作者：(德)歌德（Goethe,J.W.V.）
出版社：清华大学出版社
格式: AZW3, DOCX, EPUB, MOBI, PDF, TXT
少年维特的烦恼(插图·中文导读英文版)试读：
前言
约翰·沃尔夫冈·冯·歌德（Johann Wolfgang von Goethe，1749-1832），德国杰出的文学家、画家、批评家、哲学家、政治家和自然科学家。
1749年8月28日，歌德生于莱茵河畔的法兰克福，父亲是德国皇家参议员。1765年，歌德就读于莱比锡大学法律专业，1768年因病辍学。1770年入斯特拉斯堡大学继续攻读法律，1771年获法学博士学位。1773年，歌德出版第一部戏剧类小说《铁手骑士》，这部作品使他开始蜚声德国文坛。1774年，他出版了《少年维特的烦恼》，该书一出版便轰动了整个欧洲，并使他享誉世界。他以惊人的毅力、历经几十年，在晚年完成了文学巨著《浮士德》。歌德一生创作了许多名扬世界的文学作品，除《铁手骑士》、《少年维特的烦恼》、《浮士德》外，他的主要作品还有《托夸多·塔索》、《罗马哀歌》、《亲和力》、《颜色学》、《诗与真》、《意大利游记》、《出征法国记》、《威廉·迈斯特的漫游时代》等。歌德多才多艺，不仅善绘画，对自然科学也有广泛研究；他还从事政务工作，是欧洲启蒙运动后期最伟大的作家。世界文学史学家将他与荷马、但丁和莎士比亚并称为世界四大文豪。恩格斯称歌德是“站在奥林帕斯山上的宙斯”。
在歌德的众多杰作中，《少年维特的烦恼》是他最重要的作品之一。这是一部书信体小说，歌德创作该作品时年仅二十五岁。小说描写了进步青年对当时德国社会的体验和感受，表现了作者对封建道德等级观念的反对以及对个性解放的强烈要求；歌德以诗意的语言、浓郁的伤感气息、细致入微的心理刻画，写出人类的共同追求，即对自由、个性和感情的追求。《少年维特的烦恼》的出版被认为是德国文学史上一件划时代的大事，它曾震撼了当时德国乃至欧洲整整一代青年的心。200多年来，维特的命运感动了一代又一代的少年、青年。这部作品作为德国狂飙突进运动的群星之中最明亮的一颗，伴随凄美绝伦的爱情，人性的至洁至纯，与维特这个名字紧紧连在一起，激励着一代又一代的读者，珍惜自己的热血和青春，做一个真正的人，做一个纯洁善良的人。该书自1774年出版以来，一直畅销至今，它是全世界公认的世界文学名著之一，同时也是在中国影响最大的西方经典文学作品之一。
1922年，中国著名文学家郭沫若将小说翻译成中文，在五四运动以后的中国曾掀起了维特热，至今这部小说仍受到各国读者的喜爱，成为了经久不衰的世界名著。目前，在国内数量众多的《少年维特的烦恼》书籍中，主要的出版形式有两种：一种是中文翻译版，另一种是英汉对照版。其中的英汉对照版越来越受到读者的欢迎，这主要是得益于中国人热衷于学习英文的大环境。从英文学习的角度来看，直接使用纯英文素材更有利于英语学习。考虑到对英文内容背景的了解有助于英文阅读，使用中文导读应该是一种比较好的方式，也可以说是该类型书的第三种版本形式。采用中文导读而非中英文对照的方式进行编排，这样有利于国内读者摆脱对英文阅读依赖中文注释的习惯。基于以上原因，我们决定编译《少年维特的烦恼》，并采用中文导读英文版的形式出版。在中文导读中，我们尽力使其贴近原作的精髓，也尽可能保留原作故事主线。我们希望能够编出为当代中国读者所喜爱的经典读本。读者在阅读英文故事之前，可以先阅读中文导读内容，这样有利于了解故事背景，从而加快阅读速度。同时，为了读者更好地理解故事内容，书中加入大量的插图。我们相信，该经典著作的引进对加强当代中国读者，特别是青少年读者的人文修养是非常有帮助的。
本书主要内容由王勋、纪飞编译。参加本书故事素材搜集整理及编译工作的还有郑佳、刘乃亚、赵雪、熊金玉、李丽秀、熊红华、王婷婷、孟宪行、胡国平、李晓红、贡东兴、陈楠、邵舒丽、冯洁、王业伟、徐鑫、王晓旭、周丽萍、熊建国、徐平国、肖洁、王小红等。限于我们的科学、人文素养和英语水平，书中难免会有不当之处，衷心希望读者朋友批评指正。第一部分/Part One
五月四日
人的感情真是奇怪的东西，总是让人特别烦恼！利奥诺拉的真情告白让我心动，可我却对她姐姐有好感。唉！我要尽情地享受现在的生活，小镇四周的美景美不胜收。
MAY 4.
How happy I am that I am gone！My dear friend, what a thing is the heart of man！To leave you, from whom I have been inseparable, whom I love so dearly, and yet to feel happy！I know you will forgive me. Have not other attachments been specially appointed by fate to torment a head like mine？Poor Leonora！And yet I was not to blame.Was it my fault, that, whilst the peculiar charms of her sister afforded me an agreeable entertainment, a passion for me was engendered in her feeble heart？And yet am I wholly blameless？Did I not encourage her emotions？Did I not feel charmed at those truly genuine expressions of nature, which, though but little mirthful in reality, so often amused us？Did I not—but oh！What is man, that he dares so to accuse himself？My dear friend, I promise you I will improve；I will no longer, as has ever been my habit, continue to ruminate on every petty vexation which fortune may dispense；I will enjoy the present, and the past shall be for me the past.No doubt you are right, my best of friends, there would be far less suffering amongst mankind, if men—and＆nbsp；God knows why they are so fashioned—did not employ their imaginations so assiduously in recalling the memory of past sorrow, instead of bearing their present lot with equanimity.
