PREFACE
　　IhavecarefullycollectedwhateverIhavebeenabletolearnofthestoryofpoorWerther，andherepresentittoyou，knowingthatyouwillthankmeforit。Tohisspiritandcharacteryoucannotrefuseyouradmirationandlove：tohisfateyouwillnotdenyyourtears。
　　Andthou，goodsoul，whosufferestthesamedistressasheenduredonce，drawcomfortfromhissorrows;andletthislittlebookbethyfriend，if，owingtofortuneorthroughthineownfault，thoucanstnotfindadearercompanion。
　　BOOKI
　　MAY4。
　　HowhappyIamthatIamgone！Mydearfriend，whatathingistheheartofman！Toleaveyou，fromwhomIhavebeeninseparable，whomIlovesodearly，andyettofeelhappy！Iknowyouwillforgiveme。Havenototherattachmentsbeenspeciallyappointedbyfatetotormentaheadlikemine？PoorLeonora！andyetIwasnottoblame。Wasitmyfault，that，whilstthepeculiarcharmsofhersisteraffordedmeanagreeableentertainment，apassionformewasengenderedinherfeebleheart？AndyetamIwhollyblameless？DidInotencourageheremotions？DidInotfeelcharmedatthosetrulygenuineexpressionsofnature，which，thoughbutlittlemirthfulinreality，sooftenamusedus？DidInot——
　　butoh！whatisman，thathedaressotoaccusehimself？MydearfriendIpromiseyouIwillimprove;Iwillnolonger，ashaseverbeenmyhabit，continuetoruminateoneverypettyvexationwhichfortunemaydispense;Iwillenjoythepresent，andthepastshallbeformethepast。Nodoubtyouareright，mybestoffriends，therewouldbefarlesssufferingamongstmankind，ifmen——andGodknowswhytheyaresofashioned——didnotemploytheirimaginationssoassiduouslyinrecallingthememoryofpastsorrow，insteadofbearingtheirpresentlotwithequanimity。BekindenoughtoinformmymotherthatIshallattendtoherbusinesstothebestofmyability，andshallgivehertheearliestinformationaboutit。Ihaveseenmyaunt，andfindthatsheisveryfarfrombeingthedisagreeablepersonourfriendsallegehertobe。Sheisalively，cheerfulwoman，withthebestofhearts。Iexplainedtohermymother’swrongswithregardtothatpartofherportionwhichhasbeenwithheldfromher。Shetoldmethemotivesandreasonsofherownconduct，andthetermsonwhichsheiswillingtogiveupthewhole，andtodomorethanwehaveasked。Inshort，Icannotwritefurtheruponthissubjectatpresent;onlyassuremymotherthatallwillgoonwell。AndIhaveagainobserved，mydearfriend，inthistriflingaffair，thatmisunderstandingsandneglectoccasionmoremischiefintheworldthanevenmaliceandwickedness。Atallevents，thetwolatterareoflessfrequentoccurrence。
　　InotherrespectsIamverywelloffhere。Solitudeinthisterrestrialparadiseisagenialbalmtomymind，andtheyoungspringcheerswithitsbounteouspromisesmyoftentimesmisgivingheart。Everytree，everybush，isfullofflowers;andonemightwishhimselftransformedintoabutterfly，tofloataboutinthisoceanofperfume，andfindhiswholeexistenceinit。
　　Thetownitselfisdisagreeable;butthen，allaround，youfindaninexpressiblebeautyofnature。ThisinducedthelateCountMtolayoutagardenononeoftheslopinghillswhichhereintersecteachotherwiththemostcharmingvariety，andformthemostlovelyvalleys。Thegardenissimple;anditiseasytoperceive，evenuponyourfirstentrance，thattheplanwasnotdesignedbyascientificgardener，butbyamanwhowishedtogivehimselfupheretotheenjoymentofhisownsensitiveheart。ManyatearhaveIalreadyshedtothememoryofitsdepartedmasterinasummer-housewhichisnowreducedtoruins，butwashisfavouriteresort，andnowismine。Ishallsoonbemasteroftheplace。
　　Thegardenerhasbecomeattachedtomewithinthelastfewdays，andhewilllosenothingthereby。
　　MAY10。
　　Awonderfulserenityhastakenpossessionofmyentiresoul，likethesesweetmorningsofspringwhichIenjoywithmywholeheart。
　　Iamalone，andfeelthecharmofexistenceinthisspot，whichwascreatedfortheblissofsoulslikemine。Iamsohappy，mydearfriend，soabsorbedintheexquisitesenseofmeretranquilexistence，thatIneglectmytalents。Ishouldbeincapableofdrawingasinglestrokeatthepresentmoment;andyetIfeelthatIneverwasagreaterartistthannow。When，whilethelovelyvalleyteemswithvapouraroundme，andthemeridiansunstrikestheuppersurfaceoftheimpenetrablefoliageofmytrees，andbutafewstraygleamsstealintotheinnersanctuary，Ithrowmyselfdownamongthetallgrassbythetricklingstream;and，asIlieclosetotheearth，athousandunknownplantsarenoticedbyme：whenIhearthebuzzofthelittleworldamongthestalks，andgrowfamiliarwiththecountlessindescribableformsoftheinsectsandflies，thenIfeelthepresenceoftheAlmighty，whoformedusinhisownimage，andthebreathofthatuniversallovewhichbearsandsustainsus，asitfloatsaroundusinaneternityofbliss;andthen，myfriend，whendarknessoverspreadsmyeyes，andheavenandearthseemtodwellinmysoulandabsorbitspower，liketheformofabelovedmistress，thenIoftenthinkwithlonging，Oh，wouldIcoulddescribetheseconceptions，couldimpressuponpaperallthatislivingsofullandwarmwithinme，thatitmightbethemirrorofmysoul，asmysoulisthemirroroftheinfiniteGod！Omyfriend——butitistoomuchformystrength——Isinkundertheweightofthesplendourofthesevisions！
　　MAY12。
　　Iknownotwhethersomedeceitfulspiritshauntthisspot，orwhetheritbethewarm，celestialfancyinmyownheartwhichmakeseverythingaroundmeseemlikeparadise。Infrontofthehouseisafountain，——afountaintowhichIamboundbyacharmlikeMelusinaandhersisters。Descendingagentleslope，youcometoanarch，where，sometwentystepslowerdown，wateroftheclearestcrystalgushesfromthemarblerock。Thenarrowwallwhichenclosesitabove，thetalltreeswhichencirclethespot，andthecoolnessoftheplaceitself，——everythingimpartsapleasantbutsublimeimpression。NotadaypassesonwhichIdonotspendanhourthere。Theyoungmaidenscomefromthetowntofetchwater，——innocentandnecessaryemployment，andformerlytheoccupationofthedaughtersofkings。AsItakemyrestthere，theideaoftheoldpatriarchallifeisawakenedaroundme。Iseethem，ouroldancestors，howtheyformedtheirfriendshipsandcontractedalliancesatthefountain-side;andIfeelhowfountainsandstreamswereguardedbybeneficentspirits。Hewhoisastrangertothesesensationshasneverreallyenjoyedcoolreposeatthesideofafountainafterthefatigueofawearysummerday。
　　MAY13。
　　Youaskifyoushallsendmebooks。Mydearfriend，Ibeseechyou，fortheloveofGod，relievemefromsuchayoke！Ineednomoretobeguided，agitated，heated。Myheartfermentssufficientlyofitself。Iwantstrainstolullme，andIfindthemtoperfectioninmyHomer。OftendoIstrivetoallaytheburningfeverofmyblood;andyouhaveneverwitnessedanythingsounsteady，souncertain，asmyheart。ButneedIconfessthistoyou，mydearfriend，whohavesooftenenduredtheanguishofwitnessingmysuddentransitionsfromsorrowtoimmoderatejoy，andfromsweetmelancholytoviolentpassions？Itreatmypoorheartlikeasickchild，andgratifyitseveryfancy。Donotmentionthisagain：
　　therearepeoplewhowouldcensuremeforit。
