131.慷慨大度

131.慷慨大度

慷慨大度。这是一种非凡的灵魂,是一种崇尚的精神。它能够催生侠义的行为,为人的整个个性增添一种优美的气质。这种气质并不常见,因为它要求人有极其宽大的胸怀。它首先表现在对敌人不吝赞美之词,甚至在行动上对敌人更好。这种人当有机会报复时,最为光彩夺目——他不仅放弃了复仇,还善加利用,在大获全胜后表现出出人意料的宽宏大量。这便是高超的权谋之术——不,这是驭人之术的极致。他不以胜者自居,因为他从不装模作样,他成功却不居功。

131.Nobility of feeling

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. It is 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.