《智慧书·第六辑·二五一至三百》第49则
Leave off Hungry. One ought to remove even the bowl of nectar from the lips. Demand is the measure of value. Even with regard to bodily thirst it is a mark of good taste to slake but not to quench it. Little and good is twice good. The second time comes a great falling off. Surfeit of pleasure was ever dangerous and brings down the ill-will of the Highest Powers. The only way to please is to revive the appetite by the hunger that is left. If you must excite desire, better do it by the impatience of want than by the repletion of enjoyment. Happiness earned gives double joy.
注释摘要
这则格言的完整意思是：在欲望最盛、享受最酣时主动停止，趁着还饿便离席。葛拉西安用了一个极强烈的意象：哪怕唇边是神饮琼浆，也该把碗挪开。这里“nectar”不是装饰词，它把正在享受的东西抬到神话高度，恰好为了说明：连这样的东西都不该饮尽，遑论世间普通享乐。 “Demand is the measure of value”——需求才是价值的尺度。这句话是整则格…