　　MAY15。
　　Thecommonpeopleoftheplaceknowmealready，andloveme，particularlythechildren。WhenatfirstIassociatedwiththem，andinquiredinafriendlytoneabouttheirvarioustrifles，somefanciedthatIwishedtoridiculethem，andturnedfrommeinexceedingill-humour。Ididnotallowthatcircumstancetogrieveme：IonlyfeltmostkeenlywhatIhaveoftenbeforeobserved。
　　Personswhocanclaimacertainrankkeepthemselvescoldlyalooffromthecommonpeople，asthoughtheyfearedtolosetheirimportancebythecontact;whilstwantonidlers，andsuchasarepronetobadjoking，affecttodescendtotheirlevel，onlytomakethepoorpeoplefeeltheirimpertinenceallthemorekeenly。
　　Iknowverywellthatwearenotallequal，norcanbeso;butitismyopinionthathewhoavoidsthecommonpeople，inordernottolosetheirrespect，isasmuchtoblameasacowardwhohideshimselffromhisenemybecausehefearsdefeat。
　　TheotherdayIwenttothefountain，andfoundayoungservant-girl，whohadsetherpitcherontheloweststep，andlookedaroundtoseeifoneofhercompanionswasapproachingtoplaceitonherhead。Irandown，andlookedather。"ShallIhelpyou，prettylass？"saidI。Sheblusheddeeply。"Oh，sir！"sheexclaimed。
　　"Noceremony！"Ireplied。Sheadjustedherhead-gear，andI
　　helpedher。Shethankedme，andascendedthesteps。
　　MAY17。
　　Ihavemadeallsortsofacquaintances，buthaveasyetfoundnosociety。IknownotwhatattractionIpossessforthepeople，somanyofthemlikeme，andattachthemselvestome;andthenIfeelsorrywhentheroadwepursuetogethergoesonlyashortdistance。
　　Ifyouinquirewhatthepeoplearelikehere，Imustanswer，"Thesameaseverywhere。"Thehumanraceisbutamonotonousaffair。
　　Mostofthemlabourthegreaterpartoftheirtimeformeresubsistence;andthescantyportionoffreedomwhichremainstothemsotroublesthemthattheyuseeveryexertiontogetridofit。Oh，thedestinyofman！
　　Buttheyarearightgoodsortofpeople。IfIoccasionallyforgetmyself，andtakepartintheinnocentpleasureswhicharenotyetforbiddentothepeasantry，andenjoymyself，forinstance，withgenuinefreedomandsincerity，roundawell-coveredtable，orarrangeanexcursionoradanceopportunely，andsoforth，allthisproducesagoodeffectuponmydisposition;onlyImustforgetthatthereliedormantwithinmesomanyotherqualitieswhichmoulderuselessly，andwhichIamobligedtokeepcarefullyconcealed。
　　Ah！thisthoughtaffectsmyspiritsfearfully。Andyettobemisunderstoodisthefateofthelikeofus。
　　Alas，thatthefriendofmyyouthisgone！Alas，thatIeverknewher！Imightsaytomyself，"Youareadreamertoseekwhatisnottobefoundherebelow。"Butshehasbeenmine。Ihavepossessedthatheart，thatnoblesoul，inwhosepresenceIseemedtobemorethanIreallywas，becauseIwasallthatIcouldbe。
　　Goodheavens！didthenasinglepowerofmysoulremainunexercised？
　　InherpresencecouldInotdisplay，toitsfullextent，thatmysteriousfeelingwithwhichmyheartembracesnature？Wasnotourintercourseaperpetualwebofthefinestemotions，ofthekeenestwit，thevarietiesofwhich，evenintheirveryeccentricity，borethestampofgenius？Alas！thefewyearsbywhichshewasmyseniorbroughthertothegravebeforeme。NevercanIforgetherfirmmindorherheavenlypatience。
　　AfewdaysagoImetacertainyoungV——，afrank，openfellow，withamostpleasingcountenance。Hehasjustlefttheuniversity，doesnotdeemhimselfoverwise，butbelievesheknowsmorethanotherpeople。Hehasworkedhard，asIcanperceivefrommanycircumstances，and，inshort，possessesalargestockofinformation。
　　WhenheheardthatIamdrawingagooddeal，andthatIknowGreek（twowonderfulthingsforthispartofthecountry），hecametoseeme，anddisplayedhiswholestoreoflearning，fromBatteauxtoWood，fromDePilestoWinkelmann：heassuredmehehadreadthroughthefirstpartofSultzer’stheory，andalsopossessedamanuscriptofHeyne’sworkonthestudyoftheantique。Ialloweditalltopass。
　　Ihavebecomeacquainted，also，withaveryworthyperson，thedistrictjudge，afrankandopen-heartedman。Iamtolditisamostdelightfulthingtoseehiminthemidstofhischildren，ofwhomhehasnine。Hiseldestdaughterespeciallyishighlyspokenof。Hehasinvitedmetogoandseehim，andIintendtodosoonthefirstopportunity。Helivesatoneoftheroyalhunting-lodges，whichcanbereachedfromhereinanhourandahalfbywalking，andwhichheobtainedleavetoinhabitafterthelossofhiswife，asitissopainfultohimtoresideintownandatthecourt。
　　Therehavealsocomeinmywayafewotheroriginalsofaquestionablesort，whoareinallrespectsundesirable，andmostintolerableintheirdemonstrationoffriendship。Good-bye。Thisletterwillpleaseyou：itisquitehistorical。
　　MAY22。
　　Thatthelifeofmanisbutadream，manyamanhassurmisedheretofore;andI，too，ameverywherepursuedbythisfeeling。
　　WhenIconsiderthenarrowlimitswithinwhichouractiveandinquiringfacultiesareconfined;whenIseehowallourenergiesarewastedinprovidingformerenecessities，whichagainhavenofurtherendthantoprolongawretchedexistence;andthenthatalloursatisfactionconcerningcertainsubjectsofinvestigationendsinnothingbetterthanapassiveresignation，whilstweamuseourselvespaintingourprison-wallswithbrightfiguresandbrilliantlandscapes，——whenIconsiderallthis，Wilhelm，Iamsilent。
　　Iexaminemyownbeing，andfindthereaworld，butaworldratherofimaginationanddimdesires，thanofdistinctnessandlivingpower。Theneverythingswimsbeforemysenses，andIsmileanddreamwhilepursuingmywaythroughtheworld。
　　Alllearnedprofessorsanddoctorsareagreedthatchildrendonotcomprehendthecauseoftheirdesires;butthatthegrown-upshouldwanderaboutthisearthlikechildren，withoutknowingwhencetheycome，orwhithertheygo，influencedaslittlebyfixedmotives，butguidedlikethembybiscuits，sugar-plums，andtherod，——thisiswhatnobodyiswillingtoacknowledge;andyetIthinkitispalpable。
　　Iknowwhatyouwillsayinreply;forIamreadytoadmitthattheyarehappiest，who，likechildren，amusethemselveswiththeirplaythings，dressandundresstheirdolls，andattentivelywatchthecupboard，wheremammahaslockeduphersweetthings，and，whenatlasttheygetadeliciousmorsel，eatitgreedily，andexclaim，"More！"Thesearecertainlyhappybeings;butothersalsoareobjectsofenvy，whodignifytheirpaltryemployments，andsometimeseventheirpassions，withpompoustitles，representingthemtomankindasgiganticachievementsperformedfortheirwelfareandglory。Butthemanwhohumblyacknowledgesthevanityofallthis，whoobserveswithwhatpleasurethethrivingcitizenconvertshislittlegardenintoaparadise，andhowpatientlyeventhepoormanpursueshiswearywayunderhisburden，andhowallwishequallytobeholdthelightofthesunalittlelonger，——yes，suchamanisatpeace，andcreateshisownworldwithinhimself;andheisalsohappy，becauseheisaman。Andthen，howeverlimitedhissphere，hestillpreservesinhisbosomthesweetfeelingofliberty，andknowsthathecanquithisprisonwheneverhelikes。
