《少年维特的烦恼·第一部·1771 年 5 月至 9 月》第28节
JULY 18. Wilhelm, what is the world to our hearts without love? What is a magic-lantern without light? You have but to kindle the flame within, and the brightest figures shine on the white wall; and, if love only show us fleeting shadows, we are yet happy, when, like mere children, we behold them, and are transported with the splendid phantoms. I have not been able to see Charlotte to-day. I was prevented by company from which I could not disengage myself. What was to be done? I sent my servant to her house, that I might at least see somebody to-day who had been near her. Oh, the impatience with which I waited for his return! the joy with which I welcomed him! I should certainly have caught him in my arms, and kissed him, if I had not been ashamed. It is said that the Bonona stone, when placed in the sun, attracts the rays, and for a time appears luminous in the dark. So was it with me and this servant. The idea that Charlotte's eyes had dwelt on his countenance, his cheek, his very apparel, endeared them all inestimably to me, so that at the moment I would not have parted from him for a thousand crowns. His presence made me so happy! Beware of laughing at me, Wilhelm. Can that be a delusion which makes us happy?
注释摘要
维特在这封信里记下了一次见不到绿蒂的煎熬，以及他从这种煎熬中挣扎出来的奇特方式。他被无聊的应酬绊住，一整天都脱不开身，于是做了一件近乎迷信的事——派仆人到绿蒂家里去。他的逻辑很简单：既然我见不到她，至少让我见一个刚刚见过她的人。仆人回来时，维特简直欣喜若狂，差点就要拥抱他、亲吻他。这种兴奋并不来自仆人本身，而是因为绿蒂的目光曾经落在这个人的脸上、衣领上、外…