"Such
was
the
history
of
my beloved cottagers.
It
impressed
me
deeply. I learned,
from
the
views
of
social
life
which
it
developed,
to
admire
their
virtues
and
to
deprecate
the
vices
of
mankind. "As
yet
I
looked
upon
crime
as
a
distant
evil,
benevolence
and
generosity
were
ever
present
before
me,
inciting
within
me
a
desire
to
become
an
actor
in
the
busy
scene
where
so
many
admirable
qualities
were
called
forth
and
displayed.
But
in
giving
an
account
of
the
progress
of
my intellect, I
must
not
omit
a
circumstance
which
occurred
in
the
beginning
of
the
month
of
August
of
the
same
year. "One
night
during
my accustomed
visit
to
the
neighbouring
wood
where
I
collected
my
own
food
and
brought
home
firing
for
my protectors, I found
on
the
ground a
leathern
portmanteau
containing
several
articles
of
dress
and
some
books. I
eagerly
seized
the
prize
and
returned
with
it
to
my hovel. Fortunately
the
books
were
written
in
the
language,
the
elements
of
which
I had acquired
at
the
cottage;
they
consisted
of
Paradise
Lost, a
volume
of
Plutarch's Lives,
and
the
Sorrows
of
Werter.
The
possession
of
these
treasures
gave
me
extreme
delight; I
now
continually
studied
and
exercised
my
mind
upon
these
histories, whilst my
friends
were
employed
in
their
ordinary
occupations. "I
can
hardly
describe
to
you
the
effect
of
these
books.
They
produced
in
me
an
infinity
of
new
images
and
feelings,
that
sometimes
raised
me
to
ecstasy,
but
more
frequently sunk
me
into
the
lowest dejection.
In
the
Sorrows
of
Werter, besides
the
interest
of
its
simple
and
affecting story,
so
many
opinions
are
canvassed
and
so
many
lights thrown
upon
what
had hitherto been
to
me
obscure
subjects
that
I found
in
it
a never-ending source
of
speculation
and
astonishment.
The
gentle
and
domestic
manners
it
described, combined
with
lofty
sentiments
and
feelings,
which
had
for
their
object
something
out
of
self,
accorded
well
with
my experience
among
my
protectors
and
with
the
wants
which
were
forever
alive
in
my
own
bosom.
But
I
thought
Werter
himself
a
more
divine
being
than
I had
ever
beheld
or
imagined;
his
character
contained
no
pretension,
but
it
sank deep.
The
disquisitions
upon
death
and
suicide
were
calculated
to
fill
me
with
wonder. I
did
not
pretend
to
enter
into
the
merits
of
the
case,
yet
I inclined
towards
the
opinions
of
the
hero,
whose
extinction
I wept,
without
precisely
understanding
it. "As I read, however, I applied
much
personally
to
my
own
feelings
and
condition. I found
myself
similar
yet
at
the
same
time
strangely
unlike
to
the
beings concerning
whom
I read
and
to
whose
conversation
I
was
a listener. I
sympathized
with
and
partly understood them,
but
I
was
unformed
in
mind; I
was
dependent
on
none
and
related
to
none. 'The
path
of
my
departure
was
free,'
and
there
was
none
to
lament
my annihilation. My
person
was
hideous
and
my
stature
gigantic.
What
did
this
mean?
Who
was
I?
What
was
I?
Whence
did
I come?
What
was
my destination?
These
questions
continually
recurred,
but
I
was
unable
to
solve
them. "The
volume
of
Plutarch's
Lives
which
I possessed
contained
the
histories
of
the
first
founders
of
the
ancient
republics.
This
book
had a
far
different
effect
upon
me
from
the
Sorrows
of
Werter. I learned
from
Werter's
imaginations
despondency
and
gloom,
but
Plutarch
taught
me
high thoughts;
he
elevated
me
above
the
wretched
sphere
of
my
own
reflections,
to
admire
and
love
the
heroes
of
past ages.
Many
things
I read surpassed my
understanding
and
experience. I had a
very
confused
knowledge
of
kingdoms,
wide
extents
of
country,
mighty
rivers,
and
boundless seas.