　　MAY26。
　　Youknowofoldmywaysofsettlinganywhere，ofselectingalittlecottageinsomecosyspot，andofputtingupinitwitheveryinconvenience。Here，too，Ihavediscoveredsuchasnug，comfortableplace，whichpossessespeculiarcharmsforme。
　　AboutaleaguefromthetownisaplacecalledWalheim。（Thereaderneednottakethetroubletolookfortheplacethusdesignated。
　　Wehavefounditnecessarytochangethenamesgivenintheoriginal。）
　　Itisdelightfullysituatedonthesideofahill;and，byproceedingalongoneofthefootpathswhichleadoutofthevillage，youcanhaveaviewofthewholevalley。Agoodoldwomanlivesthere，whokeepsasmallinn。Shesellswine，beer，andcoffee，andischeerfulandpleasantnotwithstandingherage。Thechiefcharmofthisspotconsistsintwolinden-trees，spreadingtheirenormousbranchesoverthelittlegreenbeforethechurch，whichisentirelysurroundedbypeasants’cottages，barns，andhomesteads。Ihaveseldomseenaplacesoretiredandpeaceable;andthereoftenhavemytableandchairbroughtoutfromthelittleinn，anddrinkmycoffeethere，andreadmyHomer。Accidentbroughtmetothespotonefineafternoon，andIfounditperfectlydeserted。Everybodywasinthefieldsexceptalittleboyaboutfouryearsofage，whowassittingontheground，andheldbetweenhiskneesachildaboutsixmonthsold：hepressedittohisbosomwithbotharms，whichthusformedasortofarm-chair;and，notwithstandingthelivelinesswhichsparkledinitsblackeyes，itremainedperfectlystill。
　　Thesightcharmedme。Isatdownuponaploughopposite，andsketchedwithgreatdelightthislittlepictureofbrotherlytenderness。Iaddedtheneighbouringhedge，thebarn-door，andsomebrokencart-wheels，justastheyhappenedtolie;andIfoundinaboutanhourthatIhadmadeaverycorrectandinterestingdrawing，withoutputtingintheslightestthingofmyown。Thisconfirmedmeinmyresolutionofadhering，forthefuture，entirelytonature。Shealoneisinexhaustible，andcapableofformingthegreatestmasters。Muchmaybeallegedinfavourofrules，asmuchmaybelikewiseadvancedinfavourofthelawsofsociety：anartistformeduponthemwillneverproduceanythingabsolutelybadordisgusting;asamanwhoobservesthelaws，andobeysdecorum，canneverbeanabsolutelyintolerableneighbour，noradecidedvillain：butyet，saywhatyouwillofrules，theydestroythegenuinefeelingofnature，aswellasitstrueexpression。Donottellme"thatthisistoohard，thattheyonlyrestrainandprunesuperfluousbranches，etc。"Mygoodfriend，Iwillillustratethisbyananalogy。Thesethingsresemblelove。Awarmheartedyouthbecomesstronglyattachedtoamaiden：hespendseveryhourofthedayinhercompany，wearsouthishealth，andlavisheshisfortune，toaffordcontinualproofthatheiswhollydevotedtoher。Thencomesamanoftheworld，amanofplaceandrespectability，andaddresseshimthus："Mygoodyoungfriend，loveisnatural;
　　butyoumustlovewithinbounds。Divideyourtime：devoteaportiontobusiness，andgivethehoursofrecreationtoyourmistress。
　　Calculateyourfortune;andoutofthesuperfluityyoumaymakeherapresent，onlynottoooften，——onherbirthday，andsuchoccasions。"Pursuingthisadvice，hemaybecomeausefulmemberofsociety，andIshouldadviseeveryprincetogivehimanappointment;butitisallupwithhislove，andwithhisgeniusifhebeanartist。Omyfriend！whyisitthatthetorrentofgeniussoseldomburstsforth，soseldomrollsinfull-flowingstream，overwhelmingyourastoundedsoul？Because，oneithersideofthisstream，coldandrespectablepersonshavetakenuptheirabodes，and，forsooth，theirsummer-housesandtulip-bedswouldsufferfromthetorrent;whereforetheydigtrenches，andraiseembankmentsbetimes，inordertoaverttheimpendingdanger。
　　MAY27。
　　IfindIhavefallenintoraptures，declamation，andsimiles，andhaveforgotten，inconsequence，totellyouwhatbecameofthechildren。Absorbedinmyartisticcontemplations，whichIbrieflydescribedinmyletterofyesterday，Icontinuedsittingontheploughfortwohours。Towardeveningayoungwoman，withabasketonherarm，camerunningtowardthechildren，whohadnotmovedallthattime。Sheexclaimedfromadistance，"Youareagoodboy，Philip！"Shegavemegreeting：Ireturnedit，rose，andapproachedher。Iinquiredifshewerethemotherofthoseprettychildren。"Yes，"shesaid;and，givingtheeldestapieceofbread，shetookthelittleoneinherarmsandkisseditwithamother’stenderness。"IleftmychildinPhilip’scare，"shesaid，"whilstIwentintothetownwithmyeldestboytobuysomewheatenbread，somesugar，andanearthenpot。"Isawthevariousarticlesinthebasket，fromwhichthecoverhadfallen。"Ishallmakesomebrothto-nightformylittleHans（whichwasthenameoftheyoungest）：thatwildfellow，thebigone，brokemypotyesterday，whilsthewasscramblingwithPhilipforwhatremainedofthecontents。"Iinquiredfortheeldest;andshebadscarcelytimetotellmethathewasdrivingacoupleofgeesehomefromthemeadow，whenheranup，andhandedPhilipanosier-twig。Italkedalittlelongerwiththewoman，andfoundthatshewasthedaughteroftheschoolmaster，andthatherhusbandwasgoneonajourneyintoSwitzerlandforsomemoneyarelationhadlefthim。"Theywantedtocheathim，"shesaid，"andwouldnotanswerhisletters;
　　soheisgonetherehimself。Ihopehehasmetwithnoaccident，asIhaveheardnothingofhimsincehisdeparture。"Ileftthewoman，withregret，givingeachofthechildrenakreutzer，withanadditionalonefortheyoungest，tobuysomewheatenbreadforhisbrothwhenshewenttotownnext;andsoweparted。Iassureyou，mydearfriend，whenmythoughtsareallintumult，thesightofsuchacreatureasthistranquillisesmydisturbedmind。Shemovesinahappythoughtlessnesswithintheconfinedcircleofherexistence;shesuppliesherwantsfromdaytoday;and，whensheseestheleavesfall，theyraisenootherideainhermindthanthatwinterisapproaching。SincethattimeIhavegoneouttherefrequently。Thechildrenhavebecomequitefamiliarwithme;andeachgetsalumpofsugarwhenIdrinkmycoffee，andtheysharemymilkandbreadandbutterintheevening。TheyalwaysreceivetheirkreutzeronSundays，forthegoodwomanhasorderstogiveittothemwhenIdonotgothereaftereveningservice。Theyarequiteathomewithme，tellmeeverything;andIamparticularlyamusedwithobservingtheirtempers，andthesimplicityoftheirbehaviour，whensomeoftheothervillagechildrenareassembledwiththem。
　　Ithasgivenmeadealoftroubletosatisfytheanxietyofthemother，lest（asshesays）"theyshouldinconveniencethegentleman。"
　　MAY30。
　　WhatIhavelatelysaidofpaintingisequallytruewithrespecttopoetry。Itisonlynecessaryforustoknowwhatisreallyexcellent，andventuretogiveitexpression;andthatissayingmuchinfewwords。To-dayIhavehadascene，which，ifliterallyrelated，would，makethemostbeautifulidylintheworld。ButwhyshouldItalkofpoetryandscenesandidyls？Canwenevertakepleasureinnaturewithouthavingrecoursetoart？