Be kind enough to inform my mother that I shall attend to her business to the best of my ability, and shall attend her the earliest information about it. I have seen my aunt, and find that she is very far from being the disagreeable person our friends allege her to be.She is a lively, cheerful woman, with the best of hearts.I explained to her my mother's wrongs with regard to that part of her portion which has been withheld from her.She told me the motives and reasons of her own conduct, and the terms on which she is willing to give up the whole, and to do more than we have asked.In short, I cannot write further upon this subject at present；only assure my mother that all will go on well.And I have again observed, my dear friend, in this trifling affair, that misunderstandings and neglect occasion more mischief in the world than even malice and wickedness.At all events, the two latter are of less frequent occurrence.
In other respects I am very well off here. Solitude in this terrestrial paradise is a genial balm to my mind, and the young spring cheers with its bounteous promises my oftentimes misgiving heart.Every tree, every bush, is full of flowers；and one might wish himself transformed into a butterfly, to float about in this ocean of perfume, and find his whole existence in it.
The town itself is disagreeable；but then, all around, you find an inexpressible beauty of Nature. This induced the late Count M—to lay out a garden on one of the sloping hills which here intersect each other with the most charming variety, and form the most lovely valleys.The garden is simple；and it is easy to perceive, even upon your first entrance, that the plan was not designed by a scientific gardener, but by a man who wished to give himself up here to the enjoyment of his own sensitive heart.Many a tear have I already shed to the memory of its departed master in a summer-house which is now reduced to ruins, but was his favourite resort, and now is mine.I shall soon be master of the place.The gardener has become attached to me within the last few days, and he will lose nothing thereby.
五月十日
我独自一人沉醉于美景中过着平静的生活。在这里我感受到了大自然的美妙，感受到宇宙迷人的气息，任何言语都无法形容这极致之美！
MAY 10.
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents.I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment；and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream；and as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me：when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss；and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress，—then I often think with longing.Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God！O my friend—but it is too much for my strength—I sink under the weight of the splendour of these visions！
五月十二日
看着从大理石中喷涌的泉水、茂盛的树木，在这夏日的清凉和放松中，这一切都像在天堂一般。
MAY 12.
I know not whether some deceitful spirits haunt this spot, or whether it be the warm, celestial fancy in my own heart which makes everything around me seem like paradise. In front of the house is a fountain，—a fountain to which I am bound by a charm like Melusina and her sisters.Descending a gentle slope, you come to an arch, where, some twenty steps lower down, water of the clearest crystal gushes from the marble rock.The narrow wall which encloses it above, the tall trees which encircle the spot, and the coolness of the place itself，—everything imparts a pleasant but sublime impression.Not a day passes on which I do not spend an hour there.The young maidens come from the town to fetch water，—innocent and necessary employment, and formerly the occupat-ion of the daughters of kings.As I take my rest there, the idea of the old patriarchal life is awakened around me.I see them, our old ancestors, how they formed their friendships and contracted alliances at the fountain-side；and I feel how fountains and streams were guarded by beneficent spirits.He who is a stranger to these sensations has never really enjoyed cool repose at the side of a fountain after the fatigue of a weary summer day.
五月十三日
现在的我情绪总是变化无常，《荷马史诗》已成为我最好的“催眠曲”。
MAY 13.
You ask if you shall send me books. My dear friend, I beseech you, for the love of God, relieve me from such a yoke！I need no more to be guided, agitated, heated.My heart ferments sufficiently of itself.I want strains to lull me, and I find them to perfection in my Homer.Often do I strive to allay the burning fever of my blood；and you have never witnessed anything so unsteady, so uncertain, as my heart.But need I confess this to you, my dear friend, who have so often endured the anguish of witnessing my sudden transitions from sorrow to immoderate joy, and from sweet melancholy to violent passions？I treat my poor heart like a sick child, and gratify its every fancy.Do not mentionthis again：there are people who would censure me for it.
五月十五日
我已经渐渐融入了此处的生活氛围，可以根据不同人的身份，用适当的语言与其交流。
MAY 15.
The common people of the place know me already, and love me, particularly the children. When at first I associated with them, and inquired in a friendly tone about their various trifles, some fancied that I wished to ridicule them, and turned from me in exceeding ill-humour.I did not allow that circumstance to grieve me：I only felt most keenly what I have often before observed.Persons who can claim a certain rank keep themselves coldly aloof from the common people, as though they feared to lose their importance by the contact；whilst wanton idlers, and such as are prone to bad joking, affect to descend to their level, only to make the poor people feel their impertinence all the more keenly.
I know very well that we are not all equal, nor can be so；but it is my opinion that he who avoids the common people, in order not to lose their respect, is as much to blame as a coward who hides himself from his enemy because he fears defeat.
The other day I went to the fountain, and found a young servant-girl, who had set her pitcher on the lowest step, and looked round to see if one of her companions was approaching to place it on her head. I ran down, and looked at her.“Shall I help you, pretty lass？”said I.She blushed deeply.“Oh, sir！”she exclaimed.“No ceremony！”I replied.She adjusted her head-gear, and I helped her.She thanked me, and ascended the steps.
