少年维特的烦恼 英文版 The Sorrows of Young Werther
歌德 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
JANUARY 8, 1772.
What beings are men, whose whole thoughts are occupied with formand ceremony, who for years together devote their mental andphysical exertions to the task of advancing themselves but onestep, and endeavouring to occupy a higher place at the table. Notthat such persons would otherwise want employment: on the contrary,they give themselves much trouble by neglecting important businessfor such petty trifles. Last week a question of precedence aroseat a sledging-party, and all our amusement was spoiled.
The silly creatures cannot see that it is not place which constitutesreal greatness, since the man who occupies the first place butseldom plays the principal part. How many kings are governed bytheir ministers -- how many ministers by their secretaries? Who, insuch cases, is really the chief? He, as it seems to me, who cansee through the others, and possesses strength or skill enough tomake their power or passions subservient to the execution of hisown designs.