培根散文隨筆集中英對照，通過閱讀文學名著學語言，是掌握英語的絕佳方法。既可接觸原汁原味的英語，又能享受文學之美，一舉兩得，何樂不為？
對于喜歡閱讀名著的讀者，這是一個最好的時代，因為有成千上萬的書可以選擇；這又是一個不好的時代，因為在浩繁的卷帙中，很難找到適合自己的好書。而培根的散文隨筆，濃縮的不僅僅是文學，還是智慧。相信對閱讀和寫作都有很好的幫助。

52 Of Ceremonies & Respects 論禮貌和尊重

He that is only real, had need have exceeding great parts of virtue: as the stone had need to be rich, that is set without foil.
只有確實內在品格很高的人，才適合不拘小節。猶如沒有襯景的寶石，必須自身珍貴才會蒙受愛重一樣。

But if a man mark it well, it is in praise and commendation of men as it is in gettings and gains: for the proverb is true, that light gains make heavy purses; for light gains come thick, whereas great come but now and then. So it is true, that small matters win great commendation, because they are continually in use, and in note: whereas the occasion of any great virtue cometh but on festivals.
深入觀察人生會看出，獲得贊揚之道猶如經商致富之道，正像一句俗話所說：“薄利才能多銷。”同樣，小節上的一絲不茍常可贏得很高的稱贊。因為小節更易為人注意，而施展大才的機會猶如節日，并非每天都有。因此，舉止彬彬有禮的人，一定能贏得好的名譽。這正如西班牙的伊麗莎白女王所說，“禮節乃是一封通行四方的推薦書。”

Therefore it doth much add to a man's reputation, and is (as Queen Isabella said) like perpetual letters commendatory, to have good forms. To attain them, it almost sufficeth, not to despise them: for so shall a man observe them in others: and let him trust himself with the rest. For if he labour too much to express them, he shall lose their grace; which is to be natural and unaffected.
其實要習得優美的舉止，只要做到細心就可以。因為人只要不粗忽，他就自然會樂于觀察和摹仿別人的優點。禮節要舉動自然才顯得高貴。假如在表現上過于做作，那就失去了應有的價值。因為舉止優美本身就包括自然和純真。有的人舉止言談好像在作曲，其中的每一音節都仔細推敲過。也有人舉止粗放不拘禮儀，這種不自重的結果是別人也放棄對他的尊重。

Some men's behaviour is like a verse, wherein every syllable is measured: how can a man comprehend great matters, that hreaketh his mind too much to small observations? Not to use ceremonies at all, is to teach others not to use them again; and so diminisheth respect to himself: especially they be not to be omitted to strangers, and formal natures: but the dwelling upon them, and exalting them above the moon, is not only tedious, but doth diminish the faith and credit of him that speaks.
禮儀是微妙的東西，它既是人類間交際所不可或缺的，卻又是不可過于計較的。如果把禮儀形式看得高于一切，結果就會失去人與人真誠的信任。因此在語言交際中要善于找到一種分寸，使之既直爽又不失禮。這是最難又是最好的。

And certainly, there is a kind of conveying of effectual and imprinting passages, amongst compliments, which is of singular use, if a man can hit upon it Amongst a man's peers, a man shall be sure of familiarity; and therefore, it is good a little to keep state. Amongst a man's inferiors, one shall be sure of reverence; and therefore it is good a little to be familiar. He that is too much in anything, so that he giveth another occasion of satiety, maketh himself cheap. To apply one's self to others is good: so it be with demonstration, that a man doth it upon regard and not upon facility. It is a good precept, generally in seconding another, yet to add somewhat of one's own: as if you will grant his opinion, let it be with some distinction; if you will follow his motion, let it be with condition; if you allow his counsel, let it be with alleging further reason. Men had need beware, how they be too perfect in compliments; for be they never so sufficient otherwise, their enviers will be sure to give them that attribute, to the disadvantage of their greater virtues. It is loss also in business, to be too full of respects, or to be too curious in observing times and opportunities. Solomon saith; He that considered! the wind shall not sow, and he that looketh to the clouds shall not reap. A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. Men's behaviour should be like their apparel, not too strait, or point device, but free for exercise or motion.
要注意-----在親密的同伴之間應注意保持矜持以免被狎犯。在地位較低的下屬面前卻不妨顯得親密會倍受敬重。事事都伸頭的人是自輕自賤并惹人厭嫌的。好心助人時要讓人感到這種幫助是出自對他的愛重，而并非你天生多情樂施。表示一種贊同的時候，不要忘記樂施還有所保留-----以表明這種贊同并非阿諛而經過思考。即使對很能干的人，也不可過于恭維，否則難免被你的嫉妒者看作拍馬屁。在面臨大事之際，就不要過于計較形式。否則將如所羅門所說的：“看風者無法播種，看云者不得收獲。”只有愚者才等待機會，而智者則造就機會。總而言之，禮貌舉止正好比人的穿衣-----既不可太寬也不可太緊。要講究而有余地，寬裕而不失大體，如此行動才能自如。
 

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