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 ...