Project Gutenberg's the Sorrows of Young Werther, By J.W.

8/14/2019 Project Gutenberg's the Sorrows of Young Werther, By J.W.

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ProjectGutenberg'sTheSorrowsofYoungWerther,byJ.W.vonGoethe

ThiseBookisfortheuseofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwithalmostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayorre-useitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergLicenseincludedwiththiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.org

Title:TheSorrowsofYoungWerther

Author:J.W.vonGoethe

Editor:NathenHaskellDole

Translator:R.D.Boylan

PostingDate:January2,2009[EBook#2527]ReleaseDate:February,2001

Language:English

Charactersetencoding:ASCII

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKTHESORROWSOFYOUNGWERTHER***

ProducedbyMichaelPotter,andIrenePotter

THESORROWSOFYOUNGWERTHER

ByJ.W.vonGoethe

TranslatedbyR.D.Boylan

EditedbyNathenHaskellDole

TheSorrowsofYoungWerther

PREFACE

IhavecarefullycollectedwhateverIhavebeenabletolearnofthestoryofpoorWerther,andherepresentittoyou,knowingthatyouwillthankmeforit.Tohisspiritandcharacteryoucannotrefuseyouradmirationandlove:tohisfateyouwillnotdenyyourtears.

Andthou,goodsoul,whosufferestthesamedistressasheenduredonce,drawcomfortfromhissorrows;andletthislittlebookbethyfriend,if,owingtofortuneorthroughthineownfault,thoucanstnotfindadearercompanion.


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BOOKI

MAY4.

HowhappyIamthatIamgone!Mydearfriend,whatathingistheheartofman!Toleaveyou,fromwhomIhavebeeninseparable,whomIlovesodearly,andyettofeelhappy!Iknowyouwillforgiveme.Havenototherattachmentsbeenspeciallyappointedbyfatetotormentaheadlikemine?PoorLeonora!andyetIwasnottoblame.Wasitmyfault,that,whilstthepeculiarcharmsofhersisteraffordedmeanagreeableentertainment,apassionformewasengenderedinherfeebleheart?AndyetamIwhollyblameless?DidInotencourageheremotions?DidInotfeelcharmedatthosetrulygenuineexpressionsofnature,which,thoughbutlittlemirthfulinreality,sooftenamusedus?DidInot--butoh!whatisman,thathedaressotoaccusehimself?MydearfriendIpromiseyouIwillimprove;Iwillnolonger,ashaseverbeenmyhabit,continuetoruminateoneverypettyvexationwhichfortunemaydispense;Iwillenjoythepresent,andthepastshallbeformethepast.Nodoubtyouareright,mybestoffriends,therewouldbefarlesssufferingamongstmankind,ifmen--andGodknowswhytheyaresofashioned--didnotemploytheirimaginationssoassiduouslyinrecalling

thememoryofpastsorrow,insteadofbearingtheirpresentlotwithequanimity.BekindenoughtoinformmymotherthatIshallattendtoherbusinesstothebestofmyability,andshallgivehertheearliestinformationaboutit.Ihaveseenmyaunt,andfindthatsheisveryfarfrombeingthedisagreeablepersonourfriendsallegehertobe.Sheisalively,cheerfulwoman,withthebestofhearts.Iexplainedtohermymother'swrongswithregardtothatpartofherportionwhichhasbeenwithheldfromher.Shetoldmethemotivesandreasonsofherownconduct,andthetermsonwhichsheiswillingtogiveupthewhole,andtodomorethanwehaveasked.Inshort,Icannotwritefurtheruponthissubjectatpresent;onlyassuremymotherthatallwillgoonwell.AndIhaveagainobserved,mydearfriend,inthistriflingaffair,thatmisunderstandingsandneglectoccasionmoremischiefintheworldthan

evenmaliceandwickedness.Atallevents,thetwolatterareoflessfrequentoccurrence.

InotherrespectsIamverywelloffhere.Solitudeinthisterrestrialparadiseisagenialbalmtomymind,andtheyoungspringcheerswithitsbounteouspromisesmyoftentimesmisgivingheart.Everytree,everybush,isfullofflowers;andonemightwishhimselftransformedintoabutterfly,tofloataboutinthisoceanofperfume,andfindhiswholeexistenceinit.

Thetownitselfisdisagreeable;butthen,allaround,youfindaninexpressiblebeautyofnature.ThisinducedthelateCountMtolayoutagardenononeoftheslopinghillswhichhereintersecteachother

withthemostcharmingvariety,andformthemostlovelyvalleys.Thegardenissimple;anditiseasytoperceive,evenuponyourfirstentrance,thattheplanwasnotdesignedbyascientificgardener,butbyamanwhowishedtogivehimselfupheretotheenjoymentofhisownsensitiveheart.ManyatearhaveIalreadyshedtothememoryofitsdepartedmasterinasummer-housewhichisnowreducedtoruins,butwashisfavouriteresort,andnowismine.Ishallsoonbemasteroftheplace.Thegardenerhasbecomeattachedtomewithinthelastfewdays,andhewilllosenothingthereby.


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MAY10.

Awonderfulserenityhastakenpossessionofmyentiresoul,likethesesweetmorningsofspringwhichIenjoywithmywholeheart.Iamalone,andfeelthecharmofexistenceinthisspot,whichwascreatedfortheblissofsoulslikemine.Iamsohappy,mydearfriend,soabsorbedintheexquisitesenseofmeretranquilexistence,thatIneglectmytalents.Ishouldbeincapableofdrawingasinglestrokeatthepresentmoment;andyetIfeelthatIneverwasagreaterartistthannow.When,whilethelovelyvalleyteemswithvapouraroundme,andthemeridiansunstrikestheuppersurfaceoftheimpenetrablefoliageofmytrees,andbutafewstraygleamsstealintotheinnersanctuary,Ithrowmyselfdownamongthetallgrassbythetricklingstream;and,asIlieclosetotheearth,athousandunknownplantsarenoticedbyme:whenIhearthebuzzofthelittleworldamongthestalks,andgrowfamiliarwiththecountlessindescribableformsoftheinsectsandflies,thenIfeelthepresenceoftheAlmighty,whoformedusinhisownimage,andthebreathofthatuniversallovewhichbearsandsustainsus,asitfloatsaroundusinaneternityofbliss;andthen,myfriend,whendarknessoverspreadsmyeyes,andheavenandearthseemtodwellinmysoulandabsorbitspower,liketheformofabelovedmistress,thenIoftenthinkwithlonging,Oh,wouldIcoulddescribetheseconceptions,couldimpressuponpaperallthatislivingsofullandwarmwithinme,thatitmightbethemirrorofmysoul,asmysoulisthemirrorofthe

infiniteGod!Omyfriend--butitistoomuchformystrength--Isinkundertheweightofthesplendourofthesevisions!

MAY12.

Iknownotwhethersomedeceitfulspiritshauntthisspot,orwhetheritbethewarm,celestialfancyinmyownheartwhichmakeseverythingaroundmeseemlikeparadise.Infrontofthehouseisafountain,--afountaintowhichIamboundbyacharmlikeMelusinaandhersisters.Descendingagentleslope,youcometoanarch,where,sometwentystepslowerdown,wateroftheclearestcrystalgushesfromthemarblerock.Thenarrowwallwhichenclosesitabove,thetalltreeswhichencirclethespot,andthecoolnessoftheplaceitself,--everythingimparts

apleasantbutsublimeimpression.NotadaypassesonwhichIdonotspendanhourthere.Theyoungmaidenscomefromthetowntofetchwater,--innocentandnecessaryemployment,andformerlytheoccupationofthedaughtersofkings.AsItakemyrestthere,theideaoftheoldpatriarchallifeisawakenedaroundme.Iseethem,ouroldancestors,howtheyformedtheirfriendshipsandcontractedalliancesatthefountain-side;andIfeelhowfountainsandstreamswereguardedbybeneficentspirits.Hewhoisastrangertothesesensationshasneverreallyenjoyedcoolreposeatthesideofafountainafterthefatigueofawearysummerday.

MAY13.

Youaskifyoushallsendmebooks.Mydearfriend,Ibeseechyou,fortheloveofGod,relievemefromsuchayoke!Ineednomoretobeguided,agitated,heated.Myheartfermentssufficientlyofitself.Iwantstrainstolullme,andIfindthemtoperfectioninmyHomer.OftendoIstrivetoallaytheburningfeverofmyblood;andyouhaveneverwitnessedanythingsounsteady,souncertain,asmyheart.ButneedIconfessthistoyou,mydearfriend,whohavesooftenenduredtheanguishofwitnessingmysuddentransitionsfromsorrowtoimmoderatejoy,andfromsweetmelancholytoviolentpassions?Itreatmypoorheartlikeasickchild,andgratifyitseveryfancy.Donot


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mentionthisagain:therearepeoplewhowouldcensuremeforit.

MAY15.

Thecommonpeopleoftheplaceknowmealready,andloveme,particularlythechildren.WhenatfirstIassociatedwiththem,andinquiredinafriendlytoneabouttheirvarioustrifles,somefanciedthatIwishedtoridiculethem,andturnedfrommeinexceedingill-humour.Ididnotallowthatcircumstancetogrieveme:IonlyfeltmostkeenlywhatIhaveoftenbeforeobserved.Personswhocanclaimacertainrankkeepthemselvescoldlyalooffromthecommonpeople,asthoughtheyfearedtolosetheirimportancebythecontact;whilstwantonidlers,andsuchasarepronetobadjoking,affecttodescendtotheirlevel,onlytomakethepoorpeoplefeeltheirimpertinenceallthemorekeenly.

Iknowverywellthatwearenotallequal,norcanbeso;butitismyopinionthathewhoavoidsthecommonpeople,inordernottolosetheirrespect,isasmuchtoblameasacowardwhohideshimselffromhisenemybecausehefearsdefeat.

TheotherdayIwenttothefountain,andfoundayoungservant-girl,whohadsetherpitcherontheloweststep,andlookedaroundtoseeifoneofhercompanionswasapproachingtoplaceitonherhead.Iran

down,andlookedather."ShallIhelpyou,prettylass?"saidI.Sheblusheddeeply."Oh,sir!"sheexclaimed."Noceremony!"Ireplied.Sheadjustedherhead-gear,andIhelpedher.Shethankedme,andascendedthesteps.

MAY17.

Ihavemadeallsortsofacquaintances,buthaveasyetfoundnosociety.IknownotwhatattractionIpossessforthepeople,somanyofthemlikeme,andattachthemselvestome;andthenIfeelsorrywhentheroadwepursuetogethergoesonlyashortdistance.Ifyouinquirewhatthepeoplearelikehere,Imustanswer,"Thesameaseverywhere."Thehumanraceisbutamonotonousaffair.Mostofthemlabourthe

greaterpartoftheirtimeformeresubsistence;andthescantyportionoffreedomwhichremainstothemsotroublesthemthattheyuseeveryexertiontogetridofit.Oh,thedestinyofman!

Buttheyarearightgoodsortofpeople.IfIoccasionallyforgetmyself,andtakepartintheinnocentpleasureswhicharenotyetforbiddentothepeasantry,andenjoymyself,forinstance,withgenuinefreedomandsincerity,roundawell-coveredtable,orarrangeanexcursionoradanceopportunely,andsoforth,allthisproducesagoodeffectuponmydisposition;onlyImustforgetthatthereliedormantwithinmesomanyotherqualitieswhichmoulderuselessly,andwhichIamobligedtokeepcarefullyconcealed.Ah!thisthoughtaffectsmyspiritsfearfully.Andyettobemisunderstoodisthefateofthelike

ofus.

Alas,thatthefriendofmyyouthisgone!Alas,thatIeverknewher!Imightsaytomyself,"Youareadreamertoseekwhatisnottobefoundherebelow."Butshehasbeenmine.Ihavepossessedthatheart,thatnoblesoul,inwhosepresenceIseemedtobemorethanIreallywas,becauseIwasallthatIcouldbe.Goodheavens!didthenasinglepowerofmysoulremainunexercised?InherpresencecouldInotdisplay,toitsfullextent,thatmysteriousfeelingwithwhichmyheartembracesnature?Wasnotourintercourseaperpetualwebofthefinestemotions,


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ofthekeenestwit,thevarietiesofwhich,evenintheirveryeccentricity,borethestampofgenius?Alas!thefewyearsbywhichshewasmyseniorbroughthertothegravebeforeme.NevercanIforgetherfirmmindorherheavenlypatience.

AfewdaysagoImetacertainyoungV--,afrank,openfellow,withamostpleasingcountenance.Hehasjustlefttheuniversity,doesnotdeemhimselfoverwise,butbelievesheknowsmorethanotherpeople.Hehasworkedhard,asIcanperceivefrommanycircumstances,and,inshort,possessesalargestockofinformation.WhenheheardthatIamdrawingagooddeal,andthatIknowGreek(twowonderfulthingsforthispartofthecountry),hecametoseeme,anddisplayedhiswholestoreoflearning,fromBatteauxtoWood,fromDePilestoWinkelmann:heassuredmehehadreadthroughthefirstpartofSultzer'stheory,andalsopossessedamanuscriptofHeyne'sworkonthestudyoftheantique.Ialloweditalltopass.

Ihavebecomeacquainted,also,withaveryworthyperson,thedistrictjudge,afrankandopen-heartedman.Iamtolditisamostdelightfulthingtoseehiminthemidstofhischildren,ofwhomhehasnine.Hiseldestdaughterespeciallyishighlyspokenof.Hehasinvitedmetogoandseehim,andIintendtodosoonthefirstopportunity.Helivesatoneoftheroyalhunting-lodges,whichcanbereachedfromhereinanhourandahalfbywalking,andwhichheobtainedleavetoinhabitafter

thelossofhiswife,asitissopainfultohimtoresideintownandatthecourt.

