少年维特的烦恼 英文版 The Sorrows of Young Werther
歌德 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
JULY 16.
How my heart beats when by accident I touch her finger, or my feetmeet hers under the table! I draw back as if from a furnace; buta secret force impels me forward again, and my senses becomedisordered. Her innocent, unconscious heart never knows what agonythese little familiarities inflict upon me. Sometimes when weare talking she Iays her hand upon mine, and in the eagerness ofconversation comes closer to me, and her balmy breath reaches mylips, -- when I feel as if lightning had struck me, and that Icould sink into the earth. And yet, Wilhelm, with all this heavenlyconfidence, -- if I know myself, and should ever dare -- youunderstand me. No, no! my heart is not so corrupt, it is weak,weak enough but is not that a degree of corruption?
She is to me a sacred being. All passion is still in her presence:I cannot express my sensations when I am near her. I feel as ifmy soul beat in every nerve of my body. There is a melody whichshe plays on the piano with angelic skill, -- so simple is it,and yet so spiritual! It is her favourite air; and, when sheplays the first note, all pain, care, and sorrow disappear fromme in a moment.
I believe every word that is said of the magic of ancient music.How her simple song enchants me! Sometimes, when I am ready tocommit suicide, she sings that air; and instantly the gloom andmadness which hung over me are dispersed, and I breathe freelyagain.