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。