mw^
Mmmm
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013
http://archive.org/details/kingalfreds2lnglo00boet_0
BOHN'S ANTIQUARIAN LIBRARY.
BOETHIUS
DE CONSOLATIONE PHILOSOPHISE.
GEORGE BELL & SONS
LONDON : YORK ST. COVENT GARDEN
AND NEW YORK : 66 FIFTH AVENUE
CAMBRIDGE : DEIGHTON BELL & CO,
KING ALFRED'S
ANGLO-SAXON VEESION OF
EOETHIUS
CONSOLATIONE PHILOSOPHIC
WITH
A LITERAL ENGLISH TRANSLATION,
NOTES, AND GLOSSARY.
/
BT
THE REV. SAMUEL FOX, M.A.,
Vt PEMBROKE COLLEGE, OXFORD, AND RECTOR OF MORLET^ DERBYSHIB^
LONDON
GEORGE BELL AND SONS
1895
Reprinted from Stereotype plates.
c c e c /^ c ^'
( c « <-i
PR
i
PREFACE.
A PORTIOT?" of the works of King Alfred Imving already
t^ Appeared in the series of which this volume forms a part, the
^ Editor thought that a complete edition of his Anglo-Saxon
^\j^ translation of the treatise of Boethius de Consolatione Philo-
sophiae would be acceptable. Some years since, the late Mr.
Cardale published tlie prose of the Anglo-Saxon version with
an English translation, which was soon afterwards followed
by an edition of the Metres, with a literal translation by the
present Editor. In the edition now printed, the judicious
' ■ selection by Mr. Cardale from the different readings of the
only MSS. in existence has been carefully weighed, and, for
the most part, followed. The MSS. alluded to are the Cot-
tonian MS., Otho, a. vi., now in the library of the British
Museum, and one which contains merely a prosaic version,
in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. The MS. in the British
J Museum formerly belonged to Sir Eobert Cotton, and was
^ so much injured by the fire which destroyed a portion of his
valuable collection before its removal to our great public
library, that for many years it was utterly useless, con-
"^^ si sting merely of detached fragments thrown together in a
box, until, by the skill and industry of the E-ev. Joseph
Stevenson and the late John Holmes, Esq., it was rearranged
in 1844, the detached parts being neatly put togeth.er within
a border of new parchment, and is now rendered so perfect
that most of it can be read with the greatest ease ! This
MS. contains a similar translation of the prose portion of
a 2
■1633
IV PREFACE.
Boetliius to tliat in tlie Bodleian Library, but the Latin
Metres are rendered in Anglo-Saxon verse, while those in
the Bodleian MS. are translated in a prosaic form. In tliis
edition every word contained in both MSS. is given, and the
variations, which are the result of a careful collation, aye
marked at the foot of each page.
The original work of Boethius de Consolatione Philo-
sophise is extremely interesting from the circumstances
under which it was written. Tlie author, whose full name
was Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius, was born between
A.J). 470 and 475. His father dying while he was young, he
was brought up among his father's friends at Eome, who
were distinguished men, and of whom Symmachus, to whom
allusion is made, was one. Boethius was famous for his
general learning, and also for his extensive charities. He
married Eusticiana, the daughter of Symmachus, and was
the father of two sons, Aurelius Anicius Symmachus, and
Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius, who were consuls a.d.
522. His high character naturally brought him into public
notice, and, after being consul a.d. 510, he attracted the
attention of Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, who gave
him a responsible appointment in his court, and consulted
him on many important subjects. After attaining the greatest
height of worldly prosperity, his happiness was suddenly
overcast. His unflinching integrity provoked enmity in the
court of Theodoric ; and his boldness in pleading the cause
of Albinus, when accused of treason by an informer, seems
to liave afforded his enemies a plea for charging him and
Symmachus with the intention of delivering Rome from the
barbarian yoke. Whatever grounds there may have been
for the charge, he was treated with great injustice, not being
allowed a trial, and a sentence of confiscation and death
being passed against him without a hearing ! He was im-
])risoned in the baptistry of the church at Ticinum, which
was to be seen till a.d. 1584 ; and during this imprisonment
PREFACE. V
he wrote his books De Consolatione Philosophise. He was
afterwards belieaded, or, according to some writers, he was
beaten to death with clubs. Symiuachus was also beheaded,
and Eusticiana w^as reduced to poverty, until, through the
Jdndness of the widow of Theodoric, who was regent during
her son's minority, her husband's confiscated property was
restored to her. A tomb was erected to the memory of
Boethius by Luitprand, king of the Lombards, in the
church of S. Pietro Cielo d'Oro ; and afterwards a more
magnificent one by Otho III., with an epitaph by Pope
Sylvester II. There is much difficulty in deciding whether
Boethius was a Christian or a devout heathen. Whatever
he may have been, there is not in the original treatise any
mention of the consolations which Christianity affords to the
unfortunate. As is elsewhere stated, any allusions to the
Christian religion which occur in the following pages, are in-
troduced by King Alfred. Yet, as it has been well observed
by an eminent writer, " If, on the one hand, the general
silence on the subject of Christianity in such a book, at such
a period of his life, proves that, if he was a Christian, its
doctrines could hardly have been a part of his living belief ;
on the other hand, the incidental phrases which occur, the
strong religious theism which pervades the whole work, the
real belief which it indicates in prayer and Providence, and
the unusually high tone of his public life, prove that, if a
heathen, his general character must have been deeply tinged
by the contemporaneous influences of Christianity."
The peculiar circumstances of King Alfred's life very
naturally produced a sympathy in his mind for the suffer-
ings of the noble Eoman, and were the happy means of pro-
ducing a work, in which, at the distance of a thousand years,
we can hear, as it were, our revered sovereign speaking to us
in his own language on some of the most important topics of
human life! Tor although King Alfred professed to trans-
late the work of Boethius, yet he inserted in various parts
VI PREFACE.
ipany of liis own thoughts and feelings, and thus composed
several moral essays, in whicli lie has, in a manner, trans-
mitted himself to posterity. The imperfection of King
Alfred's early education will account for a few mistakes in
names and historical facts. These, however, by no means
lessen the value of the translation ; and instead of wonder-
ing at their occurrence, one should rather feel surprised that
they are not more numerous and more important, consider-
ing the disadvantages under which he laboured. The trans-
lation was made, as the royal author states, amid " various
and manifold worldly occupations, wliich often busied him
both in mind and in body. The occupations," said he, " are
very difficult to be numbered whicli in his days came upon
the kingdoms which he had undertaken to govern." On this
account our wonder may well be excited, since we meet with
literary attainments which, in those days, m ere to be sought
rather in the retirement of the cloister than in the noise and
tumult of a camp, which was often in the neighbourhood of
harassing foes.
King Alfred entirely altered the arrangement of Boethius,
for, instead of dividing his work into four books, and sub-
dividing each book into chapters, as his autlior had done, he
divided the whole work iuto forty-two chapters, alluding
occasionally to the books of the original. The first six
chapters of the Anglo-Saxon version comprise the chief part
of the first book of Boethius, together with a short introduc-
tion. The next fifteen chapters contain the substance of the
second book. The third book is translated in the fourteen
chapters which follow. Eour chapters and part of another,
viz. part of chapter xl., are devoted to the fourth book ; and
the remaining portion of chapter xl., together with chapters
xli. and xlii., completes the whole.
Although the work is deeply interesting, yet the most
striking portion will be found in the following chapters : In
chapter xv., there is a pleasing description of the golden age.
PREFACE. Vll
Tn chapter xix., the vanity of a too eager pursuit of fame is
pointed outT In chapter xxi., the power and goodness of
the Creator in governing and upholding the universe are
displayed. Chapter xxv. contains a dissertation on natural
disposition. The first part of chapter xxix. describes the
weakness and unhappinesa of kings, while the second part
illustrates the dangers to which royal favourites are exposed
by the treatment which Seneca and Papinian met with.
The second part of chapter xxx. declares the natural equality
of mankind. Chapter ^xxxiii., part iv., contains an address
to God. Chapter XXXV.', part iv., contains the fable of the
giants warring aganost Jupiter, and the history of the tower
of Babel ; and part vi. relates the story of Orpheus and
Eurydice. Chapter xxxviii., part i., gives the account of
Ulysses and Circe. Chapters xl. and xli. are devoted to an
inquiry into divine predestination and human liberty. The
last chapter treats of Grod and eternity.
The Editor has availed himself of the kind permission of
Martin Tupper, Esq., D.C.L., &c. &c., to substitute his
excellent poetical translation of the Metres for his own
literal one, and he tenders his sincere thanks for the per-
mission which has been so freely accorded. He also begs to
acknowledge the great assistance which he has derived from
the labours of the late J. S. Cardale, Esq., and from the
valuable suggestions of his highly-esteemed friend Dr. Bos-
worth, Professor of Anglo-Saxon in the University of
Oxford.
SAMUEL FOX.
Morley Rectory, March, 1864.
PROffiMIUM.
7ELFR6D Kunmj pagf pealhftob 'Siffe bee. 3 hie op bee
Lebene on Gnjlijc penbe. j'pa hio nu ip jebon. hpilum he pecce
popb be popbe. hpilum anbjic op anbjice. ppa ppa he hic pa
ppeotolopc ^ anbjiCfulhcopc jepeccan mihce pop paem m\yt-
hcum^ "] manigpealbum peopulb^ bipjum pe hme opt sejl^eji ge
on mobe je on hchoman bipgoban. Da bipju up pmc ppipe
eappop pime^ pe on hip bajum on pa picu becomon pe he
unbeppanjen hsepbe. j peah pa he pap boc haepbe jeleopnobe -}
op Laebene co Gnghpcum ppelle jepenbe. 3 jepophce hi epc to
leope."* ppa ppa heo nu jebon ip. j nu bic 3 poji Erobep naman
halpap^ selcne papa tSe pap boc paeban lyjTe. f he pop hine je-
bibbe. "3 him ne pite jip he hiC pihchcop onjite ponne he
mihce.^ poppsem^e selc mon pceal be hip anbjitep maetSe anb be
hip aemettan pppecan 'Saec he pppec]?. •] bon ■}) "p he bep ; •
» Cott. miflicum. 2 god. popbum "j. 3 Cott. pimu. * Cott.
\>a, sepojxhte be hi ejrtep leoK. * Cott. healpa'S. ^ Cott. meahce.
PREFACE.
King Alfred was translator of this book, and turned it
from book Latin into English, as it is now done. Sometimes
he set word by word, sometimes meaning of meaning, as he
the most plainly and most clearly could explain it, for the
various and manifold worldly occupations which often busied
him both in mind and in body. The occupations are to us
very difficult to be numbered, which in his days came upon
the kingdoms which he had undertaken, and yet when he
had learned this book, and turned it from Latin into the
English language, he afterwards composed it in verse, as it is
now done. And he now prays, and for God's name implores
every one of those who lists to read this book, that he would,
pray for him, and not blame him, if he more rightly under-
stood it than he could. For every man must, according to
the measure of his understanding, and according to his leisure,
speak that which he speaketh, and do that which he doeth.
TITULI CAPITUM.
I.
^peft hu Ixoran jepunnon Romana pice. "3 hu Boetiuf hi
polbe bepseban. 3 Deobpic ])a f anpunbe. anb hme hec on
capcepne jebpmjan ',' p. 2.
11.
pu Boetiuf on t5am capcepne hif pap peopenbe paef ; • p. 4.
III.
pu )*e pifbom com to Boecie sepej-c inne on J)am capcepne.
•3 hme onjan fpefpian ; • p. 4.
IV.
pa Boetiuf hine pnjenbe gebaeb. ■] hif eapfopu to Urobe
maenbe;* p. 6.
V.
pu j-e pifbom hme ept pete 3 pihte. mib hij" anb-
fpopum ;• p. 8.
VI.
pu he him pehte bippell bi feepe funnan. •] bi o]>pum
tunglum. J bi polcnum : • p. 14.
VII.
pu pe p'lfbom paebe ]}am GOobe f him naht ppi]7op nsepe
fonne hit poplopen haepbe J)a populb p8el|?a pe hit aep to ^e-
punob haefbe. ~] paebe him bifpell hu he hit macian pceolbe jip
he heopa pejen beon pceolbe. 3 be fsep pcipep pejele. ~\ hu hip
jobena peopca ealpa polbe hep on pojiulbe habban lean ; •
p. 16.
VIII.
pu f GOob anbppopebe jjaepe Eepceabpifneppe. ^ x^be f hit
hit sejhponan onjeate pcylbij. eac paebe f hit paepe opj-eten
mib Saep laj^ep pape f hit nemihtehim jeanbfpopian. Da cpae]?
pe pifbom. f 1]- nu jit J^inpe unpihtpij-nepfe f pu eap]7 pulneah
pojipoht. tele nu pa jepaelpa pi|) pam popjum ;• p. 24.
TITLES OF THE CHAPTEES.
I.
First, how the Goths conquered the empire of tlie "Romans,
and how Boethius wished to deliver them, and Theodoiic then
discovered it, and gave orders to take him to prison. p. 3.
11.
How Boethius in the prison was lamenting his hard lot.
p. 5.
III.
How "Wisdom first came to Boethius in the prison, and
began to comfort him. p. 5.
IV.
How Boethius singing prayed, and lamented his misfor-
tunes to God. p. 7.
V.
How "Wisdom again comforted and instructed him with his
answers. p. 9.
VI.
How he related to him a parable of the sun and of the
other heavenly bodies, and of the clouds. p. 15.
VIT.
How "Wisdom said to the Mind, that notln'ng affected it
more, than that it had lost the worldly goods which it before
was accustmned to; and spoke to him a parable, how he
should act if he should be their servant; and concerning the
ship's sail ; and how he wished to have the reward of ail his
good works here in this world. p. 17.
VIII.
How the Mind answered the Reason, and said that it per-
ceived itself every way culpable ; and said that it was oppressed
with the soreness of trouble, so that it could not answer liim.
Then said Wisdom : This is still thy fault that thou art almost
despairing ; cotiipare now the felicities with the sorrows.
p. 25.
xii TiTULi capitum:.
IX.
Da onjan j-e pij-bom ept j-ecjan bifpell be ])a&pe pinnan. h
heo ofeplihc eaUe o])pe fceopan. -] jejjioj-cpaj} mib hipe leohce.
3 hu j>one jmylcan j-8& J?aef pinbef \jc ;• p. 26.
pu Boecmj* j-aebe he jTycole onjicen liaepbe f hic eall f o|)
paepe -p fe p'lj-bom j-aebe. 3 j-eo opfophnej*. -] Sa j* 3el]>a ])e he aep
penbe Jjaec ^ej'aelj^a beon j-ceolban nauhcaj" naepan. 3 hu pe
pi]-bom. -p he mihce jepeccan f he [jej-aehg]^ paepe. paebe f hip
ancop pa&pe 6a 31c paejc on eopjjan ; • p. 26.
XI.
pu peo Eej-ceabpifnef him anbfpopebe anb cpae]^. f heo penbe
■f heo hme hpaeuhpejnunjef upahajien haejrbe j pulneah ^e-
bpohc aec ]>am. ilcan peoppjcipe $e he aep haepbe. anb acj"obe
hine hpa hapbe eall f he polbe on ])ippe populbe. j'ume habbap
a&j7elo ^ nabbaj) ape ; • p. 30.
xn.
pu pe p'ipbom hme laepbe. ^ip he paepc hup timbpian polbe.
•p he hic ne pecce up on Jjone hehpcan cnoll ; • p. 36.
XIII.
pu pe f^ipbom paebe f hie meahcan Sa pmealicop pppecan.
pop})ara))e peo lap hpaechpegnunjep eobe on hip anbjic ; • p. 36.
XIV.
pu J)aec OOob cpae]? hpi him ne pceolbe lician paejep lanb. ■] hu
pe ^ipbom ahpobe hpaec him belumpe co hipa paejepneppe ; •
p. 40.
XV.
pu peo Erepceabpipnep paebe hu jepaelij peo popme elb
paep :• p. 48.
XVI.
pu pe p^ipbom paebe f hi hi polbon ahebban popj^am anpealbe
oJ> j7one heopen. anb be Deobpicep anpealb ~} Neponep ; • p. 48.
XVII.
pu -p GOob paebe f him naeppe peo mae3j> 3 peo jiCpunj poppel
ne licobe. bucon co la]?e he cilabe ; • p. 58.
1 Bod. ungepselis.
TITLES OF THE CHAPTERS. XUl
IX.
Then be^an Wisdom again to speak a parable concerning
the sun, how she outshines all other stars, and obscures them
witli her light ; and how the raging of the wind troubles the
placid sea. p. 27.
X.
How Boethius said, he plainly perceived that it was all true
that Wisdom said : and tliat the prosperity, and the enjoy-
ments which he formerly thouo;ht should be happiness, were
nothing: and how Wisdom, that he might show that he
was happy, said, that his anchor was still fast in the earth.
p. 27.
XI.
How Eeason answered him, and said, that she thought she
had in some measure raised him up, and almost brought him
to the same dignity which he before had : and asked him who
had all that he would in this world : some have nobility and
have not riches. p. 31.
XII.
How Wisdom instructed him, that if he were desirous to
build a firm house, he should not set it upon the highest hill-
top, p. 37.
XIII.
How Wisdom said, that they might then argue more
closely, because the instruction had in some measure entered
into his understanding. p. 37.
XIV.
How the Mind said, why should not fair land delight him ?
and how Wisdom asked, what of their fairness belonged to
him ? p. 41.
XV.
How Eeason said, how happy the first age was ! p. 49.
XVI.
How Wisdom said, that men would exalt themselves for
power to heaven : also concerning the power of Theodoric
and Nero. p. 49.
XVII.
How the Mind said, that power and covetousness never
well pleased him ; but that he toiled with reluctance, p. 59.
XIV TITULI CAPITUM.
xvin. XIX.
Be hlij-an :• pp. 60 — 68.
XX.
Be ]?aepe pifeppeapban pypbe. 3 be J^aepe oppp^an : • p. 70.
XXI.
Be Saef selmilicijan Ijobef anpealbe. hu lie pelc eallum h\j
jej'ceapcum ;• p. 72.
XXII.
Pu pe l^ij-hom -j peo Eej-ceabpipnep haepbon paet ClOob apec
8ej])eji je mib pmealicpe pppaece. je mib pynpuman panje ', •
p. 76.
XXIII.
Pu pe pipbom laepbe ])one ])e he polbe pseptmbsepelanb papan.
f he acuhje op aepepc pa popnaf . ■] ]>a pyppap. •] pa unnyccan
peob. -J hu he psebe jip hpa bicepep hpep on bepebe. f him
puhce beobjieab pi ppecpe ; • p. 78.
XXIV.
pu menn pilniap Suph unjehce jeapnunja cuman to anpe
eabignepje : • p. 80.
XXV.
pu Cob pelc ealpajepceapcamibpam bpiblum hip anpealbep.
~\ hu aelc jepceapc ppijappiphipejecynbep. •] pilnap f hic cume
pibep ponan pe hic aeji com ;• p. 88.
XXVI.
pu pe p'lpbom ydebe f men mihcon be I/obe ppelce hi maece.
3 hp8e]>ep ]-e pela mihce pone mon jebon ppa pehne f he mapan
ne poppce. 3 hpaepep Boecie eall hip pojmlb licobe pa he ge-
paeljopc paep .* • p. 90.
XXVII.
pu pe peopppeipe msej gebon cu pinj pone byj-ejan pam
oppum bypejum peoppne. ~} hu Noniup paef popcpeben pop pam
^ylbenan pcpibpaene. j hu aelcep monnep ypel bip py openpe ^ip
he anpalb haep :• p. 9^1;.
XXVIII.
Be Xepone pam Eapepe ;• p. 100.
TITLES OF THE CrfAPTERS. X?
XVIII. XIX.
Of Fame. pp. 61-69.
XX.
Of adverse fortune, and of prosperous. p. 71.
XXI.
Of the power of Almighty Grod; and how he governs all
his creatures. p. 73.
XXII.
How Wisdom and Eeason had restored the Mind, both
with profound argument, and with pleasant soug. p. 77.
XXIII.
How Wisdom instructed the man who would sow fertile
laud, that he should first take away the thorns, and the furze,
and the useless weeds: and how he said, that if a person
had tasted anything bitter, honeycomb seemed the sweeter
to him. p. 79.
XXIV.
How men desire, by different means, to arrive at one
happiness. p. 81.
XXV.
How God governs all creatures with the bridles of his
power : and how every creature tends towards its kind, and
desires that it may come thither, from whence it before
came. p. 89.
XXVI.
How Wisdom said, that men were able to understand con-
cerning God, as in a dream : and asJced, whether wealth could
make a man so rich that he should not need more : and
whether to Boethius, all his condition were agreeable, when
he was most prosperous. p. 91.
XXVII.
How dignity may do two things to the unwise, wJio is
honoured by other uxr^i^e persons : and how Nonius was re-
buked for the golden chair of state: and how every man's
evil is tha more public when he has power. p. 95.
XXVIII.
Of Nero the C^sar. p. 101.
XVI TITULT CAPITUM.
XXIX.
Ppae]7ep paej* cynmjef neapefC ";} hij* ppeonb}*cipe mse^e
senijne mon pelijne "j palbenbne jebon. •;) hu ])a o]?jie ppienb
cumap mib ]>am pelan. ;j eye mib ]>am pelan jepica)) : • p. 102.
XXX.
Pu pe pcop ]'an5 f ma manna pa&jnobon bypijep polcep je-
bpolan. ^onne hie pa&jnebon pojjpa ppella. -f ip "^ hi penbon hip
becepan fonne he paepe. Sonne fsegnia]? hi faep fe hi pceamian
pceolbel* p. 106.
XXXI.
pu pe pceal pola neapaneppa 5eJ)ohan ]?e |)8ep lichoman lupcap
poplsecan pceal. ~\ hu mon maeg ]>y ilcanpeopce cpej^an f necenu
penb jepselije. jip man cpi|) ]>3ec t5a men pen jepashje t5a heopa
lichoman lupcum pyh^aj) I • p. 110.
XXXII.
pu t5ep anpeapba pela meji]? Sa men ])e beo]? atihte to fam
po]7um j^epael|?um. j hu pe pipbom ip an anlipe cpsepc jjsepe paple.
■] ip 'Seah becepa J)onne ealle J^aep lichoman cpa&ptap. "^ ]>esh. hpa
jejabepie ealle ]>ap anbpeapban job. Sonne ne maej he no J?e
pa])op beon ppa pelij ppa he polbe. ne he epc him nsepj) Saec f
he sep penbe !• p. 114.
XXXIII
pu pe p'lpbom haspbe jetaehc |)am OOobe }>a anLcneppa J^apa
poJ)ena pseljja, polbe hi jja pelpe jetsecan. "j bi ]?am pip je-
pa&lfum. -f ip pela. ^ anpealb. •] peopfpcipe. 3 popemsepnep. ^
piUa;. p. 118.
XXXIV.
pu pe f'lpbom ha&pbe jepeht hpsec f hehpte job paap. polbe
him ]7a jepeccan hpaep hic paep. ^ hu op ]>am mycelan jobe
cumaj) ]>& laeppan I • p. 134.
^XXV.
pu pe f^ipbom laepbe f CrJob f hicpohte on mnan him f hic
aep ymbutan hic pohte. ^j poplaece unnycte ymbhojan ppa he
ppi]>opc mihce. ■] hu Irob pealc ealpa jepceapca -j eallpa joba
mib j?am pceopjioj^pe hip jobneppe;* p. 154.
TITLES OF THE CHAPTERS. XVll
XXIX.
Whether the king's favour and liis friendship are able to
make any man wealthy and powerful : and how other friends
come with wealth, and again with wealth depart. p. 103.
XXX.
How the poet sung, that more men rejoiced at the error of
the foolish people, than rejoiced at true sayino;s : that is, that
they thought any one better than lie was. Then do tliey re^
joice at that which should make them ashamed. p. 107.
XXXI.
How he shall suffer many troubles, who shall yield to the
lusts of the body ; and how any one may, by tlie same rule,
say that cattle are happy, if he say that those men are happy
who follow the lusts of their body. p. 111.
XXXII.
How this present wealth hinders the men who are attracted
to the true felicities : and how wisdom is one single faculty of
the soul, and is, nevertheless, better than all the faculties of
the body; and though any one sliould collect together all
these present goods, yet cannot he the sooner be so happy as
he would, nor has he afterwards that which he before ex-
pected, p. 115.
XXXIII.
How Wisdom, having taught the Mind the resemblances
of the true felicities, would then teach it the true felicities
themselves : also of the five objects of desire, namely, wealth,
[and power, and honour, and glory, and pleasure. p. 119.
XXXIV.
How Wisdom, having explained what the highest good was,
would then explain to him where it was ; and how from the
great good come the less. p. 135.
XXXV.
How Wisdom instructed the Mind, that it should seek
within itself what it before sought around it, and should dis-
miss vain anxieties as it best might : and how God directs all
creatures and all good things with the rudder of his goodness.
p. 155.
b
XVlll TlTULl CAPITUM.
XXXVI.
Pu f GDob fsebe J)am f^ij-bome f hit onjeace f him Tiob
peahce Suph hine '^ "p he pehce. "] pop hpy j-e joba Irob Is&ce
aeni^ ypel beon. "] hu peo ^ej-ceabpifnef baeb f GDob -^ hiC faete
on hipe fcpibpaene. 3 heo pceolbe beon hip labceap. 3 hu heo
paebe 'Ssec tu )>in5 pa&pen piUa -3 anpealb. gip hpam ^apa au]?pep
pana paspe. f heopa ne mihce na]?ep bucon oJ?pum nauhc
bon;. p. 170.
XXXVII.
Be J7am opepmoban pican "3 unpihtpipan. ~j hu mon heh]?
pone heapob beah aec J)8&p aepnepejep enbe. anb hu mon
pceolbe aelcne men hatan be ]7am beojie ]?e he jehcopc pa&pe ; •
p. 186;
XXXVIII.
Be Tpoia jepmne. hu Gulixep pe cyninj haepbe tpa 'Seoba
unbep pam Eapepe. anb hu hip J^egnap pupban poppceapene co
pilbeopum :• P- 194.
XXXIX.
Be pyhcpe piounje 3 be unpihcpe. •] be pyhcum eableane. j
hu [mipchce pica ~] manigpealbe eappopa] cuma]) co ]?am jobum
ppa hi CO ]?am ypelum pceolban. j be faepe popeceohunga Urobep
J be Saepe pypbe > p. 210.
XL.
pu aelc pypb beoj) 50b. pam heo mannum 50b Jjince. pam heo
him ypel Since : • p. 234.
XLI.
pu Omepup pe joba pceop hepebe fa punnan. 3 be ]?am
ppeobome ; • p. 244.
XLII.
pu pe pceolban eallon maejne ppypian aspcep Irobe. aelc be
hip anbgicep maej?e : • p. 256.
TITLES OF THE CHAPTERS. XIX
XXXVI.
How the Mind said to "Wisdom, that it perceived tliat God
said to it through him that wliich he said: and asked, why
the tijood Grod suffers any eVil to be : and how Eeason desired
the Mind to sit in her chariot, and she would be its guide :
and how she said that will and power were two things ; and
that if to any man there were a deficiency of either of them,
neither of them could without the other effect anything.
p. 171.
XXXVII.
Of proud and unjust rulers ; and how man should have the
crown at the end of the course : and how we should describe
every man by the beast which he was most like. p. 187.
XXXVIII.
Ofthe Trojan war: how Ulysses the king had two countries
under the Caesar : and how his thanes were transformed into
wild beasts. p. 195.
XXXIX.
Of right hatred, and of unright, and of just recompense:
and how various punishments and manifold misfortunes come
to the good, as they should to the wicked: and concerning
the predestination of God, and concerning destiny, p. 211.
XL.
How every fortune is good, whether it seem good to men,
or whether it seem evil to them. p. 235.
XLI.
How Homer the good poet praised the sun : and concern-
ing freedom. p. 21-5.
XLII.
How we ought with all our power to inquire after God,
everv one according to the measure of his understanding.
p. 257.
BOETHIUS.
BOETHIUS.
CAPUT I.
ON ^sepe tibe ]>e Urotan op 8ci^Siu mae^J^e yi\> Romana pice
jepm upahofon. 3 mip heopa cynmgum. Raebjota anb 6aUe-
pica paepon hatne. Bomane bupig abpaacon. anb eall Icalia
pice f ly betpux ]>am muntum "] Sicilia Sam ealonbe m anpalb
jepehcon. ■] fa a&fcep pam popepppecenan cyninjuiri Deobpic
penj to J?am ilcan pice, pe Deobpic yd^y Amulmja. he psep
Epipten. ]?eali he on J?am Appianipcan jebpolan Suphpunobe.
pe jehec Romanum hip ppeonbpcipe. ppa "p hi moptan heopa
ealbpihta pypSe beon. Ac he J)a gehac ppi6e yp^^^ jelaepte.
3 ppibe ppapie jeenbobe mib manegum mane, f fddy to
eacan oJ)pum unapimebum yplum. 'p he lohannep ])one papan
het opplean. Da paep pum conpul. f pe hepetoha hataf.
Boetiup pa&p haten. pe psep in boccpa&ptum "] on populb ]?eapum
pe pihtpipepta. 8e Sa onjeat fa manijpealban ypel fe pe cyninj
Deobpic pij) fam Epiptenanbome "] pij? fam Romanipcum pitum
bybe. he fa gemunbe 'Sapa efneppa ~\ fapa ealbpihta t5e hi
unbep Sam Eapepum hsepbon heopa ealbhlapopbum. Da onjan
he pmeagan 3 leopnijan on him pelpum hu he f pice Sam
unpihtpipan cynmje apeppan mihte. ■] on pyht jeleappulpa anb
on pihtpippa anpalb jebpingan. 8enbe fa bigellice aepenbgeppitu
to f am Eapepe to Eonptantmopolim. f aep ip Epeca heah bupj
3 heopa cyneptol. pop f am pe Eapepe paep heopa ealbhlapopb
cynnep. bsebon hme f aet he him to heopa Epiptenbome 3 to
heopa ealbpihtum jepultumebe. Da f onjeat ]-e ps&lhpeopa
cynmj Deobpic. Sa het he hme jebpmjan on capcejme j f aep
mne belucan. Da hit Sa gelomp f pe appypSa paep on ppa micelpe
neapaneppe becom. fa paep he ppa micle ppiSop on hip OOobe
BOETHIUS.
CHAPTER I.
At the time wlien the Goths of the country of Scythia
made war against the empire of the Eomans, and with their
kings, wJio were called Ehadgast and Alaric, sacked the Eoman
city, and reduced to subjection all the kingdom of Italy, which
is between the mountains and the island of Sicily, and then,
after the before-mentioned kings, Theodoric obtained posses-
sion of that same kingdom : Theodoric was of the race of the
Amali ; he was a Christian, but he persisted in the Arian
heresy. He promised to the Eomans his friendship, so that
they might enjoy their ancient rights. But he very ill per-
formed that promise, and speedily ended with much wicked-
ness; which was, that in addition to other unnumbered
crimes, he gave order to slay John the Pope. Then was
there a certain consul, that we call heretoha, who was named
Boethius. He was in book-learning and in worldly affairs
the most wise. He then observed the manifold evil, which
the king Theodoric did against Christianity, and against the
Eoman senators. He then called to mind the favours and
the ancient rights which they had under the Caesars, their
ancient lords. Then began he to inquire, and study in him-
self, how he might take the kingdom from the unrighteous
king, and bring it under the power of faithful and righteous
men. He therefore privately sent letters to the Caesar, at
Constantinople, which is the chief city of the Grreeks, and
their king's dwelling-place, because the Caesar was of the kin
of their ancient lords : they prayed him that he would succour
them with respect to their Christianity and their ancient
rights. When the cruel king Theodoric discovered this, he
gave order to take him to prison, and therein lock up. When
it happened that the venerable man was fallen into so great
b2
4 BOETHIUS. CHAP. II. III.
jebpefeb. fpa hif GOoh seji j-pi^op to ])am populh fseljjum
gepunob paep. -3 he Sa nanpe ppoppe be mnan }>am capcepne ne
gemunbe. ac he jepeoU nipol op bune on Ipa plop. ■] hme
apcpehce )pi}?e unpot. anb opmob hme pelpne ongan pepan 3
])up pmjenbe cps&J).
CAPUT 11.^
D!S! ho^ ]>e ic ppecca geo lupcba&phce pon^. ic pceal riu
heopenbe pmjan. ■^ mib [ppif»e] unjepabum j/opbum jepeccan.
J^eah ic jeo hpikim jecopbce punbe. ac ic nu pepenbe"^ gipcienbe
op jepabpa popba mippo. me ablenban |)ap unjecpeopan populb
paeljja. "j me )?a poplecan ppa bhnbne on J)ip bimme hoi. Da
bepeapobon eelcepe luptbsepneppe ]>& Sa ic him aeppe becpc
cpupobe. Sa penbon hi me heopa bsec to anb me mib ealle
pjiomjepitan. To phon pceolban la mine ppienb pegjan jjaet ic
jepselig mon paepe. hu m^g pe beon jepsehj pe '8e on Sam je-
pseljjum Suphpunian ne mot : •
CAPUT III.''
§ I. DK ic ]?a 'Sip leo]?. cpa&S Boetiup. ^eompienbe apunjen
haepbe. Sa com Ssep gan m to me heopencunb p'lpbom. j *]?
mm mujmenbe GOob mib hip popbum jejpette. ■j j)iip cpsej). pu
ne eapt ]>\i pe mon ]>e on minpe pcole paepe apeb^ j jelaepeb.
!S'c hponon pupbe pu mib ]>ippum populb popjum J)up ppi|>e
jeppenceb. buton ic pat f ]>u haeppt Sapa paepna to hpafe
popjiten Se ic J)e aep pealbe. Da clipobe^ pe f^ipbom ■^ cpae]?.
I/epicaJ) nu apipjebe populb popja op mmep jjejenef GOobe.
pop|)am ^e pmb f»a maepcan pceaj^an. LaetaJ> hme ept hpeoppan
to minum lapum. Da eobe pe p'lpbom neap. cpaej> Boetiup.
mmum hpeoppienban jepohte. ^ hit ppa niopuP hpaet hpeja*
upapaepbe. abpijbe J>a mmep'^ GOobep eajan. anb hit ppan
bli]?um popbum.^ hpae})ep hit oncneope hip poptepmobop.'^ mib
Sam ]>e Sa 'p OOob pi)> hip bepenbe.^ 6a ^ecneop hit ppij>e ppeotele
hip ajne^ mobop. f paep pe )7ipbom ]>e hit lanje aep tybe -] laepbe.
ac hit ongeat hip lape ppipe totopenne "^ ppife tobpocenne^^ mib
* Boet.lib. i. metrum 1. — Carmina qui quondam, &c.
^ Boet. lib. i. prosa 1. — Hsec dum mecum, &c.
» Cott. ayebeb. 2 Cott. cleopobe. ^ j^od. niopolil. * Cott. hpugiL
' Bod. mmenep. ^ Cott. rpse^n li^jum popbum. ^ Cott. j-sefCejimobop.
^ Bod. PI'S bepenbe. ^ Cott. agene. '" Cott. tocopene ^ ppi>e
tobpogbene.
§ I. BOETHIUS. 5
trouble, tlien was he so much the more disturbed in his mind,
as his mind had formerly been the more accustomed to worldly
prosperity ; and he then thought of no comfort in the prison ;
but he fell down prostrate on the floor, and stretched himself,
very sorrowful, and distracted began to lament himself, and
thus singing said :
CHAPTER II.
The lays which I, an exile, formerly wdth delight sufig, I
shall now mourning sing, and with very unfit words compose.
Though I formerly re adily invented, yet I now, weeping and
sobbing, w^ander from appropriate words. To blind me, these
unfaithful worldly riches, and to leave me so blinded in this
dim hole! At that time they bereaved me of all happiness,
when I ever best trusted in them : at that time they turned
their back upon me, and altogether departed from me !
Wherefore should my friends say that I was a prosperous
man ? How can he be prosperous, who in prosperity cannot
always remain ?
CHAPTEE III. '-^nc/-- -<^^'
§ I. "When I, said Boethius,had mournfully sung this lay,
then came there into me heavenly ^^sdom, and greeted my
sorrowful Mind with his words, and thus said : How, art not
thou the man who was nourished and instructed in my school ?
But whence art thou become so greatly afflicted by these
worldly cares ? unless, I wot, thou hast too soon forgotten
the weapons which I formerly gave thee. Then Wisdom
called out and said. Depart now ye execrable worldly cares
from my disciple's mind, for ye are the greatest enemies.
Let him again turn to my precepts. Then came Wisdom
near, said Boethius, to my sorrowing thought, and it so
prostrate somewhat raised, then dried the eyes of my Mind,
and asked it with pleasant words, whether it knew its foster-
mother. Thereupon, when the Mind turned towards him, it
knew very plainly its own mother, that was the Wisdom that
long before had instructed and taught it. But it perceived
his doctrine much torn and greatly broken, by the hands of
foolish persons, and therefore asked him how that happened.
6 BOETHIIJS. CHAP. IV
fcyfi^jia honbum. "3 hine J)a fpan^ hu f ^epupbe. Da anbfpypbe
ye jZipbom him "j faebe. ^ hij* gingpan haepbon hme )pa toco-
penne. psep ))8ep hi ceohhobon f hi hme eallne habban pceolbon.
ac hi gegabepiaS monipealb bypij on ps&pe popcpupunja. 3 on
]>am Jilpe. butan heopa hpelc epc Co hype'-^ bote ^ecippe ; •
§ 11. ° Da ongan pe pipbom hpeoppian pop fsep GOobep
tybejmeppe. j onjan ])a jibbian "j Ipuy cpaep. Gala on hu jpunb-
leapum pea^e *p GDob ))pm5p.^ ponne hic bepcypma^ J>ippe
populbe ungeppaepneppa. gip hit ^onne popjet hip ajen leoht.
•f ip ece jepea. anb J'pm^p on ]?a ppemban ])ij-tpo. f pmb populb
popga. ppa ppa J)ip GDob nu be]?, nu hit nauht ellep nat butan
jnopnunja ; •
§ III. Da pe j7ipbom ]>a "^ peo Eepceabpipnep |>ip \eo]> apunjen
haepbon. J^a onjan he epc pppecan -j cpae|> to )?am GOobe. Ic
gepeo ^ Se ip nu ppoppe mape ^eapp ponne unpotneppe ; •
§ IV. Fopj)am gip J)u Se oppceamian^ pilt ^mep jebpolan.
fonne onjinne ic pe pona bepan •] ])e bpinge mib me to
heoponum. Da anbppopobe him f unpote CDob -} cpa&]). Ppaet
la hpaet pint pip nu ]?a gob ^ f eblean.^ ])e '6u ealne peg gehete
•Sam monnum pe Se heoppumian polban. ip pip nu pe cpibe pe
pu me geo paebept. f pe pipa Plato cpaebe. f pap. paet nan
anpealb naepe piht butan pihtum peapum. Iiepihpt pu nu paet
pa pihtpipan pint lape "^ po^ippycte. poppam hi ^inum piUan
polbon puljan. ^ pa unpyhtpipan peonban^ upahapene puph
heopa ponba&ba 3 puph heopa pelplice. f hi py eS maegen heopa
unpiht gepill poppbpmjan. hi pmb mib jipum j mib geptpeo-
num'^ jepy'Pfpobe. poppam ic nu piUe jeopnlice to liobe
cleopian. Onjan pa jibbien. "] pup pmjenbe cpaep.
CAPUT IV.^
6ALA pu pcippenb heoponep ^ eoppan. pu '5e on pam ecan
petle picpapt. pu pe on hpaebum paepelbe pone heopon ymb-
hpeojipept. -3 ^a tunjlu pu jebej-t pe gehyppume. ■] pa punnan
pu jebept f heo mib heope beophtan pciman pa peoptpe abpaepcp
paepe ppeajitan nihte. ppa bep eac pe mona mib hip blacan
leohte paet pa beophtan pteoppan bunniap on pam heopone. je
^ Boet. lib. i. metrum 2. — Heu, quam praecipiti, &c.
d Boet. lib. i. metrum 5. — stelliferi conditor orbis, &c.
1 Cott, rpsesn. « Cott. pihcpe. ^ Bod. bpingS. * Cott
oiifceajnian. » Cott, Soob anb pa eblean. ^ Cott. pienboi^
'' Cott. sej-cpobum.
§ II. III. IV. BOETHIUS. 7
Then answered "Wisdom to him and said, that his scholars
had thus torn him, when they endeavoured to possess them-
selves of him entirely. But they gather much folly by pre-
sumption, and by arrogance, unless any of them to their
amendment return.
§ II. Then began Wisdom to grieve for the frailty of the
Mind, and began to sing, and thus said : Alas ! into how un-
fathomable gulf the Mind rushes when the troubles of this
world agitate it. If it then forget its own light, which is
eternal joy, and rush into the outer darkness, which are the
cares of this world, as this Mind now does, now it knows
nothing else but lamentations.
§ III. When Wisdom and Eeason had sung this lay, then
begai> he again to speak, and said to the Mind : I see that
there is now more need to thee of comfort, than of bewailing.
§ lY. Therefore, if thou wilt be ashamed of thine error,
then will I soon begin to bear thee up, and will bring thee
with me to the heavens. Then answered the sorrowful Mind
to him, and said : What ! O, what ! are these now the goods,
and the reward, which thou always promisedst to the men
who would obey thee ? Is this now the saying, which thoa
formerly toldest me that the wise Plato said, that was, that
no power was right without right manners? Seest thou
now, that the virtuous are hated and oppressed, because they
would follow thy will : and the wicked are exalted through
their crimes and through their self-love ? That they may
the better accomplish their wicked purpose they are promoted
with gifts and with riches. Wherefore I will now earnestly
call upon God. He then began to sing, and thus singing
said:
CHAPTEE lY,
O THOtr Creator of heaven and earth ! thou who reignest
on the eternal seat ! thou who turnest the heaven in a swift
course! thou makest the stars obedient to thee: and thou
makest the sun, that she with her bright splendour dispels
the darkness of the swarthy night. So does also the moon
with his pale light, which obscures the bright stars in the
8 BOETHirS. CHAP. Y.
eac hpilum ])a f unnan heope leohcej* bepeapaj) fonne he becpux
uf "] hipe pyp)>. ^e eac hpilum f one beophcan fteoppan ]>e pe
hataj) mopjenfCeoppa. Jjone ilcan pe haca)) o]>pe naman a&pen-
pceoppa. ]>u pe fam pmcejiba^um felept pcopte tiba 3 j^aep
pumepef bahum langpan. ]>\i ]>e pa cpeopa J^uph ]7one jteapcan
pinb nop))an ~} eapcan on ha&ppefC tib heopa leapa bepeapapt. 3
ept on lenccen o})pu leap pellept. fuph fone pmyltan ]u]?an
pepcepnan pmb. ppaet )7e ealle gepceapta heoppumia)) 3 fa je-
pecneppa ]>inpa beboba healba]?. bucan men anum pe Se
opepheopS. Gala Su aelmihtija pcippenb anb pihtenb eallpa
jepceapca. help nu fmum eapm.um moncynne. ppy J)u la
Djuhcen aeppe polbepc -p peo pypb ppa hpyppan pceolbe. heo
])pea]) jja unpcilbigan "3 nauht ne ])pea]) fam pcilbigum. picca])
manpuUe on heahpeclum. 3 halite unbep heopa pocum ])py-
ca|). pticia]? gehybbe beophce cpseptap. 3 J)a unpihtpipan caelatS
)>a pihtpipan. nauht ne bepeja]) monnum mane aj)ap, ne "f
leape lot pe beoj) mib ]7am ppencum beppijen. popj^am pent nu
pulneah eall moncyn on tpeonunja jip peo pypb ppa hpeoppan
mot on ypelpa manna jepiU. ~} J>u heope nelt ptipan. 6ala mm
Dpihten. ]>n pe ealle gepceapta opeppihpt. hapa nu milbelice on
pay eapman eop^an. anb eac on eall moncyn, popfam hit nu
eall pmp on t5am ySum tSippe populbe : .
CAPUT y/
§ I. DA f COob ))a ])illic pap cpepenbe ipsey. "3 piy leo]? pin-
^enbe paep. pe f^ipbom pa ~] peo liepceabpipnep him bli)7um
eajum on locube.^ 3 he pop p2&\ CDobep geomepunje^ na&p
nauht jebpepeb. ac cpa&J) to f'am GOobe. 8ona ppa ic pe aepept
on ^ippe unpotneppe gepeah Sup mupcienbe.^ ic on^eat ^ %\x
paepe utapapen* op p\ne\ paebep efele. "p ip op mmum lapum.
pdi]\ Su him pope op Sa J)u Sine pgeptpsebneppe poplete. 3 pen-
bept ^ peo peopb^ pwy populb penbe heope ajenep |)oncep buton
Ijobep 5e]?eahte. j hip J^apunje.*' "] monna jepyphtum. Ic
pipte ^ J)u utapapen paepe. ac ic nypte hu peop. aep J)u pe ]*elp
hit me gepiehtept mib ]?inum papcj)ibum. 'Re J)eah pw. nu piep
pie^ ponne ]>u paepe. ne eapt J)u l)eah eaUep op |?am eajibe
abpipen. ]?eah pu Saep on jebpolobe. ne gebpohte Se eac
« Boet. lib. i. prosa 5. — Haec ubi continuato dolore, &c.
' Bod. eahum on locobon. 2 Cott. Seompunja. ' Cott. mui)c
nienbe. * Cott. ucabpijren. * Cott. pio pypb. « Cott. Se]?aj:iinsa
' Bod. jryp j-eo.
§ I. BOETHITJS. 9
heaven : and sometimes bereaves the sun of her light, when
he is betwixt us and her; and sometimes the bright star
which we call the morning star ; the same we call by another
name, the evening star. Thou, who to the winter days givest
short times, and to the summer's days, longer ! Thou, who
the trees, by the stark north-east wind in harvest-time, of
their leaves bereavest ; and again in spring, other leaves
givest, through the mild south-west wind! What! do all
creatures obey thee, and keep the institutions of thy com-
mandments, except man alone, who is disobedient ? 0, thou
almighty maker and governor of all creatures, help now thy
miserable mankind. Wherefore, Lord, ever wouTHest thou,
that fortune should so vary ? She afflicts the innocent, and
afflicts not the guilty. The wicked sit on high seats, and
trample the holy under their feet. Bright virtues lie hid,
and the wicked deride the virtuous. Wicked oaths in no
wise injure men, nor the false lot which is with fraud con-
cealed. Therefore almost all mankind will now proceed in
doubt, if fortune may thus vary according to the will of evil
men, and thou wilt not control her. 0, my Lord, thou who
overseest all creatures, look now mercifully on this miserable
earth, and also on all mankind : because it now all struggles
in the waves of this world,
CHAPTEE V.
