Ashenowneverenjoyedinternalpeace，theconditionofhisfellowcreatureswastohimaperpetualsourceoftroubleanddistress。
HebelievedhehaddisturbedthehappinessofAlbertandhiswife;
and，whilsthecensuredhimselfstronglyforthis，hebegantoentertainasecretdisliketoAlbert。
Histhoughtswereoccasionallydirectedtothispoint。"Yes，"hewouldrepeattohimself，withill-concealeddissatisfaction，"yes，thisis，afterall，theextentofthatconfiding，dear，tender，andsympatheticlove，thatcalmandeternalfidelity！WhatdoI
beholdbutsatietyandindifference？Doesnoteveryfrivolousengagementattracthimmorethanhischarmingandlovelywife？
Doesheknowhowtoprizehishappiness？Canhevalueherasshedeserves？Hepossessesher，itistrue，Iknowthat，asIknowmuchmore，andIhavebecomeaccustomedtothethoughtthathewilldrivememad，or，perhaps，murderme。Ishisfriendshiptowardmeunimpaired？DoeshenotviewmyattachmenttoCharlotteasaninfringementuponhisrights，andconsidermyattentiontoherasasilentrebuketohimself？Iknow，andindeedfeel，thathedislikesme，thathewishesformyabsence，thatmypresenceishatefultohim。"
HewouldoftenpausewhenonhiswaytovisitCharlotte，standstill，asthoughindoubt，andseemdesirousofreturning，butwouldneverthelessproceed;and，engagedinsuchthoughtsandsoliloquiesaswehavedescribed，hefinallyreachedthehunting-lodge，withasortofinvoluntaryconsent。
Upononeoccasionheenteredthehouse;and，inquiringforCharlotte，heobservedthattheinmateswereinastateofunusualconfusion。TheeldestboyinformedhimthatadreadfulmisfortunehadoccurredatWalheim，——thatapeasanthadbeenmurdered！Butthismadelittleimpressionuponhim。Enteringtheapartment，hefoundCharlotteengagedreasoningwithherfather，who，inspiteofhisinfirmity，insistedongoingtothesceneofthecrime，inordertoinstituteaninquiry。Thecriminalwasunknown;thevictimhadbeenfounddeadathisowndoorthatmorning。Suspicionswereexcited：themurderedmanhadbeenintheserviceofawidow，andthepersonwhohadpreviouslyfilledthesituationhadbeendismissedfromheremployment。
AssoonasWertherheardthis，heexclaimedwithgreatexcitement，"Isitpossible！Imustgotothespot——Icannotdelayamoment！"
HehastenedtoWalheim。Everyincidentreturnedvividlytohisremembrance;andheentertainednottheslightestdoubtthatthatmanwasthemurderertowhomhehadsooftenspoken，andforwhomheentertainedsomuchregard。Hiswaytookhimpastthewell-knownlimetrees，tothehousewherethebodyhadbeencarried;andhisfeelingsweregreatlyexcitedatthesightofthefondlyrecollectedspot。Thatthresholdwheretheneighbours’childrenhadsooftenplayedtogetherwasstainedwithblood;loveandattachment，thenoblestfeelingsofhumannature，hadbeenconvertedintoviolenceandmurder。Thehugetreesstoodthereleaflessandcoveredwithhoarfrost;thebeautifulhedgerowswhichsurroundedtheoldchurchyardwallwerewithered;andthegravestones，halfcoveredwithsnow，werevisiblethroughtheopenings。
Asheapproachedtheinn，infrontofwhichthewholevillagewasassembled，screamsweresuddenlyheard。Atroopofarmedpeasantswasseenapproaching，andeveryoneexclaimedthatthecriminalhadbeenapprehended。Wertherlooked，andwasnotlongindoubt。
Theprisonerwasnootherthantheservant，whohadbeenformerlysoattachedtothewidow，andwhomhehadmetprowlingabout，withthatsuppressedangerandill-concealeddespair，whichwehavebeforedescribed。
"Whathaveyoudone，unfortunateman？"inquiredWerther，asheadvancedtowardtheprisoner。Thelatterturnedhiseyesuponhiminsilence，andthenrepliedwithperfectcomposure;"Noonewillnowmarryher，andshewillmarrynoone。"Theprisonerwastakenintotheinn，andWertherlefttheplace。ThemindofWertherwasfearfullyexcitedbythisshockingoccurrence。Heceased，however，tobeoppressedbyhisusualfeelingofmelancholy，moroseness，andindifferencetoeverythingthatpassedaroundhim。Heentertainedastrongdegreeofpityfortheprisoner，andwasseizedwithanindescribableanxietytosavehimfromhisimpendingfate。Heconsideredhimsounfortunate，hedeemedhiscrimesoexcusable，andthoughthisownconditionsonearlysimilar，thathefeltconvincedhecouldmakeeveryoneelseviewthematterinthelightinwhichhesawithimself。Henowbecameanxioustoundertakehisdefence，andcommencedcomposinganeloquentspeechfortheoccasion;and，onhiswaytothehunting-lodge，hecouldnotrefrainfromspeakingaloudthestatementwhichheresolvedtomaketothejudge。
Uponhisarrival，hefoundAlberthadbeenbeforehim：andhewasalittleperplexedbythismeeting;buthesoonrecoveredhimself，andexpressedhisopinionwithmuchwarmthtothejudge。Thelattershook，hisheaddoubtingly;andalthoughWertherurgedhiscasewiththeutmostzeal，feeling，anddeterminationindefenceofhisclient，yet，aswemayeasilysuppose，thejudgewasnotmuchinfluencedbyhisappeal。Onthecontrary，heinterruptedhiminhisaddress，reasonedwithhimseriously，andevenadministeredarebuketohimforbecomingtheadvocateofamurderer。Hedemonstrated，that，accordingtothisprecedent，everylawmightbeviolated，andthepublicsecurityutterlydestroyed。Headded，moreover，thatinsuchacasehecouldhimselfdonothing，withoutincurringthegreatestresponsibility;thateverythingmustfollowintheusualcourse，andpursuetheordinarychannel。
Werther，however，didnotabandonhisenterprise，andevenbesoughtthejudgetoconniveattheflightoftheprisoner。Butthisproposalwasperemptorilyrejected。Albert，whohadtakensomepartinthediscussion，coincidedinopinionwiththejudge。AtthisWertherbecameenraged，andtookhisleaveingreatanger，afterthejudgehadmorethanonceassuredhimthattheprisonercouldnotbesaved。
Theexcessofhisgriefatthisassurancemaybeinferredfromanotewehavefoundamongsthispapers，andwhichwasdoubtlesswrittenuponthisveryoccasion。
"Youcannotbesaved，unfortunateman！Iseeclearlythatwecannotbesaved！"
WertherwashighlyincensedattheobservationswhichAlberthadmadetothejudgeinthismatteroftheprisoner。Hethoughthecoulddetectthereinalittlebitternesstowardhimselfpersonally;
andalthough，uponreflection，itcouldnotescapehissoundjudgmentthattheirviewofthematterwascorrect，hefeltthegreatestpossiblereluctancetomakesuchanadmission。
AmemorandumofWerther’suponthispoint，expressiveofhisgeneralfeelingstowardAlbert，hasbeenfoundamongsthispapers。
"Whatistheuseofmycontinuallyrepeatingthatheisagoodandestimableman？Heisaninwardtormenttome，andIamincapableofbeingjusttowardhim。"
Onefineeveninginwinter，whentheweatherseemedinclinedtothaw，CharlotteandAlbertwerereturninghometogether。Theformerlookedfromtimetotimeabouther，asifshemissedWerther’scompany。Albertbegantospeakofhim，andcensuredhimforhisprejudices。Healludedtohisunfortunateattachment，andwisheditwerepossibletodiscontinuehisacquaintance。"Idesireitonourownaccount，"headded;"andIrequestyouwillcompelhimtoalterhisdeportmenttowardyou，andtovisityoulessfrequently。
