Chapter 10 Appendix I

Excerpts from the Letters of More and Erasmus ① More to Erasmus (No. 481) ② I'm glad my Peter approves of our "Nowhere." Prime Minister, do you take it for granted? Though I have no hope that those who have been fortunate enough to hold principal offices in their own country will take it for granted, unless they appreciate the opinion that in our republic men as learned and moral as they are are the ones who hold power. A prince. Such a man, I believe, would never complain if he ruled over a body other than what the prince now calls his people, that is, a people treated worse than slaves; for it would be more honorable to rule over a free people. Wise gentlemen, then, would never be so envious as to be malicious to others, while living a happy life themselves. I therefore rather hope that they will also like our books, which is my sincere wish. If their fortune To make them have the opposite view, as long as you agree with it, it is a sufficient and strong support for my opinion. I think that the two of us represent

①According to the English translation, the academic circles communicated in Latin at that time. ——The Chinese translator ②numbered according to the "Collected Letters of Erasmus" edited by P.S.Alen. ——Chinese translator ③Jerome Busleiden (Jerome Busleiden)——Belgian priest, enthusiastically advocating classical languages. ——Chinese translator Representing a crowd, I think you and I will live happily together in any solitary situation. October 31, 1516 More to Erasmus (No. 499) Mr. Tunstall sent me a friendly letter. His remarks about our republic, so frank and flattering, gave me more joy than an Athenian genius!You can't imagine how I jumped with joy, how tall I became, and how I raised my head, when a vision appeared before my eyes: My Utopian citizens have elected me to be their eternal monarch. I seem to have been solemn Walking forward, wearing a crown made of wheat straw, wearing a St. Franciscan friar's cassock, and holding a scepter made of ears of corn, I was surrounded by a group of dignitaries from the city of Amauroti. Surrounded by numerous attendants, I received foreign ambassadors and princes, wretched wretches compared to us, who pride themselves on going out, in all their childish attire and women's dresses, and their cloaks of disgusting gold. and adorned ridiculously with purple robes, gems, and other nonsense. But I don't want you or Tunstall to judge me by the characteristics of other people whose actions follow their fate Even if Heaven intended us to be raised from obscurity to such an eminence as no kingdom can match in my eyes, you will never find me forgetting the relationship between you and me when I was a common man. Therefore, if you will spare the short journey to meet me in Utopia, I will fully guarantee that the people under my magnanimous rule will regard you as their king. With due respect my dear one. This sweet dream of mine was still heavy, but the rising dawn drove it away, and I was thrown from my throne, and I returned to my solitary cell, that is to say, to In my legal affairs. But I am consoled when I think that the real kingdom does not last longer. Around the 4th of December, 1516

Erasmus to Clava (No. 530) When you read More, you feel as if you have suddenly entered another world, and everything around you is so new. Around February 14, 1517 Erasmus to Science (No. 537) Whenever you want to amuse yourself, or rather, to understand the source of almost all the evils of a nation, if you have not read More, try to get your hands on this book. February 24, 1517 Erasmus to More (543) Not long ago, I asked someone to send a bunch of letters and a copy. According to the messenger, he is your friend... I sent a letter to Marianas, because he suspected that the first one was my work. This idea is as stupid as it gets and I can't let it go... Please send your revised version as soon as possible and we'll send a copy of this to Basel City, or Paris if you prefer.

March 1, 1517 Erasmus to More (545) Send it as soon as possible. A senator from Antwerp liked this book very much and knew it by heart. March 8, 1517 Erasmus to Hutten (No. 999) As for the full-size portrait of Moore that you requested, I very much hope that I can make it perfect and live up to your ardent wishes!It was a pleasure for me to take some time to contemplate this dearest friend of mine. First, though, not everyone is comfortable exploring the full range of More's talents. Second, I I don't know if he tolerated a mediocre artist to paint him. I don't think it's easier to paint More than to paint Alexander or Achille, and neither of them is more worthy of immortality than More. In short, the subject I really need the writing of an Abiles. I'm afraid I'm more like Falvie

