8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
1/79
TheProjectGutenbergEBookofTheSorrowsofYoungWertherbyJohannWolfgangvonGoethe#31inourseriesbyJohannWolfgangvonGoethe
Copyrightlawsarechangingallovertheworld.BesuretocheckthecopyrightlawsforyourcountrybeforedownloadingorredistributingthisoranyotherProjectGutenbergeBook.
ThisheadershouldbethefirstthingseenwhenviewingthisProjectGutenbergfile.Pleasedonotremoveit.Donotchangeoredittheheaderwithoutwrittenpermission.
Pleasereadthe"legalsmallprint,"andotherinformationabouttheeBookandProjectGutenbergatthebottomofthisfile.Includedisimportantinformationaboutyourspecificrightsandrestrictionsinhowthefilemaybeused.YoucanalsofindoutabouthowtomakeadonationtoProjectGutenberg,andhowtogetinvolved.
**WelcomeToTheWorldofFreePlainVanillaElectronicTexts**
**eBooksReadableByBothHumansandByComputers,Since1971**
*****TheseeBooksWerePreparedByThousandsofVolunteers!*****
Title:TheSorrowsofYoungWerther
Author:JohannWolfgangvonGoethe
ReleaseDate:February,2001[EBook#2527][ThisfilewaslastupdatedonApril13,2003]
Edition:11
Language:English
Charactersetencoding:ASCII
***STARTOFTHEPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKTHESORROWSOFYOUNGWERTHER***
ScanningandfirsteditbyMichaelPotterOCRwithCaereOmniPageLimitedEdition2ndeditingbyIrenePottermikeandirene@nomopot.net
TheSorrowsofYoungWertherbyJ.W.vonGoetheTranslatedbyR.D.BoylanEditedbyNathenHaskellDole
TheSorrowsofYoungWerther
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
2/79
PREFACE
IhavecarefullycollectedwhateverIhavebeenabletolearnofthestoryofpoorWerther,andherepresentittoyou,knowingthatyouwillthankmeforit.Tohisspiritandcharacteryoucannotrefuseyouradmirationandlove:tohisfateyouwillnotdenyyourtears.
Andthou,goodsoul,whosufferestthesamedistressasheenduredonce,drawcomfortfromhissorrows;andletthislittlebookbethyfriend,if,owingtofortuneorthroughthineownfault,thoucanstnotfindadearercompanion.
BOOKI
MAY4.
HowhappyIamthatIamgone!Mydearfriend,whatathingistheheartofman!Toleaveyou,fromwhomIhavebeeninseparable,whomIlovesodearly,andyettofeelhappy!Iknowyouwill
forgiveme.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,andtheyoungspringcheerswithitsbounteouspromisesmyoftentimesmisgiving
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
3/79
heart.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,my
dearfriend,soabsorbedintheexquisitesenseofmeretranquilexistence,thatIneglectmytalents.Ishouldbeincapableofdrawingasinglestrokeatthepresentmoment;andyetIfeelthatIneverwasagreaterartistthannow.When,whilethelovelyvalleyteemswithvapouraroundme,andthemeridiansunstrikestheuppersurfaceoftheimpenetrablefoliageofmytrees,andbutafewstraygleamsstealintotheinnersanctuary,Ithrowmyselfdownamongthetallgrassbythetricklingstream;and,asIlieclosetotheearth,athousandunknownplantsarenoticedbyme:whenIhearthebuzzofthelittleworldamongthestalks,andgrowfamiliarwiththecountlessindescribableformsoftheinsectsandflies,thenIfeelthepresenceoftheAlmighty,whoformedusinhisownimage,andthebreathofthatuniversallovewhichbearsandsustainsus,asitfloatsaround
usinaneternityofbliss;andthen,myfriend,whendarknessoverspreadsmyeyes,andheavenandearthseemtodwellinmysoulandabsorbitspower,liketheformofabelovedmistress,thenIoftenthinkwithlonging,Oh,wouldIcoulddescribetheseconceptions,couldimpressuponpaperallthatislivingsofullandwarmwithinme,thatitmightbethemirrorofmysoul,asmysoulisthemirroroftheinfiniteGod!Omyfriend--butitistoomuchformystrength--Isinkundertheweightofthesplendourofthesevisions!
MAY12.
Iknownotwhethersomedeceitfulspiritshauntthisspot,orwhetheritbethewarm,celestialfancyinmyownheartwhich
makeseverythingaroundmeseemlikeparadise.Infrontofthehouseisafountain,--afountaintowhichIamboundbyacharmlikeMelusinaandhersisters.Descendingagentleslope,youcometoanarch,where,sometwentystepslowerdown,wateroftheclearestcrystalgushesfromthemarblerock.Thenarrowwallwhichenclosesitabove,thetalltreeswhichencirclethespot,andthecoolnessoftheplaceitself,--everythingimpartsapleasantbutsublimeimpression.NotadaypassesonwhichIdonotspendanhourthere.Theyoungmaidenscomefromthetowntofetchwater,--innocentandnecessaryemployment,andformerlytheoccupationof
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
4/79
thedaughtersofkings.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,andIhelpedher.Shethankedme,andascendedthesteps.
MAY17.
Ihavemadeallsortsofacquaintances,buthaveasyetfoundnosociety.IknownotwhatattractionIpossessforthepeople,somanyofthemlikeme,andattachthemselvestome;andthenIfeelsorrywhentheroadwepursuetogethergoesonlyashortdistance.Ifyouinquirewhatthepeoplearelikehere,Imustanswer,"Thesameaseverywhere."Thehumanraceisbutamonotonousaffair.Mostofthemlabourthegreaterpartoftheirtimeformeresubsistence;andthescantyportionoffreedomwhichremainsto
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
5/79
themsotroublesthemthattheyuseeveryexertiontogetridofit.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:heassuredmehehadread
throughthefirstpartofSultzer'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.
