to come in the morning till he should ring. + </p> + <p> + On Monday morning, the 21st of December, he wrote to Charlotte the + following letter, which was found, sealed, on his bureau after his death, + and was given to her. I shall insert it in fragments; as it appears, from + several circumstances, to have been written in that manner. + </p> + <p> + "It is all over, Charlotte: I am resolved to die! I make this declaration + deliberately and coolly, without any romantic passion, on this morning of + the day when I am to see you for the last time. At the moment you read + these lines, O best of women, the cold grave will hold the inanimate + remains of that restless and unhappy being who, in the last moments of his + existence, knew no pleasure so great as that of conversing with you! I + have passed a dreadful night or rather, let me say, a propitious one; for + it has given me resolution, it has fixed my purpose. I am resolved to die. + When I tore myself from you yesterday, my senses were in tumult and + disorder; my heart was oppressed, hope and pleasure had fled from me for + ever, and a petrifying cold had seized my wretched being. I could scarcely + reach my room. I threw myself on my knees; and Heaven, for the last time, + granted me the consolation of shedding tears. A thousand ideas, a thousand + schemes, arose within my soul; till at length one last, fixed, final + thought took possession of my heart. It was to die. I lay down to rest; + and in the morning, in the quiet hour of awakening, the same determination + was upon me. To die! It is not despair: it is conviction that I have + filled up the measure of my sufferings, that I have reached my appointed + term, and must sacrifice myself for thee. Yes, Charlotte, why should I not + avow it? One of us three must die: it shall be Werther. O beloved + Charlotte! this heart, excited by rage and fury, has often conceived the + horrid idea of murdering your husband—you—myself! The lot is + cast at length. And in the bright, quiet evenings of summer, when you + sometimes wander toward the mountains, let your thoughts then turn to me: + recollect how often you have watched me coming to meet you from the + valley; then bend your eyes upon the churchyard which contains my grave, + and, by the light of the setting sun, mark how the evening breeze waves + the tall grass which grows above my tomb. I was calm when I began this + letter, but the recollection of these scenes makes me weep like a child." + </p> + <p> + About ten in the morning, Werther called his servant, and, whilst he was + dressing, told him that in a few days he intended to set out upon a + journey, and bade him therefore lay his clothes in order, and prepare them + for packing up, call in all his accounts, fetch home the books he had + lent, and give two months' pay to the poor dependants who were accustomed + to receive from him a weekly allowance. + </p> + <p> + He breakfasted in his room, and then mounted his horse, and went to visit + the steward, who, however, was not at home. He walked pensively in the + garden, and seemed anxious to renew all the ideas that were most painful + to him. + </p> + <p> + The children did not suffer him to remain alone long. They followed him, + skipping and dancing before him, and told him, that after to-morrow and + tomorrow and one day more, they were to receive their Christmas gift from + Charlotte; and they then recounted all the wonders of which they had + formed ideas in their child imaginations. "Tomorrow and tomorrow," said + he, "and one day more!" And he kissed them tenderly. He was going; but the + younger boy stopped him, to whisper something in his ear. He told him that + his elder brothers had written splendid New-Year's wishes so large! one + for papa, and another for Albert and Charlotte, and one for Werther; and + they were to be presented early in the morning, on New Year's Day. This + quite overcame him. He made each of the children a present, mounted his + horse, left his compliments for papa and mamma, and, with tears in his + eyes, rode away from the place. + </p> + <p> + He returned home about five o'clock, ordered his servant to keep up his + fire, desired him to pack his books and linen at the bottom of the trunk, + and to place his coats at the top. He then appears to have made the + following addition to the letter addressed to Charlotte: + </p> + <p> + "You do not expect me. You think I will obey you, and not visit you again + till Christmas Eve. O Charlotte, today or never! On Christmas Eve you will + hold this paper in your hand; you will tremble, and moisten it with your + tears. I will—I must! Oh, how happy I feel to be determined!" + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Charlotte was in a pitiable state of mind. After her last + conversation with Werther, she found how painful to herself it would be to + decline his visits, and knew how severely he would suffer from their + separation. + </p> + <p> + She had, in conversation with Albert, mentioned casually that Werther + would not return before Christmas Eve; and soon afterward Albert went on + horseback to see a person in the neighbourhood, with whom he had to + transact some business which would detain him all night. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte was sitting alone. None of her family were near, and she gave + herself up to the reflections that silently took possession of her mind. + She was for ever united to a husband whose love and fidelity she had + proved, to whom she was heartily devoted, and who seemed to be a special + gift from Heaven to ensure her happiness. On the other hand, Werther had + become dear to her. There was a cordial unanimity of sentiment between + them from the very first hour of their acquaintance, and their long + association and repeated interviews had made an indelible impression upon + her heart. She had been accustomed to communicate to him every thought and + feeling which interested her, and his absence threatened to open a void in + her existence which it might be impossible to fill. How heartily she + wished that she might change him into her brother,—that she could + induce him to marry one of her own friends, or could reestablish his + intimacy with Albert. + </p> + <p> + She passed all her intimate friends in review before her mind, but found + something objectionable in each, and could decide upon none to whom she + would consent to give him. + </p> + <p> + Amid all these considerations she felt deeply but indistinctly that her + own real but unexpressed wish was to retain him for herself, and her pure + and amiable heart felt from this thought a sense of oppression which + seemed to forbid a prospect of happiness. She was wretched: a dark cloud + obscured her mental vision. + </p> + <p> + It was now half-past six o'clock, and she heard Werther's step on the + stairs. She at once recognised his voice, as he inquired if she were at + home. Her heart beat audibly—we could almost say for the first time—at + his arrival. It was too late to deny herself; and, as he entered, she + exclaimed, with a sort of ill concealed confusion, "You have not kept your + word!" "I promised nothing," he answered. "But you should have complied, + at least for my sake," she continued. "I implore you, for both our sakes." + </p> + <p> + She scarcely knew what she said or did; and sent for some friends, who, by + their presence, might prevent her being left alone with Werther. He put + down some books he had brought with him, then made inquiries about some + others, until she began to hope that her friends might arrive shortly, + entertaining at the same time a desire that they might stay away. + </p> + <p> + At one moment she felt anxious that the servant should remain in the + adjoining room, then she changed her mind. Werther, meanwhile, walked + impatiently up and down. She went to the piano, and determined not to + retire. She then collected her thoughts, and sat down quietly at Werther's + side, who had taken his usual place on the sofa. + </p> + <p> + "Have you brought nothing to read?" she inquired. He had nothing. "There + in my drawer," she continued, "you will find your own translation of some + of the songs of Ossian. I have not yet read them, as I have still hoped to + hear you recite them; but, for some time past, I have not been able to + accomplish such a wish." He smiled, and went for the manuscript, which he + took with a shudder. He sat down; and, with eyes full of tears, he began + to read. + </p> + <p> + "Star of descending night! fair is thy light in the west! thou liftest thy + unshorn head from thy cloud; thy steps are stately on thy hill. What dost + thou behold in the plain? The stormy winds are laid. The murmur of the + torrent comes from afar. Roaring waves climb the distant rock. The flies + of evening are on their feeble wings: the hum of their course is on the + field. What dost thou behold, fair light? But thou dost smile and depart. + The waves come with joy around thee: they bathe thy lovely hair. Farewell, + thou silent beam! Let the light of Ossian's soul arise! + </p> + <p> + "And it does arise in its strength! I behold my departed friends. Their + gathering is on Lora, as in the days of other years. Fingal comes like a + watery column of mist! his heroes are around: and see the bards of song, + gray-haired Ullin! stately Ryno! Alpin with the tuneful voice: the soft + complaint of Minona! How are ye changed, my friends, since the days of + Selma's feast! when we contended, like gales of spring as they fly along + the hill, and bend by turns the feebly whistling grass. + </p> + <p> + "Minona came forth in her beauty, with downcast look and tearful eye. Her + hair was flying slowly with the blast that rushed unfrequent from the + hill. The souls of the heroes were sad when she raised the tuneful voice. + Oft had they seen the grave of Salgar, the dark dwelling of white-bosomed + Colma. Colma left alone on the hill with all her voice of song! Salgar + promised to come! but the night descended around. Hear the voice of Colma, + when she sat alone on the hill! + </p> + <p> + "Colma. It is night: I am alone, forlorn on the hill of storms. The wind + is heard on the mountain. The torrent is howling down the rock. No hut + receives me from the rain: forlorn on the hill of winds! + </p> + <p> + "Rise moon! from behind thy clouds. Stars of the night, arise! Lead me, + some light, to the place where my love rests from the chase alone! His bow + near him unstrung, his dogs panting around him! But here I must sit alone + by the rock of the mossy stream. The stream and the wind roar aloud. I + hear not the voice of my love! Why delays my Salgar; why the chief of the + hill his promise? Here is the rock and here the tree! here is the roaring + stream! Thou didst promise with night to be here. Ah! whither is my Salgar + gone? With thee I would fly from my father, with