①Huten (Ulrich von Huten, 148-1523) - famous German humanist. - Chinese translator ②Alexander (Alexander the Great, 356-323 BC) - also translated "Alexander the Great" , famous for martial arts in Western history. ——Chinese translator ③Achiles——Hero in Homer’s epic. ——Chinese translator ④Apeles——Famous Greek painter in the fourth century BC . ——Chinese translator As and Lutuba, not like Apelles. However, I will try to give you a sketch, without saying yes Show all his holograms. If you run into him on a mission, then you will suddenly realize how bad the artist you have chosen for this task is. I am even very worried that you will either accuse me of jealousy or Blame me for being blind, that of so many virtues I am short-sighted and see so little, or out of jealousy, record so little. I will begin with that side of More that you do not know. He was neither tall nor short, and his limbs were well-proportioned, just right. His skin was fair, radiant rather than lacking in color, but not so flushed, with only a hint of redness, and his hair was light yellow with a black tinge, or rather Light brown. His beard is very thin. His eyes are light blue and speckled, usually a sign of a pleasant disposition, and considered attractive by the English, although for us a darker color is preferred. Moore's eyes are, it is said, the least detrimental to perfection. His expression befits his character, always cheerful and amiable, and quite smiling. To tell the truth, it is Joyful, rather than serious and reserved, though far from silly and pointlessly funny. His right shoulder is slightly higher than his left, especially when he walks. This is not by nature, but by habit, just Like many of our little habits that we happen to pick up. Besides, there was nothing remarkable about his body, except that his hands were not very dexterous, and that was only in comparison with the rest of his appearance. ,by

①Fulvius, Rutuba ——This refers to the poorly drawn two Roman gladiators on the canvas, see "Satire Poems" written by the ancient Roman poet Horace (Horace, 65-8 BC), Chapter 2, Section 7. Refers to the clumsy painter himself. ——Chinese translator As for paying little attention to all kinds of things that a man should only pay attention to according to Ovid's teaching. From his appearance in the prime of life, we can still see how beautiful his youth should be, although I and him first He was not three-and-twenty when we met, but he is now nearly forty. He is in good health, if not in perfect health, and can perform all the duties which a respectable citizen is fit to perform. He is never ill. , or seldom fell ill. His father, though old, was very healthy, so he himself was expected to live a long life. I never saw anyone who was less particular about his diet. Until he came of age, his favorite drink was Clear water, this is learned from his father. But on this point, in order not to disappoint others, he and his guests make a fool of themselves and drink some light beer from tin cups, which is often clear water. As for wine, the British custom It is a shared cup and takes turns to persuade him to drink, so he sometimes has to take a sip, not pretending to be bored, but following the customs. He prefers beef, kippers, and well-leavened home bread to the usual He is considered a delicious food. In other respects, he is not opposed to everything that can give people pleasure, let alone the enjoyment of taste. Dairy products and fruits are his favorite foods. He also loves eggs. His His voice was neither high nor low, but easily audible, and though not soft, it was clear. He seemed unable to sing naturally, but he was very fond of all kinds of music. As for his speech, it was extremely clear, unhurried and fluent. He dresses plainly, never wearing purple silk or gold chains, unless it is absolutely necessary, in order to meet the etiquette. Strange to say, how he disregarded those red tapes that the world uses to judge gentle manners.

①Refers to the opinions of the ancient Roman poet Ovid (Ovid, 43 B.C.-17 A.D.?) in China. ——Chinese translator He is also not eager to impose politeness on people at meetings or receptions. It is not that he does not know how to be polite, however, if he wants to make a big deal. Popularity is detrimental to a man's dignity. In the past, he hated court life and dealing with monarchs, because he always hated autocracy and always loved equality. Absence of frills and extravagances, which have nothing to do with any form of despotism.) Indeed, it was against all odds that he was forced into the court of Henry VIII, the most courteous and humble corporal of all. More's natural desire was freedom and leisure. When he is at leisure, he enjoys it; but when his work requires him to be serious and patient, he is the most serious and patient. He is born with good friends, makes friends with great sincerity, and always maintains them. He is willing to associate with everyone, despite Hesiod's condemnation of "the number of friends."

①When he chooses friends, he is not too picky, but gives convenience so that they will not be alienated; When he breaks up with him, he does not cut off everything suddenly, but gradually stops contact. When he finds an honest and congenial person, he will be happy to communicate and talk with him, which is like a great joy in life for him He hated all the games of ball, dice, cards, and other games that ordinary noblemen used to pass the time. Moreover, although he was not so concerned about his own affairs, he was most attentive to those of his friends. must ① In the eighth century BC, the Greek poet Hesiod (Hesiod) has a poem about making friends indiscriminately in his "Field Worker's Calendar". ——Chinese translator