But
I
was
perfectly unacquainted
with
towns
and
large
assemblages
of
men.
The
cottage
of
my
protectors
had been
the
only
school
in
which
I had studied
human
nature,
but
this
book
developed
new
and
mightier
scenes
of
action. I read
of
men concerned
in
public affairs,
governing
or
massacring
their
species. I felt
the
greatest
ardour
for
virtue
rise
within
me,
and
abhorrence
for
vice,
as
far
as
I understood
the
signification
of
those
terms,
relative
as
they
were,
as
I applied them,
to
pleasure
and
pain
alone.
Induced
by
these
feelings, I
was
of
course
led
to
admire
peaceable
lawgivers, Numa, Solon,
and
Lycurgus,
in
preference
to
Romulus
and
Theseus.
The
patriarchal
lives
of
my
protectors
caused
these
impressions
to
take
a
firm
hold
on
my mind; perhaps,
if
my
first
introduction
to
humanity
had been
made
by
a
young
soldier,
burning
for
glory
and
slaughter, I
should
have
been
imbued
with
different
sensations. "But
Paradise
Lost excited
different
and
far
deeper
emotions. I read it,
as
I had read
the
other
volumes
which
had fallen
into
my hands,
as
a true history.
It
moved
every
feeling
of
wonder
and
awe
that
the
picture
of
an
omnipotent
God
warring
with
his
creatures
was
capable
of
exciting. I
often
referred
the
several
situations,
as
their
similarity
struck me,
to
my own.
Like
Adam, I
was
apparently united
by
no
link
to
any
other
being
in
existence;
but
his
state
was
far
different
from
mine
in
every
other
respect.
He
had
come
forth
from
the
hands
of
God
a perfect creature,
happy
and
prosperous, guarded
by
the
especial
care
of
his
Creator;
he
was
allowed
to
converse
with
and
acquire
knowledge
from
beings
of
a
superior
nature,
but
I
was
wretched, helpless,
and
alone.
Many
times I
considered
Satan
as
the
fitter
emblem
of
my condition,
for
often,
like
him,
when
I viewed
the
bliss
of
my protectors,
the
bitter
gall
of
envy
rose
within
me. "Another
circumstance
strengthened
and
confirmed
these
feelings.
Soon
after
my
arrival
in
the
hovel I
discovered
some
papers
in
the
pocket
of
the
dress
which
I had taken
from
your
laboratory.
At
first
I had neglected them,
but
now
that
I
was
able
to
decipher
the
characters
in
which
they
were
written, I began
to
study
them
with
diligence.
It
was
your
journal
of
the
four
months
that
preceded
my creation.
You
minutely
described
in
these
papers
every
step
you
took
in
the
progress
of
your
work;
this
history
was
mingled
with
accounts
of
domestic
occurrences.
You
doubtless
recollect
these
papers.
Here
they
are. Everything
is
related
in
them
which
bears
reference
to
my accursed origin;
the
whole
detail
of
that
series
of
disgusting
circumstances
which
produced
it
is
set
in
view;
the
minutest
description
of
my
odious
and
loathsome
person
is
given,
in
language
which
painted
your
own
horrors
and
rendered
mine
indelible. I
sickened
as
I read. 'Hateful
day
when
I received life!' I
exclaimed
in
agony. 'Accursed creator!
Why
did
you
form
a
monster
so
hideous
that
even
YOU
turned
from
me
in
disgust? God,
in
pity,
made
man
beautiful
and
alluring,
after
his
own
image;
but
my
form
is
a filthy type
of
yours,
more
horrid
even
from
the
very
resemblance.
Satan
had
his
companions,
fellow
devils,
to
admire
and
encourage
him,
but
I
am
solitary
and
abhorred.' "These
were
the
reflections
of
my
hours
of
despondency
and
solitude;
but
when
I
contemplated
the
virtues
of
the
cottagers,
their
amiable
and
benevolent
dispositions, I
persuaded
myself
that
when
they
should
become
acquainted
with
my
admiration
of
their
virtues
they
would
compassionate
me
and
overlook
my
personal
deformity.
