少年维特的烦恼 英文版 The Sorrows of Young Werther
歌德 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
MARCH 24.
I have tendered my resignation to the court. I hope it will beaccepted, and you will forgive me for not having previously consultedyou. It is necessary I should leave this place. I know all youwill urge me to stay, and therefore I beg you will soften thisnews to my mother. I am unable to do anything for myself: how,then, should I be competent to assist others? It will afflict herthat I should have interrupted that career which would have mademe first a privy councillor, and then minister, and that I shouldlook behind me, in place of advancing. Argue as you will, combineall the reasons which should have induced me to remain, I am going:that is sufficient. But, that you may not be ignorant of mydestination, I may mention that the Prince of -- is here. He ismuch pleased with my company; and, having heard of my intentionto resign, he has invited me to his country house, to pass thespring months with him. I shall be left completely my own master;and, as we agree on all subjects but one, I shall try my fortune,and accompany him.