　　Ifyouexpectanythinggrandormagnificentfromthisintroduction，youwillbesadlymistaken。Itrelatesmerelytoapeasant-lad，whohasexcitedinmethewarmestinterest。Asusual，Ishalltellmystorybadly;andyou，asusual，willthinkmeextravagant。
　　ItisWalheimoncemore——alwaysWalheim——whichproducesthesewonderfulphenomena。
　　Apartyhadassembledoutsidethehouseunderthelinden-trees，todrinkcoffee。Thecompanydidnotexactlypleaseme;and，underonepretextoranother，Ilingeredbehind。
　　Apeasantcamefromanadjoininghouse，andsettoworkarrangingsomepartofthesameploughwhichIhadlatelysketched。Hisappearancepleasedme;andIspoketohim，inquiredabouthiscircumstances，madehisacquaintance，and，asismywontwithpersonsofthatclass，wassoonadmittedintohisconfidence。Hesaidhewasintheserviceofayoungwidow，whosetgreatstorebyhim。Hespokesomuchofhismistress，andpraisedhersoextravagantly，thatIcouldsoonseehewasdesperatelyinlovewithher。"Sheisnolongeryoung，"hesaid："andshewastreatedsobadlybyherformerhusbandthatshedoesnotmeantomarryagain。"Fromhisaccountitwassoevidentwhatincomparablecharmsshepossessedforhim，andhowardentlyhewishedshewouldselecthimtoextinguishtherecollectionofherfirsthusband’smisconduct，thatIshouldhavetorepeathisownwordsinordertodescribethedepthofthepoorfellow’sattachment，truth，anddevotion。Itwould，infact，requirethegiftsofagreatpoettoconveytheexpressionofhisfeatures，theharmonyofhisvoice，andtheheavenlyfireofhiseye。Nowordscanportraythetendernessofhiseverymovementandofeveryfeature：noeffortofminecoulddojusticetothescene。HisalarmlestIshouldmisconceivehispositionwithregardtohismistress，orquestiontheproprietyofherconduct，touchedmeparticularly。Thecharmingmannerwithwhichhedescribedherformandperson，which，withoutpossessingthegracesofyouth，wonandattachedhimtoher，isinexpressible，andmustbelefttotheimagination。Ihaveneverinmylifewitnessedorfanciedorconceivedthepossibilityofsuchintensedevotion，suchardentaffections，unitedwithsomuchpurity。DonotblamemeifIsaythattherecollectionofthisinnocenceandtruthisdeeplyimpresseduponmyverysoul;thatthispictureoffidelityandtendernesshauntsmeeverywhere;andthatmyownheart，asthoughenkindledbytheflame，glowsandburnswithinme。
　　ImeannowtotryandseeherassoonasIcan：orperhaps，onsecondthoughts，Ihadbetternot;itisbetterIshouldbeholdherthroughtheeyesofherlover。Tomysight，perhaps，shewouldnotappearasshenowstandsbeforeme;andwhyshouldIdestroysosweetapicture？
　　JUNE16。
　　"WhydoInotwritetoyou？"Youlayclaimtolearning，andasksuchaquestion。YoushouldhaveguessedthatIamwell——thatistosay——inaword，Ihavemadeanacquaintancewhohaswonmyheart：Ihave——Iknownot。
　　TogiveyouaregularaccountofthemannerinwhichIhavebecomeacquaintedwiththemostamiableofwomenwouldbeadifficulttask。
　　Iamahappyandcontentedmortal，butapoorhistorian。
　　Anangel！Nonsense！Everybodysodescribeshismistress;andyetIfinditimpossibletotellyouhowperfectsheis，orwhysheissoperfect：sufficeittosayshehascaptivatedallmysenses。
　　Somuchsimplicitywithsomuchunderstauding——somild，andyetsoresolute——amindsoplacid，andalifesoactive。
　　Butallthisisuglybalderdash，whichexpressesnotasinglecharacternorfeature。Someothertime——butno，notsomeothertime，now，thisveryinstant，willItellyouallaboutit。Nowornever。Well，betweenourselves，sinceIcommencedmyletter，Ihavebeenthreetimesonthepointofthrowingdownmypen，oforderingmyhorse，andridingout。AndyetIvowedthismorningthatIwouldnotrideto-day，andyeteverymomentIamrushingtothewindowtoseehowhighthesunis。
　　Icouldnotrestrainmyself——gotoherImust。Ihavejustreturned，Wilhelm;andwhilstIamtakingsupperIwillwritetoyou。Whatadelightitwasformysoultoseeherinthemidstofherdear，beautifulchildren，——eightbrothersandsisters！
　　But，ifIproceedthus，youwillbenowiserattheendofmyletterthanyouwereatthebeginning。Attend，then，andIwillcompelmyselftogiveyouthedetails。
　　ImentionedtoyoutheotherdaythatIhadbecomeacquaintedwithS——，thedistrictjudge，andthathehadinvitedmetogoandvisithiminhisretirement，orratherinhislittlekingdom。ButI
　　neglectedgoing，andperhapsshouldneverhavegone，ifchancehadnotdiscoveredtomethetreasurewhichlayconcealedinthatretiredspot。Someofouryoungpeoplehadproposedgivingaballinthecountry，atwhichIconsentedtobepresent。Iofferedmyhandfortheeveningtoaprettyandagreeable，butrathercommonplace，sortofgirlfromtheimmediateneighbourhood;anditwasagreedthatIshouldengageacarriage，andcalluponCharlotte，withmypartnerandheraunt，toconveythemtotheball。Mycompanioninformedme，aswedrovealongthroughtheparktothehunting-lodge，thatIshouldmaketheacquaintanceofaverycharmingyounglady。
　　"Takecare，"addedtheaunt，"thatyoudonotloseyourheart。"
　　"Why？"saidI。"Becausesheisalreadyengagedtoaveryworthyman，"shereplied，"whoisgonetosettlehisaffairsuponthedeathofhisfather，andwillsucceedtoaveryconsiderableinheritance。"Thisinformationpossessednointerestforme。
　　Whenwearrivedatthegate，thesunwassettingbehindthetopsofthemountains。Theatmospherewasheavy;andtheladiesexpressedtheirfearsofanapproachingstorm，asmassesoflowblackcloudsweregatheringinthehorizon。Irelievedtheiranxietiesbypretendingtobeweather-wise，althoughImyselfhadsomeapprehensionslestourpleasureshouldbeinterrupted。
　　Ialighted;andamaidcametothedoor，andrequestedustowaitamomentforhermistress。Iwalkedacrossthecourttoawell-builthouse，and，ascendingtheflightofstepsinfront，openedthedoor，andsawbeforemethemostcharmingspectacleIhadeverwitnessed。
　　Sixchildren，fromeleventotwoyearsold，wererunningaboutthehall，andsurroundingaladyofmiddleheight，withalovelyfigure，dressedinarobeofsimplewhite，trimmedwithpinkribbons。Shewasholdingaryeloafinherhand，andwascuttingslicesforthelittleonesallaround，inproportiontotheirageandappetite。
　　Sheperformedhertaskinagracefulandaffectionatemanner;eachclaimantawaitinghisturnwithoutstretchedhands，andboisterouslyshoutinghisthanks。Someofthemranawayatonce，toenjoytheireveningmeal;whilstothers，ofagentlerdisposition，retiredtothecourtyardtoseethestrangers，andtosurveythecarriageinwhichtheirCharlottewastodriveaway。"Prayforgivemeforgivingyouthetroubletocomeforme，andforkeepingtheladieswaiting：butdressing，andarrangingsomehouseholddutiesbeforeIleave，hadmademeforgetmychildren’ssupper;andtheydonotliketotakeitfromanyonebutme。"Iutteredsomeindifferentcompliment：butmywholesoulwasabsorbedbyherair，hervoice，hermanner;andIhadscarcelyrecoveredmyselfwhensheranintoherroomtofetchherglovesandfan。Theyoungonesthrewinquiringglancesatmefromadistance;whilstIapproachedtheyoungest，amostdeliciouslittlecreature。Hedrewback;andCharlotte，enteringattheverymoment，said，"Louis，shakehandswithyourcousin。"Thelittlefellowobeyedwillingly;andIcouldnotresistgivinghimaheartykiss，notwithstandinghisratherdirtyface。"Cousin，"saidItoCharlotte，asIhandedherdown，"doyouthinkIdeservethehappinessofbeingrelatedtoyou？"Shereplied，withareadysmile，"Oh！Ihavesuchanumberofcousins，thatIshouldbesorryifyouwerethemostundeservingofthem。"
