《少年维特的烦恼·第一部·1771 年 5 月至 9 月》第44节
AUGUST 22. What a misfortune, Wilhelm! My active spirits have degenerated into contented indolence. I cannot be idle, and yet I am unable to set to work. I cannot think: I have no longer any feeling for the beauties of nature, and books are distasteful to me. Once we give ourselves up, we are totally lost. Many a time and oft I wish I were a common labourer; that, awakening in the morning, I might have but one prospect, one pursuit, one hope, for the day which has dawned. I often envy Albert when I see him buried in a heap of papers and parchments, and I fancy I should be happy were I in his place. Often impressed with this feeling I have been on the point of writing to you and to the minister, for the appointment at the embassy, which you think I might obtain. I believe I might procure it. The minister has long shown a regard for me, and has frequently urged me to seek employment. It is the business of an hour only. Now and then the fable of the horse recurs to me. Weary of liberty, he suffered himself to be saddled and bridled, and was ridden to death for his pains. I know not what to determine upon. For is not this anxiety for change the consequence of that restless spirit which would pursue me equally in every situation of life?
注释摘要
维特这封信标记着一个转折：三个月前他来到瓦尔海姆时，自然是他灵魂的镜子，每天清晨都是全新的馈赠；而现在，自然对他关闭了，连书页都失去了光彩。他用了一个极其准确的说法——"主动的精神退化成了心满意足的怠惰"。这种状态的可怕之处不在于懒散，而是清晰的自我认识与瘫痪的意志同时存在。他能诊断自己的处境，却无力从中挣脱。 他羡慕普通劳动者，因为后者每天起床时只有一个…