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.

I have carefully gathered everything I could learn about poor Werther’s story. I now share his story with you, knowing you will thank me for doing so. You cannot help admiring and loving his spirit and character. You will not hold back your tears at his fate.

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.

And you, kind soul, who suffer the same distress he once endured, take comfort in his sorrows. And let this little book be your friend if you cannot find a dearer companion, whether through fate or your own fault.