　　Intakingleave，shedesiredhernextsister，Sophy，agirlaboutelevenyearsold，totakegreatcareofthechildren，andtosaygood-byetopapaforherwhenhecamehomefromhisride。SheenjoinedtothelittleonestoobeytheirsisterSophyastheywouldherself，uponwhichsomepromisedthattheywould;butalittlefair-hairedgirl，aboutsixyearsold，lookeddiscontented，andsaid，"ButSophyisnotyou，Charlotte;andwelikeyoubest。"
　　Thetwoeldestboyshadclamberedupthecarriage;and，atmyrequest，shepermittedthemtoaccompanyusalittlewaythroughtheforest，upontheirpromisingtositverystill，andholdfast。
　　Wewerehardlyseated，andtheladieshadscarcelyexchangedcompliments，makingtheusualremarksuponeachother’sdress，anduponthecompanytheyexpectedtomeet，whenCharlottestoppedthecarriage，andmadeherbrothersgetdown。Theyinsisteduponkissingherhandsoncemore;whichtheeldestdidwithallthetendernessofayouthoffifteen，buttheotherinalighterandmorecarelessmanner。Shedesiredthemagaintogiveherlovetothechildren，andwedroveoff。
　　TheauntinquiredofCharlottewhethershehadfinishedthebookshehadlastsenther。"No，"saidCharlotte;"Ididnotlikeit：
　　youcanhaveitagain。Andtheonebeforewasnotmuchbetter。"
　　Iwassurprised，uponaskingthetitle，tohearthatitwas____。
　　（Wefeelobligedtosuppressthepassageintheletter，topreventanyonefromfeelingaggrieved;althoughnoauthorneedpaymuchattentiontotheopinionofameregirl，orthatofanunsteadyyoungman。）
　　Ifoundpenetrationandcharacterineverythingshesaid：everyexpressionseemedtobrightenherfeatureswithnewcharms，——withnewraysofgenius，——whichunfoldedbydegrees，asshefeltherselfunderstood。
　　"WhenIwasyounger，"sheobserved，"Ilovednothingsomuchasromances。Nothingcouldequalmydelightwhen，onsomeholiday，Icouldsettledownquietlyinacorner，andenterwithmywholeheartandsoulintothejoysorsorrowsofsomefictitiousLeonora。
　　Idonotdenythattheyevenpossesssomecharmsformeyet。ButIreadsoseldom，thatIpreferbookssuitedexactlytomytaste。
　　AndIlikethoseauthorsbestwhosescenesdescribemyownsituationinlife，——andthefriendswhoareaboutme，whosestoriestouchmewithinterest，fromresemblingmyownhomelyexistence，——which，withoutbeingabsolutelyparadise，is，onthewhole，asourceofindescribablehappiness。"
　　Iendeavouredtoconcealtheemotionwhichthesewordsoccasioned，butitwasofslightavail;for，whenshehadexpressedsotrulyheropinionof"TheVicarofWakefield，"andofotherworks，thenamesofwhichIomit（Thoughthenamesareomitted，yettheauthorsmentioneddeserveCharlotte’sapprobation，andwillfeelitintheirheartswhentheyreadthispassage。Itconcernsnootherperson。），Icouldnolongercontainmyself，butgavefullutterancetowhatIthoughtofit：anditwasnotuntilCharlottehadaddressedherselftothetwootherladies，thatIrememberedtheirpresence，andobservedthemsittingmutewithastonishment。Theauntlookedatmeseveraltimeswithanairofraillery，which，however，Ididnotatallmind。
　　Wetalkedofthepleasuresofdancing。"Ifitisafaulttoloveit，"saidCharlotte，"IamreadytoconfessthatIprizeitaboveallotheramusements。Ifanythingdisturbsme，Igotothepiano，playanairtowhichIhavedanced，andallgoesrightagaindirectly。"
　　You，whoknowme，canfancyhowsteadfastlyIgazeduponherrichdarkeyesduringtheseremarks，howmyverysoulgloatedoverherwarmlipsandfresh，glowingcheeks，howIbecamequitelostinthedelightfulmeaningofherwords，somuchso，thatIscarcelyheardtheactualexpressions。Inshort，Ialightedfromthecarriagelikeapersoninadream，andwassolosttothedimworldaroundme，thatIscarcelyheardthemusicwhichresoundedfromtheilluminatedballroom。
　　ThetwoMessrs。AndranandacertainN。N。（Icannottroublemyselfwiththenames），whoweretheaunt’sandCharlotte’spartners，receivedusatthecarriage-door，andtookpossessionoftheirladies，whilstIfollowedwithmine。
　　Wecommencedwithaminuet。Iledoutoneladyafteranother，andpreciselythosewhowerethemostdisagreeablecouldnotbringthemselvestoleaveoff。CharlotteandherpartnerbegananEnglishcountrydance，andyoumustimaginemydelightwhenitwastheirturntodancethefigurewithus。YoushouldseeCharlottedance。
　　Shedanceswithherwholeheartandsoul：herfigureisallharmony，elegance，andgrace，asifshewereconsciousofnothingelse，andhadnootherthoughtorfeeling;and，doubtless，forthemoment，everyothersensationisextinct。
　　Shewasengagedforthesecondcountrydance，butpromisedmethethird，andassuredme，withthemostagreeablefreedom，thatshewasveryfondofwaltzing。"Itisthecustomhere，"shesaid，"forthepreviouspartnerstowaltztogether;butmypartnerisanindifferentwaltzer，andwillfeeldelightedifIsavehimthetrouble。Yourpartnerisnotallowedtowaltz，and，indeed，isequallyincapable：butIobservedduringthecountrydancethatyouwaltzwell;so，ifyouwillwaltzwithme，Ibegyouwouldproposeittomypartner，andIwillproposeittoyours。"Weagreed，anditwasarrangedthatourpartnersshouldmutuallyentertaineachother。
　　Wesetoff，and，atfirst，delightedourselveswiththeusualgracefulmotionsofthearms。Withwhatgrace，withwhatease，shemoved！Whenthewaltzcommenced，andthedancerswhirledaroundeachotherinthegiddymaze，therewassomeconfusion，owingtotheincapacityofsomeofthedancers。Wejudiciouslyremainedstill，allowingtheotherstowearythemselves;and，whentheawkwarddancershadwithdrawn，wejoinedin，andkeptitupfamouslytogetherwithoneothercouple，——Andranandhispartner。
　　NeverdidIdancemorelightly。Ifeltmyselfmorethanmortal，holdingthisloveliestofcreaturesinmyarms，flying，withherasrapidlyasthewind，tillIlostsightofeveryotherobject;
　　andOWilhelm，Ivowedatthatmoment，thatamaidenwhomIloved，orforwhomIfelttheslightestattachment，never，nevershouldwaltzwithanyoneelsebutwithme，ifIwenttoperditionforit！
　　——youwillunderstandthis。
　　Wetookafewturnsintheroomtorecoverourbreath。Charlottesatdown，andfeltrefreshedbypartakingofsomeorangeswhichI
　　hadhadsecured，——theonlyonesthathadbeenleft;butateveryslicewhich，frompoliteness，sheofferedtoherneighbours，Ifeltasthoughadaggerwentthroughmyheart。
　　Wewerethesecondcoupleinthethirdcountrydance。Asweweregoingdown（andHeavenknowswithwhatecstasyIgazedatherarmsandeyes，beamingwiththesweetestfeelingofpureandgenuineenjoyment），wepassedaladywhomIhadnoticedforhercharmingexpressionofcountenance;althoughshewasnolongeryoung。ShelookedatCharlottewithasmile，then，holdingupherfingerinathreateningattitude，repeatedtwiceinaverysignificanttoneofvoicethenameof"Albert。"