thee from my brother of + pride. Our race have long been foes: we are not foes, O Salgar! + </p> + <p> + "Cease a little while, O wind! stream, be thou silent awhile! let my voice + be heard around! let my wanderer hear me! Salgar! it is Colma who calls. + Here is the tree and the rock. Salgar, my love, I am here! Why delayest + thou thy coming? Lo! the calm moon comes forth. The flood is bright in the + vale. The rocks are gray on the steep. I see him not on the brow. His dogs + come not before him with tidings of his near approach. Here I must sit + alone! + </p> + <p> + "Who lie on the heath beside me? Are they my love and my brother? Speak to + me, O my friends! To Colma they give no reply. Speak to me: I am alone! My + soul is tormented with fears. Ah, they are dead! Their swords are red from + the fight. O my brother! my brother! why hast thou slain my Salgar! Why, O + Salgar, hast thou slain my brother! Dear were ye both to me! what shall I + say in your praise? Thou wert fair on the hill among thousands! he was + terrible in fight! Speak to me! hear my voice! hear me, sons of my love! + They are silent! silent for ever! Cold, cold, are their breasts of clay! + Oh, from the rock on the hill, from the top of the windy steep, speak, ye + ghosts of the dead! Speak, I will not be afraid! Whither are ye gone to + rest? In what cave of the hill shall I find the departed? No feeble voice + is on the gale: no answer half drowned in the storm! + </p> + <p> + "I sit in my grief: I wait for morning in my tears! Rear the tomb, ye + friends of the dead. Close it not till Colma come. My life flies away like + a dream. Why should I stay behind? Here shall I rest with my friends, by + the stream of the sounding rock. When night comes on the hill when the + loud winds arise my ghost shall stand in the blast, and mourn the death of + my friends. The hunter shall hear from his booth; he shall fear, but love + my voice! For sweet shall my voice be for my friends: pleasant were her + friends to Colma. + </p> + <p> + "Such was thy song, Minona, softly blushing daughter of Torman. Our tears + descended for Colma, and our souls were sad! Ullin came with his harp; he + gave the song of Alpin. The voice of Alpin was pleasant, the soul of Ryno + was a beam of fire! But they had rested in the narrow house: their voice + had ceased in Selma! Ullin had returned one day from the chase before the + heroes fell. He heard their strife on the hill: their song was soft, but + sad! They mourned the fall of Morar, first of mortal men! His soul was + like the soul of Fingal: his sword like the sword of Oscar. But he fell, + and his father mourned: his sister's eyes were full of tears. Minona's + eyes were full of tears, the sister of car-borne Morar. She retired from + the song of Ullin, like the moon in the west, when she foresees the + shower, and hides her fair head in a cloud. I touched the harp with Ullin: + the song of morning rose! + </p> + <p> + "Ryno. The wind and the rain are past, calm is the noon of day. The clouds + are divided in heaven. Over the green hills flies the inconstant sun. Red + through the stony vale comes down the stream of the hill. Sweet are thy + murmurs, O stream! but more sweet is the voice I hear. It is the voice of + Alpin, the son of song, mourning for the dead! Bent is his head of age: + red his tearful eye. Alpin, thou son of song, why alone on the silent + hill? why complainest thou, as a blast in the wood as a wave on the lonely + shore? + </p> + <p> + "Alpin. My tears, O Ryno! are for the dead my voice for those that have + passed away. Tall thou art on the hill; fair among the sons of the vale. + But thou shalt fall like Morar: the mourner shall sit on thy tomb. The + hills shall know thee no more: thy bow shall lie in thy hall unstrung! + </p> + <p> + "Thou wert swift, O Morar! as a roe on the desert: terrible as a meteor of + fire. Thy wrath was as the storm. Thy sword in battle as lightning in the + field. Thy voice was as a stream after rain, like thunder on distant + hills. Many fell by thy arm: they were consumed in the flames of thy + wrath. But when thou didst return from war, how peaceful was thy brow. Thy + face was like the sun after rain: like the moon in the silence of night: + calm as the breast of the lake when the loud wind is laid. + </p> + <p> + "Narrow is thy dwelling now! dark the place of thine abode! With three + steps I compass thy grave, O thou who wast so great before! Four stones, + with their heads of moss, are the only memorial of thee. A tree with + scarce a leaf, long grass which whistles in the wind, mark to the hunter's + eye the grave of the mighty Morar. Morar! thou art low indeed. Thou hast + no mother to mourn thee, no maid with her tears of love. Dead is she that + brought thee forth. Fallen is the daughter of Morglan. + </p> + <p> + "Who on his staff is this? Who is this whose head is white with age, whose + eyes are red with tears, who quakes at every step? It is thy father, O + Morar! the father of no son but thee. He heard of thy fame in war, he + heard of foes dispersed. He heard of Morar's renown, why did he not hear + of his wound? Weep, thou father of Morar! Weep, but thy son heareth thee + not. Deep is the sleep of the dead, low their pillow of dust. No more + shall he hear thy voice, no more awake at thy call. When shall it be morn + in the grave, to bid the slumberer awake? Farewell, thou bravest of men! + thou conqueror in the field! but