英文
JULY 18.
Wilhelm, what is the world to our hearts without love? What is a magic-lantern without light? You have but to kindle the flame within, and the brightest figures shine on the white wall; and, if love only show us fleeting shadows, we are yet happy, when, like mere children, we behold them, and are transported with the splendid phantoms. I have not been able to see Lotte today. I was prevented by company from which I could not disengage myself. What was to be done? I sent my servant to her house, that I might at least see somebody today who had been near her. Oh, the impatience with which I waited for his return! the joy with which I welcomed him! I should certainly have caught him in my arms, and kissed him, if I had not been ashamed.
中文
七月十八日
威廉，你想想这世界要是没有爱情，它在我们心中还会有什么意义！这就如一盏没有亮光的走马灯！可是一当放进亮光去，白壁上便会映出五彩缤纷的图像，尽管仅只是些稍纵即逝的影子；但只要我们能像孩子似的为这种奇妙的现象所迷醉，它也足以造就咱们的幸福呵。今天我不能去看绿蒂，有一个免不掉的聚会拖住了我。怎么办？我派了我的佣人去，仅仅为了自己身边有一个今天接近过她的人。我急不可耐地等着佣人回来，一见到他就有说不出的高兴！要是不害臊，真恨不得捧住他的脑袋亲一亲！人们常讲电光石的故事，说它放在太阳地里便会吸收阳光，到了夜间仍旧亮华华的。这小伙子对于我也就如电光石。我感到，她的目光曾在他脸上、面颊上、上衣纽扣以及外套的绉领上停留过，这一切因此对我也变得十分神圣、十分珍贵了！此刻，就是给一千银塔勒，我都不肯把这小伙子让给谁的。有他在跟前，我心里舒畅。——上帝保佑，你可别笑我啊。威廉，难道令我心中舒畅的东西，还会是幻影么？
