Preface
I have carefully collected whatever I have been
able to learn of the story of poor Werther, and here
present it to you, knowing that you will thank me for it. To his spirit and character you
cannot refuse your admiration and love: to his fate you will not deny your tears.
And thou, good soul, who sufferest the same distress as
he endured once, draw comfort from his sorrows; and let this little book be thy
friend, if, owing to fortune or through thine own fault, thou canst not find a dearer companion.
Chapter 1
MAY 4.
How happy I am that I am gone! My dear friend, what a thing is the heart of man!
To leave you, from whom I have been inseparable, whom I love so dearly, and yet to
feel happy! I know you will forgive me.