Therehavealsocomeinmywayafewotheroriginalsofaquestionablesort,whoareinallrespectsundesirable,andmostintolerableintheirdemonstrationoffriendship.Good-bye.Thisletterwillpleaseyou:itisquitehistorical.

MAY22.

Thatthelifeofmanisbutadream,manyamanhassurmisedheretofore;andI,too,ameverywherepursuedbythisfeeling.WhenIconsiderthenarrowlimitswithinwhichouractiveandinquiringfacultiesare

confined;whenIseehowallourenergiesarewastedinprovidingformerenecessities,whichagainhavenofurtherendthantoprolongawretchedexistence;andthenthatalloursatisfactionconcerningcertainsubjectsofinvestigationendsinnothingbetterthanapassiveresignation,whilstweamuseourselvespaintingourprison-wallswithbrightfiguresandbrilliantlandscapes,--whenIconsiderallthis,Wilhelm,Iamsilent.Iexaminemyownbeing,andfindthereaworld,butaworldratherofimaginationanddimdesires,thanofdistinctnessandlivingpower.Theneverythingswimsbeforemysenses,andIsmileanddreamwhilepursuingmywaythroughtheworld.

Alllearnedprofessorsanddoctorsareagreedthatchildrendonotcomprehendthecauseoftheirdesires;butthatthegrown-upshould

wanderaboutthisearthlikechildren,withoutknowingwhencetheycome,orwhithertheygo,influencedaslittlebyfixedmotives,butguidedlikethembybiscuits,sugar-plums,andtherod,--thisiswhatnobodyiswillingtoacknowledge;andyetIthinkitispalpable.

Iknowwhatyouwillsayinreply;forIamreadytoadmitthattheyarehappiest,who,likechildren,amusethemselveswiththeirplaythings,dressandundresstheirdolls,andattentivelywatchthecupboard,wheremammahaslockeduphersweetthings,and,whenatlasttheygetadeliciousmorsel,eatitgreedily,andexclaim,"More!"Theseare


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certainlyhappybeings;butothersalsoareobjectsofenvy,whodignifytheirpaltryemployments,andsometimeseventheirpassions,withpompoustitles,representingthemtomankindasgiganticachievementsperformedfortheirwelfareandglory.Butthemanwhohumblyacknowledgesthevanityofallthis,whoobserveswithwhatpleasurethethrivingcitizenconvertshislittlegardenintoaparadise,andhowpatientlyeventhepoormanpursueshiswearywayunderhisburden,andhowallwishequallytobeholdthelightofthesunalittlelonger,--yes,suchamanisatpeace,andcreateshisownworldwithinhimself;andheisalsohappy,becauseheisaman.Andthen,howeverlimitedhissphere,hestillpreservesinhisbosomthesweetfeelingofliberty,andknowsthathecanquithisprisonwheneverhelikes.

MAY26.

Youknowofoldmywaysofsettlinganywhere,ofselectingalittlecottageinsomecosyspot,andofputtingupinitwitheveryinconvenience.Here,too,Ihavediscoveredsuchasnug,comfortableplace,whichpossessespeculiarcharmsforme.

AboutaleaguefromthetownisaplacecalledWalheim.(Thereaderneednottakethetroubletolookfortheplacethusdesignated.Wehavefounditnecessarytochangethenamesgivenintheoriginal.)Itisdelightfullysituatedonthesideofahill;and,byproceedingalong

oneofthefootpathswhichleadoutofthevillage,youcanhaveaviewofthewholevalley.Agoodoldwomanlivesthere,whokeepsasmallinn.Shesellswine,beer,andcoffee,andischeerfulandpleasantnotwithstandingherage.Thechiefcharmofthisspotconsistsintwolinden-trees,spreadingtheirenormousbranchesoverthelittlegreenbeforethechurch,whichisentirelysurroundedbypeasants'cottages,barns,andhomesteads.Ihaveseldomseenaplacesoretiredandpeaceable;andthereoftenhavemytableandchairbroughtoutfromthelittleinn,anddrinkmycoffeethere,andreadmyHomer.Accidentbroughtmetothespotonefineafternoon,andIfounditperfectlydeserted.Everybodywasinthefieldsexceptalittleboyaboutfouryearsofage,whowassittingontheground,andheldbetweenhiskneesachildaboutsixmonthsold:hepressedittohisbosomwithboth

arms,whichthusformedasortofarm-chair;and,notwithstandingthelivelinesswhichsparkledinitsblackeyes,itremainedperfectlystill.Thesightcharmedme.Isatdownuponaploughopposite,andsketchedwithgreatdelightthislittlepictureofbrotherlytenderness.Iaddedtheneighbouringhedge,thebarn-door,andsomebrokencart-wheels,justastheyhappenedtolie;andIfoundinaboutanhourthatIhadmadeaverycorrectandinterestingdrawing,withoutputtingintheslightestthingofmyown.Thisconfirmedmeinmyresolutionofadhering,forthefuture,entirelytonature.Shealoneisinexhaustible,andcapableofformingthegreatestmasters.Muchmaybeallegedinfavourofrules,asmuchmaybelikewiseadvancedinfavourofthelawsofsociety:anartistformeduponthemwillneverproduceanythingabsolutelybadordisgusting;asamanwhoobservesthelaws,

andobeysdecorum,canneverbeanabsolutelyintolerableneighbour,noradecidedvillain:butyet,saywhatyouwillofrules,theydestroythegenuinefeelingofnature,aswellasitstrueexpression.Donottellme"thatthisistoohard,thattheyonlyrestrainandprunesuperfluousbranches,etc."Mygoodfriend,Iwillillustratethisbyananalogy.Thesethingsresemblelove.Awarmheartedyouthbecomesstronglyattachedtoamaiden:hespendseveryhourofthedayinhercompany,wearsouthishealth,andlavisheshisfortune,toaffordcontinualproofthatheiswhollydevotedtoher.Thencomesamanoftheworld,amanofplaceandrespectability,andaddresseshimthus:"Mygoodyoung


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friend,loveisnatural;butyoumustlovewithinbounds.Divideyourtime:devoteaportiontobusiness,andgivethehoursofrecreationtoyourmistress.Calculateyourfortune;andoutofthesuperfluityyoumaymakeherapresent,onlynottoooften,--onherbirthday,andsuchoccasions."Pursuingthisadvice,hemaybecomeausefulmemberofsociety,andIshouldadviseeveryprincetogivehimanappointment;butitisallupwithhislove,andwithhisgeniusifhebeanartist.Omyfriend!whyisitthatthetorrentofgeniussoseldomburstsforth,soseldomrollsinfull-flowingstream,overwhelmingyourastoundedsoul?Because,oneithersideofthisstream,coldandrespectablepersonshavetakenuptheirabodes,and,forsooth,theirsummer-housesandtulip-bedswouldsufferfromthetorrent;whereforetheydigtrenches,andraiseembankmentsbetimes,inordertoaverttheimpendingdanger.

MAY27.

IfindIhavefallenintoraptures,declamation,andsimiles,andhaveforgotten,inconsequence,totellyouwhatbecameofthechildren.Absorbedinmyartisticcontemplations,whichIbrieflydescribedinmyletterofyesterday,Icontinuedsittingontheploughfortwohours.Towardeveningayoungwoman,withabasketonherarm,camerunningtowardthechildren,whohadnotmovedallthattime.Sheexclaimedfromadistance,"Youareagoodboy,Philip!"Shegavemegreeting:I

returnedit,rose,andapproachedher.Iinquiredifshewerethemotherofthoseprettychildren."Yes,"shesaid;and,givingtheeldestapieceofbread,shetookthelittleoneinherarmsandkisseditwithamother'stenderness."IleftmychildinPhilip'scare,"shesaid,"whilstIwentintothetownwithmyeldestboytobuysomewheatenbread,somesugar,andanearthenpot."Isawthevariousarticlesinthebasket,fromwhichthecoverhadfallen."Ishallmakesomebrothto-nightformylittleHans(whichwasthenameoftheyoungest):thatwildfellow,thebigone,brokemypotyesterday,whilsthewasscramblingwithPhilipforwhatremainedofthecontents."Iinquiredfortheeldest;andshehadscarcelytimetotellmethathewasdrivingacoupleofgeesehomefromthemeadow,whenheranup,andhandedPhilipanosier-twig.Italkedalittlelongerwiththewoman,andfound

thatshewasthedaughteroftheschoolmaster,andthatherhusbandwasgoneonajourneyintoSwitzerlandforsomemoneyarelationhadlefthim."Theywantedtocheathim,"shesaid,"andwouldnotanswerhisletters;soheisgonetherehimself.Ihopehehasmetwithnoaccident,asIhaveheardnothingofhimsincehisdeparture."Ileftthewoman,withregret,givingeachofthechildrenakreutzer,withanadditionalonefortheyoungest,tobuysomewheatenbreadforhisbrothwhenshewenttotownnext;andsoweparted.Iassureyou,mydearfriend,whenmythoughtsareallintumult,thesightofsuchacreatureasthistranquillisesmydisturbedmind.Shemovesinahappythoughtlessnesswithintheconfinedcircleofherexistence;shesuppliesherwantsfromdaytoday;and,whensheseestheleavesfall,theyraisenootherideainhermindthanthatwinterisapproaching.

SincethattimeIhavegoneouttherefrequently.Thechildrenhavebecomequitefamiliarwithme;andeachgetsalumpofsugarwhenIdrinkmycoffee,andtheysharemymilkandbreadandbutterintheevening.TheyalwaysreceivetheirkreutzeronSundays,forthegoodwomanhasorderstogiveittothemwhenIdonotgothereaftereveningservice.Theyarequiteathomewithme,tellmeeverything;andIamparticularlyamusedwithobservingtheirtempers,andthesimplicityoftheirbehaviour,whensomeoftheothervillagechildrenareassembledwiththem.


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Ithasgivenmeadealoftroubletosatisfytheanxietyofthemother,lest(asshesays)"theyshouldinconveniencethegentleman."

MAY30.

WhatIhavelatelysaidofpaintingisequallytruewithrespecttopoetry.Itisonlynecessaryforustoknowwhatisreallyexcellent,andventuretogiveitexpression;andthatissayingmuchinfewwords.To-dayIhavehadascene,which,ifliterallyrelated,would,makethemostbeautifulidylintheworld.ButwhyshouldItalkofpoetryandscenesandidyls?Canwenevertakepleasureinnaturewithouthavingrecoursetoart?

Ifyouexpectanythinggrandormagnificentfromthisintroduction,youwillbesadlymistaken.Itrelatesmerelytoapeasant-lad,whohasexcitedinmethewarmestinterest.Asusual,Ishalltellmystorybadly;andyou,asusual,willthinkmeextravagant.ItisWalheimoncemore--alwaysWalheim--whichproducesthesewonderfulphenomena.

Apartyhadassembledoutsidethehouseunderthelinden-trees,todrinkcoffee.Thecompanydidnotexactlypleaseme;and,underonepretextoranother,Ilingeredbehind.

Apeasantcamefromanadjoininghouse,andsettoworkarrangingsome

partofthesameploughwhichIhadlatelysketched.Hisappearancepleasedme;andIspoketohim,inquiredabouthiscircumstances,madehisacquaintance,and,asismywontwithpersonsofthatclass,wassoonadmittedintohisconfidence.Hesaidhewasintheserviceofayoungwidow,whosetgreatstorebyhim.Hespokesomuchofhismistress,andpraisedhersoextravagantly,thatIcouldsoonseehewasdesperatelyinlovewithher."Sheisnolongeryoung,"hesaid:"andshewastreatedsobadlybyherformerhusbandthatshedoesnotmeantomarryagain."Fromhisaccountitwassoevidentwhatincomparablecharmsshepossessedforhim,andhowardentlyhewishedshewouldselecthimtoextinguishtherecollectionofherfirsthusband'smisconduct,thatIshouldhavetorepeathisownwordsinordertodescribethedepthofthepoorfellow'sattachment,truth,anddevotion.

Itwould,infact,requirethegiftsofagreatpoettoconveytheexpressionofhisfeatures,theharmonyofhisvoice,andtheheavenlyfireofhiseye.Nowordscanportraythetendernessofhiseverymovementandofeveryfeature:noeffortofminecoulddojusticetothescene.HisalarmlestIshouldmisconceivehispositionwithregardtohismistress,orquestiontheproprietyofherconduct,touchedmeparticularly.Thecharmingmannerwithwhichhedescribedherformandperson,which,withoutpossessingthegracesofyouth,wonandattachedhimtoher,isinexpressible,andmustbelefttotheimagination.Ihaveneverinmylifewitnessedorfanciedorconceivedthepossibilityofsuchintensedevotion,suchardentaffections,unitedwithsomuchpurity.DonotblamemeifIsaythattherecollectionofthisinnocenceandtruthisdeeplyimpresseduponmyverysoul;thatthispictureof

fidelityandtendernesshauntsmeeverywhere;andthatmyownheart,asthoughenkindledbytheflame,glowsandburnswithinme.

ImeannowtotryandseeherassoonasIcan:orperhaps,onsecondthoughts,Ihadbetternot;itisbetterIshouldbeholdherthroughtheeyesofherlover.Tomysight,perhaps,shewouldnotappearasshenowstandsbeforeme;andwhyshouldIdestroysosweetapicture?

