



Produced by Michael Potter, and Irene Potter





THE SORROWS OF YOUNG WERTHER

By J.W. von Goethe

Translated by R.D. Boylan

Edited by Nathen Haskell Dole

The Sorrows of Young Werther




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.




BOOK I

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