§ I. Whilst the Mind was uttering such sorrow, and was
singing this lay, Wisdom and Eeason looked on him with
cheerful eyes ; and he was nothing disturbed on account of
the Mind's lamentation, but said to the Mind : /As soon as I
first saw thee in this trouble, thus complaining, I perceived
that thou wast departed from thy father's country, that is
from my precepts. Thou departedst therefrom when thou
didst abandon thy fixed state of mind, and thoughtest that
Fortune governed this world according to her own pleasure,
without God's counsel, and his permission, and men's deserts.
I knew that thou wast departed, but I knew not how far,
until thou thyself toldest it to me, by thy lamentations.
But though thou art now farther than thou wast, thou art
not nevertheless entirely driven from the country ; though
thou hast wandered therein. Nor, moreover, could any other
10 BOETHIUS. CHAP. V.
nan oj^eji man on pam gebpolan bucan ])e j^^lpim. ])uph pme
ajene jemelefce.^ ne j'ceolbe pe eac nan man fpelce)' to
jelefan J^aeji ^u jemunan polbej'c hpylcjia jebypba fu paepe 3
hpylcpa bupjpapa fop populbe. o]^]>e epc japclice hpilcep ^epep-
pcipep Su psepe on Smum GOobe. 3 on J^mpe- jepceabpipneppe. -p ip
•p J)u eapc an papa pihrpijenpa -] J^apa pihcpillenbpa. pa beoj)
paepe heopencunban lepupalem bupgpape. op paepe naeppe nan.
bucon^ he pelp polbe. ne peap]? abpipen. f ip op hip joban pilla.
paepe paep he paejie, pimle he haepbe pone mib him. ponne he
pone mib him haepbe. paejie pa&p he pa&pe. ponne paep* he
mib hij- ajnum cj^nne. ~} mib hip ajnum bujihpapum on hip
ajnum eapbe ponne he paep on pape pyhcpipepa jemanan.
Spa hpa ponne ppa paep pS^ppe bip f he on heopa ^eopbome
beon moc. ponne bi6 he on pam hehpcan ppeobomeyNe
onpcunije ic no pae]' neopepan anb paep unclaenan ptope. jip ic
pe jepabne jemece. Ne me na'^ ne lypc mib jlape gepophcpa
paja ne heahpecla^ mib jolbe '^ mib jimmum gepenebpa. ne
boca mib jolbe appicenpa me ppa ppype ne lypc. ppa me lypc on
pe pihcep pillan. Ne pece ic no hep pa bee. ac -f "p pa bee
poppcenc'' paec ic pm^ jepic ppipe pihce. pu peopobepc pa pon-
yy]ih^ aejpaep je on papa unpihcpippa anpealba heaneppe. je
on mmpe unpuppneppe anb popepeupeneppe. je on papa man-
pulpa popppoplaeceneppe on pap populb ppeba. Ac poppon pe pe
ip ppi{)e^'^ micel unpocnepp nu jecenje.^^ je op Smum yppe. ge
op ^mum^^ jnopnunga. ic 6e ne maej nu gee jeanbpypban aep
•Son Saep cib^^ pypb ; •
§ 11.^ Foppan eall f mon unciblice onjmp.^* naepp hic no
selcaepne'^ enbe. Donne paepe punnan pcima on Slujupcup
monpe hacapc pcmp. ponne bypejap pe pe ponne pile hpilc paeb
oppaepcan pam bpium^^ pupum. ppa bep eac pe 6e pincpejum
pebepum pile blopman''^ pecan. Ne m.ihc pu pm ppingan on
mibne pmcep.^^ 6eah Se pel lypce peapmep mupcep >
§ III.^ Da clipobe pe J^ipbom j cpaep. ClOoc ic nu cunnian
hpon pmne'^ paepcpaebneppe. paec ic panon^° on^icon maeje hpo-
nan~^ ic pin cilian jcyle ■j hu. Da anbpypbe -f GDob ^ cpaep.
^ Boet. lib. i. metrum 6. — Cum Phoebi radiis grave, &c.
s Boet. lib. i. prosa 6. — Primum igitur paterisne, &c.
' Cott. giemelierce. - Bod. pmne ^ Bod. buca. * Bod. paepe.
* Cott. no. ^ Bod. sephrpa heahperla. "^ Bod. yop^'enc. ^ Cott.
ha- ip ^in. s Cott. poonpypb. i" Cott. rpa. " Cott. Jec secenge.
•2 Cott. hnpe. 13 Cott. cnb. " Cott. unciibhce ongj-nS. '^ Bod.
sekaene. i*^ Cott. bp57>um. '7 Cott. blopcman. '^ Bod. ppm^^an
on raebbe pincep, '^ Bod, bin. 20 Cott. >onan. 21 Cott. hpouon.
§ ir. III. BOETHIUS. ' 11
man lead thee into error, except thyself, through thine own
negligence. Nor could any one thus believe it of thee, when
thou wouldest call to mind, of what families thou wast, and
of what citizens, as to the world: or again, spiritually, of
what society thou wast in thy mind, and in thy reason : that
is that thou art one of the just, and of those who will rightly,
who are the citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem. Thence no
one was ever driven against his own will, that is from his
right will. Wheresoever he might be, he had this always
with him ; when he had this with him, wheresoever he might
be, he was with his own kin, and with his own citizens, in
his own land, when he was in the company of the just.
Whosoever, then, is worthy of this, that he may be in their
service, he is in the highest freedom.^ I shun not this
inferior, and this unclean place, if I find thee well in-
structed. I am not desirous of walls wrought with glass, or
of thrones ornamented with gold and with jewels ; nor am I
so desirous of books written with gold, as I am desirous of a
right will in thee. I seek not here books, but that which
books are profitable for, that I may make thy mind perfectly
right. Thou complainedest of evil fortune, both on account
of the height of unjust power, and on account of my mean-
ness and dishonour ; and also on account of the uncontrolled
license of the wicked, with respect to these worldly goods.
But as very great trouble has now come upon thee, both from
thine anger and from thy sorrow, I may not yet answer thee,
before the time for it arrives.
§ II. Eor whatsoever any one begins out of season, has no
good end. When the sun's brightness in the month of August
hottest shines ; then does he foolishly, who will at that time
sow any seed in the dry furrows. So also does he, who will
seek flowers in the storms of winter. Nor canst thou press
wine at mid-winter, though thou be desirous of warm must.
§ III. Then spake Wisdom, and said : May I now inquire
a little concerning the fixedness of thy mind, that I may
thereby discover whence and how I may effect thy cure ?
Then answered the Mind, and said ; Inquire as thou wilt.
12 BOETHIUS. CHAP. V.
Eunna fpa ]>u pille. Da cpae)) peo Irerceabpifner.^ Ijeleppc^ J)u
)}3&t peo pypb pealbe j^ippe populbe. o6t5e auhc [jobep] ppa
jepeop])an maeje butan pam pyphtan.^ Da anbpyjibe 'p OOob
3 cpae^. Ne jelype* ic no "p hit jepeop])an mihce ppa enbe-
bypblice, ac to ]*o]7an^ ic pat -^ ce IJob pihtepe ip hip ajnep
peopcep. •] ic no ne peaji]? op j^am po])an jeleapan. Da anb-
pypbe pe p'lpbom ept j cpse)?. Ymbe f ilce Jju gybbobept nu
hpene sep anb cpaebe. ^ aelc puht ppom Dobe pipte^ hip piht
timan. ^ hip pihte gepetneppe puleobe butan menn anum.
Fop]?am ic punbpije ppij^e ungemethce hpset ])e peo^ opfe hpset
])\i ma&ne nu ]?u J)one geleapan haeppt. Sc pit pculon peah jit
beophcop ymbe f beon.^ ic nat pul geape ymbe hpaet ]?u jyt^
tpeopc. jepeje me. nu ]?u cpipt f fu naht^^ ne tpeoje f teliob
fippe populbe pihtepe^^ pie. hu he ponne polbe f heo paepe.
Da anbpynb f GOob ■;) cpa&)). Uneafe ic mse^ popptanban
))ine acpunja. "j cpipt ])eah -^ ic pe anbpypban pcyle. 8e j7ipbom
J?a cpaep. p'enpt Su f ic nyte pone poP^ pmfie jebpepebneppe tie
■Su mib ymbpanjen eapt. ac pe^e me hpelcep enbep aelc anjm
pilnije. Da anbpypbe f GOob ~j cpee)). Ic hit gemunbe ^eo. ac
me haepp ])eop jnopnung pa&jie gemynbe benumen. Da cpaeS
pe |7ipbom. |7apt Su hponan aelc puht come.^^ Da anbpypbe
f GOob ^ cpae)). Ic pat aelc puht ppam liobe com. Da cpaep pe
pipbom. pu maeg faet beon. nu pu "p an^m pajt. f 'Su eac pone
enbe nyte. popfam peo Eebpepebnep mae^ f GOobe onptypian.^*
ac heo hit ne mae^ hip gepittep bepeapien. Sc ic polbe f pu me
paebept hpaepep pu piptept^^ hpaet pu pelp paepe. pit pa anbpypbe
3 cpae)>. Ic pat f ic on libbenbum men "j on jepceabpipum
eom ^ feah on beablicum. Da anbpypbe pe j7i]bom '] cpae]?.
papt pu aht^^ oppep bi ]?e pelpum to pecjanne butan^'^ f pu nu
paebept. Da cpaej) f GOob. Nat ic nauht oppep. Da cpae|) pe
f^ipbom. Nu ic habbe'^ onpten Sine opmobneppe. nu ^u pelp
napt hpaet J)u pelp eapt. ac ic pat hu pm man ^etilian^^ pceal.
poppam )»u paebept f pu ppecca^^ paepe ^ bepeapob aelcep gobep.
poppam pu neptept hpaet ]>u paepe. ]>& pu cy)?bept f pu neptept
hpelcep enbep aelc angm pilnobe. ^a Su penbept f'^^ pteoji-
* Cott. Sceabpifnej*. * Bod. nelejrfc. ^ Bod. pyphsnim. * Bod.
Selifbe. * Cott ro]>um. ^ Cott. fiyye. ' Cott. ry. ^ c^tt.
bion. 9 Cott. siec. ^ Cott. noht. " Cott. pihcpipse. '^ (^o^t,
feem. " Cott. cume. " Cott. arCypiSan. »* Cott. pirre. ^^ Cott.
auht. " Cott. buton. 's Cott. hsebbe. i» Cott. tihan. ^^ Cott.
ppeccea. *' Cott. J^sec te.
§ III. BOExnius. 13
Then said Eeason : Dost tliou believe that Fortnne governs
this world, or that aught of good can be thus made, without
the Maker? Then answered the Mind, and said : I do not
believe that it could be made so full of order ; but I know
forsooth that God is governor of his own work, and I never
swerved from this true belief. Then answered Wisdom again,
and said : About that very thing thou wast singing a little
while ago, and saidst, that every creature from Grod knew its
right time, and fulfilled its right institution, except man alone.
Therefore I wonder beyond measure, what it can be, or what
thou meanest, now thou hast this belief We must, however,
inquire still more deeply concerning it. I do not know very
well about what thou still doubtest. Tell me, since thou
sayest that thou doubtest not that God is governor of this
world, how He, then, would that it should be. Then answered
the Mind, and said : I can scarcely understand thy questions,
and yet thou sayest that I must answer thee. Wisdom then
said : Dost thou think that I am ignorant of the severity of
thy trouble, that thou art encompassed with ? But tell me,
to what end does every beginning tend ? Then answered the
Mind, and said : I remembered it formerly, but this grief has
deprived me of the recollection. Then said Wisdom : Dost
thou know whence every creature came ? Then answered the
Mind, and said : I know that every creature came from God.
Then said Wisdom : How can it be, that now thou knowest
the beginning, thou knowest not also the end ? for grief may
agitate the mind, but it cannot bereave it of its faculties.
But I desire that thou wouldest inform me, whether thou
knowest what thou thyself art. It then answered, and said :
I know that I am of living men, and rational, and neverthe-
less of mortal. Then answered Wisdom, and said : Knowest
thou anything else, to say of thyself, besides what thou hast
now said ? Then said the Mind : I know nothing else. Then
said Wisdom : I have now learned thy mental disease, since
thou knowest not what thou thyself art : but I know how I
must cure thy disease. For this reason thou saidst thou wert
an exile, and bereaved of all good, because thou knewest not
what thou wert. Thou showedst that thou didst not know to
what end every beginning tended, when thou thoughtest that
14 BOETHIUS. CHAP. VI.
leaj-e men ^ peceleafe paepon jej-aelije ^ pealbenhaf Ipiyye
pojiulbe. ~j ]?8ep fu cylpbeyt eac "p pn nyj-cej^c mib hpilcan^
jejiece Erob pylc Jjipfe populbe. o]?J)e hu he polbe f lieo paspe.
fa ])u psebej-c "p ])u penbej-c^ -p ]>iop plij?ne pynb })ap populb penbe
butan Hiobep J)eahce.^ ac* f paep j-pijje micel pleoh f '6u ppa
penan pceolbej'C. Nsep hic na^ '^ an "^ ]>u on unjemeclicum
unjepaellJum paepe. ac eac f pu fulneah mib ealle poppupbe.
Danca nu Eobe f he ^e jepulcumabe paec ic |)in jepit mib
ealle ne poplec. p'e habba^ nu ^eoc ))one maeptan 'Sael Ipa&jie
tynbpan J^mpe haele.^ nu ]?u jeleoffC -^ j-eo pypb Suph hie
pelpne butan Erobep jej^eahte ))ap populb penban ne maege. nu
J7U ne f»eapj:t pe nauhc onbpaeban. popjjam ]>e op ))am lytlan
ppeapcan ^e Su mib J>aepe tynbpan ^epenje lipep leoht ]?e on-
liehte.'^ 7^c hit nip jit ye tima f ic Ipe healicop maeje onbpyp-
ban. pop)?am hit ip a&lcej' mobep pipe f^ pona ppa hit poplaec
pojjcpibap. ppa poljaj) hit leapppellunja. op paem ])onne onjm-
na'S peaxan ]?a miptap Ipe f GOob gebpepa]?. -3 mib ealle popb-
pilma'5 |)a poJ?an gepiehpe ppelce miptap ppelce nu on ^mum
GOobe pmban. Sc ic hie pceal aepept gej^mnian.^ 'p ic piSSan py
e]7 ma&ge J)aet po]?e leoht on Ipe gebpmjan ', •
CAPUT VI.'^
LOEA nu be ])aepe punnan. ^ eac be o^pum tun^lum.
))onne ppeaptan polcnu him bepopan ^aj). ne majon hi J>onne
heopa leoht pellan. ppa eac pe pu]?epna pmb hpilum miclum
ptopme gebpepe]? pa pae 6e aep paep pmylte yebejie jlaephlutpu
on to peonne. fonne heo fonne ppa jemenjeb pypS mib '6an
y})um. J)onne pyji}> heo ppij^e hpa^e unjlabu. })eah heo aep jlabu
paepe on to locienne. Ppaet eac pe bpoc. Ipeah. he yyilpe op hip
piht pyne. Iponne ])a&p mi eel ptan pealpienbe op fam heahan
munte on mnan pealf. ■j hine tobaelS. ^ him hip piht pynep
pipptent. ppa boS nu ]?a })eoptpo jjinpe ^ebpepebneppe pi})ptanban
minumleohtum lapum. Scgip J?u pilnige on pihtum geleapan f
po]je leoht oncnapan. apyp pjiam J^e j>a ypelan paelpa •3 ^a un-
nettan. j eac ]?a unnettan unjepaelj^a. 3 ]?one yplan e^e fippe
populbe. 'f ip Ipd&t '6u ^e ne anhebbe on opepmetto on Ipmjie
jepunbpulneppe "3 on ]?inpe oppoji^neppe. ne ept ]>e ne jeoptpype
^ Boet. lib. i. metrum 7. — Nubibus atris, &c.
1 Cott. hpelcepe. ^ Cott. penbe. ^ Cott. Se^eahce. * Cott. eac.
5 Cott. no. 6 Cott. hselo. 7 Cott. onlyhce. « c^tt. f te. » Bod.
Sehinngian.
CHAP. VI. B0ETHIU3. 15
•
outrageous and recldess men were liappy and powerful in this
world : and moreover thou showedst that thou didst not know
with what government Grod rules this world, or how He would
that it should be, when thou saidst that thou thoughtest that
this inconstant Fortune changes this world without God's
counsel. But it was a very great peril that thou shouldest
so think. Not only wast thou in immoderate trouble, but
thou hadst well-nigh altogether perished. Thank God, there-
fore, that he has assisted thee, so that I have not entirely for-
saken thy mind. We have already the chief part of the fuel
for thy cure, now thou believest that Fortune cannot of her-
I self, without God's counsel, change this world. Now thou
hast no need to fear anything, for from the little spark which
thou hast caught with this fuel, the light of life will shine upon
thee. But it is not yet time that I should animate thee more
highly : for it is the custom of every mind, that as soon as it
forsakes true sayings, it follows false opinions. From hence,
then, begin to grow the mists which trouble the mind, and
withal confound the true sight, such mists as are now on thy
mind. But I must dispel them first, that I may afterwards
the more easily bring upon thee the true light.
CHAPTER VI.
Look now at the sun, and also at the other heavenly
bodies; when the swarthy clouds come before them, they
cannot give their light. So also, the south wind sometimes
"with a great storm troubles the sea, which before, in serene
"weather, was transparent as glass to behold. When it then ia
so mingled with the billows it is very quickly unpleasant,
though it before was pleasant to look upon. So also is the
brook, though it be strong in its right course, when a great
stone rolling down from the high mountain falls into it, and
divides it, and hinders it from its right course. In like
manner does the darkness of thy trouble now withstand my
enlightened precepts. But if thou art desirous with right
faith to know the true light; put away from thee evil and „
vain joys, and also the vain sorrows, and the evil fear of thi3_
world : that is, that thou lift not up thyself with arrogance,
!
16 BOEiniUS. CHAP, vii.i
nanef jobej- on nanpe pi])eppeapbnej"fe. fopSam ]>set GOob
fiemle bjS gebunben mib jebpefebnej-fe. Jjaep fijja cpeja yfela
au]?ep picjaS : •
CAPUT VII.*
§ I. D'K ^eppi^obe pe f^ipbom ane lytle hpile. o]?|)aet he
on^eac })aep GOobep mge])ancap. fa he hi ]?a onjiten ha&pbe. Sa
cpaeS he. Ijip ic fine unpocneppe on pihc onjicen haebbe.
f onne nip pe nauhc^ jpifop fonne ^ faet fu poplopen haeppc. fa
populb pael'Sa fe fu sep haepbepc. •;3 jeompapc nu popf am fe heo
onhpyppeb ip. Ic onjice jenoh ppeocule f 6a populb paelf a mib
ppif e manijpe ppecneppe ppif e lytehce oleccaj) f aem GOobum f e
hi on lapt pillaf ppif ope beppican. 3 fonne aec nihpcan. fonne
hy laepc paenaf .^ hi on opepmobneppe^ popla&caf on fam msepcan
pape. Urip 6u nu pican pile hponan hy cumaf . fonne mihc^ fu
on^ican^ f hi cumaS op populb gitfunga. dp fu fonne heopa
f eapap pitan pile, f onne mihc pu onjycan ■^ hie ne beof nanum
men gecpeope.^ be faem fu mihc^ onjitan f fu faep nane
myphfe on na&pbepc. 6a fa fu hie haepbefC. ne epc nane ne
poplupe. fa f a f u he poplupe. Ic penbe "p ic fe 510 gelaepeb
^aepbe f f u hi oncnapan cuf epc.^ j ic pipte^ f fu hi onpcune-
oepc. fa fa fu hie haepbept. f eah fu heopa bpuce. Ic pipce^^ ^p
fu mine cpibap pi6 heopa piUan opC paebepc. ac ic pac f nan
jepuna ne maej nanum man^^ beon onpenbeb, f faec OOob ne
pie be pumum baele onpcypeb. popf am f u eapc eac nu op f mpe
pcilnepfe ahpoppen *. •
§ II.'' Gala GOob. hpaec bepeapp fe on fap^^ cape ~} on fap
jnopnun^a. hpaec hpeju unjepunelicep^^ f f e on becumen ip
ppelce ofpum monnum aep f ilce ne e^lebe. Dip fu fonne
penpc f hiC on fe ^elon^ pe f fa populb paelfa on fe ppa
onpenba pmc. fonne eapc fu on jebpolan. ac heopa f eapap pine
ppelce. hie beheolbon on fe heopa^* agen ^ecynb. ^ on heopa^^
panblunja hie jecyfbon heopa paepepaebneppe.^^ ppilce.^7 hy^^
> Boet. lib. ii. prosa 1. — Posthgec panlisper obticuit, &c.
^ Boet. lib. ii. prosa 1. — Quid est igitur, o homo, &c.
^ Cott. nohc. 2 Cott pena'S. ^ Cott. opmobneffe. * Cott. meahc.
5 Cott. onsecan. ^ Bod. ne tpeope. ' Cott. meahc. « Cott, cu)>e.
9 Cott. anb ic pirre. »* Cott. pij-j-e. " Cott. men. 12 Bod. \>a,
*3 Cott. penj*c \>\x "p hichpsec nipef yie. o^Se hpaec hpu^u unsepirhcef.
" Cott. hiopa. 1* Cott. hiopa. ^^ Cott. unpsej-cpsebnej-pe. " Cott,
ppylce. 18 Cott. hi.
§ I. II. BOETHIUS. 17
in thy health, and in thy prosperity ; nor apjain, despair of
any good in any adversity. For the Mind is ever bound vrith
misery, if either of these two evils reigns.
CHAPTER YIL
§ I. Teten" was Wisdom silent a little while, till he per-
ceived the Mind's thoughts. When he had perceived them,
then said he : If I have rightly understood thy trouble,
nothing affects thee more than this, that thou hast lost the
worldly prosperity which thou formerly hadst, and now
lamentest because it is changed. I perceive clearly enough
that worldly goods with many an allurement very deceitfully
flatter the minds which they intend at last utterly to betray :
and then at length, when they least expect it, scornfully leave
them in the deepest sorrow. If thou now desirest to know
whence they come, then mayest thou learn that they come
from worldly covetousness. If thou then wilt know their
manners, thou mayest learn that they are not faithful to any
man. Hence thou mayest understand that thou hadst no
pleasure when thou hadst them ; nor again, didst lose any
when thou didst lose them. I thought that I had formerly
instructed thee, so that thou mightest know them ; and I
knew that thou despisedst them when thou hadst them,
though thou didst use them. I knew that thou, against
their will, didst often repeat my sayings. But I know that,
no custom can be changed in any man without the mind
being in some measure disquieted. Therefore thou art also
now moved from thy tranquillity.
§ II. O Mind, what has cast thee into this care, and into
these lamentations ? Is it something unusual that has hap-
pened to thee, so that the same before ailed not other men ?
If thou then thinkest that it is on thy account that worldly
goods are so changed towards thee, then art thou in error :
for their manners are such. They kept towards thee their
own nature, and in their changeableness they show their con-
stant state. They were exactly, when they most allured thee,
such as they are now, though they flattered thee with false
happiness. Thou hast now understood the unstable promises
^ " c
18 BOETlIirS. CHAP. VII.
paepon pihte ]>a hi Se maefC jeoleccan j-pjlce hi nu pnbon.
]?eah fe hy ]>e oleccan^ on pa leajan pselpa, Nu ]>\i haepfC on^ycen
j?a ponclan tpupa'-^ psej- bbnban luj'tep. ^a cjiiopa ^e 'Se nu
pmbon opene. hi pmbon gic mib manegum oppum behelebe.
Nu pu pafC hpelce peapap pa populb paelpa habbap ~j hu hi
hpeappiap. Ijip pu ponne heopa pegen beon pile. ■] pe heopa
peapaj- hciap. to hpon mypn^t pu j-pa ppipe. hpi ne hpeappopc '6u
eac mib him. jip t)u ponne heopa untpeopa onpcunije. opep-
hoja^ hi ponne ~] abpip hi ppam pe. poppam^ hi ppanap pe Co
fmpe unpeapepe ; • Da ilcan pe Se jebybon nu |>ap jnopnunja.
poppam pe pu hi haepbepc. pa ilcan pe psepon on pcilneppe. jip
]>u hi na ne unbeppenje ; • Da ilcan pe habbaj> nu heojia
ajnep pancep poplecan. nalep pmep. pa pe naeppe nanne mon
bucon popge ne poplsecap. Dyncap pe nu ppipe bype^ "j ppi]?e
leope pa pmg Sa pe nau]7ep ne pmc ne jetpepe Co habbenne.
ne eac e^e co poplaecanne. ac ponne heo hpam ppom hpeop-
penbe beoS. he hi pceal mib pam msepcan pape hip mobep
poplaecan ; • Nu ^u hie ponne sepcep pinum pilla.n pe jeCpepe
habban ne mihc.^ "] hy pe piUap on mupnunja^ jebpmjan.
ponne hie pe ppam hpeoppap. co hpaem cumap hi ponne ellep.
bucan co cacnunje popgep 3 anpealbep papep ; • Ne pmbon pa
populb pselSa ana ymb Co pencenne pe mon ponne haepp. ac
aelc jleap OOob behealc hpelcne enbe hi habbap. j hic ge-
papenap ae^^pepi je pip heopa ppeaunja je pip olecunja. Ac gip
pu pile beon heopa ^egn.^ ponne pcealc pu jeopne ^epolian ge
hpsec paep pe Co heopa penun^um. 3 Co heo]ia J^eapum. ^ co
heopa pillan belimpp. Ijip pu ponne pilnapc f heo pop Smum
pmj;um oppe peapap nimen. opjie^ heopa piUa "3 heopa jepuna
ip. hu ne unpeoppapc pu ponne pe pelpne. paec pupmp^^^ pip pam
hlapopbpcipe pe pu pelp gecupe ^ ppa peah ne meahc^^ hiopa pibu
■] heopa jecynb onpenban. Ppaec pu pacpc gip 6u pmep pcipep
pegl onjean Sone pmb cobpsebpc. f pu ponne laetpc eal eopep
paepelb co paap pmbepbome. ppa ^ip pu^^ pe pelpne Co anpealbe
para populb paelpum ^epealbepc. hic ip pihc paec pu eac heopa
peapum puljange. jZenpc pu -p (5u 'p hpeppenbe hpeol. ponne
hic on jiyne pjqi]?. maeje oncyppan ; • Ne mihc pu pon ma
fajia populb pseljja hpeappunja onpenban ; •
* Cott. liolcen. ^ Cott. panclan tpeopa. ^ Cott. opephise.
* Wanting in Bod. MS. ^ Cott. biope. ^ Cott. meahc. ' Cott.
mupcunj; a. « Cott. ^e^n ^ hiopa hiepa. ^ Cott. oj?ep. i" Bod.
pile. " ne meabc is wanting in Bod. MS. ^^ (jott. ppa eac gip Jju,
§ II. B0ETHIU3. 19
of this blind pleasure. These promises which are now ex-
posed to thee, are yet to many others concealed. Thou now
knowest what manners worldly goods have, and how they
[ change. If thou, tlien, art desirous to be their servant, and
their manners are pleasing to thee, wherefore mournest thou
so much? Why changest thou not also with them? But
if thou wouldst avoid their deceits, then despise them, and
drive them from thee, for they seduce thee to thy ruin. The
same things which have now occasioned to thee these lamenta-
tions, because thou hadst them, would have suffered thee to
be in tranquillity if thou never hadst obtained them. The
same things have now forsaken thee, of their own will, not of
thine, which never forsake any man without occasioning
sorrow. Do these things now seem to thee very dear and very
precious, which are neither constant to possess, nor yet easy
to relinquish : but when they are departing from any one, he
shall with the greatest sorrow of his mind relinquish them ?
Since, then, tiiou canst not, according to thy wish, have them
faithful to thee, and they will bring thee into mourning when
they depart from thee ; for what else then do they come, but
for a token of care and unmixed sorrow ? The worldly goods
are not alone to be thought about which we at the time pos-
sess, but every prudent mind observes what end they have ;
and forewarns itself both against their threats, and against
their allurements. But if thou choosest to be their servant,
then oughtest thou willingly to bear whatever belongs to
their service, and to their manners, and to their will. If
thou, then, art desirous that they should, on thy account,
assume other manners than their will and custom is ; dost
thou not then dishonour thyself, inasmuch as thou rebellest
against the government which thou thyself hast chosen ? and
nevertheless thou canst not change their custom or their
nature. Besides, thou knowest that if thou spreadest the
sail of thy ship to the wind, thou then leavest all thy course
to the power of the wind. So, if thou hast given up thyself
to the power of worldly goods, it is right that thou shouldest
also follow their manners. Thinkest thou, that thou canst
turn back the revolving v\heel when it moves in its course ?
No more canst thou alter the inconstancy of worldly pros-
perity.
^ c2
20 BOETHIUS. CHAP. VIT. |
§ III.^ Ic polbe nu ^et f pit mape^ fppsecan ymbe ]>r populb
pselSa. to hpam setpite ]m me aep f ^u hi foplupe poji mmum
'Sinjum ; • Ppi mupcnapt^ ])u piS mm. ppilce pu pop mmum
"Smgum peo^ Sinep ajnep benumen. se^J^ep je ]>mpa pelona. ^e
])mey peop]7pcipep. 8&5]?ep papa ]?e com sep ppom me. ]?a hi ]7e
on laenbe paepon ; • Ute nu tellan bepopan ppilcum beman
ppilce ])u pille. 3 jip ])u ^epejjan miht ■}) aenij bea]>hc man ppelcep
hpaet agnep ahte. ic hit pe ept eal ajipe f f>u jepeccan miht f
]?inep ajnep psepe ;• Dypme* "j unjelsepebne ic pe unbeppenj
pa pu sejiept to monnum become. ^ pa pe ^etybbe. "] jelaepbe.
■J pe pa pnyttpo on jebpohte pe pu pa populb ape mib bejeate.
pe pu nu popgienbe anpoplete. pu miht psep habban pane 'p^ pu
mmpa gipa pel bpuce. Ne miht pu no ^epeccan. f pu pmep
auht poplupe. Ppa&t peopapt pu pip me ; • pabbe ic pe apep be-
numen pmjia jipena papa pe pe ppom me comon ; • j:E1c pop
pela. anb pop peoppfcipe pmbon mine a^ne peopap. ~} ppa hpaep
ppa ic beo he beop mib me. p'lte pu pop poS. jip f pme ajne''
pelan psepon pe pu maenbept f pu poplupe. ne mihtept pu hi^
popleoj-an. Gala hu ypele me bop manege populb menu mib
■Sam ^ ic ne mot pealbanmmpaagenpa peopa.^ 8e heopen mot
bpenjon leohte bajap. ■^ epc f leoht mib peoptpum behelian.^
f geap mot bpengan blopman.^^ ^ py ilcan geape ept jeniman.^'
peo pse mot bpucan pmyltpa ypa. -^ ealle jepceapca motan
heopa gepunan anb heopa pillan bepitijan butan me anum. Ic
ana eom benumen mmpa peapa "]) eom jetogen to ppembum
peapam. Suph 'Sa unjepylban jitpunge^^ populb monna. Suph
pa gitpunga hi me habbap benumen mmep naman pe ic mib
jiihte habban pceolbe. pone naman ic pceolbe mib pihte habban.
f ic psepe pela •] peopppcipe. ac hie hme habbap on me jenu-
men. j hie^^ mehabbaS gepealbne^* heopa plencum -j getehhob
to heopa leapum pelum. f ic ne mot mib mmum ^eapum
mmpa ^enunja puljangan. ppa ealla oSpa jepceapta moton ; •
Da mine peopap pmbon pipbomap. ■] Epaeptap. ^ poSe pelan.
mib pam piopum peep on pymbel mm plega. mib pam peopum ic
eom ealne pone heopon ymbhpeoppenbe. "j pa nipemeptan ic
1 Boet. lib. ii. prosa 2. — Vellem autem pauca, &c.
' Cott. ma. ^ Bod. mupcaf. ' Cott. pie. * Cott. bypigne ^
unlsepebne. ^ Bod. >a. ^ Bod. a^nan. 7 Cott. hi na. ^ Cott.
Jjeapa. ^ Cott. toehelisan. i" Cott. bloptman " Bod. Jeape f^em-
man. '"^ Cott. uiigefylleban gicpunga. ^^ Cott. hiiie. " Bod.
Sehelbene.
§ III. BOExnius. 21
§ III. I am still desirous that we should discourse further
concerning worldly goods. Why didst thou, just now, up-
braid me that thou hadst lost them on my account ? Why
dost thou complain against me, as if thou, for my advantage,
wert deprived of thine own ; either of thy riches or thy dig-
nity ? both of which formerly came to thee from me, when
they were lent thee. Let us now speak before such judge as
thou wilt ; and if thou art able to prove that any mortal
man possessed anything of this kind as his own, I will give
thee again all that thou canst say was thine own. I received
thee ignorant and uninstracted, when thou first catnest to
man's estate, and then taught and instructed thee, and im-
parted to thee wisdom, whereby thou obtainedst the worldly
possessions which thou now sorrowing hast lost. Thou mayesfc
therefore be thankful that thou hast well enjoyed my gifts.
Nor canst thou say that thou hast lost aught of thine own.
Why com plainest thou against me ? Have I in any wise de-
prived thee of those thy gifts which came to thee from me ?
All true wealth and true dignity, are mine own servants, and
wheresoever I am, they are with me. Know thou for truth,
if the riches w^hich thou art lamenting that thou hast lost
them, had been thine own, thou couldest not have lost them.
O, how unjustly do many worldly men act towards me, in
that I may not govern mine own servants! The heaven may
bring light days, and again obscure the light with darkness:
the year may bring blossoms, and the same year again take
them away. The sea may enjoy calm waves ; and all creatures
may keep their custom and their will, except me alone. I
alone am deprived of my manners, and am allured to manners
foreign to me, through the insatiable coyetousness of worldly
men. Through covetousness have they deprived me of my
name, which I should rightly have. This name I should
rightly have, that I am wealth and dignity : but they have
taken it from me, and in their pride they have given and
drawn me to their false riches ; so tliat I may not, with my
servants, exercise my employments as all other creatures may.
My servants are wisdom, and virtues, and true riches. With
these servants was alw^ays my pastime ; with these servants I
am encompassing all the heaven, and the lowest I bring to the
highest, and the highest to the lowest ; that is, 1 bring humility
22 BOETIIITJS. CHAP. TIL
jebpen^e aec ]}am hehfcan. ~\ 'Sa hehj-tan sec pam nipemefcan.
paet 1]" ^^ ic ^ebpenje eaj^mobnejyeonheofonum. j ]?a heofon-
lican 50b 3ec]?amea])mebumySc}>onneic upgepape mib mmum
jieopum. ponne popj'eo pe pap jtypmenban populb. ppa pe eapn
])onne he up gepiu bupan pa polcnu pcypmenbum pebepum ^
him '5a puojimap bepian ne mahan ; • ^ 8pa ic polbe. la GOob. ^
]m ])e pope up co uj-.^jip Se l^^te. on pa ^epab -p pu epc mib up
pa eoppan pecan piUe pop gobpa manna peappe ; • pu ne papc
pu mme peapap. hu geopne ic pymble ipdery ymbe jobpa manna
peappe ; • papc pu hu ic jepanb ymbe Epeopop peappe Epeca
cynmgep. pa pa hme Eipup Paeppa cynmj jepangen haepbe 3
hme popbsejman polbe. pa hme man on f yyp. peapp pa alypbe
IC hme mib heoponhcon pene, Ac pu pe popcpupubepc pop
pmpe pihcpipne]'pe ~\ pop pmum goban pillan penbepc paec pe
nan puhc unpihchcep on becuman ne mihce. ppelce 'Su polbepc
Sa lean eallpa pmpa jobena ,ueopca on pij'pe populbe habban ; •
pu mihcejc pu piccan on mibbum jemaenum pice, •p pu ne
pceolbepc f ilce jepolian f o6pe men ; • pu mihcepc Su beon
on mibpe pifpe hpeappunja. f pu eac mib eapepope'^ pum eopel
ne jepelbepc ; • Ppaec pmja'S pa leoppyphcan opjiep be pippe
populb. bucon mijiica'* hpeppunja pippe populbe *. • Vys&z ip pe
ponne. f pu paep mib ne ne hpeappije !• Ppaec pecpc pu hu
je hpeappian.^ nu ic piemle mib Se beo ; • De pap peop hpeap-
pung becepe. poppam '5e Sippa populb pael5a Co pel ne lypCe. anb
paec pu pe eac becpe na jelepbe : • ^
§ I v."* Deah Saem peohjicjepe cume ppa pela pelena. ppa
papa ponbcopna beop be pipum paeclipum. o56e papa pceoppena
pe peopcpum nihcum pcmap. ne poplaec he peah no pa peopunga.
f he ne peopije hip eopmSa. Deah nu Eiob gepylle Sapa pelejpa
monna pillan ge mib golbe. je mib peolppe. je mib eallum
beoppyppneppum. ppa'Seah ne bip pe*^ Suppc gepylleb heopa 51c-
punja. ac peo jpunbleape ppeljenb haepp ppipe manejn pepce
holu on CO jabpianne.^ Ppa maej pam pebenban ^ycpepie genoh
popjipan. ppa him mon mape pelp. ppa hme ma lypc ; •
§ Y." pu pile pu nu anbpypban paem populb paelpum jip hi
epeSan^ co '8e. ppaec picpc pu up. la GOob. hpi ijipapc pu pip up.
^ Boet. lib. ii. metrum 2. — Si quantas rapidis, &c.
n Boet. lib. ii. prosa 3. — His igitur, &c.
* Bod. -p ]?8ec. 2 Cott, bepigaii ne maeson. ' Cott. nehpeappobe.
^ Bod. butan niptlice. ^ Cott. hpeappi^en. ^ Bod. hpeappung pael>a
CO pel Selypce "J t ^u eac becepa ne ^elepbept. ' Bod. he ae beo5.
8 Bod manega pepcehola co gabpienue. ' Cott. cpe'SaS.
§ IV. V. BOETHIUS. 23
to the heavens, and heavenly blessings to the humble. But
when I ascend with m}'- servants, then look we down on this
stormy world, like the eagle, when he soars above the clouds
in stormy weather, that the storms may not hurt him. In
like manner, I am desirous, O Mind, that thou shouldest
ascend to us, if thou art willing: on the condition that thou
wilt again with us seek the earth for the advantage of good
men. Dost thou not know my manners ? how careful I
always was concerning the wants of good men ? Knowest
thou how mindful I was of the necessity of Croesus, the
Grecian king, when Cyrus, king of Persia, had seized him,
and would burn him ? When they cast him into the fire, I
delivered him with heavenly rain. But thou, on account of
thy virtue, wast over-confident ; and thoughtest that because
of thy good intention nothing unjust could befal thee : as if
thou wouldest have the reward of all thy good works in this
world ! How couldest thou dwell in the midst of the common
country, without suffering the same as other men ? How
couldest thou be in the midst of this changeable state, with-
out also feeling some evil through adversity ? What else do
the poets sing concerning this world, but the various changes
of this world ? What is there 'peculiar to thee, that thou
shouldest not change therewith? Why carest thou how it
maj;_change, when I am always with thee P This change
was to thee more tolerable, because thou didst not too much
desire these worldly goods, and because thou didst not, more-
over, place greater confidence in them.
§ IV. Though to the covetous man come as many riches
as there are grains of sand by the sea-clifls, or stars which in
dark nights shine ; he nevertheless will not cease from com-
plaints, so as not to lament his poverty. Though God fulfil
the wishes of wealthy men with gold, and with silver, and
with all precious things, nevertheless the thirst of their
avarice will not be satisfied, but the unfathomable gulf will
have very many waste holes to gather into. Who can give
enough to the insane miser ? The more any one gives to him,
the more he covets.
§ V. How wilt thou now answer worldly goods, if they say
to thee ; Why blamest thou us, Mind ? w hy art thou angry
24 BOETIIIUS. CHAP. Till.
on hpam abul^on pe ^e ; • Ppsec Se ongan lyjtan upe. naf u)'^
]?m. ])u peCft^ uf on )}sec petl J>inef f ceoppenbef. J^a jju pilnobejx
Co up ])8ep ^obep ]?e ]?u Co him pceolbejc. ]?u cpipc" "^ pe habban
J)e beppicenne. ac pe majancpejmn ma f ])u habbe up beppicen.
nu up ]7uph ]>me lupc •] puph ]?me gicjunja onpcunian pceal
ealpa gepceapca pcippenb ; • Nu ])u eapc pcylbijpa ponne pe.
aejpep ^e pop pmum ajnum unpihc lupcum. ge eac poppam pe
pe ne mocon pop ]>e puUjan upep pcippenbep pillan. poppam ^e
he upe ]>e onlsenbe s&pcep hip bebobum Co bpucanne. nallap^
pmpe unpihc gicpunga jepiU Co pulpjiemmanne ; • Anbpypbe
unc nu. cpae'S pe pijbom. ppa ppa ]?u pille. pic geanbibigaj? pmjie
onbppope I •
CAPUT yiii."
DX cpae^ f COob. ic me onjiCe sejhponan pcylbijne. ac ic
eom mib psep lapey T^P® TV^ ppipe op]?pycceb f ic mc^ ^eanb-
pypban ne maej. Da cp8&|> pe pipbom epc. Dsec ip nu gic pmpe
unpihcpipnepj-e f pu eajic pullneab poppohc. Kc ic nolbe f ]m
pe poppohcepc. ac ic polbe f Sepceamobe ppelcep jebpolan. pop-
j)am pe pe pe hme poppencp. pe bip opmob. Sc pe pe pe hme
pceamap. pe bip on hjieoppunja. Hip ])u nu jemunan pile eallpa
papa appyp]7neppa pe ]?u pop ]7ippe populbe haepbepc piS^an pu
aepejc gebopen paepe o^ pipne bsej. gip '5u nu acelan^ pile ealle
■Sa blipnepj-a pi]? pam unpocneppum. nemehcpu pulleape cpet^an
f pu eapm pe 3 unjepaehg. popj^am ic pe giun^ne'' unbejipenj
uncybne 3 unjelaepebne. 3 me Co beapne jenom. ^ Co mmum
Cyhcum gecybe. Ppa maej ponne auhc oppep cpe])an bucan ^u
paejie pe ^epaehjepca. '5a pu me paepe aep leop ponne cup. ~\ aep
pon ])e |)u cupepc^ mmne Cyhc ~] mine peapap. "j ic Se jeonjne
jelaepbe ppelce pnycpo ppylce manegum oppum lelbpan ge-
piccum opcojen ip. 3 ic Ipe gepypj^pebe mib mmum lapum Co
pon f pe mon Co bomepe^ geceap. Eip 5u nu pojipam cpipc f
pu gepa&li;?; ne pie f pu nu naeppc pa hpilenblican appyppnepja ^
pa blipneppa pe pu aep haepbepc. ]?onne ne eapc^^ pu ]>eah unje-
paelij. pop pam ]?e pa unpocneppa. ]?e pu nu on eapc. ppa ilce'^
opepjap. ppa pu cpipc f pa blifpa aep bybon. J7enpc pu nu f pe
anum ])yllic hpeappunj, piUic^^ unpocnep on becumen. ^ nanum
'^ Boet. lib. ii. prosa 3.— Turn ego, speciosa quidem, &c.
1 Cott. nalej-. 2 Cott. petcej-. ^ Bod. pile. * Cott. nalej*.
* Bod. me. ^ Cott. atellan. 7 Cott. geonene. ^ Cott. cu>)e.
^ Bod. me. i" Cott. neapc. " Bod. selce. '2 (jott. >ellecu hpea;ipuns
•] J?iUicu.
^xPm ^:^ -^
CHAP. Tin. EOF.THIUS. 25
with us ? in what have we oifended thee ? Indeed thou wast
desirous of us, not we of thee ! Thou didst set us on the seat
of thy Maker, when thou didst look to us for that good which
thou shouldest have sought from him. Thou say est that we
have betrayed thee ; but we may rather say tliat thou hast
betrayed us, since through thy desire, and through thy
covetousness, the Maker of all creatures will abhor us. Thou
art therefore more guilty than we, both on account of thine
own wicked desire, and also because, through thee, we cannot
perform our Maker's will. Tor he lent us to thee, to be en-
joyed according to his commandments, not to fulfil the desire
of thine evil covetousness. Answer us now, said Wisdom, as
thou wilt : we wait for thine answer.
CHAPTEE VIII.
Thb:n" said the Mind, I perceive myself every way guilty ;
but I am so greatly oppressed with this loatlisome sorrow,
that I cannot answ^er you. Then said Wisdom again : It is
still thy fault that thou art almost despairing. But I am
unwilling that thou shouldest despair: I would rather that
thou wert ashamed of such error ; for he who despairs is dis-
tracted ; but he who is ashamed is in repentance. If thou
now wilt cairtoi mind all the honours, in respect of this world,
which thou hast had since thou first wert born, until this day ;
if thou wilt now reckon all the enjoyments against the sor-
rows ; thou canst not very easily say that thou art miserable
and unhappy. For I took charge of thee unexperienced, and
uninstructed ; and adopted thee as my child, and inured thee
to my discipline. Who can then say aught else, but that thou
wert most happy, when thou wert beloved by me ere known ;
and sooner than thou knewest my discipline and my manners :
and I taught thee young such wisdom as is to many other
older minds denied : and improved thee with mine instruc-
tions, until thou wert chosen a judge ? If thou now sayest,
that thou art not happy, because thou hast not the temporary
honours and the enjoyments which thou formerly hadst, still
thou art not unhappy : for the sorrows wherein thou now art,
will in like manner pass away, as thou sayest the enjoyments
formerly did. Thinkest thou now, that to thee alone such
change and such sorrow happen, and that the like could
26 EOETHIUS. CHAP. IX. X.
o})fium mobe ]'pelc ne onbecome. ne sep ]>e. ne s&pcep ]?e ; •
0]>}?e penfc pu '^ on seni^um mennifcum mobe msege auhc
jraejxjis&blicef beon bucon hpeapfunja. oJ)]?e 51}: hiC on senejum
men senile hpile psejdice puna]), pe bea^ hic hupu apippej)^ f
hic beon ne maeg j^aep hic sep paep. Ppa&c pynbon ^a populb
paelpa o|)pep bucon bea]7ep cacnunj. pop])am pe bea]? ne cymS
Co nanum o]?jmm J^mjum bucan ■]) he "^ bp apyppe.^ ppa eac pa
populb ps&lj)a cuma]? co J>am^ GOobe co j^am |)aet; hi hic beniman
Ipsey ])& him leopapt bij> ^ippe populbe. f beo]) ]}onne ponne hie
him ppamjepica]?. Eepeje. la GOob. hpa&j^ep ])e betepe t)ince, nu
nauhc populbpicep"* psepcep -) unhpeappienbep beon ne ma&g.
hpse}>ep j>e ])u hy popjeo. 3 J>inep agenep ])oncep hi poplece
bucon pape. ]>e ]>\i jebibe hponne hi ]>e popjienbne poplecan ; •
CAPUT IX.P
D!S on^an pe pipbom pmjan anb jibbobe ^up. Donne peo
punne on habpum heopone beophcopc peine]?, ponne a^eopcpiaj)
ealle pceoppan. popjiam Se heopa beophcnep ne beoS nan
beophcnep pop hipe. Donne pmylce blape]) ]-u])an pepcan pmb.
ponne peaxa]? ppi]7e hpa]?e pelbep blopman. ac ^onne pe pceapca
pmb cymj) noppan eapcan. ]7onne copeoppp he ppi])e hjiajje \>se\ie
popan plice. ppa ope ])one co pmylcon pae ^sep noppan pmbep
ypc onpcyjie]?. Gala f nan puhc nip paepce pconbenbep peopcep a
punienbe on populbe ; •
CAPUT X.-i
D'K cpae]? Boeciup. Gala f^ipbom. ]?u ]>e eapc mobup^ eallpa
maejena. ne msej ic na pi]?cpe])an ne anbpacigan f pe^ ]?u me
aep psebepc. pop])on ]>e hic ip eall po]?. poppam ic nu haebbe
ongicen ^ ]?a mine p8el])a 3 peo oppopjnep. 'Se ic aep penbe "^
5epael]?a beon pceolban. nane pael]?a ne pmc. popSam he ppa
hpaeblice jepice]?. ac f me haep]) eallpa ppij^opc gebpepeb ))onne
ic ymbe ppelc pmeahcopc J^ence. f ic nu ppeocole onjicen habbe.
f) paec ip peo maepce unpaelS on ]>iy anbpeapban lipe. 'p mon
aepepc peop])e'^ gepaelij. "j aepcep ])am un^epaelig. Da anbppopebe
pe pipbom 3 peo Depceabpipnep 3 cpas]?. Ne meahc pu no mib
P Boet. lib. ii. metrum 3. — Cum polo Phoebus, &c.