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
6/79
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,andattentivelywatch
thecupboard,wheremammahaslockeduphersweetthings,and,whenatlasttheygetadeliciousmorsel,eatitgreedily,andexclaim,"More!"Thesearecertainlyhappybeings;butothersalsoareobjectsofenvy,whodignifytheirpaltryemployments,andsometimeseventheirpassions,withpompoustitles,representingthemtomankindasgiganticachievementsperformedfortheirwelfareandglory.Butthemanwhohumblyacknowledgesthevanityofallthis,whoobserveswithwhatpleasurethethrivingcitizenconvertshislittlegardenintoaparadise,andhowpatientlyeventhepoormanpursueshiswearywayunderhisburden,andhowallwishequallytobeholdthelightofthesunalittlelonger,--yes,suchamanisatpeace,andcreateshisownworldwithinhimself;andheisalsohappy,becauseheisaman.Andthen,howeverlimitedhis
sphere,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,anddrinkmy
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
7/79
coffeethere,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,Iwillillustrate
thisbyananalogy.Thesethingsresemblelove.Awarmheartedyouthbecomesstronglyattachedtoamaiden:hespendseveryhourofthedayinhercompany,wearsouthishealth,andlavisheshisfortune,toaffordcontinualproofthatheiswhollydevotedtoher.Thencomesamanoftheworld,amanofplaceandrespectability,andaddresseshimthus:"Mygoodyoungfriend,loveisnatural;butyoumustlovewithinbounds.Divideyourtime:devoteaportiontobusiness,andgivethehoursofrecreationtoyourmistress.Calculateyourfortune;andoutofthesuperfluityyoumaymakeherapresent,onlynottoooften,--onherbirthday,andsuchoccasions."Pursuingthisadvice,hemaybecomeausefulmemberofsociety,andIshouldadviseeveryprincetogivehimanappointment;butitisallupwithhislove,andwithhisgenius
ifhebeanartist.Omyfriend!whyisitthatthetorrentofgeniussoseldomburstsforth,soseldomrollsinfull-flowingstream,overwhelmingyourastoundedsoul?Because,oneithersideofthisstream,coldandrespectablepersonshavetakenuptheirabodes,and,forsooth,theirsummer-housesandtulip-bedswouldsufferfromthetorrent;whereforetheydigtrenches,andraiseembankmentsbetimes,inordertoaverttheimpendingdanger.
MAY27.
IfindIhavefallenintoraptures,declamation,andsimiles,andhaveforgotten,inconsequence,totellyouwhatbecameofthechildren.Absorbedinmyartisticcontemplations,whichIbriefly
describedinmyletterofyesterday,Icontinuedsittingontheploughfortwohours.Towardeveningayoungwoman,withabasketonherarm,camerunningtowardthechildren,whohadnotmovedallthattime.Sheexclaimedfromadistance,"Youareagoodboy,Philip!"Shegavemegreeting:Ireturnedit,rose,andapproachedher.Iinquiredifshewerethemotherofthoseprettychildren."Yes,"shesaid;and,givingtheeldestapieceofbread,shetookthelittleoneinherarmsandkisseditwithamother'stenderness."IleftmychildinPhilip'scare,"shesaid,"whilstIwentintothetownwithmyeldestboytobuysomewheaten
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
8/79
bread,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;and
eachgetsalumpofsugarwhenIdrinkmycoffee,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,inquiredabouthis
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
9/79
circumstances,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,unitedwithsomuch
purity.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.
Somuchsimplicitywithsomuchunderstanding--somild,andyetsoresolute--amindsoplacid,andalifesoactive.
Butallthisisuglybalderdash,whichexpressesnotasinglecharacternorfeature.Someothertime--butno,notsomeothertime,now,thisveryinstant,willItellyouallaboutit.Nowornever.Well,betweenourselves,sinceIcommencedmyletter,Ihavebeenthreetimesonthepointofthrowingdownmypen,oforderingmyhorse,andridingout.AndyetIvowedthismorning
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
10/79
thatIwouldnotrideto-day,andyeteverymomentIamrushingtothewindowtoseehowhighthesunis.
Icouldnotrestrainmyself--gotoherImust.Ihavejustreturned,Wilhelm;andwhilstIamtakingsupperIwillwritetoyou.Whatadelightitwasformysoultoseeherinthemidstofherdear,beautifulchildren,--eightbrothersandsisters!
But,ifIproceedthus,youwillbenowiserattheendofmyletterthanyouwereatthebeginning.Attend,then,andIwillcompelmyselftogiveyouthedetails.
ImentionedtoyoutheotherdaythatIhadbecomeacquaintedwithS--,thedistrictjudge,andthathehadinvitedmetogoandvisithiminhisretirement,orratherinhislittlekingdom.ButIneglectedgoing,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,retiredto
thecourtyardtoseethestrangers,andtosurveythecarriageinwhichtheirCharlottewastodriveaway."Prayforgivemeforgivingyouthetroubletocomeforme,andforkeepingtheladieswaiting:butdressing,andarrangingsomehouseholddutiesbeforeIleave,hadmademeforgetmychildren'ssupper;andtheydonotliketotakeitfromanyonebutme."Iutteredsomeindifferentcompliment:butmywholesoulwasabsorbedbyherair,hervoice,hermanner;andIhadscarcelyrecoveredmyselfwhensheranintoherroomtofetchherglovesandfan.Theyoungonesthrewinquiringglancesatmefromadistance;whilstIapproachedtheyoungest,
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
11/79
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;whichtheeldestdidwithallthe
tendernessofayouthoffifteen,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,whosestoriestouch
mewithinterest,fromresemblingmyownhomelyexistence,--which,withoutbeingabsolutelyparadise,is,onthewhole,asourceofindescribablehappiness."