五月十七日
在这里我有了很多朋友，但不知为何总是不能够深交，这让我想起已经过世的青梅竹马的好朋友。最近新认识了一个性格外向的小伙子，他总是喜欢在别人面前表现自己的学识；还结识了本区令人尊敬的法官，受他的邀请我打算去拜访他。
MAY 17.
I have made all sorts of acquaintances, but have as yet found no society. I knew not what attraction I possess for the people, so many of them like me, and attach themselves to me；and then I feel sorry when the road we pursue together goes only a short distance.If you inquire what the people are like here, I must answer，“The same as everywhere.”The human race is but a monotonous affair.Most of them labour the greater part of their time for mere subsistence；and the scanty portion of freedom which remains to them so troubles them that they use every exertion to get rid of it.Oh, the destiny of man！
But they are a right good sort of people. If I occasionally forget myself, and take part in the innocent pleasures which are not yet forbidden to the peasantry, and enjoy myself, for instance, with genuine freedom and sincerity, round a well-covered table, or arrange an excursion or a dance opportunely, and so forth, all this produces a good effect upon my disposition；only I must forget that there lie dormant within me so many other qualities which moulder uselessly, and which I am obliged to keep carefully concealed.Ah！This thought affects my spirits fearfully.And yet to be misunderstood is the fate of the like of us.
Alas, that the friend of my youth is gone！Alas, that I ever knew her！I might say to myself，“You are a dreamer to seek what is not to be found here below.”But she has been mine. I have possessed that heart, that noble soul, in whose presence I seemed to be more than I really was, because I was all that I could be.Good heavens！Did then a single power of my soul remain unexercised？In her presence could I not display, to its full extent, that mysterious feeling with which my heart embraces Nature？Was not our intercourse a perpetual web of the finest emotions, of the keenest wit, the varieties of which, even in their very eccentricity, bore the stamp of genius？Alas！The few years by which she was my senior brought her to the grave before me.Never can I forget her firm mind or her heavenly patience.
A few days ago I met a certain young V—，a frank, open fellow, with a most pleasing countenance. He has just left the university, does not deemhimself over-wise, but believes he knows more than other people.He has worked hard, as I can perceive from many circumstances, and, in short, possesses a large stock of information.When he heard that I am drawing a good deal, and that I know Greek（two wonderful things for this part of the country），he came to see me, and displayed his whole store of learning, from Batteaux to Wood, from De Piles to Winkelmann：he assured me he had read through the first part of Sultzer's theory, and also possessed a manuscript of Heyne's work on the study of the antique.I allowed it all to pass.
I have become acquainted, also, with a very worthy person, the district judge, a frank and open-hearted man. I am told it is a most delightful thing to see him in the midst of his children, of whom he has nine.His eldest daughter especially is highly spoken of.He has invited me to go and see him, and I intend to do so on the first opportunity.He lives at one of the royal hunting-lodges, which can be reached from here in an hour and a half by walking, and which he obtained leave to inhabit after the loss of his wife, as it is so painful to him to reside in town and at the court.
There have also come in my way a few other originals of a questionable sort, who are in all respects undesirable, and most intolerable in their demonstrations of friendship. Good-by.This letter will please you；it is quite historical.
五月二十二日
我不时地感叹人类的可怜：一生主要都为满足日常生存需要而忙碌，却不能坚持完成自己的梦想。成年人其实也和孩子一样，忙忙碌碌却不知为何，能够心平气和地看待自己与周围的一切，这样才会感到幸福。
MAY 22.
That the life of man is but a dream, many a man has surmised heretofore；and I, too, am everywhere pursued by this feeling. When I consider the narrow limits within which our active and inquiring faculties are confined；when I see how all our energies are wasted in providing for mere necessities, which again have no further end than to prolong a wretched existence；and then that all our satisfaction concerning certain subjects of investigation ends in nothing better than a passive resignation, whilst we amuse ourselves painting our prison-walls with bright figures and brilliant landscapes，—when I consider all this, Wilhelm, I am silent. I examine my own being and find there a world, but a world rather of imagination and dim desires, than of distinctness and living power.Then everything swims before my senses, and I smile and dream while pursuing my way through the world.少年歌德
All learned professors and doctors are agreed that children do not comprehend the cause of their desires；but that the grownup should wander about this earth like children, without knowing whence they come, or whither they go, influenced as little by fixed motives, but guided like them by biscuits, sugar-plums, and the rod，—this is what nobody is willing to acknowledge；and yet I think it is palpable.
I know what you say in reply；for I am ready to admit that they are happiest, who, like children, amuse themselves with their playthings, dress and undress their dolls, and attentively watch the cupboard, where mamma has locked up her sweet things, and, when at last they get a delicious morsel, eat it greedily, and exclaim，“More！”These are certainly happy beings；but others also are objects of envy, who dignify their paltry employments, and sometimes even their passions, with pompous titles, representing them to mankind as gigantic achievements performed for their welfare and glory. But the man who humbly acknowledges the vanity of all this, who observes with what pleasure the thriving citizen converts his little garden into a paradise, and how patiently even the poor man pursues his weary way under his burden, and how all wish equally to behold the light of the sun a little longer，—yes, such a man is at peace, and creates his own world within himself；and he is also happy, because he is a man.And then, however limited his sphere, he still preserves in his bosom the sweet feeling of liberty, and knows that he can quit his prison whenever he likes.
五月二十六号
我总是随遇而安，也早已习惯了这里的农家生活，沉溺于大自然的田园、绿野及山水中。看到诸多美丽的景色，我将之体现于我的画笔下，一幅幅还原真实情景、趣意盎然的画展现了大自然和人类的和谐美景。
MAY 26.