<i Boet. lib. ii. Prosa 4. — Turn ego, vera inquam, &c.
^ Cott. apeppeS. 2 Cott. apeppe. 3 Cott. Co >on. * Cott. nan
puhc populbhcej*. ^ Cott. mobop. <* Cott. anb»-acisian ))aep >e,
' Cott. py.
CHAP. IX. X. BOETIIIUS. 27
liappen to no other mind, either before thee, or after thee?
Or thinkest thou tliat to any human mind there can be any
thing constant, without change ? Or if it for a time to any
man firmly remain, death at least will take it away, so that
it may not be where it before was. What are worldly goods,
but an emblem of death ? For death comes for nothing else,
but that it may take away life. So also w^orldly goods come
to the mind, in order that they may deprive it of that which
is dearest to it in this world ; that is, when they depart from
it. Say, O Mind, whether thou judgest more wisely, seeing
that naught of worldly power can be constant and unchange-
able ? Whether thou despisest them, and of thine own choice
canst relinquish them without regret, so that thou canst abide
ft when they leave thee sorrowful?
CHAPTER IX.
Then began Wisdom to sing, and sung thus : When the
sun in tbe serene heaven brightest shines, then become dark
all the stars, because their brightness is no brightness by
reason of her. When the south-west wind gently blows, then
grow very quickly field flowers; but when the stark wind
Cometh from the north-east, then does it very soon destroy
the rose's beauty. So oftentimes the north wind's tempest
stirs the too tranquil sea. Alas ! that there is nothing of
fast-standing work ever remaining in the world !
CHAPTEE X.
Theist said Boethius : O Wisdom, thou who art tlie mother
of all virtues, I cannot gainsay or deny that which thou hast
said to me, because it is all true : for I have now learned that
those my felicities, and the prosperity, which I formerly
thought should be happiness, are no happiness because they
so speedily depart. But this has most of all troubled me,
when I most deeply think about that which I have clearly
learned, that it is the greatest infelicity of this present life,
that any one is first happy, and afterwards unhappy. Then
answered Wisdom and Keuson, and said ; Thou canst not with
28 BOETHIUS. CHAP. X.
]o])e ^etaelan ]>me pyp^ anb ]?ine jefaelj^a fpa fpa ])u penpc. fop
pam leapum uujej-s&lpum^ ]?e '5u ppopapc. hic ip leapunj f J)u
penjT ])3&z ])u peo unjepselij ; • Sc gip $e nu -p ppa ]'yi])e
5eb]iepeb ^j jeunpocpab haep]?. f ce J)u poplupe ))a leapan je-
paelpa. J>onne ms&g ic Se openlice jejieccan. '^ ]?u ppucole
onjicpr J)8&r ce pu 51c liasppc J^one msepcan b£el ])in}ia^ jepselj^a
pe pa 8&P hsepbepc ; • Sege me nu hpae]?ep ]m mib pihce ma&je
peopian^ pma unpa&lpa. ppelce pn eallunja haebbe poplopen |>ina
5e]-8el])a. ac pu hseppc 51c jepunb jehealben eall f beoppyppopce
paec ce ]?u pe bepopjob lieep bepc ; • Pu mihc |)u ponne ma&nan
f VYVy^ 1 f la]?]ie. nu pu 'p leoppe hseppc jeliealben ; • pps&c
pu pajx "p peo bujup eallep moncynnep. -\ pe pe msepca peopp-
pcipe. 51c leopap. -f ip Simmachup pm ppeop.^ Ppa&c he ip 51c
hal -^ jepunb. 3 haepp selcep jobep genoh. poppon ic par f pu
nahc^ ne popplapobepc f pu pm agen peoph pop lime ne peal-
bepc. gip pu hme gej'ape on hpilcum eappopum. pojipam pe pe]i
ip J7ipbomep •] Epaepca pull. ~^ genog oppopg nu 51c selcep
eopplicep egep. pe ip ppipe papij pop pmum eappopum •j pop
pmum pjiaecpipe ; • pu ne leopap pm pip eac. psep ilcan 81m-
machupep^ bolicep. ~] pio ip ppipe pel gejiab "] ppipe jemecpsepc.
peo haepS ealle oppu pip opeppungen mib clsenneppe. eall heope
gob ic 6e ma&g mib peaum popbum apeccan. ^ ip f heo ip on
eallum peapum liiepe paebep gelic. peo liopap nu pe. pe anum.
pojipam ^e hio nanpuhc ellep ne lupa'5 bucan pe. aelcep gobep
lieo haepp genoh on pip anbpeapban lipe. ac heo hic haepp
eall poppepen opep pe anne.*^ eall heo hic onpcunap. poji-
pam pe heo pe aenne naepp. pasp anep hipe ip nu pana. pop
pmpe aeppeapbneppe heope pinc6 eall nauhc** ^ heo haepp. pop-
pam heo ip pop pmum lupum cpmob^ j pulneah beab pop
ceapum -^ pop unjiocneppe ; • Ppaec pille pe cpepan be pmum
cpam'^ punum. pa pmc ealbojimen "j gepeahcejiap. on pam ip
ppiocol pio gipu J ealla pa bugupa hiopa paebep 3 heopa eollbpan^^
paebeji. ppa ppa geonge^^ men majon gelicopce beon ealbum
monnum. Dy ic punbpigehpi pune maege ongican paec pu eapc
nu gic ppipe gepelig. nu pu gic liopopc anb eapc hal ; • ppaec
psec ip pio mepce aep beabhcpa manna paec hie libban anb pien
hale. J pu haeppc nu gee co eacan eall ^ ic pe aep cealbe ; •
Ppaec ic pac f f ip gic beoppyjippe ponne monnep lip. poppam
manegum men ip leoppe Saec he aep pelp jpelce aep he gepeo hip
' Cott. unpael])um. - Cott. }?apa. ^ Cott. piopan. * Cott. fpiop.
5 Cott. auhc. ^ Cott. Siniachej'. "^ Cott. aenne. « Cott. noht;.
» Cott. opmob. 10 Cott. rpsem. " Cott. -'^--an. 12 Cott. SiuuS^.
CHAP. X. EOETIIIUS. 29
truth accuse tliv fortune and thy happiness, as thou supposest,
on account of the false unhappiness which thou art suffering.
It is a deception when thou im;iginestthat thou art unhappy.
But if it has so much troubled thee and made thee sad, that
thou hast lost the false happiness ; then may I plainly tell
thee, that thou well knowest that thou hast still the i^reatest
part of thy felicities, which thou formerly hadst. Tell me
now, whether thou canst with justice complain of thy mis-
fortunes, as if thou hadst altoj^ether lost thy happiness, since
thou hast yet kept entire everything most precious, which
thou wast anxious about ? How canst thou, then, lament
the worse, and tlie more unworthy, when thou hast retained
the more desirable ? Thou knowest, however, that the orna-
ment of all mankind, and the greatest honour, yet lives ; that
is Sviiimachus, thy father-in-law. He is yet hale and sound,
and has enough of every good ; for I know that thou wouldest
not be unwilling to give thine own life for him, if thou wert
to see him in any difficulties. For the man is full of wisdom
and virtues, and sufficiently free, as yet, from all earthly fear.
He is very sorry for thy troubles, and for thy banishment.
How ! is not thy wife also living, the daughter of the same
Symmachus ? and she is very prudent, and very modest.
She has surpassed all otlier W'ives in virtue. All her excel-
lence I may sum up to thee in few words: that is, that she
is iu all Jier manners like her ftither. She now lives for thee,
thee alone : for she loves nothing else except thee. Of all
good she has enough in this present life, but she has despised
it all, beside thee alone. She renounces it all, because she
has not thee. Of this alone she feels the want. Because of
thy absence, everything which she has seems naught to her.
Therefore she is through love of thee, wasted, and almost
dead with tears and with grief. "What shall we say concern-
ing thy two sons, Vho are noblemen and counsellors; in
whom is manifest the ability and all the virtues of their
father, and of their grandfather, so far as young men may
most resemble old men ? Therefore I' wonder why thou
canst not understand, that thou art, as yet, very happy, since
thou still livest and art hale. This, indeed, is the greatest
possession of mortal men, that they live and are hale ; and
thou hast yet iu addition, all that I have already mentioned
30 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XI.
pip ■] hif beapn fpelcenbe,'. 3!c hpi tilafC^ fu Jjonne co
pepenne buton anbpeopce ; • Ne meahc ]?u nu gic pmpe pypbe
nauht oppican ne pm lip no gets&lan. ne eapc pu no eallunja
to nauhce gebon ppa ppa pu penpc. nip pe nu jic nan una-
bepenblic bpoc jetenge. poppam pe pm ancop^ ip git on eop-
pan paept. ^aet pint ^aealbopmen. ^e pe sep ymbe ppjiaecon. pa
pe ne Isetap geoptpupian be pip anbpeapban bpe. ~\ ept pma
agna tpeopa. ^j peo gobcunbe lupu. -3 pe tohopa. pa ppeo pe ne
laetap geoptpepan be pam ecan bpe. Da anbppopobe f unpote
CiOob ■] cpaep. Gala psepan pa ancjiap jpa tpume^ ~\ ppa puph-
punienbe ge pop Irobe ge pop populbe. ppa ppa pu pegpt. ponne
mihte pe micle py ep* jepolian ppa hpaet eappopnejja ppa up on
become, eall hie up pynca6 py leohtpan Sa hpile pe ])a ancpap^
paepte beop. ac pu miht peah ongicon hu pa mme^ pselpa anb
pe mm peop^pcipe hep pop populbe ip onceppeb ; •
CAPUT XL'
§ I. i)K anbppopobe pe pipbom ■] peo Hepceabpipnep 3 cpaep.
Ic pene peah f ic hpaet hpeganungep^ pe upahope op paepe un-
potneppe -3 pulneah gebpohte set 'Sam ilcan peopppcipe '6e pu
sep haepbept. buton pu git to pull py paep pe pe laapeb^ ip. f pe
pop py platige. Kc ic ne maeg abpeohan^ pme peopunga pop pam
lytlan pe pu poplupe. poppam pu pimle mib pope 3 mib un-
potneppe maenpt gip ])e aeniep piUan pana bip. 'Seah hic l5'tlep
hpaec pie. ppa paep aeppe on ^ip anbpeapban lipe. oppe lipa ip nu.
oSSe hpa pyjip get aeptep up on pippe populbe. f him nanpuht
piS hip pillan ne pie. ne lytlep ne micelep. Spipe neapepe pent^^
J ppi]?e heanlice'^ pa mennipcan gepaelpa. poppam opep tpega.
uoSe hie nssppe to nanum men ne becumap. oSSe hi paep
naeppe paeptlice ne puphpumap ppelca ppelce hi aep to coman.
£)aet ic pille hep be aeptan ppeotolop gepeccan. pe piton f
pume maegon habban aellep populb pelan genog.^^ ac hi habba^
feah pceame paep pelan. gip hi ne beoS ppa aeSele on gebypbum
ppa hi polbon ; • 8ume beop ppiSe aepele 3 pibcupe on heopa
gebypbum. ac hi beop mib paeble 3 mib henpe^^ opppycte 3
^ Boet. lib. ii. prosa 4. — Et ilia, Promovimvis, inquit, &c.
' Cott. ciolaj'C. 2 Cott. poppon bin ancep. ^ Bod. pume. * Cott.
le'S. 5 Cott, oncpap. ^ Cott. mma. ^ Cott. hpasc hpugunuTisep.
8 Cott. alypeb. ^ Cott. abpeosan. '<> Cott. neappapnc. ^- Cott.
heanhca/ ^^ Cott. "p monise habba^ a&lcep popolb pillan Senog. ^^ Cott.
haenpe.
§ I. BOETHIirS. 31
to thee. But I know that this is even more valuable than
man's life: for many a man would wish that he himself
should die, rather than behold his wife and children dying.
Why toilest thou then in weeping without a cause ? Thou
canst not yet blame thy fortune, nor upbraid thy life : nor
art thou altogether brought to naught, as thou thinkest.
No unbearable misery has yet befallen thee, for thine anchor
is still fast in the earth : that is, the noblemen whom we
before mentioned. They suffer thee not to despair of this
present life : and again, thine own faith, and the divine love
and hope ; these then suffer thee not to despair of the ever-
lasting life. Then answered the sorrowful Mind, and said :
O, that the anchors were so secure, and so permanent, both
for God, and for the world, as thou sayest ! then might we
the more easily bear whatsoever misfortunes come upon us.
They all seem the lighter to us, so long as the anchors are
fast. But thou may est, nevertheless, perceive how my felici-
ties, and my dignity here, in respect of the world, is changed.
CHAPTER XI.
§ I. Then answered Wisdom and Eeason, and said : I
think, however, that I have, in some measure, raised thee up
from this sorrow ; and almost brought thee to the same dig-
nity which thou before hadst. Only thou art yet too full of
what thou hast relinquished, and art therefore grieved. But
I cannot endure thy lam.entations for the little that thou
hast lost. For thou always, with weeping and with sorrow,
mournest, if there be to thee a lack of anything desired,
thougli it be of something little. Who was ever in this
preisent life, or who is now, or who shall be yet after us in
this world, to whom nothing against his will may happen,
either little or much ? Very narrow, and very worthless, are
human enjoyments : for eitlier they never come to a man, or
they never constantly remain there such as they first came.
This I will hereafter more clearly show. We know that
some may have enough of all worldly wealth ; but they have
nevertheless shame of the wealth, if they are not so noble in
birth as they wish. Some are very noble and eminent on
account of their birth, but they are oppressed and made sad
32 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XI.
gennpocfobe. f him paspe leofpe f hi paepan una&|?ele ponne
ppa eajime. gip hic on heopa anpealbe pa&pe ; • CICaneje beoj?
jjeah aajj^ep je full a&Jjele je pull pelije. 3 beoj? J^eah pull
unpoce. ]?onne hi opep cpeja o$6e pip habba]? him jemaec. o])])e
him gemece nabba]) ; • ^ GOanije habba]? jenoj jepaelihce^ je-
pipob. ac pop beapnlepce. eallne ])one pelan 5e hi jejabepija])
hi la&paS^ ppsembum co bpucamie. anb hi beoJ» poj)]>am un-
poce ; • Sume habbaS beapn jenoje. ac 6a beo]? hpilum unhale.
o]>pe ypele 3 unpeop]).^ oS5e hpaj?e ;5epapa]). f Sa elbpan pop-
]?am jnopnia]? ealle heopa populb ; • Foppam ne ma&j nan mon
on l>i]7e anbpeapban lipeeallunjajepab beon pi]? hip pypb'. J)eah
he nu nanpuhc eallep na&bbe ymbe co popjienne. -p him maeg
to popje. 'Seer he nac hpsec him copeapb bi|). hpae]?ep ])e 50b ]?e
ypel. ]?on ma ]7e ]?u pij-repc. ■j eac ])8ec -p he ])onne jepsellice
bpyc]). he onbpaeu f he pcS^e poplaecan. ISecgec me nu pumne
mann J)apa ]?e 6e jepa&lejojx |>ince. "j on hip pelppiUe py ppiJ)opc
jepicen. ic ]>e jepecce ppi]>e hpal)e f 6u onjicpc f he bi)) pop
ppi])e Kxlum j^mjum ope ppi]^e unjemeclice jebpepeb. jip him
aenij puhc bi5 pi]? hip pillan. o])])e pip hip jepunan. ]?eah hic nu
Kxlep hpaec peo bucon he co aelcum men maeje jebeacnian f
he ipne on^ hip pillan ; • p'unbpum lycel maej jebon pone
eallpa jepaehjepcan mon hep pop^ populbe. f he pen)> psec hip
jepaelpa pien o55e ppij>e jepanobe o66e mib ealle poplopene ; •
Du penpc nu f ]>u. peo ppipe unjersehj. ■j ic par -p manejum
men Suhre f he paepe co heoponum ahapen jip he aeni^ne"^ bsel
haepbe papa pmpa jepaalpa pe Su nu jec haeppc ; • ^ Eie pup-
pum peo pcop pe pu nu on hsepc eapc. 3 pu cpipc f pm ppaec-
pcop py heo ip pam monnum epel pe paep on jebopene paepan.
~\ eac pam 6e heopa pillum paep on eapbi jap ; • Ne nanpuhc
ne byS ypel. aep mon pene -p hic ypel ]-eo. -\ peah hic nu hepij
peo anb pipeppeapb. peah hic bip jepaelp gip hic mon lupclice
beS anb jeSvlbilice apisepnp ; • Feapa pienc Co pam jepceabpipe.
jip he pypp on unjepylbe. f he ne pilnije^ f hip paelpa peoppan
onpenbe> |7ip ppipe maenije bicepneppe ip jemenjeb peo
ppetnep pippe populbe. peah heo hpam pynpum^^ Synce. ne maej
he hie no habbaa'^ jip heo hine pleon onjmp ;• pu ne ip hic
paep ppipe ppeocol hu hpepplice pap populopaelpa pmc. nu hi ne
' Cott. nabba'S o5]?e him sems&c o'SJ>e semebe nabba'S. ^ Cott.
Sepaellice. ^ Bod. l8&-a5. ■* Bod. unrpeope. * Cott. Sebecnan ^
he lepne on. ^ Tott. on. "^ Bod. aenine. ® Cott. seha&jx. ^ BocL
hepilinge. ^° Cott. pynpuma. ^' Cott. sehabban.
§' r. BOETIIIUS. 3^
by indigence and poverty, so that it were more desirable to
them to be uuuoble, tlian so poor, if it were in their power.
Many are, indeed, both full noble and full wealthy, and are
nevertheless very unhappy, when they have either of these
things ; either when they have wives as yoke-fellows with
them, or have not yoke-fellows. Many have married happily
enough, but for want of children, they leave all the riches
which they amass to strangers to enjoy, and they are there-
fore unhappy. Some have children enough, but they are
sometimes unhealthy, or evil and worthless, or soon depart,
so that the parents therefore mourn all their life. Hence no
man can, in this present life, be altogether suited in respect
of his fortune. Though he have nothing at all to sorrow
about, this is able to make him sorrowful, that he knows not
what is about to happen to him, whether good or evil, any-
more than thou knewest ; and moreover he fears, that what
he then happily enjoys, he may lose. Show me now any man
of those who appear to thee the happiest, and who is most
distinguished for the enjoyment of his desires. I tell thee
at once, that thou mayest observe that he is often immo-
derately troubled for very trifling things: if anything hap-
pens to him against his will, or contrary to his custom,
though it be ever so little ; unless he may give his nod to
every man to run at his will. Wonderfully little can cause
the happiest man of all, here in respect of the world, that he
should think that his happiness is either much lessened, or
entirely lost. Thou now thinkest that thou art very miser-
able : and I know that to many a man, it would seem that
he were exalted to the heavens, if he had any part of thy
felicities, which thou hast still. Moreover, the place wherein
thou art now detained, and which thou callest thy place of
exile, is the country of the men who were born there, and
also of those who by their own will dwell there. Nothing
is evil, until a man thinks that it is evil : and though it be
now heavy and adverse, yet it will be happiness, if he acts
willingly, and patiently bears it. Scarcely any one is so pru-
dent when he is in impatience, as not to wish that his happi-
ness were destroyed. With very much bitterness is the *^
sweetness of this world mingled. Though it seem pleasant I
to any one, he will be unable to hold it, if it begin to fly J
-from him. Is it not, then, very evident, how inconstant
D
34 BOETHIUS. CHAP. Xt.
majon Sone eapman jepyllan. popl'am lie fimle pilna^ hpaej-
hpuju^ ])d&y ]?e lie ponne naepc. ne hie pam jepylbejum 3 ]>am
jemetpsepcum p imble ne puma]? ; •
§ 11/ Ppi pece je ))onne ymbucan eop ]7a ^ej-aelj^a '5e je on
innan eop^ habbaj) J)ujih J>a jobcunban mihc jepec : • 3!c ^e
nycon hpaec je bo|). ge pmc on jebpolan ; ♦ !S!c ic eop maej mib
feapum popbum jepecan^ hpaec pe hpop ip eallpa jepaeljja pij>
faep ic pac ]>u pile hijian pon a&p pe pu lime onjicept '^ ip ponne
50b ; • * ODihc pu nu onjican hpsepep pu aulic pe beoppypppe
habbe ponne '6e p}^lpne ; • Ic pene peah f pu pille cpepan f pu
nauhc beoppypppe nsebbe. Ic pac jip pu nu haepbe^ pullne
anpealb 'Smep pelpej-. Sonne haepbepc Su lipaec hpeja^ on pe
pelpum 'Sa&p pe 6u naeppe pmum pillum alsecan polbepc.^ ne peo
pypb pe on jeniman ne mihce ; • FopSam ic Se mjnbpje f
pu onjite 'Saecte nan jejselp nip on pippe anbpeapban lipe. Ac
onjec paec nauhc nip becepe on jJippe anbpeapbum lipe. ponne
peo jepceabpipnep. poppam pe heo puph nan Smg ne maeg pam
men lopian. pop py ij- becepe psec peoh paec ce naeppe lopian ne
maej. ponne f pe maej •] pceal. pu ne ip pe nu jenoh ppeocole
^epseb paec peo pypb pe ne maej nane gepselpa pellan. poppam
pe aejl^ep ip unpaepc ge peo pypb. je peo jepaelp. poppam pine
ppipe cebpe ~\ ppij>e hpeopenbe pap ^epaelpa ; • Ppaec aelc papa
pe pap populb jepselpa haepp. opep cpega oppe he pac paec he
him ppompeapbe beop. oSSe he hic nac. jip he hic ponne nac.
hpelce gepaelpa haepp he aec pam pelan. jip he bip ppa bypig ^
ppa unjepipp.^ 'f he paec pican ne m^j. gip he liic Sonne pac,
ponne onbpaec he him f heo lopian. -3 eac geapa pac f he hi
alaecan pceal. 8e pingala eje ne laec naenne^ mon jepaelijne
beon ; • dp ponne hpa ne jiecp hpaepep he pa jepaelSa haebbe.
pe he nabbe pe he Sonne haepp. hpaec )?aec Sonne beop pop lycla
paelpa. oSSe nane. paec mon ppa eape poplaecan maej ; • Ic pene
nu 'p ic })e haepbe aep genoj ppeocole gepehc be manejum
cacnum "^ ce monna papla jmc unbeaphce "j ece.^^ 3 "^ ^F S^^^5
ppeocol "p ce nanne mon Saep cpeojan ne peapp 'f eaUe men
jeenbiap on pam beape. "j eac heopa pelan. py ic punbpige hpi
men pien ppa unjepceabpipe *^ hie penan •p pip anbpeapbe lip
maeje fone monnan bon jepaelijne J^a hpile pe he leopaS. J)onne
* Boet. lib. ii. prosa 4. — Quid igitur, o mortales, &c.
» Bod. hpsec hpeg. 2 Cott. lop. ^ Cott. ^epeccan. ♦ Bod.
onsicpc )>e if J>one gob. * Bod. naepbef C. ^ Cott. hpuju. ^ Cott.
nolbep. ' Cott. unpif. * Bod. none. ^'^ Cott. unbeabhca ^ eca.
§11. BOETHIUS.
C)
worldly goods are; when they are not able to satisfy the
poor, inasmuch as he always desires something of that which
he has not ; neither do they always dwell with the patient
and moderate.
§ II. Why seek ye, then, around you the happiness which
ye have placed within you by the divine power ? But ye
know not what ye do : ye are in error. But I can, with few
words, show you what is the roof of all happiness : for which
I know thou wilt strive until thou obtainest it : this, then, is
good. Canst thou now discover whether thou hast anything
more precious to thee than thyself? I think, though, thou
wilt say that thou hast nothing more precious. I know, if
thou hadst full power of thyself, thou wouldest then have
something in thyself, which thou never, with thine own cor\--ytyAZ
sent, wouldest relinquish, nor could Fortune take it from.,^
thee. Therefore I advise thee, that thou learn, that there iS' "\
no happiness in this present life. But learn that nothing is ^
better in this present life than reason : because man cannot
by any means lose it. Therefore that wealth is better, which
never can be lost, than that which may, and shall be lost.
Is it not, now, clearly enough proved to thee, that Fortune
cannot give thee any happiness? because each is insecure,
both Fortune and happiness; for these goods are very frail,
and very perishable. Indeed, every one who possesses these
worldly goods, either knows that they are about to depart
from him, or he is ignorant of it. If, then, he is ignorant of
it, what happiness has he in riches, when he is so foolish, and
so unwise as to be ignorant of this ? But if he knows it, then
he dreads that they may be lost, and also is well aw^are that
he must leave them. Continual fear suffers not any man to
be happy. If then any man cares not whether he have that
wealth, which he may not have, even when he has it ; truly
that is for little happiness, or none, which a man may so
easily lose. I think, moreover, that I had formerly with
sufficient clearness taught thee by many arguments, that the
souls of men are immortal and eternal ; and it is so evident
that no man need doubt it, that all men end in death, and
also their riches. Therefore I wonder why men are so irra- ^
tional as to think that this present life can make man happy ^^
I whilst he lives, seeing that it cnnnot, after it is ended, make J^jf^
i>2 J^
36 BOETHirS. CHAP. XII. Xllf.
hit hjne ne ma&j s&pcep ])yf life eapmne^ jebon ;• Ppaec pe '^'
jepiflice piuon unpim ^apa monna ])e 6a ecan jej-aelSa pohcan
nailap •Suph f an faec hi pilnobon ^a&f hchomhcan beaSep. ac
eac manejpa paphcpa pica hie jepilnobon piS San ecan hpe. f
pa&pon ealle pa hahgan OOapcJTiap : •
CAPUT XII.*
D'K on^an pe f7ipbom ghopian. -j jeobbobe fup. ecte ])3et;
ppell mib leo])e. f he sep paebe "j cpaef. 8e J)e piUe paepc hup
timbpian. ne pceall he hic no petcan upon ]?one hehpcan cnol.
~} pe 'Se pille jobcunbne pipbom pecan, ne maej he hme pi]>
opepmerca. j epc pe J)e pille pa&pc hup cimbpian. ne pecce he hic
on ponbbeophap. Spa eac py ]?u p'lpbom timbpian pille. ne pete
•Su hme uppan jja jitpunja. popSam ppa ppa pijenbe ponb ])onne
pen ppylj]?. ppa ppylj]? peo jicpung ^a bpeopenban pelan ]?ippep
mibbanjeapbep. popSam hio hiopa pimle biS Suppteju. ne maej
hup naht lan^e ptanban on Sam hean munte. gip hit pull un-
jemetlic pmb jepcent. naept ]?set f te on Sam pigenban ponbe
ptent pop ppij)licum pene. ppa eac "p mennipce GDob biS un-
bepeten ;j apejeb op hip ptebe. J^onne hit pe pmb pcponjpa ge-
ppmca apcSqioS. oSSe pe pen unjemetlicep ^^mbhojan ; • 3lc pe
])e pille habban ]>3. ecan gepaelpa. he pceal pleon fone ppecnan
plite fipep mibbaneapbep. -] timbpian f hup GOobep on J)ara
pseptan ptane eaSmetta. popJ?am Se Epipt eapbaS on ])aepe bene
eabmobneppe, ■] on ])am gemynbe ]7ipbomep. pop])am pimle pe
pipa mon eall hip lip laet on gepean unonpenbenblice j oppoph.
]>onne he poppih]? aejSep je J?ap eop])lican 50b je eac ^a ypl^- 3
hopaj) to J)am topeapbam. f pint ]?a ecan. yojipann Se Irob.
hme jehelt sejihponan. pmgallice punienbe. on hip GOobep ^e-
pael})um. Seah J)e pe pmb. papa eappopa. "j peo pmjale jemen.
pipja populb pelpa. him onblape ; •
CAPUT XIII.«
DK pe f^ipbom pa •] peo Eepceabpipnep pip leoS pup apunjen
haepbon. Sa onjan he ept pecjan^ j-pell j pup cpaep. GOe Smcp
nu f pit mae^en pmealicop pppecan •j biojolpan popbum. pop-
pam ic onjite f mm lap hpaec hpuju mgaeS on pm onbgit. -]
* Boet. lib. ii. metrum 4. — Quisquis volet pererinem, &c.
o Boet. lib. ii. prosa 5. — Sed quoniam rationum, &c.
» Bod. eajim. ^ Cott. fecsean.
CHAP. XII. XIII. BOETHIUS. 37
him miserable. But we certainly know of innumerable men
who have sought eternal happiness, not by this alone,' that
they chose the bodily death, but they also willingly submitted^
to many grievous torments on account of the eternal life :
those were all the holy martyrs.
CHAPTEE XII. to» J d^ U^<^
Then began Wisdom to sing, and sung thus, — 7ie prolonged
with verse the speech that he before made, and said : He who
will build a firm house, must not set it upon the highest hill ;
and he who will seek heavenly wisdom, must not seek it with
arrogance. And, again, he who is desirous to build a firm
house, should not set it on sand-hills. So also if thou art
desirous to build wisdom, set it not on avarice. For as
thirsty sand swallows the rain, so avarice swallows the
perishable riches of this middle-earth, because it is always
thirsty after them. A house cannot long stand on the high
mountain, if a very violent wind press on it ; nor has it that
which may stand on the thirsty sand for excessive rain. Xh^^s
also the human mind is subverted, and moved from its place,
when the wind of strong afflictions agitate it, or the rain of
immoderate care. But he who wishes to have eternal happi-
ness, should fly from the dangerous splendour of this middle-
earth, and build the house of his mind on the firm rock of
humility. For Christ dwells in the vale of humility, and in
the mind of wisdom. Therefore the wise man ever leads all
his life in joy, unchangeable and secure, when he despises
both these earthly goods, and also the evils ; and hopes for
the future, which are eternal. For God preserves him every-
where, perpetually dwelling in the enjoyments of his mind:
though the wind of troubles, and the continual care of these
worldly goods, blow upon him.
CHAPTEE XIII.
"When "Wisdom and Eeason had thus sung this lay, then
"began he again to make a speech, and thus said: Methiuks
that we may now argue more closely, and with profounder
words; for I perceive that my doctrine, in some degree,
_i_ 6 JLliOO
38 BOExaius. CHAP. xiii.
)7U ^enoli pel unbepftenft f ic ]>e to fppece. Ee^enc nu hpaet
finej- ajnef ]'eo ealjia fiffa populb sehca ■] pelena. o^6e hpa&c
J>u )?aep on aje unanbejigilbej'. jip ]>u him pceabpij-lice^ aepcep-
j'pypaic. Ppaec hsepfC ^u a&c J>am Jipum ])e ^u cpifc f jeo pyjib
eop jipe. anb aet )}am pelum.^ 6eah hi nu ece paejion. Seje^ me
nu hpae]7ep pe pm pela ^mep pancep ppa beope peo pe pop hip
ajenpe gec^nbe. hpaepep ic '8e pecje peah f hit ip op hip ajenpe
jecynbe nap op pmpe. jip hit ponne hip ajenpe jecSnbe ip nap
op ^mpe. hpi eapt ^u ponne a py betepa pop hip gobe.* Seje
me nu hpaec hip pe beopapt^ pmce. hpsepep pe jolb pe hpset ic
pat peah ^olb. 'Kc feah hit nu job^ peo ^ beope/ peah bip
hhpeabijpa ■] leoppenbpa pe Se hit pelp. tSonne pe pe hit jabepap
■] on oppum peapap. je eac pa pelan beop hhpeabijpan -)
leoptaelpan ponne ponne hie mon pelp. ponne hie beon ponne
hi mon ^abpap ~] healt.^ Ppaet peo jicpun^ S^^^J^ heope jit-
pepap lape sejpep je Irobe je monnum. '^ pa cypta gebop pa
pimle leop taele ~] hlipeabije -^ peoppe seji'ep je liobe je mon-
num Se hie lupiap. Nu "j^'peoh ponne sejfeji ne mseg beon ^e
mib fam ^e hit pel6 ^e mib pam pe hit nimp.^ nu ir poppaem
aslc peoh betepe -} beoppypppe jepealb ponne jehealben. Irip nu
eall pipep mibbaneapbep pela come to anum men. hu ne paepon
ponne ealle o))pe men paeblan but an anum.^*^ Irenoh ppeotol
^a&z ip. f te job popb j 50b hhpa aelcep monnep bip betepa -\
beoppa.^^ ponne senij pela. hpset f popb S^pyl)^ eallpa^^ papa
eapan pe hit jehepj). "j ne bip ))eah noSylaeppe mib pam pehit
pppic)?. hip heoptan biejeineppe hit jeopenaS.^^ "3 paep oSpep
heoptan belocene^^ hit puphpaepp. ■;] on pam paepelbe paep be-
tpyx ne bi6 hit no gepanob. ne maeg hit mon mib ppeopbe
opplean. ne mib pape jebmban. ne hit naeppe ne acpilS. Kc pa
eoppe pelan. peah hi ealne pej eoppe pm.^^ ne pincj> eop no py
papop^^ heopa jenoh. j peah je hie ponne oppum monnum
pellan ne majon. ge no pe ma mib pam heopa paeble "^ heopa
jitpunje jepyllan. 'Seah pu hie pmale^^ tobaele ppa bupc. ne
miht pu J)eah ealle men emlice^* mib jehealban. 3 6onne pu
ealle jebaelbe haeppt. ponne bipt ^u 'Se pelp paebla. 8int paet
pepihce^^ pelan ]>ippep mibbanjeapbep. Sonne hi nan mon puUice
habban ne maej. ne hie nanne mon jepelijian ne majon. buton
» Cott. sepceabpiplice. 2 Cott. pelan. 3 Cott. 8»se. * Cott. goobe.
5 Cott. biopupr. « Bod. golb. ' Cott. biope. « Cott. hilc. » Cott. mon
pel'5. »•> Cott. buton him anum. " Cott. bioppa. ^2 Cott. selcef.
13 Bod. ibelneppe hit opena'5. " Cott. belocena. ^^ Cott. mib eop pen.
16 Cott. hpa]jop. " Cott. ppa pmeahce. 1* Cott. emnhce. ^^ Cott. pepehce.
CHAP. XIII. BOETHIUS. 39
enters into thy mind, and thou understandest well enough
wliat I say unto thee. Consider, now, what is thine own of
all these worldly possessions and riches ; or what of great
price thou hast therein, if thou rationally examinest it.
"What hast thou from the gifts and from the riches, which
thou sayest fortune gives you, even though they were eternal ?
Tell me now, whether in thy judgment, this thy wealth, is so
precious to thee from its own nature. But I say to thee
that it is from its own nature, not from thine. If it, then,
is from its own nature and not from thine, why art thou ever
the better for its good ? Tell me what of it seems to thee
most precious: whether gold, or what? I know, however,
gold. But though it be good and precious, yet will he be
more celebrated and more beloved, who gives it, than he who
gathers, and takes it from others. Eiches, also, are more
honourable, and more estimable when any one gives them^,
than they are when he gathers and keeps them. Covetous-
ness, indeed, makes misers loathsome both to God and to men :"
and liberality always makes them estimable, and famous,'and
worthy, both to God and to the men whom they befriend.
Since, then, wealth cannot be both with those who give it,
and with those who receive it ; all wealth is therefore better
and more precious given than held. If even all the wealth
of this middle-earth should come to one man, would not all
other men be poor, except one? It is sufficiently evident
that the good word and good fame of every man is better and
more precious than any wealth : for this word fills the ears of
all those who hear it, and yet is not the less with him who
speaks it. His heart's recess it opens, and the locked heart
of another it penetrates, and in the way between them it is
not lessened, nor can any one with sword slay it, nor with
rope bind, nor does it ever perish. But these your riches, if
they were always yours, there does not the sooner seem to you
enough of them ; and if ye may not give them to other men,
ye never the more therewith satisfy their want and their de-
sire. Though thou divide them as small as dust, yet thou
canst not satisfy all men equally : and when thou hast divided
all, thou wilt tLen be poor thyself. Are the riches of this
middle-earth worthy of a maa when uo one can fully have
40 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XIV.
hie o]?epne ^ifeon to paeblan. Pp8&])e]i^ nu jimma plice eoppe
eajan co him jetio. heopa to punbpianne. ppa ic pat f hie^
boJ>. hpaet peo^ buju'S ponne J^aep phtep ]?e on ))am^ jimmum
bi^, bi|) heopa naep eoppe.^ py ic eom ppi]?e unjemethce
oppunbpob hpi eop ]?mce ]>8epe unjepceabpipan jepceapte job^
becepe J^onne eopep agen 50b. hpi ge ppa unjemethce punbpijen
)>apa jimma. oS6e senigep papa beabhcena Siiija Se jerceab-
pipneppe naepj), pop^am hie mib nanum pyhte ne majon jeeap-
nigan f je heopa punbpijen. J^eah hie tobep jepceapta pien. ne
pint hi no pi]> eop to mecanne. poppam J)e o'Sep tpega oppe hit
nan 50b nip pop eop pelpe. o^Se peah pop lytel 50b pip eop to
metanne. to ppi]?e pe hepepiap'^ up pelpe. ))onne pe mape f
lupia])^ ^ J»e unbep up ip on upum^ anpealbe. ponne up pelpe.
o5^e Sone Dpihten ^e up jepceop. "3 up ealle '8a 50b popgeap.
Ppsepep 'Se nu licigen^'^ paegepu lonb ; •
CAPUT XIY.'
§ I. D'K anbppopobe f GDob pa&pe Hrepceabpipneppe "] cpa&'S.
Ppi ne pceolbe me lician paejep lanb. hu ne ip pset pe paejepepta
bsel Hobep jepceapta. je pull opt pe paejniap^^ pmyltpe pas. 3
eac punbpiap Ipsey plitep paepe punnan anb pae]- monan •] eallpa
)}apa pteoppena. Da anbppopobe pe pipbom anb peo liepceab-
pipnep pam ClOobe j puf cpaep, Ppaet belimpp J)e heopa paejep-
neppe.^^ hpaepep^^ ^u buppe jilpan ^ heopa paegepnep pm pie.
nepe nepe. hu ne papt pu f pu heopa nanne ne gepophtept.^* ac
jip Su jilpan pille. gilp Irobep. Ppaepep J>u nu paejeppa blopt-
ma&na pa&jnije on eaptpan ppelce pu hie gepcope. hpaepep pu nu
ppelcep auht pjqican maeje, o66e jepophtep habbe. nepe nepe.
ne bo pu ppa.^^ hpaepep hit nu '5m ep jepealbep pie f pe haep-
pept pie ppa pelij on paeptmum. hu ne pat ic f hit ip no fmep
gepealbep. Ppi eapt ]?u Sonne onaeleb mib ppa ibele jepean. oSSe
hpi lupapt Su pa ppemban 50b ppa unjemethce. ppelce hi pien
))in ajnu.^^ j7enpt pu maeje peo pypb ])e jebon ])aet pa pmj 'Sine
ajene^'^ pien pa pe heopa a^ene^^ jecynb pe jebybon^^ ppembe.
nepe nepe. nip hit no pe jecynbe f te pu hi age. ne him nip
jebypbe f hi Se polgien. ac pa heopencunban Jjinj pe pmt^^ je-
^ Boet. lib. ii. prosa 5. — Quid ni? Est enim, &c.
1 Bod. )i]is&p. 2 Cott. hi. 3 Cott. po. " Cott. >a&m. s Cott. eopep.
6 Cott. sob peb. ' Cott. heppatS. « Cott. f ma lupaS. ^ Cott. uppum.
10 Cott. hcien. " Cott. psegenia'S. 12 Cott. co hiopa paegepneppa. 1^ Bod.
hpaep. ** Cott. nan ne pophtepr. '^ Cott. no ppa. ^'^ Bod. pen pme
gee nu. " Cott. agniu 1* Cott. agnu. i^ Bod. Sebon. 20 Cott. penban.
§ I. BOETHIITS. 41
tliem? nor can they enrich any man, unless fhey bring
another to poverty. Does the beauty of gems attract your
eyes to them, to wonder at them ? 1 know that they do so.
But the excellence of the beauty which is in gems is theirs,
not yours. "Wherefore I am excessively astonished why the
good of the irrational creature seems to you better than your
own good: why ye so immoderately admire gems, or any of
the insensible things which have not reason : for they with
no justice can deserve that ye should admire them. Though
they are God's creatures, they are not to be compared with
you. For either it is no good for yourselves, or at least for
little good, compared with you. We too much despise our-
selves when we love that which is beneath us, in our own
power, more than ourselves, or the Lord who made us, and
gave us all good things. Do fair lands delight thee ?
CHAPTEE XIV.
§ I. Then answered the Mind to Eeason, and said : "Why
should not fair land delight me ? Is not that the fairest part
of God's creatures ? Full often we rejoice at the serene sea,
and also admire the beauty of the sun, and of the moon, and
of all the stars. Then answered Wisdom and Eeason to the
Mind, and thus said : What belongs to thee of their fairness ?
Darest thou to boast that their fairness is thine ? No, no.
Dost thou not know that thou madest none of them ? But
if thou wilt glory, glory in God. Dost thou rejoice in the
fair blossoms of Easter, as if thou madest them ? Canst thou
then make anything of this kind, or hast thou any part in the
work ? No, no. Do not thou so. Is it through thy power
that the harvest is so rich in fruits ? Do not 1 know that it
is not through thy power ? Why art thou then inflamed with
such vain glory ? or why lovest thou external goods so im-
moderately, as if they w^ere thy own ? Thinkest thou that
fortune can cause to thee, that those things should be thy
own, which their own natures have made foreign to thee ?
No, no. It is not natural to thee that thou shouldest pos-
sess them ; nor is it their nature, that they should follow thee.
But heavenly things are natural to thee, not these earthly.
42 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XIV.
cynbe. nsef ^aey eop))lican. Daj* eoji)7lican paeftmaf pnt ^efcea-
pene necenum^ to anblipene. ~\ ]>a populb pelan pync jep ceapene
to bifpice ]?am monnum ]>e beoj? neatenum^ jelice. '^ beo]? un-
pihtpipe ^ ungemetfaepte. to ])am hi eac becuma]) optopt. Urip
]?u f»onne Saet gemet habban pille. -\ Sa nyb ]?eappe pitan pille.
j?onne ip J)8&t mete ■] bpync 3 cla]?ap anb tol to ppelcum
cpeepte ppelce pu cunne f Se ip jecynbe 3 ^ 'Se ip piht to
habbenne. Ppelc ppemu ip ^e -f ]>3&l fu pilnije ])ippa anbpeap-
bena gepaelpa opep jemet. Jjonne hie na^ep^ ne majon ne J)in
jehelpan. ne heopa pelppa. On ppij>e lytlon hiepa ha&pp j-eo je-
cynb jenoj. on ppa miclum heo haep]) genoj ppa pe sep pppsecon.
Urip ]?u heope mape pelept. o|>ep tpeja ot58e hit j)e bepa]). oS5e
hit pe ]7eah unpynpum bi)>. o'SSe unjetepe.* o^Se ppecenhc call
f pu nu opep jemet bept. dp pu nu opep ^emet itpt. o]?)>e
bpincpt. oSSe clapa pe ma on ha&ppt* ponne pu puppe. peo
opepmj^ pe pup]) oppe to pape. oSSe to plaettan. oppe to un-
jepipenum. oppe to pho. Ijip pu nu penpt f te punbophce
jepela'^ hpelc peop]?mynb pie. 'Sonne telle ic pa peoppmynb
paem^ pyphcan pe hie pophte. naep na pe.^ pe pyphta ip Hob.
pa&p cpaept ic |)aep hepi^e on. f^enpt pu pg&t peo menjio pmpa
monna pe ma&je bon jeps&lijne. nepe nepe. ac jip hie ypele pint
•Sonne pint hie ]>e pleolicpan "3 geppicnepulpan ^e haepb ponne je
naepb.i^ poppam ypele fejnap beoj) pymle heopa hlapopbep pienb.
Erip hi ponne jobe beop 3 hlapopb holbe 3 untpipealbe hu ne
beop f ponne heopa ^obep. na&p ]>inep. hu miht pu ponne pe
ajnian heopa 50b. jip pu nu J^aep Jilppc hu ne ^ilppt j)u ponne
heopa jobep. naep pinep ; •
§ 11."^ Nu pe ip jenoh openlice jecypeb pa&t te nan papa
joba pm nip. pe pe a&p ymbe pppa&con. 3 pu teohhobejt*^ f hi
pine beon pceolban. Dip J>onne pippe populbe plite 3 pela to
pilnienne nip. hpaet mupcnapt pu ponne aeptep pam pe pu pop-
lupe. oSSe to hpon pajnapt Su faep pe pu sep hsepbept.^^ jip hit
pa&jep ip. f ip op heopa ajnum jecynbe. naep op Smum. heopa
pa&^ep hit ip. naep ])in. hpaet paejnapt^^ pu ponne heopa paejepep.
hpaet belimpp hip to pe. ne ]?u hit ne jepceope. ne hi pme ajene
ne pent. Dip hi nu jobe pint 3 pse^epe. ponne paepon hi ppa je-
'^ Boet. lib. ii. prosa 5. — Ex quibus omnibus, &q.
> Cott. nycenum. « Cott. bio's neatum. » Cott. napj^ep. * Cott.
unsecaej-e. * Cott. cla>e ma on hehf c. « Cott. jno oj-epmc. '' Cott.
gesejiela. « Bod. )>a. ^ Cott. nealler t>e. ^^ Cott. anb lytige >onne
j-int hi pe pliohcpan ■) sej-pincjrulpan hsejrb J>onne nsejrb. " Cott. tioh-
hobej-. »2 Cott. >»p hKjrrt. " Bod. jasnap.