Iendeavouredtoconcealtheemotionwhichthesewordsoccasioned,butitwasofslightavail;for,whenshehadexpressedsotrulyheropinionof"TheVicarofWakefield,"andofotherworks,thenamesofwhichIomit(Thoughthenamesareomitted,yettheauthorsmentioneddeserveCharlotte'sapprobation,andwillfeelitintheirheartswhentheyreadthispassage.Itconcernsnoother
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
12/79
person.),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,delightedourselveswiththeusual
gracefulmotionsofthearms.Withwhatgrace,withwhatease,shemoved!Whenthewaltzcommenced,andthedancerswhirledaroundeachotherinthegiddymaze,therewassomeconfusion,owingtotheincapacityofsomeofthedancers.Wejudiciouslyremainedstill,allowingtheotherstowearythemselves;and,whentheawkwarddancershadwithdrawn,wejoinedin,andkeptitupfamouslytogetherwithoneothercouple,--Andranandhispartner.NeverdidIdancemorelightly.Ifeltmyselfmorethanmortal,holdingthisloveliestofcreaturesinmyarms,flying,withherasrapidlyasthewind,tillIlostsightofeveryotherobject;
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
13/79
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,Iperceivedshelookedsomewhat
pensive."WhyneedIconcealitfromyou?"shesaid,asshegavemeherhandforthepromenade."Albertisaworthyman,towhomIamengaged."Now,therewasnothingnewtomeinthis(forthegirlshadtoldmeofitontheway);butitwassofarnewthatIhadnotthoughtofitinconnectionwithherwhom,insoshortatime,Ihadlearnedtoprizesohighly.Enough,Ibecameconfused,gotoutinthefigure,andoccasionedgeneralconfusion;sothatitrequiredallCharlotte'spresenceofmindtosetmerightbypullingandpushingmeintomyproperplace.
Thedancewasnotyetfinishedwhenthelightningwhichhadforsometimebeenseeninthehorizon,andwhichIhadassertedtoproceedentirelyfromheat,grewmoreviolent;andthethunderwas
heardabovethemusic.Whenanydistressorterrorsurprisesusinthemidstofouramusements,itnaturallymakesadeeperimpressionthanatothertimes,eitherbecausethecontrastmakesusmorekeenlysusceptible,orratherperhapsbecauseoursensesarethenmoreopentoimpressions,andtheshockisconsequentlystronger.TothiscauseImustascribethefrightandshrieksoftheladies.Onesagaciouslysatdowninacornerwithherbacktothewindow,andheldherfingerstoherears;asecondkneltdownbeforeher,andhidherfaceinherlap;athirdthrewherselfbetweenthem,andembracedhersisterwithathousandtears;someinsistedongoinghome;others,unconsciousoftheiractions,wantedsufficientpresenceofmindtorepresstheimpertinenceoftheiryoungpartners,whosoughttodirecttothemselvesthosesighswhichthelipsof
ouragitatedbeautiesintendedforheaven.Someofthegentlemenhadgonedown-stairstosmokeaquietcigar,andtherestofthecompanygladlyembracedahappysuggestionofthehostesstoretireintoanotherroomwhichwasprovidedwithshuttersandcurtains.Wehadhardlygotthere,whenCharlotteplacedthechairsinacircle;and,whenthecompanyhadsatdownincompliancewithherrequest,sheforthwithproposedaroundgame.
Inoticedsomeofthecompanypreparetheirmouthsanddrawthemselvesupattheprospectofsomeagreeableforfeit."Letus
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
14/79
playatcounting,"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."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.Ileftheraskingpermissiontovisit
herinthecourseoftheday.Sheconsented,andIwent,and,sincethattime,sun,moon,andstarsmaypursuetheircourse:Iknownotwhetheritisdayornight;thewholeworldisnothingtome.
JUNE21.
MydaysareashappyasthosereservedbyGodforhiselect;and,whateverbemyfatehereafter,IcanneversaythatIhavenottastedjoy,--thepurestjoyoflife.YouknowWalheim.Iam
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
15/79
nowcompletelysettledthere.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.Adimvastnessisspreadbeforeour
souls: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,but
rememberswithdelightthehappydaysandsunnymorningswhenheplantedit,thesofteveningswhenhewateredit,andthepleasureheexperiencedinwatchingitsdailygrowth.
JUNE29.
Thedaybeforeyesterday,thephysiciancamefromthetowntopayavisittothejudge.HefoundmeonthefloorplayingwithCharlotte'schildren.Someofthemwerescramblingoverme,andothersrompedwithme;and,asIcaughtandtickledthem,they
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
16/79
madeagreatnoise.Thedoctorisaformalsortofpersonage: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?Whencecomes
ourexclusiveright?Isitbecauseweareolderandmoreexperienced?GreatGod!fromtheheightofthyheaventhoubeholdestgreatchildrenandlittlechildren,andnoothers;andthySonhaslongsincedeclaredwhichaffordtheegreatestpleasure.Buttheybelieveinhim,andhearhimnot,--that,too,isanoldstory;andtheytraintheirchildrenaftertheirownimage,etc.
Adieu,Wilhelm:Iwillnotfurtherbewildermyselfwiththissubject.
JULY1.
TheconsolationCharlottecanbringtoaninvalidIexperiencefrommyownheart,whichsuffersmorefromherabsencethanmany
apoorcreaturelingeringonabedofsickness.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,whichformedsuchanagreeable
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
17/79
shadeoverourheads,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,theconversationturned
onthejoysandsorrowsoftheworld,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,Ithink
verymuchdependsuponourselves;Iknowitissowithme.Whenanythingannoysme,anddisturbsmytemper,Ihastenintothegarden,humacoupleofcountrydances,anditisallrightwithmedirectly.""ThatiswhatImeant,"Ireplied;"ill-humourresemblesindolence:itisnaturaltous;butifoncewehavecouragetoexertourselves,wefindourworkrunfreshfromourhands,andweexperienceintheactivityfromwhichweshrankarealenjoyment."Fredericalistenedveryattentively:andtheyoungmanobjected,thatwewerenotmastersofourselves,andstilllesssoofourfeelings."Thequestionisaboutadisagreeable
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
18/79
feeling,"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;sheobservedtheemotionwithwhichIspoke: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."