You know of old my ways of settling anywhere, of selecting a little cottage in some cosy spot, and of putting up in it with every inconvenience. Here, too, I have discovered such a snug, comfortable place, which possesses peculiar charms for me.
About a league from the town is a place called Walheim. lt is delightfully situated on the side of a hill；and by proceeding along one of the footpaths which lead out of the village, you can have a view of the whole valley.A good old woman lives there, who keeps a small inn.She sells wine, beer, and coffee, and is cheerful and pleasant notwithstanding her age.The chief charm of this spot consists in two linden-trees, spreading their enormous branches over the little green before the church, which is entirely surrounded by peasants'cottages, barns, and homesteads.I have seldom seen a place so retired and peaceable；and there often have my table and chair brought out from the little inn, and drink my coffee there, and read my Homer.Accident brought me to the spot one fine afternoon, and I found it perfectly deserted.Everybody was in the fields except a little boy about four years of age, who was sitting on the ground, and held between his knees a child about six months old；he pressed it to his bosom with both arms, which thus formed a sort of armchair；and notwithstanding the liveliness which sparkled in its black eyes, it remained perfectly still.The sight charmed me.I sat down upon a plough opposite, and sketched with great delight this little picture of brotherly tenderness.I added the neighbouring hedge, the barn-door, and some broken cart-wheels, just as they happened to lie；and I found in about an hour that I had made a very correct and interesting drawing, without putting in the slightest thing of my own.This confirmed me in my resolution of adhering, for the future, entirely to Nature.She alone is inexhaustible, and capable of forming the greatest masters.Much may be alleged in favour of rules；as much may be likewise advanced in favour of the laws of society：an artist formed upon them will never produce anything absolutely bad or disgusting；as a man who observes the laws and obeys decorum can never be an absolutely intolerable neighbour nor a decided villain：but yet, say what you will of rules, they destroy the genuine feeling ofNature, as well as its true expression.Do not tell me“that this is too hard, that they only restrain and prune superfluous branches, etc.”My good friend, I will illustrate this by an analogy.These things resemble love.A warmhearted youth becomes strongly attached to a maiden：he spends every hour of the day in her company, wears out his health, and lavishes his fortune, to afford continual proof that he is wholly devoted to her.Then comes a man of the world, a man of place and respectability, and addresses him thus：“My good young friend, love is natural；but you must love within bounds.Divide your time：devote a portion to business, and give the hours of recreation to your mistress.Calculate your fortune；and out of the superfluity you may make her a present, only not too often，—on her birthday, and such occasions.”Pursuing this advice, he may become a useful member of society, and I should advise every prince to give him an appointment；but it is all up with his love, and with his genius if he be an artist.O my friend！Why is it that the torrent of genius so seldom bursts forth, so seldom rolls in full-flowing stream, overwhelming your astounded soul？Because, on either side of this stream, cold and respectable persons have taken up their abodes, and, forsooth, their summer-houses and tulip-beds would suffer from the torrent；wherefore they dig trenches, and raise embankments betimes, in order to avert the impending danger.
五月二十七日
我曾画过一对兄弟相依偎的情景，画中的哥哥听从妈妈的话，很乖地照顾着弟弟。离开时我留了些钱给兄弟俩，让他们可以更好地生活。他们安稳快乐的情绪让我繁杂的心平静下来，以后我要经常去陪伴那些孩子。
MAY 27.
I find I have fallen into raptures, declamation, and similes, and have forgotten, in consequence, to tell you what became of the children. Absorbed in my artistic contemplations, which I briefly described in my letter of yesterday, I continued sitting on the plough for two hours.Towards evening a young woman, with a basket on her arm, came running towards the children, who had not moved all that time.She exclaimed from a distance，“You are a good boy, Philip！”She gave me greeting：I returned it, rose, and approached her.I inquired if she were the mother of those pretty children.“Yes，”she said；and, giving the eldest a piece of bread, she took the little one in her arms and kissed it with a mother's tenderness.“I left my child in Philip's care，”she said，“whilst I went into the town with my eldest boy to buy some wheaten bread, some sugar, and an earthen pot.”I saw the various articles in the basket, from which the cover had fallen.“I shall make some broth to-night for my little Hans（which was the name of the youngest）：that wild fellow, the big one, broke my pot yesterday, whilst he was scrambling with Philip for what remained of the contents.”I inquired for the eldest；and she had scarcely time to tell me that he was driving a couple of geese home from the meadow, when he ran up, and handed Philip an osier-twig.I talked a little longer with the woman, and found that she was the daughter of the schoolmaster, and that her husband was gone on a journey into Switzerland for some money a relation had left him.“They wanted to cheat him，”she said，“and would not answer his letters；so he is gone there himself.I hope he has met with no accident, as I have heard nothing of him since his departure.”I left the woman with regret, giving each of the children a kreutzer, with an additional one for the youngest, to buy some wheaten bread for his broth when she went to town next；and so we parted.
I assure you, my dear friend, when my thoughts are all in tumult, the sight of such a creature as this tranquillises my disturbed mind. She moves in a happy thoughtlessness within the confined circle of her existence；she supplies her wants from day to day；and when she sees the leaves fall, they raise no other idea in her mind than that winter is approaching.
Since that time I have gone out there frequently. The children have become quite familiar with me；and each gets a lump of sugar when I drink my coffee, and they share my milk and bread and butter in the evening.They always receive their kreutzer on Sundays, for the good woman has orders to give it to them when I do not go there after evening service.
They are quite at home with me, tell me everything；and I am particularly amused with observing their tempers, and the simplicity of their behaviour, when some of the other village children are assembled with them.歌德故居——位于法兰克福歌德大街
It has given me a deal of trouble to satisfy the anxiety of the mother, lest（as she says）“they should inconvenience the gentleman.”