Theworldiscensorious，andIknowthathereandtherewearespokenof。"Charlottemadenoreply，andAlbertseemedtofeelhersilence。Atleast，fromthattimeheneveragainspokeofWerther;and，whensheintroducedthesubject，heallowedtheconversationtodieaway，orelsehedirectedthediscourseintoanotherchannel。
ThevainattemptWertherhadmadetosavetheunhappymurdererwasthelastfeebleglimmeringofaflameabouttobeextinguished。
Hesankalmostimmediatelyafterwardintoastateofgloomandinactivity，untilhewasatlengthbroughttoperfectdistractionbylearningthathewastobesummonedasawitnessagainsttheprisoner，whoassertedhiscompleteinnocence。
Hismindnowbecameoppressedbytherecollectionofeverymisfortuneofhispastlife。Themortificationhehadsufferedattheambassador’s，andhissubsequenttroubles，wererevivedinhismemory。Hebecameutterlyinactive。Destituteofenergy，hewascutofffromeverypursuitandoccupationwhichcomposethebusinessofcommonlife;andhebecameavictimtohisownsusceptibility，andtohisrestlesspassionforthemostamiableandbelovedofwomen，whosepeacehedestroyed。Inthisunvaryingmonotonyofexistencehisdayswereconsumed;andhispowersbecameexhaustedwithoutaimordesign，untiltheybroughthimtoasorrowfulend。
Afewletterswhichheleftbehind，andwhichweheresubjoin，affordthebestproofsofhisanxietyofmindandofthedepthofhispassion，aswellasofhisdoubtsandstruggles，andofhiswearinessoflife。
DECEMBER12。
DearWilhelm，Iamreducedtotheconditionofthoseunfortunatewretcheswhobelievetheyarepursuedbyanevilspirit。SometimesIamoppressed，notbyapprehensionorfear，butbyaninexpressibleinternalsensation，whichweighsuponmyheart，andimpedesmybreath！ThenIwanderforthatnight，eveninthistempestuousseason，andfeelpleasureinsurveyingthedreadfulscenesaroundme。
YesterdayeveningIwentforth。Arapidthawhadsuddenlysetin：Ihadbeeninformedthattheriverhadrisen，thatthebrookshadalloverflowedtheirbanks，andthatthewholevaleofWalheimwasunderwater！UponthestrokeoftwelveIhastenedforth。I
beheldafearfulsight。Thefoamingtorrentsrolledfromthemountainsinthemoonlight，——fieldsandmeadows，treesandhedges，wereconfoundedtogether;andtheentirevalleywasconvertedintoadeeplake，whichwasagitatedbytheroaringwind！Andwhenthemoonshoneforth，andtingedtheblackcloudswithsilver，andtheimpetuoustorrentatmyfeetfoamedandresoundedwithawfulandgrandimpetuosity，Iwasovercomebyamingledsensationofapprehensionanddelight。WithextendedarmsIlookeddownintotheyawningabyss，andcried，"Plunge！’"Foramomentmysensesforsookme，intheintensedelightofendingmysorrowsandmysufferingsbyaplungeintothatgulf！AndthenIfeltasifI
wererootedtotheearth，andincapableofseekinganendtomywoes！Butmyhourisnotyetcome：Ifeelitisnot。OWilhelm，howwillinglycouldIabandonmyexistencetoridethewhirlwind，ortoembracethetorrent！andthenmightnotraptureperchancebetheportionofthisliberatedsoul？
Iturnedmysorrowfuleyestowardafavouritespot，whereIwasaccustomedtositwithCharlottebeneathawillowafterafatiguingwalk。Alas！itwascoveredwithwater，andwithdifficultyIfoundeventhemeadow。Andthefieldsaroundthehunting-lodge，thoughtI。Hasourdearbowerbeendestroyedbythisunpityingstorm？
Andabeamofpasthappinessstreameduponme，asthemindofacaptiveisilluminedbydreamsofflocksandherdsandbygonejoysofhome！ButIamfreefromblame。Ihavecouragetodie！PerhapsIhave，——butIstillsithere，likeawretchedpauper，whocollectsfagots，andbegsherbreadfromdoortodoor，thatshemayprolongforafewdaysamiserableexistencewhichsheisunwillingtoresign。
DECEMBER15。
Whatisthematterwithme，dearWilhelm？Iamafraidofmyself！
Isnotmyloveforherofthepurest，mostholy，andmostbrotherlynature？Hasmysouleverbeensulliedbyasinglesensualdesire？
butIwillmakenoprotestations。Andnow，yenightlyvisions，howtrulyhavethosemortalsunderstoodyou，whoascribeyourvariouscontradictoryeffectstosomeinvinciblepower！ThisnightItrembleattheavowal——Iheldherinmyarms，lockedinacloseembrace：Ipressedhertomybosom，andcoveredwithcountlesskissesthosedearlipswhichmurmuredinreplysoftprotestationsoflove。Mysightbecameconfusedbythedeliciousintoxicationofhereyes。Heavens！isitsinfultorevelagaininsuchhappiness，torecalloncemorethoserapturousmomentswithintensedelight？
Charlotte！Charlotte！Iamlost！Mysensesarebewildered，myrecollectionisconfused，mineeyesarebathedintears——Iamill;andyetIamwell——Iwishfornothing——Ihavenodesires——itwerebetterIweregone。
Underthecircumstancesnarratedabove，adeterminationtoquitthisworldhadnowtakenfixedpossessionofWerther’ssoul。SinceCharlotte’sreturn，thisthoughthadbeenthefinalobjectofallhishopesandwishes;buthehadresolvedthatsuchastepshouldnotbetakenwithprecipitation，butwithcalmnessandtranquillity，andwiththemostperfectdeliberation。
Histroublesandinternalstrugglesmaybeunderstoodfromthefollowingfragment，whichwasfound，withoutanydate，amongsthispapers，andappearstohaveformedthebeginningofalettertoWilhelm。
"Herpresence，herfate，hersympathyforme，havepowerstilltoextracttearsfrommywitheredbrain。
"Oneliftsupthecurtain，andpassestotheotherside，——thatisall！Andwhyallthesedoubtsanddelays？Becauseweknownotwhatisbehind——becausethereisnoreturning——andbecauseourmindinfersthatallisdarknessandconfusion，wherewehavenothingbutuncertainty。"
Hisappearanceatlengthbecamequitealteredbytheeffectofhismelancholythoughts;andhisresolutionwasnowfinallyandirrevocablytaken，ofwhichthefollowingambiguousletter，whichheaddressedtohisfriend，mayappeartoaffordsomeproof。
DECEMBER2O。
Iamgratefultoyourlove，Wilhelm，forhavingrepeatedyouradvicesoseasonably。Yes，youareright：itisundoubtedlybetterthatIshoulddepart。ButIdonotentirelyapproveyourschemeofreturningatoncetoyourneighbourhood;atleast，I
shouldIiketomakealittleexcursionontheway，particularlyaswemaynowexpectacontinuedfrost，andconsequentlygoodroads。Iammuchpleasedwithyourintentionofcomingtofetchme;onlydelayyourjourneyforafortnight，andwaitforanotherletterfromme。Oneshouldgathernothingbeforeitisripe，andafortnightsoonerorlatermakesagreatdifference。Entreatmymothertoprayforherson，andtellherIbegherpardonforalltheunhappinessIhaveoccasionedher。IthaseverbeenmyfatetogivepaintothosewhosehappinessIshouldhavepromoted。
Adieu，mydearestfriend。MayeveryblessingofHeavenattendyou！Farewell。
WefinditdifficulttoexpresstheemotionswithwhichCharlotte’ssoulwasagitatedduringthewholeofthistime，whetherinrelationtoherhusbandortoherunfortunatefriend;althoughweareenabled，byourknowledgeofhercharacter，tounderstandtheirnature。
Itiscertainthatshehadformedadetermination，byeverymeansinherpowertokeepWertheratadistance;and，ifshehesitatedinherdecision，itwasfromasincerefeelingoffriendlypity，knowinghowmuchitwouldcosthim，indeed，thathewouldfinditalmostimpossibletocomplywithherwishes。Butvariouscausesnowurgedhertobefirm。Herhushandpreservedastrictsilenceaboutthewholematter;andshenevermadeitasubjectofconversation，feelingboundtoprovetohimbyherconductthathersentimentsagreedwithhis。