Do you want to go on?If anyone wants a perfect example of true friendship, he has better find it in More. In social intercourse, he is polite and personable, can make melancholy people happy, and can make all difficult ones Difficulties seem easy. He was witty in his youth, as if he was born with it, but witty without being bantery, banter without abuse. Young Moore wrote short comedies and acted in them too. Witty warnings, Even if he is targeted, he appreciates it, he is so obsessed with witty and smart conversation. Therefore, he wrote some epigram poems when he was young, and he especially liked Liu Shan's works. It led me to write "Praise of Foolishness" It is he, too, which is like making camels dance. In human relations, no matter what happens to him, even if it is very serious, he always seeks pleasure. If he associates with intelligent and educated people, He takes pleasure in their wit; and if he deals with ignorant fools, he loves their foolishness. Even a complete fool cannot embarrass him. He is very skillful in not offending everyone's feelings. Generally speaking, To women, and even to wives, he was amused. You could almost say that he was Democritus reincarnated, or, more properly, Pythagora, wandering about the market place, silently contemplating the harassing scene of buyers and sellers. A philosopher of the Lars school. No one so dissented from the opinions of the mob, and no one so adept at reading the sympathetic sentiments of men.

①It comes from Latin, referring to absurd things. ——Chinese translator ②Democritus (Democritus, 460-370 BC)——Greek philosopher, known as the "laughing philosopher". ——Chinese translator③ Pythagoras (580?-50? BC) ——Greek mathematician and philosopher. ——Chinese translator He is very fond of observing the appearance, character and movement of various animals, so he has almost all kinds of birds in his house, as well as various precious beasts, such as apes, foxes, ferrets and weasels, etc. In addition, he only needs to He eagerly bought any foreign or other ornamental bird or beast that he saw. His house was filled with such animals, so that when visitors came, there was always something to linger on. The appreciation of the guests made him happy again. When he reaches the age of marriage, he does not shy away from dating young women, but he respects women and would rather express his love to him than take the initiative to speak. At the same time, what attracts him more is the spiritual rather than the physical Combination. He read classical works at a very young age. In his youth, he devoted himself to the study of Greek literature and philosophy. Not only did More's father not support (though he was otherwise a reasonable and good man)