AtthesewordstheremembranceofasimilarsceneatwhichIhad
beenoncepresentfellwithfullforceuponmyheart.Iburiedmyfaceinmyhandkerchief,andhastenedfromtheroom,andwasonlyrecalledtomyrecollectionbyCharlotte'svoice,whoremindedmethatitwastimetoreturnhome.WithwhattendernessshechidmeonthewayforthetooeagerinterestItookineverything!Shedeclareditwoulddomeinjury,andthatIoughttosparemyself.Yes,myangel!Iwilldosoforyoursake.
JULY6.
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
19/79
Sheisstillwithherdyingfriend,andisstillthesamebright,beautifulcreaturewhosepresencesoftenspain,andshedshappinessaroundwhicheverwaysheturns.Shewentoutyesterdaywithherlittlesisters:Iknewit,andwenttomeetthem;andwewalkedtogether.Inaboutanhourandahalfwereturnedtothetown.WestoppedatthespringIamsofondof,andwhichisnowathousandtimesdearertomethanever.Charlotteseatedherselfuponthelowwall,andwegatheredabouther.Ilookedaround,andrecalledthetimewhenmyheartwasunoccupiedandfree."Dearfountain!"Isaid,"sincethattimeIhavenomorecometoenjoycoolreposebythyfreshstream:Ihavepassedtheewithcarelesssteps,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,andleadingherdownthe
stepsagain,"itisnomatter:washyourselfquicklyinthefreshwater."Istoodandwatchedthem;andwhenIsawthelittledearrubbinghercheekswithherwethands,infullbeliefthatalltheimpuritiescontractedfrommyuglybeardwouldbewashedoffbythemiraculouswater,andhow,thoughCharlottesaiditwoulddo,shecontinuedstilltowashwithallhermight,asthoughshethoughttoomuchwerebetterthantoolittle,Iassureyou,Wilhelm,Ineverattendedabaptismwithgreaterreverence;and,whenCharlottecameupfromthewell,IcouldhaveprostratedmyselfasbeforetheprophetofanEasternnation.
IntheeveningIwouldnotresisttellingthestorytoapersonwho,Ithought,possessedsomenaturalfeeling,becausehewasa
manofunderstanding.ButwhatamistakeImade.HemaintaineditwasverywrongofCharlotte,thatweshouldnotdeceivechildren,thatsuchthingsoccasionedcountlessmistakesandsuperstitions,fromwhichwewereboundtoprotecttheyoung.Itoccurredtomethen,thatthisverymanhadbeenbaptisedonlyaweekbefore;soIsaidnothingfurther,butmaintainedthejusticeofmyownconvictions.WeshoulddealwithchildrenasGoddealswithus,wearehappiestundertheinfluenceofinnocentdelusions.
JULY8.
Whatachildismanthatheshouldbesosolicitousaboutalook!Whatachildisman!WehadbeentoWalheim:theladieswentin
acarriage;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.
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
20/79
Thecarriagedroveoff;andmyeyesfilledwithtears.Ilookedafterher:suddenlyIsawCharlotte'sbonnetleaningoutofthewindow,andsheturnedtolookback,wasitatme?Mydearfriend,Iknownot;andinthisuncertaintyIfindconsolation.Perhapssheturnedtolookatme.Perhaps!Good-night--whatachildIam!
JULY10.
YoushouldseehowfoolishIlookincompanywhenhernameismentioned,particularlywhenIamaskedplainlyhowIlikeher.HowIlikeher!Idetestthephrase.WhatsortofcreaturemusthebewhomerelylikedCharlotte,whosewholeheartandsenseswerenotentirelyabsorbedbyher.Likeher!SomeoneaskedmelatelyhowIlikedOssian.
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,and
shouldhavebeencontenttomeetmyeternalJudgewithoutthisconfession,ifshe,uponwhomthemanagementofyourestablishmentwilldevolveaftermydecease,wouldbefreefromembarrassmentuponyourinsistingthattheallowancemadetome,yourformerwife,wassufficient."
ItalkedwithCharlotteoftheinconceivablemannerinwhichmenallowthemselvestobeblinded;howanyonecouldavoidsuspectingsomedeception,whensevenflorinsonlywereallowedtodefrayexpensestwiceasgreat.ButIhavemyselfknownpeoplewhobelieved,withoutanyvisibleastonishment,thattheirhousepossessedtheprophet'snever-failingcruseofoil.
JULY13.
No,Iamnotdeceived.InherdarkeyesIreadagenuineinterestinmeandinmyfortunes.Yes,Ifeelit;andImaybelievemyownheartwhichtellsme--dareIsayit?--dareIpronouncethedivinewords?--thatshelovesme!
Thatshelovesme!Howtheideaexaltsmeinmyowneyes!And,asyoucanunderstandmyfeelings,Imaysaytoyou,howIhonourmyselfsinceshelovesme!
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
21/79
Isthispresumption,orisitaconsciousnessofthetruth?IdonotknowamanabletosupplantmeintheheartofCharlotte;andyetwhenshespeaksofherbetrothedwithsomuchwarmthandaffection,Ifeellikethesoldierwhohasbeenstrippedofhishonoursandtitles,anddeprivedofhissword.
JULY16.
HowmyheartbeatswhenbyaccidentItouchherfinger,ormyfeetmeethersunderthetable!Idrawbackasiffromafurnace;butasecretforceimpelsmeforwardagain,andmysensesbecomedisordered.Herinnocent,unconsciousheartneverknowswhatagonytheselittlefamiliaritiesinflictuponme.SometimeswhenwearetalkingsheIaysherhanduponmine,andintheeagernessofconversationcomesclosertome,andherbalmybreathreachesmylips,--whenIfeelasiflightninghadstruckme,andthatIcouldsinkintotheearth.Andyet,Wilhelm,withallthisheavenlyconfidence,--ifIknowmyself,andshouldeverdare--youunderstandme.No,no!myheartisnotsocorrupt,itisweak,weakenoughbutisnotthatadegreeofcorruption?