Thesameday，whichwastheSundaybeforeChristmas，afterWertherhadwrittenthelast-mentionedlettertohisfriend，hecameintheeveningtoCharlotte’shouse，andfoundheralone。Shewasbusypreparingsomelittlegiftsforherbrothersandsisters，whichweretobedistributedtothemonChristmasDay。Hebegantalkingofthedelightofthechildren，andofthatagewhenthesuddenappearanceoftheChristmas-tree，decoratedwithfruitandsweetmeats，andlightedupwithwaxcandles，causessuchtransportsofjoy。"Youshallhaveagifttoo，ifyoubehavewell，"saidCharlotte，hidingherembarrassmentundersweetsmile。"Andwhatdoyoucallbehavingwell？WhatshouldIdo，whatcanIdo，mydearCharlotte？"saidhe。"Thursdaynight，"sheanswered，"isChristmasEve。Thechildrenarealltobehere，andmyfathertoo：
thereisapresentforeach;doyoucomelikewise，butdonotcomebeforethattime。"Wertherstarted。"Idesireyouwillnot：itmustbeso，"shecontinued。"Iaskitofyouasafavour，formyownpeaceandtranquillity。Wecannotgooninthismanneranylonger。"
Heturnedawayhisfacewalkedhastilyupanddowntheroom，mutteringindistinctly，"Wecannotgooninthismanneranylonger！"Charlotte，seeingtheviolentagitationintowhichthesewordshadthrownhim，endeavouredtodiverthisthoughtsbydifferentquestions，butinvain。
"No，Charlotte！"heexclaimed;"Iwillneverseeyouanymore！"
"Andwhyso？"sheanswered。"Wemay——wemustseeeachotheragain;onlyletitbewithmorediscretion。Oh！whywereyoubornwiththatexcessive，thatungovernablepassionforeverythingthatisdeartoyou？"Then，takinghishand，shesaid，"Ientreatofyoutobemorecalm：yourtalents，yourunderstanding，yourgenius，willfurnishyouwithathousandresources。Beaman，andconqueranunhappyattachmenttowardacreaturewhocandonothingbutpityyou。"Hebithislips，andlookedatherwithagloomycountenance。
Shecontinuedtoholdhishand。"Grantmebutamoment’spatience，Werther，"shesaid。"Doyounotseethatyouaredeceivingyourself，thatyouareseekingyourowndestruction？Whymustyouloveme，meonly，whobelongtoanother？Ifear，Imuchfear，thatitisonlytheimpossibilityofpossessingmewhichmakesyourdesireformesostrong。"Hedrewbackhishand，whilsthesurveyedherwithawildandangrylook。"’Tiswell！"heexclaimed，"’tisverywell！
DidnotAlbertfurnishyouwiththisreflection？Itisprofound，averyprofoundremark。""Areflectionthatanyonemighteasilymake，"sheanswered;"andistherenotawomaninthewholeworldwhoisatliberty，andhasthepowertomakeyouhappy？Conqueryourself：lookforsuchabeing，andbelievemewhenIsaythatyouwillcertainlyfindher。Ihavelongfeltforyou，andforusall：
youhaveconfinedyourselftoolongwithinthelimitsoftoonarrowacircle。Conqueryourself;makeaneffort：ashortjourneywillbeofservicetoyou。Seekandfindanobjectworthyofyourlove;
thenreturnhither，andletusenjoytogetherallthehappinessofthemostperfectfriendship。"
"Thisspeech，"repliedWertherwithacoldsmile，"thisspeechshouldbeprinted，forthebenefitofallteachers。MydearCharlotte，allowmebutashorttimelonger，andallwillbewell。"
"Buthowever，Werther，"sheadded，"donotcomeagainbeforeChristmas。"Hewasabouttomakesomeanswer，whenAlbertcamein。
Theysalutedeachothercoldly，andwithmutualembarrassmentpacedupanddowntheroom。Werthermadesomecommonremarks;Albertdidthesame，andtheirconversationsoondropped。Albertaskedhiswifeaboutsomehouseholdmatters;and，findingthathiscommissionswerenotexecuted，heusedsomeexpressionswhich，toWerther’sear，savouredofextremeharshness。Hewishedtogo，buthadnotpowertomove;andinthissituationheremainedtilleighto’clock，hisuneasinessanddiscontentcontinuallyincreasing。
Atlengththeclothwaslaidforsupper，andhetookuphishatandstick。Albertinvitedhimtoremain;butWerther，fancyingthathewasmerelypayingaformalcompliment，thankedhimcoldly，amdleftthehouse。
Wertherreturnedhome，tookthecandlefromhisservant，andretiredtohisroomalone。Hetalkedforsometimewithgreatearnestnesstohimself，weptaloud，walkedinastateofgreatexcitementthroughhischamber;tillatlength，withoutundressing，hethrewhimselfonthebed，wherehewasfoundbyhisservantateleveno’clock，whenthelatterventuredtoentertheroom，andtakeoffhisboots。Wertherdidnotpreventhim，butforbadehimtocomeinthemorningtillheshouldring。
OnMondaymorning，the21stofDecember，hewrotetoCharlottethefollowingletter，whichwasfound，sealed，onhisbureauafterhisdeath，andwasgiventoher。Ishallinsertitinfragments;asitappears，fromseveralcircumstances，tohavebeenwritteninthatmanner。
"Itisallover，Charlotte：Iamresolvedtodie！Imakethisdeclarationdeliberatelyandcoolly，withoutanyromanticpassion，onthismorningofthedaywhenIamtoseeyouforthelasttime。
Atthemomentyoureadtheselines，Obestofwomen，thecoldgravewillholdtheinanimateremainsofthatrestlessandunhappybeingwho，inthelastmomentsofhisexistence，knewnopleasuresogreatasthatofconversingwithyou！Ihavepassedadreadfulnightorrather，letmesay，apropitiousone;forithasgivenmeresolution，ithasfixedmypurpose。Iamresolvedtodie。
WhenItoremyselffromyouyesterday，mysenseswereintumultanddisorder;myheartwasoppressed，hopeandpleasurehadfledfrommeforever，andapetrifyingcoldhadseizedmywretchedbeing。Icouldscarcelyreachmyroom。Ithrewmyselfonmyknees;
andHeaven，forthelasttime，grantedmetheconsolationofsheddingtears。Athousandideas，athousandschemes，arosewithinmysoul;tillatlengthonelast，fixed，finalthoughttookpossessionofmyheart。Itwastodie。Ilaydowntorest;andinthemorning，inthequiethourofawakening，thesamedeterminationwasuponme。Todie！Itisnotdespair：itisconvictionthatI
havefilledupthemeasureofmysufferings，thatIhavereachedmyappointedterm，andmustsacrificemyselfforthee。Yes，Charlotte，whyshouldInotavowit？Oneofusthreemustdie：
itshallbeWerther。ObelovedCharlotte！thisheart，excitedbyrageandfury，hasoftenconceivedthehorridideaofmurderingyourhusband——you——myself！Thelotiscastatlength。Andinthebright，quieteveningsofsummer，whenyousometimeswandertowardthemountains，letyourthoughtsthenturntome：recollecthowoftenyouhavewatchedmecomingtomeetyoufromthevalley;
thenbendyoureyesuponthechurchyardwhichcontainsmygrave，and，bythelightofthesettingsun，markhowtheeveningbreezewavesthetallgrasswhichgrowsabovemytomb。IwascalmwhenIbeganthisletter，buttherecollectionofthesescenesmakesmeweeplikeachild。"
Aboutteninthemorning，Werthercalledhisservant，and，whilsthewasdressing，toldhimthatinafewdaysheintendedtosetoutuponajourney，andbadehimthereforelayhisclothesinorder，andpreparethemforpackingup，callinallhisaccounts，fetchhomethebookshehadlent，andgivetwomonths’paytothepoordependantswhowereaccustomedtoreceivefromhimaweeklyallowance。