§ II. BOETHIUS. 43
These earthly fruits are created for the food of cattle ; ^nd,
worldly riches are created for a snare to those men who are
like cattle, that is, vicious and intemperate. To those, more-
over, they come oftenest. But if thou wouldest have the
measure, and wouldest know what is needful ; then is it,
meat and drink, and clothes, and tools for such craft as thou
knowest, which is natural to thee, and which is right for thee
to possess. What advantage is it to thee, that thou shouldest
desire these present goods beyond measure, when they can
neither help thee nor themselves ? With very little of them
nature has enough. With so much she has enough, as we
before mentioned. If thou givest her more, either it hurts
thee, or it at least is unpleasant to thee, or inconvenient, or
dangerous, — all that thou dost beyond measure. If thou
beyond measure eatest, or drinkest, or hast more clothes on
thee, than thou needest, the su perflu ity becomes to thee
either pain, or loathing, or inconvenience, or danger. If
thou thinkest that wonderful apparel is any honour, then
ascribe I the honour to the artificer who made it, not to thee.
The artificer is God, whose skill I therein praise. Thinkest
thou that the multitude of thy men can make thee happy ?
No, no. But if they are wicked and deceitful, then are they
more dangerous, and more troublesome to thee, had, than
not had: for wicked thanes are always their lord's enemies.
But if they are good and faithful to their lord, and sincere,
is not that, then, their good, not thine ? How canst thou,
then, appropriate to thyself their good ? If thou boastest
of it, dost thou not boast of their good, not of thine ?
§ II. It is now plainly enough shown to thee that none of
those goods is thine which we have already spoken about, and
thou didst think should be thine. If, then, the beauty and
wealth of this world is not to be desired, why dost thou re-
pine on account of what thou hast lost ? or wherefore dost
thou long for what thou formerly hadst ? If it is fair, that
is of their own nature, not of thine : it is their fairness, not
thine. Why then dost thou delight in their fairness? what
of it belongs to thee ? Thou didst not make it, nor are they
thine own. If they are good and fair, then were they so
made} and such they would be, though thou never hadst
M EOETHIUS. CHAP. XIV.
fceapene. "^ yya&lce hi polban beon |)eali pu hi nseppe nahtefC.
J7en}x ^u f hi a])e beoppypppan peon.^ pe hi to ]>mpe note je-
laenbe paepon. Ac popj^am jje heopa bypije men papia]?. ■3) hi
him J)mcaJ) beope. poppam J>u hi jabepapc "] heltpt on pmum
hopbe. ppaet pilnapt Jiuponne f puhaebbe set ppelcepe jepsehj-
neppe.^ liehep^ me nu ic hit Se pecge. nseppt '5u )?8ep nauht aet
buton f ]>n tilapt* paeble to phonne. "3 pop ];y ^aebepapt mape
ponne ]?u ]>uppe.^ Ac ic pat 'Seah ppi]?e geape. f te eall f ic hep
pppece ip pi]? pmum pillan. Ac eoppa jepaelj^a ne pint no f ge
pena]? pset hi pi en. poppam pe pe micel meppe^ ~] miphc ajan
pile, he be]?eapp eac miclep pultumep. 8e ealba cpibe ip ppipe poj?
]?e mon ^epypn cpae]?. paet te pa"^ miclep beJ>uppon. pe micel
agan piUa]). ^ pa pupponppi]?elytlep. ])e mapan ne pillniaj) ]?onne
jenojep. butan he pilnijen mib opepmge hiopa jitpunja ge-
pyllan. f hi nseppe ne jebof. Ic pat f ge penaj) ]?aet je nan
gecunbehce® 50b ne 5ep8el})a on mnan eop pelpum nabba]).^ pop-
})am ge hi peca]? butan eop to ppembum ^epceaptum. ppa hit ip
miphpeoppeb f Jjsem men ^mc]?. ])eah he pe jobcunblice je-
pceabpip. f he on him pelpum neebbe p8el]?a genome, buton he
mape ^ejabepije ]japa ungepceabpipena jepcepta )?onne he
bejmppe. o'66e him gemetlic peo. ■^ ])a unjepceabpipan neotena^^
ne pilniaj? nanep oj^pep peop.^^ ac pmc]? him ^enoj on pam ]?e hi
bmnan heopa segenpe hybe habbap to eacan J?am pobpe )>e him
jecynbehc bip. ppaet '^e ponne peah hpaethpeja jobcunblicep
on eopeppe ]aule habba]?. J^set ip anbjit. 3 jemynb. anb pe ^e-
pceabpiplica pilla f hme })apa tpeja lypte. pe Ipe j^onne ])ap 'Speo
haep]>. ^onne haepp he hip pceoppenbep onhciieppe ppa pop]? ppa
ppa aenegu gepceapt pypmept^^ msej hiepe pceppenbep onlicneppe
habban. Ac ge peca^ ]?8epe hean gecynbe jepselpa anb heojie
peopjjpcipe to pam nipejilicum "3 to ^am hpeopenblicum^^ pin-
jum. Ac ^e ne onjitaS hu micelne teonan je bo]? Urobe eoppum
pceppenbe. poppam ]>e he polbe paet te ealle men pa&pan ealpa
oppa^^ jepceapta pealbanbap. Ac je unbeppioba]? eoppe hehptan
mebemneppe unbep ])aeallpa nypemeptan jepceapta. '^ mib pam
je habbap gecypeb f te aeptep eoppum ajnum bome ^e bop
eop pelpe pyppan ponne eoppe ajne^^ aehta. nu je pena]? '^ eoppe
nauht^^ pelan pien eopjia 5ep8el]?a. "j teohhiap f eall eoppe
* Cott. aj?y beopjian pen. 2 'Bo± gelicne^fe. ^ Bod. t^elep. * Cott.
tiolaj-C. 5 Cott. I'ypre. ^ Cott. inniepjre. ' Bod. Ip ha pe. ^ Cott. gecyn-
belic. 9 Cott. ns&bben. ^^ Cott. neac. " Cott. pof. 12 jjod. j-upeme^c.
>3 Bod. hpeopenbum. " Cott. o>eppa. ^^ Cott. eoj^jia agna. ^^ Cott. nohc
§ II. BOETHIUS. 45
them. Thinkest thou that they are ever the more precious,
because they were lent for thy use ? But, because foolish
men admire them, and they to them seem precious, therefore
thou gatherest and keepest them in thy hoard. How then
dost thou hope to have happiness from anything of this sort ?
Believe me now, I say it unto thee, thou hast nought there-
from, except that thou toilest to avoid poverty, and therefore
gatherest more than thou needest. But nevertheless I very
well know, that all which I here speak, is contrary to thy
will. But your goods are not what ye think they are : for
he who desires to have much and various provision, needs
also much help. The old saying is very true, which men for-
merly said ; that those need much, who desire to possess
much, and those need very little, who do not desire more
than enough. But they hope by means of superfluity to
satisfy their greediness; which they never do. I wot that
ye think ye have no natural good or happiness within your-
selves, because ye seek them without you, from external
creatures. So is it perverted, that man, though he is divinely
rational, thinks that he has not happiness enough in himself,
unless he collects more of irrational creatures than he has
need of, or than is suitable for him : whilst the irrational
cattle are desirous of no other wealth, but think that suffi-
cient for them, which they have within their own skin, in
addition to the fodder which is natural to them. Whatsoever,"!
then, though little, ye have of divine in your soul, is the un- ]
derstanding, and memory, and the rational will which delights
in them both. He therefore who has these three, has his
maker's likeness, as much as any creature can at all have its'"
maker's likeness. But ye seek the happiness of the exalted
nature, and its dignity, from low and perishable things. But
ye understand not how great injury ye do to God your creator.
For he would that all men should be governors of all other
creatures. But ye degrade your highest dignity below the
meanest creatures of all: and thereby ye have shown that,
according to your own judgment, ye make yourselves worse
than your own possessions, now ye think that your false
riches are your happiness, and are persuaded that all your
46 BOETniTJS. CHAP. XIV.
populb 50b fien asppan^ je feljre. fpa hit eac pyjip J)onne ge
fpa pillap ; •
§ III.^ Daef mennipcan lifer gecynb if "p hi t5y anan j-eon^
bepopan eallum o|>pum jej-ceaptum. ^y hi hie pelpe onjiton
hpa&t hie penb.^ "^ hponan hi penb.* ^ J)i hi j'enb^ pypjan f onne
nytenu. ]>y hi nellaj> pitan hps&c hi jint. o6Se hponan hi pmc.
Dam neacum ip jecynbe ^ hi nycon hpaec hi penb.^ Ac "p ip
papa monna unfeap ]?£et hi nycon hpa&c hie pien. Nu |?e ip
ppij?e ppeocol ]>2&t je beo]? on jebpolan. ponne ge penap f senig
ma&5 mib ppaembum pelum beon jepeoppob. Ijip hpa nu bip
mib hpelcum pelum gepeoppob 3 mib hpelcum beoppyppum
aehtum gejypepob.'^ hu ne belimpp pe peopippcipe ponne Co pam
pe hme jepeopSaS. paec ip Co hejiianne hpene pihchcop. Ne
■Ssec ne beoS on py psegeppe paec mib ellep hpam jepenob bip.
peah pa gepenu psegpu pien, pe hic mib jejienob biS. jip hic aep
pceonblic ya&y. ne bip hiC on py psejeppe. j7ice pu poppop f
nan 50b ne bepap pam pe hic ah. ppaec 'Su papc nu f ic pe ne
leoje. -) eac papc paec pa pelan ope bepiap pam pe hie ajan on
manegum pmgum. ■] on pam ppipopc paec ce men peojipa'S ppa
upahapene pop pam pelan. f ope pe eallpa pyppepca 3 pe eallpa
unpeojipepca mon penp f he pie eallep paep pelan pj^jipe '5e on
pippe populbe ip. jip he pipce® hu he him cocuman mihce. 8e pe
micele pelan haepp. he him onbpaec monigne peonb.^ jip he
nane aehca naepbe. ne poppce he him nanne^° onbpaebon. Dip
pu nu paepe pegpepenbe. 3 haepbepc micel golb on pe. "3 pu
ponne become on peop pceole.'^ ponne ne penbepc pu pe ^inep
peopep. jip Su ponne ppelcep nanpuhc naepbepc. ponne ne popp-
cepc 6u Se nanpuhc onbpaeban. ac meahcepc pe gan pinjenbe
pone ealban cpibe pe mon ^epypn panj. paec pe nacoba pej-
pepenb him nanpuhc ne onbpebe. ponne '5u 'Sonne oppopg
paepe. 3 ^a peopap Se ppom gepicen paepon. ponne mihcepc pu
bipmepian pap anbpeapban pelan. j mihcejC cpepan. Gala f hic
ip 50b J pynpum f mon micelne pelan aje.^^ nu pe naeppe ne
pypp oppopj Se hme unbeppehp : •
* Boet. lib. ii. prosa 5. — Humange quippe naturae, &c.
1 Cott. bioppan. ^ Cott. pie. ' Cott. pien. * Cott. pen. « Cott. puic.
« Cott. pen. 7 Cott. jeapob. * Cott. pippe. » Cott. pynb. »» Cott.
nwnne. " Cott. >iof pcole. " Cott. h«bbe.
§ III. BOETHIUS. 47
worldly goods are superior to yourselves. So indeed it is,
when ye so will !
§ III. It is the condition of the life of men, that they then
only are before all other creatures, when they themselves know
what they are, and whence they are : and they are worse than
cattle, when they will not know what they are, or whence they
are. It is the nature of cattle that they know not what they
are ; but it is a fault in men, that they know not what they
are. It is therefore very plain to thee, that ye are in error,
when ye think that any one can be made honourable by ex-
ternal riches. If any one is made honourable witli any riches,
and endowed with any valuable possessions, does not the
honour then belong to that which makes him honourable ?
Tiiat is to be praised somewhat more rightly. That which is
adorned with anything else, is not therefore fairer, though
the ornaments be fair, with which it is adorned. If it beforg^
was vile, it is not on that account fairer. Know thou, as-
suredly, that no good hurts him who possesses it. Thou
knowest that I lie not to thee, and also knowest that riches
often hurt those who possess them, in many things : and in
this chiefly, that men become so lifted up on account of riches,
that frequently the worst man of all, and the most unworthy
of all, thinks that he is deserving of all the wealth which is
in this world, if he knew how he might arrive at it. He who
has great riches, dreads many an enemy. If he had no pos-
sessions, he would not need to dread any.fj If thou wert
travelling, and hadst much gold about thee, and thou then
shouldest meet with a gang of thieves, then wouldest not
thou be anxious for thy life ? If thou hadst nothing of this
kind, then thou wouldest not need to dread anything, but
mightest go singing the old adage which men formerly sung,
that the naked traveller fears nothing. When thou then wert
safe, and the thieves were departed from thee, then uiightest
thou scoff at these present riches, and mightest say, 0, how
good and pleasant it is, that any one should possess great
wealth, since he who obtains it is never secure !
48 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XT. XVI.
CAPUT XY7
DK yeo Cefceabpifnej- ^a ))if ppell afsebhsefbe. ]7a on^an heo
finjan 3 puj- cpaej). Gala hu gepaelig jeo fopme elb paj- J>i]*ef
mibban geapbef . })a selcum men J)uht;e genoj on Jjaape eop]>an
paefcmum. Naepon ]?a peli^e hamap. ne mipdice ppocmeccap.
ne bpmcap. ne bioppyp|?pa hpae^la hi ne gipnban. pop))am hi ]>a
jic na&pan. ne hio nanpuhc ne gejapon. ne ne gehepbon. Ne
jembon hie nanep pypenluj'Cep. bucon ppi]?e gemechce ]>a je-
cynb beeoban. ealne pe^ hi secon sene on bseg. anb f paep co
sepennep. Tpeopa pa&pcmap hi a&con "j pypca. nallep pcip pm hi
ne bpuncan. ne nanne paecan hi ne cu]?on pit> hunije men^an.
ne peolocenpa hpae^la mib mipthcum bleopum hi ne ^imbon.
6alne peg hi plepon uce on tpiopa pceabum. hluteppa pella
paecep hi bpuncon. ne jepeah nan cepa ealanb. ne pepo]^. ne
gehepbe non mon ]?a jec nanne pciphepe. ne pupjjon ymbe nan
jepeohc pppecan. ne peo eopJ>e J)a jec bepmicen mib opplejenep
monnep blobe. ne mon pup^um jepunbob. ne monn ne gepeah
■Sa get ypel piUenbe men. naenne peopj^pcipe nsepbon. ne hi non
mon ne lupube. Gala f upe tiba nu ne mihtan peop^an ppilce.
Ac nu manna ^icpung ip ppa bypnenbe. ppa f pyp on ))8epe
helle. peo ip on pam munte ^e ^cne hatte. on ]?am lejlanbe
]>e 8icilia hacce. pe munt bi^ pimle ppeple bipnenbe. 3 ealla J?a
neah pcopa fsep ymbutan popba&pn^. Gala hpaec pe popma
jicpepe psepe. Ipe aspepc )>a eopfan onjan belpan aepcep ^olbe.
■J s&pcep jimmum. "3 pa ppecnan beoppupfneppa punbe 'Se a&p
behyb ya^y 3 behelob mib Saepe eop])an ;•
CAPUT XVI.^
§ I. J)X pe J7ipbom ]>3. ]?ip leo5 apun^en haepbe. ]?a onjan he
epc ppellian -3 ]>uy cysa]>. Ppaec maeg ic '8e nu mape pecjan be
pam peop|)pcipe "j be San anpealbe |>ippe populbe. pop ]>am
anpealbe ge eop polbon ahebban up oS Sone heopen. ^ip ■^e
mihton.^' f ip popJ?am lye ge ne jemunon ne eac ne onjiCaS
}>Dne heoponcunban anpealb 3 ]?one peojijjpcipe pe ip eopeji ajen.
•3 ]?onan ge comon.^ hpaec pe eopep pela J)onne ~] pe eopeji
anpealb lye ge nu peop}>pcipe hataS. gip he becym]? Co )>am
eallpa pyppeptan men. ~\ to Sam lye hip ealpa unpeop]?opc hip.
ppa he nu bybe to ]?ip ilcan Deobpice. "3 eac^ aep to Nepone
y Boet. lib. ii. metrum 5. — Felix nimium prior astas, &c.
* Boet. lib. ii. prosa 6. — Quid autem de dignitatibus, &c.
* Cott. meahcen. 2 Jjod. noman. ^ Cott. lu.
BOETHIUS. 49
CHAPTER XV.
"When Eeason had made this speech, she began to sing,
and thus said : O, how happy was the first age of this middle-
earth, when to every man there seemed enough in the fruits
of the earth ! There were not then splendid houses, nor
various sweetmeats nor drinks ; nor were they desirous of
costly apparel, for they as yet were not, nor did they see or
hear anything of them. They cared not for any luxury, but
very temperately followed nature. They always ate once in
the day, and that was in the evening. They ate the fruits of
trees, and herbs. They drank no pure wine, nor knew they
how to mix any liquor with honey, nor cared they for silken
garments of various colours. They always slept out in the
shade of trees. They drank the water of the clear springs.
No merchant visited island or coast, nor did any man as yet
hear of any ship-army, nor even the mention of any war. The
earth was not yet polluted with the blood of slain men, nor
was any one even wounded. They did not as yet look upon
evil-minded men. Such had no honour; nor did any man
love them. Alas, that our times cannot now become such !
But now the covetousness of men is as burning as the fire in
the hell, which is in the mountain that is called .^tna, in the
island that is called Sicily. The mountain is always burning
with brimstone, and burns up all the near places thereabout.
Alas, what was the first avaricious man, who first began to
dig the earth after gold, and after gems, and found the dan-
gerous treasure, which before was hid and covered with the
earth !
CHAPTER XVI.
§ I. Whett Wisdom had sung this lay, then began he
again to speak, and thus said : What more can I say to thee,
concerning the dignity and concerning the power of tliis
world ? Eor power ye would raise yourselves up to heaven,
if ye were able. This is, because ye do not remember, nor
understand, the heavenly power and the dignity which is your
own, and whence ye came. What, then, with regard to your
wealth, and your power, which ye now call dignity, if it
should come to the worst men of all, and to him that of all
js uuworthiest of it, as it lately did to this same Theodoric,
B • ~
50 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XVI.
])am Eaf epe. 3 opt eac Co mane^um heopa jelicum. pu ne pile
he ponne bon j-pa fpa hy bybon j 51C bo|>. ealle^ fa picu )7e him
unbep beoS o^^e apep on neapefte popflean -j pophepegian ppa
ppa pyp^r 1^5 ^®^ bpyne^ hae]? pelb. o^6e epc ye bypnenba ppepl
■gone munc baepnf 'Se pe hataj? ^cne. pe pi on })am ealonbe
Siciha. ppij)e onhce fam micelan plobe Se 51U on Noep bajum
psep. Ic pene pa&t Su ma&ge gemunan -f ce eoppe eolbpan giu^
Romana pitan on Topcpmep bajum ]?8ep o'^epmoban cyninjep.
pop hip opepmettum. Sone cynehcan naman op Rome bypij
sepepc abybon. Onb epc ppa ilce J^a hepetohan. ]>e hi^ aep
ucabpipon. hi polbon epc ucabpipan pop hiopa opepmettum. Ac
hi ne mihtan. pop)?am fe pe septeppe anpealb J?apa hepetojena
pam Romanipcum pitum git pypp hcobe ponne pe aeppa 6apa
cyninga. Ijip hit Sonne aeppe gepupj). ppa hit ppiSe pelban^ je-
pyp]?. ]}8&t pe anpealb ~\ pe peop])pcipe becume to gobum men
anb to pipum. hpa&t hip Ss&p ^onne hcpypfep buton hip 50b ^
hip peopJ?pcipe. ^aep joban cj^ningep. nap Saep anpealbep. popj^am
Se pe anpealb naeppie ne bij? gob.^ buton pe gob''^ pie J>e hme
haebbe. ]?y^ hit bi]? Sasp monnep job.^ nap^^ Saep anpealbep. gip pe
anpealb job^^ hip. pop|)am hit biS. faet te nan man pop hip pice
ne cymS to cjiaeptum j to mebemneppe. Ac pop hip cpaeptum
■J pop hip mebumneppe he cymf» to pice 3 to anpealbe. Sy ne
bij? nan mon pop hip anpealbe na ]>e betepe. ac pop hip cpsep-
tum he beo]) gob^^ ip he gob^^ hip. 3 pop hij- cpaeptum he biS
anpealbep peop]?e. gip he hip people bij). Leopniaj) pop]>am
pipbom. "3 ]?onne je hme geleopnob haebben. ne pophogiaj)^*
hme )}onne. Donne pecje ic eop buton aelcum tpeon. f ge
magon )juph hme becuman to anpealbe. J?eah je no ])aep
anpealbep ne pilnigan. Ne fuppon ge no hojian^^ on Sam
anpealbe. ne him aeptep ))pingan. 51 p je pipe bi]? •] gobe. he pile
poljian eop. peah ge hip no ne pilnian. Ac pege me nu hpa&t
eopep beoppyp])epta pela 3 anpealb pie. pe je ppi]f>opt jipna]). Ic
pat J»eah J)set hit ip fip anbpeapba lip 3 J»ep bpoj-nienba pela pe
pe Sep ymbe ppaecon ; •
§ 11.^ Gala hpaejjep je netelican^^ men onjiton hpelc pe pela
pie. ■] pe anpealb. ■] fa populbjepaelfa.^'^ Sa pmc eoppe hlapopbap
» Boet. lib. ii. prosa 6. — Nonne, o terrena animalia, &c.
* Bod. eall. '^ Cott. leg be'5 bpigne. ^ Cott. ealbpan gio. * Cott.
hinc . 5 Cott. pelbon. « Cott. ^oob. 7 Cott. 5006. » Bod. heah.
» Cott. goob. 10 Cott. naep. " Cott. Koob. »2 Cott. Soob. ^^ Cott.
?;oob. '4 Cott. pojihycsaS. ** Cott. hongian. »^ Cott. neCenhcan.
" Cott. j-aelj^a.
§ 11. BOETHIUa. ' 51
and also formerly to Nero the Csesar, and moreover fre-
quently to many like them ? Will he not then do as they
did, and still do ? slay and destroy all the rich who are under,
or anywhere near him, as the ^ame of fire does the dry heath
field, or as the burning brimstone burneth the mountain
which we call ^tna, which is in the island of Sicily ? very
like to the great flood which was formerly in Noah's days.
I think that thou mayest remember that your ancient E-oman
senators formerly, in the days of Tarquin the proud king, on
account of his arrogance first banished the kingly name from
the city of Eome. And again, in like manner, the consuls
who had driven them out, these they were afterwards desirous
to expel on account of their arrogance (but they could not) ;
because the latter government of the consuls still less pleased
the Eoman senators, than th6 former one of the kings. If,
however, it at any time happens, as it very seldom does
happen, that power and dignity come to good men and to
wise ; what is there then worthy of esteem, except the good
and the dignity of him, the good king, not of the power ?
Ppr .power never is good unless he is good who possesses it.
Therefore if power be good, it is the good of the man, not of
the power. Hence it is, that no man by his authority comes
to virtues and to merit : but by his virtues, and by his merit,
he comes to authority and to power. Therefore is no man for
his power the better; but for his virtues he is good, if he be
good : and for his virtues he is deserving of power, if he be
deserving of it. Learn, therefore, wisdom ; and when ye
have learned it, do not then despise it. Then I say to you,
without all doubt, that ye may through it arrive at power,
though ye be not desirous of power. Ye need not be anxious
for power, nor press after it. If ye are wise and good, it will
follow you, though ye are not desirous of it. But tell me now,
what is your most valuable wealth and power, which ye most
.^desire ? I know, however, that it is this present life, and this
^^rishing wealth, which we before spoke about.
§ II. 0, ye beastlike men, do ye know what wealth is, and
power, and worldly goods ? They are your lords and your
e2
52 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XVI.
3 eoppe pealbanbaf. ns&f ^e heopa. Ijij: je nu jepapen hpelce
mup J>8et paepe hlapopb opep o]?pe myp. "] petce him bomap. -)
nibbe* hie s&pcep japole. hu punbephc polbe eop fa&c J?incaii.
hpelce cehheccunge ^e polbon^psep habban. anb mib hpelcum
hleahcpe je polbon beon aptypeb. hu micle mape ip j7onne )>8ep
monnep hchoma to mecenne pi^ 'p GOob. J»onne peo mup pij)
J^one mon. ppajc je ponne majoneaj^e gepencan. pp ge hit je-
opne ymbe pmeajan pillaj? ^ aeptepppypian. f^ nanpe puhte
hchoma ne beo6 ponne tebepjia ponne psep monnep. Dam
majon bepian J)a Iseptan pleogan. "j Jja gnaettap mib ppij)e
lytlum pticelum him bepia]?. ~] eac pa pmalan pypmap. ]?a ^one
mon je mnan je uton pepba^.^ 3 hpilum pulneah beabne ge-
bo^, je puppum ]7eop lytle loppe hine hpilum beabne jebe]?.
jpilca puhta him bepia]? segj^ep ge mnan ge uton. On hpaem
maej senig man o]7pum bepian * but on on hip lichoman. oS^e
ept on heopa pelum. pe ge hata]? jepselpa. ne nan mon ne maeg
pam ^epceabpipan GDobe gebejiian. ne him gebon f hit ne pie f
f hit bij).* Dset ip ppi]?e ppeotol to ongitanne be pumum
iRomanipcum seSelinje. pe psiy haten Libepiup.^ pe pap to
manejum pitum ^epopht. pop]?am ]?e he nolbe melbian on hip
gepepan pe mib him piepebon*^ ymbe jjone cynm^ J)e hie aep
mib unpihte jepunnen haepbe.'' pa he pa bepopan J)one gpaman
cynmj jelaab paep. "j he hme het jecgan hpaet hip gepepan
paepon ]?e mib him ymbe piepebon.^ pa popceap he hip agene
tunjan. anb peapp hme (5aep mib on 'Saet neb popan. pop|)am
hic gepeapS f Sam pij-an men com to lope anb to pypSpcipe f
pe unpihtpipa cyninj him teohhobe^ to pite. Ppaet ip f pe ma
•f aenij man maeje oppum bon. J^at he ne maege him bon f
lice. •] gip he ne maej. opep man maeg. p'e leopnobon eac be
pam paelhpeopan Bijipibem. pe paep on ^Egiptum. ]?aep leob-
hatan jepuna pap f he polbe a&lcne cuman ppijje aplice
Linbe]ipon. 3 ppife ppaeplice pi]? gebaepan Jjonne he him aepept
to com. Ac ept aep he him ppom cepbe. he pceolbe beon op-
jiegen. -3 .];a getybba^*^ hit f Gpculep lobep punu com to him.
J>a polbe he bon ymbe hme ppa ppa he ymbe manijne cuman
8&P bybe. polbe hme abpencan on paepe ea ]>e Nilup hatte. J)a
peap]> he ptpenjpa "3 abpencte hme. ppi(5e pyhte be Urobep
borne, ppa ppa he mani^ne oSepne aep bybe. Ppaet eac Rejulup.
pe popemaepa hepetoga. Sa he peaht pi5 Sppicanap. he haepbe
» Cott. nebbe. ^ Cott. \>xt Ce, . s Cott. pypba^. * Cott. hit pe
l^aec \>xt hic ne bi'S. ^ Qq^^^ Tibepiu)-. ^ Coj^, ppebon. ^ Bod.
iiae^bon. » Cott. hine j*ypebon. ^ Qyt^. Ciohhobe. *" Cott. ^^ebejiebe.
§ II. BOETHIFS. 53
rulers, not ye theirs ! If ye now saw some mouse that was
lord over other mice, and set them judgments, and subjected
them to tribute, how wonderful would ye think it! What
scorn would ye have, and with what laughter would ye be
moved ! How much greater, then, is man's body, compared
with the mind, than the mouse compared with the man ?
Indeed, ye may easily conceive, if ye will carefully consider
and examine it, that no creature's body is more tender than
man's. The least flies can injure it : and the gnats with very
little stings hurt it: and also the small worms which corrupt
the man both inwardly and outwardly, and sometimes make ^
him almost dead. Moreover the little flea sometimes kills V^^y
him. Such things injure him both inwardly and outwardly. r;>^ ^
Wherein can any man injure another, except in his body ? ,._^
or again in their riches, which ye call goods ? No man can- — j
injure the rational mind, or cause it that it should not be J
what it is. This is very evidently to be known by a certain ^ M i
Eoman nobleman, who was called Liberius. He was put to ^
many torments because he would riot inform against his as-
sociates, who conspired with him against the king who had i
with injustice conquered them. When he was led before the
enraged king, and he commanded him to say who were his , /
associates who had conspired with him, then bit he ofi" bis^/
own tongue, and immediately cast it before the face of the
tyrant. Hence it happened that, to the wise man, that was
the cause of praise and honour, which the unjust king ap-
pointed to him for punishment. What is it, moreover, that
any man can do to another, which he may not do to him in
like manner ? and if he may not, another man may. We "
have learned also concerning the cruel Busiris, who was in
Egypt. This tyrant's custom was, that he would very honour-
ably receive every stranger, and behave very courteously to
him when first he came. But afterwards, before he departed
from him, he would be slain. And then it happened that
Hercules, the son of Jove, came to him. Then would he do
to him, as he had done to many a stranger before : he would
drown him in the river which is called Nile. Then was he
stronger, and drowned him, very justly by God's judgment,
as he many another before had done ! So also, Eegulus, the
illustrious consul ! When he fought against the Africans, he
54i BOETHITjg. CHAP XVI.
jnilneah unafecjenblicne fije ofep ]7a Kppicanaf. 'Sa he hi ]>a.
yyi^oyt popfla^en hsepbe. J;a hec he hi biiiban ^ on balcan
lejan.^ J>a jebypebe hic jp]|>e hpaj^e f he peapj) gebunben mib
hipa pacencum. Ppa&c penjc 6u J>onne hpaec gobep je^ anpealb
pie. Jjonne he on nane pipan hip ajnep cpaeptep ne ma&g pop-
bujan f he J)8et ilce ypel ne gej^api^e o|)pum monnum. )?e^ he
sep o]?jmm bybe. hu ne ip pe anpealb ]?onne ]7sep nauhc ; •
§ III.^ Ppaec penpt ]>n. jip pe peop])]'cipe •] pe anpealb ajnep
"Soncep job paepe anb hip pelpep anpealb hs&pbe. hpa&^ep he
polbe J?am popcujjeptum mannum poljian ppa he nu hpilum^ be^.
Pu ne papc ])U f hic nip nauhc jecynbe ne nauhc gepunehc f
a&nij pij^eppeapb Smj bion gemenjeb yip oSpum pi]?eppeapbum.
o'5i5e senile jepeppaebenne pi's habban. Ac peo gecynb hic
onpcuna'S psec hie^ majon peopj^an cojaebepe gemenjeb. ]>e ma^
])e ]?aec gob'^ 3 psec ypel majon secjaebepe bion. Nu Se ip ppi^e
openlice jecyjjeb f ]?]p anbpeapbe pice, anb ))ap populb jepselj^a.
3 ]?ep anpealb op heopa^ ajnum gecynbe "3 heopa ajnep je-
pealbep nauhc jobe ne pienc. ne hiopa jelppa nanne anpealb
nabba'S. nu hi pilla]? clipian^ on ]?8&m pyppcan monnum j him
je]?apia]) paec hi bio^ heopa hlapopbap. Nip 'Saep nu nan cpeo. -p
opc ])3}^ eallpa popcu]7epcan men cumaS co pam anpealbe "3 Co
]7am peopJ))Cipe. Erip ]*e anpealb |7onne op hip ajenpe jecynbe 3
op hip ajenep jepealbep 50b paepe. ne unbeppenje he naeppe ]>a.
ypelan ac J)a joban. Daep ilcan ip Co penanne co eallum '5am
jepaelSum J?e peo pypb bpenjS Jjippep anbpea)iban lipep je on
cpa&pcum je on aehcum. popj^am hie hpilum becumaS co |)aem
popcujjepcum. Ppaec pe jenoj jeopne piCon ^aec nanne mon
]?aep ne cpeoj) 5aec pe peo^^ F^poi^S ^^ ^T msesene. 5e mon je-
pih'5 Saec pcponglic peopc pypc5. Ne fjonne ma. jip he hpaec
bi^. ne cpeo]7 naenne mon f he hpaec ne pie. Spa gebe^'^ eac pe
bpeam cpaepc f pe mon bi]? bpeamepe. ~) pe laece cpaepc j^aec he
bi]> laece. 3 peo pacu be^^^ "f he bif peccepe. Spa beS eac pe je-
cynba cpaepc aelcum men. f f job ne maej beon pi5 -f ypel
jemenjeb. ne -p ypel pi^ "p job. ^eah he bucu on anum men
]*ien. ]?eah bi|) aej}>ep him on punbpon. f jecynb nyle naeppe
nanpuhc pij^eppeapbep laecan jemenjan. pop))am heopa aejj^ep
^ Boet. lib. ii. prosa 6. — Ad hsec, si ipsis dignitatibus, &c.
* Cott. leosan. 2 Bod. pe Lobey. ^ Cott. >8ec. * Bod. hpilcum.
s Bod. hi. 6 Cott. l^on ma. '? Cott. goob. ^ Cott. >aep anpealbep
hiojia. 5 Cott. chopian. *<> Bod. op ]jam. " Cott. pie. ^^ c^tt. mees.
" Cott. Sebe'S.
§ riT. BOETHIUS. 55
obtained an almost indescribable victory over tbe Africans.
"When he had grievously slain them, he gave order to bind
them, and lay them in heaps. Then happened it very soon,
that he was bound with their fetters. What thinkest thou,
then ? What good is power, when he who possesses it, can
in no wise, by his own strength, avoid suffering from other
men the same evil which he before did to others ? Is not,
then, power in that case naught ?
§ III. What thinkest thou ? If dignity and power were
good of its own nature, and had power of itself, would it
follow the most wicked men, as it now sometimes doth ?
Dost thou not know, that it is neither natural nor usual, that
any contrary thing should be mixed with other contrary, pr
have any fellowship therewith? But nature refuses it that
they should be mixed together; still more that good and evil
should be together. Hence it is very manifestly shown to
thee, that this present authority, and these worldly goods,
and this power, are not good of their own nature, and of their
own efficacy, nor have any power of themselves : since they
are willing to cleave to the worst men, and permit them to be
their lords. There is not indeed any doubt of this, that often
the most wicked men of all come to "power and to dignity.
If power, then, were good of its own nature, and of its own
efficacy, it never would be subservient to the evil, but to the
good. The same is to be thought with regard to all the goods
which fortune brings in this present life, both of talents and
possessions : for they sometimes come to the most wicked.
We very well know that no man doubts of this, that he is"
powerful in his strength, who is seen to perform laborious
work : any more than if he be anything, any one doubts that
he is so. Thus the art of music causes the man to be a
musician, and medical knowledge to be a physician, and
rhetoric causes him to be a rhetorician. In like manner
also the nature of things causes to every man that good
cannot be mixed with evil, nor evil with good. Though they
are both in one man, yet is each in him separately. Nature
will never su ffer any thing contrary to mix, for each of them
rejects the other, and each will be what it is. Eiches cannot
r"" \^
SQ BOETmUS. CHAP. XYI
onfCuna'S o])ep. anb se^l^ep pile beon -f ^ hiC bi]?. ne mse^ j-e
pela gebon "p pe jitpepe ne ]ie gitjepe. ne pa ^punblearan git-
pun^a jepyllan. ne pe anpealb ne mseg jebon hif pealbenb peal-
benbne. Nu J)onne nu eelc gepceapt on^cuna^ f f hipe pi)7ep-
peapb bi^. anb jyiQ jeopne Ciola]? ^ hiC him ^ ppom apcufe.
iipelce tpa j-ynb ponne pi|)eppeapbpan becpuh him ponne gob 3
ypel. ne peop]?a^ hi nseppe Co j-omne jejzejeb. Be ]?8em ]?u mihc
onjitan. jip ^a jepselSa ^ipep anbpeapban hfej- ]?uph hie j-eljze
heopa felppa gepealb ahcon. ^ op heopa agnum gecynbe gobe
psepon. fonne polbon hi pmle on ^am chpian.^. ^e him 50b mib
pophte. nalsej-^ ypel. Ac J^sep pap hi jobe beoS. ponne beo^ hi
jmph psep joban monnep gob gobe ]>e him gob mib pypcp. "j pe
bi^ puph TfOb gob. dp hme ponne ypel mon hsepp. ponne bip
he ypel ^ujih paej' monnep ypel pe him ypel mib be]>. -] puph
beopel.^ Ppaet gobep ip pe pela ponne. ponne he ne maeg pa
gpunbleapan gitpunga apyllan paep gitpepep. ot5Se pe anpealb.
ponne he ne maeg hip pealbenb pealbenbne gebon. Ac hme ge-
bmbap papon pilnunga* mib heopa unabmbenbheumpacencum.
peah mon nu ypelum men anpealb pelle. ne gebeS pe anpealb
hme gobne ne meobumne.^ gip he sep naep. ac geopena^ hip
ypel. gip he aep ypel psep. 3 gebe^ hic ponne ppeotol. gip hiC 8ep
na&p. poppam peah he sep ypel polbe. ponne nypce he hu he hiC
ppa pullice gecypbe.^ aep he pullne anpealb hsepbe. Dsec gepypp
poppam bypige pe ge paegniap paec ge mocon pceppan pone"^
naman. hacan ■}} paelpa f nane ne beo^. "] paet mebumnep ne
beop.^ poppam hi gecy^aS on heopa enbunge ponne hie enbiap.
"p hie nappep ne bio5. poppsem nappep ne pe pela.^ ne pe anpealb.
ne pe peopppcipe ne beop co penanne f hit peo pope geps&lp pie.
ppa hic ip nu hjise^opc to jecganne be eallum paem populb ge-
pselpum^" pe peo pypb bpengp. f paeji nan puht on nip paep to
pilnianne peo. poppam 6e (59ep nan puht gecynbelicep gobep on
nip 'Saep ^e op him cume. f ip on pam ppeotol f hi hie pimle to
t5am gobum ne ^eobat5. ne ^a ypelan gobe ne gebo^ pe hi hie
optopt toge^eobap ; •
§ IV.^ Da je jZipbom pa pip ppell pup ajieht^^ haepbe. pa
ongean he epc gibbigan 3 pup cpsep. Ppa&t pe piton hpelce
c Boet. lib. ii. metrum 6. — ll^ovimus quantas dederit, &c.
1 Cott. cleopian. '^ Cott. nallep. ^ Cott. bioj-ul. * Cott. pelnuga.
* Cott. mebomne. ^ Bod. acy^be. ' Cott. pone. * Cott. nane 'f nan
mebomnej- ne biS. ^ Bod. i> hie nappep ne pe pela. i" Cott. paeljjuui.
» Cott. apeahc
§ IV. BOETHIUS. 57
cause the miser not to be a miser, or satisfy his boundless
desires, nor can authority make its possessor powerful. Since,
then, every creature avoids that which is contrary to it, and
very earnestly endeavours to repel it, what two things are
more contrary to each other than good and^eviT? They are
never united together. Hence thou mayest understand, that
if the goods of this present life through themselves, had power
)f themselves, and were in their own nature good, then would
;hey always cleave to him who did good with them, not evil.
3ut wheresQ£V£r they are good^ they are good througli- the
,^ood of the good man, who works good with them,and he is
good through God.^ If, then, an evil man has it, it is evil
fhrough the man's evil, who doth evil with it, and through
the devil. What good is wealth, then, when it cannot satisfy
the boundless desires of the miser ? or power, when it cannot
make its possessor powerful, but the wicked passions bind
bim, with their indissoluble chains ! Though any one give
to any evil man power, the power does not make him good
nor meritorious, if he before were not : but exposes his evil,
if he before were evil, and makes it then manifest, if it before
■were not. For though he formerly desired evil, he then knew
not how he might so fully show it, before he had full power.
It is through folly that ye are pleased, because ye can make
a name, and call that happiness which is none, and that merit
which is none : for they show by their ending, when they
come to an end, that neither wealth, nor power, nor dignity,
is to be considered as the true happiness. So is it most as-
suredly to be said concerning all tiie worldly goods that
fortune brings ; that there is nothing therein which is to be
desired, because there is nothing therein of natural good
which comes from themselves. This is evident from hence,
that they do not always join themselves to the good, nor
make the evil good, to whom they most frequently join them-
selves.
§ IV. "When Wisdom had thus made this speech, then
began he again to sing, and thus said : We know what cruel-
58 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XYII.
psellipiopiieffa. 3 hpilce hpypaj-. hpilce unpihthaemebu. 3 hpilc
man. 3 hpilce apleaj-nej-f e je unpihcpif a Earepe Nepon peophte.
pe hec sec fumum cyppe popbaepnan ealle Kome buph on anne
pi^ aapcep paepe bij-ene pe gio Tpo^ia bupj bapn. hme lyfte eac
jefeon hu ]eo bupne. j hu lanje. ■^ hu leolice be paepe o|)eppe.
J efC he hec opj-lean ealle pa pifepcan pican Romana. je pup-
pon hip a^ene mobop. ■] hip agene bpo^ep. je pup^on hip ajen
pip he opploj mib ppeopbe. -3 pop 'Syllecum naep he napuhc ge-
unpocpob. Ac ys&if py blijjpa ^ pajenobe paep. Onb peah becpuh
^yllecum unpihtum naep him no py laep unbepSeob eall pep
mibban jeajib ppom eapcepeapbum 06 peptepeapbne. anb epc
Fpom puj)epeapibum oS nop]?epeapbne. eall he paej' on hip
anpealbe. f^enpc ]>\i 'p pe gobcunba anpealb ne m-ihce apyppan
pone anpealb pam unpihcpipan Kapepe. anb him paepe puhhunje
2;epceopan. jip he polbe. Eipe la ^eye. ic pac f he mihce gip he
polbe. Gala eap hu hepij jeoc he bejlepte on ealle J^a pe on hip
tibum libbenbe paepon on eopSan. 3 hu ope hip ppeopb paepe
bepyleb on unpcylbijum blobe. pu ne pap paep ^eno^ ppeocol f
ye anpealb hip agenep 6oncep 50b naep. pa pe 50b naep pe he co
com ; •
CAPUT XVII.<i
D!S pe f7ipbom pa pip leo]?^ apunjen haepbe. t5a jej-pijobe^ he.
'I pa anbppopebe paec Cbob anb pup cpaep. Gala Eepceabpipnep.
hpaec 'Su papc "p me naeppe peo jicpunj j peo jemaejp Sipfep
eopSlican anpealbep pop pel ne licobe. ne ic eallep pop ppi]?e ne
jipnbe pyyey eopplican picep. buton la^ ic pilnobe peah anb-
peopcep CO pam peopce pe me beboben paep co pypcanne. 'p pap
•p ic unppacoblice^ j jepipenlice mihce pceopan 3 peccan pone
anpealb ]?e me bepaepc paep. Ppaec 'Su papc f nan mon ne maej
naenne cpaepc cySan. ne naenne anpealb peccan ne pciopan
bucan^ colum ~} anbpeopce. f bit5 aelcep cpaepcep anbpeopc ^
mon ^one cpaepc bucon^ pypcan ne mae^. f bip ponne cymn^ep
anbpeopc"^ r} hip col mib co picpianne. "p he haebbe hip lanb puU
mannob.^ he pceal haebban jebebmen. 3 pypbmen.^ 3 peopc-
^ Boet. lib. ii. prosa 7. — Turn ego, scio, inquam, &c.
» Cott. ho^. 2 Cott. sepusobe. ^ Cott. bucan Cola. * Cott. un-
jrpaco^hce. * Bod. butnm. ^ Cott. bucan. ' Bod peopc anbpeopc
« Cott. monnab. ^ Cott. pepbmen.
CTIAP. XTII. BOEXniUS. 59
ties, and what ruins, what adulteries, and what wickedness,
and wliat impiety, the unrighteous Caesar, Nero, wrought.
He at one time gave order to burn all the city of Rome at
once, after the example that formerly the city of Troy was
burned! He was desirous also to see how it would burn,
and how iong, and how light, in comparison of the other : and
besides gave order to slay all the wisest senators of the Eo-
mans, and also his own mother, and his own brother ! He
moreover slew his own wife with a sword. And for such
things he was in no wise grieved, but was the blither, and re-
joiced at it! And yet amid such crimes all this middle-earth
was nevertheless subject to him, from eastward to westward,
and again from southward to northward: it was all in his
power. Thuikest thou that the heavenly Power could not
take away the empire from this unrighteous Caesar, and cor-
rect this madness in him, if he would? Yes, yes, I know
that he could, if he w'ould! Alas! how heavy a yoke did he
lay on all those w'ho in his times were living on the earth !
and how oft his sword was stained with innocent olood !
Was it not then sufficiently evident, that power of its own
nature was not good, when he was not good to whom it
CHAPTER XVII.
\
When Wisdom had sung this lay He was silent, and the
Min4then answered, and thus said: Reason, indeed thou
knowest that covetousness and the greatness of this earthly
power never w^ell pleased me, nor did I altogether very much
yearn after this earthly authority. But nevertheless I was
desirous of materials for the work which I was commanded
to perform ; that was, that I might honourably and fitly guide
and exetcise the power which was committed to me. More-
over, thou knowest that no man can show any skill, nor ex-
ercise or control any power, without tools and materials.
That is, of every craft the materials, without which man
cannot exercise the craft. This, then, is a king's materials
and his tools to reign with: that he have his land well
peopled i he must have prayer-men, and soldiers, and work-
60 BOETHIirS. CHAP. XVIT^I*
men. Ppset pu pafC 'ps&tze butan Sifum colum^ nan cynmj hij-
cpaep ne msej cy^an. Daet if eac hij* anbpeopc. f he habban
fceal CO ]7am tolum ]7am ppim gefepj'cipum bipifte. -p if ]?onne
heopa bipifC. lanb to bugianne. ■^ Jifta.^ -^ paepnu. j mete, j
ealo.^ ^ claj?af. ■] je hpaet Jjaep ))e }>a }»pe gepepfcipaf behopiaj;.'*
ne maeg he butan jjifum j^aj' tol gehealban. ne butan ]7ifum
tolum nan ]?apa J^in^ia pypcan 'pe him beboben if to pypcenne.
fop ))y ic pilnobe anbpeopcep pone anpealb mib to jepeccenne.
