Albert had promised to come to Charlotte in the garden immediately
after supper. I was upon the terrace under the tall chestnut-trees, and
watched the setting sun. I saw him sink for the last time beneath this
delightful valley and silent stream. I had often visited the same spot
with Charlotte, and witnessed that glorious sight; and now--I was
walking up and down the very avenue which was so dear to me. A secret
sympathy had frequently drawn me thither before I knew Charlotte; and
we were delighted when, in our early acquaintance, we discovered that
we each loved the same spot, which is indeed as romantic as any that
ever captivated the fancy of an artist.
From beneath the chestnut-trees there is an extensive view. But I
remember that I have mentioned all this in a former letter, and have
described the tall mass of beech-trees at the end, and how the avenue
grows darker and darker as it winds its way among them, till it ends in
a gloomy recess, which has all the charm of a mysterious solitude. I
still remember the strange feeling of melancholy which came over me the
first time I entered that dark retreat, at bright midday. I felt some
secret foreboding that it would one day be to me the scene of some
happiness or misery.
I had spent half an hour struggling between the contending thoughts of
going and returning, when I heard them coming up the terrace. I ran to
meet them. I trembled as I took her hand, and kissed it. As we reached
the top of the terrace, the moon rose from behind the wooded hill. We
conversed on many subjects, and without perceiving it approached the
gloomy recess. Charlotte entered, and sat down. Albert seated himself
beside her. I did the same, but my agitation did not suffer me to
remain long seated. I got up and stood before her, then walked
backwards and forwards, and sat down again. I was restless and
miserable. Charlotte drew our attention to the beautiful effect of the
moonlight, which threw a silver hue over the terrace in front of us
beyond the beech-trees. It was a glorious sight, and was rendered more
striking by the darkness which surrounded the spot where we were. We
remained for some time silent, when Charlotte observed, "Whenever I
walk by moonlight, it brings to my remembrance all my beloved and
departed friends, and I am filled with thoughts of death and futurity.
We shall live again, Werther," she continued, with a firm but feeling
voice; "but shall we know one another again? What do you think? What do
you say?"
"Charlotte," I said, as I took her hand in mine, and my eyes filled
with tears, "we shall see each other again,--here and hereafter we
shall meet again." I could say no more. Why, Wilhelm, should she put
this question to me just at the moment when the fear of our cruel
separation filled my heart?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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