Hebreakfastedinhisroom，andthenmountedhishorse，andwenttovisitthesteward，who，however，wasnotathome。Hewalkedpensivelyinthegarden，andseemedanxioustorenewalltheideasthatweremostpainfultohim。
Thechildrendidnotsufferhimtoremainalonelong。Theyfollowedhim，skippinganddancingbeforehim，andtoldhim，thatafterto-morrowandtomorrowandonedaymore，theyweretoreceivetheirChristmasgiftfromCharlotte;andtheythenrecountedallthewondersofwhichtheyhadformedideasintheirchildimaginations。
"Tomorrowandtomorrow，"saidhe，"andonedaymore！"Andhekissedthemtenderly。Hewasgoing;buttheyoungerboystoppedhim，towhispersomethinginhisear。HetoldhimthathiselderbrothershadwrittensplendidNew-Year’swishessolarge！oneforpapa，andanotherforAlbertandCharlotte，andoneforWerther;
andtheyweretobepresentedearlyinthemorning，onNewYear’sDay。Thisquiteovercamehim。Hemadeeachofthechildrenapresent，mountedhishorse，lefthiscomplimentsforpapaandmamma，and，withtearsinhiseyes，rodeawayfromtheplace。
Hereturnedhomeaboutfiveo’clock，orderedhisservanttokeepuphisfire，desiredhimtopackhisbooksandlinenatthebottomofthetrunk，andtoplacehiscoatsatthetop。HethenappearstohavemadethefollowingadditiontotheletteraddressedtoCharlotte：
"Youdonotexpectme。YouthinkIwillobeyyou，andnotvisityouagaintillChristmasEve。OCharlotte，todayornever！OnChristmasEveyouwillholdthispaperinyourhand;youwilltremble，andmoistenitwithyourtears。Iwill——Imust！Oh，howhappyIfeeltobedetermined！"
Inthemeantime，Charlottewasinapitiablestateofmind。AfterherlastconversationwithWerther，shefoundhowpainfultoherselfitwouldbetodeclinehisvisits，andknewhowseverelyhewouldsufferfromtheirseparation。
Shehad，inconversationwithAlbert，mentionedcasuallythatWertherwouldnotreturnbeforeChristmasEve;andsoonafterwardAlbertwentonhorsebacktoseeapersonintheneighbourhood，withwhomhehadtotransactsomebusinesswhichwoulddetainhimallnight。
Charlottewassittingalone。Noneofherfamilywerenear，andshegaveherselfuptothereflectionsthatsilentlytookpossessionofhermind。Shewasforeverunitedtoahusbandwhoseloveandfidelityshehadproved，towhomshewasheartilydevoted，andwhoseemedtobeaspecialgiftfromHeaventoensureherhappiness。
Ontheotherhand，Wertherhadbecomedeartoher。Therewasacordialunanimityofsentimentbetweenthemfromtheveryfirsthouroftheiracquaintance，andtheirlongassociationandrepeatedinterviewshadmadeanindelibleimpressionuponherheart。Shehadbeenaccustomedtocommunicatetohimeverythoughtandfeelingwhichinterestedher，andhisabsencethreatenedtoopenavoidinherexistencewhichitmightbeimpossibletofill。Howheartilyshewishedthatshemightchangehimintoherbrother，——thatshecouldinducehimtomarryoneofherownfriends，orcouldreestablishhisintimacywithAlbert。
Shepassedallherintimatefriendsinreviewbeforehermind，butfoundsomethingobjectionableineach，andcoulddecideuponnonetowhomshewouldconsenttogivehim。
Amidalltheseconsiderationsshefeltdeeplybutindistinctlythatherownrealbutunexpressedwishwastoretainhimforherself，andherpureandamiableheartfeltfromthisthoughtasenseofoppressionwhichseemedtoforbidaprospectofhappiness。Shewaswretched：adarkcloudobscuredhermentalvision。
Itwasnowhalf-pastsixo’clock，andsheheardWerther’ssteponthestairs。Sheatoncerecognisedhisvoice，asheinquiredifshewereathome。Herheartbeataudibly——wecouldalmostsayforthefirsttime——athisarrival。Itwastoolatetodenyherself;and，asheentered，sheexclaimed，withasortofillconcealedconfusion，"Youhavenotkeptyourword！""Ipromisednothing，"heanswered。"Butyoushouldhavecomplied，atleastformysake，"shecontinued。"Iimploreyou，forbothoursakes。"
Shescarcelyknewwhatshesaidordid;andsentforsomefriends，who，bytheirpresence，mightpreventherbeingleftalonewithWerther。Heputdownsomebookshehadbroughtwithhim，thenmadeinquiriesaboutsomeothers，untilshebegantohopethatherfriendsmightarriveshortly，entertainingatthesametimeadesirethattheymightstayaway。
Atonemomentshefeltanxiousthattheservantshouldremainintheadjoiningroom，thenshechangedhermind。Werther，meanwhile，walkedimpatientlyupanddown。Shewenttothepiano，anddeterminednottoretire。Shethencollectedherthoughts，andsatdownquietlyatWerther’sside，whohadtakenhisusualplaceonthesofa。
"Haveyoubroughtnothingtoread？"sheinquired。Hehadnothing。
"Thereinmydrawer，"shecontinued，"youwillfindyourowntranslationofsomeofthesongsofOssian。Ihavenotyetreadthem，asIhavestillhopedtohearyourecitethem;but，forsometimepast，Ihavenotbeenabletoaccomplishsuchawish。"Hesmiled，andwentforthemanuscript，whichhetookwithashudder。
Hesatdown;and，witheyesfulloftears，hebegantoread。
"Starofdescendingnight！fairisthylightinthewest！thouliftestthyunshornheadfromthycloud;thystepsarestatelyonthyhill。Whatdostthoubeholdintheplain？Thestormywindsarelaid。Themurmurofthetorrentcomesfromafar。Roaringwavesclimbthedistantrock。Thefliesofeveningareontheirfeeblewings：thehumoftheircourseisonthefield。Whatdostthoubehold，fairlight？Butthoudostsmileanddepart。Thewavescomewithjoyaroundthee：theybathethylovelyhair。
Farewell，thousilentbeam！LetthelightofOssian’ssoularise！
"Anditdoesariseinitsstrength！Ibeholdmydepartedfriends。
TheirgatheringisonLora，asinthedaysofotheryears。Fingalcomeslikeawaterycolumnofmist！hisheroesarearound：andseethebardsofsong，gray-hairedUllin！statelyRyno！Alpinwiththetunefulvoice：thesoftcomplaintofMinona！Howareyechanged，myfriends，sincethedaysofSelma’sfeast！whenwecontended，likegalesofspringastheyflyalongthehill，andbendbyturnsthefeeblywhistlinggrass。
"Minonacameforthinherbeauty，withdowncastlookandtearfuleye。Herhairwasflyingslowlywiththeblastthatrushedunfrequentfromthehill。Thesoulsoftheheroesweresadwhensheraisedthetunefulvoice。OfthadtheyseenthegraveofSalgar，thedarkdwellingofwhite-bosomedColma。Colmaleftaloneonthehillwithallhervoiceofsong！Salgarpromisedtocome！
butthenightdescendedaround。HearthevoiceofColma，whenshesataloneonthehill！
"Colma。Itisnight：Iamalone，forlornonthehillofstorms。
Thewindisheardonthemountain。Thetorrentishowlingdowntherock。Nohutreceivesmefromtherain：forlornonthehillofwinds！
"Risemoon！frombehindthyclouds。Starsofthenight，arise！
Leadme，somelight，totheplacewheremyloverestsfromthechasealone！Hisbownearhimunstrung，hisdogspantingaroundhim！ButhereImustsitalonebytherockofthemossystream。
Thestreamandthewindroaraloud。Ihearnotthevoiceofmylove！WhydelaysmySalgar;whythechiefofthehillhispromise？
Hereistherockandherethetree！hereistheroaringstream！
Thoudidstpromisewithnighttobehere。Ah！whitherismySalgargone？WiththeeIwouldflyfrommyfather，withtheefrommybrotherofpride。Ourracehavelongbeenfoes：wearenotfoes，OSalgar！
