PREFACE

IhavecarefullycollectedwhateverIhavebeenabletolearnofthestoryofpoorWerther，andherepresentittoyou，knowingthatyouwillthankmeforit。Tohisspiritandcharacteryoucannotrefuseyouradmirationandlove：tohisfateyouwillnotdenyyourtears。

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

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——didnotemploytheirimaginationssoassiduouslyinrecallingthememoryofpastsorrow，insteadofbearingtheirpresentlotwithequanimity。BekindenoughtoinformmymotherthatIshallattendtoherbusinesstothebestofmyability，andshallgivehertheearliestinformationaboutit。Ihaveseenmyaunt，andfindthatsheisveryfarfrombeingthedisagreeablepersonourfriendsallegehertobe。Sheisalively，cheerfulwoman，withthebestofhearts。Iexplainedtohermymother’swrongswithregardtothatpartofherportionwhichhasbeenwithheldfromher。Shetoldmethemotivesandreasonsofherownconduct，andthetermsonwhichsheiswillingtogiveupthewhole，andtodomorethanwehaveasked。Inshort，Icannotwritefurtheruponthissubjectatpresent;onlyassuremymotherthatallwillgoonwell。AndIhaveagainobserved，mydearfriend，inthistriflingaffair，thatmisunderstandingsandneglectoccasionmoremischiefintheworldthanevenmaliceandwickedness。Atallevents，thetwolatterareoflessfrequentoccurrence。

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

Thetownitselfisdisagreeable;butthen，allaround，youfindaninexpressiblebeautyofnature。ThisinducedthelateCountMtolayoutagardenononeoftheslopinghillswhichhereintersecteachotherwiththemostcharmingvariety，andformthemostlovelyvalleys。Thegardenissimple;anditiseasytoperceive，evenuponyourfirstentrance，thattheplanwasnotdesignedbyascientificgardener，butbyamanwhowishedtogivehimselfupheretotheenjoymentofhisownsensitiveheart。ManyatearhaveIalreadyshedtothememoryofitsdepartedmasterinasummer-housewhichisnowreducedtoruins，butwashisfavouriteresort，andnowismine。Ishallsoonbemasteroftheplace。

Thegardenerhasbecomeattachedtomewithinthelastfewdays，andhewilllosenothingthereby。

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，asmysoulisthemirroroftheinfiniteGod！Omyfriend——butitistoomuchformystrength——Isinkundertheweightofthesplendourofthesevisions！

MAY12。

Iknownotwhethersomedeceitfulspiritshauntthisspot，orwhetheritbethewarm，celestialfancyinmyownheartwhichmakeseverythingaroundmeseemlikeparadise。Infrontofthehouseisafountain，——afountaintowhichIamboundbyacharmlikeMelusinaandhersisters。Descendingagentleslope，youcometoanarch，where，sometwentystepslowerdown，wateroftheclearestcrystalgushesfromthemarblerock。Thenarrowwallwhichenclosesitabove，thetalltreeswhichencirclethespot，andthecoolnessoftheplaceitself，——everythingimpartsapleasantbutsublimeimpression。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。Donotmentionthisagain：

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。Irandown，andlookedather。"ShallIhelpyou，prettylass？"saidI。Sheblusheddeeply。"Oh，sir！"sheexclaimed。

"Noceremony！"Ireplied。Sheadjustedherhead-gear，andI

helpedher。Shethankedme，andascendedthesteps。

MAY17。

Ihavemadeallsortsofacquaintances，buthaveasyetfoundnosociety。IknownotwhatattractionIpossessforthepeople，somanyofthemlikeme，andattachthemselvestome;andthenIfeelsorrywhentheroadwepursuetogethergoesonlyashortdistance。

Ifyouinquirewhatthepeoplearelikehere，Imustanswer，"Thesameaseverywhere。"Thehumanraceisbutamonotonousaffair。

Mostofthemlabourthegreaterpartoftheirtimeformeresubsistence;andthescantyportionoffreedomwhichremainstothemsotroublesthemthattheyuseeveryexertiontogetridofit。Oh，thedestinyofman！

Buttheyarearightgoodsortofpeople。IfIoccasionallyforgetmyself，andtakepartintheinnocentpleasureswhicharenotyetforbiddentothepeasantry，andenjoymyself，forinstance，withgenuinefreedomandsincerity，roundawell-coveredtable，orarrangeanexcursionoradanceopportunely，andsoforth，allthisproducesagoodeffectuponmydisposition;onlyImustforgetthatthereliedormantwithinmesomanyotherqualitieswhichmoulderuselessly，andwhichIamobligedtokeepcarefullyconcealed。

Ah！thisthoughtaffectsmyspiritsfearfully。Andyettobemisunderstoodisthefateofthelikeofus。