Sheistomeasacredbeing.Allpassionisstillinherpresence:IcannotexpressmysensationswhenIamnearher.Ifeelasif
mysoulbeatineverynerveofmybody.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.IwaspreventedbycompanyfromwhichIcouldnotdisengagemyself.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?
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
22/79
JULY19.
"Ishallseehertoday!"Iexclaimwithdelight,whenIriseinthemorning,andlookoutwithgladnessofheartatthebright,beautifulsun."Ishallseehertoday!"AndthenIhavenofurtherwishtoform:all,allisincludedinthatonethought.
JULY20.
IcannotassenttoyourproposalthatIshouldaccompanytheambassadorto_______.Idonotlovesubordination;andweallknowthatheisarough,disagreeablepersontobeconnectedwith.Yousaymymotherwishesmetobeemployed.Icouldnothelplaughingatthat.AmInotsufficientlyemployed?Andisitnotinrealitythesame,whetherIshellpeasorcountlentils?Theworldrunsonfromonefollytoanother;andthemanwho,solelyfromregardtotheopinionofothers,andwithoutanywishornecessityofhisown,toilsaftergold,honour,oranyotherphantom,isnobetterthanafool.
JULY24.
Youinsistsomuchonmynotneglectingmydrawing,thatitwouldbeaswellformetosaynothingastoconfesshowlittleIhave
latelydone.
Ineverfelthappier,Ineverunderstoodnaturebetter,evendowntotheverieststemorsmallestbladeofgrass;andyetIamunabletoexpressmyself:mypowersofexecutionaresoweak,everythingseemstoswimandfloatbeforeme,sothatIcannotmakeaclear,boldoutline.ButIfancyIshouldsucceedbetterifIhadsomeclayorwaxtomodel.Ishalltry,ifthisstateofmindcontinuesmuchlonger,andwilltaketomodelling,ifIonlykneaddough.
IhavecommencedCharlotte'sportraitthreetimes,andhaveasoftendisgracedmyself.Thisisthemoreannoying,asIwas
formerlyveryhappyintakinglikenesses.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.I
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
23/79
amwithinthecharmedatmosphere,andsoonfindmyselfatherside.Mygrandmotherusedtotellusastoryofamountainofloadstone.Whenanyvesselscamenearit,theywereinstantlydeprivedoftheirironwork:thenailsflewtothemountain,andtheunhappycrewperishedamidstthedisjointedplanks.
JULY30.
Albertisarrived,andImusttakemydeparture.Werehethebestandnoblestofmen,andIineveryrespecthisinferior,Icouldnotenduretoseehiminpossessionofsuchaperfectbeing.Possession!--enough,Wilhelm:herbetrothedishere,--afine,worthyfellow,whomonecannothelpliking.FortunatelyIwasnotpresentattheirmeeting.Itwouldhavebrokenmyheart!Andheissoconsiderate:hehasnotgivenCharlotteonekissinmypresence.Heavenrewardhimforit!Imustlovehimfortherespectwithwhichhetreatsher.Heshowsaregardforme,butforthisIsuspectIammoreindebtedtoCharlottethantohisownfancyforme.Womenhaveadelicatetactinsuchmatters,anditshouldbeso.Theycannotalwayssucceedinkeepingtworivalsontermswitheachother;but,whentheydo,theyaretheonlygainers.
IcannothelpesteemingAlbert.Thecoolnessofhistempercontrasts
stronglywiththeimpetuosityofmine,whichIcannotconceal.Hehasagreatdealoffeeling,andisfullysensibleofthetreasurehepossessesinCharlotte.Heisfreefromill-humour,whichyouknowisthefaultIdetestmost.
Heregardsmeasamanofsense;andmyattachmenttoCharlotte,andtheinterestItakeinallthatconcernsher,augmenthistriumphandhislove.Ishallnotinquirewhetherhemaynotattimesteaseherwithsomelittlejealousies;asIknow,that,wereIinhisplace,Ishouldnotbeentirelyfreefromsuchsensations.
But,bethatasitmay,mypleasurewithCharlotteisover.Callitfollyorinfatuation,whatsignifiesaname?Thethingspeaks
foritself.BeforeAlbertcame,IknewallthatIknownow.IknewIcouldmakenopretensionstoher,nordidIofferany,thatis,asfarasitwaspossible,inthepresenceofsomuchloveliness,nottopantforitsenjoyment.Andnow,beholdmelikeasillyfellow,staringwithastonishmentwhenanothercomesin,anddeprivesmeofmylove.
Ibitemylips,andfeelinfinitescornforthosewhotellmetoberesigned,becausethereisnohelpforit.Letmeescapefromtheyokeofsuchsillysubterfuges!Iramblethroughthewoods;andwhenIreturntoCharlotte,andfindAlbertsittingbyhersideinthesummer-houseinthegarden,Iamunabletobearit,behavelikeafool,andcommitathousandextravagances."For
Heaven'ssake,"saidCharlottetoday,"letushavenomoresceneslikethoseoflastnight!Youterrifymewhenyouaresoviolent."Betweenourselves,Iamalwaysawaynowwhenhevisitsher:andIfeeldelightedwhenIfindheralone.
AUGUST8.
Believeme,dearWilhelm,IdidnotalludetoyouwhenIspokesoseverelyofthosewhoadviseresignationtoinevitablefate.Ididnotthinkitpossibleforyoutoindulgesuchasentiment.
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
24/79
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,"Whowouldnotprefertheamputationofanarmtotheperilingoflifebydoubtandprocrastination!"ButIknownotifIamright,and
letusleavethesecomparisons.
Enough!Therearemoments,Wilhelm,whenIcouldriseupandshakeitalloff,andwhen,ifIonlyknewwheretogo,Icouldflyfromthisplace.
THESAMEEVENING.