"Ceasealittlewhile，Owind！stream，bethousilentawhile！letmyvoicebeheardaround！letmywandererhearme！Salgar！itisColmawhocalls。Hereisthetreeandtherock。Salgar，mylove，Iamhere！Whydelayestthouthycoming？Lo！thecalmmooncomesforth。Thefloodisbrightinthevale。Therocksaregrayonthesteep。Iseehimnotonthebrow。Hisdogscomenotbeforehimwithtidingsofhisnearapproach。HereImustsitalone！
"Wholieontheheathbesideme？Aretheymyloveandmybrother？
Speaktome，Omyfriends！ToColmatheygivenoreply。Speaktome：Iamalone！Mysoulistormentedwithfears。Ah，theyaredead！Theirswordsareredfromthefight。Omybrother！mybrother！whyhastthouslainmySalgar！Why，OSalgar，hastthouslainmybrother！Dearwereyebothtome！whatshallIsayinyourpraise？Thouwertfaironthehillamongthousands！hewasterribleinfight！Speaktome！hearmyvoice！hearme，sonsofmylove！Theyaresilent！silentforever！Cold，cold，aretheirbreastsofclay！Oh，fromtherockonthehill，fromthetopofthewindysteep，speak，yeghostsofthedead！Speak，Iwillnotbeafraid！Whitherareyegonetorest？InwhatcaveofthehillshallIfindthedeparted？Nofeeblevoiceisonthegale：noanswerhalfdrownedinthestorm！
"Isitinmygrief：Iwaitformorninginmytears！Rearthetomb，yefriendsofthedead。CloseitnottillColmacome。Mylifefliesawaylikeadream。WhyshouldIstaybehind？HereshallI
restwithmyfriends，bythestreamofthesoundingrock。Whennightcomesonthehillwhentheloudwindsarisemyghostshallstandintheblast，andmournthedeathofmyfriends。Thehuntershallhearfromhisbooth;heshallfear，butlovemyvoice！Forsweetshallmyvoicebeformyfriends：pleasantwereherfriendstoColma。
"Suchwasthysong，Minona，softlyblushingdaughterofTorman。
OurtearsdescendedforColma，andoursoulsweresad！Ullincamewithhisharp;hegavethesongofAlpin。ThevoiceofAlpinwaspleasant，thesoulofRynowasabeamoffire！Buttheyhadrestedinthenarrowhouse：theirvoicehadceasedinSelma！Ullinhadreturnedonedayfromthechasebeforetheheroesfell。Heheardtheirstrifeonthehill：theirsongwassoft，butsad！TheymournedthefallofMorar，firstofmortalmen！HissoulwaslikethesoulofFingal：hisswordliketheswordofOscar。Buthefell，andhisfathermourned：hissister’seyeswerefulloftears。
Minona’seyeswerefulloftears，thesisterofcar-borneMorar。
SheretiredfromthesongofUllin，likethemooninthewest，whensheforeseestheshower，andhidesherfairheadinacloud。
ItouchedtheharpwithUllin：thesongofmorningrose！
"Ryno。Thewindandtherainarepast，calmisthenoonofday。
Thecloudsaredividedinheaven。Overthegreenhillsfliestheinconstantsun。Redthroughthestonyvalecomesdownthestreamofthehill。Sweetarethymurmurs，Ostream！butmoresweetisthevoiceIhear。ItisthevoiceofAlpin，thesonofsong，mourningforthedead！Bentishisheadofage：redhistearfuleye。Alpin，thousonofsong，whyaloneonthesilenthill？whycomplainestthou，asablastinthewoodasawaveonthelonelyshore？
"Alpin。Mytears，ORyno！areforthedeadmyvoiceforthosethathavepassedaway。Tallthouartonthehill;fairamongthesonsofthevale。ButthoushaltfalllikeMorar：themournershallsitonthytomb。Thehillsshallknowtheenomore：thybowshalllieinthyhallunstrung！
"Thouwertswift，OMorar！asaroeonthedesert：terribleasameteoroffire。Thywrathwasasthestorm。Thyswordinbattleaslightninginthefield。Thyvoicewasasastreamafterrain，likethunderondistanthills。Manyfellbythyarm：theywereconsumedintheflamesofthywrath。Butwhenthoudidstreturnfromwar，howpeacefulwasthybrow。Thyfacewaslikethesunafterrain：likethemooninthesilenceofnight：calmasthebreastofthelakewhentheloudwindislaid。
"Narrowisthydwellingnow！darktheplaceofthineabode！WiththreestepsIcompassthygrave，Othouwhowastsogreatbefore！
Fourstones，withtheirheadsofmoss，aretheonlymemorialofthee。Atreewithscarcealeaf，longgrasswhichwhistlesinthewind，marktothehunter’seyethegraveofthemightyMorar。
Morar！thouartlowindeed。Thouhastnomothertomournthee，nomaidwithhertearsoflove。Deadisshethatbroughttheeforth。FallenisthedaughterofMorglan。
"Whoonhisstaffisthis？Whoisthiswhoseheadiswhitewithage，whoseeyesareredwithtears，whoquakesateverystep？Itisthyfather，OMorar！thefatherofnosonbutthee。Heheardofthyfameinwar，heheardoffoesdispersed。HeheardofMorar’srenown，whydidhenothearofhiswound？Weep，thoufatherofMorar！Weep，butthysonheareththeenot。Deepisthesleepofthedead，lowtheirpillowofdust。Nomoreshallhehearthyvoice，nomoreawakeatthycall。Whenshallitbemorninthegrave，tobidtheslumbererawake？Farewell，thoubravestofmen！
thouconquerorinthefield！butthefieldshallseetheenomore，northedarkwoodbelightenedwiththesplendourofthysteel。
Thouhasleftnoson。Thesongshallpreservethyname。FuturetimesshallhearoftheetheyshallhearofthefallenMorar！
"Thegriefofallarose，butmosttheburstingsighofArmin。Heremembersthedeathofhisson，whofellinthedaysofhisyouth。
Carmorwasnearthehero，thechiefoftheechoingGalmal。WhyburstthesighofArmin？hesaid。Isthereacausetomourn？Thesongcomeswithitsmusictomeltandpleasethesoul。Itislikesoftmistthat，risingfromalake，poursonthesilentvale;
thegreenflowersarefilledwithdew，butthesunreturnsinhisstrength，andthemistisgone。Whyartthousad，OArmin，chiefofsea-surroundedGorma？
"SadIam！norsmallismycauseofwoe！Carmor，thouhastlostnoson;thouhastlostnodaughterofbeauty。Colgarthevaliantlives，andAnnira，fairestmaid。Theboughsofthyhouseascend，OCarmor！butArministhelastofhisrace。Darkisthybed，O
Daura！deepthysleepinthetomb！Whenshaltthouwakewiththysongs？withallthyvoiceofmusic？
"Arise，windsofautumn，arise：blowalongtheheath。Streamsofthemountains，roar;roar，tempestsinthegrovesofmyoaks！Walkthroughbrokenclouds，Omoon！showthypalefaceatintervals;
bringtomymindthenightwhenallmychildrenfell，whenArindalthemightyfell——whenDaurathelovelyfailed。Daura，mydaughter，thouwertfair，fairasthemoononFura，whiteasthedrivensnow，sweetasthebreathinggale。Arindal，thybowwasstrong，thyspearwasswiftonthefield，thylookwaslikemistonthewave，thyshieldaredcloudinastorm！Armar，renownedinwar，cameandsoughtDaura’slove。Hewasnotlongrefused：fairwasthehopeoftheirfriends。
"Erath，sonofOdgal，repined：hisbrotherhadbeenslainbyArmar。
Hecamedisguisedlikeasonofthesea：fairwashiscliffonthewave，whitehislocksofage，calmhisseriousbrow。Fairestofwomen，hesaid，lovelydaughterofArmin！arocknotdistantintheseabearsatreeonitsside;redshinesthefruitafar。ThereArmarwaitsforDaura。Icometocarryhislove！shewentshecalledonArmar。Noughtanswered，butthesonoftherock。Armar，mylove，mylove！whytormentestthoumewithfear？Hear，sonofArnart，hear！itisDaurawhocalleththee。Erath，thetraitor，fledlaughingtotheland。Shelifteduphervoice——shecalledforherbrotherandherfather。Arindal！Armin！nonetorelieveyou，Daura。
"Hervoicecameoverthesea。Arindal，myson，descendedfromthehill，roughinthespoilsofthechase。Hisarrowsrattledbyhisside;hisbowwasinhishand，fivedark-graydogsattendedhissteps。HesawfierceErathontheshore;heseizedandboundhimtoanoak。Thickwindthethongsofthehidearoundhislimbs;