　　"WhoisAlbert，"saidItoCharlotte，"ifitisnotimpertinenttoask？"Shewasabouttoanswer，whenwewereobligedtoseparate，inordertoexecuteafigureinthedance;and，aswecrossedoveragaininfrontofeachother，Iperceivedshelookedsomewhatpensive。"WhyneedIconcealitfromyou？"shesaid，asshegavemeherhandforthepromenade。"Albertisaworthyman，towhomIamengaged。"Now，therewasnothingnewtomeinthis（forthegirlshadtoldmeofitontheway）;butitwassofarnewthatIhadnotthoughtofitinconnectionwithherwhom，insoshortatime，Ihadlearnedtoprizesohighly。Enough，Ibecameconfused，gotoutinthefigure，andoccasionedgeneralconfusion;sothatitrequiredallCharlotte’spresenceofmindtosetmerightbypullingandpushingmeintomyproperplace。
　　Thedancewasnotyetfinishedwhenthelightningwhichhadforsometimebeenseeninthehorizon，andwhichIhadassertedtoproceedentirelyfromheat，grewmoreviolent;andthethunderwasheardabovethemusic。Whenanydistressorterrorsurprisesusinthemidstofouramusements，itnaturallymakesadeeperimpressionthanatothertimes，eitherbecausethecontrastmakesusmorekeenlysusceptible，orratherperhapsbecauseoursensesarethenmoreopentoimpressions，andtheshockisconsequentlystronger。
　　TothiscauseImustascribethefrightandshrieksoftheladies。
　　Onesagaciouslysatdowninacornerwithherbacktothewindow，andheldherfingerstoherears;asecondkneltdownbeforeher，andhidherfaceinherlap;athirdthrewherselfbetweenthem，andembracedhersisterwithathousandtears;someinsistedongoinghome;others，unconsciousoftheiractions，wantedsufficientpresenceofmindtorepresstheimpertinenceoftheiryoungpartners，whosoughttodirecttothemselvesthosesighswhichthelipsofouragitatedbeautiesintendedforheaven。Someofthegentlemenhadgonedown-stairstosmokeaquietcigar，andtherestofthecompanygladlyembracedahappysuggestionofthehostesstoretireintoanotherroomwhichwasprovidedwithshuttersandcurtains。
　　Wehadhardlygotthere，whenCharlotteplacedthechairsinacircle;and，whenthecompanyhadsatdownincompliancewithherrequest，sheforthwithproposedaroundgame。
　　Inoticedsomeofthecompanypreparetheirmouthsanddrawthemselvesupattheprospectofsomeagreeableforfeit。"Letusplayatcounting，"saidCharlotte。"Now，payattention：Ishallgoroundthecirclefromrighttoleft;andeachpersonistocount，oneaftertheother，thenumberthatcomestohim，andmustcountfast;whoeverstopsormistakesistohaveaboxontheear，andsoon，tillwehavecountedathousand。"Itwasdelightfultoseethefun。Shewentroundthecirclewithupraisedarm。"One，"
　　saidthefirst;"two，"thesecond;"three，"thethird;andsoon，tillCharlottewentfasterandfaster。Onemadeamistake，instantlyaboxontheear;and，amidthelaughterthatensued，cameanotherbox;andsoon，fasterandfaster。Imyselfcameinfortwo。I
　　fanciedtheywereharderthantherest，andfeltquitedelighted。
　　Agenerallaughterandconfusionputanendtothegamelongbeforewehadcountedasfarasathousand。Thepartybrokeupintolittleseparateknots：thestormhadceased，andIfollowedCharlotteintotheballroom。Onthewayshesaid，"Thegamebanishedtheirfearsofthestorm。"Icouldmakenoreply。"Imyself，"shecontinued，"wasasmuchfrightenedasanyofthem;butbyaffectingcourage，tokeepupthespiritsoftheothers，Iforgotmyapprehensions。"Wewenttothewindow。Itwasstillthunderingatadistance：asoftrainwaspouringdownoverthecountry，andfilledtheairarounduswithdeliciousodours。Charlotteleanedforwardonherarm;hereyeswanderedoverthescene;sheraisedthemtothesky，andthenturnedthemuponme;theyweremoistenedwithtears;sheplacedherhandonmineandsaid，"Klopstock！"atonceIrememberedthemagnificentodewhichwasinherthoughts：Ifeltoppressedwiththeweightofmysensations，andsankunderthem。ItwasmorethanIcouldbear。Ibentoverherhand，kisseditinastreamofdelicioustears，andagainlookeduptohereyes。DivineKlopstock！whydidstthounotseethyapotheosisinthoseeyes？Andthynamesooftenprofaned，wouldthatIneverhearditrepeated！
　　JUNE19。
　　InolongerrememberwhereIstoppedinmynarrative：IonlyknowitwastwointhemorningwhenIwenttobed;andifyouhadbeenwithme，thatImighthavetalkedinsteadofwritingtoyou，I
　　should，inallprobability，havekeptyouuptilldaylight。
　　IthinkIhavenotyetrelatedwhathappenedaswerodehomefromtheball，norhaveItimetotellyounow。Itwasamostmagnificentsunrise：thewholecountrywasrefreshed，andtherainfelldropbydropfromthetreesintheforest。Ourcompanionswereasleep。
　　CharlotteaskedmeifIdidnotwishtosleepalso，andbeggedofmenottomakeanyceremonyonheraccount。Lookingsteadfastlyather，Ianswered，"AslongasIseethoseeyesopen，thereisnofearofmyfallingasleep。"Webothcontinuedawaketillwereachedherdoor。Themaidopeneditsoftly，andassuredher，inanswertoherinquiries，thatherfatherandthechildrenwerewell，andstillsleeping。Ileftheraskingpermissiontovisitherinthecourseoftheday。Sheconsented，andIwent，and，sincethattime，sun，moon，andstarsmaypursuetheircourse：I
　　knownotwhetheritisdayornight;thewholeworldisnothingtome。
　　JUNE21。
　　MydaysareashappyasthosereservedbyGodforhiselect;and，whateverbemyfatehereafter，IcanneversaythatIhavenottastedjoy，——thepurestjoyoflife。YouknowWalheim。Iamnowcompletelysettledthere。InthatspotIamonlyhalfaleaguefromCharlotte;andthereIenjoymyself，andtasteallthepleasurewhichcanfalltothelotofman。
　　LittledidIimagine，whenIselectedWalheimformypedestrianexcursions，thatallheavenlaysonearit。Howofteninmywanderingsfromthehillsideorfromthemeadowsacrosstheriver，haveIbeheldthishunting-lodge，whichnowcontainswithinitallthejoyofmyheart！
　　Ihaveoften，mydearWilhelm，reflectedontheeagernessmenfeeltowanderandmakenewdiscoveries，anduponthatsecretimpulsewhichafterwardinclinesthemtoreturntotheirnarrowcircle，conformtothelawsofcustom，andembarrassthemselvesnolongerwithwhatpassesaroundthem。
　　Itissostrangehow，whenIcameherefirst，andgazeduponthatlovelyvalleyfromthehillside，Ifeltcharmedwiththeentirescenesurroundingme。Thelittlewoodopposite——howdelightfultositunderitsshade！Howfinetheviewfromthatpointofrock！Then，thatdelightfulchainofhills，andtheexquisitevalleysattheirfeet！CouldIbutwanderandlosemyselfamongstthem！Iwent，andreturnedwithoutfindingwhatIwished。Distance，myfriend，islikefuturity。Adimvastnessisspreadbeforeoursouls：theperceptionsofourmindareasobscureasthoseofourvision;andwedesireearnestlytosurrenderupourwholebeing，thatitmaybefilledwiththecompleteandperfectblissofonegloriousemotion。Butalas！whenwehaveattainedourobject，whenthedistanttherebecomesthepresenthere，allischanged：
　　weareaspoorandcircumscribedasever，andoursoulsstilllanguishforunattainablehappiness。
