The king is honoured only
inside his Kingdom; he is
adored only within its borders.
But the virtuous man is honoured
and adored in all countries.
A person may have outstanding physical beauty;
he may have the sparkle of robust youth;
he may boast of a high noble lineage;
he may be a famed scholar.
But, if he lacks the virtues
that spiritual discipline can ensure,
he is to be reckoned only as a beautiful flower, with no fragrance.
divinely sent
