少年维特的烦恼 英文版 The Sorrows of Young Werther
歌德 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
AUGUST 8.
Believe me, dear Wilhelm, I did not allude to you when I spoke soseverely of those who advise resignation to inevitable fate. Idid not think it possible for you to indulge such a sentiment.But in fact you are right. I only suggest one objection. In thisworld one is seldom reduced to make a selection between twoalternatives. There are as many varieties of conduct and opinionas there are turns of feature between an aquiline nose and a flatone.
You will, therefore, permit me to concede your entire argument,and yet contrive means to escape your dilemma.
Your position is this, I hear you say: "Either you have hopes ofobtaining Charlotte, or you have none. Well, in the first case,pursue your course, and press on to the fulfilment of your wishes.In the second, be a man, and shake off a miserable passion, whichwill enervate and destroy you." My dear friend, this is well andeasily said.
But would you require a wretched being, whose life is slowly wastingunder a lingering disease, to despatch himself at once by thestroke of a dagger? Does not the very disorder which consumes hisstrength deprive him of the courage to effect his deliverance?
You may answer me, if you please, with a similar analogy, "Whowould not prefer the amputation of an arm to the periling of lifeby doubt and procrastination!" But I know not if I am right, andlet us leave these comparisons.
Enough! There are moments, Wilhelm, when I could rise up and shakeit all off, and when, if I only knew where to go, I could fly fromthis place.
THE SAME EVENING.
My diary, which I have for some time neglected, came before metoday; and I am amazed to see how deliberately I have entangledmyself step by step. To have seen my position so clearly, andyet to have acted so like a child! Even still I behold theresult plainly, and yet have no thought of acting with greaterprudence.