　　Sodoestherestlesstravellerpantforhisnativesoil，andfindinhisowncottage，inthearmsofhiswife，intheaffectionsofhischildren，andinthelabournecessaryfortheirsupport，thathappinesswhichhehadsoughtinvainthroughthewideworld。
　　When，inthemorningatsunrise，IgoouttoWalheim，andwithmyownhandsgatherinthegardenthepeasewhicharetoserveformydinner，whenIsitdowntoshellthem，andreadmyHomerduringtheintervals，andthen，selectingasaucepanfromthekitchen，fetchmyownbutter，putmymessonthefire，coveritup，andsitdowntostiritasoccasionrequires，IfiguretomyselftheillustrioussuitorsofPenelope，killing，dressing，andpreparingtheirownoxenandswine。Nothingfillsmewithamorepureandgenuinesenseofhappinessthanthosetraitsofpatriarchallifewhich，thankHeaven！Icanimitatewithoutaffectation。Happyisit，indeed，formethatmyheartiscapableoffeelingthesamesimpleandinnocentpleasureasthepeasantwhosetableiscoveredwithfoodofhisownrearing，andwhonotonlyenjoyshismeal，butrememberswithdelightthehappydaysandsunnymorningswhenheplantedit，thesofteveningswhenhewateredit，andthepleasureheexperiencedinwatchingitsdailygrowth。
　　JUNE29。
　　Thedaybeforeyesterday，thephysiciancamefromthetowntopayavisittothejudge。HefoundmeonthefloorplayingwithCharlotte’schildren。Someofthemwerescramblingoverme，andothersrompedwithme;and，asIcaughtandtickledthem，theymadeagreatnoise。Thedoctorisaformalsortofpersonage：headjuststheplaitsofhisruffles，andcontinuallysettleshisfrillwhilstheistalkingtoyou;andhethoughtmyconductbeneaththedignityofasensibleman。Icouldperceivethisbyhiscountenance。ButIdidnotsuffermyselftobedisturbed。I
　　allowedhimtocontinuehiswiseconversation，whilstIrebuiltthechildren’scardhousesforthemasfastastheythrewthemdown。Hewentaboutthetownafterward，complainingthatthejudge’schildrenwerespoiledenoughbefore，butthatnowWertherwascompletelyruiningthem。
　　Yes，mydearWilhelm，nothingonthisearthaffectsmyheartsomuchaschildren。WhenIlookonattheirdoings;whenImarkinthelittlecreaturestheseedsofallthosevirtuesandqualitieswhichtheywillonedayfindsoindispensable;whenIbeholdintheobstinateallthefuturefirmnessandconstancyofanoblecharacter;inthecapricious，thatlevityandgaietyoftemperwhichwillcarrythemlightlyoverthedangersandtroublesoflife，theirwholenaturesimpleandunpolluted，——thenIcalltomindthegoldenwordsoftheGreatTeacherofmankind，"Unlessyebecomelikeoneofthese！"Andnow，myfriend，thesechildren，whoareourequals，whomweoughttoconsiderasourmodels，wetreatthemasthoughtheywereoursubjects。Theyareallowednowilloftheirown。Andhavewe，then，noneourselves？Whencecomesourexclusiveright？Isitbecauseweareolderandmoreexperienced？
　　GreatGod！fromtheheightofthyheaventhoubeholdestgreatchildrenandlittlechildren，andnoothers;andthySonhaslongsincedeclaredwhichaffordtheegreatestpleasure。Buttheybelieveinhim，andhearhimnot，——that，too，isanoldstory;
　　andtheytraintheirchildrenaftertheirownimage，etc。
　　Adieu，Wilhelm：Iwillnotfurtherbewildermyselfwiththissubject。
　　JULY1。
　　TheconsolationCharlottecanbringtoaninvalidIexperiencefrommyownheart，whichsuffersmorefromherabsencethanmanyapoorcreaturelingeringonabedofsickness。Sheisgonetospendafewdaysinthetownwithaveryworthywoman，whoisgivenoverbythephysicians，andwishestohaveCharlottenearherinherlastmoments。IaccompaniedherlastweekonavisittotheVicarofS——，asmallvillageinthemountains，aboutaleaguehence。Wearrivedaboutfouro’clock：Charlottehadtakenherlittlesisterwithher。Whenweenteredthevicaragecourt，wefoundthegoodoldmansittingonabenchbeforethedoor，undertheshadeoftwolargewalnut-trees。AtthesightofCharlotteheseemedtogainnewlife，rose，forgothisstick，andventuredtowalktowardher。Sherantohim，andmadehimsitdownagain;
　　then，placingherselfbyhisside，shegavehimanumberofmessagesfromherfather，andthencaughtuphisyoungestchild，adirty，uglylittlething，thejoyofhisoldage，andkissedit。Iwishyoucouldhavewitnessedherattentiontothisoldman，——howsheraisedhervoiceonaccountofhisdeafness;howshetoldhimofhealthyyoungpeople，whohadbeencarriedoffwhenitwasleastexpected;praisedthevirtuesofCarlsbad，andcommendedhisdeterminationtospendtheensuingsummerthere;andassuredhimthathelookedbetterandstrongerthanhedidwhenshesawhimlast。I，inthemeantime，paidattentiontohisgoodlady。Theoldmanseemedquiteinspirits;andasIcouldnothelpadmiringthebeautyofthewalnut-trees，whichformedsuchanagreeableshadeoverourheads，hebegan，thoughwithsomelittledifficulty，totellustheirhistory。"Astotheoldest，"saidhe，"wedonotknowwhoplantedit，——somesayoneclergyman，andsomeanother：
　　buttheyoungerone，therebehindus，isexactlytheageofmywife，fiftyyearsoldnextOctober;herfatherplanteditinthemorning，andintheeveningshecameintotheworld。Mywife’sfatherwasmypredecessorhere，andIcannottellyouhowfondhewasofthattree;anditisfullyasdeartome。Undertheshadeofthatverytree，uponalogofwood，mywifewasseatedknitting，whenI，apoorstudent，cameintothiscourtforthefirsttime，justsevenandtwentyyearsago。"Charlotteinquiredforhisdaughter。HesaidshewasgonewithHerrSchmidttothemeadows，andwaswiththehaymakers。Theoldmanthenresumedhisstory，andtoldushowhispredecessorhadtakenafancytohim，ashadhisdaughterlikewise;andhowhehadbecomefirsthiscurate，andsubsequentlyhissuccessor。Hehadscarcelyfinishedhisstorywhenhisdaughterreturnedthroughthegarden，accompaniedbytheabove-mentionedHerrSchmidt。ShewelcomedCharlotteaffectionately，andIconfessIwasmuchtakenwithherappearance。Shewasalively-looking，good-humouredbrunette，quitecompetenttoamuseoneforashorttimeinthecountry。Herlover（forsuchHerrSchmidtevidentlyappearedtobe）wasapolite，reservedpersonage，andwouldnotjoinourconversation，notwithstandingallCharlotte’sendeavourstodrawhimout。Iwasmuchannoyedatobserving，byhiscountenance，thathissilencedidnotarisefromwantoftalent，butfromcapriceandill-humour。Thissubsequentlybecameveryevident，whenwesetouttotakeawalk，andFredericajoiningCharlotte，withwhomIwastalking，theworthygentleman’sface，whichwasnaturallyrathersombre，becamesodarkandangrythatCharlottewasobligedtotouchmyarm，andremindmethatIwastalkingtoomuchtoFrederica。Nothingdistressesmemorethantoseementormenteachother;particularlywheninthefloweroftheirage，intheveryseasonofpleasure，theywastetheirfewshortdaysofsunshineinquarrelsanddisputes，andonlyperceivetheirerrorwhenitistoolatetorepairit。Thisthoughtdweltuponmymind;andintheevening，whenwereturnedtothevicar’s，andweresittingroundthetablewithourbreadendmilk，theconversationturnedonthejoysandsorrowsoftheworld，Icouldnotresistthetemptationtoinveighbitterlyagainstill-humour。"Weareapt，"