Could
they
turn
from
their
door
one, however monstrous,
who
solicited
their
compassion
and
friendship? I resolved,
at
least,
not
to
despair,
but
in
every
way
to
fit
myself
for
an
interview
with
them
which
would
decide
my fate. I
postponed
this
attempt
for
some
months
longer,
for
the
importance
attached
to
its
success
inspired
me
with
a
dread
lest
I
should
fail. Besides, I found
that
my
understanding
improved
so
much
with
every
day's experience
that
I
was
unwilling
to
commence
this
undertaking
until
a
few
more
months
should
have
added
to
my sagacity. "Several changes,
in
the
meantime,
took
place
in
the
cottage.
The
presence
of
Safie
diffused
happiness
among
its
inhabitants,
and
I
also
found
that
a
greater
degree
of
plenty
reigned
there.
Felix
and
Agatha
spent
more
time
in
amusement
and
conversation,
and
were
assisted
in
their
labours
by
servants.
They
did
not
appear
rich,
but
they
were
contented
and
happy;
their
feelings
were
serene
and
peaceful,
while
mine
became
every
day
more
tumultuous. Increase
of
knowledge
only
discovered
to
me
more
clearly
what
a wretched
outcast
I was. I
cherished
hope,
it
is
true,
but
it
vanished
when
I beheld my
person
reflected
in
water
or
my shadow
in
the
moonshine,
even
as
that
frail
image
and
that
inconstant
shade. "I
endeavoured
to
crush
these
fears
and
to
fortify
myself
for
the
trial
which
in
a
few
months
I resolved
to
undergo;
and
sometimes I allowed my thoughts, unchecked
by
reason,
to
ramble
in
the
fields
of
Paradise,
and
dared
to
fancy
amiable
and
lovely
creatures
sympathizing
with
my feelings
and
cheering my gloom;
their
angelic
countenances
breathed
smiles
of
consolation.
But
it
was
all
a dream;
no
Eve
soothed
my
sorrows
nor
shared
my thoughts; I
was
alone. I
remembered
Adam's
supplication
to
his
Creator.
But
where
was
mine?
He
had abandoned me,
and
in
the
bitterness
of
my
heart
I
cursed
him. "Autumn
passed
thus. I saw,
with
surprise
and
grief,
the
leaves
decay
and
fall,
and
nature
again
assume
the
barren
and
bleak
appearance
it
had
worn
when
I
first
beheld
the
woods
and
the
lovely
moon.
Yet
I
did
not
heed
the
bleakness
of
the
weather; I
was
better
fitted
by
my
conformation
for
the
endurance
of
cold
than
heat.
But
my
chief
delights
were
the
sight
of
the
flowers,
the
birds,
and
all
the
gay
apparel
of
summer;
when
those
deserted
me, I
turned
with
more
attention
towards
the
cottagers.
Their
happiness
was
not
decreased
by
the
absence
of
summer.
They
loved
and
sympathized
with
one
another;
and
their
joys,
depending
on
each
other,
were
not
interrupted
by
the
casualties
that
took
place
around
them.
The
more
I
saw
of
them,
the
greater
became my
desire
to
claim
their
protection
and
kindness; my
heart
yearned
to
be
known
and
loved
by
these
amiable
creatures;
to
see
their
sweet
looks
directed
towards
me
with
affection
was
the
utmost
limit
of
my ambition. I
dared
not
think
that
they
would
turn
them
from
me
with
disdain
and
horror.
