The Consolation of Philosophy · Boethius

Book II: Song VI: Nero's Infamy

27 of 80 · 1 min of reading

We know what mischief dire he wrought--

Rome fired, the Fathers slain--

Whose hand with brother's slaughter wet

A mother's blood did stain.

No pitying tear his cheek bedewed,

As on the corse he gazed;

That mother's beauty, once so fair,

A critic's voice appraised.

Yet far and wide, from East to West,

His sway the nations own;

And scorching South and icy North

Obey his will alone.

Did, then, high power a curb impose

On Nero's phrenzied will?

Ah, woe when to the evil heart

Is joined the sword to kill!

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End of part 27 of 80

Continue readingBook II: Prose VII