少年维特的烦恼 英文版 The Sorrows of Young Werther
歌德 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
MAY 15.
The common people of the place know me already, and love me,particularly the children. When at first I associated with them,and inquired in a friendly tone about their various trifles, somefancied that I wished to ridicule them, and turned from me inexceeding ill-humour. I did not allow that circumstance to grieveme: I only felt most keenly what I have often before observed.Persons who can claim a certain rank keep themselves coldly alooffrom the common people, as though they feared to lose their importanceby the contact; whilst wanton idlers, and such as are prone to badjoking, affect to descend to their level, only to make the poorpeople feel their impertinence all the more keenly.
I know very well that we are not all equal, nor can be so; but itis my opinion that he who avoids the common people, in order notto lose their respect, is as much to blame as a coward who hideshimself from his enemy because he fears defeat.
The other day I went to the fountain, and found a young servant-girl,who had set her pitcher on the lowest step, and looked around tosee if one of her companions was approaching to place it on herhead. I ran down, and looked at her. "Shall I help you, prettylass?" said I. She blushed deeply. "Oh, sir!" she exclaimed."No ceremony!" I replied. She adjusted her head-gear, and Ihelped her. She thanked me, and ascended the steps.