the field shall see thee no more, nor the + dark wood be lightened with the splendour of thy steel. Thou has left no + son. The song shall preserve thy name. Future times shall hear of thee + they shall hear of the fallen Morar! + </p> + <p> + "The grief of all arose, but most the bursting sigh of Armin. He remembers + the death of his son, who fell in the days of his youth. Carmor was near + the hero, the chief of the echoing Galmal. Why burst the sigh of Armin? he + said. Is there a cause to mourn? The song comes with its music to melt and + please the soul. It is like soft mist that, rising from a lake, pours on + the silent vale; the green flowers are filled with dew, but the sun + returns in his strength, and the mist is gone. Why art thou sad, O Armin, + chief of sea-surrounded Gorma? + </p> + <p> + "Sad I am! nor small is my cause of woe! Carmor, thou hast lost no son; + thou hast lost no daughter of beauty. Colgar the valiant lives, and + Annira, fairest maid. The boughs of thy house ascend, O Carmor! but Armin + is the last of his race. Dark is thy bed, O Daura! deep thy sleep in the + tomb! When shalt thou wake with thy songs? with all thy voice of music? + </p> + <p> + "Arise, winds of autumn, arise: blow along the heath. Streams of the + mountains, roar; roar, tempests in the groves of my oaks! Walk through + broken clouds, O moon! show thy pale face at intervals; bring to my mind + the night when all my children fell, when Arindal the mighty fell—when + Daura the lovely failed. Daura, my daughter, thou wert fair, fair as the + moon on Fura, white as the driven snow, sweet as the breathing gale. + Arindal, thy bow was strong, thy spear was swift on the field, thy look + was like mist on the wave, thy shield a red cloud in a storm! Armar, + renowned in war, came and sought Daura's love. He was not long refused: + fair was the hope of their friends. + </p> + <p> + "Erath, son of Odgal, repined: his brother had been slain by Armar. He + came disguised like a son of the sea: fair was his cliff on the wave, + white his locks of age, calm his serious brow. Fairest of women, he said, + lovely daughter of Armin! a rock not distant in the sea bears a tree on + its side; red shines the fruit afar. There Armar waits for Daura. I come + to carry his love! she went she called on Armar. Nought answered, but the + son of the rock. Armar, my love, my love! why tormentest thou me with + fear? Hear, son of Arnart, hear! it is Daura who calleth thee. Erath, the + traitor, fled laughing to the land. She lifted up her voice—she + called for her brother and her father. Arindal! Armin! none to relieve + you, Daura. + </p> + <p> + "Her voice came over the sea. Arindal, my son, descended from the hill, + rough in the spoils of the chase. His arrows rattled by his side; his bow + was in his hand, five dark-gray dogs attended his steps. He saw fierce + Erath on the shore; he seized and bound him to an oak. Thick wind the + thongs of the hide around his limbs; he loads the winds with his groans. + Arindal ascends the deep in his boat to bring Daura to land. Armar came in + his wrath, and let fly the gray-feathered shaft. It sung, it sunk in thy + heart, O Arindal, my son! for Erath the traitor thou diest. The oar is + stopped at once: he panted on the rock, and expired. What is thy grief, O + Daura, when round thy feet is poured thy brother's blood. The boat is + broken in twain. Armar plunges into the sea to rescue his Daura, or die. + Sudden a blast from a hill came over the waves; he sank, and he rose no + more. + </p> + <p> + "Alone, on the sea-beat rock, my daughter was heard to complain; frequent + and loud were her cries. What could her father do? All night I stood on + the shore: I saw her by the faint beam of the moon. All night I heard her + cries. Loud was the wind; the rain beat hard on the hill. Before morning + appeared, her voice was weak; it died away like the evening breeze among + the grass of the rocks. Spent with grief, she expired, and left thee, + Armin, alone. Gone is my strength in war, fallen my pride among women. + When the storms aloft arise, when the north lifts the wave on high, I sit + by the sounding shore, and look on the fatal rock. + </p> + <p> + "Often by the setting moon I see the ghosts of my children; half viewless + they walk in mournful conference together." + </p> + <p> + A torrent of tears which streamed from Charlotte's eyes and gave relief to + her bursting heart, stopped Werther's recitation. He threw down the book, + seized her hand, and wept bitterly. Charlotte leaned upon her hand, and + buried her face in her handkerchief: the agitation of both was excessive. + They felt that their own fate was pictured in the misfortunes of Ossian's + heroes, they felt this together, and their tears redoubled. Werther + supported his forehead on Charlotte's arm: she trembled, she wished to be + gone; but sorrow and sympathy lay like a leaden weight upon her soul. She + recovered herself shortly, and begged Werther, with broken sobs, to leave + her, implored him with the utmost earnestness to comply with her request. + He trembled; his heart was ready to burst: then, taking up the book again, + he recommenced reading, in a voice broken by sobs. + </p> + <p> + "Why dost thou waken me, O spring? Thy voice woos me, exclaiming, I + refresh thee with heavenly dews; but the time of my decay is approaching, + the storm is nigh that shall whither my leaves. Tomorrow the traveller + shall come, he shall come, who beheld me in beauty: his eye shall seek me + in the field around, but he shall not find me." + </p> + <p> + The whole force of these words fell upon the unfortunate Werther. Full of + despair, he threw himself at Charlotte's feet, seized her hands, and + pressed them to his eyes and to his forehead. An apprehension of his fatal + project now struck her for the first time. Her senses were bewildered: she + held his hands, pressed them to her bosom; and, leaning toward him with + emotions of the tenderest pity, her warm cheek touched his. They lost + sight of everything. The world disappeared from their eyes. He clasped her + in his arms, strained her to his bosom, and covered her trembling lips + with passionate kisses. "Werther!" she cried with a faint voice, turning + herself away; "Werther!" and, with a feeble hand, she pushed him from her. + At length, with the firm voice of virtue, she exclaimed, "Werther!" He + resisted not, but, tearing himself from her arms, fell on his knees before + her. Charlotte rose, and, with disordered grief, in mingled tones of love + and resentment, she exclaimed, "It is the last time, Werther! You shall + never see me any more!" Then, casting one last, tender look upon her + unfortunate lover, she rushed into the adjoining room, and locked the + door. Werther held out his arms, but did not dare to detain her. He + continued on the ground, with his head resting on the sofa, for half an + hour, till he heard a noise which brought him to his senses. The servant + entered. He then walked up and down the room; and, when he was again left + alone, he went to Charlotte's door, and, in a low voice, said, "Charlotte, + Charlotte! but one word more, one last adieu!" She returned no answer. He + stopped, and listened and entreated; but all was silent. At length he tore + himself from the place, crying, "Adieu, Charlotte, adieu for ever!" + </p> + <p> + Werther ran to the gate of the town. The guards, who knew him, let him + pass in silence. The night was dark and stormy,—it rained and + snowed. He reached his own door about eleven. His servant, although seeing + him enter the house without his hat, did not venture to say anything; and; + as he undressed his master, he found that his clothes were wet. His hat + was afterward found on the point of a rock overhanging the valley; and it + is inconceivable how he could have climbed to the summit on such a dark, + tempestuous night without losing his life. + </p> + <p> + He retired to bed, and slept to a late hour. The next morning his servant, + upon being called to bring his coffee, found him writing. He was adding, + to Charlotte, what we here annex. + </p> + <p> + "For the last, last time I open these eyes. Alas! they will behold the sun + no more. It is covered by a thick, impenetrable cloud. Yes, Nature! put on + mourning: your child, your friend, your lover, draws near his end! This + thought, Charlotte, is without parallel; and yet it seems like a + mysterious dream when I repeat—this is my last day! The last! + Charlotte, no word can adequately express this thought. The last! To-day I + stand erect in all my strength to-morrow, cold and stark, I shall lie + extended upon the ground. To die! what is death? We do but dream in our + discourse upon it. I have seen many human beings die; but, so straitened + is our feeble nature, we have no clear conception of the beginning or the + end of our existence. At this moment I am my own—or rather I am + thine, thine, my adored! and the next we are parted, severed—perhaps + for ever! No, Charlotte, no! How can I, how can you, be annihilated? We + exist. What is annihilation? A mere word, an unmeaning sound that fixes no + impression on the mind. Dead, Charlotte! laid in the cold earth, in the + dark and narrow grave! I had a friend once who was everything to me in + early youth. She died. I followed her hearse; I stood by her grave when + the coffin was lowered; and when I heard the creaking of the cords as they + were loosened and drawn up, when the first shovelful of earth was thrown + in, and the coffin returned a hollow sound, which grew fainter and fainter + till all was completely covered over, I threw myself on the ground; my + heart was smitten, grieved, shattered, rent—but I neither knew what + had happened, nor what was to happen to me. Death! the grave! I understand + not the words.—Forgive, oh, forgive me! Yesterday—ah, that day + should have been the last of my life! Thou angel! for the first time in my + existence, I felt rapture glow within my inmost soul. She loves, she loves + me! Still burns upon my lips the sacred fire they received from thine. New + torrents of delight overwhelm my soul. Forgive me, oh, forgive! + </p> + <p> + "I knew that I was dear to you; I saw it in your first entrancing look, + knew it by the first pressure of your hand; but when I was absent from + you, when I saw Albert at your side, my doubts and fears returned. + </p> + <p> + "Do you remember the flowers you sent me, when, at that crowded assembly, + you could neither speak nor extend your hand to me? Half the night I was + on my knees before those flowers, and I regarded them as the pledges of + your love; but those impressions grew fainter, and were at length effaced. + </p> + <p> + "Everything passes away; but a whole eternity could not extinguish the + living flame which was yesterday kindled by your lips, and which now burns + within me. She