The Consolation of Philosophy

Book I

THE SORROWS OF BOETHIUS.

SUMMARY.

Boethius' complaint (Song I.).—CH. I. Philosophy appears to
Boethius, drives away the Muses of Poetry, and herself laments
(Song II.) the disordered condition of his mind.—CH. II. Boethius
is speechless with amazement. Philosophy wipes away the tears that
have clouded his eyesight.—CH. III. Boethius recognises his
mistress Philosophy. To his wondering inquiries she explains her
presence, and recalls to his mind the persecutions to which
Philosophy has oftentimes from of old been subjected by an ignorant
world. CH. IV. Philosophy bids Boethius declare his griefs. He
relates the story of his unjust accusation and ruin. He concludes
with a prayer (Song V.) that the moral disorder in human affairs
may be set right.—CH. V. Philosophy admits the justice of
Boethius' self-vindication, but grieves rather for the unhappy
change in his mind. She will first tranquillize his spirit by
soothing remedies.—CH. VI. Philosophy tests Boethius' mental
state by certain questions, and discovers three chief causes of his
soul's sickness: (1) He has forgotten his own true nature; (2) he
knows not the end towards which the whole universe tends; (3) he
knows not the means by which the world is governed.