heloadsthewindswithhisgroans。ArindalascendsthedeepinhisboattobringDauratoland。Armarcameinhiswrath，andletflythegray-featheredshaft。Itsung，itsunkinthyheart，OArindal，myson！forEraththetraitorthoudiest。Theoarisstoppedatonce：hepantedontherock，andexpired。Whatisthygrief，ODaura，whenroundthyfeetispouredthybrother’sblood。
Theboatisbrokenintwain。ArmarplungesintotheseatorescuehisDaura，ordie。Suddenablastfromahillcameoverthewaves;
hesank，andherosenomore。
"Alone，onthesea-beatrock，mydaughterwasheardtocomplain;
frequentandloudwerehercries。Whatcouldherfatherdo？AllnightIstoodontheshore：Isawherbythefaintbeamofthemoon。
AllnightIheardhercries。Loudwasthewind;therainbeathardonthehill。Beforemorningappeared，hervoicewasweak;itdiedawayliketheeveningbreezeamongthegrassoftherocks。Spentwithgrief，sheexpired，andleftthee，Armin，alone。Goneismystrengthinwar，fallenmyprideamongwomen。Whenthestormsaloftarise，whenthenorthliftsthewaveonhigh，Isitbythesoundingshore，andlookonthefatalrock。
"OftenbythesettingmoonIseetheghostsofmychildren;halfviewlesstheywalkinmournfulconferencetogether。"
AtorrentoftearswhichstreamedfromCharlotte’seyesandgaverelieftoherburstingheart，stoppedWerther’srecitation。Hethrewdownthebook，seizedherhand，andweptbitterly。Charlotteleaneduponherhand，andburiedherfaceinherhandkerchief：
theagitationofbothwasexcessive。TheyfeltthattheirownfatewaspicturedinthemisfortunesofOssian’sheroes，theyfeltthistogether，andtheirtearsredoubled。WerthersupportedhisforeheadonCharlotte’sarm：shetrembled，shewishedtobegone;butsorrowandsympathylaylikealeadenweightuponhersoul。Sherecoveredherselfshortly，andbeggedWerther，withbrokensobs，toleaveher，imploredhimwiththeutmostearnestnesstocomplywithherrequest。Hetrembled;hisheartwasreadytoburst：then，takingupthebookagain，herecommencedreading，inavoicebrokenbysobs。
"Whydostthouwakenme，Ospring？Thyvoicewoosme，exclaiming，Irefreshtheewithheavenlydews;butthetimeofmydecayisapproaching，thestormisnighthatshallwhithermyleaves。
Tomorrowthetravellershallcome，heshallcome，whobeheldmeinbeauty：hiseyeshallseekmeinthefieldaround，butheshallnotfindme。"
ThewholeforceofthesewordsfellupontheunfortunateWerther。
Fullofdespair，hethrewhimselfatCharlotte’sfeet，seizedherhands，andpressedthemtohiseyesandtohisforehead。Anapprehensionofhisfatalprojectnowstruckherforthefirsttime。Hersenseswerebewildered：sheheldhishands，pressedthemtoherbosom;and，leaningtowardhimwithemotionsofthetenderestpity，herwarmcheektouchedhis。Theylostsightofeverything。Theworlddisappearedfromtheireyes。Heclaspedherinhisarms，strainedhertohisbosom，andcoveredhertremblinglipswithpassionatekisses。"Werther！"shecriedwithafaintvoice，turningherselfaway;"Werther！"and，withafeeblehand，shepushedhimfromher。Atlength，withthefirmvoiceofvirtue，sheexclaimed，"Werther！"Heresistednot，but，tearinghimselffromherarms，fellonhiskneesbeforeher。Charlotterose，and，withdisorderedgrief，inmingledtonesofloveandresentment，sheexclaimed，"Itisthelasttime，Werther！Youshallneverseemeanymore！"Then，castingonelast，tenderlookuponherunfortunatelover，sherushedintotheadjoiningroom，andlockedthedoor。Wertherheldouthisarms，butdidnotdaretodetainher。Hecontinuedontheground，withhisheadrestingonthesofa，forhalfanhour，tillheheardanoisewhichbroughthimtohissenses。Theservantentered。Hethenwalkedupanddowntheroom;and，whenhewasagainleftalone，hewenttoCharlotte’sdoor，and，inalowvoice，said，"Charlotte，Charlotte！butonewordmore，onelastadieu！"Shereturnednoanswer。Hestopped，andlistenedandentreated;butallwassilent。Atlengthhetorehimselffromtheplace，crying，"Adieu，Charlotte，adieuforever！"
Wertherrantothegateofthetown。Theguards，whoknewhim，lethimpassinsilence。Thenightwasdarkandstormy，——itrainedandsnowed。Hereachedhisowndoorabouteleven。Hisservant，althoughseeinghimenterthehousewithouthishat，didnotventuretosayanything;and;asheundressedhismaster，hefoundthathisclotheswerewet。Hishatwasafterwardfoundonthepointofarockoverhangingthevalley;anditisinconceivablehowhecouldhaveclimbedtothesummitonsuchadark，tempestuousnightwithoutlosinghislife。
Heretiredtobed，andslepttoalatehour。Thenextmorninghisservant，uponbeingcalledtobringhiscoffee，foundhimwriting。
Hewasadding，toCharlotte，whatwehereannex。
"Forthelast，lasttimeIopentheseeyes。Alas！theywillbeholdthesunnomore。Itiscoveredbyathick，impenetrablecloud。
Yes，Nature！putonmourning：yourchild，yourfriend，yourlover，drawsnearhisend！Thisthought，Charlotte，iswithoutparallel;
andyetitseemslikeamysteriousdreamwhenIrepeat——thisismylastday！Thelast！Charlotte，nowordcanadequatelyexpressthisthought。Thelast！To-dayIstanderectinallmystrengthto-morrow，coldandstark，Ishalllieextendedupontheground。
Todie！whatisdeath？Wedobutdreaminourdiscourseuponit。
Ihaveseenmanyhumanbeingsdie;but，sostraitenedisourfeeblenature，wehavenoclearconceptionofthebeginningortheendofourexistence。AtthismomentIammyown——orratherIamthine，thine，myadored！andthenextweareparted，severed——
perhapsforever！No，Charlotte，no！HowcanI，howcanyou，beannihilated？Weexist。Whatisannihilation？Amereword，anunmeaningsoundthatfixesnoimpressiononthemind。Dead，Charlotte！laidinthecoldearth，inthedarkandnarrowgrave！
Ihadafriendoncewhowaseverythingtomeinearlyyouth。
Shedied。Ifollowedherhearse;Istoodbyhergravewhenthecoffinwaslowered;andwhenIheardthecreakingofthecordsastheywereloosenedanddrawnup，whenthefirstshovelfulofearthwasthrownin，andthecoffinreturnedahollowsound，whichgrewfainterandfaintertillallwascompletelycoveredover，Ithrewmyselfontheground;myheartwassmitten，grieved，shattered，rent——butIneitherknewwhathadhappened，norwhatwastohappentome。Death！thegrave！Iunderstandnotthewords。
——Forgive，oh，forgiveme！Yesterday——ah，thatdayshouldhavebeenthelastofmylife！Thouangel！forthefirsttimeinmyexistence，Ifeltraptureglowwithinmyinmostsoul。Sheloves，shelovesme！Stillburnsuponmylipsthesacredfiretheyreceivedfromthine。Newtorrentsofdelightoverwhelmmysoul。
Forgiveme，oh，forgive！
"IknewthatIwasdeartoyou;Isawitinyourfirstentrancinglook，knewitbythefirstpressureofyourhand;butwhenIwasabsentfromyou，whenIsawAlbertatyourside，mydoubtsandfearsreturned。
"Doyouremembertheflowersyousentme，when，atthatcrowdedassembly，youcouldneitherspeaknorextendyourhandtome？
HalfthenightIwasonmykneesbeforethoseflowers，andI
regardedthemasthepledgesofyourlove;butthoseimpressionsgrewfainter，andwereatlengtheffaced。
"Everythingpassesaway;butawholeeternitycouldnotextinguishthelivingflamewhichwasyesterdaykindledbyyourlips，andwhichnowburnswithinme。Shelovesme！Thesearmshaveencircledherwaist，theselipshavetrembleduponhers。Sheismine！Yes，Charlotte，youaremineforever！