五月三十日
在咖啡馆附近我和一个农夫攀谈起来，他在替一个寡妇干活。从他的言语和表情我可以肯定他特别爱女主人，却又害怕我怀疑女主人的品质，极力地解释。这样忠诚纯洁的爱带来的温暖在我心里留下很深的印记。
MAY 30.
What I have lately said of painting is equally true with respect to poetry. It is only necessary for us to know what is really excellent, and venture to give it expression；and that is saying much in few words.To-day I have had a scene which, if literally related, would make the most beautiful idyl in the world.But why should I talk of poetry and scenes and idyls？Can we never take pleasure in Nature without having recourse to art？
If you expect anything grand or magnificent from this introduction, you will be sadly mistaken. It relates merely to a peasantlad, who has excited in me the warmest interest.As usual, I shall tell my story badly；and you, as usual, will think me extravagant.It is Walheim once more—always Walheim—which produces these wonderful phenomena.
A party had assembled outside the house under the linden-trees, to drink coffee. The company did not exactly please me；and, under one pretext or another, I lingered behind.
A peasant came from an adjoining house, and set to work arranging some part of the same plough which I had lately sketched. His appearance pleased me；and I spoke to him, inquired about his circumstances, made his acquaintance, and, as is my wont with persons of that class, was soon admitted into his confidence.He said he was in the service of a young widow, who set great store by him.He spoke so much of his mistress, and praised her so extravagantly, that I could soon see he was desperately in love with her.“She is no longer young，”he said；“and she was treated so badly by her former husband that she does not mean to marry again.”From his account it was soevident what incomparable charms she possessed for him, and how ardently he wished she would select him to extinguish the recollection of her first husband's misconduct, that I should have to repeat his own words in order to describe the depth of the poor fellow's attachment, truth, and devotion.It would, in fact, require the gifts of a great poet to convey the expression of his features, the harmony of his voice, and the heavenly fire of his eye.No words can portray the tenderness of his every movement and of every feature；no effort of mine could do justice to the scene.His alarm lest I should misconceive his position with regard to his mistress, or question the propriety of her conduct, touched me particularly.The charming manner with which he described her form and person, which, without possessing the graces of youth, won and attached him to her, is inexpressible, and must be left to the imagination.I have never in my life witnessed or fancied or conceived the possibility of such intense devotion, such ardent affections, united with so much purity.Do not blame me if I say that the recollection of this innocence and truth is deeply impressed upon my very soul；that this picture of fidelity and tenderness haunts me everywhere：and that my own heart, as though enkindled by the flame, glows and burns within me.
I mean now to try and see her as soon as I can：or perhaps, on second thoughts, I had better not；it is better I should behold her through the eyes of her lover. To my sight, perhaps, she would not appear as she now stands before me；and why should I destroy so sweet a picture？
六月十六日
我终于有机会拜访了当地的法官，并且爱上了他的大女儿夏绿蒂，但她姨妈告诉我夏绿蒂已经和一个有身份的人订婚了。开始我并没在意，当看到夏绿蒂穿着系有粉红色飘带的白裙在弟妹中间穿梭时，我整个人都被迷住了。夏绿蒂答应和我们一起参加乡间舞会，又耐心地将弟弟妹妹安排妥当才离开家。
她和姨妈谈论读书的过程中，对于读过的书发表的见解是如此深刻，我忍不住将自己的想法一股脑倒出；到达舞会地点，夏绿蒂和她的舞伴跳了第一首英国乡村舞曲，第二首又被别人邀请，我终于等到和她跳第三首华尔兹。她优美高雅的舞步再一次征服了我，翩翩起舞让我觉得自己飞旋在空中。一位旁边的女士看着夏绿蒂，带着警告的口气说了两遍“艾伯特”，我才知道艾伯特是她的未婚夫。我这才意识到这对我的打击，慌忙中乱了舞步，却被镇定的夏绿蒂拉回。这时外面突然电闪雷鸣，女士们吓得尖叫起来，夏绿蒂提议玩数数游戏来分散大家注意力。事后我知道她也害怕，但是却能够镇静地抚慰大家的情绪，这是多么让人敬佩！
JUNE 16.
“Why do I not write to you？”You lay claim to learning, and ask such a question. You should have guessed that I am well—that is to say—in a word, I have made an acquaintance who has won my heart：I have—I know not.
To give you a regular account of the manner in which I have become acquainted with the most amiable of women would be a difficult task. I am a happy and contented mortal, but a poor historian.
An angel！Nonsense！Everybody so describes his mistress；and yet I find it impossible to tell you how perfect she is, or why she is so perfect：suffice it to say she has captivated all my senses.
So much simplicity with so much understanding—so mild, and yet so resolute—a mind so placid, and a life so active.
But all this is ugly balderdash, which expresses not a single character nor feature. Some other time—but no, not some other time, now, this very instant, will I tell you all about it.Now or never.Well, between ourselves, since I commenced my letter, I have been three times on the point of throwing down my pen, of ordering my horse, and riding out.And yet I vowed this morning that I would not ride to-day, and yet every moment I am rushing to the window to see how high the sun is.
I could not restrain myself—go to her I must. I have just returned, Wilhelm；and whilst I am taking supper, I will write to you.What a delight it was for my soul to see her in the midst of her dear, beautiful children，—eight brothers and sisters！
But if I proceed thus, you will be no wiser at the end of my letter than you were at the beginning. Attend, then, and I will compel myself to give you the details.