'p mine cpaeftap ^ anpealb ne pupben pop^itene "j popholene.-^
foppam selc cpsept j selc anpealb bi]> fona popealbob "3 pop-
fpugob.*^ jip he bij) butan f/ifbome. poppam ne maej non mon
nsenne cpsept poppbpinjan butan f^ifbome. poppam pe fpa
hpaet fpa puph bypige jebon bi^. ne maeg hit mon naeppe to
cpsepte ^epecan.'^ '^ if nu hpa^oft to fec^anne. f ic pilnobe
''eopppullice to libbanne pa hpile pe ic lipebe.^ 3 aeptep mmum
ipe pam monnum to Isepanne. pe septep me psepen mm je-
mynb on jobum peopcum [ . ^
CAPUT XVIII.e
§ I. DK Sif pa ^efppecen pap. pa ^eppijobe-^'' f GOob. "3 peo Eep-
ceabpipnep ongan fppecan 3 puf cpsep. Gala GOob eala^^ an ypel
If fpipe to anpcunianne.^^ ^ ]y ^ -p te ppipe pm^allice^^ "3 ppipe
hepijlice beppicp ealpa papa monna GOob pe beoS^* on heopa
jecynbe gecopene 3 peah ne beop to pam hpope ponne jit
cumen pulppemebpa msejena. 'p ip ponne pilnunj leapef gilpef
•3 unpyhtej- anpealbep -3 unjemetlicef hlifan xobpa peopca opep
eall pole, poppam^^ pilnijap moni^e men^^ anpealbep. ^e hie
polbon habban jobne hhpan. peah hi hip unpyppe pien. ge pup-
pum pe ealpa popcupepta pilna^ paep ylcan. Ac pe pe pile piplice
•3 g^opnlice aeptep pam hhpan fpypian. ponne onjit he fpipe
hpape hu lytel he biS, "3 hu laene. ^3 hu tebpe. "3 hu bebaeleb
asleep jobep. Ijip pu nu jeopnlice pmeagan pilt anb pitan pilt
ymbe ealpe Sipje eoppan ymbhpyppt ppom eaptepeapban 'Sipfep
e Boet. lib. ii. prosa 7. — Et ilia: Atqui hoc unum est, &c.
1 Cott. hffan tolan. 2 Cott, giya. ^ Cott. ealu. * Cott. behopgen.
* Bod. pupbe j-opgipen ^ jropholen. ^ Cott. pojipusob. ^ Cott. je-
peccan. « Cott. hybe. ^ Cott. \>e aeyCeji me paepen mm gemynbiS on
gobum peopcum. Bod. aejrcep me paepen gemynb on gobum peopcum.
^^ Cott. sepugobe. " Cott. ea. *^ Bod. ypel ip ppij^e Co anpcunianne.
" Bod. pmsanlice. ^* Bod. o'S. ^^ Cott. j o]i>on. ^^ Cott. populb men.
§ I. BOETHITJS. 61
men. Thou knowest that without these tools no king can
show his craft. This is also his materials which he must
have besides the tools ; provisions for the three classes. This
is, then, their provision ; land to inhabit, and gifts and
weapons, and meat, and ale, and clothes, and whatsoever is
necessary for the three classes. He cannot without these
preserve the tools, nor without the tools accomplish any of
those things which he is commanded to perform. Therefore
I was desirous of materials wherewith to exercise the power,
that my^lents and power should not be forgotten and con-
CQn\eA,//^ov every craft and every power soon becomes old,
and is passed over in silence, if it be without wisdom : for no
man can accomplish any craft without wisdom. Because
whatsoever is done through folly, no one can ever reckon for
craft. This is now especially to be said ; that I wished to
live honourably whilst I lived, and after my life, to leave to
the men who were after me, my memory in good works. y
CHAPTEE XYIII.
§ I. When this was spoken, the Mind remained silent, and
Eeason^began to speak, and thus said: 0, Mind, one evil is
very greatly to be shunned ; that is, that which very con-
tinually and very grievously deceives the minds of all those
men, who are in their nature excellent, and nevertheless are
not yet arrived at the roof of perfect virtues. This, then, is
the desire of false glory, and of unrighteous power, and of
unbounded fame of good works among all people. Many
men are desirous of powder, because they would have good
fame, though they be unworthy of it : and even the most
wicked of ail are desirous of the same. But he who will
wisely and diligently inquire concerning fame, will very soon
perceive how little it is, and how slender and how frail, and
how destitute of all good. If thou wilt now studiously in-
quire, and wilt understand concerning the circumference of
all this earth, from the eastward of this middle-earth to the
62 BOETHITJS. CHAP. XYIII.
mibbanjeapbej* o^ pefCepeapbne. -3 ppam pij^epeayibum oP
nop|)epeapbne. fpa ppa J)u leopnobepc on paepe bee ]>e Ajxpolo-
^lum hatce. J?onne mihc $u onjican "j) he ip call pi|) Sone
heopon co meccanne ppilce an lycel pjiicu^ on bpaban bpebe.
o])]?e ponb beah on pcilbe. aepcep pippa monna^ bome. pu ne
papc J>u ]>2dt ]7u leopnobept on Pcolomeup bocum. pe ppac
eallep ]>^yeY mibbangeapbep jemec on anpe bee. ^aep pu mihc
on jepeon "p call moneynn ^ ealle necenu ne nocija^ napep*
neah peop]?an bselep Sippe eoppan psep pe men jepapan^ majon.
popfam pe hy hic ne magon eall jebujian. pum pop haeto. pum
pop cyle. ~\ J)one maeptan bael hiphaepj? pae opeppeten. Do nu op
■Sam peopjjan beale on ]?iniim OOobe eall paec peo pae hip opperen
haepj). -j eall 'Sa peeapb Se heo him onjenumen haep]?. "j eall f
hip pennap 'j mopap genumen habba^. '^ eall f on eallum
tJeobum peytep lije]?. ^onne mihc Su onjitan paetce ]7a&p eallep
nip monnum ^onne mape laepeb co bujianne. bucon ppelce an
lycel capepcum.^ Ip "p J)onne pop bypilic geppme f ge pinna])
eoppe populb co 'Son -p je pilniaj) eopejme hlij-an ungemeclice
CO jebpaebanne'^ opep ppelene eapejicun^ ppelce ]7aec ip paecce
men bujia]) fippe populbe pulneah fpilee an pjuea^ pop |)aec
ot5ep. Ae hpaec puraeblieep o^6e mieellicep o^Se peopppullieep
ha&p)) pe eopep jilp pe ^e J?aep bujia]?^^ on pam pipcan baele
healpum lonbep ~\ unlonbep. mib pa&. mib paenne. -\ mib ealle.
ppa hic ip^^ jeneappeb. To hpon pilnije je Sonne co unge-
meclice paec je eopepne naman cobpaeban opep Sone ceo)?an
ba&l. nu hip mape nip mib pa&. mib paenne. mib ealle ;•
§ 11.^ Ije]?eneaJ) eac 'p on^^ Sipum lyclum peappoee. J)e pe
aep ymbe pppaecon. bujiap ppi)>e maneja t5eoba. "] mipclica.^^ 3
ppipe unjelica aejpep je on pppaece. je on Seapum. ge on
eallum pibum. eallpa papa peoba ]>e je nu piUnia]> ppij>e unje-
meclice "p ge peylon eopepne naman opep cobpaeban. 'p je
naeppe jebon ne majon. pop])am** heopa pppaec ip cobaeleb on
Cpa ^ hunb peoponcij.^* "j aele J^apa pppaeca ip cobaeleb on
maneja '8eoba.^^ 3 ]7a pmc cplejena -^ cobaelba mib pae. j mib
pubum. •] mib muncum. 3 mib paennum. 3 mib monegum •^ mib
mipclicum^^ pepcenum. 3 unjepaepum lonbum. f hiC pupSum
f Boet. lib. ii. prosa 7. — Adde quod hoc ipsum, &c.
^ Bod. op 2 Qott. lyclu ppice. 3 Bod. jjij'pa mona. * Cott. noCia'S
jrupj'um napep. * Cott. seyepan. ^ Cott. cauepmn. 7 Cott. cobjie-
banne. ^ Cott. cauepcun. ^ Cott. ppice. \'^ Bod. hoSia'5. ^i Bod. hif.
^- Cott. >8ec Ce. 13 Cott. rpi>e miplica. ^* Cott. ropjjon. ^^ Bod. on
huu-peofontis. ^^ Cott. >iob. ^^ Cott. miplicum.
§ II. BOETHirs. 63
westward, and from the southward to the northward, as thou
hast learned in the book which is called Astrologium ; then
mayest thou perceive that it is all, compared with the heaven,
like a little point on a broad board, or the boss on a shield,
according to the opinion of wise men. Dost thou not know
what thou hast learned in the books of Ptolemy, who wrote
of the measure of all this middle-earth in one book ? Therein
thou mightest see that all mankind, and all cattle, do not
occupy anywhere nigh the fourth part of this earth, which
men are able to go over. For they cannot inhabit it all ;
some part for heat, some for cold ; and the greatest part of
it the sea has covered. Take, then, from this fourth part, in
thy mind, all that the sea has covered of it, and all the shards
which it has taken from it ; and all that fens and moors have
taken of it, and all that in all countries lies waste ; then
mayest thou understand, that, of the whole, there is not more
left for men to inhabit, than as it were a small enclosure. It
is, then, in foolish labour that ye toil all your life, because ye
wish beyond measure to spread your fame over such an en-
closure as that is which men inhabit in this world ; almost
like a point compared with the other ! But what of spacious,
or of great, or of honourable, has this your glory, when ye
therein inhabit the fifth part halved of land and desert ? so
is it narrowed with sea, with fen, and with all ! Wherefore
desire ye, then, too immoderately, that ye should spread your
name over the tenth part, since there is not more of it, with
sea, with fen, and witb all! —
§ II. Consider also that in this little park which we before
have spoken about, dwell very many nations, and various, and
very unlike both in speech, and in manners, and in all the
customs of all the nations, which ye now very immoderately
desire that ye should spread your name over. This ye never
can do, because their language is divided into seventy-two ;
and every one of these languages is divided among many
nations, and they are separated and divided by sea, and by
woods, and by mountains, and by fens, and by many and
various wastes, and impassable lands, so that even merchants
64 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XVIII.
cepemen ne jepapa]). Ac hu mae^ ]?8ep f)onne fynbeplice anej*
picej' monnej' nama cumnn ]?onne Saap mon fup(5um ))a&pe
bupje naman ne jeheopS. ne ]?8epe peobe ^e he on hampaej'C
bi]?. Dy ic nat pop hpilcon bypige ^e geopna^^ f je polbon
eopepne naman tobpseban jeonb eallne eop|)an. '^ je bon ne
ma^on.^ ne pup|)um napep neah. Ppsec ^u papc hu mi eel
Romana pice psep on OOapcupep bagum ]?aep hepetojan. pe paep
o)?pe naman hacen Tulhup. ^ ])pibban ticepo. hpaec he cy]>be
on pumpe hip boca. "p te 6a jec Romane nama ne com opep ^a
muncap ]?e Eaucapeap pe hat a];, ne ])a 8ci55eap ])e on oj7]ie
healpe ])apa munta bu^iaj? pup]?um J>8epe bup^e naman ne J>aep
polcep ne jeheopbon. Ac 6a he com aepepc to Pap]mm. 3 paep
J?sep ppif>e nipe. Ac he paep ^eah 'Ssep ymbutan manejum polce
ppi]?e ejepull. pu ne on^ite ge nu hu neapa^ pe eopep hhpa
beon pile ]>e je ]7aep ymbe ppmca]) ■] unpihthce tiha^^ to ^e-
bpaebenne. Ppaet penpt Su hu micelne hhpan "]) hu micelne
peoppi'cipe an Romampc man maeje habban on Sam lanbe.
■Sseji mon pupSum Saepe bupcje naman ne jehepbe. ne eallep
■Saep polcep hhpa ne com. Deah nu hpelc mon ungemethce 3
ungebapenlice pilmje f he pcile hip hhpan tobpaeban opep ealle
eop])an. he ne maej f popj^bpenjan. pop])am pe ))apa Seoba
l^eapap pint ppi})e unjehca. "j heopa gepetneppa ppi}>e miplica.^
ppa f te paec on oSjium lanbe betpt lica]?.^ J^aette f bi]? hpilum
on |?am o]?pum taelpyp])licopt. j eac micelep pitep pyp]?e. pop-
])am ne maej nan mon habban jelic lop on aelcum lonbe. pop-
pon J)e on aelcum lanbe ne lica6 f on o]?pum lica]? ;.
§ 1II.° Fop Si pceolbe aelc mon beon on Sam pel gehealben,
'p he on hip ajenum eapbe licobe. j^eah he nu mapan pilnige.
he ne maeg pup|)um f pojil^bjimjan. poppam Se pelbhponne bi]?
f te auht manegum monnum anep hpaet lici^e. pop ]?y pyjij)
opt 5obep monnep lop alejen mne on''' Saepe ilcan |?eobe ]?e he
on hampaejt bi|>. ~\ eac poppamSehit opt ppi]?e paplice jebypebe
)>uph ]?a heajibpaelj^a ]?apa ppitepa f hi pop heopa plaep^e, "j pop
jimelepte. •] pop peccelepte popleton unppiten Sapa monna
]>eapap "3 hiopa baeba. ]?e on hiopa bagum popemaepopte 3
peopj^jeopnepce paepon. ~] J>eah hi nu eall hiopa lip 3 hiopa baeba
appiten haepbon. ppa ppa hi pceolbon jip hi bohton. hu ne pop-
eallbobon Sa jeppitu peah "j lopobon Sonecan ]>e hit paepe. ppa
s Boet. lib. ii. prosa 7. — Erit igitur pervagata, &c.
' Cott. nac hpelce bypi^e Se gipna'S. '^ Cott. na&ppe ^ebon. ^ Cott.
neajxo. * Cott. cioha'5. * Bod, mipde. ® Cott. hcobe. ^ Cott. m.
§ III. BOETHIUS. 65
do not visit it. But how, then, can any great man's name
singly come there, when no man there hears even the name
of the city, or of the country, of which he is an inhabitant ?
Therefore I know not through what folly ye desire that ye
should spread your name over allthe earth ! - That ye cannot
do, nor even anywhere nigh. Moreover, thou knowest how
great the power of the Romans was in the days of Marcus,)
the consul, who was by another name called Tullius, and by
a third Cicero. But he has shown in one of his books, that,
as then, the Eoman name had not passed beyond the moun-
tains that we call Caucasus, nor had the Scythians who dwell
on the other side of those mountains even heard the name of
the city or of the people: but at that time it had first come
to the Parthiaus, and was then very new. But nevertheless
it was very terrible thereabout to many a people. Do ye not
then perceive how narrow this your fame will be, which je
labour about, and unrighteously toil to spread ? How great
fame, and how great honeur, dost thou think one Homan could
have in that land, where even the name of the -city was never
heard, nor did the fame of the whole people ever come ?
Though any man immoderately and unreasonably desire that
he may spread his fame over all the earth, he cannot bring it
to pass, because the manners of the nations are very unlike,
and their institutions very various ; so that in one country
that pleases best which is at the same time in another deemed
most reprehensible, and moreover deserving of great punish-
ment. Therefore no man can have the same praise in every
land, because in every land that pleases not, which in another
pleases.
§ III. Therefore every man should be well contented with
this, that he be approved in his own country. Though he be
desirous of more, he cannot, indeed, bring it to pass : because
it is seldom that aught in any degree pleases many men; on
which account the praise of a good man is frequently con-
fined within the same country where he is an inhabitant ;
and also because it has often very unfortunately happened,
throuo;h the misconduct of writers, that they from tlieir sloth,
and from negligence, and from carelessness, have left un*
written the manners of the men, and their deeds, who in
their days were most famous, and most desirous of honour.
66 EOETHIUS. CHAP. XVIII.
forae ]*pa |?a pjiicepaf bybon. j eac ^a ]>e hi ymbe ppicon. Anb
eop Sine]) ]>eali f ^e haebban ece ajie. jip ge msejen on eallpe
eopejipe populbe jeeapnian ■^ je habban ^obne lilifan sefceji
eoppum ba^um. Erij: ])\i nu jecselept Sa hpile^ J'lD'^r anbpeapban
lipep "3 t^ippep hpilenblican^ piS ^aep unjeenboban lipep hpila.
hpaec bi6 hit; ])onne ; - Tele nu ])&. lenje^ ]>8epe hpile ])e ])u Sm
eaje on beppenan^ meege pi]) ten ]mpenb pincpa. ]>onne habba]?
])Si hpila hpaec hpu^u onhcep. J)eah hic lycel pie. f ip ]7onne ])3ec
heopa s&5})ep haep}) enbe. Tele nu ])onne f ten }>upenb geapa.
je ]7eah ]m ma pille. piS ^ ece ~\ ])8et: ungeenbobe lip. ]?onne ne
pmjc ]>u ]7£ep nauhc anjelicep.^ pop})am f ten Supenb jeapa.
}>eah hic lang ])ince. apcopta]). •] ]7ae]" o])pep ne cym]> nseppe nan
enbe. popj^am hic nip no to mecanne f jeenbobhce yip f un-
jeenbobhce. Deah 'Su nu telle ppom ])ippep mibbaneapbep
ppaman oS ])one enbe. anb mete ])onne ])a jeap pi]) "^ ])e nsenne
enbe na&p]). ])onne ne bi}) ])8ep naiiht anhcep. 8pa bi]) eac pe
hlipa ])apa popemaepena^ monna. Seah he hpilum lanj pie. "j pela
jeapa ])uphpuni5e. he biS ]?eah ppi])e pcopt to metanne pi]) ])one
pe ns&ppe ne jeenbaS ;.
§ IV.'^ Anb je ne jiecca]) ])eah hpe])ep je auht to ^obe bon
pi]) senejum o})pum ])m5um buton piS ])am lytlan lope J)8ep
polcep. "3 pi]) ])am pcoptan hlipan. ])e pe aep ymbe pppaecon.
eapnijap ])8ep "3 poppeo]> })a cpaeptap eoppep mje])oncep. •])
eoppep anb^itep. "3 eoppe ^epceabpipn eppe. anb polbon habban
eopeppa ^obena peopca mebe aet ppaembpa monna cpibbunje.
pilnijaS^ ])£ep to ])aepe mebe Se je to Erobe pceolbon. Ppaet p\i
jehypbept ])8et te 510 bajum jelomp. f an ppi])e pip mon 3
ppi])e pice onjan panbijan^ anep u]»pitan "3 hme bipmepobe.
pop])am he hme ppa opjellice upahop anb bobobe Saep "p he
uSpita paepe. ne cyt^be he hit mib nanum cpaeptum. ac mib
leapum anb opepmobhcum gilpe.^^ Sa polbe je pipa mon hip
panbijan.^^ hpa&Sep he ppa pip paepe ppa he pelp penbe f he
pgepe. Ongan^^ hme ])a hyppan. j heapm cpibbigan.^^ Da ^ie-
hejibe pe u]»pita ppi]'e 5e|)ylbelice ]»aep pipan monnep popb pume
hpile. Ac pi65an he hip hyjpmge jehepeb haepbe. ])a pcylbe^^ he
h Boet. lib. ii. prosa 7. — Vos autem, nisi ad populares auras, &c.
• Cott. ^etelept ))a hpila. - Bod. \>iyey hpilpenblican. ^ Cott. lenju.
* Cott. bepjieban. ^ Cott. anhcep. <> Cott. yopmaepa. ^ Cott. eapnialS.
« Cott. pilniaS. s Cott. panbian. "> Cott. gelpe. " Cott. panbian.
*=^ Cott. onson. " Cott. cpibian. ^^ Bod. fealbe.
§ IV. BOETHIUS. 67
And even if they had written the whole of their lives and of
their actions, as they ought if they were honest, would not
the writings nevertheless wax old and perish, as often as it
was done, even as the writers did, and those about whom
they wrote ? And yet it seems to you that ye have eternal
honour, if ye can, in all your life, earn that ye may have good
fame, after your days! If thou now comparest the duration
of this present life, and this temporal, with the duration of
the never-ending life, what is it then? Compare now the
length of the time wherein thou mayest wink thine eye, with
ten thousand winters ; then have the times somewhat of like,
thougii it be little; that is, that each of them has an end.
But compare these ten thousand years, and even more if thou
wilt, with the eternal and the never-ending life; then wilfc
thou not find there anything of like, because the ten thousand
years, though it seem long, will shorten : but of the other
there never will come an end. Therefore it is not to be com-
pared, the ending with the never ending ! If thou even reckon
from the beginning of this middle-earth to the end, and then
compare the years with that which has no end, there will be
nothing of like. So is also the fame of celebrated men.
Tliough it sometimes may be long and endure many years,
it is nevertheless very short compared with that which never
ends !
§ IV. And ye nevertheless care not whether ye do any
good, on any other account, than for the little praise of the
people, and for the short fame which we have before spoken
about. Ye labour for this, and overlook the excellences of
your mind, and of your understanding, and of your reason,
and would have the reward of your good works from the re-
port of strangers ! Te desire to obtain then the reward which
ye should seek from God ! But thou hast heard that it long
ago happened, that a very wise man, and very noble, began to
try a philosopher, and scoffed at him, because he so arrogantly
lifted himself up, and proclaimed this, that he was a philoso-
pher. He did not make it known by any talents, but by false
and proud boasting. Then the wise man would prove him,
whether he were as wise as he himself thought that he was.
He therefore began to revile, and speak ill of him. Then the
philosopher heard very patiently the wise man's words for
some time. But after he had heard his reviling, he then de-
r2
68 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XIX,
on^ean i'pi])e un^ej^ylbelice.* J>eah he a&ji licette f he ti))pica
paepe. Acj-obe hme Sa epc hpaejjep him ]>uhce f he ujjpica yd&iie
•Se ne&pe. Da anbppopobe pe pipa mon him "j cpaej*, Ic polbe
cpe])an "p ]>\i u]?pica paepe. jip J)u ^ej^ylbig paepe 3 ^eppu^ian
mihcepc.^ pu lan^fum paep him pe hhpa. pe he aep mib leapun-
jum pilnobe. pu ne popbaepjc he pa jjsep pihce poppam anum
anbpypbe. PpaeC popptob ponne pam becepcum mannum, 'Se
aeji up paepon, f^ hi ppa ppipe pilnobon ^aep ibelan Jilpep^ ■] pa&p
hhpan aepcep heopa beape. o8Se hpaet popptenc hic pam pe nu
jmbon. Dy paepe aalcum men mape Seapp f he pilnobe gobpa
cpaepta. ponne leapep hhpan. ppaec haepS he aet J>am hhpan.
aeptep pa&p hchoman jebale 3 pa&pe paple. pu ne piton pe "p
ealle men hchomhce ppeltap. 3 peah peo papl bi^ hbbenbe. Ac
peo papl paepp ppipe ppeolice* co heoponum. pippan heo oncigeb
bip •] op pam capcepne paep hchoman onliepeb bip. heo poppeop^
})onne ealle paj* eop^hcan pmg. -j pajenap^ paep "^ heo moc
bpucan ]?aep heopenhcan. pippan heo'^ bip abpojben ppom paem
eopphcan. ponne f GOob him pelpum jepica bip liobep pillan;.
CAPUT XIX.i
D'K pe f7]pbom 'Sa pip ppell apeht^ haepbe. 'Sa onjan he jibbian
•3 pup pmjenbe cpaeS. 8pa hpa ppa pilnije Co habbenne 'Sone
ibelan hhpan -3 pone unnytcan jilp. behealbe he on peopep-
healpe hip hu pibgiUe ^aep heoponep hpealpa bip. ■j hu neajia paepe
eoppan pcebe ip. peah heo up pum pmce. ponne mae^ hme
jcamian paepe bpaebmje hip hhpan. poppam he hme ne maej
puppum tobpaeban opep pa neappan eoppan ane. Gala opep-
moban. hpi ^e pilni^en f ge unbeplucan mib eoppum ppipan 'p
beaphcne geoc. oppe hpi ge peon on ppa ibelan jeppmce. f ^e
polbon eopepne hhpan tobpaeban opep ppa maneja ^eoba. Deah
hic nu gebypije f 'Sa ucemeptan ^loba eopepne naman upa-
hebban "j on mamg peobij'C eop hepigen. "3 peah hpa pexe mib
micelpe aefelcunbnejye hip jebypba. ;j peo on eallum pelum ^
on eallum plencum. ne pe bea^ peah ppelcep ne peep. Ac he pop-
piehp pa aepelo. j pone pican jelice "j pone heanan opppeljp. "]
ppa jeemnec ]?a pican j ]?a heanan./ppaec pmc nu paep popemae-
'Boet. lib. ii. metrum 7. — Quicumque solam mente, &c.
* Bod. pylbelic. ^ Cott. ^jej-usian meahce. ^ Cott. Selpef. * Cott.
riiiolice. 5 Gott. fopph'S. ^ Cott. fsegnaS. ^ Bod. pj>»Y heo.
" Cott. apeaht.
CHAP. XIX. BOETHIUS. 69
fended himself against him very impatiently, though he before
pretended that he was a philosopher, and asked him again^
whether he thought him to be a philosopher or not. Then
answered the wise man to him, and said: I would say that
thou wert a pliilosopher, if thou wert patient, and able to be
silent. How lasting was to him the fame which he before
falsely sought! How did he not immediately burst because
of one aDswer ! What has it then availed the best men who
were before us, that they so greatly desired vain glory and
fame after their death ? Or what does it profit those who
now are ? Therefore it were to every man more needful that
he were desirous of good actions thau of deceitful fame.
"What has he from this fame, after the separation of the body
and the soul ? Do we not know tliat all men bodily die, and
yet the soul is living ? But the soul goes very freely to the
heavens, after it is set loose and liberated from the prison of
the body. It then despises all these earthly things, and re-
joices in this, that it may enjoy the heavenly, after it is taken
away from the earthly. Then the mind will itself be a witness
of God's will.
CHAPTEE XIX.
"When "Wisdom had made this speech, then began he again
to sing, and thus singing, said: Whosoever desires to have
vain fame and unprofitable glory, let him behold on the four
sides of him, how spacious the expanse of the heaven is, and
how narrow the space of the earth is, though it seem large to
us! Then may it shame him of the spreading of his fame,
because he cannot even spread it over the narrow earth alone !
O, ye proud, w^hy are ye desirous to sustain with your necks
this deadly yoke ? or why are ye in such vain labour, because
ye would spread your fame over so many nations ? Though
it even happen that the farthest nations exalt your name, and
praise you in many a language ; and though any one with
great nobleness add to his birth, and prosper in all riches,
and in all splendour, death nevertheless cares not for things
of this sort, but he despises nobility, and devours the rich and
the poor alike, and thus levels the rich and the poor! ^What
are now the bones of the celebrated and the wise goldsmith,
Weland? I have therefore said the wise, because to the
70 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XX.
pan anb pd&y pifan golbj'mi'Sef ban pelonbej-. pop |)y ic cpae^ ]?aef
pijan. poji J)y ))am cpa&pcejan ne msej naeppe hip cjisept lopijan
ne hme mon ne msej ^onne ej) on him jeniman 'pe mon mae^
])a punnan apenban op hiepe ptebe. Ppaep pmc nu J)8ep pelonbep
ban. oS^e hpa pac nu hpaep hi pa&pon. o^Se hpaep ip nu pe
popemaepa ~\ x** apseba Rompapa hepetoja. pe paep hacan
Bpucup. oppe nanian Kajpiup. o65e pe pipa -j paepcpaeba Laco.
pe paep eac Romana liejiecoja. pe paep openlice uj^pica. pu ne
paepan pap jepyjin lopj^jepicene. ■] nan mon nac hpaep hi nu
pine. Ppaec ip heopa nu co lape. bucan pe lycla hhpa j pe nama
mib peaum pcapum appiten. "j 'f jic pyppe ip. 'p pe picon manige
popemaepe ■] jemynbpyppe pepap pop])5epicene ])e ppife peapa
manna a onjic. Ac manije hcjja]) beabe mib ealle popjicene.
f pe hhpa hie pupSum cu])e ne jebe]?. Deah je nu penen 3
pilnian 'p ge lanje hbban pcylan hep on populbe. hpaec bi^ eop
ponne ^y bee. hu ne cym^ pe bea^. ]?eah ^e^ he lace cume. 3
abeS eop op pippe populbe. ~} hpasc poppcenc eop ponne pe jilp.
hupu pam pe pe aep ceppa beap jejpipp ^ on ecneppe gehaepc ; .
CAPUT XX.^
DK pe p'lpbom pa pip leop apunjen ha&pbe. pa onjan he
ppelhen^ -j pup cpaep. Ne pen pu no f ic to anpiUice pmne pip
pa pypb. poppam ic hic no pelpe nauhc ne onbpaebe. poppaem
hic ope jebypap f peo leape pypb naupep ne mae;^ pam men bon
ne pulcum. ne eac naenne bem. poppam heo nip nanep lopep
pyppe. poppam heo hipe pelp ^ecyp f heo nanpuhc ne bip. Ac
heo onppih^ hipe aepelm. ponne heo jeopenap hiope ^eapap. Ic
pene peah ■]) pu ne popptanbe nu pt hpaec ic 6e co cpaepe. pop-
pam hic ip punbophc paec ic pecjan pille. j ic hic maej uneape
mib popbum ^epeccan.^ ppa ppa ic polbe. f ip paec ic pac f ce
jeo pipeppeapbe pypb byp selcum men nS^cpypppe ponne peo
oppopje. poppam peo oppopje pimle hhp anb licec. f mon pcyle
penan -p heo peo* pio pope jepael^. ac pio pipeppeapbe ip pio pope
gepaelp. peah hpaem^ ppa ne pmce. poppam heo ip paepcpaeb "j
gehaec pimle f ce pop bip. 810 opup^ ip leap j beppicp ealle hipe
gepepan. poppaem hio hic jecyp pelp mib hipe hpupppulneppe
paec hio bip ppipe pancol. Ac peo pipeppeapbe jebec anb je-
laepeS aelcne papa ^e hio hi cojepiec. 810 opeji^ jebmc aelc papa
^ Boet. lib. ii. prosa 8. — Sed ne me inexorabile, &o.
1 Bod. >eah. ^ Cott. ppillian. 3 Cott. apeccan. * Cott. ip. * Bod.
hpa. 6 Cott. otSpu. ^ Cott. &S\in
CHAP. XX. BOETHIUS. 71
sldlful his skill can never be lost, nor can any man more
easily take it from him than he can turn aside the sun from
lier place. Where are now the bones of Weland ? or who
knows now where they were ? Or where is now the illus-
trious aud the patriotic consul of the Romans, who was called
Brutus, by another name Cassias ? or the wise and inflexible
Cato^ who was also a Roman consul ? He was evidently a
"^philosopher. Were not these long ago departed ? and no one
knows where they are now. What of them is now remaining,
except the small fame and the name written with a few
letters ? And it is yet worse that we know of many illuM
trious and memorable men departed, of whom very few pei.^
sons have ever heard. But many lie dead, entirely forgotten,
so that fame does not even make them known ! Though ye
now think and desire that ye may live long here in the world,
what is it to you then the better ? Does not death come,
though he come late, and take you away from this world ?
And what then does glory profit you ? at least those whom
the second death seizes, and for ever binds ?
CHAPTER XX.
When Wisdom had sung this lay, then began he to speak,
and thus said : Do not suppose that I too obstinately attack
fortune. I myself have no dread of it, because it frequently
happens that deceitful fortune can neither render aid to a
man, nor cause any injury. Therefore she is deserving of no
praise, because she herself shows that she is nothing. But
she reveals her fountain when she discloses her manners. I
think, nevertheless, that thou dost not yet understand what
I say to thee : for what I wish to say is wonderful, and I
can hardly explain it with words as I would. It is, that I
know that adverse fortune is more useful to every man than
prosperous. Por the prosperous always lies and dissembles,
that men may think that she is the true happiness. But the
adverse is the true happiness, though to any one it may not
seem so, for she is constant and always promises what is true.
The other is false, and deceives all her followers; for she
herself shows it by her changeableness, that she is very un-
stable : but the adverse improves and instructs every one to
whom she joins herself. The other binds every one of tiie
minds which enjoy her, through the appearauce which she
72 BOETHITJS. CHAP. XXI.
moba J)e hipe^ bpyc)) mib ]78&pe hipun^a 'Se hio licec f hio yie
job. feo pi^eppeapbe J»onne anbmt^ -^ jefpeo]? aelc J)apa ]?e hio
togeJ)iet5. mib J»am -^ hio him jeopena}* hu ciebpe^ ]?aef anb-
peapban gepseljm pint;. Ac peo oppophnep jaej) j-cypmselum [fpa
fsep pmbep ypc]^ 810 pipeppeapbnep fonne bi]? pimle untselu. 3
ppacu apcippeb^ mib j^aepe ptypmje hipe ajenpe ppecenneppe.
Ac pio leape jepeel]) hio CihJ) onlapt neabmja fa pe hiepe coje-
]?eoba]7 ppom paem po])um^ jepaeipum mib hiepe olecunje.'^ Seo
pipeppeapbnep ])onne pull opc ealle ]?a ])e hiepe unbepj^eobbe
bio]>. neabmga jetih]? Co ))am poJ>um jepa&lj^um. ppa ppa mib
angle pipe jepanjen bi]?. Dmc]? ]7e nu "p lytel geptpeon ~} lycel
eaca ]?mpa jepselj^a. j^aecte J)eop pe]?e anb ])eop egephce pij^ep-
peajibnep j^e bpmj]?. f ip J»8et heo ppijje hpaj)e J>a GOob. J)e ge-
opena]? "Sinpa getpeoppa ppeonba, anb eac jjinpa peonba. ]?a&t ])u
hie mihc ppiSe pputele^ tocnapan. Ac ]78epleapan gepselj^a ))onne
hi J>e ppom gepitaj*. ^onne nimaS hi heopa men mib him. 3
laetaj? J)ine peapan getpeopan mib j^e. pu polbefC J)u nu gebyc-
gan. ]>a J)u gepaelgopc psepe "3 pe J^uhte f peo pypb ppi]70]t on
^mne pillan pobe. mib hu micelan^ peo polbepc fu J^a habban
geboht f J>u ppucole mihcepc tocnapan fine ppmb^*^ 3 fine
pynb.^^ Ic pac feah f fu hit polbept habban mib miclan peo^^
geboht f fu hi cufept pel topcaban. Deah fe nu fmce 'p fu
beoppypfe peoh^^ poplopen habbe. fu haeppt feah micle biop-
pypfpe mib geboht. "p pint getpeope ppienb. fa fu miht nu
tocnapan. -3 papt hpset fu hiopa haeppt. ppaet "J) ip "f eallpa
beoppeopfepte peoh *.
CAPUT XXI.i
DK pe f7ipbom fa f ip ppell apa&b hsepbe. fa ongan he gibbigan^*
^ ^up pmgenbe cpaef . An pceppenb ip buton selcum tpeon. "3 pe
]p eac pealbenb heoponep "j eopfan j ealpa gepceapta gepepen-
licpa ^ eac ungepepenhcpa. f ip liob aelmihtig. ^am feopiaf
ealle fa f e feopiaf. ge fa f e cunnon. ge fa f e ne cunnon. ge fa
f e hit piton f hie him feopiaf. ge fa f e hit nyton. 8e ilea je-
1 Boet. lib. ii. metrum 8. — Quod mundus stabili fide, &c.
* Bod. hepe. ^ Cott. onbinc. ^ Cott. Cebpa. * Cott. ppa t>aeji
pmbef \>yy, and Bod. yV^\^^P^ pinbep J^vf . The reading within the brackets
is a suggestion of the late Mr. Cardale's, in which I fully concur. ^ Cott.
paepu aj^ceppeb. ^ Cott. j^o^an. ^ Cott. j?sepe oliccunse. ^ Cott.
rpeocole. 9 Cott. micle. 10 Cott. ppenb. n Cott. penb. »« Cott.
micle pio, ^3 Cott. pioh. " Cott. gibbian.
CHAP. XXI. BOETHIUS. 73
feigns of being good : but the adverse unbinds, and frees
every one of those whom, she adheres to, in that she discloses
to them how trail these present goods are. But prosperity
goes confusedly as the wind's storm ; while adversity is always
faultless, and is saved from injury by the experience of her
own danger. In fine, the false happiness necessarily draws
those who are associated with her, from the true felicities, by
her flattery: but adversity often necessarily draws all those
who are subjected to her, to the true goods, as a fish is
caught by a hook. Does it then seem to thee little gain,
and little addition to thy felicities, which this severe and this
horrible adversity brings to thee : that is, that she very
quickly lays open to thee the minds of thy true friends, and
also of thine enemies, that thou mayest very plainly dis-
tinguish them ? But these false goods, when they depart
from thee, then take they their men with them, and leave
thy few faithful ones with thee. How wouldest thou now
buy, or when thou wert happiest, and it seemed to thee that
fortune proceeded most according to thy will, with how much
money wouldest thou then have bought, that thou mightest
clearly distinguish thy friend and thy foe ? I know, how-
ever, that thou wouldest have bought it with much money
that thou mightest well know how to distinguish them.
Though it now seem to thee that thou hast lost precious
wealth, thou hast nevertheless therewith bought much more
precious, that is, true friends, whom thou art now able to
distinguish, and knowest what of them thou hast. But this
is the most valuable wealth of all.
CHAPTER XXI.
Whett "Wisdom had made this speech, then began he to
sing, and thus singing, said: There is one creator beyond
all doubt, and he is also governor of heaven and earth, and
of all creatures, visible and invisible. He is God Almighty.
Him serve all those creatures which serve, both those which
have understanding, and those which have not understand-
ing: both those which know it that they serve him, and
those which know it not. The same has appointed un-
74 BOETHIUS. CHA.P. XXI,
j-ette unapenbenblicne fibo. ^ )?eapaf . ^ eac ^ecynhelice fibbe
eallum hif jefceapcum J>a )>a he polbe. ^ fpa lanje ppa he polbe.
]?a nu fculon ptanban to populbe. Dapa unpcillena jepceapta
fcypinj ne ma&g no peopjjan jepciUeb. ne eac onpenb op Sam
pyne j op J^aepe enbebypbneppe J^e him ^epet ip. ac pe anpealba
ha&p]; ealle hip jepceapta ppa mib hip bpible bepanjene. ■] jeco-
jene. ^ jemanobe ppa f hi nau])ep ne jeptiUan ne moton. ne
eac ppiJ?op ptypiian. J)onne he him J^aec ^epum hip pealbleSepep
topopleec. Spa haepj> pe aelmihtiga Eob jeheajjopabe ealle hip je-
pceapta mib hip anpealbe. Jjaet heopa a&lc pinS pij? oJ?ep. anb
J)eah ppaeJjeS o|)ep f hie ne moCon toplupan. ac biS jepeppbe
ept Co J)am ilcan pyne ])e hie a&p upnon. -3 ppa peop)?a]7 epc
^eebnipabe. ppa hi hit pa^iaj? f 'Sa pij^eppeapban jepceapta 2d^]>e]\
je hie betpux him pmnap. je eac pa&pte pibbe betpux him heal-
ba]?. Spa nu pyp be]> j paetep. ";) pse ";] eopJ)e. ') mane^a o])pa je-
pceapta. J)e beo]? a ppa un^eSpaepa betpux him ppa jpa hi beo]?.
■^ ]?eah he beo)) ppa jej^paepa ])8ette no 'f an -^ hi ma^on gepepan
beon. ac ]7y pupJ)op 'p heopa pupjjum nan buton ojjpum beon
ne mseg. Ac a pceal ])d&t pi'Seppeapbe f oSep pi]?eppeapbe je-
metgian. ppa nu haep^ pe selmihteja Hob ppij)e jepceabpiphce j
ppi6e limplice ^epet -p jeppixle eallum hip jepceaptum. Spa nu
lencten -3 ha&ppept. on lenccen hit SpepS. anb on ha&ppept hit
pealpaj). -^ ept pumep j pmtep. on pumepa hit bi]? peapm. anb
on pmtpa cealb. Spa eac pio punne bpinj)) leohte bajap. •] pe
mona liht on niht. ])uph Jjgep ilcan Ijobep miht. Se ilea pop-
pypnjj Jtsepas pae f heo ne mot ])one ]?eoppcpolb opeppta&ppan
J>8epe eop]?an. Ac he hsep]) heopa meapce ppa jepette. 'f hie ne
mot heope meapce ^ebpaeban opep ]?a ptillan eop])an. CWib ])am
ilcan jepece ip jepeaht ppif e anlic jeppixle J>8ep plobep "j paep
ebban. Jja jepetenep 'pa he Iset ptanban Jja hpile pe he pile. Ac
J)onne s&p ])e he "^ jepealblej^ep poplaet pajia bjiibla. pe he J)a
jepceapta nu mib gebpiblobe haep]?. 'p peo pipeppeapbnep. J^e pe
aep ymbe pppaecon. ^ip he Sa laet toplupan. ])onne poplaeta]) hi
pa. pibbe ]?e hi nu healbaj). 3 pinj> heopa selc on o})ep aeptep hip
ajenum piUan. -^ poplaetaj? heopa jepeppaebenne. "3 popbo^
ealne pypne mibbaneajib. 'j peopfa]) him pelpe to nauhte. Se
ilea Dob jepe^}) mib ppeonbpaebenne pole tojsebepe. j pm hij •
pcipap jepamnaj) mib claenlicpe lupe. pe jejaebepa)) ppinb •] ge-
pepan f hie jetpeoplice heopa pibbe j heopa ppeonbpaebenne
healbaj. Gala f te t5ip moncyn pa&pe jepselig. gip heopa GOob
CHAP, XXI. BO ET IT I US. 75
changeable customs and habits, and also natural agreement,
to all his creatures, when he would, and so long as he would,
which now shall stand for ever. The motion of the moving
creatures cannot be stayed, nor yet turned from the course
and from the order that is set to them. But the governor
has so with his bridle caught hold of, and restrained, and ad-
monished, all his creatures, that they neither can be still, nor
yet move farther than he the space of his rein allows to them.
So has the Almighty God controlled all his creatures by his
power, that each of them strives with another, and yet sup-
ports another, so that they cannot slip asunder, but are
turned again to the same course which they before ran, and
thus become again renewed. So are they varied, that con-
trary creatures both strive with each other, and also hold
firm agreement with each other. Thus fire doth, and water;
and sea and earth ; and many other creatures, which will
ever be as discordant between themselves, as they are ; and
yet they are so accordant that not only they may be com-
panions, but moreover, that even no one of them vipithout
another can exist. But ever must the contrary the other
contrary moderate. So has now the Almighty God very
wisely and very fitly appointed^ change to all his creatures.
Thus spring and harvest. In spring it groweth, and in
harvest it ripens. And again summer and winter. In
summer it is warm, and in winter cold. So also the sun
bringeth light days, and the moon gives light in the night,
through the power of the same God. The same warns the
sea that it may not overstep the threshold of the earth:
but he has so fixed their limits, that it may not extend its
boundary over the still earth. By the same government is
ordered a very like change of the flood and the ebb. This
appointment, then, he allows to stand as long as he wills.
But whenever he shall let go the rein of the bridles with
which he has now bridled the creatures, that contrariety
which we before mentioned, if he shall allow these to be re-
laxed, then will they forsake the agreement which they now
keep, and strive, each of them with other, after its own will,
and forsake their companionship, and destroy all this middle-
earth, and bring themselves to naught. The same God joins
people together with friendship, and unites families with
virtuous love. He brings together friends and companions,
that they faithfully hold tdeir agreement and their friendship.
76 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXII.
paepe j-pa piht -3 j-pa ^ej-catelob. •] fpa ^eenbebypb. j-pa j-pa |)a
o]?pe jefceapca f inbon ; • pep enbap nu f eo sefcpe n^opep boc
Boeciufepi ^ onjinj) peo ])pibbe. 8e Boeciuf paep o]?pe naman
^ehacen' Seuepmup. ye paep hepecoja Romana;.
CAPUT XXII.°^
§ I. D'K ye f^ifbom 'Sa ])iy leo]? afun^en hsejrbe. ^a haepbe he
me jebunben^ mib ])8epe pynnfumnej-pe hi]' panjef . 'p ic hi]- paep
]'pi]>e papienbe "] fpi^e lupcbaepe hme co ^ehypanne mib mne-
peapbum GOobe. ^ ]?a fulpa]?e* J^aep ic clipobV to him •] 6up
cpae]?. Gala J7i]-bom. ]>\i ])e eapc pio hehfte ppopep eallpa pepijpa
moba.^ hu ]?u me haeppc appeppobne 8e3}»ep ge mib jjmpe pmea-
lican pppaece. ^e mib J)aepe''' pynjumneppe jjinep prijep. to ])am
]>\i me haeppt nu gepetne^ "3 opepcumenne mib |?inpe gepceab-
pipneppe. f me nu J^yncJ) ]>aette no f an ])8et ic 6ap unpypb
apaepnan maej. ]?e me on becumen ip. Ac peah me jet mape
ppecennej- on becume. ne cpif>e ic^ naeppe ma f hit buton je-
pyphtum^^ pie. pop]?am ic pat 'f ic mapan 3 hepijpan pypfe
paepe. Ac ic polbe ynibe |)one laecebom ])apa '5mpa lapa hpene
mape jehypan. ]?eah Su nu hpene sep paebept^^ f ])u penbept'^
•^ hi polbon me ppi]>e bitepe|)]ncan. ne onbpaebeic hi me nauht
nu. A c ic heojia eom ppi|>e jippe aejj^ep ge to gehepenne je eac
to jehealbanne. 3 Se ppif e jeopne bibbe "f ]?u hi me jelaepte.
ppa ppa ]?u me nu lytle aep jehete. Da cpae^ pe fipbom. Ic on-
jeat pona J)a Su ppa pel jeppujobept. anb ppa luptlice gehepbepc
mine lape.^^ f Ipn polbept mib innepeapban GOobe hi onjiton. 3
pmeajean. pop])am ic jeanbibobe ppi]?e pel oj) ic pipte^^ hpaet p\i
polbept. -} hu ])u hit unbepptanban polbept. 3 eac |>y pupj^oji ic
tiolobe ppij>e jeopnpullice. f ^uhit pojiptanban mihtept.^'' Ac
ic ]>e pille nu pecjan hpelc pe laececpaept ip mmpe lape ^e ^u
me nu bitpt. pe ip ppiSe bitep on mupe ^j he ^e tip]) on t5a
))potan ]K)nne Su hip aepept panbapt. Ac he pepoba]>^" fy^f'^'^
he mna]). '^ bi]? ppij>e h]>e on '6am inno]?e. ~} ppife ppete to
bealcetenne ; • ^^
™ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 1. — Jam cantum ilia finierat, &c.
^ Cott. aepcepjie ppopp boc Boenep. ^ Cott. hareii. ^ Cott. gebun-
benne. * Cott. pulpae^e. ^ Cott. cleopobe. ^ Bod. boma. ' Bod.
Jjinpe. * Cott. ape-ne. ^ Bod. ip. "• Bod. 5;epyp)3ura. ^^ Cott.
j-aebe. »2 c^tt. penbe. ^^ Cott. mina lapa. i^ Cott. pippe. >* Cott.
meahce. ^'^ Cott. )>e pepeba'S. ^' Bod. belcencan.
§ I. BOETHIUS. 77
O, how tappy would this mankind be, if their minds were as
right, and as established, and as ordered, as the other creatures
are ! Here endeth the seeond consolation-book of Boethius,
and beginneth the third. Boethius was bj another name
called. Severiuus : he was a consul of the Eomans.