　　saidI，"tocomplain，but-withverylittlecause，thatourhappydaysarefew，andourevildaysmany。IfourheartswerealwaysdisposedtoreceivethebenefitsHeavensendsus，weshouldacquirestrengthtosupportevilwhenitcomes。""But，"observedthevicar’swife，"wecannotalwayscommandourtempers，somuchdependsupontheconstitution：whenthebodysuffers，themindisillatease。"
　　"Iacknowledgethat，"Icontinued;"butwemustconsidersuchadispositioninthelightofadisease，andinquirewhetherthereisnoremedyforit。"
　　"Ishouldbegladtohearone，"saidCharlotte："atleast，Ithinkverymuchdependsuponourselves;Iknowitissowithme。Whenanythingannoysme，anddisturbsmytemper，Ihastenintothegarden，humacoupleofcountrydances，anditisallrightwithmedirectly。""ThatiswhatImeant，"Ireplied;"ill-humourresemblesindolence：itisnaturaltous;butifoncewehavecouragetoexertourselves，wefindourworkrunfreshfromourhands，andweexperienceintheactivityfromwhichweshrankarealenjoyment。"Fredericalistenedveryattentively：andtheyoungmanobjected，thatwewerenotmastersofourselves，andstilllesssoofourfeelings。"Thequestionisaboutadisagreeablefeeling，"Iadded，"fromwhicheveryonewouldwillinglyescape，butnoneknowtheirownpowerwithouttrial。Invalidsaregladtoconsultphysicians，andsubmittothemostscrupulousregimen，themostnauseousmedicines，inordertorecovertheirhealth。"
　　Iobservedthatthegoodoldmaninclinedhishead，andexertedhimselftohearourdiscourse;soIraisedmyvoice，andaddressedmyselfdirectlytohim。Wepreachagainstagreatmanycrimes，"
　　Iobserved，"butIneverrememberasermondeliveredagainstill-humour。""Thatmaydoverywellforyourtownclergymen，"
　　saidhe："countrypeopleareneverill-humoured;though，indeed，itmightbeuseful，occasionally，tomywifeforinstance，andthejudge。"Wealllaughed，asdidhelikewiseverycordially，tillhefellintoafitofcoughing，whichinterruptedourconversationforatime。HerrSchmidtresumedthesubject。"Youcallillhumouracrime，"heremarked，"butIthinkyouusetoostrongaterm。""Notatall，"Ireplied，"ifthatdeservesthenamewhichissopernicioustoourselvesandourneighbours。Isitnotenoughthatwewantthepowertomakeoneanotherhappy，mustwedepriveeachotherofthepleasurewhichwecanallmakeforourselves？
　　Showmethemanwhohasthecouragetohidehisill-humour，whobearsthewholeburdenhimself，withoutdisturbingthepeaceofthosearoundhim。No：ill-humourarisesfromaninwardconsciousnessofourownwantofmerit，fromadiscontentwhicheveraccompaniesthatenvywhichfoolishvanityengenders。Weseepeoplehappy，whomwehavenotmadeso，andcannotendurethesight。"Charlottelookedatmewithasmile;sheobservedtheemotionwithwhichI
　　spoke：andatearintheeyesofFredericastimulatedmetoproceed。
　　"Woeuntothose，"Isaid，"whousetheirpoweroverahumanhearttodestroythesimplepleasuresitwouldnaturallyenjoy！Allthefavours，alltheattentions，intheworldcannotcompensateforthelossofthathappinesswhichacrueltyrannyhasdestroyed。"
　　MyheartwasfullasIspoke。Arecollectionofmanythingswhichhadhappenedpresseduponmymind，andfilledmyeyeswithtears。
　　"Weshoulddailyrepeattoourselves，"Iexclaimed，"thatweshouldnotinterferewithourfriends，unlesstoleavetheminpossessionoftheirownjoys，andincreasetheirhappinessbysharingitwiththem！Butwhentheirsoulsaretormentedbyaviolentpassion，ortheirheartsrentwithgrief，isitinyourpowertoaffordthemtheslightestconsolation？
　　"Andwhenthelastfatalmaladyseizesthebeingwhoseuntimelygraveyouhaveprepared，whenshelieslanguidandexhaustedbeforeyou，herdimeyesraisedtoheaven，andthedampofdeathuponherpallidbrow，thereyoustandatherbedsidelikeacondemnedcriminal，withthebitterfeelingthatyourwholefortunecouldnotsaveher;andtheagonisingthoughtwringsyou，thatallyoureffortsarepowerlesstoimpartevenamoment’sstrengthtothedepartingsoul，orquickenherwithatransitoryconsolation。"
　　AtthesewordstheremembranceofasimilarsceneatwhichIhadbeenoncepresentfellwithfullforceuponmyheart。Iburiedmyfaceinmyhandkerchief，andhastenedfromtheroom，andwasonlyrecalledtomyrecollectionbyCharlotte’svoice，whoremindedmethatitwastimetoreturnhome。WithwhattendernessshechidmeonthewayforthetooeagerinterestItookineverything！
　　Shedeclareditwoulddomeinjury，andthatIoughttosparemyself。Yes，myangel！Iwilldosoforyoursake。
　　JULY6。
　　Sheisstillwithherdyingfriend，andisstillthesamebright，beautifulcreaturewhosepresencesoftenspain，andshedshappinessaroundwhicheverwaysheturns。Shewentoutyesterdaywithherlittlesisters：Iknewit，andwenttomeetthem;andwewalkedtogether。Inaboutanhourandahalfwereturnedtothetown。
　　WestoppedatthespringIamsofondof，andwhichisnowathousandtimesdearertomethanever。Charlotteseatedherselfuponthelowwall，andwegatheredabouther。Ilookedaround，andrecalledthetimewhenmyheartwasunoccupiedandfree。
　　"Dearfountain！"Isaid，"sincethattimeIhavenomorecometoenjoycoolreposebythyfreshstream：Ihavepassedtheewithcarelesssteps，andscarcelybestowedaglanceuponthee。"I
　　lookeddown，andobservedCharlotte’slittlesister，Jane，comingupthestepswithaglassofwater。IturnedtowardCharlotte，andIfeltherinfluenceoverme。Janeatthemomentapproachedwiththeglass。Hersister，Marianne，wishedtotakeitfromher。
　　"No！"criedthechild，withthesweetestexpressionofface，"Charlottemustdrinkfirst。"
　　Theaffectionandsimplicitywithwhichthiswasutteredsocharmedme，thatIsoughttoexpressmyfeelingsbycatchingupthechildandkissingherheartily。Shewasfrightened，andbegantocry。
　　"Youshouldnotdothat，"saidCharlotte：Ifeltperplexed。"Come，Jane，"shecontinued，takingherhand，andleadingherdownthestepsagain，"itisnomatter：washyourselfquicklyinthefreshwater。"Istoodandwatchedthem;andwhenIsawthelittledearrubbinghercheekswithherwethands，infullbeliefthatalltheimpuritiescontractedfrommyuglybeardwouldbewashedoffbythemiraculouswater，andhow，thoughCharlottesaiditwoulddo，shecontinuedstilltowashwithallhermight，asthoughshethoughttoomuchwerebetterthantoolittle，Iassureyou，Wilhelm，Ineverattendedabaptismwithgreaterreverence;and，whenCharlottecameupfromthewell，IcouldhaveprostratedmyselfasbeforetheprophetofanEasternnation。
　　IntheeveningIwouldnotresisttellingthestorytoapersonwho，Ithought，possessedsomenaturalfeeling，becausehewasamanofunderstanding。ButwhatamistakeImade。HemaintaineditwasverywrongofCharlotte，thatweshouldnotdeceivechildren，thatsuchthingsoccasionedcountlessmistakesandsuperstitions，fromwhichwewereboundtoprotecttheyoung。Itoccurredtomethen，thatthisverymanhadbeenbaptisedonlyaweekbefore;soIsaidnothingfurther，butmaintainedthejusticeofmyownconvictions。WeshoulddealwithchildrenasGoddealswithus，wearehappiestundertheinfluenceofinnocentdelusions。