少年维特的烦恼 英文版 The Sorrows of Young Werther
歌德 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
AUGUST 10.
If I were not a fool, I could spend the happiest and most delightfullife here. So many agreeable circumstances, and of a kind toensure a worthy man's happiness, are seldom united. Alas! I feelit too sensibly, -- the heart alone makes our happiness! To beadmitted into this most charming family, to be loved by the fatheras a son, by the children as a father, and by Charlotte! then thenoble Albert, who never disturbs my happiness by any appearanceof ill-humour, receiving me with the heartiest affection, andloving me, next to Charlotte, better than all the world! Wilhelm,you would be delighted to hear us in our rambles, and conversationsabout Charlotte. Nothing in the world can be more absurd than ourconnection, and yet the thought of it often moves me to tears.
He tells me sometimes of her excellent mother; how, upon herdeath-bed, she had committed her house and children to Charlotte,and had given Charlotte herself in charge to him; how, since thattime, a new spirit had taken possession of her; how, in care andanxiety for their welfare, she became a real mother to them; howevery moment of her time was devoted to some labour of love intheir behalf, -- and yet her mirth and cheerfulness had neverforsaken her. I walk by his side, pluck flowers by the way, arrangethem carefully into a nosegay, then fling them into the firststream I pass, and watch them as they float gently away. I forgetwhether I told you that Albert is to remain here. He has receiveda government appointment, with a very good salary; and I understandhe is in high favour at court. I have met few persons so punctualand methodical in business.