The Consolation of Philosophy · Boethius

Book I: Song VII: The Perturbations of Passion

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Stars shed no light

Through the black night,

When the clouds hide;

And the lashed wave,

If the winds rave

O'er ocean's tide,--

Though once serene

As day's fair sheen,--

Soon fouled and spoiled

By the storm's spite,

Shows to the sight

Turbid and soiled.

Oft the fair rill,

Down the steep hill

Seaward that strays,

Some tumbled block

Of fallen rock

Hinders and stays.

Then art thou fain

Clear and most plain

Truth to discern,

In the right way

Firmly to stay,

Nor from it turn?

Joy, hope and fear

Suffer not near,

Drive grief away:

Shackled and blind

And lost is the mind

Where these have sway.

BOOK II.

THE VANITY OF FORTUNE'S GIFTS

Summary

CH. I. Philosophy reproves Boethius for the foolishness of his

complaints against Fortune. Her very nature is caprice.--CH. II.

Philosophy in Fortune's name replies to Boethius' reproaches, and

proves that the gifts of Fortune are hers to give and to take

away.--CH. III. Boethius falls back upon his present sense of

misery. Philosophy reminds him of the brilliancy of his former

fortunes.--CH. IV. Boethius objects that the memory of past

happiness is the bitterest portion of the lot of the unhappy.

Philosophy shows that much is still left for which he may be

thankful. None enjoy perfect satisfaction with their lot. But

happiness depends not on anything which Fortune can give. It is to

be sought within.--CH. V. All the gifts of Fortune are external;

they can never truly be our own. Man cannot find his good in

worldly possessions. Riches bring anxiety and trouble.--CH. VI.

High place without virtue is an evil, not a good. Power is an empty

name.--CH. VII. Fame is a thing of little account when compared

with the immensity of the Universe and the endlessness of

Time.--CH. VIII. One service only can Fortune do, when she reveals

her own nature and distinguishes true friends from false.

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End of part 15 of 80