Alas，thatthefriendofmyyouthisgone！Alas，thatIeverknewher！Imightsaytomyself，"Youareadreamertoseekwhatisnottobefoundherebelow。"Butshehasbeenmine。Ihavepossessedthatheart，thatnoblesoul，inwhosepresenceIseemedtobemorethanIreallywas，becauseIwasallthatIcouldbe。

Goodheavens！didthenasinglepowerofmysoulremainunexercised？

InherpresencecouldInotdisplay，toitsfullextent，thatmysteriousfeelingwithwhichmyheartembracesnature？Wasnotourintercourseaperpetualwebofthefinestemotions，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，andwhichheobtainedleavetoinhabitafterthelossofhiswife，asitissopainfultohimtoresideintownandatthecourt。

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

MAY22。

Thatthelifeofmanisbutadream，manyamanhassurmisedheretofore;andI，too，ameverywherepursuedbythisfeeling。

WhenIconsiderthenarrowlimitswithinwhichouractiveandinquiringfacultiesareconfined;whenIseehowallourenergiesarewastedinprovidingformerenecessities，whichagainhavenofurtherendthantoprolongawretchedexistence;andthenthatalloursatisfactionconcerningcertainsubjectsofinvestigationendsinnothingbetterthanapassiveresignation，whilstweamuseourselvespaintingourprison-wallswithbrightfiguresandbrilliantlandscapes，——whenIconsiderallthis，Wilhelm，Iamsilent。

Iexaminemyownbeing，andfindthereaworld，butaworldratherofimaginationanddimdesires，thanofdistinctnessandlivingpower。Theneverythingswimsbeforemysenses，andIsmileanddreamwhilepursuingmywaythroughtheworld。

Alllearnedprofessorsanddoctorsareagreedthatchildrendonotcomprehendthecauseoftheirdesires;butthatthegrown-upshouldwanderaboutthisearthlikechildren，withoutknowingwhencetheycome，orwhithertheygo，influencedaslittlebyfixedmotives，butguidedlikethembybiscuits，sugar-plums，andtherod，——thisiswhatnobodyiswillingtoacknowledge;andyetIthinkitispalpable。

Iknowwhatyouwillsayinreply;forIamreadytoadmitthattheyarehappiest，who，likechildren，amusethemselveswiththeirplaythings，dressandundresstheirdolls，andattentivelywatchthecupboard，wheremammahaslockeduphersweetthings，and，whenatlasttheygetadeliciousmorsel，eatitgreedily，andexclaim，"More！"Thesearecertainlyhappybeings;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，byproceedingalongoneofthefootpathswhichleadoutofthevillage，youcanhaveaviewofthewholevalley。Agoodoldwomanlivesthere，whokeepsasmallinn。Shesellswine，beer，andcoffee，andischeerfulandpleasantnotwithstandingherage。Thechiefcharmofthisspotconsistsintwolinden-trees，spreadingtheirenormousbranchesoverthelittlegreenbeforethechurch，whichisentirelysurroundedbypeasants’cottages，barns，andhomesteads。Ihaveseldomseenaplacesoretiredandpeaceable;andthereoftenhavemytableandchairbroughtoutfromthelittleinn，anddrinkmycoffeethere，andreadmyHomer。Accidentbroughtmetothespotonefineafternoon，andIfounditperfectlydeserted。Everybodywasinthefieldsexceptalittleboyaboutfouryearsofage，whowassittingontheground，andheldbetweenhiskneesachildaboutsixmonthsold：hepressedittohisbosomwithbotharms，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："Mygoodyoungfriend，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：Ireturnedit，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;andshebadscarcelytimetotellmethathewasdrivingacoupleofgeesehomefromthemeadow，whenheranup，andhandedPhilipanosier-twig。Italkedalittlelongerwiththewoman，andfoundthatshewasthedaughteroftheschoolmaster，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。

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，andsettoworkarrangingsomepartofthesameploughwhichIhadlatelysketched。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;thatthispictureoffidelityandtendernesshauntsmeeverywhere;andthatmyownheart，asthoughenkindledbytheflame，glowsandburnswithinme。

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

JUNE16。

"WhydoInotwritetoyou？"Youlayclaimtolearning，andasksuchaquestion。YoushouldhaveguessedthatIamwell——thatistosay——inaword，Ihavemadeanacquaintancewhohaswonmyheart：Ihave——Iknownot。

TogiveyouaregularaccountofthemannerinwhichIhavebecomeacquaintedwiththemostamiableofwomenwouldbeadifficulttask。