JUNE16.


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"WhydoInotwritetoyou?"Youlayclaimtolearning,andasksuchaquestion.YoushouldhaveguessedthatIamwell--thatistosay--inaword,Ihavemadeanacquaintancewhohaswonmyheart:Ihave--Iknownot.

TogiveyouaregularaccountofthemannerinwhichIhavebecomeacquaintedwiththemostamiableofwomenwouldbeadifficulttask.Iamahappyandcontentedmortal,butapoorhistorian.

Anangel!Nonsense!Everybodysodescribeshismistress;andyetIfinditimpossibletotellyouhowperfectsheis,orwhysheissoperfect:sufficeittosayshehascaptivatedallmysenses.

Somuchsimplicitywithsomuchunderstanding--somild,andyetsoresolute--amindsoplacid,andalifesoactive.

Butallthisisuglybalderdash,whichexpressesnotasinglecharacternorfeature.Someothertime--butno,notsomeothertime,now,thisveryinstant,willItellyouallaboutit.Nowornever.Well,betweenourselves,sinceIcommencedmyletter,Ihavebeenthreetimesonthepointofthrowingdownmypen,oforderingmyhorse,andridingout.AndyetIvowedthismorningthatIwouldnotrideto-day,andyeteverymomentIamrushingtothewindowtoseehowhighthesunis.

Icouldnotrestrainmyself--gotoherImust.Ihavejustreturned,Wilhelm;andwhilstIamtakingsupperIwillwritetoyou.Whatadelightitwasformysoultoseeherinthemidstofherdear,beautifulchildren,--eightbrothersandsisters!

But,ifIproceedthus,youwillbenowiserattheendofmyletterthanyouwereatthebeginning.Attend,then,andIwillcompelmyselftogiveyouthedetails.

ImentionedtoyoutheotherdaythatIhadbecomeacquaintedwithS--,thedistrictjudge,andthathehadinvitedmetogoandvisithiminhisretirement,orratherinhislittlekingdom.ButIneglectedgoing,andperhapsshouldneverhavegone,ifchancehadnotdiscoveredtome

thetreasurewhichlayconcealedinthatretiredspot.Someofouryoungpeoplehadproposedgivingaballinthecountry,atwhichIconsentedtobepresent.Iofferedmyhandfortheeveningtoaprettyandagreeable,butrathercommonplace,sortofgirlfromtheimmediateneighbourhood;anditwasagreedthatIshouldengageacarriage,andcalluponCharlotte,withmypartnerandheraunt,toconveythemtotheball.Mycompanioninformedme,aswedrovealongthroughtheparktothehunting-lodge,thatIshouldmaketheacquaintanceofaverycharmingyounglady."Takecare,"addedtheaunt,"thatyoudonotloseyourheart.""Why?"saidI."Becausesheisalreadyengagedtoaveryworthyman,"shereplied,"whoisgonetosettlehisaffairsuponthedeathofhisfather,andwillsucceedtoaveryconsiderableinheritance."Thisinformationpossessednointerestforme.When

wearrivedatthegate,thesunwassettingbehindthetopsofthemountains.Theatmospherewasheavy;andtheladiesexpressedtheirfearsofanapproachingstorm,asmassesoflowblackcloudsweregatheringinthehorizon.Irelievedtheiranxietiesbypretendingtobeweather-wise,althoughImyselfhadsomeapprehensionslestourpleasureshouldbeinterrupted.

Ialighted;andamaidcametothedoor,andrequestedustowaitamomentforhermistress.Iwalkedacrossthecourttoawell-builthouse,and,ascendingtheflightofstepsinfront,openedthedoor,


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andsawbeforemethemostcharmingspectacleIhadeverwitnessed.Sixchildren,fromeleventotwoyearsold,wererunningaboutthehall,andsurroundingaladyofmiddleheight,withalovelyfigure,dressedinarobeofsimplewhite,trimmedwithpinkribbons.Shewasholdingaryeloafinherhand,andwascuttingslicesforthelittleonesallaround,inproportiontotheirageandappetite.Sheperformedhertaskinagracefulandaffectionatemanner;eachclaimantawaitinghisturnwithoutstretchedhands,andboisterouslyshoutinghisthanks.Someofthemranawayatonce,toenjoytheireveningmeal;whilstothers,ofagentlerdisposition,retiredtothecourtyardtoseethestrangers,andtosurveythecarriageinwhichtheirCharlottewastodriveaway."Prayforgivemeforgivingyouthetroubletocomeforme,andforkeepingtheladieswaiting:butdressing,andarrangingsomehouseholddutiesbeforeIleave,hadmademeforgetmychildren'ssupper;andtheydonotliketotakeitfromanyonebutme."Iutteredsomeindifferentcompliment:butmywholesoulwasabsorbedbyherair,hervoice,hermanner;andIhadscarcelyrecoveredmyselfwhensheranintoherroomtofetchherglovesandfan.Theyoungonesthrewinquiringglancesatmefromadistance;whilstIapproachedtheyoungest,amostdeliciouslittlecreature.Hedrewback;andCharlotte,enteringattheverymoment,said,"Louis,shakehandswithyourcousin."Thelittlefellowobeyedwillingly;andIcouldnotresistgivinghimaheartykiss,notwithstandinghisratherdirtyface."Cousin,"saidItoCharlotte,asIhandedherdown,"doyouthinkIdeservethehappinessofbeing

relatedtoyou?"Shereplied,withareadysmile,"Oh!Ihavesuchanumberofcousins,thatIshouldbesorryifyouwerethemostundeservingofthem."Intakingleave,shedesiredhernextsister,Sophy,agirlaboutelevenyearsold,totakegreatcareofthechildren,andtosaygood-byetopapaforherwhenhecamehomefromhisride.SheenjoinedtothelittleonestoobeytheirsisterSophyastheywouldherself,uponwhichsomepromisedthattheywould;butalittlefair-hairedgirl,aboutsixyearsold,lookeddiscontented,andsaid,"ButSophyisnotyou,Charlotte;andwelikeyoubest."Thetwoeldestboyshadclamberedupthecarriage;and,atmyrequest,shepermittedthemtoaccompanyusalittlewaythroughtheforest,upontheirpromisingtositverystill,andholdfast.

Wewerehardlyseated,andtheladieshadscarcelyexchangedcompliments,makingtheusualremarksuponeachother'sdress,anduponthecompanytheyexpectedtomeet,whenCharlottestoppedthecarriage,andmadeherbrothersgetdown.Theyinsisteduponkissingherhandsoncemore;whichtheeldestdidwithallthetendernessofayouthoffifteen,buttheotherinalighterandmorecarelessmanner.Shedesiredthemagaintogiveherlovetothechildren,andwedroveoff.

TheauntinquiredofCharlottewhethershehadfinishedthebookshehadlastsenther."No,"saidCharlotte;"Ididnotlikeit:youcanhaveitagain.Andtheonebeforewasnotmuchbetter."Iwassurprised,uponaskingthetitle,tohearthatitwas____.(Wefeelobligedtosuppressthepassageintheletter,topreventanyonefromfeelingaggrieved;

althoughnoauthorneedpaymuchattentiontotheopinionofameregirl,orthatofanunsteadyyoungman.)

Ifoundpenetrationandcharacterineverythingshesaid:everyexpressionseemedtobrightenherfeatureswithnewcharms,--withnewraysofgenius,--whichunfoldedbydegrees,asshefeltherselfunderstood.

"WhenIwasyounger,"sheobserved,"Ilovednothingsomuchasromances.Nothingcouldequalmydelightwhen,onsomeholiday,Icould


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settledownquietlyinacorner,andenterwithmywholeheartandsoulintothejoysorsorrowsofsomefictitiousLeonora.Idonotdenythattheyevenpossesssomecharmsformeyet.ButIreadsoseldom,thatIpreferbookssuitedexactlytomytaste.AndIlikethoseauthorsbestwhosescenesdescribemyownsituationinlife,--andthefriendswhoareaboutme,whosestoriestouchmewithinterest,fromresemblingmyownhomelyexistence,--which,withoutbeingabsolutelyparadise,is,onthewhole,asourceofindescribablehappiness."

Iendeavouredtoconcealtheemotionwhichthesewordsoccasioned,butitwasofslightavail;for,whenshehadexpressedsotrulyheropinionof"TheVicarofWakefield,"andofotherworks,thenamesofwhichIomit(Thoughthenamesareomitted,yettheauthorsmentioneddeserveCharlotte'sapprobation,andwillfeelitintheirheartswhentheyreadthispassage.Itconcernsnootherperson.),Icouldnolongercontainmyself,butgavefullutterancetowhatIthoughtofit:anditwasnotuntilCharlottehadaddressedherselftothetwootherladies,thatIrememberedtheirpresence,andobservedthemsittingmutewithastonishment.Theauntlookedatmeseveraltimeswithanairofraillery,which,however,Ididnotatallmind.

Wetalkedofthepleasuresofdancing."Ifitisafaulttoloveit,"saidCharlotte,"IamreadytoconfessthatIprizeitaboveallotheramusements.Ifanythingdisturbsme,Igotothepiano,playanairto

whichIhavedanced,andallgoesrightagaindirectly."

You,whoknowme,canfancyhowsteadfastlyIgazeduponherrichdarkeyesduringtheseremarks,howmyverysoulgloatedoverherwarmlipsandfresh,glowingcheeks,howIbecamequitelostinthedelightfulmeaningofherwords,somuchso,thatIscarcelyheardtheactualexpressions.Inshort,Ialightedfromthecarriagelikeapersoninadream,andwassolosttothedimworldaroundme,thatIscarcelyheardthemusicwhichresoundedfromtheilluminatedballroom.

ThetwoMessrs.AndranandacertainN.N.(Icannottroublemyselfwiththenames),whoweretheaunt'sandCharlotte'spartners,receivedusatthecarriage-door,andtookpossessionoftheirladies,whilstI

followedwithmine.

Wecommencedwithaminuet.Iledoutoneladyafteranother,andpreciselythosewhowerethemostdisagreeablecouldnotbringthemselvestoleaveoff.CharlotteandherpartnerbegananEnglishcountrydance,andyoumustimaginemydelightwhenitwastheirturntodancethefigurewithus.YoushouldseeCharlottedance.Shedanceswithherwholeheartandsoul:herfigureisallharmony,elegance,andgrace,asifshewereconsciousofnothingelse,andhadnootherthoughtorfeeling;and,doubtless,forthemoment,everyothersensationisextinct.

Shewasengagedforthesecondcountrydance,butpromisedmethethird,

andassuredme,withthemostagreeablefreedom,thatshewasveryfondofwaltzing."Itisthecustomhere,"shesaid,"forthepreviouspartnerstowaltztogether;butmypartnerisanindifferentwaltzer,andwillfeeldelightedifIsavehimthetrouble.Yourpartnerisnotallowedtowaltz,and,indeed,isequallyincapable:butIobservedduringthecountrydancethatyouwaltzwell;so,ifyouwillwaltzwithme,Ibegyouwouldproposeittomypartner,andIwillproposeittoyours."Weagreed,anditwasarrangedthatourpartnersshouldmutuallyentertaineachother.


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Wesetoff,and,atfirst,delightedourselveswiththeusualgracefulmotionsofthearms.Withwhatgrace,withwhatease,shemoved!Whenthewaltzcommenced,andthedancerswhirledaroundeachotherinthegiddymaze,therewassomeconfusion,owingtotheincapacityofsomeofthedancers.Wejudiciouslyremainedstill,allowingtheotherstowearythemselves;and,whentheawkwarddancershadwithdrawn,wejoinedin,andkeptitupfamouslytogetherwithoneothercouple,--Andranandhispartner.NeverdidIdancemorelightly.Ifeltmyselfmorethanmortal,holdingthisloveliestofcreaturesinmyarms,flying,withherasrapidlyasthewind,tillIlostsightofeveryotherobject;andOWilhelm,Ivowedatthatmoment,thatamaidenwhomIloved,orforwhomIfelttheslightestattachment,never,nevershouldwaltzwithanyoneelsebutwithme,ifIwenttoperditionforit!--youwillunderstandthis.

Wetookafewturnsintheroomtorecoverourbreath.Charlottesatdown,andfeltrefreshedbypartakingofsomeorangeswhichIhadhadsecured,--theonlyonesthathadbeenleft;butateveryslicewhich,frompoliteness,sheofferedtoherneighbours,Ifeltasthoughadaggerwentthroughmyheart.

Wewerethesecondcoupleinthethirdcountrydance.Asweweregoingdown(andHeavenknowswithwhatecstasyIgazedatherarmsandeyes,beamingwiththesweetestfeelingofpureandgenuineenjoyment),

wepassedaladywhomIhadnoticedforhercharmingexpressionofcountenance;althoughshewasnolongeryoung.ShelookedatCharlottewithasmile,then,holdingupherfingerinathreateningattitude,repeatedtwiceinaverysignificanttoneofvoicethenameof"Albert."

"WhoisAlbert,"saidItoCharlotte,"ifitisnotimpertinenttoask?"Shewasabouttoanswer,whenwewereobligedtoseparate,inordertoexecuteafigureinthedance;and,aswecrossedoveragaininfrontofeachother,Iperceivedshelookedsomewhatpensive."WhyneedIconcealitfromyou?"shesaid,asshegavemeherhandforthepromenade."Albertisaworthyman,towhomIamengaged."Now,therewasnothingnewtomeinthis(forthegirlshadtoldmeofitontheway);butitwassofarnewthatIhadnotthoughtofitinconnectionwithherwhom,

insoshortatime,Ihadlearnedtoprizesohighly.Enough,Ibecameconfused,gotoutinthefigure,andoccasionedgeneralconfusion;sothatitrequiredallCharlotte'spresenceofmindtosetmerightbypullingandpushingmeintomyproperplace.

