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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.

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