I mentioned to you the other day that I had become acquainted with S—，the district judge, and that he had invited me to go and visit him in his retirement, or rather in his little kingdom. But I neglected going, and perhaps should never have gone, if chance had not discovered to me the treasure which lay concealed in that retired spot.Some of our young people had proposed giving a ball in the country, at which I consented to be present.I offered my hand for the evening to a pretty and agreeable, but rather commonplace, sort of girl from the immediate neigh-bourhood；and it was agreed that I should engage a carriage, and call upon Charlotte, with my partner and her aunt, to convey them to the ball.My companion informed me, as we drove along through the park to the hunting-lodge, that I should make the acquaintance of a very charming young lady.“Take care，”added the aunt，“that you do not lose your heart.”“Why？”said I.“Because she is already engaged to a very worthy man，”she replied，“who is gone to settle his affairs upon the death of his father, and will succeed to a very considerable inheritance.”This information possessed no interest for me.When we arrived at the gate, the sun was setting behind the tops of the mountains.The atmosphere was heavy；and the ladies expressed their fears of an approaching storm, as masses of low black clouds were gathering in the horizon.I relieved their anxieties by pretending to be weather-wise, although I myself had some apprehensions lest our pleasure should be interrupted.
I alighted；and a maid came to the door, and requested us to wait a moment for her mistress. I walked across the court to a well-built house, and, ascending the flight of steps in front, opened the door, and saw before me the most charming spectacle I had ever witnessed.Six children, from eleven to two years old, were running about the hall, and surrounding a lady of middle height, with a lovely figure, dressed in a robe of simple white, trimmed with pink ribbons.She was holding a rye loaf in her hand, and was cutting slices for the little ones all round, in proportion to their age and appetite.She performed her task in a graceful and affectionate manner；each claimant awaiting his turn with outstretched hands, and boisterously shouting his thanks.Some of them ran away at once, to enjoy their evening meal；whilst others, of a gentler disposition, retired to the courtyard to see the strangers, and to survey thecarriage in which their Charlotte was to drive away.“Pray forgive me for giving you the trouble to come for me, and for keeping the ladies waiting：but dressing, and arranging some household duties before I leave, had made me forget my children's supper；and they do not like to take it from any one but me.”I uttered some indifferent compliment：but my whole soul was absorbed by her air, her voice, her manner；and I had scarcely recovered myself when she ran into her room to fetch her gloves and fan.The young ones threw inquiring glances at me from a distance；whilst I approached the youngest, a most delicious little creature.He drew back；and Charlotte, entering at the very moment, said，“Louis, shake hands with your cousin.”The little fellow obeyed willingly；and I could not resist giving him a hearty kiss, notwithstanding his rather dirty face.“Cousin，”said I to Charlotte, as I handed her down，“Do you think I deserve the happiness of being related to you？”She replied, with a ready smile，“Oh！I have such a number of cousins that I should be sorry if you were the most undeserving of them.”In taking leave, she desired her next sister, Sophy, a girl about eleven years old, to take great care of the children, and to say good-by to papa for her when he came home from his ride.She enjoined to the little ones to obey their sister Sophy as they would herself, upon which some promised that they would；but a little fair-haired girl, about six years old, looked discontented, and said，“But Sophy is not you, Charlotte；and we like you best.”The two eldest boys had clambered up the carriage；and, at my request, she permitted them to accompany us a little way through the forest, upon their promising to sit very still, and hold fast.
We were hardly seated, and the ladies had scarcely exchanged compliments, making the usual remarks upon each other's dress, and upon the company they expected to meet, when Charlotte stopped the carriage, and made her brothers get down. They insisted upon kissing her hands once more；which the eldest did with all the tenderness of a youth of fifteen, but the other in a lighter and more careless manner.She desired them again to give her love to the children, and we drove off.
The aunt inquired of Charlotte whether she had finished the book she had last sent her.“No，”said Charlotte；“I did not like it：you can have it again. And the one before was not much better.”I was surprised, upon asking the title, tohear that it was—.I found penetration and character in everything she said：every expression seemed to brighten her features with new charms, with new rays of genius, which unfolded by degrees, as she felt herself understood.
“When I was younger，”she observed，“I loved nothing so much as romances. Nothing could equal my delight when, on some holiday, I could settle down quietly in a corner, and enter with my whole heart and soul into the joys or sorrows of some fictitious Leonora.I do not deny that they even possess some charms for me yet.But I read so seldom that I prefer books suited exactly to my taste.And I like those authors best whose scenes describe my own situation in life，—and the friends who are about me whose stories touch me with interest, from resembling my own homely existence，—which, without being absolutely paradise, is, on the whole, a source of indescribable happiness.”
I endeavoured to conceal the emotion which these words occasioned, but it was of slight avail；for when she had expressed so truly her opinion of“The Vicar of Wakefield，”and of other works, the names of which I omit, I could no longer contain myself, but gave full utterance to what I thought of it；and it was not until Charlotte had addressed herself to the two other ladies, that I remembered their presence, and observed them sitting mute with astonishment. The aunt looked at me several times with an air of raillery, which, however, I did not at all mind.
We talked of the pleasures of dancing.“If it is a fault to love it，”said Charlotte，“I am ready to confess that I prize it above all other amusements. If anything disturbs me, I go to the piano, play an air to which I have danced, and all goes right again directly.”
You, who know me, can fancy how steadfastly I gazed upon her rich dark eyes during these remarks, how my very soul gloated over her warm lips and fresh, glowing cheeks, how I became quite lost in the delightful meaning of her words，—so much so, that I scarcely heard the actual expressions. In short, I alighted from the carriage like a person in a dream, and was so lost to the dim world around me that I scarcely heard the music which resounded from the illuminated ball-room.
