《少年维特的烦恼·第二部·1771 年 10 月至 1772 年 12 月》第7节
FEBRUARY 17. I fear that my ambassador and I shall not continue much longer together. He is really growing past endurance. He transacts his business in so ridiculous a manner, that I am often compelled to contradict him, and do things my own way; and then, of course, he thinks them very ill done. He complained of me lately on this account at court; and the minister gave me a reprimand,—a gentle one it is true, but still a reprimand. In consequence of this, I was about to tender my resignation, when I received a letter, to which I submitted with great respect, on account of the high, noble, and generous spirit which dictated it. He endeavoured to soothe my excessive sensibility, paid a tribute to my extreme ideas of duty, of good example, and of perseverance in business, as the fruit of my youthful ardour, an impulse which he did not seek to destroy, but only to moderate, that it might have proper play and be productive of good. So now I am at rest for another week, and no longer at variance with myself. Content and peace of mind are valuable things: I could wish, my dear friend, that these precious jewels were less transitory.
注释摘要
这封信里，维特被彻底困在公务生涯的低气压里。公使已经“令人忍无可忍”，办事迂腐到可笑的程度，维特不得不违抗他按自己的方式行事，结果自然被认作一塌糊涂。对方告到了宫廷，部长给了训斥——措辞温和，但终究是训斥。维特当即想要递辞呈，这时却收到部长的亲笔信。让他愿意听进去的，不只是信里的道理，更是“那高贵、慷慨的精神”。部长没有一把将他按下去，而是把他那过度的敏感…