, and instead canceled all financial support for Moore's studies. It is almost thought that his father declared to have disassociated himself from him, because his father practiced English law, and he seemed to have departed from his father's profession. This profession has nothing to do with real learning. , but in the UK, the authority who is proficient in law is especially respected, and it is regarded as a shortcut to fame, because most of the dignitaries in the UK start their careers through this study. It is said that anyone who does not study hard for many years cannot Proficient in it. Though Moore, a young man with a mind for higher learning, was rightly repugnant to it, yet, with his scholastic training and his success in law, litigants were glad to consult him, He earns more than a man who lives by law, and he is so bright and intellectual. He has also made a great study of Christian writers. When he was almost a boy, he was in front of a large audience. Explanation of Augustine's "The Metropolis". Neither the priest nor the elders regret or be ashamed to learn about theological issues from this secular young man. There was a time when he wholeheartedly regarded piety as a study, and engaged in vigils, fasting, and prayers in order to obtain the title of priest. and other basic disciplines of the same kind. In this respect he is much wiser than those who rush into such disciplined duties without a period of asceticism beforehand. he was prevented from dedicating himself to that life. So he preferred a chaste husband to an impure priest. At last he married a girl of good birth who was still very young. Marriage. This girl has been living in the country with her parents and sisters, and has never been influenced by culture. This enables More to cultivate her in his own way, teach her literature, enable her to master various musical skills, and actually almost cultivate her. Became a companion worthy of life together, but she died at a young age. However, she had given birth to several children, and three daughters survived, Margaret, Alice, Cecily, and the boy John. Intolerant of long-term widowhood, although friends disapproved of his remarriage. A few months after his wife died, he married a widow, more concerned with taking care of the family than with personal pleasure, because she was not pretty, and, Moore himself joked that she was not a girl, but a shrewd and alert housekeeper. However, Moore got along with her happily and harmoniously. To Moore, she was like a fairy. He joked, using Even if other husbands give orders with a straight face, the wife may not be able to obey them like that. Why is this so difficult for Moore?He first guided this old, stubborn woman who was very focused on her own affairs to learn to play the qin, the pipa, and one-string and six-string instruments, and in this regard, she fulfilled the prescribed tasks every day according to her husband's wishes. ①The writer made a typo, it should be Elizabeth. ——Chinese translator Homework. He manages the whole family in the same harmony, no quarrels, just quiet. Even if there are quarrels, he resolves them immediately and calms them down. He doesn't let anyone leave his house. His family seems to be truly Luckily, each member was better off and never tarnished his reputation. Rarely do we find anyone with his biological mother as unconcerned as he with his stepmother. He loves two stepmothers before and after, as his own mother. The second stepmother, his father married not long ago, and he swears by the holy book that his stepmother is the best. He treats his parents and His own children, who do not allow their affections to bore each other, but do their duties in the house. He has an abhorrence of petty goods. He distributes to his children what he thinks is sufficient for their maintenance. The amount of life. He gave away generously what was left of his estate. While he still practiced law for a living, he gave loyal and friendly advice to all his clients, putting the interests of the clients first and not his own. Much pay. He advised most of them to settle so as not to cost more. In case of no avail, he instructed them to take the most economical way of litigating--it was not happy that some did not settle. Born in the City of London, he was a magistrate for several years, dealing with civil cases. It was a rather leisurely job, with courts only on Thursday mornings, but it was considered one of the most honorable jobs. Nobody handled as many cases as he did, and with such integrity. He generally reduced the fees that the litigants were normally obliged to pay. For example, before the formal prosecution, the plaintiff and the defendant each paid only three shillings. Satisfied with this position, he is powerful enough without taking great risks. He was forced to go on a mission twice. Because of his insight in execution, King Henry the Eighth of England would not stop until he was forced into the court. . Isn't it "forcing"? While others have tried so hard to get into the court, he was just doing his best to avoid it. But when the King of England must recruit influential, learned, wise and upright people, More was the first and most chosen person in the call. The King of England considers him to be one of his most intimate assistants, and he must be by his side all the time. When it comes to discussing important political matters, Morby is good at it. Can talk and laugh like Moore. Difficult cases often occur, and a referee with long-standing prestige and insight into the affairs is needed; Accept gifts from either side. How happy every country would be if all princes could have such a judge as More!But Moore did not think he was great because of this. The heavy official duties did not make him forget his old friends, and he also reviewed his favorite literature from time to time. The prominent official position and the king's trust were all used to benefit the country for him He is always eager to make himself useful to all, and is exceptionally sympathetic, so he is always ready to help others. Now that he has more power, he can better serve others. To some to others, he uses his authority to protect. Still others, he supports by referrals. When he cannot help others otherwise, he gives He will never let anyone down. We can call More the common apologist for all people in adversity. Reconciliation between estranged people is what Moore considers his greatest achievement. Although he was lucky in many ways, and luck often brings bragging, I have never seen anyone who did not like Moore. The bad habit of bragging. Now I will go back and describe his academic studies, and it is through such studies that he and I became friends. In his youth, he worked mainly on poetry writing, and later he seriously studied his prose, practicing Various styles. What kind of style?I need not describe this, least of all to you, who have always had his books at hand. He was especially fond of writing eloquent essays, in which he took pleasure in developing subjects of opposing views, as they were a better exercise for the intellect. This made him write a dialogue when he was a teenager, defending Plato's theory about communism and even women's society. He wrote an answer to Lucian's "Putting the Tyrant" and asked me to refute him as his opponent, so that more A sure test of his progress in this area of ​​writing. His aim is to expose the root causes of bad conditions in various countries. This book is especially about England, which he has thoroughly researched and explored. Wrote the second part of the original book, and then added the first part impromptu. Hence the stylistic imbalance in the whole book. We would be hard-pressed to find a better extemporizer: He is fully driven by his beautiful talent. He has a quick and unrestrained intelligence, but also has a firm memory and responds to every knock. Since he is so sensitive, he can respond to any problem and in any situation with ease and ease. His eloquence It is unexpectedly sharp, and can attack the shield of the son with the spear of the son, which stunned the first-rate theologians. Colette, who has sharp and precise judgment, often said in private chats: There is only one genius in England, although Men of great brilliance are not rare. He works hard on piety, but does not follow any superstitious rites. He prays to God regularly, not routinely, but sincerely. He talks to friends about the afterlife. No It is difficult to see that he spoke with sincerity and firm hope. Even at court he did so. And yet one would think it was only in a monastery that one would meet a Christian! Here is a portrait for you, copied with a clumsy brush from a good model by a poor artist. If you knew more about More, you would be less satisfied with this portrait. But, Now I teach you that you cannot blame me for not doing as I was told. You cannot blame me for writing a letter that is too short. However, it does not seem long to me who wrote it. I know that when you read it, you will not find it long: we The charm of my friend More is a guarantee of this. Farewell. July 23, 1519