Virgil, Aeneid V.344
Melphi speaks
gratior et pulchro veniens in corpore virtus.
The priest translates
«and worth is more welcome when it comes in a handsome body.»
And interprets
This line reminds you of a slightly awkward but useful truth: how you present yourself matters. Being good is not enough, you also need to be seen for what you are worth. If you have an interview, a date, a proposal to make, take care of the form: tidiness, tone of voice, a clean presentation, a sincere smile. It is not about appearing different from who you are, but about giving your qualities the frame they deserve. Watch the flip side too: do not let other people’s good looks dazzle you, and always ask whether there is substance behind them. Beauty and worth together are a strength.
The historical translations
Annibal Caro (1581)
In difesa d’Eurïalo, a rincontro,
È ’l favor de la gente, e quel decoro
Suo dolce lagrimare, e quell’invitta
Forza c’ha la vertù con beltà mista.
In difesa d’Eurïalo, a rincontro,
È ’l favor de la gente, e quel decoro
Suo dolce lagrimare, e quell’invitta
Forza c’ha la vertù con beltà mista.
Theodore C. Williams (1910)
upon Euryalus, whose beauteous tears
commend him much, and nobler seems the worth
of valor clothed in youthful shape so fair.
upon Euryalus, whose beauteous tears
commend him much, and nobler seems the worth
of valor clothed in youthful shape so fair.
Source
Publius Vergilius Maro, Aeneis, ed. J. B. Greenough (1900)
Virgil, Aeneid V.344