Catullus 86

This poem is yet another attempt to make Lesbia the best woman in the world. As in poem 43, Catullus compares another woman to Lesbia. Quintia, unlike the girl in poem 43 however, is truly possessed of traits that are considered beautiful. She is candida, longa, and recta. Catullus even admits that yes, this woman does have these traits, and yes, these traits should be aspired for.
However, Catullus argues that merely having individual characteristics of beauty does not make one beautiful. He argues that along with being physically attractive, you need charm, wit, and presence. Quintia does not have any of these attributes. Lesbia, in contrast, has inner beauty as well as outward beauty. She is a true Venus. Catullus seems to be stating this not just for women in general; true beauty for everyone is achieving perfection inside and outside.