CHAPTER XXIT.
§ I. "When "Wisdom had sung this lay, then had he bound
me with the sweetness of his song, so that I was greatly ad-
n)iring it, and very desirous to hear him with inward mind:
and immediately thereupon I spoke to him, and thus said :
O, Wisdom, thou who art the highest comfort of all weary
minds ! how hast thou comforted me, both with thy profound
discourse and with the sweetness of thy song ! So much
hast thou now corrected and overcome me with thy reason-
ing, that it now seems to me that not only am I able to bear
this misfortune wliich has befallen me, but even if still
greater peril should come upon me, I will never more say
that it is without deserving : for I know that I were deserving
of- more, and heavier. But I am desirous to hear something
more of the medicine of these thine instructions. Though
thou just now saidst that thou thoughtest that they would
seem very bitter to me, I am not now afraid of them, but I
am very anxious after them, both to hear, and also to observe :
and very earnestly entreat thee that thou wouldest perform
to me, as thou a little while ago promisedst me. Then said
Wisdom : I knew immediately when thou didst so well keep
silence, and so willingly heardest my doctrine, that thou
wouldest with inward mind receive and consider it. There-
fore I waited very well till I knew what thou wouldest, and
how thou wouldest understand it; and, moreover, I very
earnestly endeavoured that thou mightest understand it.
But I will now tell thee what the medicine of my doctrine
is, which thou askest of me. It is very bitter in the mouth,
and it irritates thee in the throat, when thou iirst triest it:
but it grows sweet after it enters in, and is very mild in the
stomach, and pleasant to the taste.
78 BOETHirS. CHAP. XXIIt. '
§ II." Kc Sa&ji ^u onjeace hpihpe ic ]>e nu teohhie Co
laebenne.^ ic pac f J)u polbe]C fpij^e jeopne 6ibep punbian. 'j
Y\>i]>e fpij)lice beon onaeleb mib ^aepe jicpunje. fopjjam ic ^e-
hepbe f ]>u aep faebepc 'p ]m ppij>e jeopnfull peejie hic Co jehy-
panne. Da cpaej) ^ GDob. PpiJ>ep pile ]7U me nu )7iJ)0]-c laeban.
Da anbpypbe peo Ijepceabpipne]' anb cpae]^. To |)8&m po|7um je-
paeljmm ic Ciolihie^ f ic ])e laebe. |;e^ pm GOob ope ymbe paeppe]>
■;} eaj^mep.^ ■] t)u^ ne mihcepc jyc piilpihrne pej apebian Co ^am
po|7um gepaftljjum. pojiJ>am ];in GOob paep abipjob mib j^aejie
anpme ^ippa leapena gej a&l^a. Da cpae}) ^ GOob. Ic 6e liealpije 'p
fu me oj^epe bucon aelcum cpeon hpaec pio po]7e jepsel)? pie. Da
cp3&]7 pio Erepceabpipnep. Ic piUe pojilupclice pop ];mmn lupum.
Ac ic pceal be pumepe bipene pume anlicnep)e j^aspe pipan ])e
jecaecaii. o]? ])e f ]nw^ cuj?pe pie. Co ]7am f ]m ]7a bipne ]|>eo-
cole jepceapije. j ponne be paepe anlicneppe papa poj^ena je-
p3el|7a ]?u maeje on^ican ]m po]>an ^epa&lSa. ~\ pojilaecaii'^ jjaecce
him pi]>eppeapb bip. f pine ])a leapan gepselpa. anb ]>onne mib
eaUep mobep jeopnpullan mjej^ance hijie*^ "p ]?u maege becuman
Co ))am jeps&ljjum fe ece pujilipunia]> ; .
CAPUT XXIII.o
DK pe pipbom pa ])ip ppell apelic^ hsepbe. pa on;5an he epc
jibbian. '^ pup cpaep. Spa hpa ppa piUe papan pepcmbaepe lanb.
acio aepepc op pa popnap. ~} pa pyppap. ^ f; peapn. -3 ealle pa
peob pe he jepio f pam aecejium bepijen. f pe hpaece ma&i^e ^y
bee peaxan. 6ac ip ^eop bipen co jepencenne. f ip f aelcum
men pincS hunijep bio bpeab py peopobpa. jip he hpene aep
bicejiep onbipijp. anb epc pmylce pebep bip py pancpypppe. 2,ip
hic hpene a&p bip pceapce pcopmap. -3 nopSan pmbap. j micle
penap "3 pnapap. Anb pancpypppe bip eac paep bsejep leohc po)i
paepe ejephcan piopcpo paejie nihce. ponne hiC psejie gip nan
nihc nsepe. Spa bip eac micle pe pinpumpe pio pope jepaelt^ co
habbenne aepcep pam eopmpum pippep anbpeapban hpep. Anb
eac micle ^y ep pu mihc pa popan gepaelpa jecnapan anb co
hiopa cyppe becuman. jip 5u aejiepc apypcpalapc op Sinum GOobe
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 1. — Sed quod tu te audiendi, &c.
° Boet. lib. iii. metrum 1. — Qui serere ingenuum volet, &c.
1 Cott. tiohi^e to leebanne. '^ Cott. Ciohige. ^ Cott. >3ep. * Cott.
hps&rpeS T eac msec. ^ Cott. Sc \>u. ^ Bod. poplsec. ' Cott. higige.
• Cott. apseb.
CHAP. XXIII. BOETHIUS. 79
§ II. But when thou shouldest perceive whither I now
design to lead thee, I knew that thou wouldest very anxiously
tend thither, and be very greatly inflamed with that desire.
For I heard what thou before saidst, that thou wast very de-
sirous to hear it. Then said the Mind : Whither wilt thou
now especially lead me ? Then answered Reason, and said :
I propose tliat I should lead thee to the true goods, about
which thy mind often meditates, and is greatly moved : and
thou hast not yet been able to find the most direct way to
the true goods, because thy mind was occupied with the view
of these false goods. Then said the Mind : I beseech thee
that thou wouldest show me, beyond all doubt, what the true
happiness is. Then said Reason : I will gladly, for love of
thee. But I must, by some example, teach thee some re-
semblance of the thing, till the thing be better known to
thee ; in order that thou mayest clearly view the example,
and then, by tlie resemblance of the true goods, thou mayest
know the true goods, and forsake what is contrary to them,
that is, the falsehoods : and then with the anxious thought
of all thy mind, strive that thou mayest arrive at those goods,
which for ever remain !
CHAPTER XXIII.
"Wheist Wisdom had ended this discourse, then began he
again to sing, and thus said : Whosoever is desirous to sow
fertile land, let him first draw out the thorns, and the furze,
and the fern, and all the weeds which he observes to do injury
to the field, in order that the wheat may grow the better.
Also, this example is to be considered, that is, that to every
man honeycomb seems the sweeter, if he, a little before, taste
anything bitter. And, again, calm weather is the more agree-
able, if it a little before be stark storms, and north winds, and
much rain and snow. And more agreeable also is the light of
the day, for the horrible darkness of the night, than it would
be if there were no night. So is also the true happiness much
the more pleasant to enjoy, after the calamities of this present
life. And, moreover, thou mayest much the sooner discover
the true goods, and arrive at the knowledge of them, if thou
first rootest out from thy mind the false goods, and removest
ftO BOETHITJS. CHAP. XXIV.
■Sa leaj-an ^e]'8elj)a. j hi opatihj-c of ^ 'Sone jpunb. 8i5(5an Jju hi
|?onne jecnapan mihc. }?onne pac ic 'f tSu ne pilnaf c nanep o)>jnef
jjinjef Of ep J>a ; .
CAPUT xxiy.p
§ I. D2? he ]?a J>if leo^ afunjen hs&pbe. ]7a foplet he ])one
fanj. •] jefpujobe ane hpile. 3 onjann fmealice Jjencan on hif
mobej- in5e|)ance. anb Sup^ cpaej?, ^Ic beaj^hc man ppenc]> hme
pelfne mib mipdicum^ ■] mani^pealbum ymbho^um. ~) jjeah
piUnia^ ealle ])uph mijthce* pa])aj- cuman co anum enbe, f ip
'p hi pilnia]? pujih unjehce eapnunja cuman to anpe eabijneppe.
f) If ]?onne Cob. pe if fpuma ^ enbe aelcef jobef .^ 3 he if fio
hehfce ^iefsel]?.^ Da cpae]? "p GOob. Daec me ^ync]? fie f hehj'Ce
job.*^ ])8ecce man ne ^upfe nanef oj^pef ^obef . ne eac ne pecce
opep f. fiSSan he f haebbe. f if hpop^ eallpa o]?eppa joba.®
popJ>am hiC eall o'Spu job^^ ucan bepeh]?. 3 eall on innan him
hssyp. Nsepe hiC no f hehpce %ob}^ gip him aenig bucan paepe.
poji])am hic hsepbe Sonne Co pihiianne pumep jobep^^ ])e hic pelp
naepbe. Da anbppajiobe pio Hepceabpipnep ^ cpae]?, Daec ip ppij^e
ppeocol f ]>2ez: ip pio hehpce gepselS. popj^am hit ip seg^ep ge
hpop ^e ploji eallep jobep.^^ hpaet ip f Iponne buton peo pelepce
jepaelS. j)e ]m oj^pa ^epaelpa ealle^'* on mnan him ^e^abepaS. j
hi utan ymbhsep]).^^ ~\ on mnan him ^ehelt. j him nanep ne
bi'5 pana. ne he nanep neobSeappe naef}?. Ac hi cuma]; ealle op
him. J ept ealle to him. ppa ppa ealle paetepu cumaS op Saepe
pse. "3 ept ealle cumacS to 'Saepe pae. Nip nan to paep lytel
sepelm.^^ f he ]>a pae ne jepece. anb ept op jjsejie pae he gelent
m on ]?a eopi]?an. "3 ppa he bi]? j-mujenbe jeonb ]}a eopSan. oS
he ept cym]? to Sam ilcan aepelme pe he aep ut pleop. j ppa
ept to Saepe pae;.
§ 11.^ Dip ip nu bipen ])apa po]7ena ^epaelSa. Jjapa pilnia])
ealle bea]?lice men to bejitanne. Seah he Suph miptlice^'' pejap
Sencan to cumanne. poji]?am aejhpelc man haep]? ^ecynbelic
^ob^^ on him pelpum. po}iJ>am aelc GOob pilna]? poJ>ep jobep to
P Boet. lib. iii. prosa 2. — Turn defixo paululum visu, &c.
<i Boet. lib. iii. prosa 2. — Est enim mentibus hominum, &c.
> Bod. op acihS o'5. • ^ Cott. l>a. ^ Cott. miplicum. * Cott. miphce.
* Cott. Soobep. ^ Bod. ^epeelka. ^ Cott. ?;oob. ^ Qq^^^ fpofp. ^ Cott.
jooba. 1" Cott. Koob. " Cott. Soob. 12 c^tt. Soobep. '^ Cott. Soobep.
M Cott. ealla. »^ Cott. ymbpeh'S. i" Cott. sepylm. »' Cott. miphce.
» Cott. soob.
§ I. II. BOETHIUS. 81
them from the ground. After thou, then, art able to discover
those, I know that thou wilt not desire any other thing be-
sides them.
CHAPTER XXIV.
§ I. Whett he had sung this lay, he ceased tlie song, and
was silent awhile, and began to think deeply in his mind's
thought, and thus said : Every mortal man troubles himself
with various and manifold anxieties, and yet all desire, through
various paths, to come to one end : that is, they desire, by dif-
ferent means, to arrive at one happiness ; that is, then, GoxCT
He is the beginning and the end of every good, and he is the
highest happiness. Then said the Mind : This, methinks, must
be the highest good, so that man should need no other good,
nor moreover be solicitous beyond that : since he possesses
that which is the roof of all other goods; for it includes all
other goods, and has all of them within it. It would not be
the highest good, if any good were external to it, because it
would then have to desire some good which itself had not.
Then answered Eeason, and said : It is very evident that this
is the highest happiness, for it is both the roof and the floor
of all good. What is that, then, but the best happiness, which
gathers tlie other felicities all within it, and includes, and
holds them within it : and to it there is a deficiency of none,
neither has it need of any ; but they all come from it, and
again all return to it : as all waters come from the sea, and
again all come to the sea ? There is none in the little fountain
which does not seek the sea, and again, from the sea it arrives
at the earth, and so it flows gradually through the earth, till
it again comes to the same fountain that it before flowed from,
and so again to the sea.
§ II. Now this is an example of the true goods, which all
mortal men desire to obtain, though they by various ways
think to arrive at them. Eor every man has natural good in
himself, because every mind desires to obtain the true good :
G
82 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXIV.
bejitanne. Ac hit bi]) ameppeb mib ^am Isenum ^obum.^ poji-
fam hic bi^ [ofbseljie]^ ]?8epro. popfam j-ume menn pena]> f
J)8£t; fie feo felej-ce gej-selj). f mon pe j-pa peli^ "fi he nanep
J)iii5ep mapan ne ]?up]:e. ~\ pilniaS^ hiopa populb aefCep |)aera.
8ume men pena]? f "J fie J)8ec hehfCe 50b. ^ /f he pie hip je-
pepum hip gepepena peopjwpt. "] eallon maejene ^aep tilaj>.
8ume pena]? *p 'p hehpte gob^ pie on ^am hehptan anpealbe. ^a
pilniaS o^ep tpeja. o^Se him pelpe picpian. oSSe hi co 'Sapa
picena ppeonbpcipe jej^eoban. 8ume ceohhia]) f f betpc py }>sec
mon peo popemaepe. j pibmaepe. 3 hsebbe jobne^ hhpan. tihaS
•Sonne )?8ep aejp'ep ge on pibbe. je on jjepmne. GOaneje tellaS -p
to mseptum ^obe^ "3 to mseptejie jepeell^e "f mon pie pimle bhSe
on Sippe anbpeapban hpe. ■] pulga eallum hip luptum. 8ume
■Sonne 6a 6e fap pelan pilma'S. hi hip pilmaS popj^am Sset hi
polbon Sy mapananpealb habban. f hemihton® ])y oppopghcop
)?ippa populb lupta bpucan. j eac pap pelan. GOanejae pint ]?apa
))e pop Sy pilnia]) anpealbep. 'Se hie polbon opmsete peoh^ je-
jabepian. oSSe ept )7one hhpan heopa naman hi pilniaS faet hi
jebpseban ; .
§ III.^ On ppelcum. -j on o])pum ppelcum laenum. anb hpeo-
penbum^o peop])pcipum 3&lcep mennipcep mobep mjejmnc bi})
jeppenceb mib ))3epe jeopnpulneppe anb mib ]78epe tiolunja.^^
pen]? ponne "f hit haebbe pum healic job^^ jeptpyneb. 'Sonne hit
haepi? jepunnen^^ j^sep polcep olecunga. Onb me ]?inc6 'p hit
haebbe gebohc pume ppi])e leaplice maepjie. 8ume tiliaS mib
micelpe jeopnpulneppe pipa. pop]?am f hi |>uph f maeje maept
beapna begitan. ■] eac pynpumlice libban. Da getpeopan
p]ieonb.-^* ]7onne ic pecge peo^^ fast beoppeopSepte Syn^ eallpa
]?ippa populb gepaelj^a. ])a ne pint pup]?on^^ to populb ^obum to
tellanne. ac to gobcunbum. poppam peo leape pypb hi na pojip
ne bpmjj). Ac pe Iiob l»e hi jecynbelice jepceop to gemajum.
poppam. Se aelcep oppep pm^ep on pippe populbe mon pilnaS,
oSSe poppam pe he mas^ Suph f to anpealbe cuman. oSSe to
pumum populb lupte. buton Saep jetpeopan ppeonbep. pone mon
lupap hpilum pop lupum ^ poji tpeopum. Seah he him nanpa
' Boet. lib. ill. prosa 2. — In his igitur ceterisque, &c.
* Cott. goobum. '^ Cott. opt )>3elpe. Bod. of ]pse\pe. ' Cott. pinna's.
* Cott. soob, 5 Cott. Soob. « Bod. heah be gobe. ^ Cott. Soobe. » Cott.
meahte. ^ Cott. poh. ^^ Bod. hi peoj-enbum. " Cott. ciliincga.
'^ Cott soob. '^ Cott. senumen. " Cott. geCpiepan ppienb. ^^ c^tt.
j-ie. »6 Cott. fup^um.
§111. BOETHITTS. 83
but it is hindered by the transitory goods, because it is more
prone thereto. !For some men think that it is the best happi-
ness that a man be so rich that he have need of nothing more :
and they choose their life accordingly. Some men think that
this is the highest good, that he be among his fellows the most
honourable of his fellows, and they with all energy seek this.
Some think that the supreme good is in the highest power.
These desire, either for themselves to rule, or else to associate
themselves in friendship with their rulers. Some persuade
themselves that it is best that a man be illustrious and cele-
brated, and have good fame ; they therefore seek this both in
peace and in war. Many reckon it for the greatest good and
for the greatest happiness, that a man be always blithe in this
present life, and fulfil all his lusts. Some, indeed, who desire
these riches, are desirous thereof, because they would have the
greater power, that they may the more securely enjoy these
worldly lusts, and also the riches. Many there are of those
who desire power because they would gather overmuch
money : or again, they are desirous to spread the celebrity
of their name.
§ III. On account of such and other like frail and perish-
able advantages, the thought of every human mind is troubled
with solicitude and with anxiety. It then imagines that it
has obtained some exalted good when it has m^ou the flattery
of the people; and methinks that it has bought a very false
greatness. Some with much anxiety seek wives, that thereby
they may, above all things, have children, and also live hap-
pily. True friends, then, I say, is the most precious thing of
all these worldly felicities. They are not, indeed, to be
reckoned as worldly goods, but as divine : for deceitful for-
tune does not produce them, but God, who naturally formed
them as relations. Tor of every other thing in this world
man is desirous, either that he may through it attain to
power, or else some worldly lust: except of the true friend,
whom he loves sometimes for affection and for fidelity, though
he expect to himself no other rewards. Nature joins, and
g2
84 BOETHItrS. CHAP. XXIV.
opeppa laena^ ne pene. -p ^ecynb ^epel^J^ ^ gelimj) t$a jrpienb to-
^sebepe mib uncobaeleblicpe lupe. Ac mib 'Sifj'um populb ^e-
faelpum ~\ mib Sip anbpeapban pelan mon pypc]? opcop peonb
•Sonne ppeonb. Be fipan^ ~] be manejum pyllecum maej beon
eallum monnum cu|). ^ te ealle ]7a licliamlican gob bi8^ pop-
cuppan Sonne Ssepe paple cpsepcap. ppsec pe penaS -p mon beo
]>y pcpaenjpa* pe he biS micel on hip hchoman. peo psejepnep
ponne ~\ peo hpaecnep psep hchoman gebhppap pone mon. "3 apec.
■] pio hselu hme gebep lupcbsepne ; . On eallum pipum licham-
hcum^ gepaelijneppum men pecap anpealbe eabijneppe paep pe
him Smcp. poppam pe sex^pelc man ppa hpaec ppa he opep ealle
oppe pmg ppipopc lupap, f he teohhap^ f him. pie becpc ^ f bip
hip hehpte gob/ ponne he f ponnebegitenhaepp. ponne Cihhap^
he f he maege beon ppiSe gej-sehg. Ne onpace ic nauht f pa je-
paelpa -j peo eabignep pie paec hehpce gob^ pipep anbpeapban lipep.
poppam Se^*^ sejhpilc mann tehhap^^ 'f ^ Smg becpc pe f he
ppipopc opep oppu pmg lupap. -) ponne he tiohhap f he pie ppipe
gepselig. gip he f begican maege. f he ponne ppipopc pillnaS ;.
Pu ne 1]" pe^^ nu genog openlice geeopab papa leapena gepselpa
anhcnep. ■f ip ponne gehca. "j peopSpcipe. ~\ anpealb. anb gelp^^
~] populblupc. Be pam populblupce Bpicupup pe uppica y^be. pa
he ymbe ealle pap o6pa gepselpa pmeabe. pe pe sep nembon. pa
paebe he 'p pe lupc paepe f hehpce gob.^* poppam ealle pa oppu
gob. pe pe aep nembon. oleccap pam GOobe ^ hiC pec.^^ pe lupc
Sonne ana olecp pam hchoman anum ppipopc " .
§ IV.^ Ac pe pillaS nu gee pppecan ymbe manna gecynb •]
ymbe heopa cilunga. pa nu peah heopa GOob *] heopa gecynb
pie abimmab. 3 hi pien on f opbaele apigen Co ypele 3 pibepi
healbe. peah hi pilniaS. paep pe hi cunnon -^ magon. paep hehpcan
gobep.i*^ 8pa ppa opepbpuncen man pac f he pceolbe Co hip hupe
anb CO hip paapce. 3 ne maeg peah Sibep apebian. ppa bip eac
pam GOobe Sonne hic biS ahepigab mib Saem ymbhogum Sippe
populbe. hiC bip mib Sam hpilum opepbjienceb 3 gebpelob. co
•pam^^ ^ hij^ ne maeg puUpyhc apebian co gobe. Ne pj^ncp peah
■ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 2. — Sed ad hominum studia, &c.
' Cott. leana. 2 Cott. j^ij-. ^ Cott. hcumhcan goob bio'S. * Cott.
prpencpa. ^ Cott. licumlicum. ^ Cott. ciohhaS. ' Cott. 5006.
« Cott. ciohhaS. ^ C'tt. soob. i" Cott. K- " Cott. Ciohha-S.
'2 Cott. % 13 Cott. ^lelp. »» Cott. soob. 15 Bod. petaS. >«* Cott.
Soubep. 17 Cott. sebpealb to pon.
§ IV. BOETHIUS. 85
cements friends together with inseparable love. Bat witli
these worldly goods, and with this present wealth, men make
oftener enemies than friends. By these and by many such
things it may be evident to all men, that all the bodily goods
are inferior to the faculties of the soul. We indeed think that
a man is the stronger, because he is great in his body. The
fairness, moreover, and the vigour of the body, rejoices and
delights the man, and health makes him cheerful. In all
these bodily felicities, men seek simple happiness, as it seems
to them. For whatsoever every man chiefly loves above all
other things, that he persuades himself is best for him, and
that is his highest good. When, therefore, he has acquired
that, he imagines that he may be very happy. I do not deny,
that these goods and this happiness are the highest good of
this present life. For every man considers that thing best,
which he chiefly loves above other things ; and therefore he
persuades himself that he is very happy if he can obtain what
he then most desires. Is not now clearly enough shown to
thee the form of the false goods, that is, then, possessions,
dignity, and povver, and glory, and pleasure ? Concerning
pleasure, Epicurus the philosopher said, when he inquired
concerning all those other goods, which we before mentioned ;
then said he that pleasure was the highest good, because all
the other goods which we before mentioned gratify the mind
and delight it, but pleasure alone chiefly gratifies the body
only.
§ IV. But we will still speak concerning the nature ot
men, and concerning their pursuits. Though, then, their
mind and their nature be now dimmed, and they are by that
fall sunk down to evil, and thither inclined, yet they are
desirous, so iar as they can and may, of the highest good.
As a drunken man knows that he should go to his house and
to his rest, and yet is not able to find the way thither, so is
it also with the mind, when it is weighed down by the
anxieties of this world. It is sometimes intoxicated and
misled by them, so far that it cannot rightly find out good.
8G BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXIVJ
fam monnum '^ hi auhc meapjiijen ]>e J^sej-^ pilnia]? Co be^i-
canne f hi mapan ne ]?uppn tihan. Ac penaj) "^ hi maejen eall^
faf gob^ jejabepian cogaebepe. paecce nan bucon paepe je-
I'omnunga ne j-ie. nyton jwnne nan [oj^ep]* job^ Sonne eallpa
^apa beoppypSejcena Smja jegabepunja co heopa anpealbe. f
he nanep ^mjep bucon J)a&m ne puppe. Ac f nip nan man f ce
pume]' eacan ne puppe bucon Urobe anum. pe ha&pj> on hip
ajenum genoh. ne Seapp he nanep pmjep bucon ])aep ]?e he on
him j-elpum haepS. penpc j^u nu f fta bypienbe^ penaS f te f
(^mg pie aelcep peop]?pcipep becpc pypj'e ]>aec ce hi^ mebema&pCe
on^icon magon. nepe nepe. ic pac f hic nip no co poppeonne.
pu maej f ypel beon f Ce aelcep monnep in5ej)anc pen]) f ce
job^ pie. 3 aepcep hija}). 3 pilna]? co begicanne. nepe nip hic na
ypel. "p ip "p hehpce job.^ ppi nip nu anpealb co cellanne co
pumum ^apa hehpcena joba Sippep anbpeapban lipep. Ppae])ep
]>aec nu pie co calianne paclic ~) unnyc f ce nycpyp]>opc ip eallpa
^ippa populb pm^a. f ip anpealb. hpae|)ep nu gob^^ hlipa "j pope-
maepnep pie^^ pop nauhc Co cellenne. nepe nepe. Nip hic nan
cyn^^ f mon "f pop nauhc Celle. popjjam ]>e aelc mon penj? f f
beC]*c pie f he ppiJ)opc lupa]>. pu ne picon pe f nan neapepnep.
ne nan eappoJ)u. ne nan unpocnep. ne nan pap. ne nan hepijnep.
nip nan jepaelS. Ppaec Suppon^^ pe nu ma ymbe '5a jepaelSa
ppjiecan. pu ne pac aelc man hpaec ]?a beo]?. "3 eac pac f jja^*
beoS ^ hehpce 50b. ^^ ^ 'Seah pec]? pulneah aelc mon on ppi])e
lyclum Smgum Sa pelepcan 5epael]7a. pop])am he pen]? f he hie
Jjonne ealle haebbe. ^ip he haepS "p ^ he Sonne ppi]?opc pilnaj)
Co begicanne. Daec ip ]?onne "p hi ppiSopc pilnia]> Co be,"^icanne.
pela. -3 peopjjpcipe. "3 pice. 3 ]>ippe populbe pulbop. "3 jilp. "3
populb lupc. Dippep eallep hi pilnia]>. poji])am Se hi pena]? f hie
j)uph ba Jjinj pcylon bejican f him ne pie^^ nanep pillan pana.
na]»epi7 ne peop])pcipep. ne anpealbep. ne popemaepneppe. ne
blippe. faep eallep hi pilnia]?. "j pel bo]) f hi ]?aep pilniaS. Seah hi
mipclice^^ hip pilnijen. Be Sam Smjum mon maej ppeocole on-
jican -p aelc mon Saep pilna]? f he maeje f hehpce 50b bejican
Saep hi hic gecnapan milican. oSSe on pihc pecan cuSon. Ac hi
hic ne pecaS on Sone pihcepcan^^ pej. hic nip on Sippe populbe .* •
> Bod. meappienbe J>8ep. ^ Bod. him aSen ealle. ^ Cott. Soob. ^ Bod.
heopa. Cott. heopa. ^ Cott. Soob. ^ Bod. bypeSian >e. ' Bod. 'p.
« Cott. Soob. 9 Cott. soob. >" Cott. 5006. " Bod. peo. »« Cott. hiC
cyn. 13 Bod. >uixpe. '* Cott. hi. ^^ Cott. soob. i^ Bod. peo.
17 Cott. nau]jep. ^^ Cott. miphce. ^ Bod. pyhcopcon.
§ IT. BOETHIUS. 87
K )r yet does it appear to those men that they at all err, who
■ .e desirous to obtain this, that they need labour after nothing
more. But they think that they are able to collect together
all these ^oods, so that none may be excluded from the
number. Tbey therefore know no other good than the col-
lecting of all the most precious things into their power, that
they may have need of nothing besides them. But there is
no one that has not need of some addition, except Grod alone.
He has of his own enough, nor has he need of anything but
that which he has in himself Dost thou think, however,
that they foolishly imagine that that thing is best deserving
of all estimation, which they may consider most desirable?
No, no. I know that it is not to be despised. How can
that be evil, which the mind of every man considers to be
good, and strives after, and desires to obtain ? No, it is not
evil : it is the highest good. Why is not power to be reckoned
one of the highest goods of this present life ? Is that to be
esteemed vain and useless, which is the most useful of all
these worldly things, that is, power? Is good fame and
renown to be accounted nothing ? No, no. It is not fit
that any one account it nothing ; for every man thinks that
best which he most loves. Do we not know that no anxiety, \
or difficulties, or trouble, or pain, or sorrow, is happiness ? j
What more, then, need we say about these felicities ? Does
not every man know what they are, and also know that they
are the highest good ? And yet almost every man seeks in
very little things the best felicities ; because he thinks that
he may have them all, if he have that which he then chiefly
wishes to obtain. This is, then, what they chiefly wish to
obtain, wealth, and dignity, and authority, and this world's
glory, and ostentation, and worldly lust. Of all this they are
desirous, because they think that, through these things, they
may obtain that there be not to them a deficiency of anything
wished ; neither of dignity, nor of power, nor of renown, nor
of bliss. They wish for all this, and they do well that they
desire it, though they seek it variously. By these things we
may clearly perceive that every man is desirous of this, that
he may obtain the highest good, if they were able to discover
it, or knew how to seek it rightly. But they do not seek it
in the most right way. It is not of this world.
88 BOETHIUS. CHAP. tXV,
2 'V
CAPUT XXY.*
D'K fe pifbom J)a Sij- fpell afs&b hepbe. ]?a on^an he eyt
finjan -j Sup cpae];. Ic pille nu mib gibbum jecyjjan hu pun-
boplice Dpihten pelc eallpa ^epceafta mib ^am bjnblum hip
anpealbep. ~\ mib hpilcejie enbebypbneppe he ^eptajwla]? j ge-
met^aS ealle gepceapca. ^ hu he hi hsepS gehea]?opabe 3 jeha&pce
mib hip unanbmbenbhcum pacentum. 'f selc jepceapc bi}) healb
on locen pij> hipe jecynbe. Jjgepe jecynbe 'Se heo to jepceapen
]>d&Y. buton monnum. •;) pumum en^lum. ^a peopj^ap hpilum op
hiopa gecynbe. Ppsec peo leo. 'Seah hio pel cam pe. •] psepte
pacencan haebbe. 3 hipe majiptep ppi^e lupine, anb eac onb-
psebe. jip hiC seppe gebype]) f heo blobep onbijuj^. heo popjic
pona hipe nipan caman. '^ jemon^ psep pilban jepunan hipe
elbpana. onginS ]7onne pyn 3 hipe pacencan bpecan. ~) abiC
aepepc hipe labteop. anb piS^an seghpaec^aep ]>e heo gepon maej.
je monna. ^e neaca. Spa bo]? eac pubu pujlap. 'Seah hi beon pel
atemebe. py hi on ^Sam puba peopJ)a]7. hi poppeo^ heopa lape-
opap ^ puma]} on heopa jecyiibe. J>eah heopa lapeopap him
^onne bioban ]m ilcan mettap 6e hi sep tame m^ib ^epenebon.
ponne ne jiecca]) hi ]?apa metta. jip hi ];aep puba benujon. Ac
jjincj) him pynpumpe ^ him pe pealb on cpe];e. anb hi gehipan
o))eppa pu^ela premne. Spa bi^S eac ]?am tpeopum ^e him je-
cynbe bi}9 up heah to ptanbanne. peah 'Su teo hpelcne boh op
bune to ]}sepe eop])an. ppelce ])\i bejan mse^e. ppa })U hme
alsetpt. ppa pppmc]? he up. 3 ppija^ pij) hip jecynbep. Spa be'5
eac peo punne. ]?eah heo opepmibne baejonpige •]) lute to }?8epe
eop})an. ept heo pec]? hipe gecynbe. •] ptig]? on pa bsajlan pejap
pi}) hipe uppynaep. j ppa hie upop"j upop. oS6e hio cym]) ppa up
ppa hipe ypemept jecynbe biS. Spa be}? selc gepceapt. ppija]? pi]?
hip jecynbep. 3 jepagen bi]? Jip hit seppe to cuman maej. Nip
nan ^epceapt jepceapen }?apa }?e ne pilni^e -p hit Ipibeji cuman
maeje ponan ]?e hit aep com. f ip to paepte -3 to oppopjn eppe.
Seo paept ip "mib Irobe. "] ]>8et ip Ijob. Ac aelc ^epceapt hpeappaS
on hipe pelppe ppa ppa hpeol. "^ to ])am heo ppa hpeappa}) f heo
ept cume paep heo aep paep. "} beo f ilce f heo aep paep. Sonecan
]?e heo utan behpeppeb pie. f f hio aep paep. 3 bo "f "f heo aep
bybe ; .
* Boet. liV. iii. metrum 2. — Quantas rerum flectat habenas, &c.
CHAP. XXV. BOETHITJS.
CHAPTEE XXV.
When "Wisd jm bad made this speech, then began he again
to sing, and thus said : I will now with songs declare how
wonderfully the Lord governs all creatures with the bridles
of his power, and with what order he establishes and regulates
all creatures, and how he has restrained and bound them with
his indissoluble chains, so that every creature is kept within
bounds with its kind, the kind that it was fashioned to, except
men and some angels, who sometimes depart from their kind.
Thus the lion, though she be very tame, and have fast chains,
and greatly love, and also fear her master ; if it ever happen
that she tastes blood, she immediately forgets her new tamer,
and remembers the wild manner of her parents. She then
begins roaring, and to break her chains, and bites first her
leader, and afterwards whatsoever she may seize, both of men
and of cattle. So do also wood-fowls. Though they be well
tamed, if they return to the woods, they despise their teachers,
and remain with their kind. Though their teachers then offer
them the same meals with which they before allured them to
hecome tame : they then care not for those meals, so that they
may enjoy the wood. But it seems to them pleasanter, that
the weald resound to them, and they hear the voice of other
fowls. So is it also with trees, whose nature it is to stand
up high. Though thou pull any bough down to the earth,
such as thou mayest bend ; as soon as thou lettest it go, so
soon springs it up, and moves towards its kind. So doth
also the sun. Though she after mid-day sink and incline to
the earth, again she seeks her kind, and departs by unknown
ways to her rising, and so hastens (higher and higher, until
she comes so far up as her highest nature is. So doth every
creature. It tends towards its kind, and is joyful if it ever
may come thereto. There is no creature formed which de-
sires not that it may come thither whence it before came,
that is, to rest and to tranquillity. The rest is with God, and
it is God. But every creature turns on itself like a wheel : and
so it thus turns that it may again come where it was before,
and be the same that it was before,. as often as it is turned
round may he what it before was, and may do what it before
did. ^~-
BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXTI.
CAPUT XXVI."
§ I. D3^ ye f^ij'bom pe ^if leoj? afunjen^ haefbe. Da onjan he
eft ]*pellian 3 ]>\iy cpse]?. Gala hps&c je eop|)lican men.^ J)eah ge
eop felfc nu bon neacum jelice pop eoppe bjjije. hpaec ge jjeah
majon lipaet hpego^ onjitan ppelce eop maete be eopjium ppum-
pceapce. 'f ip fcob. ])one poj^an ppuman anb Ipone po])an enbe
s&lcpe jepselj^ae je onjica]? ^eah je hme pullice ne jecnapan.^- ^
ppa ])eah pio jecynb eop CihS to ]?am anjite. ae eop tihf^ ppi|)e
mani^pealb jebpola op ])am anbjite. rie]?encaS nu hp3e]>ep men
maejen cuman to ]?am po]?um gepselj^um Suph fa^ anbpeapban
5ep3el|)a. popjjam Se pullneah ealle men cpepa]? f pe peo"^ pe ge-
paeljopta. pe J)e pap eopflican jepelj^a ealle^ hsep]?. hpej^ep nu
micel peoh. oS^e peop|)pcipe. o^Se eall pep anbpeapba pela.
maege aenijne mon bon ppa ^epaelme f he nanep pmjep mapan
ne puppe.^ nepe nepe. ic pat 'p ^ hi ne ma^on. ppi nip hit ponne
on py ppipe ppeotol f ^ap anbpeapban job^^ ne pint na pa popan
job.^^ poppam ^e hi ne majon pellan f hi gehatap. Ac hcettap
■p hi jela&ptan ne ma;5on. ponne hi gehatap pam pe hi lupian
pillap pa popan jepaelpa. "j aleo^ap him peah ma ponne hi him
jelaeptan. poppam pe hi heopa nabbap ma ponne hi heopa
habban. liepenc ^u nu be ^e pelpum. la Boetiup hpaeSep t5u
seppe auht unpot pa&pe "Sa pa pu gepaeljojt paepe.^^ o^^e hp£et5ep
■Se aepjie aenijep pillan pana paepe Sa 'Su maeptne pelan haepbept.
o^^e hpaepep 'Sin populb pa eall paepe aeptep 'Smum pillan. Da
anbppopobe Boetiup anb cpaeS. Nepe la nepe. Naep ic naeppe pt
nane hpile ppa emnep mobep. paep pe ic gemunan maeje. paet ic
eallunga paepe oppop^. f ic ppa oppopj paepe f ic nane jebpe-
pebneppe naepbe. ne me naeppe jit ne licobe eall •f ic pippte.^^ ne
me naeppe naep eallep ppa ic polbe. peah ic hip mipe. Da anb-
ppopobe pe p'lpbom ^ cpaep. Ppi naepe pu ponne jenoj eapm. ■j
jeno^ unhipy.^^ peah pe puhte f 6u pelij paepe. Sonne pu opep
tpeja. o66e haepbept f pu nolbept. o^Se naepbept f pu polbept.
Da anbppapobe Boetiup 3 cpaep. 6all me paep ppa ppa pu paebept.
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 3. — Vos quoque, terrena, &c.
1 Cott. ayuncsen. 2 j3od, hpse J^s&p peojiSlican men. ^ Cott. hpu^u.
* Cott. oncnapen. s Bod. teoh'S. ^ c^tt. \>siy. ^ Cott. pie. » Cott.
ealla. ^ Cott. I'ypjre. i" Cott. 5006. " ^a J^a \>u Sepaelgopt paepe,
deest in MS. Bod. '^ q^^^ p^j.^^^ u Qq^ unhybij.
§ I. BOETIIIUS. 91
CHAPTEE XXVI.
§ I. When Wisdom had sung this lay, then began he again
to speak, and thus said : O ye earthly men, though ye now
make yourselves like cattle by your folly, ye nevertheless can
in some measure understand, as in a dream, concerning your
origin, that is God. Te perceive the true beginning, and the
true end of all happiness, though ye do not fully know it.
And nevertheless nature draws you to that knowledge, but
very manifold error draws you from that knowledge. Consider
now whether men can arrive at the true goods through these
present goods ; since almost all men say that he is happiest
who possesses all these earthly goods. Can, then, much money,
or dignity, or all this present wealth, make any man so happy
that he may need nothing more ? No, no. I know this, that
they cannot. Why, is it not then from this very clear, that
these present goods are not the true goods, because they
cannot give what they promise? But they pretend to do
what they are not able to fulfil, when they promise to those
who are willing to love them, the true felicities, and tell lies
to them more than they perform to them ; for they are de-
ficient in more of these felicities than they possess of them.
Consider now concerning thyself, O Boethius, whether thou
wert ever aught uneasy, when thou wert most prosperous ?
or whether there were ever to thee a want of anything de-
sired, when thou hadst most wealth? or whether thy life
were then all according to thy wish ? Then answered Boe-
thius, and said : No, O no ! I was never yet at any time of
so even mind, as far as I can remember, that I was altogether
without care: that I was so without care that I had no
trouble : nor did all that I experienced ever yet please me,
nor was it ever with me entirely as I wished, though I con-
cealed it. Then answered Wisdom, and said: Wast thou
not, then, poor enough, and unhappy enough, though it
seemed to thee that thou wert rich ; when thou either hadst
that which thou wouldest not, or hadst not that which thou
wouldest ? Then answered Boethius, and said : All was to
92 BOETHITTS. CHAP. XXVI.
Da cpae]) j-e f^ij-bom. pu ne bip selc mon genog eapm )?aef Se he
naep]?. 'Sonne hic hme lyjc habban. Daec if foj). cpae]? Boecmj'.
Da cpae]) pe pifbom. Hiij: he ]?onne eapm biS. ne he ]wnne ne
biS eabij. pop |)y he pilna^ f he habbe f he nsep'S. ])y he polbe
jenoj habban. Da epaeS Boeciup. Daec ip eall pojj f Tpu pe^pc.
Da cpaeS pe p'lj-hom. pu ne hsepbept J>u ^onne ^a eapm}>e.i pa
J^a J»u pele^opc paepe. Da anbjpapobe ic anb cpaep. Ic pac f ]m
pop pegpc. f ic hi hsepbe. Da cpaej? pe J7ipbom. pu ne pmcp me
Jionne nu 'p ealle pa pelan pipep mibbaneapbep ne ma^on ^ebon
aenne mon pehjne. ppa pehjne f he genog habbe anb no mapan
ne puppe.^ 3 ppa peah hi hiC gehacap selcum papa pe hi haepS.
Da cpaeS ic. Nip nan ^1115^ poj^pe ponne 'f pu pegpc ;.
§ 11.^ Da cpaep pe pipbom. Ac hpi ne eapc pu Sonne hip je-
J)apa. pu ne mihc ^u jepeon selce baej f ^a pcpenjpan nimap
])a pelan op* ))am unptpenjpum. ppi bij? ellep selce baej ppelc
peopung. ^ ppelce ^ephcu. j gemoc. 3 bomap. bucon f selc bic
■baep peaplacep Se him on genumen bij>. o56e epc o)>pep jitpa)?.
Da anbppapobe^ ic. "3 cpaej?. Cenoh pyhce ]?u ppypapc. ppa hit ip
ppa J)u pejpt. Da cpae]? he. Fop )7ipum ]>in5um bej»eapp aelc mon
pulcumep to eacan him pelpum f he maege jiehealban hip pelan.
Da cpsej) ic. Ppa oSpaecS J7aep. Da cpaep he. dp he nauht naepbe
]?aep pe he onbpebe f he pojileopan poppte. ]7onne ne Soppte he
na mapan pultumep |)onne hip pelpep. Da cpsef ic. Sop pu pejpt.
Da onpac pe pipbom paplice. 3 cpae]?. Gala f me );inc]> pifep-
peapb Jjm^ aelcep monnep jepunan -j aelcep monnep pillan f^ ic
nu pecjan piUe. f ip. pastte Jwnan Se hi teohhiap f hi pcylan
eabigpan peoppan. f hi peop]?ap Sonan eapmpan ^j eap^jian.^
popSam ^ip hi lytlep hpaet habbap. J)onne bepuppon hi f hi
oleccan paem aeptep ppipe ]m aenigpe puhte mape habbaS. pam
hi ]7yppon. pam hi ne J?uppon. hi pillaj) peah. Ppaep ip Sonne peo
jemetgung. oSSe hpa haepp hi. o55e hponne cymp heo. f heo
maege abpipan pa eopm]?o^ ppampaem pelejum eallunga. ppa he
mape haepp. ppa he ma monna^ oleccan pceal. Ppaepep pa peljan
nu naeppe ne hin;5pi5e.^^ ne ne pyppte. ne ne cale.^^ ic pene
J)eah f ])u piUe nu cpepan f ]?a peljan habban mib hpam hi
maegen ))aet eall jebetan. Ac )>eah ])u nu ppa cpepe. hit ne
majon ]?a pelan eallunja jebetan. ]?eah hi pume hpile maegen.
■^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 3. — Atqui hoc quoque, &c.
» Cott. y]impe. 2 Cott. ]pjpye. ^ Gott. J?apa. •* Cott. on. » Cott.
anbpypbe. ^ Cott. )?e. ' Bod. eaphpan. « Cott. yjunj^a. ^ Bod.
mapan. »o Cott. hinspe. " Cott. kale.
§ II. BOETHIUS. 93
me as thou hast said. Then said "Wisdom : Is not every man
poor enough in respect of that which he has not, when he is
desirous to have it ? That is true, said Boethius. Then said
Wisdom : But if he is poor, he is not happy, for he desires
that he may have what he has not, because he wishes to have
enough. Then said Boethius : That is all true which thou
sayest. Then said Wisdom : Hadst thou not, then, poverty
w^hen thou wert richest? Then answered I, and said: I
know that thou sayest truth, that I had it. Tlien said
Wisdom : Does it not appear to me, then, that all the riches
of this middle-earth are not able to make one man wealthy ?
so wealthy that he may have enough, and may not need
more ? And nevertheless they promise it to every one who
possesses them. Then said I : Nothing is truer than what
thou sayest.
§ II. Then said Wisdom : But why, then, art thou not an
assenter to this ? Canst thou not see every day, that the
stronger take riches from the weaker? Wherefore else is
every day such sorrow, and such contentions, and assemblies,
and judgments; except that every one demands the spoil
which is taken from him, or, ag^ain, covets tliat of another?
Then answered I, and said : Thou arguest rightly enough ;
so it is as thou sayest. Then said he: On these accounts
every man has need of help in addition to himself, that he
may keep his riches. Then said I : Who denies it ? Then
said he : If he had nothing of that which he fears he may be
obliged to lose, then he would not have occasion for any more
help than himself Then said I : Thou sayest truly. Then
retorted Wisdom sharply, and said : O, how inconsistent, in
every man's custom and every man's will, does that thing
appear to me, which I will now mention ; that is, that from
whence they persuade themselves that they shall become
happier, they from thence become poorer and weaker! Tor,
if they have any little, then it behoves them to cringe for
protection to those who have anything more. Whether they
need, or whether they need not, they yet crave. Where,
then, is moderation, or who has it, or when will it come, that
it may entirely drive away miseries from the wealthy ? The
more he has, the more men he must cringe to. Do the rich
never hunger, nor thirst, nor become cold ? But I suppose
thou wilt say that the rich have wherewith they may remedy
all that. But though thou say so, riches cannot altogether
94 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXVII.
fopjjain ]>e hi fculon a&lce baa^ eacan^ f mon s&lce baej pana]).
j:op])am ])e feo mennifce psebl. pe nseppe gefylleb ne b]J». pilnaj)
aelce baej hpset hpej Jjij-ej-^ populb pelan, £e5]?ep je pa&jlep. ge
mere]-, je bpyncef. je mane^pa fmga co eacan pam. pojipam
nip nan mon ppa pelij. ^ he mapan ne J^yppe. Ac peo jicfunj
ne cann^ ^emec. ne nseppe ne bi]? jehealben on ]?8epe nibpeappe.
ac pilna]) pimle mapan ponne he fuppe. Ic nac hpi* je pulcpu-
piap pam hpeopenban pelan. nu hi ne majon eoppe paeble eop
ppam abon. Ac ge eca]? eoppe epmSe^ mib ]?am pe hi eop co
cumap ; .
§ III.^ Da pe j7ipbom pa ])ip ppell apa&b haE^pbe. pa on^an he
ept jibbian.^ j puppmjenbecpaep. Ppelc ppemu by]? pam peljan
jicpepe f he gegabepije unjepim ]?ippa pelena ■] s&lcep ^iimcynnef
jenog bejice. -j peah he ejuje hif lanb mib fiupenb pnla. ^ peah
call pep mibbaneapb pie hip aupealbe unbeppeobeb. ne la&t; he
hip nanpuht op pip mibbaneapbe mib him mape ponne he
bpohce hibep ; .
