少年维特的烦恼 英文版 The Sorrows of Young Werther
歌德 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
JULY 18.
Wilhelm, what is the world to our hearts without love? What isa magic-lantern without light? You have but to kindle the flamewithin, and the brightest figures shine on the white wall; and,if love only show us fleeting shadows, we are yet happy, when,like mere children, we behold them, and are transported with thesplendid phantoms. I have not been able to see Charlotte to-day.I was prevented by company from which I could not disengage myself.What was to be done? I sent my servant to her house, that I mightat least see somebody to-day who had been near her. Oh, theimpatience with which I waited for his return! the joy with whichI welcomed him! I should certainly have caught him in my arms,and kissed him, if I had not been ashamed.
It is said that the Bonona stone, when placed in the sun, attractsthe rays, and for a time appears luminous in the dark. So was itwith me and this servant. The idea that Charlotte's eyes had dwelton his countenance, his cheek, his very apparel, endeared them allinestimably to me, so that at the moment I would not have partedfrom him for a thousand crowns. His presence made me so happy!Beware of laughing at me, Wilhelm. Can that be a delusion whichmakes us happy?