Iamahappyandcontentedmortal，butapoorhistorian。

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

Somuchsimplicitywithsomuchunderstauding——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。ButI

neglectedgoing，andperhapsshouldneverhavegone，ifchancehadnotdiscoveredtomethetreasurewhichlayconcealedinthatretiredspot。Someofouryoungpeoplehadproposedgivingaballinthecountry，atwhichIconsentedtobepresent。Iofferedmyhandfortheeveningtoaprettyandagreeable，butrathercommonplace，sortofgirlfromtheimmediateneighbourhood;anditwasagreedthatIshouldengageacarriage，andcalluponCharlotte，withmypartnerandheraunt，toconveythemtotheball。Mycompanioninformedme，aswedrovealongthroughtheparktothehunting-lodge，thatIshouldmaketheacquaintanceofaverycharmingyounglady。

"Takecare，"addedtheaunt，"thatyoudonotloseyourheart。"

"Why？"saidI。"Becausesheisalreadyengagedtoaveryworthyman，"shereplied，"whoisgonetosettlehisaffairsuponthedeathofhisfather，andwillsucceedtoaveryconsiderableinheritance。"Thisinformationpossessednointerestforme。

Whenwearrivedatthegate，thesunwassettingbehindthetopsofthemountains。Theatmospherewasheavy;andtheladiesexpressedtheirfearsofanapproachingstorm，asmassesoflowblackcloudsweregatheringinthehorizon。Irelievedtheiranxietiesbypretendingtobeweather-wise，althoughImyselfhadsomeapprehensionslestourpleasureshouldbeinterrupted。

Ialighted;andamaidcametothedoor，andrequestedustowaitamomentforhermistress。Iwalkedacrossthecourttoawell-builthouse，and，ascendingtheflightofstepsinfront，openedthedoor，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，"doyouthinkIdeservethehappinessofbeingrelatedtoyou？"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，Icouldsettledownquietlyinacorner，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，playanairtowhichIhavedanced，andallgoesrightagaindirectly。"

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

ThetwoMessrs。AndranandacertainN。N。（Icannottroublemyselfwiththenames），whoweretheaunt’sandCharlotte’spartners，receivedusatthecarriage-door，andtookpossessionoftheirladies，whilstIfollowedwithmine。

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。

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，andfeltrefreshedbypartakingofsomeorangeswhichI

hadhadsecured，——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。

TothiscauseImustascribethefrightandshrieksoftheladies。

Onesagaciouslysatdowninacornerwithherbacktothewindow，andheldherfingerstoherears;asecondkneltdownbeforeher，andhidherfaceinherlap;athirdthrewherselfbetweenthem，andembracedhersisterwithathousandtears;someinsistedongoinghome;others，unconsciousoftheiractions，wantedsufficientpresenceofmindtorepresstheimpertinenceoftheiryoungpartners，whosoughttodirecttothemselvesthosesighswhichthelipsofouragitatedbeautiesintendedforheaven。Someofthegentlemenhadgonedown-stairstosmokeaquietcigar，andtherestofthecompanygladlyembracedahappysuggestionofthehostesstoretireintoanotherroomwhichwasprovidedwithshuttersandcurtains。

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。I

fanciedtheywereharderthantherest，andfeltquitedelighted。

Agenerallaughterandconfusionputanendtothegamelongbeforewehadcountedasfarasathousand。Thepartybrokeupintolittleseparateknots：thestormhadceased，andIfollowedCharlotteintotheballroom。Onthewayshesaid，"Thegamebanishedtheirfearsofthestorm。"Icouldmakenoreply。"Imyself，"shecontinued，"wasasmuchfrightenedasanyofthem;butbyaffectingcourage，tokeepupthespiritsoftheothers，Iforgotmyapprehensions。"Wewenttothewindow。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，I

should，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：I

knownotwhetheritisdayornight;thewholeworldisnothingtome。

JUNE21。

MydaysareashappyasthosereservedbyGodforhiselect;and，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，andreturnedwithoutfindingwhatIwished。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，andwhonotonlyenjoyshismeal，butrememberswithdelightthehappydaysandsunnymorningswhenheplantedit，thesofteveningswhenhewateredit，andthepleasureheexperiencedinwatchingitsdailygrowth。

JUNE29。

Thedaybeforeyesterday，thephysiciancamefromthetowntopayavisittothejudge。HefoundmeonthefloorplayingwithCharlotte’schildren。Someofthemwerescramblingoverme，andothersrompedwithme;and，asIcaughtandtickledthem，theymadeagreatnoise。Thedoctorisaformalsortofpersonage：headjuststheplaitsofhisruffles，andcontinuallysettleshisfrillwhilstheistalkingtoyou;andhethoughtmyconductbeneaththedignityofasensibleman。Icouldperceivethisbyhiscountenance。ButIdidnotsuffermyselftobedisturbed。I

allowedhimtocontinuehiswiseconversation，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！fromtheheightofthyheaventhoubeholdestgreatchildrenandlittlechildren，andnoothers;andthySonhaslongsincedeclaredwhichaffordtheegreatestpleasure。Buttheybelieveinhim，andhearhimnot，——that，too，isanoldstory;

