Therefore ambition is not opposed to magnanimity. But this pertains to ambition. Therefore ambition denotes an excess of magnanimity. Now magnanimity is about honors and makes use of them in a becoming manner. Wherefore it is evident that ambition is opposed to magnanimity as the inordinate to that which is well ordered.
Magnanimity regards two things.
It regards one as its end, in so far as it is some great deed that the magnanimous man attempts in proportion to his ability. The other thing that magnanimity regards is its matter, viz. Nor is it impossible for one mean to be exceeded in various respects. For if a man were to have an inordinate desire for a position of dignity, not for the sake of honor, but for the sake of a right use of a dignity exceeding his ability, he would not be ambitious but presumptuous. Wherefore ambition does not regard outward worship, except in so far as this is a kind of honor.