loves me! These arms have encircled her waist, these lips + have trembled upon hers. She is mine! Yes, Charlotte, you are mine for + ever! + </p> + <p> + "And what do they mean by saying Albert is your husband? He may be so for + this world; and in this world it is a sin to love you, to wish to tear you + from his embrace. Yes, it is a crime; and I suffer the punishment, but I + have enjoyed the full delight of my sin. I have inhaled a balm that has + revived my soul. From this hour you are mine; yes, Charlotte, you are + mine! I go before you. I go to my Father and to your Father. I will pour + out my sorrows before him, and he will give me comfort till you arrive. + Then will I fly to meet you. I will claim you, and remain your eternal + embrace, in the presence of the Almighty. + </p> + <p> + "I do not dream, I do not rave. Drawing nearer to the grave my perceptions + become clearer. We shall exist; we shall see each other again; we shall + behold your mother; I shall behold her, and expose to her my inmost heart. + Your mother—your image!" + </p> + <p> + About eleven o'clock Werther asked his servant if Albert had returned. He + answered, "Yes;" for he had seen him pass on horseback: upon which Werther + sent him the following note, unsealed: + </p> + <p> + "Be so good as to lend me your pistols for a journey. Adieu." + </p> + <p> + Charlotte had slept little during the past night. All her apprehensions + were realised in a way that she could neither foresee nor avoid. Her blood + was boiling in her veins, and a thousand painful sensations rent her pure + heart. Was it the ardour of Werther's passionate embraces that she felt + within her bosom? Was it anger at his daring? Was it the sad comparison of + her present condition with former days of innocence, tranquillity, and + self-confidence? How could she approach her husband, and confess a scene + which she had no reason to conceal, and which she yet felt, nevertheless, + unwilling to avow? They had preserved so long a silence toward each other + and should she be the first to break it by so unexpected a discovery? She + feared that the mere statement of Werther's visit would trouble him, and + his distress would be heightened by her perfect candour. She wished that + he could see her in her true light, and judge her without prejudice; but + was she anxious that he should read her inmost soul? On the other hand, + could she deceive a being to whom all her thoughts had ever been exposed + as clearly as crystal, and from whom no sentiment had ever been concealed? + These reflections made her anxious and thoughtful. Her mind still dwelt on + Werther, who was now lost to her, but whom she could not bring herself to + resign, and for whom she knew nothing was left but despair if she should + be lost to him for ever. + </p> + <p> + A recollection of that mysterious estrangement which had lately subsisted + between herself and Albert, and which she could never thoroughly + understand, was now beyond measure painful to her. Even the prudent and + the good have before now hesitated to explain their mutual differences, + and have dwelt in silence upon their imaginary grievances, until + circumstances have become so entangled, that in that critical juncture, + when a calm explanation would have saved all parties, an understanding was + impossible. And thus if domestic confidence had been earlier established + between them, if love and kind forbearance had mutually animated and + expanded their hearts, it might not, perhaps, even yet have been too late + to save our friend. + </p> + <p> + But we must not forget one remarkable circumstance. We may observe from + the character of Werther's correspondence, that he had never affected to + conceal his anxious desire to quit this world. He had often discussed the + subject with Albert; and, between the latter and Charlotte, it had not + unfrequently formed a topic of conversation. Albert was so opposed to the + very idea of such an action, that, with a degree of irritation unusual in + him, he had more than once given Werther to understand that he doubted the + seriousness of his threats, and not only turned them into ridicule, but + caused Charlotte to share his feelings of incredulity. Her heart was thus + tranquillised when she felt disposed to view the melancholy subject in a + serious point of view, though she never communicated to her husband the + apprehensions she sometimes experienced. + </p> + <p> + Albert, upon his return, was received by Charlotte with ill-concealed + embarrassment. He was himself out of humour; his business was unfinished; + and he had just discovered that the neighbouring official with whom he had + to deal, was an obstinate and narrow-minded personage. Many things had + occurred to irritate him. + </p> + <p> + He inquired whether anything had happened during his absence, and + Charlotte hastily answered that Werther had been there on the evening + previously. He then inquired for his letters, and was answered that + several packages had been left in his study. He thereon retired, leaving + Charlotte alone. + </p> + <p> + The presence of the being she loved and honoured produced a new impression + on her heart. The recollection of his generosity, kindness, and affection + had calmed her agitation: a secret impulse prompted her to follow him; she + took her work and went to his study, as was often her custom. He was + busily employed opening and reading his letters. It seemed