CAPUT XXVII.^
§ I. T|737 ^mj maej pe peoppfcipe •^ pe anpealb jebon. pf
he becymp to pam bypijan. he ma&g hme jebon peoppne. ^
anbpypn eo]:'piim byp^um. Ac ponecan^ pe he pone anpealb pop-
laet. oS^e pe anpealb hme. ponne ne bip he naupep pam bypegan
ne peopp. ne anbpy)-ne. Ppaepep nupe anpealb h^bbe pone peap
"p he apcipicije^ unpeapap. "j apyptpalije^^ op picpa manna GOobe.
3 plancije t^sep cjisepcap on. Ic par peah f pe eopplica anpealb
nseppe ne paep]? J>a cpaeftap. ac lipp anb jabpap unpeapap. 'j
■Sonne hi jejabpab haepp.^^ ponne eopap^^ he hi nallep ne hilS.
poppam papa picpa manna unpeapap manige men jejeop. pop-
pam pe hi manije cunnon. anb manije him mib beo^. pojipam
pe pimle peopiap ymbe pone anpealb. "3 hme eac poppeop. Sonne
pe gepeoS f he cymS co Sam pyppefCan. -3 to pam pe up un-
peoppopte biop. pop pam pmjum fsey jio 'p pe pipa Eatulup hine
jebealj. -j ppa unjeppaejlice popcpaeS Nonium Sone pican. pop-
"^ Boet. lib. iii. metrum 3. — Quamvis fluente dives, &c.
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 4. — Sed dignitates honorabilem, «S;c.
* Cott. yean. ^ ^Qtt. hpaej- hpu^u \>jxj-ey. ^ Cott. con. * Bod.
hu. 5 Cott. paeble. ^ Cott. gibbigan. " ' Cott. tu. » Bod. ]5anecan.
• Bod. afC}'j:e ci^e. '° Bod. pyptpali^e. " ac lip^ anb gabpaS un-
jpeapsLf 1 ponne hi gegabpab haef^, deest in MS. Bod. ^ Bod. anb
J)onne eopa'S.
§ I. BOETHIUS. 95
remedy it, though they somewhile may. Por it behoves them
every day to add, what man every day lessens ; because human
want, which is never satisfied, requires each day something
of this world's wealth, either of clothing, of meat, of drink, or
of many things besides. Therefore no man is so wealthy that
he needs not more. But covetousness neither knows limit,
nor ever is bounded by necessity ; but desires always more
than it needs. I know not why ye confide in these perish-
able riches, when they are not able to remove your poverty
from you, but ye increase your poverty whenever they come
to you.
§ III. When Wisdom had made this speech, then began he
again to sing, and thus singing said : What profit is it to the
rich miser, that he gather an infinite quantity of these riches,
and obtain abundance of every kind of jewel: and though he
till his land with a thousand ploughs ; and though all this
middle-earth be subject to his power! He will not take
with him from this middle-earth any more of it than he
brought hither.
CHAPTEE XXYII,
§ I. Two things may dignity and power do, if it come to
the unwise. It may make him honourable and respectable
to other unwise persons. But when he quits the power, or
the power him, then is he to the unwise neither honourable
nor respectable. Has, then, power the custom of extermi-
nating vices, and rooting them out from the mind of great
men, and planting therein virtues ? I know, however, that
earthly power never sows the virtues, but collects and gathers
vices ; and when it has gathered them, then it nevertheless
shows, and does not conceal them. For the vices of great
men many men see : because many know them, and many
are with them. Therefore we always lament concerning
power, and also despise it, when we see that it cometh to
the worst, and to those who are to us most unworthy. It
was on these accounts that formerly the wise Catulus was
angry, and so immoderately censured Nonius the rich, be-
96 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXVII.
pam he hme '^emette pttan on ^epenebum fcpibpaene. micel
pbo mib Rompajmm paef "p J^aep nane ofpe on ne peccan.^
bucon pa peop]>e]Tan. Da poppeali pe Eatulup hme pop p»i he
]?8ep on piccan pceolbe. poppam he hme pipte fpipe unjefceab-
pifne '3 ppipe unjemetpaepcne. Da onjan pe Eatulup him ppi-
jetcan on. pe Laculup psey hepecoja on Rome, ppjpe gepceabpip
man. ne poppape he no pone opepne ppa ppipe. gip he nan pice
ne nsenne anpealb naepbe ; •
§ 11.^' Ppepep pu nu mseje onjitan hu micelne unpeopppcipe
pe anpalb^ bpen^ppamunmebeman. giphehme unbeppejp. pop-
pam selcep monnep ypel bip ^y openpe. gip he anpealb ha^pp. Ac
jepeje me nu. ic apcije pe pu Boeciup. hpi pu ppa manijpealb
ypel hsepbefC ■j ppa micle unepneppe on pam pice pa hpile pe Su
hic haepbej'C. oS6e pophpi pu hic ep pmum unpiUan^ poplece.
pu ne pajt pu f hiC naep pop nanum oppum pmjum. bucon
poppam '5e ^u nolbepc on eallum Smgum beon jeppaepe psep
unpihtpifan cynmjej-^ pillan Deobpicep. poppam pe pu hme on-
jeate on eallum pmjum unpeoppne pagp anpealbej". ppipe pceam-
leapne '^ un^eppsepne.^ bucon selcum gobum^ peape. poppam pe
ne ma^on nauhc eape pecgan f pa ypelan pien ■^obeJ peah hi
anpealb habban. Ne pupbe pu peah na abpipen ppom Deobjnce.
ne he 'Se na ne popj'ape, gip 6e licobe hip bypig ■j hip unpihcpipnep
ppa pel ppa hip byj-ejum beophnjum bybe. Erip pu nu gepape
pumne ppipe pipne man. pe haepbe ppipe goba^ opephyba. anb
y3i]\e peah ppipe eapm 3 ppipe unjefgelig. hpsepep "Su polbepc
cpepan f he psepe unpyppe anpealbep ^ peopppcipep. Da anb-
ppopebe Boeciup "j cpaep. Nepe la nepe. ^ip ic hme ppelcne
jemece,^ ne cpsepe ic naefjie 'f he pie unpeoppe anpealbep ■]
peopppcipep. Ac aelcep me pmcp f he pie pyppe pe on pippe
populbe ip. Da cpaep pe pipbom. ^Ic cpaefC haepp hip pun-
bopjipe. 3 pa ^ipe j pone^^ peopppcipe pe he hsepp. he pop2,ipp
ppipe hpape selcum papa^^ Se hme lupaS. ppa ppa pipbom ip pe
hehpca cpaepc. 3 pe^^ haepp on him peopep oppe cpaepcap. papa
ip an paepj'cipe. opep mecjunj.^^ ppibbe ip ellen. peoppe pihc-
y Boet. lib. iii. prosa 4. — Atqui minus eorum patebit, &c,
' Cott. fop J^a&m hic psef ha ypilpe micel pbo niib Rompapum 'f> J^aeji
naiie o'Spe an ne paecon. ^ Bod. aji. ^ Cott. uripillum. * Bod. \>iney.
5 Bod. unt;ep8epne. ^ Cott. ^oobum. ' Cott, goobe. ^ Cott. gooba.
s (Jott. mecte. ^^ Bod. ^apge }>one. " Cott. Jjaeme >e. *« Cott.
he. " Cott. semecsung.
§ II. BOETHIUS. 97
cause he observed him to sit in an ornamented chair of state.
It was a great custom among the Eomans that no others
should sit therein, except the most worthy. Then Catuhis
despised him, because he should sit therein ; for he knew him
to be very unwise, and very intemperate. Then began Ca-
tulus to spit upon him. Catulus was a consul in Rome, a
very wise man. He would not have despised the other so
greatly, if he had not possessed any rule, or any power.
§ li. Canst thou now understand how great dishonour
power brings on the unworthy when he receives it ? for every
man's evil is the more public when he has power. But tell
me now, I ask thee, Boethius, why thou hadst such manifold
evil, and such great uneasiness in authority, whilst thou
hadst it ? or why thou, again, didst unwillingly relinquish
it ? Dost thou not know that it was for no other reasons
but that thou wouldest not in all things be conformable to
the will of the unrighteous king Theodoric; because thou
didst find him in all respects unworthy of power, very shame-
less, and unrelenting, without any good conduct ? Eor we
cannot easily say that the wicked are good, though they have
power. Tet thou wouldest not have been driven from Theo-
doric, nor would he have despised thee, if his folly and his
injustice had pleased thee, as well as it did his foolish favour-
ites. If thou now shouldest see some very wise man, who
had very excellent dispositions, and was, nevertheless, very
poor, and very unhappy, wouldest thou say that he were un-
worthy of power and dignity ? Then answered Boethius,
and said: No, O no! If I found him such, I would never
say that he were unworthy of power and dignity. But
methinks that he would be worthy of all that is in this
world. Then said Wisdom : Every virtue has its proper ex-
cellence : and the excellence and the dignity which it has, it
imparts immediately to every one who loves it. Thus wisdom
is the highest virtue, and it has in it four other virtues ; of
which one is prudence, another temperance, the third is for-
titude, the fourth justice. Wisdom makes its lovers wise, and
98 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXYII.
pijnef. 8e pifhom jebe]? hif lupenbaj- yi\e. "3 paepe.^ 3 ^emet-
fseyte. ^ ge])ylbi5e. ^ juhtpi^e. •] selcep jobef^ peapaj- he gepyllj?
^one 'Se hme lujra'S. f ne majon bon pa pe pone anpealb habbaj?
])iffe populbe. ne ma;5on hi nsenne cpa&jit jropjijian pam pe hi^
lufia^ op hiopa pelan. jip hi hme on heopa gecynbe nabbaS. Be
pam If fpipe ppeotol f pa pican on '5am populbpelan nabbap
naenne punbop cpaepc. Ac him bip pe pela utane cumen. ~] he
ne maeg ucane nauhc ajnep habban. Eepenc nu hpsepep aenij
mon beo apy* unpeopppa pe hme manije men poppiop.^ jip
ponne senig mon apy unpeopppa bip. ponne bip selc bypi man
)>e^ unpeopppa. pe he mape pice haepp aelcum pijum men. Be
pam ip genoj ppeocol. f pe anpealb ^ ye pela ne msej hip
pealbenb^ gebon no py peopppon.^ Ac he hme ^ebep 'pj unpe-
opppan^ pe he him cocymj?. gip he aep ne bohce. ppa bip eac pe
pela •J pe anpealb |?y pyppa. gip pe ne beah ])e hme ah. aejl^ep
hiopa bip 5y popcuppa jip hi hi gemetap ; •
§ III.^ Ac ic pe maej eape jepeccan be pumepe bipne. -p pu
miht ^enog ppeotole on^iton f pip anbpeajibe lip ip ppi]>e anlic
pceabe. ^ on paepe pceabe nan mon^^ ne mBe;^ be^jtan pa popan
jepaelpa. pu penpc pu nu. ^ip hpelc ppi]>e pice mon pyp]? abpipen
op hip eapbe. oppe on hip hlapopbep aepenbe paepp. cymp ^onne
on s&lpeob]'^ pole, paep paephine nan man ne can. ne he naenne^'
mon. ne puppum "^ ge^eobe ne can. penj'C ^u maege hip^" pice
hme ]?aep on lanbe pyppne gebon. Ac ic pac f he ne mae^. Ijip
ponne pe peopppcipe pam pelan jecynbe paepe. "j hip agen pa&pe.
oppe ep c pe pela paep pele^an ajen paepe. ponne ne mihte he hme
na^^ poplaecan. paepe pe man on ppelcum lanbe ppelce he paepe
])e he ahce. ponne paepe hip pela anb hip peopppcipe mib him.
Ac poppam pe pe pela ^ pe anpealb hip ajene ne beop. pop py
hi hme poplaetaS.^* *j poppy pe hi nan jec^^nbelic gob^^ on him
pelpum nabbap. pop 'Sy hi lopiap ppa ppa pceabu. oppe pmec. peah
pe leapa pena anb pio paebelpe papa byj-ijena monna tiohhie f
pe anpealb pie^^ f hehpte gob.^'' Ac hic bip eall opep. ponne pa
pican beop o|)ep tpeja. oJ)pe on aelpeobe.^^ o^Se on hiopa
'■■ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 4. — Atque ut agnoscas veram, &c.
* Bod. peopl>e. 2 c^tt. goobep. ^ Bod. hine. * Cott. abe. ^ Bod.
yoppeon. ^ Cott. bypg mon by- ^ Bod. anpealb. ^ Cott. peop'Span.
^ Bod. pyppan. 1° Cott. fopbaem on baem nan mon. " Bod. ne senne.
" Cott. hip pela ^^ hip ^^ Cott. no. '^ Bod. poplaecan. i* Cott.
Xoob. 16 cott^ ^ pg pela pie. i7 Cott. 5006. i*^ Cott. ellenbe.
§ III. BOETHIUS. 99
prudent, and moderate, and patient, and just, and it fills him
who loves it with every good quality. This they cannot do
who possess the power of this world. They cannot impart
any virtue to those who love them, through their wealth, if
they have it not in their nature. Hence it is very clear that
the rich in worldly wealth have no proper dignity : but the
wealth is come to them from without, and they cannot from
without have aught of their own. Consider, now, whether
any man is the less honourable because many men despise
him. But if any man be the less honourable, then is every
foolish man the less honourable, the more authority he has,
to every wise man. Hence it is suflBciently clear that power
and wealth cannot make its possessor the more honourable.
But it makes him the less honourable when it comes to him,
if he were not before virtuous. So is also wealth and power
the worse, if he be not virtuous who possesses it. Each of
them is the more worthless, when they meet with each other.
§ III. But I may easily instruct thee by an example, so
that thou mayest clearly enough perceive that this present
life is very like a shadow, and in that shadow no man can
attain the true felicities. How thinkest thou, then? If
any very great man were driven from his country, or goeth
on his lord's errand, and so cometh to a foreign people where
no man knows him, nor he any man, nor even knows the
language, thinkest thou that his greatness can make him
honourable in that land ? But I know that it cannot. But
if dignity were natural to wealth, and were its own, or again,
wealth were the rich man's own, then could not it forsake
him. Let the man who possessed them be in whatsoever
land he might, then would his wealth and his dignity be with
him. But because the wealth and the power are not his own,
therefore they forsake him ; and because they have no natural
good in themselves, therefore they go away like shadows or
smoke. Yet the false opinion, and the imagination of foolish
men, persuades them that power is the highest good. But
it is entirely otherwise. When the great are either among
foreigners, or in their own country among wise men ; then
h2
100 BOETHITJS. CHAP. XXVIII.
ajenpe jecy|)]?e^ mih gefceabpifum monnum. )>onne bij? 2&^]>ep.
je J)am pij^an. je ]?am aelj^eobejan hif pela pop nauhc. pi^San hi
onjitaj) ^ hi nsepon pop nanum cpaepte gecoperie.^ buton pop
bypejep polcep hepmge. Ac paeji hi senile puhc ajnep o^Se je-
cynbehcep gobep an^ heopa anpealbe haepbon. ]7onne hsepben hi
f mib him. peah he J^asc pice popleten. ne popleton hi no f je-
cynbehce job.* Ac pimle him polbe f pyljean ■] hi pimle peopj^e
jebon. paepon hi on ppelcum lanbe ppelce hi psepon ; •
§ IV.^ Nu ])u mihc ongitan "f pe pela 3 pe anpealb naenne
mon ne majan on ellenbe peoppne gebon. ic pat ^eah ]?u pene
])aet: hi on heopa ajenpe cyfpe ealne peg maegen. Ac })eah ]>u
hip pene. ic pat f hi ne magon. pit pa&p geo^ geonb ealle
Romana meapce f hepetojan. ■] bomepap. ^ )?a mapmhypbap.
■Se f peoh heolbon. pe mon Sam pepbmonnum on jeape pellan
pceolbe. anb Sa pipeptan^ pitan haepbon maeptne peop|)pcipe. Nu
]>onne ojjep tpega. oSSe papa nan nip. oppe hi nanne peo}i]?pcipe
nabbap. gip hipa aenij ip. 8pa hit bip be aelcum papa J'lnga pe
agen job^ 3 gecynbehc nabba]? on him pelpum. oJ>pe hpile hit
bip to taelenne. o]?pe hpile hit hip to hepijanne. A c hpaet pmc])
])e ]?onne on pam pelan •] on paem anpealbe pynpumep o8Se
nytpypj^ep. nu hi nanep Smjep genoj nabba]?. ne hi nauht ajnep
gobef^ nabbaj). ne nauht Jjuphpunienbep heopa pealbenbum
jellan na majon I •
CAPUT XXVIII.''
D!S! pe p'lpbom ]m ]?ip ppell apaeb haepbe. )?a ongan he ept
jibbijan^ ~} J>up cpsep. Deah nu pe unpihtpija cynmj Nepon
hme gepcyppte mib eallum fam phtejeptum paebum. ~] mib
asleep cynnej' gimmum jejlenjbe. hu ne pasp he J?eah aelcum
pitum lap -J unpeop]). "j selcep unpeapep ^ pipenluftep pull. Ppaet
he peah peop])obe hip beoplinjap mib miclum pelum. Ac hpaet
paep him J>y bet. Ppelc jejceabpip mon mihte cpepan J^aet he
apy peop^pa paepe peah he hme peop]?obe ; •
" Boet. lib. iii. prosa 4. — Sed hoc apud exteras nationes, &c.
'^ Boet. lib. iii. metrum 4, — Quamvis se Tyrio superbus ostro, &c.
' Cott. cy'S^e. ^ c^tt. secopenne. » Cott. goober on. * Cott.
j5oob. * Cott. 510. ^ Bod. j-epcan. ' Cott. Soob. ® Cott. Soobep
«* Cott. giebbian.
CHAP. XXYIII. BOETHIUS. 101
eitlier to the wise, or to the foreigners, is his wealth for
naught, when they learn that they were chosen for no virtue,
but through the favour of foolish people. But if they in
their power had anything of proper or natural good, then
would they have that with them, even if they should lose the
power. They would not lose the natural good, but that would
always follow them, and always make them honourable, let
them be in whatsoever land they might.
§ IV. Now thou mayest understand that wealth and power
cannot make any man honourable in a foreign country. I
wot, however, thou mayest think that they always can in
their own country. But though thou mayest think it, I
know that they cannot. It was formerly, through all the
territories of the Romans, that consuls, and judges, and the
treasurers, who kept the money, which they were every year
to give to the soldiers, and the wisest senators, had the
greatest honour. But now, either none of these exists, or
they have no honour, if any one of thern exists. So it is with
respect to every one of those things which have not in them-
selves proper and natural good. One while it is to be cen-
sured, another while it is to be praised. But what of de-
lightful or of useful appears to thee, then, in wealth and in
power, when they have enough of nothing, nor have anything
of proper good, nor can give anything durable to their pos-
sessors ?
CHAPTER XXVIII.
"VYheis" Wisdom had made this speech, then began he again
to sing, and thus said : Though the wicked king Nero decked
himself with all the most splendid clothes, and adorned him-
self with gems of every kind, was he not, nevertheless, to all
wise men, loathsome and unworthy, and full of all vice and
debauchery ? Yet ho enriched his favourites with great
riches: but what was to them the better? What wise man
could say tliat he was the more honourable, when he had en-
riched him ?
102 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXIX.
CAPUT XXIX.'^
§ I. D^S j-e f^ifbom J)a ]>iy \eo]> afun^en hsepbe. Da oilman he effc
j-pellijan^ -3 puj- cpae]). ppsepep ]>u nu pene -f j^sep cyninjep ^e-
peppseben. "] pe pela. "j pe anpealb. ]?e he gip]? hip beopLngum.
mseje aenigne mon gebon pehgne oS^e pealbenbne. Da anb-
ppopebe ic 3 cpae]?. pophpi ne magon hi ; • ppset ip on 6ippe
anbpeapban hpe pynpumpe ^^ betepe 'Sonne ]>8ep cyningep pol^a]?.
3 hip neapepc. j piSSan pela 3 anpealb ; • Da anbppopebe pe
pipbom anb cpaeS. Seje me nu. hpaepeji ]m aeppe gehypbept -p
he anjum |?apa. Ipe aep up psepe. eallunga jmjihpunobe. o'5t5e
penpc Su hp8&]?ep hme aenij l)apa ealne pej habban mae^e j^e
hme nu haepS. pu ne papc ^u f te ealle bee pmc pulle^ papa
bipna l^ajia monna Ipe sep up paepan. anb selc mon pat |>apa Se
nu leopoj) f manejum cyninje onhpeapp pe anpealb j I'e pela.
ot5 ]78ec^ he epc peap]> paebla. Gala ea ip ^ J)onne poppeop)>pulhc
pela pe naupep ne maeg ne hme pelpne jehealban. ne hip hlapopb.
CO ^on f he ne puppe* mapan pulcumep. oSSe hi beop bejen
pophealben. pu ne ip f peah peo eoppe hehpce gepael)? papa
cyninga anpealb. ^ peah py pam cynmge seni^ep pillan pana bip.
ponne lyclap 'f hip anpealb. "^ ecp hip epmpa. pop py bip pimle
•Sa eoppe jepaelpa on pumura pmjum unjepaelpa.^ Ppaat pa
cynmja]-. peahhi manejpa'' Seoba'^ pealban.^ ne pealbap hi peah
eallpa papa pe hi pealban polbon. Acbeop poppam ppipe^ eapme
on heopa GOobe. pojipy hi nabbap pume papa pe hi habban
polbon. poppam ic pac f pe cyning pe gitpepe bip. f he haepp
mapan^° epmpe ponne anpealb. poppam cpasp jeo pum cynmj
pe unpihclice penj to pice. 6ala hpaet f bi6 gepaelig mon Se
him ealnepeg ne hanjaS nacob ppeopb ope]i pam heapbe be
pmalan ppaebe. ppa ppa me^^ pimle gic^^ bybe. pu pmcp pe nu
hu pe pe pela ^ pe anpealb licije. nu hy naeppe ne bip butan
eje. 3 eappopum. "] popjum. Ppaet pu papt paet aelc cynmg
polbe beon^^ butan Sipum. ■j habban ^eah anpealb jip he mihte.
<: Boet. lib. iii. prosa 5. — An vero regna Regumque, &c.
1 Cott. rpelhan. ^ q^^^^ j.^]!^. 3 Bod. oS>e f. * Cott. bypjre.
5 Cott. unf£el}>a. ^ Cott. msenis gep. ' Cott. ]?ioba. ^ Cott. pealben.
9 Bod. ppa. 1" Cott. majion. " Bod. nee. 12 Cott. pc pymle.
>3 Cott. bion.
§ I, BOETHIUS. 103
CHAPTER XXIX.
§ I. "When Wisdom had sung this lay, then began he again
to speak, and thus said : Dost thou think that the kin-g's
familiarity, and the wealth and the power which he gives
to his favourites, can make any man wealthy or powerful ?
Then answered I, and said : Why cannot they ? What in
this present life is pleasanter and better than the king's ser-
vice and his presence, and moreover wealth and power?
Then answered Wisdom, and said : Tell me, now, whether
thou hast ever heard, that it always remained to any one who
was before us? or thinkest thou that any one who now has
it, can always have it? Dost thou not know that all books
are full of examples of the men who were before us, and every
one knows concerning those who are now living, that from
many a king power and wealth go away, until he afterwards
becomes poorr' Alas! is that, then, very excellent wealth,
which can preserve neither itself nor its lord, so that he may
not have need of more help, lest they should both be lost ?
But is not this your highest felicity — the power of kings ?
And yet if to the king there be a want of anything desired,
then that lessens his power, and augments his misery. There-
fore these your felicities are always in some respects infeli-
cities ! Moreover kings, though they govern many nations,
yet they do not govern all those which they would govern ;
but are very wretched in their mind, because they have not
some of those things which they would have : for I know that
the king who is rapacious has more wretchedness than power.
Therefore a certain king, who unjustly came to empire, for-
merly said : 0, how happy is the man to whom a naked sword
hangs not always over the head by a small thread, as to me it
ever yet has done ! How does it now appear to thee? How
do wealth and power please thee, when they are never with-
out fear, and difficulties, and anxieties ? Thou knowest that
every king would be without these, and yet have power if he
104 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXIX,
Ac ic pac f he ne mae^. Dy ic punbjiije. pophpi hi ^ilpan
jj^elcep anpealbef. PpeJ^ep^e nu^mce f pe man micelne anpealb
haebbe ^ pie ppife ^ef sehj. ])e pimle pilnaS Saep 'Se he begitan ne
maej. o^^e penpc 'Su "p pe peo^ TP']^^ i^F^^'S- ]^^ pimle mib
micelum"^ pepebe paepp. oS6e epc pe ]?e segj^ep onbpaet. je Sone
Se hme onbpset. ge 'Sone pe hme na^ ne onbpaec. ppa&J^ep ]>e
nu ]?ince ■^ pe mon micelne anpealb haebbe. Se him pelpum
|7mc]7 -^ he naenne naebbe. ppa ppa nu manegum men pmcj) f he
naenne naebbe bucon he haebbe manijne man ])e him hepe."*
Ppaec piUe pe nu mape^ pppecan be |)am cyninge ^ be hip pol-
jepum. bucon^ 'f aelc gepceabpip man ma&j pican "^ hi beo]} pull
eapme •] pull unmihcije. pu majan |}a cynmgap o]7facan oSSe
pophelan hiopa'^ unmihce. ]?onne hi ne majan^ naenne peop)>-
jTipe pop]>bpinjan buton heopa pejna pultume ;•
§ 11/^ Vys&t pille pe nu ellep pecjan be $am^ Sejnum. buton
•f) f ]>aap ope gebj'pe]) f hi peoppa]? bepeapobe aelcpe ape. je
fupimm ]?a2p peopep. ppam heopa^*' leapan^^ cynmje. ppaec pe
piton f j-e unpihcpipa cynmj Nepon polbe hacan hip agenne
maejipcpe. "j hip popceppaebep acpellan. J»aep nama paep Seneca,
pe paep u6pica. Da he ^a onpunbe f he beab beon pceolbe. 'Sa
beab he ealle^^ hip aehca pi]) hip peope. ]m nolbe pe cyninj ]?aep
onpon. ne him hip peopep jeunnan. ^a he ]m f onjeac. J)a je-
ceap he him pone beaj? f him^^ mon oplece blobep on pam^*
eapme. "j pa by be mon ppa. Ppaet pe eac jehepbon "^ Papinianup
paep Anconmupe ^am Kapepe ealpa hip beoplmja-^^ bepopjopt.
•J eallep hip polcep maefcne anpealb*^ haepbe. Ac he hme het ^e-
binban anb piS^an opplean. Ppaec ealle men picon "p je 8eneca
paep Nepone. ~} Papmianup Anconie pa peoppefcan. "j pa leo-
pepcan. •;] maepcne anpealb^^ haepbon. je on hiopa hipebe. je
bucon. •j Seah bucon aelcepe pcylbe pupbon popbone. Ppaec hi
pilnobon bejen eallon maejene^^ f pa hlapopbap naman ppa
hpaec ppa hi haepbon j lecon hi libban. ac hi ne mihcon^^ f
bejican. poppam papa cyninja paelhjieopnep paej- to pam heapb
•p heopa^*^ eapmecco ne mihcon nauhc poppcanban. ne hupu
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 5. — Nam quid ego de Eegum familiaribus, &c.
1 Cott. pie. 2 Cott. micle. * Cott. no. * Bod. hipe. ^ Cott.
ma nu. ^ Cott. bucan. ' Cott. heopa. * Cott. magon. ^ Cott.
t^aem. i" Cott. ppom hiopa. " Bod. leopan. '^ Cott. ealla. '^ Cott.
hine. '* Cott. >aem. '^ Cott. byphn^a. '^ Cott. maepcu anpalb.
" Cott. anpalb. '^ eallon msesene, desunt in MS. Cott. " Cott.
mihcen. '^^ Co^t. hiopa.
§ il. BOETHIUS. 105
might. But I know tliat he cannot : therefore I wonder why
they glory in such power. Does it seem to thee that the man
has great power, and is truly happy, who always desires that
which he cannot obtain ? Or thinkest thou that he is really
happy who always goes with a great company ? Or again,
he who dreads both him that is in dread of him, and him that
is not in dread of him ? Does it seem to thee that the man
has great power w^ho seems to himself to have none, even as
to many a man it seems that he has none, unless he have
many a man to serve him ? Wlmt shall we now say more
concerning the king, and concerning his followers, except
that every rational man may know that they are full miser-
able and weak ? How can kings deny or conceal their weak-
ness, when they are not able to attain any honour without
their thanes' assistance ?
§ II. What else shall we say concerning thanes, but this,
that it often happens that they are bereaved of all honour,
and even of life, by their perfidjous king ? Thus we know
that the wicked king Nero would hate his own master, and
kill his foster-father, whose name was Seneca. He was a
philosopher. When, therefore, he found that he must die, he
offered all his possessions for his life, but the king would not
accept of it, or grant him his life. When he learned this, he
chose for himself the death, that they should let for him blood
from the arm ; and they did so. We have also heard that
Papinianus was to Antoninus the Caesar, of all his favourites
the most beloved, and of all his people had the greatest
power. But he gave order to bind, and afterwards to slay
him. Yet all men know that Seneca was to Nero, and Pa-
pinianus to Antoninus, the most worthy and the most dear;
and they had the greatest power, both in their court and
elsewhere, and nevertheless, without any guilt, they were
destroyed ! Tet they both desired, most earnestly, that the
lords would take whatsoever they had, and let them live, but
they could not obtain it : for the cruelty of those kings was
so severe, that their submission could naught avail, nor in-
deed would their high-mindedness, howsoever they might do,
106 EOETHIUS. CHAP. XX^.
heopa opepmecca. bybon ppa hpaepeji fpa hy^ bybon. ne bohte
him '5a napj)ep 6eah hi pceolbon ])8ec peojih alsecan. }:op]>an^ ye
])e hif sep cibe ne ciola]). Sonne bi])hi]- on rib uncilab.^ pu hcaj)
Se nu ]'e anpealb^ ■j pe pela. nu '5u jehypeb haejrpc fiset hme
man-^ napj?e]i^ biicon^ eje habban ne mseg. ne poplaecan ne moc
peah he pille, o])])e hpaec fopjxob peo menijii papa ppeonba j^am
beophnjum^ pajia cyninja. o66e hpasc popjcenc heo senjum
men. pojijmm^ Sa pjiienb cuma]) mib 6am^^ pelan. 3 ept mibpam
pelan gepicaS. buuon ppipe peapa. Ac |>a ppynb^^ ]>e hme aep pop
J»am^~ pelan lupia]». ]>a jepica}) epc mib ])am pelan. "3 peop])aJ^
■Sonne co peonbum. bacon ]?a peapan j^e hme sep pop lupum-^^ ^
pop tpeopum lupebon J)a hme polbon ^eah lupien |)eah he eapm
paepe. J)a him puma]), ppelc ip pyppa pol oSSe senium men mape
bapu Jjonne he hsebbe on hip jepeppaebenne anb on hip nepepce
peonb on ppeonbep anlicneppe ; •
§ III.^ Da pe j7ipbom ])ip ]-pell apeht^^ hsepbe. ])a onjan he
epc j'lnjan 3 ]nip cpas]?. De pe pille pullice anpealb ajan. he pceal
cilian sepepc f he haebbe anpealb hip ajenep mobep. 3 ne pie co
unjepij-enlice unbeppeob hip unpeapum. ■]) abo op hip OOobe un-
gepipenhce ymbhojan. poplaete ]m peopunja hip eopm]>a. Deah
he nu picpige opep eallne mibban geapb. ppom eapcepeapbum
oS pepcepeapbne. pjiom Inbeum. f ip pe pupeapc enbe ]>ippep
mibbaneapbep. o]? paec ilanb ]>e pe hacaS Thyle. paec ip on pam
nojippept enSe Sipjep mibbaneajibep. pa&p ne bi]) nappep ne on
pumepa nihc. ne on pmcpa bsej, peah he nu paep eallep pealbe.
naepp he no ]>e mapan anpealb. jip he hip mjepancep anpealb
naepp. anb jip he hme ne papenap pip pa unpeapap pe pe £e]i
5'mbpppaecon ; •
CAPUT XXX.f
§ I. DS )'e pipbom pa pap pitte apunjen haepbe. pa onjan he
epc pecgan ppell "j cpaep. Ip f ungejupenlic pulbop Sij-pe populbe
■] ppipe leap, be pam^^ paep jeo^^ pmjenbe pum pceop. '6a he
^ Boet. lib. iii. metrum 5. — Qui se volet esse potentem, &c.
f Boet. lib. iii. prosa 6. — Gloria vero quani fallax soepe, &c.
' Cott. hi. 2 Cott. j:opj38em ^ Bod. uulob. * Cott. anpalb. ^ Cott.
mon. 6 Cott. napj?e|i ne. " Cott. bucan. ** Cott. biojilinsum. * Cott.
pop>on. 10 Cott. >aem. ^^ Cott. ppienb. 12 Qott. J^aem. " Bod.
luum. >■» Cott. apeahc. ^^ Cott. |)aem. ^^ Cott. gio.
§ ;r. BOETHius. 107
have availed them either, but they were obliged to lose life.
Eor he who does not take timely care for himself, will at
length be destitute. How doth power and wealth now please
thee, now thou hast heard that a man neither can have it
without fear, nor can part with it though he wish ? What
did the crowd of friends avail the favourites of those kings,
or what avails it to any man ? For friends come with wealth,
and again with wealth go away, except very few. But the
friends who before, for wealth's sake, love any one, go away
afterwards with the wealth, and then turn to enemies. But
the few, who before loved him for affection and for fidelity,
these would, nevertheless, love him though he were poor.
These remain to him. What is a worse plague, or greater
hurt to any man, than that he have, in his society and in his
presence, an enemy in the likeness of a friend ?
§ III. When Wisdom had made this speech, then began he
again to sing, and thus said : Whosoever desires fully to pos-
sess power, ought to labour first that he may have power over
his own mind, and be not indecently subject to his vices ; also
let him put away from his mind unbecoming anxieties, and
desist from complaints of his misfortunes. Though he reign
over all the middle-earth, from eastward to westward, from
India, which is the south-east end of this middle-earth, to the
island which we call Thule, which is at the north-west end of
this middle-earth, where there is neither night in summer nor
day in winter; though he rule even all this, he has not th(f
more power, if he has not power over his mind, and if he dgea-
not guard himself against tFe vices \vhich we have before
spoken about.
CHAPTER XXX.
§ I. When Wisdom had sung this song, then began he
again to make a speech, and said: Worthless and very false
is t^e_glory_of_this world ! Concerniog-tlils' a certain poet
108 BOETHITJS. CHAP. XXX.
fopffeah ])ij* anpeapbe lip. he cpae]?.* Gala pulbop^ ])iffe pojiulbe.
ea. fophpi^ 6e hacan* bypije men mib leappe pcemne pulboji. nu
})U nane eapt.^ poppam^ pe ma manna hsepp micelne ^ilp.^ J
micelne* pulbop. 3 micelne peopppcipe. pop bypijep polcep penan.
fonne he haebbe pop hip jepyphcum. Ac gepeje^ me nu hpaec
unjepupenlicpe pie ponne "p. oS6e pophpi^^ hi ne^^ majan heopia^^
ma pceamijan ^onne pajnian.^^ Sonne hi jeheopap f him man
on lihj?. Deah mon nuhpone gobpa^'* mib pihte hepije. ne )-ceal
he na 6e papop^^ co unjemechcepsejnian J^aep polcep popba. Ac
J?aep he pceal pajnian.^^ f hi him po'S on pecjjap. Deah he nu
]>ady paegnije f hi hip naman bjiaeban. ne bip he no ])e paj^oji^'''
ppa bpab ppa*^ he ceohjap.^^ popl'aem hi hme ne majon co-
bpaeban ^eonb eaUe eoppan. J)eah hi on pumum lanbe moejen,
popipam j^eah he peo^^ anum jehepeb. Sonne bi]? he oppum
unhepeb. peah he on Sam lanbe peo msepe. Sonne bi]? he on
o|?pum unmsepe.^^ popj'sem ip Saep polcep hlipa aelcum men pop
nauhc to habbenne. pop])8em hic^^ co aelcum men^^ ne cymp
be hip gepyphcum. ne hupu nanum ealne peg ne puniap.2*
Irepenc nu aepepc be Sam jebyjibum. jip hpa paep jilp]?.^-^ hu
ibel J hu unnyc pe gilp~^ bi]?. poppam Se selc mon pac f ealle
men op anum paebep comon 3 op anpe mebep. OSSe epu be
Saep polcep hlipan '^ be heopa hepmje.^^ ic nac"^ hpaec pe Saep
paegniap.^^ Seah Sa nu popemaepe peon.^° Se polcipce men
hepijaS. Seah beoj?^^ pa popemaejipan^^ 3 pihtlicpan to he-
pijenne. ])a Se beop^^ mib cpaeptum jepypifobe.^'* popj^am^^ Se
nan mon ne bij) mib pihte pop oppep gobe. ne pop hip cpaeptum
no Sy maeppa ne no Sy jehepebpia"^^ jip he hme pelp naepp ; •
Ppae^ep Su nu beo apy paejeppa pop oppep mannep paejepe. bip
men pul lytle ]>y bet peah he gobne paebep haebbe. jip he pelp
to nauhte ne maej. poppam ic laepe 'p Su paejenije o]?eppa
manna gobep^^ j heopa aepelo to pon ppij^e f Su ne tilije Se
» Cott. H cpaeS he. 2 Cott. pulbup. ^ Cott. -pophpy. * Cott.
haten. ^ Cott. nan neajic. ^ Cott. yo]i\>ddm. ' Cott. Sielp. ^ Cott.
micel. ^ Cott. pe?;e. ^^ Cott. pophpy. " Bod. hine. Cott. hi.
" Cott. hiopa. . 13 Cott. pBeSnian. " Cott. soobpa. ^^ Cott. no >y
hpaepoji. i** Cott. fs&snian. i^ Cott. py hpsepop. ^^ ppa, deest in
MS. Cott. 19 Cott. tihhaS. 20 Cott. pe. 21 Bod. Iseppe. ^- Bod.
hi. Cott. he. 23 men, deest in MS. Cott. 24 Cott. punaS. 25 Bod.
Selp^. 26 Cott. sylp. 27 Bod. hepige. 28 Bod. par. 29 Boq.
y8e?;ina5. so Cott. pen. 3i Cott. bioS. ^2 Bod. jropemaepan. 33 c^tt.
bio5. 34 Cott gepuppobe. 35 Cott. popl^aem. ^ Cott. hepebjia.
37 Cott. goobep.
§ I. BOETHIUS. 109
formerly sung. When he contemned this present life, he
said : glory of this world ! Alas ! why do foolish men call
thee with false voice, glory, when thou art none ! For man
more frequently has great renown, and great glory, and great
honour, through the opinion of foolish people, than he has
through his deservings. But tell me now, what is more un-
suitable than this : or why men may not rather be ashamed
of themselves than rejoice, when they hear that any one belies
them ? Though men even rightly praise any one of the good,
he ought not the sooner to rejoice immoderately at the people's
words. But at this he ought to rejoice, that they speak truth
of him. Though he rejoice at this, that they spread his name,
it is not the sooner so extensively spread as he persuades him-
self; for they cannot spread it over all the earth, though they
may in some land ; for though it be praised in one, yet in
another it is not praised. Though he in this land be cele-
brated, yet is he in another not celebrated. Therefore is the
people's esteem to be held by every man for nothing ; since
it comes not to every man according to his deserts, nor in-
deed remains always to any one. Consider first concerning
birth : if any one boast of it, how vain and how useless is the
boast; for every one knows that all men come from one
father and from one mother. Or again, concerning the
people's esteem, and concerning their applause. I know not
why we rejoice at it. Though they be illustrious whom the
vulgar applaud, yet are they more illustrious and more rightly
to be applauded who are dignified by virtues. For no man
is really the greater or the more praiseworthy for the excel-
lence of another, or for his virtues, if he himself has it not.
Art thou ever the fairer for another man's fairness ? A man
is full little the better though he have a good father, if he
himself is incapable of anything. Therefore I advise that
thou rejoice in other men's good and their nobility, so far
only, that thou ascribe it not to thyself as thine own. Be-
110 BOETIITUS. CHAP. XXXI.
jelfum a^nef. foppam^ ^e a&lcef monnef ^ob^ ^ hij* sepelo bio]?
ma on Sam GOobe. 'Sonne on Jjam^ flaefce. Daet an ic pac ]?eah
gobef* on ]7am aepelo. -^ mani^ne mon j-ceama]) -p he peopjje'^
pypfa Sonne hip elbpan psejion. ■^ poppaem hijap ealle^ ma&jne
•p he polbe ]?apa becpcena pumepSeapep -^ hip cpseptap jepon ; • '^
§ 11.^ Da pe pipbom Sa Sip ppeU apehc^ ha&pbe. Sa onjan he
pin^an ymbe "p ilce "j cpaep. ppa&t ealle men haepbon gehcne
ppuman. pop]7am hi ealle coman op anum paebep ^ op anpe
mebep. ealle hi beo]? gic jelice acennebe. nip f nan punbop.
pop])am Se an Urob ip paebep eallpa gepceapca. poppam he hi
ealle jepceop -^ ealpa pelc. 8e pel]? Jjaejie punnan leoht. j Sam
monan. -3 ealle tun^la ^epec. pe jepceop men on eop})an. je-
jabepobe Sa paula ^ Sone lichoman mib hip ]?am anpealbe. "j
ealle menn jepceop emn s&]?ele on Ssepe ppuman jecynbe. Ppi
opepmobige je Sonne opep o]?pe men pop eoppum gebypbum
buton anpeojice. nu je nanne ne majon mecan un3e]?elne. ac
eaUe pmc emn siSele. jip ge piUaS pone pjauman pceapc ge-
})encan. 3 Sone pcippenb. ^ pi])]?an eopep^ selcep acennebneppe.
Ac ])a pyht 3e])elo biS on ]?am GOobe. naej- on ]?am plaepce. ppa
ppa pe Sep paebon. Ac aelc mon Se allun^a unbeppeobeb biS
unfeapum. poplaet hip pceppenb. "j hip ppuman pceapt. 3 hip
sej^elo. J Sonan pyp]) an8e])elab o]) ^ he pypj? unae]7ele ; •
CAPUT XXXIM
§ I. DK pe pipbom Sa Sip leo])^^ apun^en haepbe. ]?a on^an he
epc pecjan ppeU. j ]?up cpae]). Ppaet gobep^^ ma^an pe pecgan on
})a plaepclican unj>eapap. popj^am ppa hpa ppa hi poplaetan pile, he
jceal 5e])olian miccle neapaneppe ^ manije 5eappo])u. popjjam
peo opeppyll pimle pec un}>eapap. j Sa un]?eapap habba}> opep-
]>eappe hpeoppunga. ~\ peo hpeoppun^ ne beo]? na butan popje ~\
bucon neaponeppe. Gala eap hu maneja abla, 3 hu micel paji. ~^
hu micele^^ pasccan. 3 hu micle unjiotneppe pe ha&p]?. Se ]7one
ponpillan haepj) on Sippe populbe. ■] hu micele ma penpt Su f hi
s Boet. lib. iii. metrum 6. — Omne hominum genus, &c.
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 7. — Quid autem de corporis voluptatibus, &c.
1 Cott, pop]?aem. 2 Cott. goob. ^ Cott. psem. ■» Cott. Soobep.
^ Cott. piopt>e. 6 Bod. eallon. ^ Bod. ^e)?eon. s Cott, apeahr.
9 Bod. et Cott. eoppep. '« Cott. lioS. " Cott. Soobep. i-^ Cott.
micla.
§ I. EOETHIUS. Ill
cause every man's good, and his nobility, is more in the mind
than in the flesh. This only, indeed, I know of good in
nobility ; that it shames many a man, if he be worse than
his ancestors were ; and therefore he strives with all his
power to reach the manners of some one of the best, and his
virtues.
§ II. "When Wisdom had finished this speech, then began
he again to sing about the same, and said : Truly all men had
a like beginning, for they all came from one father and from
one mother : they are all, moreover, born alike. That is no
wonder, because one God is father of all creatures ; for he
made them all, and governs them all. He gives light to the
sun, and to the moon, and places all the stars. He has
created men on the earth, joined together the soul and the
body by his power, and made all men equally noble in their
original nature. "Why do ye then lift up yourselves above
other men, on account of your birth, without cause, since ye
can find none unnoble, but all are equally noble, if ye are
willing to remember the creation, and the Creator, and more-
over the birth of every one of you ? But true nobility is in
the mind, not in the flesh, as we have before said. But every
man, who is altogether subject to vices, forsakes his Maker,
and his first origin, and his nobility, and thence becomes de-
graded till he is unnoble.
CHAPTEE XXXI.
§ I. "When "Wisdom had sung this lay, then began he again
to make a speech, and thus said : What good can we say of
the fleshly vices ? Por whosoever will yield to them shall
suffer great anguish and many troubles. For intemperance
always nourishes vices, and vices have great need of repent-
ance, and repentance is not without sorrow and without
anguish. Alas ! how many diseases, and how great pain, and
how great watching, and how great sadness, has he who pos-
sesses wicked lust in this world ! And how much more
112 BOETniUS. CHAP. XXXI.
j-cylon habban aepteji ]>i\yt populbe eblean heopa ^eeapnunja.^
j'pa fpa pip acenj) beapn "j ppopa]?^ micel eappo))u. e&fcep ]?am
^e heo sep micelne lupt J)uph teah. pop ]?y ic nac^ hpaec ]7a
populb luptap mypejep* bpenja]? heopa^ lupijenbum. dp nu
hpa^ cpij) '^ pe peo'^ jepaelig. pe 5e hip populb lujcum^ eallum
pul^gej). hpi nyle^ he cpe]>an eac f 6a nycenu peon ^epsehje.^^
pop]?am^^ 'Se heopa^^ pilla to nanum op>pum pmjum nij- aSenob.
bucon to 2;ipepneppe 3 to ppsenneppe. Spi])e gepunpum^^ hit bij?
f mon pip haebbe^* '^ beapn. Ac J>eah manige beapn beo)> je-
ptpyneb^^ to heopa^^ elbpena poppypbe. pop])am j^e manig pip
ppelt^^ pop hipe beapne aep heo hit pop]?bpingan^^ maeje. ~] pe
leopnobon eac f hpilum gebypebe pp3]>e ungepunehc 3 un^e-
cynbehc ypel. f '8a beapn ^etjieopebon betpuh him ■] piepebon
ymbe 'Sone pasbep. ge pup))on.^^ f pyppe pa^p. pe jeheopbon^**
jeo geapa on ealbum ppellum. f pura punu opploge hip paebeji.
ic nat humeta. buton pe piton f hit unmennipchc^^ baeb paep.
