《智慧书·第三辑·一〇一至一五〇》第31则
Nobility of Feeling. There is a certain distinction of the soul, a highmindedness prompting to gallant acts, that gives an air of grace to the whole character. It is not found often, for it presupposes great magnanimity. Its chief characteristic is to speak well of an enemy, and to act even better towards him. It shines brightest when a chance comes of revenge: not alone does it let the occasion pass, but it improves it by using a complete victory in order to display unexpected generosity. Tis a fine stroke of policy, nay, the very acme of statecraft. It makes no pretence to victory, for it pretends to nothing, and while obtaining its deserts it conceals its merits.
注释摘要
葛拉西安在这里提出了一种被他称为“心性的高贵”的品质，英文译作Nobility of Feeling，西班牙原文的表述更精确，是alteza de ánimo，即灵魂的高拔或心灵的高度。这个概念的修辞构造本身就带着巴洛克概念主义的典型手势：它不是道德教条，而是一种被辨认出来的灵魂的卓越，散发出笼罩整个品格的优雅。他用的关键词是distinción——这个词…