Thedancewasnotyetfinishedwhenthelightningwhichhadforsometimebeenseeninthehorizon,andwhichIhadassertedtoproceedentirelyfromheat,grewmoreviolent;andthethunderwasheardabovethemusic.Whenanydistressorterrorsurprisesusinthemidstofouramusements,itnaturallymakesadeeperimpressionthanatothertimes,eitherbecausethecontrastmakesusmorekeenlysusceptible,orratherperhapsbecauseoursensesarethenmoreopentoimpressions,andtheshockisconsequentlystronger.TothiscauseImustascribethefright

andshrieksoftheladies.Onesagaciouslysatdowninacornerwithherbacktothewindow,andheldherfingerstoherears;asecondkneltdownbeforeher,andhidherfaceinherlap;athirdthrewherselfbetweenthem,andembracedhersisterwithathousandtears;someinsistedongoinghome;others,unconsciousoftheiractions,wantedsufficientpresenceofmindtorepresstheimpertinenceoftheiryoungpartners,whosoughttodirecttothemselvesthosesighswhichthelipsofouragitatedbeautiesintendedforheaven.Someofthegentlemenhadgonedown-stairstosmokeaquietcigar,andtherestofthecompanygladlyembracedahappysuggestionofthehostesstoretireintoanother


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roomwhichwasprovidedwithshuttersandcurtains.Wehadhardlygotthere,whenCharlotteplacedthechairsinacircle;and,whenthecompanyhadsatdownincompliancewithherrequest,sheforthwithproposedaroundgame.

Inoticedsomeofthecompanypreparetheirmouthsanddrawthemselvesupattheprospectofsomeagreeableforfeit."Letusplayatcounting,"saidCharlotte."Now,payattention:Ishallgoroundthecirclefromrighttoleft;andeachpersonistocount,oneaftertheother,thenumberthatcomestohim,andmustcountfast;whoeverstopsormistakesistohaveaboxontheear,andsoon,tillwehavecountedathousand."Itwasdelightfultoseethefun.Shewentroundthecirclewithupraisedarm."One,"saidthefirst;"two,"thesecond;"three,"thethird;andsoon,tillCharlottewentfasterandfaster.Onemadeamistake,instantlyaboxontheear;and,amidthelaughterthatensued,cameanotherbox;andsoon,fasterandfaster.Imyselfcameinfortwo.Ifanciedtheywereharderthantherest,andfeltquitedelighted.Agenerallaughterandconfusionputanendtothegamelongbeforewehadcountedasfarasathousand.Thepartybrokeupintolittleseparateknots:thestormhadceased,andIfollowedCharlotteintotheballroom.Onthewayshesaid,"Thegamebanishedtheirfearsofthestorm."Icouldmakenoreply."Imyself,"shecontinued,"wasasmuchfrightenedasanyofthem;butbyaffectingcourage,tokeepupthespiritsoftheothers,Iforgotmyapprehensions."Wewenttothe

window.Itwasstillthunderingatadistance:asoftrainwaspouringdownoverthecountry,andfilledtheairarounduswithdeliciousodours.Charlotteleanedforwardonherarm;hereyeswanderedoverthescene;sheraisedthemtothesky,andthenturnedthemuponme;theyweremoistenedwithtears;sheplacedherhandonmineandsaid,"Klopstock!"atonceIrememberedthemagnificentodewhichwasinherthoughts:Ifeltoppressedwiththeweightofmysensations,andsankunderthem.ItwasmorethanIcouldbear.Ibentoverherhand,kisseditinastreamofdelicioustears,andagainlookeduptohereyes.DivineKlopstock!whydidstthounotseethyapotheosisinthoseeyes?Andthynamesooftenprofaned,wouldthatIneverhearditrepeated!

JUNE19.

InolongerrememberwhereIstoppedinmynarrative:IonlyknowitwastwointhemorningwhenIwenttobed;andifyouhadbeenwithme,thatImighthavetalkedinsteadofwritingtoyou,Ishould,inallprobability,havekeptyouuptilldaylight.

IthinkIhavenotyetrelatedwhathappenedaswerodehomefromtheball,norhaveItimetotellyounow.Itwasamostmagnificentsunrise:thewholecountrywasrefreshed,andtherainfelldropbydropfromthetreesintheforest.Ourcompanionswereasleep.CharlotteaskedmeifIdidnotwishtosleepalso,andbeggedofmenottomakeanyceremonyonheraccount.Lookingsteadfastlyather,Ianswered,"AslongasIseethoseeyesopen,thereisnofearofmyfallingasleep."

Webothcontinuedawaketillwereachedherdoor.Themaidopeneditsoftly,andassuredher,inanswertoherinquiries,thatherfatherandthechildrenwerewell,andstillsleeping.Ileftheraskingpermissiontovisitherinthecourseoftheday.Sheconsented,andIwent,and,sincethattime,sun,moon,andstarsmaypursuetheircourse:Iknownotwhetheritisdayornight;thewholeworldisnothingtome.

JUNE21.

MydaysareashappyasthosereservedbyGodforhiselect;and,


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whateverbemyfatehereafter,IcanneversaythatIhavenottastedjoy,--thepurestjoyoflife.YouknowWalheim.Iamnowcompletelysettledthere.InthatspotIamonlyhalfaleaguefromCharlotte;andthereIenjoymyself,andtasteallthepleasurewhichcanfalltothelotofman.

LittledidIimagine,whenIselectedWalheimformypedestrianexcursions,thatallheavenlaysonearit.Howofteninmywanderingsfromthehillsideorfromthemeadowsacrosstheriver,haveIbeheldthishunting-lodge,whichnowcontainswithinitallthejoyofmyheart!

Ihaveoften,mydearWilhelm,reflectedontheeagernessmenfeeltowanderandmakenewdiscoveries,anduponthatsecretimpulsewhichafterwardinclinesthemtoreturntotheirnarrowcircle,conformtothelawsofcustom,andembarrassthemselvesnolongerwithwhatpassesaroundthem.

Itissostrangehow,whenIcameherefirst,andgazeduponthatlovelyvalleyfromthehillside,Ifeltcharmedwiththeentirescenesurroundingme.Thelittlewoodopposite--howdelightfultositunderitsshade!Howfinetheviewfromthatpointofrock!Then,thatdelightfulchainofhills,andtheexquisitevalleysattheirfeet!CouldIbutwanderandlosemyselfamongstthem!Iwent,andreturned

withoutfindingwhatIwished.Distance,myfriend,islikefuturity.Adimvastnessisspreadbeforeoursouls:theperceptionsofourmindareasobscureasthoseofourvision;andwedesireearnestlytosurrenderupourwholebeing,thatitmaybefilledwiththecompleteandperfectblissofonegloriousemotion.Butalas!whenwehaveattainedourobject,whenthedistanttherebecomesthepresenthere,allischanged:weareaspoorandcircumscribedasever,andoursoulsstilllanguishforunattainablehappiness.

Sodoestherestlesstravellerpantforhisnativesoil,andfindinhisowncottage,inthearmsofhiswife,intheaffectionsofhischildren,andinthelabournecessaryfortheirsupport,thathappinesswhichhehadsoughtinvainthroughthewideworld.

When,inthemorningatsunrise,IgoouttoWalheim,andwithmyownhandsgatherinthegardenthepeasewhicharetoserveformydinner,whenIsitdowntoshellthem,andreadmyHomerduringtheintervals,andthen,selectingasaucepanfromthekitchen,fetchmyownbutter,putmymessonthefire,coveritup,andsitdowntostiritasoccasionrequires,IfiguretomyselftheillustrioussuitorsofPenelope,killing,dressing,andpreparingtheirownoxenandswine.Nothingfillsmewithamorepureandgenuinesenseofhappinessthanthosetraitsofpatriarchallifewhich,thankHeaven!Icanimitatewithoutaffectation.Happyisit,indeed,formethatmyheartiscapableoffeelingthesamesimpleandinnocentpleasureasthepeasantwhosetableiscoveredwithfoodofhisownrearing,andwhonotonly

enjoyshismeal,butrememberswithdelightthehappydaysandsunnymorningswhenheplantedit,thesofteveningswhenhewateredit,andthepleasureheexperiencedinwatchingitsdailygrowth.

JUNE29.

Thedaybeforeyesterday,thephysiciancamefromthetowntopayavisittothejudge.HefoundmeonthefloorplayingwithCharlotte'schildren.Someofthemwerescramblingoverme,andothersrompedwithme;and,asIcaughtandtickledthem,theymadeagreatnoise.The


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doctorisaformalsortofpersonage:headjuststheplaitsofhisruffles,andcontinuallysettleshisfrillwhilstheistalkingtoyou;andhethoughtmyconductbeneaththedignityofasensibleman.Icouldperceivethisbyhiscountenance.ButIdidnotsuffermyselftobedisturbed.Iallowedhimtocontinuehiswiseconversation,whilstIrebuiltthechildren'scardhousesforthemasfastastheythrewthemdown.Hewentaboutthetownafterward,complainingthatthejudge'schildrenwerespoiledenoughbefore,butthatnowWertherwascompletelyruiningthem.

Yes,mydearWilhelm,nothingonthisearthaffectsmyheartsomuchaschildren.WhenIlookonattheirdoings;whenImarkinthelittlecreaturestheseedsofallthosevirtuesandqualitieswhichtheywillonedayfindsoindispensable;whenIbeholdintheobstinateallthefuturefirmnessandconstancyofanoblecharacter;inthecapricious,thatlevityandgaietyoftemperwhichwillcarrythemlightlyoverthedangersandtroublesoflife,theirwholenaturesimpleandunpolluted,--thenIcalltomindthegoldenwordsoftheGreatTeacherofmankind,"Unlessyebecomelikeoneofthese!"Andnow,myfriend,thesechildren,whoareourequals,whomweoughttoconsiderasourmodels,wetreatthemasthoughtheywereoursubjects.Theyareallowednowilloftheirown.Andhavewe,then,noneourselves?Whencecomesourexclusiveright?Isitbecauseweareolderandmoreexperienced?GreatGod!fromtheheightofthyheaventhoubeholdestgreatchildren

andlittlechildren,andnoothers;andthySonhaslongsincedeclaredwhichaffordtheegreatestpleasure.Buttheybelieveinhim,andhearhimnot,--that,too,isanoldstory;andtheytraintheirchildrenaftertheirownimage,etc.

Adieu,Wilhelm:Iwillnotfurtherbewildermyselfwiththissubject.

JULY1.

TheconsolationCharlottecanbringtoaninvalidIexperiencefrommyownheart,whichsuffersmorefromherabsencethanmanyapoorcreaturelingeringonabedofsickness.Sheisgonetospendafewdaysinthetownwithaveryworthywoman,whoisgivenoverbythephysicians,and

wishestohaveCharlottenearherinherlastmoments.IaccompaniedherlastweekonavisittotheVicarofS--,asmallvillageinthemountains,aboutaleaguehence.Wearrivedaboutfouro'clock:Charlottehadtakenherlittlesisterwithher.Whenweenteredthevicaragecourt,wefoundthegoodoldmansittingonabenchbeforethedoor,undertheshadeoftwolargewalnut-trees.AtthesightofCharlotteheseemedtogainnewlife,rose,forgothisstick,andventuredtowalktowardher.Sherantohim,andmadehimsitdownagain;then,placingherselfbyhisside,shegavehimanumberofmessagesfromherfather,andthencaughtuphisyoungestchild,adirty,uglylittlething,thejoyofhisoldage,andkissedit.Iwishyoucouldhavewitnessedherattentiontothisoldman,--howsheraisedhervoiceonaccountofhisdeafness;howshetoldhimofhealthyyoung

people,whohadbeencarriedoffwhenitwasleastexpected;praisedthevirtuesofCarlsbad,andcommendedhisdeterminationtospendtheensuingsummerthere;andassuredhimthathelookedbetterandstrongerthanhedidwhenshesawhimlast.I,inthemeantime,paidattentiontohisgoodlady.Theoldmanseemedquiteinspirits;andasIcouldnothelpadmiringthebeautyofthewalnut-trees,whichformedsuchanagreeableshadeoverourheads,hebegan,thoughwithsomelittledifficulty,totellustheirhistory."Astotheoldest,"saidhe,"wedonotknowwhoplantedit,--somesayoneclergyman,andsomeanother:buttheyoungerone,therebehindus,isexactlytheageofmywife,


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fiftyyearsoldnextOctober;herfatherplanteditinthemorning,andintheeveningshecameintotheworld.Mywife'sfatherwasmypredecessorhere,andIcannottellyouhowfondhewasofthattree;anditisfullyasdeartome.Undertheshadeofthatverytree,uponalogofwood,mywifewasseatedknitting,whenI,apoorstudent,cameintothiscourtforthefirsttime,justsevenandtwentyyearsago."Charlotteinquiredforhisdaughter.HesaidshewasgonewithHerrSchmidttothemeadows,andwaswiththehaymakers.Theoldmanthenresumedhisstory,andtoldushowhispredecessorhadtakenafancytohim,ashadhisdaughterlikewise;andhowhehadbecomefirsthiscurate,andsubsequentlyhissuccessor.Hehadscarcelyfinishedhisstorywhenhisdaughterreturnedthroughthegarden,accompaniedbytheabove-mentionedHerrSchmidt.ShewelcomedCharlotteaffectionately,andIconfessIwasmuchtakenwithherappearance.Shewasalively-looking,good-humouredbrunette,quitecompetenttoamuseoneforashorttimeinthecountry.Herlover(forsuchHerrSchmidtevidentlyappearedtobe)wasapolite,reservedpersonage,andwouldnotjoinourconversation,notwithstandingallCharlotte'sendeavourstodrawhimout.Iwasmuchannoyedatobserving,byhiscountenance,thathissilencedidnotarisefromwantoftalent,butfromcapriceandill-humour.Thissubsequentlybecameveryevident,whenwesetouttotakeawalk,andFredericajoiningCharlotte,withwhomIwastalking,theworthygentleman'sface,whichwasnaturallyrathersombre,becamesodarkandangrythatCharlottewasobligedtotouchmyarm,andremind

methatIwastalkingtoomuchtoFrederica.Nothingdistressesmemorethantoseementormenteachother;particularlywheninthefloweroftheirage,intheveryseasonofpleasure,theywastetheirfewshortdaysofsunshineinquarrelsanddisputes,andonlyperceivetheirerrorwhenitistoolatetorepairit.Thisthoughtdweltuponmymind;andintheevening,whenwereturnedtothevicar's,andweresittingroundthetablewithourbreadendmilk,theconversationturnedonthejoysandsorrowsoftheworld,Icouldnotresistthetemptationtoinveighbitterlyagainstill-humour."Weareapt,"saidI,"tocomplain,but--withverylittlecause,thatourhappydaysarefew,andourevildaysmany.IfourheartswerealwaysdisposedtoreceivethebenefitsHeavensendsus,weshouldacquirestrengthtosupportevilwhenitcomes.""But,"observedthevicar'swife,"wecannotalwayscommandour

tempers,somuchdependsupontheconstitution:whenthebodysuffers,themindisillatease.""Iacknowledgethat,"Icontinued;"butwemustconsidersuchadispositioninthelightofadisease,andinquirewhetherthereisnoremedyforit."