The
poor
that
stopped
at
their
door
were
never
driven away. I asked,
it
is
true,
for
greater
treasures
than
a
little
food
or
rest: I required
kindness
and
sympathy;
but
I
did
not
believe
myself
utterly
unworthy
of
it. "The
winter
advanced,
and
an
entire
revolution
of
the
seasons
had taken
place
since
I
awoke
into
life. My
attention
at
this
time
was
solely
directed
towards
my
plan
of
introducing
myself
into
the
cottage
of
my protectors. I
revolved
many
projects,
but
that
on
which
I finally fixed
was
to
enter
the
dwelling
when
the
blind
old
man
should
be
alone. I had
sagacity
enough
to
discover
that
the
unnatural hideousness
of
my
person
was
the
chief
object
of
horror
with
those
who
had
formerly
beheld me. My voice, although harsh, had
nothing
terrible
in
it; I thought, therefore,
that
if
in
the
absence
of
his
children I
could
gain
the
good
will
and
mediation
of
the
old
De
Lacey, I
might
by
his
means
be
tolerated
by
my
younger
protectors. "One day,
when
the
sun
shone
on
the
red
leaves
that
strewed
the
ground
and
diffused
cheerfulness, although
it
denied warmth, Safie, Agatha,
and
Felix
departed
on
a
long
country
walk,
and
the
old
man,
at
his
own
desire,
was
left
alone
in
the
cottage.
When
his
children had departed,
he
took
up
his
guitar
and
played
several
mournful
but
sweet
airs,
more
sweet
and
mournful
than
I had
ever
heard
him
play
before.
At
first
his
countenance
was
illuminated
with
pleasure,
but
as
he
continued, thoughtfulness
and
sadness succeeded;
at
length,
laying
aside
the
instrument,
he
sat
absorbed
in
reflection. "My
heart
beat quick;
this
was
the
hour
and
moment
of
trial,
which
would
decide
my
hopes
or
realize
my fears.
The
servants
were
gone
to
a
neighbouring
fair.
All
was
silent
in
and
around
the
cottage;
it
was
an
excellent
opportunity; yet,
when
I
proceeded
to
execute
my plan, my
limbs
failed
me
and
I sank
to
the
ground.
Again
I rose,
and
exerting
all
the
firmness
of
which
I
was
master, removed
the
planks
which
I had
placed
before
my hovel
to
conceal
my retreat.
The
fresh
air
revived
me,
and
with
renewed
determination
I approached
the
door
of
their
cottage. "I knocked. 'Who
is
there?' said
the
old
man. 'Come in.' "I entered. 'Pardon
this
intrusion,' said I; 'I
am
a traveller
in
want
of
a
little
rest;
you
would
greatly
oblige
me
if
you
would
allow
me
to
remain
a
few
minutes
before
the
fire.' "'Enter,' said
De
Lacey, 'and I
will
try
in
what
manner
I
can
to
relieve
your
wants; but, unfortunately, my children
are
from
home,
and
as
I
am
blind, I
am
afraid
I
shall
find
it
difficult
to
procure
food
for
you.' "'Do
not
trouble
yourself, my
kind
host; I
have
food;
it
is
warmth
and
rest
only
that
I need.' "I sat down,
and
a silence ensued. I
knew
that
every
minute
was
precious
to
me,
yet
I
remained
irresolute
in
what
manner
to
commence
the
interview,
when
the
old
man
addressed
me. 'By
your
language, stranger, I
suppose
you
are
my countryman;
are
you
French?' "'No;
but
I
was
educated
by
a
French
family
and
understand
that
language
only. I
am
now
going
to
claim
the
protection
of
some
friends,
whom
I sincerely love,
and
of
whose
favour
I
have
some
hopes.' "'Are
they
Germans?' "'No,
they
are
French.
But
let
us
change
the
subject. I
am
an
unfortunate
and
deserted
creature, I
look
around
and
I
have
no
relation
or
friend
upon
earth.
These
amiable
people
to
whom
I
go
have
never
seen
me
and
know
little
of
me. I
am
full
of
fears,
for
if
I
fail
there, I
am
an
outcast
in
the
world
forever.' "'Do
not
despair.