Mydiary,whichIhaveforsometimeneglected,camebeforemetoday;andIamamazedtoseehowdeliberatelyIhaveentangledmyselfstepbystep.Tohaveseenmypositionsoclearly,andyettohaveactedsolikeachild!EvenstillIbeholdtheresultplainly,andyethavenothoughtofactingwithgreater
prudence.
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;howeverymomentofhertimewasdevotedtosomelabouroflovein
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
25/79
theirbehalf,--andyethermirthandcheerfulnesshadneverforsakenher.Iwalkbyhisside,pluckflowersbytheway,arrangethemcarefullyintoanosegay,thenflingthemintothefirststreamIpass,andwatchthemastheyfloatgentlyaway.IforgetwhetherItoldyouthatAlbertistoremainhere.Hehasreceivedagovernmentappointment,withaverygoodsalary;andIunderstandheisinhighfavouratcourt.Ihavemetfewpersonssopunctualandmethodicalinbusiness.
AUGUST12.
CertainlyAlbertisthebestfellowintheworld.Ihadastrangescenewithhimyesterday.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,doing
nothing,whenitoccurredtomeIdonotknowhowthatthehousemightbeattacked,thatwemightrequirethepistols,thatwemightinshort,youknowhowwegoonfancying,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-evidentthateveryuniversalrule
musthaveitsexceptions.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.
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
26/79
"Butstill,mygoodfriend,"Icontinued,"therearesomeexceptionsheretoo.Theftisacrime;butthemanwhocommitsitfromextremepoverty,withnodesignbuttosavehisfamilyfromperishing,isheanobjectofpity,orofpunishment?Whoshallthrowthefirststoneatahusband,who,intheheatofjustresentment,sacrificeshisfaithlesswifeandherperfidiousseducer?orattheyoungmaiden,who,inherweakhourofrapture,forgetsherselfintheimpetuousjoysoflove?Evenourlaws,coldandcruelastheyare,relentinsuchcases,andwithholdtheirpunishment."
"Thatisquiteanotherthing,"saidAlbert;"becauseamanundertheinfluenceofviolentpassionlosesallpowerofreflection,andisregardedasintoxicatedorinsane."
"Oh!youpeopleofsoundunderstandings,"Ireplied,smiling,"areeverreadytoexclaim'Extravagance,andmadness,andintoxication!'Youmoralmenaresocalmandsosubdued!Youabhorthedrunkenman,anddetesttheextravagant;youpassby,liketheLevite,andthankGod,likethePharisee,thatyouarenotlikeoneofthem.Ihavebeenmorethanonceintoxicated,mypassionshavealwaysborderedonextravagance:Iamnotashamedtoconfessit;forIhavelearned,bymyownexperience,thatallextraordinarymen,whohaveaccomplishedgreatandastonishingactions,have
everbeendecriedbytheworldasdrunkenorinsane.Andinprivatelife,too,isitnotintolerablethatnoonecanundertaketheexecutionofanobleorgenerousdeed,withoutgivingrisetotheexclamationthatthedoerisintoxicatedormad?Shameuponyou,yesages!"
"Thisisanotherofyourextravaganthumours,"saidAlbert:"youalwaysexaggerateacase,andinthismatteryouareundoubtedlywrong;forwewerespeakingofsuicide,whichyoucomparewithgreatactions,whenitisimpossibletoregarditasanythingbutaweakness.Itismucheasiertodiethantobearalifeofmiserywithfortitude."
Iwasonthepointofbreakingofftheconversation,fornothingputsmesocompletelyoutofpatienceastheutteranceofawretchedcommonplacewhenIamtalkingfrommyinmostheart.However,Icomposedmyself,forIhadoftenheardthesameobservationwithsufficientvexation;andIansweredhim,therefore,withalittlewarmth,"Youcallthisaweakness--bewareofbeingledastraybyappearances.Whenanation,whichhaslonggroanedundertheintolerableyokeofatyrant,risesatlastandthrowsoffitschains,doyoucallthatweakness?Themanwho,torescuehishousefromtheflames,findshisphysicalstrengthredoubled,sothatheliftsburdenswithease,which,intheabsenceofexcitement,hecouldscarcelymove;hewho,undertherageofaninsult,attacksandputstoflighthalfascoreofhisenemies,aresuchpersons
tobecalledweak?Mygoodfriend,ifresistancebestrength,howcanthehighestdegreeofresistancebeaweakness?"
Albertlookedsteadfastlyatme,andsaid,"Prayforgiveme,butIdonotseethattheexamplesyouhaveadducedbearanyrelationtothequestion.""Verylikely,"Ianswered;"forIhaveoftenbeentoldthatmystyleofillustrationbordersalittleontheabsurd.Butletusseeifwecannotplacethematterinanotherpointofview,byinquiringwhatcanbeaman'sstateofmindwhoresolvestofreehimselffromtheburdenoflife,--aburdenoften
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
27/79
sopleasanttobear,--forwecannototherwisereasonfairlyuponthesubject.
"Humannature,"Icontinued,"hasitslimits.Itisabletoendureacertaindegreeofjoy,sorrow,andpain,butbecomesannihilatedassoonasthismeasureisexceeded.Thequestion,therefore,is,notwhetheramanisstrongorweak,butwhetherheisabletoendurethemeasureofhissufferings.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,orperhapsjoininginthe
dancenowandthenatsomefestival,andchattingawayhersparehourswithaneighbour,discussingthescandalorthequarrelsofthevillage,triflessufficienttooccupyherheart.Atlengththewarmthofhernatureisinfluencedbycertainnewandunknownwishes.Inflamedbytheflatteriesofmen,herformerpleasuresbecomebydegreesinsipid,tillatlengthshemeetswithayouthtowhomsheisattractedbyanindescribablefeeling;uponhimshenowrestsallherhopes;sheforgetstheworldaroundher;shesees,hears,desiresnothingbuthim,andhimonly.Healoneoccupiesallherthoughts.Uncorruptedbytheidleindulgenceofanenervatingvanity,heraffectionmovingsteadilytowarditsobject,shehopestobecomehis,andtorealise,inaneverlastingunionwithhim,allthathappinesswhichshesought,allthatbliss
forwhichshelonged.Hisrepeatedpromisesconfirmherhopes:embracesandendearments,whichincreasetheardourofherdesires,overmasterhersoul.Shefloatsinadim,delusiveanticipationofherhappiness;andherfeelingsbecomeexcitedtotheirutmosttension.Shestretchesoutherarmsfinallytoembracetheobjectofallherwishesandherloverforsakesher.Stunnedandbewildered,shestandsuponaprecipice.Allisdarknessaroundher.Noprospect,nohope,noconsolation--forsakenbyhiminwhomherexistencewascentred!Sheseesnothingofthewideworldbeforeher,thinksnothingofthemanyindividualswhomightsupplythe
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
28/79
voidinherheart;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;andwepartedwithoutconvictiononeitherside.Howrarelyinthisworlddomenunderstandeachother!