"Ishouldbegladtohearone,"saidCharlotte:"atleast,Ithinkverymuchdependsuponourselves;Iknowitissowithme.Whenanythingannoysme,anddisturbsmytemper,Ihastenintothegarden,humacoupleofcountrydances,anditisallrightwithmedirectly.""ThatiswhatImeant,"Ireplied;"ill-humourresemblesindolence:itisnaturaltous;butifoncewehavecouragetoexertourselves,wefindourworkrunfreshfromourhands,andweexperienceintheactivityfromwhichweshrankarealenjoyment."Fredericalistenedvery

attentively:andtheyoungmanobjected,thatwewerenotmastersofourselves,andstilllesssoofourfeelings."Thequestionisaboutadisagreeablefeeling,"Iadded,"fromwhicheveryonewouldwillinglyescape,butnoneknowtheirownpowerwithouttrial.Invalidsaregladtoconsultphysicians,andsubmittothemostscrupulousregimen,themostnauseousmedicines,inordertorecovertheirhealth."Iobservedthatthegoodoldmaninclinedhishead,andexertedhimselftohearourdiscourse;soIraisedmyvoice,andaddressedmyselfdirectlytohim."Wepreachagainstagreatmanycrimes,"Iobserved,"butIneverrememberasermondeliveredagainstill-humour.""Thatmaydovery


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wellforyourtownclergymen,"saidhe:"countrypeopleareneverill-humoured;though,indeed,itmightbeuseful,occasionally,tomywifeforinstance,andthejudge."Wealllaughed,asdidhelikewiseverycordially,tillhefellintoafitofcoughing,whichinterruptedourconversationforatime.HerrSchmidtresumedthesubject."Youcallillhumouracrime,"heremarked,"butIthinkyouusetoostrongaterm.""Notatall,"Ireplied,"ifthatdeservesthenamewhichissopernicioustoourselvesandourneighbours.Isitnotenoughthatwewantthepowertomakeoneanotherhappy,mustwedepriveeachotherofthepleasurewhichwecanallmakeforourselves?Showmethemanwhohasthecouragetohidehisill-humour,whobearsthewholeburdenhimself,withoutdisturbingthepeaceofthosearoundhim.No:ill-humourarisesfromaninwardconsciousnessofourownwantofmerit,fromadiscontentwhicheveraccompaniesthatenvywhichfoolishvanityengenders.Weseepeoplehappy,whomwehavenotmadeso,andcannotendurethesight."Charlottelookedatmewithasmile;sheobservedtheemotionwithwhichIspoke:andatearintheeyesofFredericastimulatedmetoproceed."Woeuntothose,"Isaid,"whousetheirpoweroverahumanhearttodestroythesimplepleasuresitwouldnaturallyenjoy!Allthefavours,alltheattentions,intheworldcannotcompensateforthelossofthathappinesswhichacrueltyrannyhasdestroyed."MyheartwasfullasIspoke.Arecollectionofmanythingswhichhadhappenedpresseduponmymind,andfilledmyeyeswithtears."Weshoulddailyrepeattoourselves,"Iexclaimed,"thatweshouldnot

interferewithourfriends,unlesstoleavetheminpossessionoftheirownjoys,andincreasetheirhappinessbysharingitwiththem!Butwhentheirsoulsaretormentedbyaviolentpassion,ortheirheartsrentwithgrief,isitinyourpowertoaffordthemtheslightestconsolation?

"Andwhenthelastfatalmaladyseizesthebeingwhoseuntimelygraveyouhaveprepared,whenshelieslanguidandexhaustedbeforeyou,herdimeyesraisedtoheaven,andthedampofdeathuponherpallidbrow,thereyoustandatherbedsidelikeacondemnedcriminal,withthebitterfeelingthatyourwholefortunecouldnotsaveher;andtheagonisingthoughtwringsyou,thatallyoureffortsarepowerlesstoimpartevenamoment'sstrengthtothedepartingsoul,orquickenher

withatransitoryconsolation."

AtthesewordstheremembranceofasimilarsceneatwhichIhadbeenoncepresentfellwithfullforceuponmyheart.Iburiedmyfaceinmyhandkerchief,andhastenedfromtheroom,andwasonlyrecalledtomyrecollectionbyCharlotte'svoice,whoremindedmethatitwastimetoreturnhome.WithwhattendernessshechidmeonthewayforthetooeagerinterestItookineverything!Shedeclareditwoulddomeinjury,andthatIoughttosparemyself.Yes,myangel!Iwilldosoforyoursake.

JULY6.

Sheisstillwithherdyingfriend,andisstillthesamebright,beautifulcreaturewhosepresencesoftenspain,andshedshappinessaroundwhicheverwaysheturns.Shewentoutyesterdaywithherlittlesisters:Iknewit,andwenttomeetthem;andwewalkedtogether.Inaboutanhourandahalfwereturnedtothetown.WestoppedatthespringIamsofondof,andwhichisnowathousandtimesdearertomethanever.Charlotteseatedherselfuponthelowwall,andwegatheredabouther.Ilookedaround,andrecalledthetimewhenmyheartwasunoccupiedandfree."Dearfountain!"Isaid,"sincethattimeIhavenomorecometoenjoycoolreposebythyfreshstream:Ihavepassedthee


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withcarelesssteps,andscarcelybestowedaglanceuponthee."Ilookeddown,andobservedCharlotte'slittlesister,Jane,comingupthestepswithaglassofwater.IturnedtowardCharlotte,andIfeltherinfluenceoverme.Janeatthemomentapproachedwiththeglass.Hersister,Marianne,wishedtotakeitfromher."No!"criedthechild,withthesweetestexpressionofface,"Charlottemustdrinkfirst."

Theaffectionandsimplicitywithwhichthiswasutteredsocharmedme,thatIsoughttoexpressmyfeelingsbycatchingupthechildandkissingherheartily.Shewasfrightened,andbegantocry."Youshouldnotdothat,"saidCharlotte:Ifeltperplexed."Come,Jane,"shecontinued,takingherhand,andleadingherdownthestepsagain,"itisnomatter:washyourselfquicklyinthefreshwater."Istoodandwatchedthem;andwhenIsawthelittledearrubbinghercheekswithherwethands,infullbeliefthatalltheimpuritiescontractedfrommyuglybeardwouldbewashedoffbythemiraculouswater,andhow,thoughCharlottesaiditwoulddo,shecontinuedstilltowashwithallhermight,asthoughshethoughttoomuchwerebetterthantoolittle,Iassureyou,Wilhelm,Ineverattendedabaptismwithgreaterreverence;and,whenCharlottecameupfromthewell,IcouldhaveprostratedmyselfasbeforetheprophetofanEasternnation.

IntheeveningIwouldnotresisttellingthestorytoapersonwho,Ithought,possessedsomenaturalfeeling,becausehewasamanof

understanding.ButwhatamistakeImade.HemaintaineditwasverywrongofCharlotte,thatweshouldnotdeceivechildren,thatsuchthingsoccasionedcountlessmistakesandsuperstitions,fromwhichwewereboundtoprotecttheyoung.Itoccurredtomethen,thatthisverymanhadbeenbaptisedonlyaweekbefore;soIsaidnothingfurther,butmaintainedthejusticeofmyownconvictions.WeshoulddealwithchildrenasGoddealswithus,wearehappiestundertheinfluenceofinnocentdelusions.

JULY8.

Whatachildismanthatheshouldbesosolicitousaboutalook!Whatachildisman!WehadbeentoWalheim:theladieswentinacarriage;

butduringourwalkIthoughtIsawinCharlotte'sdarkeyes--Iamafool--butforgiveme!youshouldseethem,--thoseeyes.--However,tobebrief(formyowneyesareweigheddownwithsleep),youmustknow,whentheladiessteppedintotheircarriageagain,youngW.Seldstadt,Andran,andIwerestandingaboutthedoor.Theyareamerrysetoffellows,andtheywerealllaughingandjokingtogether.IwatchedCharlotte'seyes.Theywanderedfromonetotheother;buttheydidnotlightonme,onme,whostoodtheremotionless,andwhosawnothingbuther!Myheartbadeherathousandtimesadieu,butshenoticedmenot.Thecarriagedroveoff;andmyeyesfilledwithtears.Ilookedafterher:suddenlyIsawCharlotte'sbonnetleaningoutofthewindow,andsheturnedtolookback,wasitatme?Mydearfriend,Iknownot;andinthisuncertaintyIfindconsolation.Perhapssheturnedtolookat

me.Perhaps!Good-night--whatachildIam!

JULY10.

YoushouldseehowfoolishIlookincompanywhenhernameismentioned,particularlywhenIamaskedplainlyhowIlikeher.HowIlikeher!Idetestthephrase.WhatsortofcreaturemusthebewhomerelylikedCharlotte,whosewholeheartandsenseswerenotentirelyabsorbedbyher.Likeher!SomeoneaskedmelatelyhowIlikedOssian.


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JULY11.

MadameM--isveryill.Iprayforherrecovery,becauseCharlottesharesmysufferings.Iseeheroccasionallyatmyfriend'shouse,andto-dayshehastoldmethestrangestcircumstance.OldM--isacovetous,miserlyfellow,whohaslongworriedandannoyedthepoorladysadly;butshehasborneherafflictionspatiently.Afewdaysago,whenthephysicianinformedusthatherrecoverywashopeless,shesentforherhusband(Charlottewaspresent),andaddressedhimthus:"Ihavesomethingtoconfess,which,aftermydecease,mayoccasiontroubleandconfusion.Ihavehithertoconductedyourhouseholdasfrugallyandeconomicallyaspossible,butyoumustpardonmeforhavingdefraudedyouforthirtyyears.Atthecommencementofourmarriedlife,youallowedasmallsumforthewantsofthekitchen,andtheotherhouseholdexpenses.Whenourestablishmentincreasedandourpropertygrewlarger,Icouldnotpersuadeyoutoincreasetheweeklyallowanceinproportion:inshort,youknow,that,whenourwantsweregreatest,yourequiredmetosupplyeverythingwithsevenflorinsaweek.Itookthemoneyfromyouwithoutanobservation,butmadeuptheweeklydeficiencyfromthemoney-chest;asnobodywouldsuspectyourwifeofrobbingthehouseholdbank.ButIhavewastednothing,andshouldhavebeencontenttomeetmyeternalJudgewithoutthisconfession,ifshe,uponwhomthemanagementofyourestablishmentwilldevolveaftermydecease,wouldbefreefromembarrassmentuponyourinsistingthatthe

allowancemadetome,yourformerwife,wassufficient."

ItalkedwithCharlotteoftheinconceivablemannerinwhichmenallowthemselvestobeblinded;howanyonecouldavoidsuspectingsomedeception,whensevenflorinsonlywereallowedtodefrayexpensestwiceasgreat.ButIhavemyselfknownpeoplewhobelieved,withoutanyvisibleastonishment,thattheirhousepossessedtheprophet'snever-failingcruseofoil.

JULY13.

No,Iamnotdeceived.InherdarkeyesIreadagenuineinterestinmeandinmyfortunes.Yes,Ifeelit;andImaybelievemyownheartwhich

tellsme--dareIsayit?--dareIpronouncethedivinewords?--thatshelovesme!

Thatshelovesme!Howtheideaexaltsmeinmyowneyes!And,asyoucanunderstandmyfeelings,Imaysaytoyou,howIhonourmyselfsinceshelovesme!

Isthispresumption,orisitaconsciousnessofthetruth?IdonotknowamanabletosupplantmeintheheartofCharlotte;andyetwhenshespeaksofherbetrothedwithsomuchwarmthandaffection,Ifeellikethesoldierwhohasbeenstrippedofhishonoursandtitles,anddeprivedofhissword.

