《智慧书·第二辑·五一至一百》第5则
Wait. It's a sign of a noble heart dowered with patience, never to be ina hurry, never to be in a passion. First be master over yourself if you would be master over others. You must pass through the circumference of time before arriving at the centre of opportunity. A wise reserve seasons the aims and matures the means. Time's crutch effects more than the iron club of Hercules. God Himself chasteneth not with a rod but with time. He! spake a great word who said, "Time and I against any two." Fortune herself rewards waiting with the first prize.
注释摘要
这一则的全部分量都压在“等待”这两个字上，但它所讲的等待不是消极忍受，而是一种主动的、几乎可以称之为战略品质的东西。标题“Wait”与正文的第一句话是一体的：能够等待，是高贵心灵的标志，因为这样的心灵具有耐心，从不匆忙，也不轻易动怒。请注意这里的关键顺序——葛拉西安并不是先叫你等待，而是先定义了什么样的“人”才有资格等待。只有已经做了自己主人的人，才有能力…