"AndwhatdotheymeanbysayingAlbertisyourhusband？Hemaybesoforthisworld;andinthisworlditisasintoloveyou，towishtotearyoufromhisembrace。Yes，itisacrime;andI
sufferthepunishment，butIhaveenjoyedthefulldelightofmysin。Ihaveinhaledabalmthathasrevivedmysoul。Fromthishouryouaremine;yes，Charlotte，youaremine！Igobeforeyou。IgotomyFatherandtoyourFather。Iwillpouroutmysorrowsbeforehim，andhewillgivemecomforttillyouarrive。ThenwillIflytomeetyou。Iwillclaimyou，andremainyoureternalembrace，inthepresenceoftheAlmighty。
"Idonotdream，Idonotrave。Drawingnearertothegravemyperceptionsbecomeclearer。Weshallexist;weshallseeeachotheragain;weshallbeholdyourmother;Ishallbeholdher，andexposetohermyinmostheart。Yourmother——yourimage！"
Abouteleveno’clockWertheraskedhisservantifAlberthadreturned。Heanswered，"Yes;"forhehadseenhimpassonhorseback：
uponwhichWerthersenthimthefollowingnote，unsealed：
"Besogoodastolendmeyourpistolsforajourney。Adieu。"
Charlottehadsleptlittleduringthepastnight。Allherapprehensionswererealisedinawaythatshecouldneitherforeseenoravoid。Herbloodwasboilinginherveins，andathousandpainfulsensationsrentherpureheart。WasittheardourofWerther’spassionateembracesthatshefeltwithinherbosom？Wasitangerathisdaring？Wasitthesadcomparisonofherpresentconditionwithformerdaysofinnocence，tranquillity，andself-confidence？Howcouldsheapproachherhusband，andconfessascenewhichshehadnoreasontoconceal，andwhichsheyetfelt，nevertheless，unwillingtoavow？Theyhadpreservedsolongasilencetowardeachotherandshouldshebethefirsttobreakitbysounexpectedadiscovery？ShefearedthatthemerestatementofWerther’svisitwouldtroublehim，andhisdistresswouldbeheightenedbyherperfectcandour。Shewishedthathecouldseeherinhertruelight，andjudgeherwithoutprejudice;
butwassheanxiousthatheshouldreadherinmostsoul？Ontheotherhand，couldshedeceiveabeingtowhomallherthoughtshadeverbeenexposedasclearlyascrystal，andfromwhomnosentimenthadeverbeenconcealed？Thesereflectionsmadeheranxiousandthoughtful。HermindstilldweltonWerther，whowasnowlosttoher，butwhomshecouldnotbringherselftoresign，andforwhomsheknewnothingwasleftbutdespairifsheshouldbelosttohimforever。
ArecollectionofthatmysteriousestrangementwhichhadlatelysubsistedbetweenherselfandAlbert，andwhichshecouldneverthoroughlyunderstand，wasnowbeyondmeasurepainfultoher。
Eventheprudentandthegoodhavebeforenowhesitatedtoexplaintheirmutualdifferences，andhavedweltinsilenceupontheirimaginarygrievances，untilcircumstanceshavebecomesoentangled，thatinthatcriticaljuncture，whenacalmexplanationwouldhavesavedallparties，anunderstandingwasimpossible。Andthusifdomesticconfidencehadbeenearlierestablishedbetweenthem，ifloveandkindforbearancehadmutuallyanimatedandexpandedtheirhearts，itmightnot，perhaps，evenyethavebeentoolatetosaveourfriend。
Butwemustnotforgetoneremarkablecircumstance。WemayobservefromthecharacterofWerther’scorrespondence，thathehadneveraffectedtoconcealhisanxiousdesiretoquitthisworld。HehadoftendiscussedthesubjectwithAlbert;
and，betweenthelatterandCharlotte，ithadnotunfrequentlyformedatopicofconversation。Albertwassoopposedtotheveryideaofsuchanaction，that，withadegreeofirritationunusualinhim，hehadmorethanoncegivenWerthertounderstandthathedoubtedtheseriousnessofhisthreats，andnotonlyturnedthemintoridicule，butcausedCharlottetosharehisfeelingsofincredulity。Herheartwasthustranquillisedwhenshefeltdisposedtoviewthemelancholysubjectinaseriouspointofview，thoughshenevercommunicatedtoherhusbandtheapprehensionsshesometimesexperienced。
Albert，uponhisreturn，wasreceivedbyCharlottewithill-concealedembarrassment。Hewashimselfoutofhumour;hisbusinesswasunfinished;andhehadjustdiscoveredthattheneighbouringofficialwithwhomhehadtodeal，wasanobstinateandnarrow-mindedpersonage。Manythingshadoccurredtoirritatehim。
Heinquiredwhetheranythinghadhappenedduringhisabsence，andCharlottehastilyansweredthatWertherhadbeenthereontheeveningpreviously。Hetheninquiredforhisletters，andwasansweredthatseveralpackageshadbeenleftinhisstudy。Hethereonretired，leavingCharlottealone。
Thepresenceofthebeingshelovedandhonouredproducedanewimpressiononherheart。Therecollectionofhisgenerosity，kindness，andaffectionhadcalmedheragitation：asecretimpulsepromptedhertofollowhim;shetookherworkandwenttohisstudy，aswasoftenhercustom。Hewasbusilyemployedopeningandreadinghisletters。Itseemedasifthecontentsofsomeweredisagreeable。Sheaskedsomequestions：hegaveshortanswers，andsatdowntowrite。
Severalhourspassedinthismanner，andCharlotte’sfeelingsbecamemoreandmoremelancholy。Shefelttheextremedifficultyofexplainingtoherhusband，underanycircumstances，theweightthatlayuponherheart;andherdepressionbecameeverymomentgreater，inproportionassheendeavouredtohidehergrief，andtoconcealhertears。
ThearrivalofWerther’sservantoccasionedherthegreatestembarrassment。HegaveAlbertanote，whichthelattercoldlyhandedtohiswife，saying，atthesametime，"Givehimthepistols。
Iwishhimapleasantjourney，"headded，turningtotheservant。
ThesewordsfelluponCharlottelikeathunderstroke：sherosefromherseathalf-fainting，andunconsciousofwhatshedid。Shewalkedmechanicallytowardthewall，tookdownthepistolswithatremblinghand，slowlywipedthedustfromthem，andwouldhavedelayedlonger，hadnotAlberthastenedhermovementsbyanimpatientlook。Shethendeliveredthefatalweaponstotheservant，withoutbeingabletoutteraword。Assoonashehaddeparted，shefoldedupherwork，andretiredatoncetoherroom，herheartovercomewiththemostfearfulforebodings。Sheanticipatedsomedreadfulcalamity。Shewasatonemomentonthepointofgoingtoherhusband，throwingherselfathisfeet，andacquaintinghimwithallthathadhappenedonthepreviousevening，thatshemightacknowledgeherfault，andexplainherapprehensions;thenshesawthatsuchastepwouldbeuseless，asshewouldcertainlybeunabletoinduceAlberttovisitWerther。Dinnerwasserved;andakindfriendwhomshehadpersuadedtoremainassistedtosustaintheconversation，whichwascarriedonbyasortofcompulsion，tilltheeventsofthemorningwereforgotten。
WhentheservantbroughtthepistolstoWerther，thelatterreceivedthemwithtransportsofdelightuponhearingthatCharlottehadgiventhemtohimwithherownhand。Heatesomebread，dranksomewine，senthisservanttodinner，andthensatdowntowriteasfollows：
"Theyhavebeeninyourhandsyouwipedthedustfromthem。I
kissthemathousandtimes——youhavetouchedthem。Yes，Heavenfavoursmydesign，andyou，Charlotte，providemewiththefatalinstruments。Itwasmydesiretoreceivemydeathfromyourhands，andmywishisgratified。Ihavemadeinquiriesofmyservant。