JULY16.

HowmyheartbeatswhenbyaccidentItouchherfinger,ormyfeetmeethersunderthetable!Idrawbackasiffromafurnace;butasecretforceimpelsmeforwardagain,andmysensesbecomedisordered.Herinnocent,unconsciousheartneverknowswhatagonytheselittlefamiliaritiesinflictuponme.Sometimeswhenwearetalkingshelaysherhanduponmine,andintheeagernessofconversationcomesclosertome,andherbalmybreathreachesmylips,--whenIfeelasiflightninghadstruckme,andthatIcouldsinkintotheearth.Andyet,Wilhelm,


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withallthisheavenlyconfidence,--ifIknowmyself,andshouldeverdare--youunderstandme.No,no!myheartisnotsocorrupt,itisweak,weakenoughbutisnotthatadegreeofcorruption?

Sheistomeasacredbeing.Allpassionisstillinherpresence:IcannotexpressmysensationswhenIamnearher.Ifeelasifmysoulbeatineverynerveofmybody.Thereisamelodywhichsheplaysonthepianowithangelicskill,--sosimpleisit,andyetsospiritual!Itisherfavouriteair;and,whensheplaysthefirstnote,allpain,care,andsorrowdisappearfrommeinamoment.

Ibelieveeverywordthatissaidofthemagicofancientmusic.Howhersimplesongenchantsme!Sometimes,whenIamreadytocommitsuicide,shesingsthatair;andinstantlythegloomandmadnesswhichhungovermearedispersed,andIbreathefreelyagain.

JULY18.

Wilhelm,whatistheworldtoourheartswithoutlove?Whatisamagic-lanternwithoutlight?Youhavebuttokindletheflamewithin,andthebrightestfiguresshineonthewhitewall;and,ifloveonlyshowusfleetingshadows,weareyethappy,when,likemerechildren,webeholdthem,andaretransportedwiththesplendidphantoms.IhavenotbeenabletoseeCharlotteto-day.Iwaspreventedbycompanyfromwhich

Icouldnotdisengagemyself.Whatwastobedone?Isentmyservanttoherhouse,thatImightatleastseesomebodyto-daywhohadbeennearher.Oh,theimpatiencewithwhichIwaitedforhisreturn!thejoywithwhichIwelcomedhim!Ishouldcertainlyhavecaughthiminmyarms,andkissedhim,ifIhadnotbeenashamed.

ItissaidthattheBononastone,whenplacedinthesun,attractstherays,andforatimeappearsluminousinthedark.Sowasitwithmeandthisservant.TheideathatCharlotte'seyeshaddweltonhiscountenance,hischeek,hisveryapparel,endearedthemallinestimablytome,sothatatthemomentIwouldnothavepartedfromhimforathousandcrowns.Hispresencemademesohappy!Bewareoflaughingatme,Wilhelm.Canthatbeadelusionwhichmakesushappy?

JULY19.

"Ishallseehertoday!"Iexclaimwithdelight,whenIriseinthemorning,andlookoutwithgladnessofheartatthebright,beautifulsun."Ishallseehertoday!"AndthenIhavenofurtherwishtoform:all,allisincludedinthatonethought.

JULY20.

IcannotassenttoyourproposalthatIshouldaccompanytheambassadorto------.Idonotlovesubordination;andweallknowthatheisarough,disagreeablepersontobeconnectedwith.Yousaymymother

wishesmetobeemployed.Icouldnothelplaughingatthat.AmInotsufficientlyemployed?Andisitnotinrealitythesame,whetherIshellpeasorcountlentils?Theworldrunsonfromonefollytoanother;andthemanwho,solelyfromregardtotheopinionofothers,andwithoutanywishornecessityofhisown,toilsaftergold,honour,oranyotherphantom,isnobetterthanafool.

JULY24.

Youinsistsomuchonmynotneglectingmydrawing,thatitwouldbeas


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wellformetosaynothingastoconfesshowlittleIhavelatelydone.

Ineverfelthappier,Ineverunderstoodnaturebetter,evendowntotheverieststemorsmallestbladeofgrass;andyetIamunabletoexpressmyself:mypowersofexecutionaresoweak,everythingseemstoswimandfloatbeforeme,sothatIcannotmakeaclear,boldoutline.ButIfancyIshouldsucceedbetterifIhadsomeclayorwaxtomodel.Ishalltry,ifthisstateofmindcontinuesmuchlonger,andwilltaketomodelling,ifIonlykneaddough.

IhavecommencedCharlotte'sportraitthreetimes,andhaveasoftendisgracedmyself.Thisisthemoreannoying,asIwasformerlyveryhappyintakinglikenesses.Ihavesincesketchedherprofile,andmustcontentmyselfwiththat.

JULY25.

Yes,dearCharlotte!Iwillorderandarrangeeverything.Onlygivememorecommissions,themorethebetter.Onething,however,Imustrequest:usenomorewriting-sandwiththedearnotesyousendme.TodayIraisedyourletterhastilytomylips,anditsetmyteethonedge.

JULY26.

Ihaveoftendeterminednottoseehersofrequently.Butwhocouldkeepsucharesolution?EverydayIamexposedtothetemptation,andpromisefaithfullythatto-morrowIwillreallystayaway:but,whentomorrowcomes,Ifindsomeirresistiblereasonforseeingher;and,beforeIcanaccountforit,Iamwithheragain.Eithershehassaidonthepreviousevening"Youwillbesuretocallto-morrow,"--andwhocouldstayawaythen?--orshegivesmesomecommission,andIfinditessentialtotakehertheanswerinperson;orthedayisfine,andIwalktoWalheim;and,whenIamthere,itisonlyhalfaleaguefarthertoher.Iamwithinthecharmedatmosphere,andsoonfindmyselfatherside.Mygrandmotherusedtotellusastoryofamountainofloadstone.Whenanyvesselscamenearit,theywereinstantlydeprivedoftheirironwork:thenailsflewtothemountain,andtheunhappycrewperishedamidstthe

disjointedplanks.

JULY30.

Albertisarrived,andImusttakemydeparture.Werehethebestandnoblestofmen,andIineveryrespecthisinferior,Icouldnotenduretoseehiminpossessionofsuchaperfectbeing.Possession!--enough,Wilhelm:herbetrothedishere,--afine,worthyfellow,whomonecannothelpliking.FortunatelyIwasnotpresentattheirmeeting.Itwouldhavebrokenmyheart!Andheissoconsiderate:hehasnotgivenCharlotteonekissinmypresence.Heavenrewardhimforit!Imustlovehimfortherespectwithwhichhetreatsher.Heshowsaregardforme,butforthisIsuspectIammoreindebtedtoCharlottethantohisown

fancyforme.Womenhaveadelicatetactinsuchmatters,anditshouldbeso.Theycannotalwayssucceedinkeepingtworivalsontermswitheachother;but,whentheydo,theyaretheonlygainers.

IcannothelpesteemingAlbert.Thecoolnessofhistempercontrastsstronglywiththeimpetuosityofmine,whichIcannotconceal.Hehasagreatdealoffeeling,andisfullysensibleofthetreasurehepossessesinCharlotte.Heisfreefromill-humour,whichyouknowisthefaultIdetestmost.


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Heregardsmeasamanofsense;andmyattachmenttoCharlotte,andtheinterestItakeinallthatconcernsher,augmenthistriumphandhislove.Ishallnotinquirewhetherhemaynotattimesteaseherwithsomelittlejealousies;asIknow,that,wereIinhisplace,Ishouldnotbeentirelyfreefromsuchsensations.

But,bethatasitmay,mypleasurewithCharlotteisover.Callitfollyorinfatuation,whatsignifiesaname?Thethingspeaksforitself.BeforeAlbertcame,IknewallthatIknownow.IknewIcouldmakenopretensionstoher,nordidIofferany,thatis,asfarasitwaspossible,inthepresenceofsomuchloveliness,nottopantforitsenjoyment.Andnow,beholdmelikeasillyfellow,staringwithastonishmentwhenanothercomesin,anddeprivesmeofmylove.

Ibitemylips,andfeelinfinitescornforthosewhotellmetoberesigned,becausethereisnohelpforit.Letmeescapefromtheyokeofsuchsillysubterfuges!Iramblethroughthewoods;andwhenIreturntoCharlotte,andfindAlbertsittingbyhersideinthesummer-houseinthegarden,Iamunabletobearit,behavelikeafool,andcommitathousandextravagances."ForHeaven'ssake,"saidCharlottetoday,"letushavenomoresceneslikethoseoflastnight!Youterrifymewhenyouaresoviolent."Betweenourselves,Iamalwaysawaynowwhenhevisitsher:andIfeeldelightedwhenIfindheralone.

AUGUST8.

Believeme,dearWilhelm,IdidnotalludetoyouwhenIspokesoseverelyofthosewhoadviseresignationtoinevitablefate.Ididnotthinkitpossibleforyoutoindulgesuchasentiment.Butinfactyouareright.Ionlysuggestoneobjection.Inthisworldoneisseldomreducedtomakeaselectionbetweentwoalternatives.Thereareasmanyvarietiesofconductandopinionasthereareturnsoffeaturebetweenanaquilinenoseandaflatone.

Youwill,therefore,permitmetoconcedeyourentireargument,andyetcontrivemeanstoescapeyourdilemma.

Yourpositionisthis,Ihearyousay:"EitheryouhavehopesofobtainingCharlotte,oryouhavenone.Well,inthefirstcase,pursueyourcourse,andpressontothefulfilmentofyourwishes.Inthesecond,beaman,andshakeoffamiserablepassion,whichwillenervateanddestroyyou."Mydearfriend,thisiswellandeasilysaid.

Butwouldyourequireawretchedbeing,whoselifeisslowlywastingunderalingeringdisease,todespatchhimselfatoncebythestrokeofadagger?Doesnottheverydisorderwhichconsumeshisstrengthdeprivehimofthecouragetoeffecthisdeliverance?

Youmayanswerme,ifyouplease,withasimilaranalogy,"Whowouldnotprefertheamputationofanarmtotheperilingoflifebydoubtand

procrastination!"ButIknownotifIamright,andletusleavethesecomparisons.

Enough!Therearemoments,Wilhelm,whenIcouldriseupandshakeitalloff,andwhen,ifIonlyknewwheretogo,Icouldflyfromthisplace.

THESAMEEVENING.

Mydiary,whichIhaveforsometimeneglected,camebeforemetoday;


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andIamamazedtoseehowdeliberatelyIhaveentangledmyselfstepbystep.Tohaveseenmypositionsoclearly,andyettohaveactedsolikeachild!EvenstillIbeholdtheresultplainly,andyethavenothoughtofactingwithgreaterprudence.

AUGUST10.

IfIwerenotafool,Icouldspendthehappiestandmostdelightfullifehere.Somanyagreeablecircumstances,andofakindtoensureaworthyman'shappiness,areseldomunited.Alas!Ifeelittoosensibly,--theheartalonemakesourhappiness!Tobeadmittedintothismostcharmingfamily,tobelovedbythefatherasason,bythechildrenasafather,andbyCharlotte!thenthenobleAlbert,whoneverdisturbsmyhappinessbyanyappearanceofill-humour,receivingmewiththeheartiestaffection,andlovingme,nexttoCharlotte,betterthanalltheworld!Wilhelm,youwouldbedelightedtohearusinourrambles,andconversationsaboutCharlotte.Nothingintheworldcanbemoreabsurdthanourconnection,andyetthethoughtofitoftenmovesmetotears.

Hetellsmesometimesofherexcellentmother;how,uponherdeath-bed,shehadcommittedherhouseandchildrentoCharlotte,andhadgivenCharlotteherselfinchargetohim;how,sincethattime,anewspirithadtakenpossessionofher;how,incareandanxietyfortheirwelfare,

shebecamearealmothertothem;howeverymomentofhertimewasdevotedtosomelabourofloveintheirbehalf,--andyethermirthandcheerfulnesshadneverforsakenher.Iwalkbyhisside,pluckflowersbytheway,arrangethemcarefullyintoanosegay,thenflingthemintothefirststreamIpass,andwatchthemastheyfloatgentlyaway.IforgetwhetherItoldyouthatAlbertistoremainhere.Hehasreceivedagovernmentappointment,withaverygoodsalary;andIunderstandheisinhighfavouratcourt.Ihavemetfewpersonssopunctualandmethodicalinbusiness.

AUGUST12.

