There are nine hundred and ninety-nine patrons of virtue to one virtuous man; but it is easier to deal with the real possessor of a thing than with the temporary guardian of it.

每一个真正有德之人身旁，都有九百九十九个美德的赞助者；但与真正拥有某物的人打交道，比与它的临时看守者打交道更容易。