The two Messrs. Andran and a certain N.N.（I cannot trouble myself with the names），who were the aunt's and Charlotte's partners, received us at thecarriage-door, and took possession of their ladies, whilst I followed with mine.
We commenced with a minuet. I led out one lady after another, and precisely those who were the most disagreeable could not bring themselves to leave off.Charlotte and her partner began an English country dance, and you must imagine my delight when it was their turn to dance the figure with us.
You should see Charlotte dance. She dances with her whole heart and soul：her figure is all harmony, elegance, and grace, as if she were conscious of nothing else, and had no other thought or feeling；and, doubtless, for the moment every other sensation is extinct.
She was engaged for the second country dance, but promised me the third, and assured me, with the most agreeable freedom, that she was very fond of waltzing.“It is the custom, here，”she said，“for the previous partners to waltz together；but my partner is an indifferent waltzer, and will feel delighted if I save him the trouble. Your partner is not allowed to waltz, and, indeed, is equally incapable：but I observed during the country dance that you waltz well；so, if you will waltz with me, I beg you would propose it to my partner, and I will propose it to yours.”We agreed, and it was arranged that our partners should mutually entertain each other.
We set off, and at first delighted ourselves with the usual graceful motions of the arms. With what grace, with what ease, she moved！When the waltz commenced, and the dancers whirled round each other in the giddy maze, there was some confusion, owing to the incapacity of some of the dancers.We judiciously remained still, allowing the others to weary themselves；and when the awkward dancers had withdrawn, we joined in, and kept it up famously together with one other couple，—Andran and his partner.Never did I dance more lightly.I felt myself more than mortal, holding this loveliest of creatures in my arms, flying with her as rapidly as the wind, till I lost sight of every other object；and oh, Wilhelm, I vowed at that moment, that a maiden whom I loved, or for whom I felt the slightest attachment, never, never should waltz with any one else but with me, if I went to perdition for it！—You will understand this.
We took a few turns in the room to recover our breath. Charlotte sat down, and felt refreshed by partaking of some oranges which I had had secured，—the only ones that had been left；but at every slice which from politeness she offered to her neighbours, I felt as though a dagger went through my heart.歌德故居内景
We were the second couple in the third country dance. As we were going down（and Heaven knows with what ecstasy I gazed at her arms and eyes, beaming with the sweetest feeling of pure and genuine enjoyment），we passed a lady whom I had noticed for her charming expression of countenance, although she was no longer young.She looked at Charlotte with a smile, then holding up her finger in a threatening attitude, repeated twice in a very significant tone of voice the name of“Albert.”
“Who is Albert，”said I to Charlotte，“if it is not impertinent to ask？”She was about to answer, when we were obliged to separate, in order to execute a figure in the dance；and as we crossed over again in front of each other, I perceived she looked somewhat pensive.“Why need I conceal it from you？”she said, as she gave me her hand for the promenade.“Albert is a worthy man, to whom I am engaged.”Now, there was nothing new to me in this（for the girls had told me of it on the way）；but it was so far new that I had not thought of it in connection with her whom in so short a time I had learned to prize so highly. Enough.I became confused, got out in the figure, and occasioned general confusion；so that it required all Charlotte's presence of mind to set me right by pulling and pushing me into my proper place.
The dance was not yet finished when the lightning which had for some time been seen in the horizon, and which I had asserted to proceed entirely from heat, grew more violent；and the thunder was heard above the music. When any distress or terror surprises us in the midst of our amusements, it naturally makes a deeper impression than at other times, either because the contrast makes us more keenly susceptible, or rather perhaps because our senses are then more open to impressions, and the shock is consequently stronger.To this cause I must ascribe the fright and shrieks of the ladies.One sagaciously sat down in a corner with her back to the window, and held her fingers to her ears；a second knelt down before her, and hid her face in her lap；a third threw herself between them, and embraced her sister with a thousand tears；some insisted on going home；others, unconscious of their actions, wanted sufficient presence of mind to repress the impertinence of their young partners, who sought to direct to themselves those sighs which the lips of our agitated beauties intended for heaven.Some of the gentlemen had gone downstairs to smoke a quiet cigar, and the rest of the company gladly embraceda happy suggestion of the hostess to retire into another room which was provided with shutters and curtains.We had hardly got there, when Charlotte placed the chairs in a circle；and when the company had sat down in compliance with her request, she forthwith proposed a round game.
I noticed some of the company prepare their mouths and draw themselves up at the prospect of some agreeable forfeit.“Let us play at counting，”said Charlotte.“Now, pay attention：I shall go round the circle from right to left；and each person is to count, one after the other, the number that comes to him, and must count fast；whoever stops or mistakes is to have a box on the ear, and so on, till we have counted a thousand.”It was delightful to see the fun. She went round the circle with upraised arm.“One，”said the first；“two，”the second；“three，”the third；and so, till Charlotte went faster and faster.One made a mistake, instantly a box on the ear；and amid the laughter that ensued, came another box；and so on, faster and faster.I myself came in for two.I fancied they were harder than the rest, and felt quite delighted.A general laughter and confusion put an end to the game long before we had counted as far as a thousand.The party broke up into little separate knots；the storm had ceased, and I followed Charlotte into the ballroom.On the way she said，“The game banished their fears of the storm.”I could make no reply.“I myself，”she continued，“was as much frightened as any of them；but by affecting courage, to keep up the spirits of the others, I forget my apprehensions.”We went to the window.It was still thundering at a distance；a soft rain was pouring down over the country, and filled the air around us with delicious odours.Charlotte leaned forward on her arm；her eyes wandered over the scene；she raised them to the sky, and then turned them upon me：they were moistened with tears；she placed her hand on mine and said，“Klopstock！”At once I remembered the magnificent ode which was in her thoughts；I felt oppressed with the weight of my sensations, and sank under them.It was more than I could bear.I bent over her hand, kissed it in a stream of delicious tears, and again looked up to her eyes.Divine Klopstock！Why didst thou not see thy apotheosis in those eyes？And thy name, so often profaned, would that I never heard it repeated！
六月十九日
那天我一直到凌晨两点才睡觉，回家的路上同伴们都睡着了。我征得了夏绿蒂的同意，打算第二天再去看望她。夏绿蒂·冯·史泰因——对歌德有深刻影响的人
JUNE 19.