CertainlyAlbertisthebestfellowintheworld.Ihadastrangescene

withhimyesterday.Iwenttotakeleaveofhim;forItookitintomyheadtospendafewdaysinthesemountains,fromwhereInowwritetoyou.AsIwaswalkingupanddownhisroom,myeyefelluponhispistols."Lendmethosepistols,"saidI,"formyjourney.""Byallmeans,"hereplied,"ifyouwilltakethetroubletoloadthem;fortheyonlyhangthereforform."Itookdownoneofthem;andhecontinued,"EversinceIwasnearsufferingformyextremecaution,Iwillhavenothingtodowithsuchthings."Iwascurioustohearthestory."Iwasstaying,"saidhe,"somethreemonthsago,atafriend'shouseinthecountry.Ihadabraceofpistolswithme,unloaded;andIsleptwithoutanyanxiety.OnerainyafternoonIwassittingbymyself,doingnothing,whenitoccurredtomeIdonotknowhowthatthehousemightbeattacked,thatwemightrequirethepistols,thatwemightinshort,you

knowhowwegoonfancying,whenwehavenothingbettertodo.Igavethepistolstotheservant,tocleanandload.Hewasplayingwiththemaid,andtryingtofrightenher,whenthepistolwentoff--Godknowshow!--theramrodwasinthebarrel;anditwentstraightthroughherrighthand,andshatteredthethumb.Ihadtoendureallthelamentation,andtopaythesurgeon'sbill;so,sincethattime,Ihavekeptallmyweaponsunloaded.But,mydearfriend,whatistheuseofprudence?Wecanneverbeonourguardagainstallpossibledangers.However,"--now,youmustknowIcantolerateallmentilltheycometo"however;"--foritisself-evidentthateveryuniversalrulemusthave


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itsexceptions.Butheissoexceedinglyaccurate,that,ifheonlyfancieshehassaidawordtooprecipitate,ortoogeneral,oronlyhalftrue,heneverceasestoqualify,tomodify,andextenuate,tillatlastheappearstohavesaidnothingatall.Uponthisoccasion,Albertwasdeeplyimmersedinhissubject:Iceasedtolistentohim,andbecamelostinreverie.Withasuddenmotion,Ipointedthemouthofthepistoltomyforehead,overtherighteye."Whatdoyoumean?"criedAlbert,turningbackthepistol."Itisnotloaded,"saidI."Andevenifnot,"heansweredwithimpatience,"whatcanyoumean?Icannotcomprehendhowamancanbesomadastoshoothimself,andthebareideaofitshocksme."

"Butwhyshouldanyone,"saidI,"inspeakingofanaction,venturetopronounceitmadorwise,orgoodorbad?Whatisthemeaningofallthis?Haveyoucarefullystudiedthesecretmotivesofouractions?Doyouunderstand--canyouexplainthecauseswhichoccasionthem,andmaketheminevitable?Ifyoucan,youwillbelesshastywithyourdecision."

"Butyouwillallow,"saidAlbert;"thatsomeactionsarecriminal,letthemspringfromwhatevermotivestheymay."Igrantedit,andshruggedmyshoulders.

"Butstill,mygoodfriend,"Icontinued,"therearesomeexceptionsheretoo.Theftisacrime;butthemanwhocommitsitfromextreme

poverty,withnodesignbuttosavehisfamilyfromperishing,isheanobjectofpity,orofpunishment?Whoshallthrowthefirststoneatahusband,who,intheheatofjustresentment,sacrificeshisfaithlesswifeandherperfidiousseducer?orattheyoungmaiden,who,inherweakhourofrapture,forgetsherselfintheimpetuousjoysoflove?Evenourlaws,coldandcruelastheyare,relentinsuchcases,andwithholdtheirpunishment."

"Thatisquiteanotherthing,"saidAlbert;"becauseamanundertheinfluenceofviolentpassionlosesallpowerofreflection,andisregardedasintoxicatedorinsane."

"Oh!youpeopleofsoundunderstandings,"Ireplied,smiling,"areever

readytoexclaim'Extravagance,andmadness,andintoxication!'Youmoralmenaresocalmandsosubdued!Youabhorthedrunkenman,anddetesttheextravagant;youpassby,liketheLevite,andthankGod,likethePharisee,thatyouarenotlikeoneofthem.Ihavebeenmorethanonceintoxicated,mypassionshavealwaysborderedonextravagance:Iamnotashamedtoconfessit;forIhavelearned,bymyownexperience,thatallextraordinarymen,whohaveaccomplishedgreatandastonishingactions,haveeverbeendecriedbytheworldasdrunkenorinsane.Andinprivatelife,too,isitnotintolerablethatnoonecanundertaketheexecutionofanobleorgenerousdeed,withoutgivingrisetotheexclamationthatthedoerisintoxicatedormad?Shameuponyou,yesages!"

"Thisisanotherofyourextravaganthumours,"saidAlbert:"youalwaysexaggerateacase,andinthismatteryouareundoubtedlywrong;forwewerespeakingofsuicide,whichyoucomparewithgreatactions,whenitisimpossibletoregarditasanythingbutaweakness.Itismucheasiertodiethantobearalifeofmiserywithfortitude."

Iwasonthepointofbreakingofftheconversation,fornothingputsmesocompletelyoutofpatienceastheutteranceofawretchedcommonplacewhenIamtalkingfrommyinmostheart.However,Icomposedmyself,forIhadoftenheardthesameobservationwithsufficientvexation;and


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Iansweredhim,therefore,withalittlewarmth,"Youcallthisaweakness--bewareofbeingledastraybyappearances.Whenanation,whichhaslonggroanedundertheintolerableyokeofatyrant,risesatlastandthrowsoffitschains,doyoucallthatweakness?Themanwho,torescuehishousefromtheflames,findshisphysicalstrengthredoubled,sothatheliftsburdenswithease,which,intheabsenceofexcitement,hecouldscarcelymove;hewho,undertherageofaninsult,attacksandputstoflighthalfascoreofhisenemies,aresuchpersonstobecalledweak?Mygoodfriend,ifresistancebestrength,howcanthehighestdegreeofresistancebeaweakness?"

Albertlookedsteadfastlyatme,andsaid,"Prayforgiveme,butIdonotseethattheexamplesyouhaveadducedbearanyrelationtothequestion.""Verylikely,"Ianswered;"forIhaveoftenbeentoldthatmystyleofillustrationbordersalittleontheabsurd.Butletusseeifwecannotplacethematterinanotherpointofview,byinquiringwhatcanbeaman'sstateofmindwhoresolvestofreehimselffromtheburdenoflife,--aburdenoftensopleasanttobear,--forwecannototherwisereasonfairlyuponthesubject.

"Humannature,"Icontinued,"hasitslimits.Itisabletoendureacertaindegreeofjoy,sorrow,andpain,butbecomesannihilatedassoonasthismeasureisexceeded.Thequestion,therefore,is,notwhetheramanisstrongorweak,butwhetherheisabletoendurethemeasure

ofhissufferings.Thesufferingmaybemoralorphysical;andinmyopinionitisjustasabsurdtocallamanacowardwhodestroyshimself,astocallamanacowardwhodiesofamalignantfever."

"Paradox,allparadox!"exclaimedAlbert."Notsoparadoxicalasyouimagine,"Ireplied."Youallowthatwedesignateadiseaseasmortalwhennatureissoseverelyattacked,andherstrengthsofarexhausted,thatshecannotpossiblyrecoverherformerconditionunderanychangethatmaytakeplace.

"Now,mygoodfriend,applythistothemind;observeamaninhisnatural,isolatedcondition;considerhowideaswork,andhowimpressionsfastenonhim,tillatlengthaviolentpassionseizeshim,

destroyingallhispowersofcalmreflection,andutterlyruininghim.

"Itisinvainthatamanofsoundmindandcooltemperunderstandstheconditionofsuchawretchedbeing,invainhecounselshim.Hecannomorecommunicatehisownwisdomtohimthanahealthymancaninstilhisstrengthintotheinvalid,bywhosebedsideheisseated."

Albertthoughtthistoogeneral.Iremindedhimofagirlwhohaddrownedherselfashorttimepreviously,andIrelatedherhistory.

Shewasagoodcreature,whohadgrownupinthenarrowsphereofhouseholdindustryandweeklyappointedlabour;onewhoknewnopleasurebeyondindulginginawalkonSundays,arrayedinherbestattire,

accompaniedbyherfriends,orperhapsjoininginthedancenowandthenatsomefestival,andchattingawayhersparehourswithaneighbour,discussingthescandalorthequarrelsofthevillage,triflessufficienttooccupyherheart.Atlengththewarmthofhernatureisinfluencedbycertainnewandunknownwishes.Inflamedbytheflatteriesofmen,herformerpleasuresbecomebydegreesinsipid,tillatlengthshemeetswithayouthtowhomsheisattractedbyanindescribablefeeling;uponhimshenowrestsallherhopes;sheforgetstheworldaroundher;shesees,hears,desiresnothingbuthim,andhimonly.Healoneoccupiesallherthoughts.Uncorruptedbytheidleindulgenceof


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anenervatingvanity,heraffectionmovingsteadilytowarditsobject,shehopestobecomehis,andtorealise,inaneverlastingunionwithhim,allthathappinesswhichshesought,allthatblissforwhichshelonged.Hisrepeatedpromisesconfirmherhopes:embracesandendearments,whichincreasetheardourofherdesires,overmasterhersoul.Shefloatsinadim,delusiveanticipationofherhappiness;andherfeelingsbecomeexcitedtotheirutmosttension.Shestretchesoutherarmsfinallytoembracetheobjectofallherwishesandherloverforsakesher.Stunnedandbewildered,shestandsuponaprecipice.Allisdarknessaroundher.Noprospect,nohope,noconsolation--forsakenbyhiminwhomherexistencewascentred!Sheseesnothingofthewideworldbeforeher,thinksnothingofthemanyindividualswhomightsupplythevoidinherheart;shefeelsherselfdeserted,forsakenbytheworld;and,blindedandimpelledbytheagonywhichwringshersoul,sheplungesintothedeep,toendhersufferingsinthebroadembraceofdeath.Seehere,Albert,thehistoryofthousands;andtellme,isnotthisacaseofphysicalinfirmity?Naturehasnowaytoescapefromthelabyrinth:herpowersareexhausted:shecancontendnolonger,andthepoorsoulmustdie.

"Shameuponhimwhocanlookoncalmly,andexclaim,'Thefoolishgirl!sheshouldhavewaited;sheshouldhaveallowedtimetowearofftheimpression;herdespairwouldhavebeensoftened,andshewouldhavefoundanotherlovertocomforther.'Onemightaswellsay,'Thefool,

todieofafever!whydidhenotwaittillhisstrengthwasrestored,tillhisbloodbecamecalm?allwouldthenhavegonewell,andhewouldhavebeenalivenow.'"

Albert,whocouldnotseethejusticeofthecomparison,offeredsomefurtherobjections,and,amongstothers,urgedthatIhadtakenthecaseofamereignorantgirl.Buthowanymanofsense,ofmoreenlargedviewsandexperience,couldbeexcused,hewasunabletocomprehend."Myfriend!"Iexclaimed,"manisbutman;and,whateverbetheextentofhisreasoningpowers,theyareoflittleavailwhenpassionrageswithin,andhefeelshimselfconfinedbythenarrowlimitsofnature.Itwerebetter,then--butwewilltalkofthissomeothertime,"Isaid,andcaughtupmyhat.Alas!myheartwasfull;andwepartedwithout

convictiononeitherside.Howrarelyinthisworlddomenunderstandeachother!

AUGUST15.

Therecanbenodoubtthatinthisworldnothingissoindispensableaslove.IobservethatCharlottecouldnotlosemewithoutapang,andtheverychildrenhavebutonewish;thatis,thatIshouldvisitthemagainto-morrow.IwentthisafternoontotuneCharlotte'spiano.ButIcouldnotdoit,forthelittleonesinsistedonmytellingthemastory;andCharlotteherselfurgedmetosatisfythem.Iwaiteduponthemattea,andtheyarenowasfullycontentedwithmeaswithCharlotte;andItoldthemmyverybesttaleoftheprincesswhowaswaiteduponby

dwarfs.Iimprovemyselfbythisexercise,andamquitesurprisedattheimpressionmystoriescreate.IfIsometimesinventanincidentwhichIforgetuponthenextnarration,theyremindonedirectlythatthestorywasdifferentbefore;sothatInowendeavourtorelatewithexactnessthesameanecdoteinthesamemonotonoustone,whichneverchanges.Ifindbythis,howmuchanauthorinjureshisworksbyalteringthem,eventhoughtheybeimprovedinapoeticalpointofview.Thefirstimpressionisreadilyreceived.Wearesoconstitutedthatwebelievethemostincrediblethings;and,oncetheyareengraveduponthememory,woetohimwhowouldendeavourtoeffacethem.


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AUGUST18.

Mustiteverbethus,--thatthesourceofourhappinessmustalsobethefountainofourmisery?Thefullandardentsentimentwhichanimatedmyheartwiththeloveofnature,overwhelmingmewithatorrentofdelight,andwhichbroughtallparadisebeforeme,hasnowbecomeaninsupportabletorment,ademonwhichperpetuallypursuesandharassesme.WheninbygonedaysIgazedfromtheserocksuponyondermountainsacrosstheriver,anduponthegreen,floweryvalleybeforeme,andsawallnaturebuddingandburstingaround;thehillsclothedfromfoottopeakwithtall,thickforesttrees;thevalleysinalltheirvariedwindings,shadedwiththeloveliestwoods;andthesoftriverglidingalongamongstthelispingreeds,mirroringthebeautifulcloudswhichthesofteveningbreezewaftedacrossthesky,--whenIheardthegrovesaboutmemelodiouswiththemusicofbirds,andsawthemillionswarmsofinsectsdancinginthelastgoldenbeamsofthesun,whosesettingraysawokethehummingbeetlesfromtheirgrassybeds,whilstthesubduedtumultarounddirectedmyattentiontotheground,andIthereobservedthearidrockcompelledtoyieldnutrimenttothedrymoss,whilsttheheathflourisheduponthebarrensandsbelowme,allthisdisplayedtometheinnerwarmthwhichanimatesallnature,andfilledandglowedwithinmyheart.IfeltmyselfexaltedbythisoverflowingfulnesstotheperceptionoftheGodhead,andthegloriousformsof

aninfiniteuniversebecamevisibletomysoul!Stupendousmountainsencompassedme,abyssesyawnedatmyfeet,andcataractsfellheadlongdownbeforeme;impetuousriversrolledthroughtheplain,androcksandmountainsresoundedfromafar.InthedepthsoftheearthIsawinnumerablepowersinmotion,andmultiplyingtoinfinity;whilstuponitssurface,andbeneaththeheavens,thereteemedtenthousandvarietiesoflivingcreatures.Everythingaroundisalivewithaninfinitenumberofforms;whilemankindflyforsecuritytotheirpettyhouses,fromtheshelterofwhichtheyruleintheirimaginationsoverthewide-extendeduniverse.Poorfool!inwhosepettyestimationallthingsarelittle.Fromtheinaccessiblemountains,acrossthedesertwhichnomortalfoothastrod,farastheconfinesoftheunknownocean,breathesthespiritoftheeternalCreator;andeveryatomtowhichhe

hasgivenexistencefindsfavourinhissight.Ah,howoftenatthattimehastheflightofabird,soaringabovemyhead,inspiredmewiththedesireofbeingtransportedtotheshoresoftheimmeasurablewaters,theretoquaffthepleasuresoflifefromthefoaminggobletoftheInfinite,andtopartake,ifbutforamomenteven,withtheconfinedpowersofmysoul,thebeatitudeofthatCreatorwhoaccomplishesallthingsinhimself,andthroughhimself!