AUGUST15.
Therecanbenodoubtthatinthisworldnothingissoindispensableaslove.IobservethatCharlottecouldnotlosemewithoutapang,andtheverychildrenhavebutonewish;thatis,thatIshouldvisitthemagainto-morrow.IwentthisafternoontotuneCharlotte'spiano.ButIcouldnotdoit,forthelittleonesinsistedonmytellingthemastory;andCharlotteherselfurged
metosatisfythem.Iwaiteduponthemattea,andtheyarenowasfullycontentedwithmeaswithCharlotte;andItoldthemmyverybesttaleoftheprincesswhowaswaiteduponbydwarfs.Iimprovemyselfbythisexercise,andamquitesurprisedattheimpressionmystoriescreate.IfIsometimesinventanincidentwhichIforgetuponthenextnarration,theyremindonedirectlythatthestorywasdifferentbefore;sothatInowendeavourtorelatewithexactnessthesameanecdoteinthesamemonotonoustone,whichneverchanges.Ifindbythis,howmuchanauthorinjureshisworksbyalteringthem,eventhoughtheybeimprovedinapoeticalpointofview.Thefirstimpressionisreadilyreceived.Wearesoconstitutedthatwebelievethemostincrediblethings;and,oncetheyareengraveduponthememory,woetohim
whowouldendeavourtoeffacethem.
AUGUST18.
Mustiteverbethus,--thatthesourceofourhappinessmustalsobethefountainofourmisery?Thefullandardentsentimentwhichanimatedmyheartwiththeloveofnature,overwhelmingmewithatorrentofdelight,andwhichbroughtallparadisebeforeme,hasnowbecomeaninsupportabletorment,ademonwhichperpetuallypursuesandharassesme.WheninbygonedaysIgazedfromthese
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
29/79
rocksuponyondermountainsacrosstheriver,anduponthegreen,floweryvalleybeforeme,andsawallnaturebuddingandburstingaround;thehillsclothedfromfoottopeakwithtall,thickforesttrees;thevalleysinalltheirvariedwindings,shadedwiththeloveliestwoods;andthesoftriverglidingalongamongstthelispingreeds,mirroringthebeautifulcloudswhichthesofteveningbreezewaftedacrossthesky,--whenIheardthegrovesaboutmemelodiouswiththemusicofbirds,andsawthemillionswarmsofinsectsdancinginthelastgoldenbeamsofthesun,whosesettingraysawokethehummingbeetlesfromtheirgrassybeds,whilstthesubduedtumultarounddirectedmyattentiontotheground,andIthereobservedthearidrockcompelledtoyieldnutrimenttothedrymoss,whilsttheheathflourisheduponthebarrensandsbelowme,allthisdisplayedtometheinnerwarmthwhichanimatesallnature,andfilledandglowedwithinmyheart.IfeltmyselfexaltedbythisoverflowingfulnesstotheperceptionoftheGodhead,andthegloriousformsofaninfiniteuniversebecamevisibletomysoul!Stupendousmountainsencompassedme,abyssesyawnedatmyfeet,andcataractsfellheadlongdownbeforeme;impetuousriversrolledthroughtheplain,androcksandmountainsresoundedfromafar.InthedepthsoftheearthIsawinnumerablepowersinmotion,andmultiplyingtoinfinity;whilstuponitssurface,andbeneaththeheavens,thereteemedtenthousandvarietiesoflivingcreatures.Everythingaroundisalivewithaninfinite
numberofforms;whilemankindflyforsecuritytotheirpettyhouses,fromtheshelterofwhichtheyruleintheirimaginationsoverthewide-extendeduniverse.Poorfool!inwhosepettyestimationallthingsarelittle.Fromtheinaccessiblemountains,acrossthedesertwhichnomortalfoothastrod,farastheconfinesoftheunknownocean,breathesthespiritoftheeternalCreator;andeveryatomtowhichhehasgivenexistencefindsfavourinhissight.Ah,howoftenatthattimehastheflightofabird,soaringabovemyhead,inspiredmewiththedesireofbeingtransportedtotheshoresoftheimmeasurablewaters,theretoquaffthepleasuresoflifefromthefoaminggobletoftheInfinite,andtopartake,ifbutforamomenteven,withtheconfinedpowersofmysoul,thebeatitudeofthatCreatorwhoaccomplishesallthings
inhimself,andthroughhimself!
Mydearfriend,thebarerecollectionofthosehoursstillconsolesme.Eventhisefforttorecallthoseineffablesensations,andgivethemutterance,exaltsmysoulaboveitself,andmakesmedoublyfeeltheintensityofmypresentanguish.
