The Consolation of Philosophy – Book I

by Boethieus ‘To pleasant songs my work was erstwhile given, and bright were all my labours then; but now in tears to sad refrains am I compelled to turn. Thus my maimed Muses guide my pen, and gloomy songs make no feigned tears bedew my face. Then could no fear so overcome to leave

The Consolation of Philosophy – Book II

by Boethieus Then for a while she held her peace. But when her silence, so discreet, made my thoughts to cease from straying, she thus began to speak: ‘If I have thoroughly learned the causes and the manner of your sickness, your former good fortune has so affected you that you are being consumed

The Consolation of Philosophy – Book III

by Boethieus When she finished her lay, its soothing tones left me spellbound with my ears alert in my eagerness to listen. So a while afterwards I said, ‘Greatest comforter of weary minds, how have you cheered me with your deep thoughts and sweet singing too! No more shall I doubt my power to

The Consolation of Philosophy – Book IV

by Boethieus Thus gently sang the Lady Philosophy with dignified mien and grave countenance; and when she ceased, I, who had not thoroughly forgotten the grief within me, interrupted her as she was about to speak further.’ Herald of true light,’ I said,’ right clear have been the outpourings of your speech till now,

The Consolation of Philosophy – Book V

by Boethieus Here she made an end and was for turning the course of her speaking to the handling and explaining of other subjects. Then said I: ‘Your encouragement is right and most worthy in truth of your name and weight. But I am learning by experience what you just now said of Providence;