andtheytraintheirchildrenaftertheirownimage，etc。

Adieu，Wilhelm：Iwillnotfurtherbewildermyselfwiththissubject。

JULY1。

TheconsolationCharlottecanbringtoaninvalidIexperiencefrommyownheart，whichsuffersmorefromherabsencethanmanyapoorcreaturelingeringonabedofsickness。Sheisgonetospendafewdaysinthetownwithaveryworthywoman，whoisgivenoverbythephysicians，andwishestohaveCharlottenearherinherlastmoments。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;howshetoldhimofhealthyyoungpeople，whohadbeencarriedoffwhenitwasleastexpected;praisedthevirtuesofCarlsbad，andcommendedhisdeterminationtospendtheensuingsummerthere;andassuredhimthathelookedbetterandstrongerthanhedidwhenshesawhimlast。I，inthemeantime，paidattentiontohisgoodlady。Theoldmanseemedquiteinspirits;andasIcouldnothelpadmiringthebeautyofthewalnut-trees，whichformedsuchanagreeableshadeoverourheads，hebegan，thoughwithsomelittledifficulty，totellustheirhistory。"Astotheoldest，"saidhe，"wedonotknowwhoplantedit，——somesayoneclergyman，andsomeanother：

buttheyoungerone，therebehindus，isexactlytheageofmywife，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，andremindmethatIwastalkingtoomuchtoFrederica。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，"wecannotalwayscommandourtempers，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。"Fredericalistenedveryattentively：andtheyoungmanobjected，thatwewerenotmastersofourselves，andstilllesssoofourfeelings。"Thequestionisaboutadisagreeablefeeling，"Iadded，"fromwhicheveryonewouldwillinglyescape，butnoneknowtheirownpowerwithouttrial。Invalidsaregladtoconsultphysicians，andsubmittothemostscrupulousregimen，themostnauseousmedicines，inordertorecovertheirhealth。"

Iobservedthatthegoodoldmaninclinedhishead，andexertedhimselftohearourdiscourse;soIraisedmyvoice，andaddressedmyselfdirectlytohim。Wepreachagainstagreatmanycrimes，"

Iobserved，"butIneverrememberasermondeliveredagainstill-humour。""Thatmaydoverywellforyourtownclergymen，"

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;sheobservedtheemotionwithwhichI

spoke：andatearintheeyesofFredericastimulatedmetoproceed。

"Woeuntothose，"Isaid，"whousetheirpoweroverahumanhearttodestroythesimplepleasuresitwouldnaturallyenjoy！Allthefavours，alltheattentions，intheworldcannotcompensateforthelossofthathappinesswhichacrueltyrannyhasdestroyed。"

MyheartwasfullasIspoke。Arecollectionofmanythingswhichhadhappenedpresseduponmymind，andfilledmyeyeswithtears。

"Weshoulddailyrepeattoourselves，"Iexclaimed，"thatweshouldnotinterferewithourfriends，unlesstoleavetheminpossessionoftheirownjoys，andincreasetheirhappinessbysharingitwiththem！Butwhentheirsoulsaretormentedbyaviolentpassion，ortheirheartsrentwithgrief，isitinyourpowertoaffordthemtheslightestconsolation？

"Andwhenthelastfatalmaladyseizesthebeingwhoseuntimelygraveyouhaveprepared，whenshelieslanguidandexhaustedbeforeyou，herdimeyesraisedtoheaven，andthedampofdeathuponherpallidbrow，thereyoustandatherbedsidelikeacondemnedcriminal，withthebitterfeelingthatyourwholefortunecouldnotsaveher;andtheagonisingthoughtwringsyou，thatallyoureffortsarepowerlesstoimpartevenamoment’sstrengthtothedepartingsoul，orquickenherwithatransitoryconsolation。"

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：Ihavepassedtheewithcarelesssteps，andscarcelybestowedaglanceuponthee。"I

lookeddown，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，becausehewasamanofunderstanding。ButwhatamistakeImade。HemaintaineditwasverywrongofCharlotte，thatweshouldnotdeceivechildren，thatsuchthingsoccasionedcountlessmistakesandsuperstitions，fromwhichwewereboundtoprotecttheyoung。Itoccurredtomethen，thatthisverymanhadbeenbaptisedonlyaweekbefore;soIsaidnothingfurther，butmaintainedthejusticeofmyownconvictions。WeshoulddealwithchildrenasGoddealswithus，wearehappiestundertheinfluenceofinnocentdelusions。

【推荐阅读】幽幽深宫，醒来一梦似千年，重生于下堂妃身躯中的她，将如何手刃仇人? 点击阅读