as if the + contents of some were disagreeable. She asked some questions: he gave + short answers, and sat down to write. + </p> + <p> + Several hours passed in this manner, and Charlotte's feelings became more + and more melancholy. She felt the extreme difficulty of explaining to her + husband, under any circumstances, the weight that lay upon her heart; and + her depression became every moment greater, in proportion as she + endeavoured to hide her grief, and to conceal her tears. + </p> + <p> + The arrival of Werther's servant occasioned her the greatest + embarrassment. He gave Albert a note, which the latter coldly handed to + his wife, saying, at the same time, "Give him the pistols. I wish him a + pleasant journey," he added, turning to the servant. These words fell upon + Charlotte like a thunderstroke: she rose from her seat half-fainting, and + unconscious of what she did. She walked mechanically toward the wall, took + down the pistols with a trembling hand, slowly wiped the dust from them, + and would have delayed longer, had not Albert hastened her movements by an + impatient look. She then delivered the fatal weapons to the servant, + without being able to utter a word. As soon as he had departed, she folded + up her work, and retired at once to her room, her heart overcome with the + most fearful forebodings. She anticipated some dreadful calamity. She was + at one moment on the point of going to her husband, throwing herself at + his feet, and acquainting him with all that had happened on the previous + evening, that she might acknowledge her fault, and explain her + apprehensions; then she saw that such a step would be useless, as she + would certainly be unable to induce Albert to visit Werther. Dinner was + served; and a kind friend whom she had persuaded to remain assisted to + sustain the conversation, which was carried on by a sort of compulsion, + till the events of the morning were forgotten. + </p> + <p> + When the servant brought the pistols to Werther, the latter received them + with transports of delight upon hearing that Charlotte had given them to + him with her own hand. He ate some bread, drank some wine, sent his + servant to dinner, and then sat down to write as follows: + </p> + <p> + "They have been in your hands you wiped the dust from them. I kiss them a + thousand times—you have touched them. Yes, Heaven favours my design, + and you, Charlotte, provide me with the fatal instruments. It was my + desire to receive my death from your hands, and my wish is gratified. I + have made inquiries of my servant. You trembled when you gave him the + pistols, but you bade me no adieu. Wretched, wretched that I am—not + one farewell! How could you shut your heart against me in that hour which + makes you mine for ever? Charlotte, ages cannot efface the impression—I + feel you cannot hate the man who so passionately loves you!" + </p> + <p> + After dinner he called his servant, desired him to finish the packing up, + destroyed many papers, and then went out to pay some trifling debts. He + soon returned home, then went out again, notwithstanding the rain, walked + for some time in the count's garden, and afterward proceeded farther into + the country. Toward evening he came back once more, and resumed his + writing. + </p> + <p> + "Wilhelm, I have for the last time beheld the mountains, the forests, and + the sky. Farewell! And you, my dearest mother, forgive me! Console her, + Wilhelm. God bless you! I have settled all my affairs! Farewell! We shall + meet again, and be happier than ever." + </p> + <p> + "I have requited you badly, Albert; but you will forgive me. I have + disturbed the peace of your home. I have sowed distrust between you. + Farewell! I will end all this wretchedness. And oh, that my death may + render you happy! Albert, Albert! make that angel happy, and the blessing + of Heaven be upon you!" + </p> + <p> + He spent the rest of the evening in arranging his papers: he tore and + burned a great many; others he sealed up, and directed to Wilhelm. They + contained some detached thoughts and maxims, some of which I have perused. + At ten o'clock he ordered his fire to be made up, and a bottle of wine to + be brought to him. He then dismissed his servant, whose room, as well as + the apartments of the rest of the family, was situated in another part of + the house. The servant lay down without undressing, that he might be the + sooner ready for his journey in the morning, his master having informed + him that the post-horses would be at the door before six o'clock. + </p> + <p> + "Past eleven o'clock! All is silent around me, and my soul is calm. I + thank thee, O God, that thou bestowest strength and courage upon me in + these last moments! I approach the window, my dearest of friends; and + through the clouds, which are at this moment driven rapidly along by the + impetuous winds, I behold the stars which illumine the eternal heavens. + No, you will not fall, celestial bodies: the hand of the Almighty supports + both you and me! I have looked for the last time upon the constellation of + the Greater Bear: it is my favourite star; for when I bade you farewell at + night, Charlotte, and turned my steps from your door, it always shone upon + me. With what rapture have I at times beheld it! How often have I implored + it with uplifted hands to witness my felicity! and even still—But + what object is there, Charlotte, which fails to summon up your image + before me? Do you not surround me on all sides? and have I not, like a + child, treasured up every trifle which you have consecrated by your touch? + </p> + <p> + "Your profile, which was so dear to me, I return to you; and I pray you to + preserve it. Thousands of kisses have I imprinted upon it, and a thousand + times has it gladdened my heart on departing from and returning to my + home. + </p> + <p> + "I have implored your father to protect my remains. At the corner of the + churchyard, looking toward the fields, there are two lime-trees—there + I wish to lie. Your father can, and doubtless will, do this much for his + friend. Implore it of him. But perhaps pious Christians will not choose + that their bodies should be buried near the corpse of a poor, unhappy + wretch like me. Then let me be laid in some remote valley, or near the + highway, where the priest and Levite may bless themselves as they pass by + my tomb, whilst the Samaritan will shed a tear for my fate. + </p> + <p> + "See, Charlotte, I do not shudder to take the cold and fatal cup, from + which I shall drink the draught of death. Your hand presents it to me, and + I do not tremble. All, all is now concluded: the wishes and the hopes of + my existence are fulfilled. With cold, unflinching hand I knock at the + brazen portals of Death. Oh, that I had enjoyed the bliss of dying for + you! how gladly would I have sacrificed myself for you; Charlotte! And + could I but restore peace and joy to your bosom, with what resolution, + with what joy, would I not meet my fate! But it is the lot of only a + chosen few to shed their blood for their friends, and by their death to + augment, a thousand times, the happiness of those by whom they are + beloved. + </p> + <p> + "I wish, Charlotte, to be buried in the dress I wear at present: it has + been rendered sacred by your touch. I have begged this favour of your + father. My spirit soars above my sepulchre. I do not wish my pockets to be + searched. The knot of pink ribbon which you wore on your bosom the first + time I saw you, surrounded by the children—Oh, kiss them a thousand + times for me, and tell them the fate of their unhappy friend! I think I + see them playing around me. The dear children! How warmly have I been + attached to you, Charlotte! Since the first hour I saw you, how impossible + have I found it to leave you. This ribbon must be buried with me: it was a + present from you on my birthday. How confused it all appears! Little did I + then think that I should journey this road. But peace! I pray you, peace! + </p> + <p> + "They are loaded—the clock strikes twelve. I say amen. Charlotte, + Charlotte! farewell, farewell!" + </p> + <p> + A neighbour saw the flash, and heard the report of the pistol; but, as + everything remained quiet, he thought no more of it. + </p> + <p> + In the morning, at six o'clock, the servant went into Werther's room with + a candle. He found his master stretched upon the floor, weltering in his + blood, and the pistols at his side. He called, he took him in his arms, + but received no answer. Life was not yet quite extinct. The servant ran + for a surgeon, and then went to fetch Albert. Charlotte heard the ringing + of the bell: a cold shudder seized her. She wakened her husband, and they + both rose. The servant, bathed in tears faltered forth the dreadful news. + Charlotte fell senseless at Albert's feet. + </p> + <p> + When the surgeon came to the unfortunate Werther, he was still lying on + the floor; and his pulse beat, but his limbs were cold. The bullet, + entering the forehead, over the right eye, had penetrated the skull. A + vein was opened in his right arm: the blood came, and he still continued + to breathe. + </p> + <p> + From the blood which flowed from the chair, it could be inferred that he + had committed the rash act sitting at his bureau, and that he afterward + fell upon the floor. He was found lying on his back near the window. He + was in full-dress costume. + </p> + <p> + The house, the neighbourhood, and the whole town were immediately in + commotion. Albert arrived. They had laid Werther on the bed: his head was + bound up, and the paleness of death was upon his face. His limbs were + motionless; but he still breathed, at one time strongly, then weaker—his + death was momently expected. + </p> + <p> + He had drunk only one glass of the wine. "Emilia Galotti" lay open upon + his bureau. + </p> + <p> + I shall say nothing of Albert's distress, or of Charlotte's grief. + </p> + <p> + The old steward hastened to the house immediately upon hearing the news: + he embraced his dying friend amid a flood of tears. His eldest boys soon + followed him on foot. In speechless sorrow they threw themselves on their + knees by the bedside, and kissed his hands and face. The eldest, who was + his favourite, hung over him till he expired; and even then he was removed + by force. At twelve o'clock Werther breathed his last. The presence of the + steward, and the precautions he had adopted, prevented a disturbance; and + that night, at the hour of eleven, he caused the body to be interred in + the place which Werther had selected for himself. + </p> + <p> + The steward and his sons followed the corpse to the grave. Albert was + unable to accompany them. Charlotte's life was despaired of. The body was + carried by labourers. No priest attended. + </p> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 2527 ***</div> + </body> +</html> + |