To
be
friendless
is
indeed
to
be
unfortunate,
but
the
hearts
of
men,
when
unprejudiced
by
any
obvious
self-interest,
are
full
of
brotherly
love
and
charity. Rely, therefore,
on
your
hopes;
and
if
these
friends
are
good
and
amiable,
do
not
despair.' "'They
are
kind—they
are
the
most
excellent
creatures
in
the
world; but, unfortunately,
they
are
prejudiced against me. I
have
good
dispositions; my
life
has been hitherto harmless
and
in
some
degree
beneficial;
but
a
fatal
prejudice
clouds
their
eyes,
and
where
they
ought
to
see
a feeling
and
kind
friend,
they
behold
only
a
detestable
monster.' "'That
is
indeed
unfortunate;
but
if
you
are
really blameless, cannot
you
undeceive them?' "'I
am
about
to
undertake
that
task;
and
it
is
on
that
account
that
I feel
so
many
overwhelming
terrors. I
tenderly
love
these
friends; I have,
unknown
to
them, been
for
many
months
in
the
habits
of
daily
kindness
towards
them;
but
they
believe
that
I
wish
to
injure
them,
and
it
is
that
prejudice
which
I
wish
to
overcome.' "'Where
do
these
friends
reside?' "'Near
this
spot.' "The
old
man
paused
and
then
continued, 'If
you
will
unreservedly
confide
to
me
the
particulars
of
your
tale, I
perhaps
may
be
of
use
in
undeceiving them. I
am
blind
and
cannot
judge
of
your
countenance,
but
there
is
something
in
your
words
which
persuades
me
that
you
are
sincere. I
am
poor
and
an
exile,
but
it
will
afford
me
true pleasure
to
be
in
any
way
serviceable
to
a
human
creature.' "'Excellent man! I
thank
you
and
accept
your
generous
offer.
You
raise
me
from
the
dust
by
this
kindness;
and
I
trust
that,
by
your
aid, I
shall
not
be
driven
from
the
society
and
sympathy
of
your
fellow
creatures.' "'Heaven forbid!
Even
if
you
were
really criminal,
for
that
can
only
drive
you
to
desperation,
and
not
instigate
you
to
virtue. I
also
am
unfortunate; I
and
my
family
have
been condemned, although innocent; judge, therefore,
if
I
do
not
feel
for
your
misfortunes.' "'How
can
I
thank
you, my
best
and
only
benefactor?
From
your
lips
first
have
I
heard
the
voice
of
kindness
directed
towards
me; I
shall
be
forever grateful;
and
your
present
humanity
assures
me
of
success
with
those
friends
whom
I
am
on
the
point
of
meeting.' "'May I
know
the
names
and
residence
of
those
friends?' "I paused. This, I thought,
was
the
moment
of
decision,
which
was
to
rob
me
of
or
bestow happiness
on
me
forever. I struggled
vainly
for
firmness
sufficient
to
answer
him,
but
the
effort
destroyed
all
my
remaining
strength; I sank
on
the
chair
and
sobbed
aloud.
At
that
moment
I
heard
the
steps
of
my
younger
protectors. I had
not
a
moment
to
lose,
but
seizing
the
hand
of
the
old
man, I cried, 'Now
is
the
time! Save
and
protect
me!
You
and
your
family
are
the
friends
whom
I seek.
Do
not
you
desert
me
in
the
hour
of
trial!' "'Great God!'
exclaimed
the
old
man. 'Who
are
you?' "At
that
instant
the
cottage
door
was
opened,
and
Felix, Safie,
and
Agatha
entered.
Who
can
describe
their
horror
and
consternation
on
beholding
me?
Agatha
fainted,
and
Safie,
unable
to
attend
to
her
friend,
rushed
out
of
the
cottage.
Felix
darted forward,
and
with
supernatural
force
tore
me
from
his
father,
to
whose
knees
I clung,
in
a transport
of
fury,
he
dashed
me
to
the
ground
and
struck
me
violently
with
a stick. I
could
have
torn
him
limb
from
limb,
as
the
lion
rends
the
antelope.
But
my
heart
sank
within
me
as
with
bitter sickness,
and
I refrained. I
saw
him
on
the
point
of
repeating
his
blow, when,
overcome
by
pain
and
anguish, I
quitted
the
cottage,
and
in
the
general
tumult
escaped
unperceived
to
my hovel."