Itisasifacurtainhadbeendrawnfrombeforemyeyes,and,insteadofprospectsofeternallife,theabyssofaneveropengraveyawnedbeforeme.Canwesayofanythingthatitexistswhenallpassesaway,whentime,withthespeedofastorm,carriesallthingsonward,--andourtransitoryexistence,hurriedalongbythetorrent,iseitherswallowedupbythewavesordashed
againsttherocks?Thereisnotamomentbutpreysuponyou,--anduponallaroundyou,notamomentinwhichyoudonotyourselfbecomeadestroyer.Themostinnocentwalkdeprivesoflifethousandsofpoorinsects:onestepdestroysthefabricoftheindustriousant,andconvertsalittleworldintochaos.No:itisnotthegreatandrarecalamitiesoftheworld,thefloodswhichsweepawaywholevillages,theearthquakeswhichswallowupourtowns,thataffectme.Myheartiswastedbythethoughtofthatdestructivepowerwhichliesconcealedineverypartofuniversalnature.Naturehasformednothingthatdoesnotconsumeitself,
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
30/79
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:Ihavenolongeranyfeelingforthebeautiesofnature,andbooksaredistastefultome.Oncewegiveourselvesup,wearetotallylost.ManyatimeandoftIwishIwereacommonlabourer;that,awakeninginthemorning,I
mighthavebutoneprospect,onepursuit,onehope,forthedaywhichhasdawned.IoftenenvyAlbertwhenIseehimburiedinaheapofpapersandparchments,andIfancyIshouldbehappywereIinhisplace.OftenimpressedwiththisfeelingIhavebeenonthepointofwritingtoyouandtotheminister,fortheappointmentattheembassy,whichyouthinkImightobtain.IbelieveImightprocureit.Theministerhaslongshownaregardforme,andhasfrequentlyurgedmetoseekemployment.Itisthebusinessofanhouronly.Nowandthenthefableofthehorserecurstome.Wearyofliberty,hesufferedhimselftobesaddledandbridled,andwasriddentodeathforhispains.Iknownotwhattodetermineupon.Forisnotthisanxietyforchangetheconsequenceofthatrestlessspiritwhichwouldpursuemeequallyineverysituation
oflife?
AUGUST28.
Ifmyillswouldadmitofanycure,theywouldcertainlybecuredhere.Thisismybirthday,andearlyinthemorningIreceivedapacketfromAlbert.Uponopeningit,IfoundoneofthepinkribbonswhichCharlotteworeinherdressthefirsttimeIsawher,andwhichIhadseveraltimesaskedhertogiveme.WithitweretwovolumesinduodecimoofWetstein's"Homer,"abookIhadoftenwishedfor,tosavemetheinconvenienceofcarryingthelargeErnestineeditionwithmeuponmywalks.Youseehowtheyanticipatemywishes,howwelltheyunderstandallthoselittleattentions
offriendship,sosuperiortothecostlypresentsofthegreat,whicharehumiliating.Ikissedtheribbonathousandtimes,andineverybreathinhaledtheremembranceofthosehappyandirrevocabledayswhichfilledmewiththekeenestjoy.Such,Wilhelm,isourfate.Idonotmurmuratit:theflowersoflifearebutvisionary.Howmanypassaway,andleavenotracebehind--howfewyieldanyfruit--andthefruititself,howrarelydoesitripen!Andyetthereareflowersenough!andisitnotstrange,myfriend,thatweshouldsufferthelittlethatdoesreallyripen,torot,decay,andperishunenjoyed?Farewell!Thisisaglorioussummer.I
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
31/79
oftenclimbintothetreesinCharlotte'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,whereIamlaceratedand
tornbythornsandbriers;andthenceIfindrelief.SometimesIliestretchedontheground,overcomewithfatigueanddyingwiththirst;sometimes,lateinthenight,whenthemoonshinesaboveme,Ireclineagainstanagedtreeinsomesequesteredforest,torestmywearylimbs,when,exhaustedandworn,Isleeptillbreakofday.OWilhelm!thehermit'scell,hissackcloth,andgirdleofthornswouldbeluxuryandindulgencecomparedwithwhatIsuffer.Adieu!Iseenoendtothiswretchednessexceptthegrave.
SEPTEMBER3.
Imustaway.Thankyou,Wilhelm,fordeterminingmywaveringpurpose.ForawholefortnightIhavethoughtofleavingher.I
mustaway.Shehasreturnedtotown,andisatthehouseofafriend.Andthen,Albert--yes,Imustgo.
SEPTEMBER10.
Oh,whatanight,Wilhelm!Icanhenceforthbearanything.Ishallneverseeheragain.Oh,whycannotIfallonyourneck,and,withfloodsoftearsandraptures,giveutterancetoallthepassionswhichdistractmyheart!HereIsitgaspingforbreath,andstrugglingtocomposemyself.Iwaitforday,andatsunrisethehorsesaretobeatthedoor.
Andsheissleepingcalmly,littlesuspectingthatshehasseenme
forthelasttime.Iamfree.Ihavehadthecourage,inaninterviewoftwohours'duration,nottobetraymyintention.AndOWilhelm,whataconversationitwas!
AlberthadpromisedtocometoCharlotteinthegardenimmediatelyaftersupper.Iwasupontheterraceunderthetallchestnuttrees,andwatchedthesettingsun.Isawhimsinkforthelasttimebeneaththisdelightfulvalleyandsilentstream.IhadoftenvisitedthesamespotwithCharlotte,andwitnessedthatglorioussight;andnow--Iwaswalkingupanddowntheveryavenuewhich
8/14/2019 The Sorrows of Young Werther by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832
32/79
wassodeartome.AsecretsympathyhadfrequentlydrawnmethitherbeforeIknewCharlotte;andweweredelightedwhen,inourearlyacquaintance,wediscoveredthatweeachlovedthesamespot,whichisindeedasromanticasanythatevercaptivatedthefancyofanartist.
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.Igot
up,andstoodbeforeher,thenwalkedbackwardandforward,andsatdownagain.Iwasrestlessandmiserable.Charlottedrewourattentiontothebeautifuleffectofthemoonlight,whichthrewasilverhueovertheterraceinfrontofus,beyondthebeechtrees.Itwasaglorioussight,andwasrenderedmorestrikingbythedarknesswhichsurroundedthespotwherewewere.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?dotheyknowwhenwereca
Top Related