Mydearfriend,thebarerecollectionofthosehoursstillconsolesme.Eventhisefforttorecallthoseineffablesensations,andgivethemutterance,exaltsmysoulaboveitself,andmakesmedoublyfeeltheintensityofmypresentanguish.

Itisasifacurtainhadbeendrawnfrombeforemyeyes,and,insteadofprospectsofeternallife,theabyssofaneveropengraveyawnedbeforeme.Canwesayofanythingthatitexistswhenallpassesaway,whentime,withthespeedofastorm,carriesallthingsonward,--andourtransitoryexistence,hurriedalongbythetorrent,iseitherswallowedupbythewavesordashedagainsttherocks?Thereisnotamomentbutpreysuponyou,--anduponallaroundyou,notamomentinwhichyoudonotyourselfbecomeadestroyer.Themostinnocentwalkdeprivesoflifethousandsofpoorinsects:onestepdestroysthefabricoftheindustriousant,andconvertsalittleworldintochaos.No:


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itisnotthegreatandrarecalamitiesoftheworld,thefloodswhichsweepawaywholevillages,theearthquakeswhichswallowupourtowns,thataffectme.Myheartiswastedbythethoughtofthatdestructivepowerwhichliesconcealedineverypartofuniversalnature.Naturehasformednothingthatdoesnotconsumeitself,andeveryobjectnearit:sothat,surroundedbyearthandair,andalltheactivepowers,Iwanderonmywaywithachingheart;andtheuniverseistomeafearfulmonster,foreverdevouringitsownoffspring.

AUGUST21.

InvaindoIstretchoutmyarmstowardherwhenIawakeninthemorningfrommywearyslumbers.InvaindoIseekforheratnightinmybed,whensomeinnocentdreamhashappilydeceivedme,andplacedhernearmeinthefields,whenIhaveseizedherhandandcovereditwithcountlesskisses.AndwhenIfeelforherinthehalfconfusionofsleep,withthehappysensethatsheisnear,tearsflowfrommyoppressedheart;and,bereftofallcomfort,Iweepovermyfuturewoes.

AUGUST22.

Whatamisfortune,Wilhelm!Myactivespiritshavedegeneratedintocontentedindolence.Icannotbeidle,andyetIamunabletosettowork.Icannotthink:Ihavenolongeranyfeelingforthebeautiesof

nature,andbooksaredistastefultome.Oncewegiveourselvesup,wearetotallylost.ManyatimeandoftIwishIwereacommonlabourer;that,awakeninginthemorning,Imighthavebutoneprospect,onepursuit,onehope,forthedaywhichhasdawned.IoftenenvyAlbertwhenIseehimburiedinaheapofpapersandparchments,andIfancyIshouldbehappywereIinhisplace.OftenimpressedwiththisfeelingIhavebeenonthepointofwritingtoyouandtotheminister,fortheappointmentattheembassy,whichyouthinkImightobtain.IbelieveImightprocureit.Theministerhaslongshownaregardforme,andhasfrequentlyurgedmetoseekemployment.Itisthebusinessofanhouronly.Nowandthenthefableofthehorserecurstome.Wearyofliberty,hesufferedhimselftobesaddledandbridled,andwasriddentodeathforhispains.Iknownotwhattodetermineupon.Forisnot

thisanxietyforchangetheconsequenceofthatrestlessspiritwhichwouldpursuemeequallyineverysituationoflife?

AUGUST28.

Ifmyillswouldadmitofanycure,theywouldcertainlybecuredhere.Thisismybirthday,andearlyinthemorningIreceivedapacketfromAlbert.Uponopeningit,IfoundoneofthepinkribbonswhichCharlotteworeinherdressthefirsttimeIsawher,andwhichIhadseveraltimesaskedhertogiveme.WithitweretwovolumesinduodecimoofWetstein's"Homer,"abookIhadoftenwishedfor,tosavemetheinconvenienceofcarryingthelargeErnestineeditionwithmeuponmywalks.Youseehowtheyanticipatemywishes,howwelltheyunderstand

allthoselittleattentionsoffriendship,sosuperiortothecostlypresentsofthegreat,whicharehumiliating.Ikissedtheribbonathousandtimes,andineverybreathinhaledtheremembranceofthosehappyandirrevocabledayswhichfilledmewiththekeenestjoy.Such,Wilhelm,isourfate.Idonotmurmuratit:theflowersoflifearebutvisionary.Howmanypassaway,andleavenotracebehind--howfewyieldanyfruit--andthefruititself,howrarelydoesitripen!Andyetthereareflowersenough!andisitnotstrange,myfriend,thatweshouldsufferthelittlethatdoesreallyripen,torot,decay,andperishunenjoyed?Farewell!Thisisaglorioussummer.Ioftenclimbintothe


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treesinCharlotte'sorchard,andshakedownthepearsthathangonthehighestbranches.Shestandsbelow,andcatchesthemastheyfall.

AUGUST30.

UnhappybeingthatIam!WhydoIthusdeceivemyself?Whatistocomeofallthiswild,aimless,endlesspassion?Icannotprayexcepttoher.Myimaginationseesnothingbuther:allsurroundingobjectsareofnoaccount,exceptastheyrelatetoher.InthisdreamystateIenjoymanyhappyhours,tillatlengthIfeelcompelledtotearmyselfawayfromher.Ah,Wilhelm,towhatdoesnotmyheartoftencompelme!WhenIhavespentseveralhoursinhercompany,tillIfeelcompletelyabsorbedbyherfigure,hergrace,thedivineexpressionofherthoughts,mymindbecomesgraduallyexcitedtothehighestexcess,mysightgrowsdim,myhearingconfused,mybreathingoppressedasifbythehandofamurderer,andmybeatingheartseekstoobtainreliefformyachingsenses.IamsometimesunconsciouswhetherIreallyexist.IfinsuchmomentsIfindnosympathy,andCharlottedoesnotallowmetoenjoythemelancholyconsolationofbathingherhandwithmytears,Ifeelcompelledtotearmyselffromher,whenIeitherwanderthroughthecountry,climbsomeprecipitouscliff,orforceapaththroughthetracklessthicket,whereIamlaceratedandtornbythornsandbriers;andthenceIfindrelief.SometimesIliestretchedontheground,overcomewithfatigueanddyingwiththirst;sometimes,lateinthe

night,whenthemoonshinesaboveme,Ireclineagainstanagedtreeinsomesequesteredforest,torestmywearylimbs,when,exhaustedandworn,Isleeptillbreakofday.OWilhelm!thehermit'scell,hissackcloth,andgirdleofthornswouldbeluxuryandindulgencecomparedwithwhatIsuffer.Adieu!Iseenoendtothiswretchednessexceptthegrave.

SEPTEMBER3.

Imustaway.Thankyou,Wilhelm,fordeterminingmywaveringpurpose.ForawholefortnightIhavethoughtofleavingher.Imustaway.Shehasreturnedtotown,andisatthehouseofafriend.Andthen,Albert--yes,Imustgo.

SEPTEMBER10.

Oh,whatanight,Wilhelm!Icanhenceforthbearanything.Ishallneverseeheragain.Oh,whycannotIfallonyourneck,and,withfloodsoftearsandraptures,giveutterancetoallthepassionswhichdistractmyheart!HereIsitgaspingforbreath,andstrugglingtocomposemyself.Iwaitforday,andatsunrisethehorsesaretobeatthedoor.

Andsheissleepingcalmly,littlesuspectingthatshehasseenmeforthelasttime.Iamfree.Ihavehadthecourage,inaninterviewoftwohours'duration,nottobetraymyintention.AndOWilhelm,whataconversationitwas!

AlberthadpromisedtocometoCharlotteinthegardenimmediatelyaftersupper.Iwasupontheterraceunderthetallchestnuttrees,andwatchedthesettingsun.Isawhimsinkforthelasttimebeneaththisdelightfulvalleyandsilentstream.IhadoftenvisitedthesamespotwithCharlotte,andwitnessedthatglorioussight;andnow--Iwaswalkingupanddowntheveryavenuewhichwassodeartome.AsecretsympathyhadfrequentlydrawnmethitherbeforeIknewCharlotte;andweweredelightedwhen,inourearlyacquaintance,wediscoveredthatweeachlovedthesamespot,whichisindeedasromanticasanythatever


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captivatedthefancyofanartist.

Frombeneaththechestnuttrees,thereisanextensiveview.ButIrememberthatIhavementionedallthisinaformerletter,andhavedescribedthetallmassofbeechtreesattheend,andhowtheavenuegrowsdarkeranddarkerasitwindsitswayamongthem,tillitendsinagloomyrecess,whichhasallthecharmofamysterioussolitude.IstillrememberthestrangefeelingofmelancholywhichcameovermethefirsttimeIenteredthatdarkretreat,atbrightmidday.Ifeltsomesecretforebodingthatitwould,oneday,betomethesceneofsomehappinessormisery.

Ihadspenthalfanhourstrugglingbetweenthecontendingthoughtsofgoingandreturning,whenIheardthemcominguptheterrace.Irantomeetthem.ItrembledasItookherhand,andkissedit.Aswereachedthetopoftheterrace,themoonrosefrombehindthewoodedhill.Weconversedonmanysubjects,and,withoutperceivingit,approachedthegloomyrecess.Charlotteentered,andsatdown.Albertseatedhimselfbesideher.Ididthesame,butmyagitationdidnotsuffermetoremainlongseated.Igotup,andstoodbeforeher,thenwalkedbackwardandforward,andsatdownagain.Iwasrestlessandmiserable.Charlottedrewourattentiontothebeautifuleffectofthemoonlight,whichthrewasilverhueovertheterraceinfrontofus,beyondthebeechtrees.Itwasaglorioussight,andwasrenderedmorestrikingbythedarkness

whichsurroundedthespotwherewewere.Weremainedforsometimesilent,whenCharlotteobserved,"WheneverIwalkbymoonlight,itbringstomyremembranceallmybelovedanddepartedfriends,andIamfilledwiththoughtsofdeathandfuturity.Weshallliveagain,Werther!"shecontinued,withafirmbutfeelingvoice;"butshallweknowoneanotheragainwhatdoyouthink?whatdoyousay?"

"Charlotte,"Isaid,asItookherhandinmine,andmyeyesfilledwithtears,"weshallseeeachotheragain--hereandhereafterweshallmeetagain."Icouldsaynomore.Why,Wilhelm,shouldsheputthisquestiontome,justatthemomentwhenthefearofourcruelseparationfilledmyheart?

"Andoh!dothosedepartedonesknowhowweareemployedhere?dotheyknowwhenwearewellandhappy?dotheyknowwhenwerecalltheirmemorieswiththefondestlove?Inthesilenthourofeveningtheshadeofmymotherhoversaroundme;whenseatedinthemidstofmychildren,Iseethemassemblednearme,astheyusedtoassemblenearher;andthenIraisemyanxiouseyestoheaven,andwishshecouldlookdownuponus,andwitnesshowIfulfilthepromiseImadetoherinherlastmoments,tobeamothertoherchildren.WithwhatemotiondoIthenexclaim,'Pardon,dearestofmothers,pardonme,ifIdonotadequatelysupplyyourplace!Alas!Idomyutmost.Theyareclothedandfed;and,stillbetter,theyarelovedandeducated.Couldyoubutsee,sweetsaint!thepeaceandharmonythatdwellsamongstus,youwouldglorifyGodwiththewarmestfeelingsofgratitude,towhom,inyourlasthour,

youaddressedsuchferventprayersforourhappiness.'"Thusdidsheexpressherself;butOWilhelm!whocandojusticetoherlanguage?howcancoldandpassionlesswordsconveytheheavenlyexpressionsofthespirit?Albertinterruptedhergently."Thisaffectsyoutoodeeply,mydearCharlotte.Iknowyoursouldwellsonsuchrecollectionswithintensedelight;butIimplore--""OAlbert!"shecontinued,"Iamsureyoudonotforgettheeveningswhenwethreeusedtositatthelittleroundtable,whenpapawasabsent,andthelittleoneshadretired.Youoftenhadagoodbookwithyou,butseldomreadit;theconversationofthatnoblebeingwaspreferabletoeverything,--thatbeautiful,


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Project Gutenberg's the Sorrows of Young Werther, By J.W.

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Transcript of Project Gutenberg's the Sorrows of Young Werther, By J.W.