I no longer remember where I stopped in my narrative；I only know it was two in the morning when I went to bed；and if you had been with me, that I might have talked instead of writing to you, I should, in all probability, have kept you up till daylight.
I think I have not yet related what happened as we rode home from the ball, nor have I time to tell you now. It was a most magnificent sunrise；the whole country was refreshed, and the rain fell drop by drop from the trees in the forest.Our companions were asleep.Charlotte asked me if I did not wish to sleep also, and begged of me not to make any ceremony on her account.Looking steadfastly at her, I answered，“As long as I see those eyes open, there is no fear of my falling asleep.”We both continued awake till we reached her door.The maid opened it softly, and assured her, in answer to her inquiries, that her father and the children were well, and still sleeping.I left her, asking permission to visit her in the course of the day.She consented, and I went；and since that time sun, moon, and stars may pursue their course：I know not whether it is day or night；the whole world is nothing to me.
六月二十一日
我已经定居在瓦尔海姆这里，还记得我之前提过周围山坡上的美景吗？当我走近观赏时却有些失望，也许距离才能产生美感。当我亲手摘下豌豆，剥豆，并把它们烧熟时，我感受到了纯真简朴的生活所带来的无穷乐趣。
JUNE 21.
My days are as happy as those reserved by God for his elect；and whatever be my fate hereafter, I can never say that I have not tasted joy，—the purest joy of life. You know Walheim.I am now completely settled there.In that spot I am only half a league from Charlotte；and there I enjoy myself, and taste all the pleasure which can fall to the lot of man.
Little did I imagine, when I selected Walheim for my pedestrianexcursions, that all heaven lay so near it. How often, in my wanderings from the hillside or from the meadows across the river, have I beheld this hunting-lodge, which now contains within it all the joy of my heart！
I have often, my dear Wilhelm, reflected on the eagerness men feel to wander and make new discoveries, and upon that secret impulse which afterwards inclines them to return to their narrow circle, conform to the laws of custom, and embarrass themselves no longer with what passes around them.
It is so strange how, when I came here first, and gazed upon that lovely valley from the hillside, I felt charmed with the entire scene surrounding me. The little wood opposite，—how delightful to sit under its shade！How fine the view from that point of rock！Then that delightful chain of hills, and the exquisite valleys at their feet！Could I but wander and lose myself amongst them！I went, and returned without finding what I wished.Distance, my friends, is like futurity.A dim vastness is spread before our souls；the perceptions of our mind are as obscure as those of our vision；and we desire earnestly to surrender up our whole being, that it may be filled with the complete and perfect bliss of one glorious emotion.But alas！When we have attained our object, when the distant there becomes the present here, all is changed；we are as poor and circumscribed as ever, and our souls still languish for unattainable happiness.
So does the restless traveller pant for his native soil, and find in his own cottage, in the arms of his wife, in the affections of his children, and in the labour necessary for their support, that happiness which he had sought in vain through the wide world.
When in the morning at sunrise I go out to Walheim and with my own hands gather in the garden the pease which are to serve for my dinner；when I sit down to shell them, and read my Homer during the intervals, and then, selecting a saucepan from the kitchen, fetch my own butter, put my mess on the fire, cover it up, and sit down to stir it as occasion requires，—I figure to myself the illustrious suitors of Penelope, killing, dressing, and preparing their own oxen and swine. Nothing fills me with a more pure and genuine sense of happiness than those traits of patriarchal life which, thank Heaven！I can imitate without affectation.Happy is it, indeed, for me that my heart is capable of feeling the same simple and innocent pleasure as the peasant whose table iscovered with food of his own rearing, and who not only enjoys his meal, but remembers with delight the happy days and sunny mornings when he planted it, the soft evenings when he watered it, and the pleasure he experienced in watching its daily growth.
六月二十九日
我已经和夏绿蒂的弟弟妹妹打成一片，医生认为我这样有失体统，但我没有理会。想到孩子们纯洁质朴的品性逐渐被成人塑造约束，我的心里有些悲哀。
JUNE 29.
The day before yesterday the physician came from the town to pay a visit to the judge. He found me on the floor playing with Charlotte's children.Some of them were scrambling over me, and others romped with me；and as I caught and tickled them, they made a great noise.The doctor is a formal sort of personage；he adjusts the plaits of his ruffles and continually settles his frill whilst he is talking to you；and he thought my conduct beneath the dignity of a sensible man.I could perceive this by his countenance；but I did not suffer myself to be disturbed.I allowed him to continue his wise conversation, whilst I rebuilt the children's card-houses for them as fast as they threw them down.He went about the town afterwards, complaining that the judge's children were spoiled enough before, but that now Werther was completely ruining them.
Yes, my dear Wilhelm, nothing on this earth affects my heart so much as children. When I look on at their doings；when I mark in the
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