Seek and find an object worthy of your love; then
return hither and let us enjoy together all the happiness of the most
perfect friendship."
"This speech," replied Werther, with a cold smile,--"this speech should
be printed, for the benefit of all teachers. My dear Charlotte, allow
me but a short time longer, and all will be well." "But, however,
Werther," she added, "do not come again before Christmas." He was about
to make some answer, when Albert came in. They saluted each other
coldly, and with mutual embarrassment paced up and down the room.
Werther made some common remarks; Albert did the same, and their
conversation soon dropped. Albert asked his wife about some household
matters; and, finding that his commissions were not executed, he used
some expressions which, to Werther's ear, savoured of extreme
harshness. He wished to go, but had not power to move; and in this
situation he remained till eight o'clock, his uneasiness and discontent
continually increasing. At length the cloth was laid for supper, and he
took up his hat and stick. Albert invited him to remain; but Werther,
fancying that he was merely paying a formal compliment, thanked him
coldly and left the house.
Werther returned home, took the candle from his servant, and retired to
his room alone. He talked for some time with great earnestness to
himself, wept aloud, walked in a state of great excitement through his
chamber; till at length, without undressing, he threw himself on the
bed, where he was found by his servant at eleven o'clock, when the
latter ventured to enter the room and take off his boots. Werther did
not prevent him, but forbade him to come in the morning till he should
ring.
On Monday morning, the 21st of December, he wrote to Charlotte the
following letter, which was found, sealed, on his bureau after his
death, and was given to her. I shall insert it in fragments; as it
appears, from several circumstances, to have been written in that
manner.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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