Youtrembledwhenyougavehimthepistols，butyoubademenoadieu。Wretched，wretchedthatIam——notonefarewell！Howcouldyoushutyourheartagainstmeinthathourwhichmakesyoumineforever？Charlotte，agescannoteffacetheimpression——I
feelyoucannothatethemanwhosopassionatelylovesyou！"
Afterdinnerhecalledhisservant，desiredhimtofinishthepackingup，destroyedmanypapers，andthenwentouttopaysometriflingdebts。Hesoonreturnedhome，thenwentoutagain，notwithstandingtherain，walkedforsometimeinthecount’sgarden，andafterwardproceededfartherintothecountry。Towardeveninghecamebackoncemore，andresumedhiswriting。
"Wilhelm，Ihaveforthelasttimebeheldthemountains，theforests，andthesky。Farewell！Andyou，mydearestmother，forgiveme！
Consoleher，Wilhelm。Godblessyou！Ihavesettledallmyaffairs！Farewell！Weshallmeetagain，andbehappierthanever。"
"Ihaverequitedyoubadly，Albert;butyouwillforgiveme。I
havedisturbedthepeaceofyourhome。Ihavesoweddistrustbetweenyou。Farewell！Iwillendallthiswretchedness。Andoh，thatmydeathmayrenderyouhappy！Albert，Albert！makethatangelhappy，andtheblessingofHeavenbeuponyou！"
Hespenttherestoftheeveninginarranginghispapers：hetoreandburnedagreatmany;othershesealedup，anddirectedtoWilhelm。Theycontainedsomedetachedthoughtsandmaxims，someofwhichIhaveperused。Atteno’clockheorderedhisfiretobemadeup，andabottleofwinetobebroughttohim。Hethendismissedhisservant，whoseroom，aswellastheapartmentsoftherestofthefamily，wassituatedinanotherpartofthehouse。
Theservantlaydownwithoutundressing，thathemightbethesoonerreadyforhisjourneyinthemorning，hismasterhavinginformedhimthatthepost-horseswouldbeatthedoorbeforesixo’clock。
"Pasteleveno’clock！Allissilentaroundme，andmysouliscalm。Ithankthee，OGod，thatthoubestoweststrengthandcourageuponmeintheselastmoments！Iapproachthewindow，mydearestoffriends;andthroughtheclouds，whichareatthismomentdrivenrapidlyalongbytheimpetuouswinds，Ibeholdthestarswhichilluminetheeternalheavens。No，youwillnotfall，celestialbodies：thehandoftheAlmightysupportsbothyouandme！IhavelookedforthelasttimeupontheconstellationoftheGreaterBear：itismyfavouritestar;forwhenIbadeyoufarewellatnight，Charlotte，andturnedmystepsfromyourdoor，italwaysshoneuponme。WithwhatrapturehaveIattimesbeheldit！HowoftenhaveIimploreditwithupliftedhandstowitnessmyfelicity！
andevenstill——Butwhatobjectisthere，Charlotte，whichfailstosummonupyourimagebeforeme？Doyounotsurroundmeonallsides？andhaveInot，likeachild，treasuredupeverytriflewhichyouhaveconsecratedbyyourtouch？
"Yourprofile，whichwassodeartome，Ireturntoyou;andI
prayyoutopreserveit。ThousandsofkisseshaveIimprinteduponit，andathousandtimeshasitgladdenedmyheartondepartingfromandreturningtomyhome。
"Ihaveimploredyourfathertoprotectmyremains。Atthecornerofthechurchyard，lookingtowardthefields，therearetwolime-trees——thereIwishtolie。Yourfathercan，anddoubtlesswill，dothismuchforhisfriend。Imploreitofhim。ButperhapspiousChristianswillnotchoosethattheirbodieschouldbeburiednearthecorpseofapoor，unhappywretchlikeme。Thenletmebelaidinsomeremotevalley，ornearthehighway，wherethepriestandLevitemayblessthemselvesastheypassbymytomb，whilsttheSamaritanwillshedatearformyfate。
"See，Charlotte，Idonotshuddertotakethecoldandfatalcup，fromwhichIshalldrinkthedraughtofdeath。Yourhandpresentsittome，andIdonottremble。All，allisnowconcluded：thewishesandthehopesofmyexistencearefulfilled。Withcold，unflinchinghandIknockatthebrazenportalsofDeath。Oh，thatIhadenjoyedtheblissofdyingforyou！howgladlywouldIhavesacrificedmyselfforyou;Charlotte！AndcouldIbutrestorepeaceandjoytoyourbosom，withwhatresolution，withwhatjoy，wouldInotmeetmyfate！Butitisthelotofonlyachosenfewtoshedtheirbloodfortheirfriends，andbytheirdeathtoaugment，athousandtimes，thehappinessofthosebywhomtheyarebeloved。
Iwish，Charlotte，tobeburiedinthedressIwearatpresent：
ithasbeenrenderedsacredbyyourtouch。Ihavebeggedthisfavourofyourfather。Myspiritsoarsabovemysepulchre。I
donotwishmypocketstobesearched。TheknotofpinkribbonwhichyouworeonyourbosomthefirsttimeIsawyou，surroundedbythechildren——Oh，kissthemathousandtimesforme，andtellthemthefateoftheirunhappyfriend！IthinkIseethemplayingaroundme。Thedearchildren！HowwarmlyhaveIbeenattachedtoyou，Charlotte！SincethefirsthourIsawyou，howimpossiblehaveIfoundittoleaveyou。Thisribbonmustbeburiedwithme：itwasapresentfromyouonmybirthday。Howconfuseditallappears！LittledidIthenthinkthatIshouldjourneythisroad。Butpeace！Iprayyou，peace！
"Theyareloaded——theclockstrikestwelve。Isayamen。
Charlotte，Charlotte！farewell，farewell！"
Aneighboursawtheflash，andheardthereportofthepistol;
but，aseverythingremainedquiet，hethoughtnomoreofit。
Inthemorning，atsixo’clock，theservantwentintoWerther’sroomwithacandle。Hefoundhismasterstretcheduponthefloor，welteringinhisblood，andthepistolsathisside。Hecalled，hetookhiminhisarms，butreceivednoanswer。Lifewasnotyetquiteextinct。Theservantranforasurgeon，andthenwenttofetchAlbert。Charlotteheardtheringingofthebell：acoldshudderseizedher。Shewakenedherhusband，andtheybothrose。
Theservant，bathedintearsfalteredforththedreadfulnews。
CharlottefellsenselessatAlbert’sfeet。
WhenthesurgeoncametotheunfortunateWerther，hewasstilllyingonthefloor;andhispulsebeat，buthislimbswerecold。
Thebullet，enteringtheforehead，overtherighteye，hadpenetratedtheskull。Aveinwasopenedinhisrightarm：thebloodcame，andhestillcontinuedtobreathe。
>Fromthebloodwhichflowedfromthechair，itcouldbeinferredthathehadcommittedtherashactsittingathisbureau，andthatheafterwardfelluponthefloor。Hewasfoundlyingonhisbacknearthewindow。Hewasinfull-dresscostume。
Thehouse，theneighbourhood，andthewholetownwereimmediatelyincommotion。Albertarrived。TheyhadlaidWertheronthebed：
hisheadwasboundup，andthepalenessofdeathwasuponhisface。
Hislimbsweremotionless;buthestillbreathed，atonetimestrongly，thenweaker——hisdeathwasmomentlyexpected。
Hehaddrunkonlyoneglassofthewine。"EmiliaGalotti"layopenuponhisbureau。
IshallsaynothingofAlbert’sdistress，orofCharlotte’sgrief。
Theoldstewardhastenedtothehouseimmediatelyuponhearingthenews：heembracedhisdyingfriendamidafloodoftears。Hiseldestboyssoonfollowedhimonfoot。Inspeechlesssorrowtheythrewthemselvesontheirkneesbythebedside，andkissedhishandsandface。Theeldest，whowashisfavourite，hungoverhimtillheexpired;andeventhenhewasremovedbyforce。Attwelveo’clockWertherbreathedhislast。Thepresenceofthesteward，andtheprecautionshehadadopted，preventedadisturbance;andthatnight，atthehourofeleven，hecausedthebodytobeinterredintheplacewhichWertherhadselectedforhimself。
Thestewardandhissonsfollowedthecorpsetothegrave。Albertwasunabletoaccompanythem。Charlotte’slifewasdespairedof。
Thebodywascarriedbylabourers。Nopriestattended。