Ppaet aelc mon maej pitan hu hepij popj men heolp peo gemen
hip beapna. ne 6eapp ic Se Seah-p pecjan. poppam 'Su hit haeppt
apanbab be^^ ]>e pelpum. Be faepe haepejan^^ gemenne beapna.
cpa&]? mm ma&giptep Gupipibep. -p hpilum jebypebe Sam heapb-
pa&lejum.^* f him paspe betepe faet he beapn naepbe Sonne he
ha&pbe : •
§ 11.^ Da pe p'lpbom Sa ]7ip ppell apeht haepbe. Sa onjan he
ept jibbian.^^ ^ pup pmjenbe cpa&J). ppaet pe }^pela pilla un-
pihthaemebep gebpepS pulneah a&lcep libbenbep monnep ClOob.
Spa ppa peo beo pceal lopian. ))onne heo hpaet yppmja ptmg]?.
ppa pceal aelce papl poppeopSan aeptep '5am unjuhthaemebe.
buton pe mon hpeoppe to jobe : •
^ Boet. lib. iii. metrum 7. — Habet omnis hoc voluptas, &c.
1 Cott. eapnunsa. ^ Qott. beapneacen pij: l^popa'S. ^ Bod. par.
* Cott. mypsep. ^ Cott. hiopa. ^ j^pa^ deest in MS. Cott. ' Cott.
fie. ^ Bod. luptap. ^ Cott. nele. ^'^ Cott. neCenu pen gepselesu.
" Cott. pop)5a&m. '2 Cott. hiopa. ^^ Cott. pynj-um. 1^ Cott. habbe.
»5 Cott. sepcpuneb. i« Cott. hiopa. i' Cott. jopj-pilc. '» Cott.
bpengan. '^ Cott. pupj>um. 20 Cott. hepbon. ^^ Cott. unmen-
nifcbcu. 22 3od. afunben bi. ^^ Cott. hipegan. ** Cott. heapb-
rselsan. ^ Bod. sebbian.
§ II. BOETHIUS. 113
thinkest thou they shall have after this world, as tlie re-
tribution of their deserts ? even as a woman brings forth a
child, and suffers much trouble, after she formerly has ful-
filled great lust. Therefore I know not what joy the worldly
lusts bring to their lovers. If any one say that he is happy
who fulfills all his worldly lusts, wherefore will he not also say
that the cattle are happy, for their desire is extended to no
other things, but to gluttony and to lust. Very pleasant is
it that a man have wife and children. But nevertheless
many children are begotten for their parents' destruction.
For many a woman dies by reason of her child, before she
can bring it forth. And we have also learned that formerly
a most unusual and unnatural crime happened, that the
children conspired together, and lay in wait for the father.
And moreover, what was worse, we have heard, long ago in
ancient histories, that a certain son slew his father. I know
not in what manner, but we know that it was an inhuman
deed. Besides, every one may know, how heavy trouble to
a man is the care of his children. I need not, however, say
that to thee, for thou hast experienced it of thyself. Con-
cerning the heavy care of children, said my master Euripides,
that it sometimes happened to the unhappy, that it would be
better for him that he had not children, than that he had.
§ II. "When Wisdom had ended this speech, then began he
again to sing, and thus singing, said : Alas ! tlie evil desire of
unlawful lust disquiets the mind of almost every living man.
As the bee shall perish when she stings anything angrily, so
shall every soul perish after unlawful lust, unless the man
turn to good.
114l BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXII.
CAPUT XXXII k
§ I. D^ ]-e f7i]'bom Sa ]7if leo]? afun^en ha&pbe. ]>2l onjan he
epc fpellijan^ -j ^uj- cpae]^. Fop]7am nij- nan cpeo -p ])a&f anb-
peajiba pela amepj) "j laec^ $a men Se beoj? atihce co )?am
fo))um jef a&l}7um. •] he naenne ne maej jebpmjan^ J)aep he him
^ehec. -^^ ij- aet ^am hehfcan jobe.* Ac ic Se maeg mib jreaum
popbum jefecjan hu manejpa yjrela 6a pelan ]"inc gepylbe.
Ppaec ]?u 'Sonne maene raib ))3epe jicfun^e ))8ef peof . nu |)u hic
na hu ellep bejican ne mihc. buton J?u hic popftele. o'56e ^e-
yieapje. ot^Se abej^ecige. "j J)8&p ]78&p hit 6e pexj?^ ]?onne pana]>
inc o|?pum. Du polbepc nu beon^ popema&pe on peop]7fcipe. ac
jif ]?u ■f habban pile. ]7onne pcealc pu oleccan fpif e eapmhce
anb jyipe eabmoblice Ipum^ pe ]?e to J)am jepultumian maeje.
Ijip ]?u '(5e pilt bon manejpa betepan ~\ peopj^pan. Sonne pcealt
fu 'Se laatan anep pyppan. pu ne ip f Sonne pum bael epmj^a.^
]?3et mon ppa psepehce^ pc}ie culpian to Sam^° J^e him jipan
pcyle. Anpealbep ])u pilnapt. ac Su hme naeppe oppopjne ne be-
Jitpt. pop seljjeobejum. 3 get^^ ma pop Smum ajenum monnum
3 majum.^^ Dilpep ]?u gipnept. ac J)u hme ne miht habban
oppopjne. pop]?am Su pcealt habban pimle hpaet hpej^^ F^l^^P-
peapbep ■;) unjetepep.-^* Du polbepu nu bpucan ungemethcpe
ppsenneppe. ac Se piUaJ? Sonne poppeon Irobep^^ J^eopap. popj^am
\>e )?in pepije^^ plaepc hapa]) ])in anpealb. nalaep ]?u hip. pu ma&j
mon eapmhcop jebaepon. Jionne mon hme unbepj^eobe^'^ hip
pepe^an plaepce. 3 nelle hip jepceabpipan paule. Ppaej^ep je nu
f eon^® mapan on eoppum hchoman Sonne elpenb. oSSe ptpenj-
pan^^ Sonne leo oSSepeapp. oSSe ppiptpan ponne tijpip ^ beop.
"3 Seah ]?u paepe eallpa monna paegpopt on phte. anb J>onne
polbept geopnhce a&ptep pipbome ppS^iijan. o]?]7aet ]>u pulhce
.jiiht onjeate. Sonne mihtept^^ ]>u ppeotole onjiton f ealle Sa
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 8. — Nihil igitur dubium est, &e.
* Cott. ppellian. 2 Cott. myji'S ~i lec. ^ Cott. ma&se bpmsan. " Cott.
goobe. ^ Bod. peax. ^ Cott. bion. ' Cott. hsem. ^ Cott. yjim^a,
9 Cott. pepehce. 10 Cott. J>aem. " Cott. 51-. 12 Qott. maesum.
13 Cott. hjmsvL " Cott. unsecaepep. ^^ Cott, soobe liobep. ^^ Co^t.
«epie, »' Cott. unbepjjiebe. ^^ Cott. )*ien. ^^ Bod. pCengpa.
Cott. meahtepc.
§ I. BOETHIUS. 115
CHAPTER XXXII.
§ I. When "Wisdom had suug this lay, then began he again
to speak, and thus said : Therefore there is no doubt that this
present wealth obstructs and hinders those men who are in-
tent upon the true felicities ; and it can bring no one where
it promised him, that is, to the highest good. But I can in
a few words declare to thee with how many evils these riches
are filled. What meanest thou, then, by covetousness of
money ; when thou no how else canst acquire it, unless thou
steal it, or take it by force, or find it hid : and wheresoever it
increases to thee, it decreases to others ? Thou wouldest,
then, be illustrious in dignity ? But if thou wilt have this,
then must thou very meanly, and very humbly, flatter him
who is able to help thee thereto. If thou wilt make thyself
greater and more honourable than many, then must thou
suffer thyself to be inferior to one. Is not this, then, some-
what of misery, that a man must so anxiously cringe to him
who has the power of giving to him ? Of power thou art
desirous ? But thou never obtainest it without danger, on
account of foreigners, and still more on account of thine own
men and kindred. Of glory thou art desirous ? But thou
canst not have it without care : for thou shalt have always
something adverse and inconvenient. Thou wouldest, then,
enjoy immoderate lust? But then thou art desirous to
despise God's servants, inasmuch as thy vile flesh has the
mastery of thee, not thou of it. How can any man conduct
himself more wretchedly than when he subjects himself to
his vile flesh, and will not to his rational soul ? If, then, ye
were greater in your body than the elephant, or stronger than
the lion or the bull, or swifter than the tiger, that wild beast ;
and if thou wert of all men the fairest in beauty, and then
wouldest studiously seek._after^wisdgmj until thou couldest
perfectly understand it ; then mightest thou clearly perceive
i2
316 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXIIT.
mgejno 3 ]?a cpaeptaf. ^e pe aep ymbe rppsecon. ne fine Co
pi]?mecanne^ pi]> 'Saepe faple cpaefCa s&nne. Ppaec nu ]7ipbom ip
an anlepe cpaepc ])sepe paple. "3 'Seah pe piton ealle f he pie^
becepa ]7onne ealle Sa oppe cpsepcap. '8e pe sep ynibe pppg&con : •
§ 11.^ Behealba]> nu Sa pjbgilneppe. "3 )>a psej-cneppe. 3 Sa
hpsebpepnefpe j^ipfep heopenep. 'Sonne majan je onjicon f he
ip eallep nauhc pip hip pceoppenb to metenne ~\ pip hip pealbenb,
xic hpi ne laece je eop ponne appeocan. f je ne punbpien •;} ne
hepijen 'p ce unnyctpe if. f ip ])ep eopplica pela. ppa ppa pe
heopon ip betepa anb healicpa"] paegeppa^onne eallhip mnung.
biicon monnum anum. ppa ip paep monnep lichoma betepa ^
beoppypppa ^onne ealle hip aehta. Ac hu micele ]?inc]) pe
Sonne peo fapl betepe 3 beoppyjippe Sonne pe lichoma. ^Ic
gerceapt ip to apianne be hipe anbepne.^ '} pymle pio hehpte
ppil)opt poppaem* ip pe jobcunba anpealb^ to apianne, "] to
pynbpianne. ■^ to peoppianne qpep ealle^ oppa jepceapta. 8e
plite ]?8ep lichoman ip ppipe plionbe.''^ •] ppipe tebpe. anb ppi]?e
anlic eoppan bloptmum, Deah nu hpa peo^ ppa psejep. ppa ppa
Alcibiabep pe seSelmg paep. gip hpa bip ppa pceapppene^ f he
masje hme Suphpeon. ppa ppa Apiptotelep pe uSpita psebe pset
beop paepe. f mihte aelc puhtpuphpeon. ge tpeopa. je pupj^um
pranap. paet beop pe hataS lox. py Sonne hpa paepe ppa pceapp-
jiene f he mihte Sone cniht Suphpeon^^ Se pe aep ymbe pppae-
con. Sonne ne puhte he him no mnon^^ ppa paegep ppa he utan
puhte. l>eah Su nu hpam paegep pmce. ne bi]? hit no py pa])op^^
jpa. ac peo unjepceabpipnep heopa eajena hi mypp^^ f hi ne
majon ongiton f hi pe pceapiap utan . naep mnan. Ac gepencap
nu ppipe jeopnlice ^ gepceabpijiice jmeap^'^ hpelc ])a&)* plaepchcan
job^^ pien. 3 Sa gej'aelpa pe ge nu unjemetlice pilniap. Sonne
majon ^^e ppeotole ongeotan f ]>%y lichoman pa&gep 3 hip
ptjieon Sa magon beon apeoppeb^^ mib ppeopa baja peppe.
Foppam ic J>e pecce eall f ic pe aep pehte.^'^ poppam ic polbe
pe openhce gepeccan on Sam enbe Sipep capitulan. ^te ealle
])ap anbpeapban job^^ ne majon gelaeptan heopa lupienbum f
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 8. — Respicite cceli spatium, &c.
' Cott. mecanne. 2 Cott. ij-. ^ Bod. anb eyne. * fymle po
helij'Ce rpiJjofC yop^s&m, desunt in MS. Bod. ^ Cott. anpalb. ^ Cott.
ealia. ^ god. jrlopenbe. ^ Cott. pie. ^ Cott. pceapppiene. ^^ Cott.
Inijihpion. 11 Cott. innan. *^ Cott. hpsej^op. '^ Bod. eagan hi
ameppa'S. " Cott. pmea^ea'S. i^ Qq^^^ 500b. '*' Cott. pcpengo
niaeg b)ou apyppeb. i^ Cott. peahce. ^^ Cott. goob.
§ II. BOETHIUS. 117/
that ail the powers and the faculties which we have before
spoken about, are not to be compared with any one of the
faculties of the soul. Indeed, wisdom is one single faculty "^
of the soul, and yet we all know that it is better than all the I
otlier faculties, which we have before spoken about. "^
§ II. Behold now the amplitude, and the firmness, and the
swift course of this heaven. Then may ye understand that it
is absolutely nothing, compared with its creator, and with
its ruler. Why then suifer ye it not to warn you, that ye
should not admire and praise that which is less perfect, that
is, earthly wealth ? Even as the heaven is better, and higher,
and fairer than all which it includes, except men alone ; so is
man's body better and more precious than all his possessions.
But how much thinkest thou, then, the soul better, and more
precious than the body ? Every creature is to be honoured
in its measure, and always the highest in the greatest degree.
Therefore is the heavenly power to be honoured, and to be
admired, and to be adored above all other thiugs. The beauty
of the body is very fleeting, and very frail, and very like the
flowers of the earth. Though any one be as fair as Alcibiades,
the noble youth, was : if any one be so sharp-sighted, that he
can see through him, as Aristotle the philosopher said that
wild beast was, which could see through everything, both
trees, and even stones, which wild beast we call lynx; if,
then^ any one were so sharp-sighted that he could see through
the youth whom we have before spoken about, then would he
not appear to him so fair within as he outwardly seemed.
Though thou seem fair to any one, it is not the sooner so ;
but the imperfection of their eyes hinders them, so that they
cannot observe that they behold thee outwardly, not inwardly.
But consider now very carefully, and inquire rationally, what
these fleshly goods are, and these felicities which ye now im-
moderately desire. Then may ye evidently perceive that the
fairness of the body, and its strength, may be taken away by
three days' fever. I therefore say to thee all that I have be-
fore said to thee, because I would clearly prove to thee, in
the conclusion of this chapter, that all these present goods
cannot perform to their lovers that which they promise them,
118 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIII.
hi him jehataj). "f if "f hehfCe ^ob^ *}) hi him jehata]?. Deah hi
nu je^abepijen ealle ]>Siy anbpeapban job.^ nabbaj) hi no t5e
jia])0]i puUppemob gob^ on ])am. ne hi ne majon jebon heopa
lufienbaj- f pa pehje ppa ppa hi polbon : •
§ III."^ Da pe pipbom ^a ]?ip ppell apehc haejrbe. pa onjan he
eye jibbijen. -j fup pm^enbe cpse)). Gala )}a. hu hepij ^ hu fpe-
cenbhc ■f bypij ip 'Se ^a eapman men jebpela]? j als&c op )>am
pihtan peje. pe pej ip Cob. ppaej^ep je nu pecan jolb on
Cpeopmn. ic pac ^eah f je hiC paep ne peca]?. ne pinbe ge hit;
no. popj^am Se ealle men picon f hit Jjaep ne peaxc. Se ma ])e
jimmap peaxa]> on pingeapbum. ppa&J^ep ge nu pettan eopep
netc on Sa hehptan bune. Sonne ge pipcian pillaj). ic pac Seah
f je hit )78&p ne petta]?. ppaej^ep je nu eopep hunbap anb
eopep net ut on Sa pae Isebon. Sonne jehuntian piUa]?. ic pene
|jeah f je hi Sonne petton up on bunum. 3 mnon pubum.
Ppaet f ip punboplic ]>8et ^eopnpulle men piton f hi pculon
pecan be jse papoJ)e. "j be aea oppum s&Jfep ge hpice jimmap.
je peabe. j selcep cynnep gimcyn. "] hi piton eac on hpelcum
paetepum *] on a&jhpelcpa ea mu])um hi pculun pecan pipcap, 3
ealne pipne anbpeapban pelan hi piton hpaep hi pecan pculun. 3
pone ppij»e unappotenlice pecaj?. Ac hit ip ppipe eapmlic Sinj
f Sa bypejan men pint selcep bomep ppa blinbe. f hi nyton
hpa&p Sa popan jepaelpa pint ^ehybbe. ne pupipum nane lupt-
baepneppe nabbaS hi to pecanne. ac penap f hi ma&jon on
pippum laenan "] on Sipum beablicum Sm^um pmban Sa popan
jepaelpa. f ip ]job. Ic nat nu hu ic maeje heopa bypij eall ppa
ppeotole apeccan ^ ppa ppipe jetselan ppa ic polbe. poppam hi
pint eapmpan "] bypijpan ') unjepaelijpan Sonne ic hit apecan
maeje. J7elan •] peopppcipep hi piUniap. ~] Sonne hi hine habbaj).
Sonne penaS hi ppa unjepitpulle faet hi habban Sa popan je-
paelpa ; •
CAPUT XXXIII.'^
§ I. IreNOrr ic Se ha&bbe nu jepeht* ymbe pa anlicneppa 3
ymbe Sa pceabpa psepe popan gepaelpe. Ac gip pu nu j-peotole
jecnapan miht Sa anlicneppa paepe popan jepaelpe. Sonne pippan
™ Boet. lib. iii. metrum 8. — Eheu, quam miseros tramite devio, &c.
» Boet. lib. iii. prosa 1).— Hactenus mendacis formam, &c.
» Cott. soob. ^ Cott. soob. ^ Qott. goob. * Cott. gejieaht.
§ I. BOETHIUS. 119
that is, the supreme good which they promise them. Though
they collect together all these present goods, they have not
the sooner perfect good therein ; neither can tliey make their
lovers as wealthy as they wish.
§ III. When Wisdom had ended this speech, then began
he again to sing, and thus singing, said : Alas ! how grievous
and how dangerous the error is which seduceth miserable men
and leads them from the right way ! The way is God. Do
ye seek gold on trees ? I know, however, that ye seek it not
there, neither find ye it ; for all men know that it grows not
there, any more than jewels grow in vineyards. Do ye set
your net on the highest hill, when ye are minded to fish ?
But I know that ye set it not there. Do ye carry out your
hounds and your net into the sea, when ye wish to hunt ? I
think, however, that ye then place them upon hills and in
woods. Truly it is wonderful that diligent men know that
they must seek on the sea-shore and on river banks both
white jewels and red, and gems of every kind ; and they know
also in what waters, and in what rivers' mouths they must
seek fishes, and they know where they must seek all this
present wealth, and incessantly seek it. But it is a very
miserable thing that foolish men are so destitute of all judg-
ment, that they know not where the true felicities are hid, nor
indeed have they any desire to seek them! But they think
that in these frail and perishable things they can find the true
happiness, that is, God ! I know not how I can their folly
all so plainly declare, and so greatly censure as I would, for
they are more miserable, and more foolish, and more unhappy
than I can explain. Wealth and honour they desire ; and when
they have it, then think they, so unwise ! that they have the
true happiness !
CHAPTER XXXIII.
§ I. Enough I have now declared to thee concerning the
resemblances and concerning the shadows of the true happi-
ness. But if thou canst now clearly understand the resem-
blances of the true happiness, then afterwards it is necessary
120 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIII.
If J^eapf f ic ]>e hi j-elpe jetece.^ Da anbjn^pbe ic ~} cpse)). Nu
ic onjite openlice paecce a&lcej- gobej*^ jenog nij- on Sij'um
populb pelan. ne selca&pe anpealb nif on nanum popnlb pice, ne
pe po]7a peop))fcipe nip on Sippe populbe. ne ]?a msepcan m8ep))a
ne fine on ]>yyye populb ^ylpe. ne peo hehpce blip nip on J^am
plaepclicum lupcum. Da anbjpopebe pe p'lpbom ■] cp8&J>. ppae])ep
]7u nu pullice onjice pophpi hic ponne ppa peo.^ Da anbppajiebe
ic "3 cpae]?. Deah ic hip nu hpa&c hpej'* onjice. ic polbe $eah hic
jTullicop -) openhcop op Se ongican. Da anbppopobe pe |7ipbom
■J cpae]?, Ijenoj ppeotol hic ip J>8ecte job^ ip anpealb -} unco-
ba&liblic. J)eah hme bSjije men on manij baelan.^ ^onne hi
bpehjenbe"^ peca)) f hehpce 50b on Sa pampan^ jepceapta.
Ppaejjep pu nu pene f pe nahcep^ mapan ne Suppe. pe Se
msepcne anpealb haep]? fippe populbe Da anbppapebe ic epc ~j
cpaej). Ne pecje ic no f he nahcep^*^ map an ne $uppe. popJ>am
ic par f nan nip ]-pa^^ pelij 'f he pumep eacan ne ]?uppe. Da
anbppopobe pe p'lpbom anb cpae]^. Eenoj pihc $u pe^pc. tSeah hpa
anpealb haebbe. jip o])ep haepj) mapan. bej^eapp pe unpcpen;^pa
psep pcpenjpan pukumep. Da cpaej) ic. Gall hic ip ppa Su pegpc.
Da cpae]? pe ^ipbom. Deah mon nu anpealb 3 jenyhc co cpaem
Jjinjum nemne. 'Seah hic ip an. Da cpaeJ? ic. 8pa me ^mcp. Da
he cpaeJ). penpc ])u nu f ye anpealb ^j f jemhc peo-'-^ to pop-
peonne. oSSe epc ppifop to peoppianne 6onne ofpe 50b. -^^ Da
cyds]) ic. Ne maej naenne mon psep cpeojan f ce anpealb ■] ge-
nihc ip to peoppianne. Da cpae)) he. Ucon nu. jip ]>e ppa ]>ince.
^eecan^* J)one anpealb ~^ f jenihc. bon ])aep peop]?pc]pe co. j
;i;epeccan ponne pa ]>peo co anum. Da anbppojiobe ic anb cpae];.
Ucon psep poppam hic ip po]). Da cpsep he. Ppsepep pe J)onne
pynce unpeopp ■] unmaephc peo jejabepunj 6apa ppeopa pinja.
^onne pa Jjpeo bij> co anum jebon. oppe hpaejjep hic ^e ept
]?ince ealljia pmja peopplicopt 3 maejilicopc. jip pu aenijne mon
cupepc $apa J>e haepbe aelcep pmjep^^ anpealb. 3 selcne peopp-
pcipe haepbe. ppa popp f he na mapan ne poppce. gepenc nu hu
peopplic •;] hu popemaeplicSe polbe pe mon pincan. anb '8eah he
nu pa ppeo haepbe. gip he naepe hlipeabij.^^ 'Sonne paepe him
1 Cott. secsece. 2 Cott. Soobep. ^ Cott. pe. " Cott hpugu.
• Bod. et Cott. Irob. ^ Cott. cobaelan. ' Cott. bpolienbe. » Cott.
fsempan. ^ Cott. nauhtep. ><> Cott. nauhcep. " Cott. psep. '* Cott.
rie. " Cott. o^pu goob. ^* Cott. ecan. " Cott. ]>incef. *^ Bod.
hlif S^abig.
§ I. BOETHIUS. V 121 )
that I show tbee itself. Then answered I, and said : Kow I
plainly perceive that there is not enough of every good in
these worldly riches; nor is perfect power in any worldly
authority; nor is true dignity in this world; nor are the
greatest honours in this world's glory ; nor is the highest
pleasure in the fleshly lusts. Then answered Wisdom, and
said : Dost thou fully understand why it is so ? Then
jinswered I, and said : Though I understand it in some mea-
sure, I would nevertheless learn it more fully and more dis-
tinctly from thee. Then answered Wisdom, and said : It
is sufficiently clear that good is single and indivisible, though
foolish men divide it into many, when they erring seek the
highest good in the worse creatures. But dost thou think
that he has need of nothing more, who has the greatest power
in this world ? Then answered I again, and said : I do not
say that he has need of nothing more, for I. know that no one
is so wealthy that he needs not some addition. Then answered
AVisdom, and said : Thou sayest rightly enough. Though any
one have power, if another have more, the weaker needs the
aid of the stronger. Then said I : It is all as thou sayest.
Then said Wisdom : Though any one call power and abund-
ance two things, it is nevertheless one. Then said I: So I
think. Then he said: Thinkest thou now that power and
abundance is to be despised ? or, ao;ain, more to be esteemed
than other goods ? Tlien said I : No man can doubt of this,
that power and abundance is to be esteemed. Then said he :
Let us now, if it so seem to thee, make an addition to the
power and the abundance ; let us add dignity thereto, and
then account the three as one. Then answered I, and said :
Let us do so, for it is true. Then said he : Does the assem-
blage of these three things, then, seem to thee worthless and
ignoble, when the three are united together ? or whether,
again, does it seem to thee of all things the most worthy and
the most noble ? If thou knewest any man who had power
over everything, and had all dignity, even so far that he
needed nothing more, consider, now, how honourable and how
eminent the man would seem to thee ; and yet, though he had
the three, if he were not celebrated, then would there never-
122 BOETHirS. CHAP. XXXIII.
■^eah pimef peoji^fcipef pana. Da cpae]? ic. Ne maej ic ))a&f
ojjpacan. Da cpae]) he. pu ne ip "f Sonne jenoj ppeocol. f pe
pculon bon Sa hlipeahijneppe co Sam J)pim. -j bon ]?a feopep co
anum. Da cpaej? ic. Daec jp c\'n. Da cpsej? he. ppse]?ep |)u nu
pene -p pe auhc bh])e pie Se ealle pap peopep hsepp. py^e beo)?
peo blip. "J maej bon eall -p -p he pile, anb nanep Smjep mapan
ne be]?eapp^ Sonne he hsep]?. Da cpae]? ic. Ne maej ic nseppe
2e)?encan jip he ppelc paepe. 3 -p eall haepbe. hponon him aenij
unpocnep cuman pceolbe. Da cpae)) he. 8pa J>eah ip co je-
fencenne. f ]?a pip pmj Se pe aep ymbe pppaecon. J^eah hi
conembe peon^ mib popbum. -p hic ip eall an Smj. Sonne hi je-
jabepobe beo]?. -p ip anpealb. 3 jenyhc. •] pope msepnep. j
peoppfcipe. 3 blip ; •
§ II. ° Da pip Smj. Sonne hi ealle jejabepobe beoS. Sonne.
blip -p Ijob. poppam Sa pif ealle nan mennipc man puUice habban
ne maej Sa hpile Se he on pippe populbe bip. Ac ponne Sa pip
pmj. ]pa pe aep cpaebon. ealle^ jejabojiabe beo|>.* Sonne beop
hic eall an Smj. ■^ ^ an pmj bip Dob. ~] he bij? anpealb unco-
baeleb. peah hi aep on manij conemneb paepe. Da anbppopobe
10 ~\ cpaep. Difep ic eom eallej- jepapa. Da cpaep he. Deah nu
Urob anpealb peo'^ anb uncobaeleb. ppa ppa he if. pe mennipca
jebpola hine cobaelp on monij mib heopa unnyccum popbum.
yElc mon ciohhap him -]3 co felej-cum joobe Saec ^ he^ FP^P^F^
lufap. Sonne lupap fum paec. pum ellep hpaec. ^ bip ponne hip
job -p he paepi ppipofc lupap. Sonne hi Sonne heopa 50b on ppa
manije'^ baelap cobaelap. Sonne mecap hi naupep ne 30b pelpne.
ne pone bael jobef Se hi j'pipoji lupiap. Sonne hi hme pelpne bon
ealne aecjaebepe. nabbap Sonne naupep ne hme ealne. ne Sone
bael Se hi paep op bybon. Fop Si ne pmc aelc mon -p he peep,
pop Sy he hic on pihc ne peep, je pecap paep je pmban ne
majan. Sonne je pecap eall 30b on anum jobe.^ Da cpaep ic.
Daec ip pop. Da cpaep he. Donne pe mon paebla bip. ne pillnap
he nanep anpealbep. ac pillap® pelan. j flihp Sa paeble. Ne ]-pincp
he nauhc aepcep Sam.^^ hu he popemaepojx peo.^' ne nan mon
eac ne bejic pa&c he aepcep ne ppmcp.^^ he Sonne ppmcp ealle^^
° Boet. lib. iii. prosa 9. — Hoc igitur, quod est unum, &c.
» Cott. heapf. 2 cott^ p^jj. 3 Cott. eall. * Cott. bioS. * Cott.
pe. ^ Cott. sej-aelertum -^ -^ he. ^ Cott. monige. ^ Cott. S^ob
on anum soobe. ^ Cott. ho pilnaS. ^'^ Cott. >aem. " Cott. pie.
»2 Cott. pinS. 13 Cott. pinS ealla.
§ ir. BOETHIUS. 123
theless be to him a deficiency of some dignity. Then said I :
I cannot deny it. Then said he: Is it not, then, sufficiently
clear that we should add celebrity to the three, and make the
four as one ? Then said I : That is proper. Then said he :
Dost thou think that he is blithe who has all these four ?
The fifth is pleasure, and that any one may do whatsoever he
will, and need nothing more than he possesses ? Then said I :
I can never imagine, if he were such and had all this, whence
any trouble should come to him. Then said he : But it must,
then, be considered that the five things which we have before
spoken about, though they are separately named in words,
that it is all one thing when they are collected together,
that is, power, and abundance, and glory, and dignity, and
pleasure.
§ II. These five things, when they are all collected together,
then, that is God. For all the five no human being can fully
have while he is in this world. But when these five things,
as we before said, are all collected together, then is it all one
thing, and that one thing is God : and he is single and un-
divided, though they before were, in many, separately named.
Then answered I, and said : Of all this I approve. Then said
he : Though God be single and undivided, as he is, human
error divides him into many, by their vain words. Every man
proposes to himself for the supreme good that which he chiefly
loves. Then one loves this, and one another thing. That, then,
is his good, which he chiefly loves. But when they divide
their good into so many parts, then find they neither p:ood
itself, nor the part of good which they chiefly love. When
they add it all together, they then have neither all of it, nor
the part which they separated therefrom. For this reason
every man finds not what he seeks, because he seeks it not
rightly. Ye seek where ye cannot find, when ye seek all good
in one good. Then said I : That is true. Then said he : When
the man is poor, he is not desirous of power, but wishes for
wealth, and flies from poverty. He labours not for this, hoxv
he may be most illustrious; nor, moreover, does any one
obtain that which he labours not for. But he labours all his
124 BOETHirS. CHAP. XXXIII.
hif popvlb sepcep ]7am^ pelan. anb poplaec manijne populb liiyz
pi}) ]7am^ 'Se he J)one pelan bejice 3 jehealbe. popjjam^ J)e hip
hme ly]T opep ealle o])pe^ '81115, Urip he hme Sonne bejic. Sonne
]?yncj) him f he naebbe jenoj. bucon he ho&bbe eac anpealb^
J)sep CO. popj^am*' ]>e him jnnc]) ■f hene maeje Sone pelan buton
anpealbe' jehealban. Ne him eac naeppe ^enoj ne j^mc]) a&p he
haebbe eall f hme lypc. po]i}mm^ Se 'Sone pelan-* lypc anpealbep/*^
~] Sone anpealbe^^ lypc peo]i]:>]-cipep. 3 ])one peop])pcipe lypc
maepj^a. SiSSan he paep pelan puU bip. Jwnne ]>inc]) him f he
ha&bbe selcne pillan, jip he h?ebbe anpealb. ~i jepel])^^ eallne
Sone pelan a&pcep Sam anpealbe. bucon he hine mib laejpan
bejican mseje. 3 pojilsec a&lcne oj^epne peopj^pcipe pi]? Sam pe
he maeje co J)am anpealbe cuman. ■] Sonne jecibe])^^ ope. ])onne
he eall pi]) anpealbe jepealb haep]) -p -j) he hsepbe. -p he nsep])
nau})ep ne Sone anpealb. ne eac f) ])a&c he pij) pealbe. ac pip])
Sonne ]"pa eapm f he nsep]) pu]i])on^^ ]m neob ]7eappe ane. f ip
pipe. ;] paeba. pilna]) Seah ])onne ])3&pe neab])eappe. naej- Saej' an-
pealbep. |7e pppaecon sep be Sam pip 5epel])um. -p ip pela. j
anpealb. -} peop])pcipe. '] pojiemsepnep. -j pilla. Nu haebbe pe je-
pehc^^ be pelan. j be anpealbe. anb f ilce pe majon peccan be
J)am })pim ])e pe unapehc^^ habba]). f ip peop])pcipe. j pojie-
ma^pnep. -] pilla. Dap^' ppeo J'lnj. -^ Sa cpa.^*^ Se pe aep nembon.
))eah hpa pene^^ -p he on heopa anpa hpylcum maeje habban
pulle^^ gepael])a. ne by]? hic no S)' hpa])op ppa. Seah hi hip
pilnijen. bucon hi })a pip ealle habban. Da anbppopobe ic j
cpajj). ppaec pculon pe Sonne bon. nu ])u cpipc ^ pe ne ma;^on
on Seepa^^ anpa hpilcum f hehpce job~- habban anb Sa pullan
2epael])a. ne pe hujiu ne pena]) -p upe anpa hpelc Sa pip ealle
aecjaebepe bejice. Da anbppopebe he -j cpas]).'I}ip hpa pilna]) f
he Sa pip ealle haebbe. Sonne pilna]) he ])a}ia hehj-cana 5epael]>a.
Ac he ne maej Sa pullice bejican on ])ip)e populbe. po]i])am
Seah he ealle Sa pip jepael])a bejice. Sonne ne bi]) hic Seah f)
hehpce job.^^ ne Sa pelepcan 5epael])a. pop})am he ne beo]) ece.
Da anbppopobe ic "] cpa&]). Nu ic onjice ^enog ppeocole f Sa
pelepcan 5epa&l])a ne pmb on Sippe populbe. Da cpae]) he. Ne
1 Cott. ]?8&m. 2 Cott. ]?aein. 3 Cott. jrophaem. * Cott. eal o'Spu.
* anpalb. eac, deest in MS. Cott. ^ Cott. yop^aem. ' Cott. an-
palbe. 8 Cott. yophon. ^ Cott. pelesan. i" Cott. anpalbej*. " Cott.
anpalbe. ^2 Cott. geraelS. is Cott. sebypCS. " j:up>um. i^ Cott.
Sepeahr. ^^ Cott. unpehc. ^^ Cott. Da. '^ Cott. cu. '^ Bod.
paepe. -° Cott. jrulla. ^'^ Bod. J^aepe. 22 Cott. soob. " Cott.
Soob.
§ II. BOETHIUS. 125
life for wealth, and foregoes many a worldly pleasure in order
that he may acquire and keep wealth, because he is desirous
of that above all other things. But if he obtain it, he then
thinks that he has not enough, unless he have also power be-
sides : for he thinks that he cannot keep the wealth without
power. Nor, moreover, does there ever seem to him enough,
until he has all that he desires. For wealth -desires power,
and power desires dignity, and dignity desires glory. After
he is full of wealth, it then seems to him that he may have
every desire if he have power : and he gives all the wealth for
power, unless he is able to obtain it for less ; and foregoes
every other advantage, in order that he may attain to power.,
And then it often happens, that wheu he has given all that
he had for power, he has neither the power, nor moreover that
which he gave for it, but at length becomes so poor that he
has not even mere necessaries, that is, food and clothing. He
then is desirous of necessaries, not of power. We before spoke
of the five felicities, that is, wealth, and power, and dignity,
and renown, and pleasure. Now have we treated of wealth
and of power ; and the same we may say of the three which
we have-not treated of: that is, dignity, and renown, and
pleasure. These three things, and the two which we before
named, though any man think that in any one soever of them
he can possess full happiness, it is not the sooner so, though
they hope for it, unless they have all the five. Then answered
I, and said : What ought we then to do ? since thou sayest
that we cannot in any one soever of these have the highest
good, and full happiness : and we do not at all think that
any one soever of us can obtain the five all together. Then
answered he, and said : If any one desire that he may have
all the five, then desireth he the highest felicities ; but he
cannot fully obtain them in this world. For though he
should obtain all the five goods, it nevertheless would not be
the supreme good, nor the best happiness, because they are
not eternal. Then answered I, and said : Now I perceive
clearly enough, that the best felicities are not in this world.
126 BOETHirS. CHAP. XXXIII.
Jjeapf nan man on ]>\]je anfcpeapban bpe fpypian a&pcep ^am
foj'iim jefa&lpum. ne ipdey penan f he hep mseje job^ jenoj
pmban. Da cy2e]> ic. So]> ^u ye^jx :•
§ III.P Da cy?e]> he. Ic pene nu f ic '5e habbe jenoj jcpasb
Ninbe ]ia leapan jej-a&lj^a. Ac ic polbe nu f tin penbepr j^m mje-
Jjanc fpam l^ani leaj-an jefa^ljnim. ponne onjirjx J^u fpij^e pa)je^
■Sa foj^an 5;efcel]^a J^e ic ]^e asp ^ehec f ic he eopian pol^e. Da
cpce]^ ic. Ije fuplnim §a bypje^ men onjiraj) |^arre fulla je-
fcelj^a pnr. Seah he J^aep ne pen |-ȣep he heopa pena}'. Du me
jehece nu \\~\e sep f ]m hi polbepc me jeusecan. Ac ]'aep me
^mc]? -p f beo peo poj^e -] peo pullpiemebe jepael]). $e maez;
3&lcum hipe poliepa pellan ]niphpunixenbne pelan.^ ■] ecne an-
pealb, •] pmjahie peopj^pcipe. ■] ece nicepj-e.-^ ;j pulle jenyhc. je
pup]ium -p ic cpe)>e pie peo po]'e jepael}) Se an J'lp'a pipa maej
fullice popjipan. )>opJiam Se on aelcum anum hi pmc ealle.
pop])am ic pecje jjap popb §e. pop ]>y ic pille f J^u pire
•f pe cpibe ppi^e paepr ip on minum GOobe. ppa yseyz f hip
me nan man jebpehjan^ ne maej. Da cpa&]) he. Gala cnihu.
hpaer' ]m eapc jepcehj f ]"»u hi~ ppa onpren ha^ppu. Ac ic polbe
f pir pp)7ie:^on jiu Eepuep Sam )ie })e pana ip. Da cpae]^ ic. 'Dpaec
ip f f onne. Da cpae]^ he. (~enpr ]m hpae]ie}i Eenii pippa anbpeap-
bana jooba ]'»e mjeje pellan pulle jepaslj^a. Da an^ppapobe ic.
-] cy?e]\ Nau ic nan puhc on ]>)j anbpeap^an hpe ]>e ppelc jipan
mEe^e. Da cpae]i he. Dap anbpeapban job^ pmu anlicneppa Saep
ecan jobep.^ naep pull 50:?. •^'' popjiam hi ne maion po]> job^^ -}
pull job^- popjipan heopa poljepimi. Da cpaejMc. Ic eom jenoj
pel jel^apa Seep }'e ]m pa^jpr. Da cpaeji he. Xa ]m Sonne papc
hpaeu t5a leapan jej-aelj'a pmu. anb hpaec Jia po]'an jepaeij'a pmu.
nu ic polbe -p ]>\i leopnobepr hu jm mihuepr becuman ro Sam
poJ)um jepaeljium. Da cpae)) ic. ??u ne jehece J'u me ^ep^jm ?e\i
•p ]>u hir pol^epr me ^[eraecan. 3 meKjre nu f ppij'e jeopne je-
heopan.-^' Da cpaej) he. Ppsec pculon pe nu bon co ])am^^ f pe
maejon cumon co Sam po]mm 5epael]>um. ppaej^ep pe pcylon
bibban Sone jobcunban pulrum. a^jj^ep je on laeppan, ^e on
mapan. ppa ppa upe uj^pira paebe Plaro. Da cpae]' ic. Ic pene f
pe pcS-lon bibban Sone pasbep eallpa J^mja. popfam pe Se hme
P Boet. lib. iii. prosa 9. — Habes igitur, inquit. et formam, &C.
^ Cott. Sep maeje ^oob. - Cott. hps&tje. ^ Qq^^, byj-egan. * hup-
hpnnijenbne pelan, desunt in MS. Bod. ^ Cott. maep^a, ^ Cott.
jebpellan. * Cott. >y. =* Cott. Joob. - Cott. goobep. ^'^ Cott,
Soob. " Cott. goob. " 1- Cott. goob. '^ Cott. gehepan. '^ Cott. >on.
§ III. BOETHIUS. 127
Then said he : No man needs in this present life to seek after
the true felicities, nor think that here he can find sufficient
good. Then said I : Thou sayest truly.
§ III. Then said he : I think that I have said enough to
thee about the false goods. But I am desirous that thou
shouldest turn thy attention from the false goods ; then wilt
thou very soon know the true goods, which I before promised
thee that I would show thee. Then said I : Even foolish men
know that full goods exist, though they may not be where
they suppose them. Thou promisedst me, a little while ago,
that thou wouldest teach me them. But of this I am per-
suaded, that that is the true and the perfect happiness, which
can give to all its followers permanent wealth, and everlasting
power, and perpetual dignity, and eternal glory, and full
abundance. And moreover, I say that is the true hap^ness
which can fully bestow any of these five ; because in every-
one they all are. I say these words to thee, because I am
desirous that thou shouldest know that the doctrine is well
fixed in my mind : so fixed, that no man can draw me aside
from it. Then said he : O, child, how happy art thou that
thou hast so learned it ! But I am desirous that we should
still inquire after that which is deficient to thee. Then said
I : What is that, then ? Then said he : Dost thou think that
any of these present goods can give thee full happiness ?
Then answered I, and said : I know nothing in this present
life that can give such. Then said he : These present goods
are images of the eternal good, not full good, because they
cannot give true good nor full good to their followers. Then
said I : I am well enough assured of that which thou sayest.
Then said he : Now thou knowest what the false goods are,
and what the true goods are, I would that thou shouldest
learn how thou mayest come to the true goods. Then said
I : Didst thou not formerly promise me that thou wouldest
teach it me ? and I am now very anxiously desirous to hear
it. Then said he : What ought we now to do, in order that
we may come to the true goods ? Shall we implore the divine
help as well in less as in greater things, as our philosopher
Plato said ? Then said I : I think that we ought to pray to
the Father of all things : for he who is unwilling to pray to
128 BOETHITTS. CHAP. XXXTI^.
bibban nyle. t5onne ne jemet he hme. ne Fujijjon^ pihtne pej
pi]? hif ne apeba]>. Da cpae]? he. 8pi]?e pyhc^ '5u pegfc. anb
onjan ])a pnjan anb "Suj" cpaej).
§ IV.1 Gala Dpyhcen. hu micel j hu punbephc ])u eap]>. Su
]>e ealle jjine jepceafCa. jej'epenhce ~\ eac ungepepenlice, pun-
bepLce gepceope 3 jepceabpifbce heopa pelcpc. Su ]?e ciba ppam
mibbaneapbep ppuman o|) '5one enbe enbebypbhce gepeccepu.
ppa f re hi 8&jJ)ep je pop^ papa]), je epccuma]). ])u ]7e ealle '8a
unpcillan jepceapca co ]7inum pillan apcS^iajT. 3 Su pelp pimle
pcille anb unapenbeblic Suphpunapc. po]iJ)am])e nan mihci^pa ]>e
nip. ne nan }?in jelica. ne ]?e nan neobSeapp ne la&pbe co
pypcanne 'f -p 6u pophcepc. ac mibj^mum ajenum pillan. 3 mib
J?inum ajenum anpealbe ])u ealle ^mj jepophcepc. Seah ^u
heopa nanep ne be])oppce. 8piJ?e punbeplic ip ■f gecynb ]?inep
jobep. pop])am]?e hic ly eall an. '5u 3 Sm jobnep. f gob na ucon
cumen co ]>e. ac hic ip ^m ajen. ac eall f pe jobep habba]? on
|?ippe populbe. -f up ip ucon cumen. f ip ppom ]>e. naeppc })u
nanne anban co nanum J^mje. pop]?am])e nan cpsepcijpa ip
tSonne ]?u. ne nan ])in gelica, pop]?am ]?u ealle 50b nub ])ine)'
anep jej^eahce je])ohcepc ~] jepophcept. Ne bipnobe J?e nan man.
pop}?am Se nan 9&p ]je naep. ]?a}ia ]>e auhc o^5e nauhc pophce,
Ac })u ealle J^mj jepophcepc ppi]?e gobe -j ppipe paejepe. 3 f>u j-elp
eapC "f hehpce job •] f paejepepte. ppa ppa ]>\i pelp 2e])ohcepc. ]?u
jepophcepc ]?ipne mibban geapb. ~] hippelpc ppa ppa 6u pile. "] ]?u
pelp baelpc eall 50b ppa ppa ^u pile. 3 ealle jepceapca pu je-
pceope him jelice. 3 eac on pumum Jjinjum unjehce. Seah ]?u
Sa eaUe gepceapca ane naman jenembe. ealle ]?u nembepc co-
^s&bejie anb hece populb. 3 }?eah '5one anne noman 5u cobaelbejc
on peopep jepceapca. an ])8epa ip eoji]?e. o])ep paecep, ])pibbe
lypc. peopp])e pj^i. selcum j^apa '5u jepeccepc hip agene j-unbep-
pcope. •] feah selc ip pi]? o]>pe5enemneb. -\ pibpumlice gebunben
mib ]?inum bebobe. ppa'p heopa nan o])pep meapce ne opepeobey
■J pe cyle 5e]?popobe pi}) Sa haeco. j "p paec pi]? ^am bpygum.
eoppan jecynb 3 paecepep ip cealb. pie eop]? i]- bjiyje 3 cealb. ■]
•p paecep paec 3 cealb. pie lypc Sonne ip jenemneb f hio ip
aej]?ep je cealb. ge paec. ge peapm. nip hic nan punbep. pop-
J?am]?e hio ip jepceapen on }?am mible becpux Saepe bpyjan ~\
paepe cealban eop]?an. "3 ]?am hacan p>'pe. *p pyp ip yp&mepc opep
eallum ]?ippum populb gepceaptum. p'unboplic ip f }?in gejjeahc.
1 Boet. lib. iii. metrum 9. — qui perpetua mundum, &c.
* Cott. puji^um. '^ Cott. pihce.
§ IT. BOETHIUS. 129
him, will not find him, nor moreover will he pursue the right
way towards him. Then said he : Very rightly thou sayest ;
and began then to sing, and thus said :
§ IV. Lord, how great and how wonderful thou art !
Thou who all thy creatures visible and also invisible wonder-
fully hast created, and rationally governest them ! Thou, who
times, from the beginning of the middle-earth to the end,
settest in order, so that they both depart and return ! Thou,
wlio all moving creatures according to thy will stirrest, and
thou thyself always fixed and unchangeable remainest ! For
none is mightier than thou, nor any like thee ! No necessTFy
taught thee to make that which thou hast made, but by thine
own will and by thine own power thou madest all things,
though thou didst need none of them. Very wonderful is
the nature of thy good, for it is all one, thou and thy good-
ness. Good is not come to thee from without, but it is thiue
own. But all that we have of good in this world is come to
us from without, that is, from thee ! Thou hast no envy to
anything, because no one is more skilful than thou, nor any
like thee ; for thou, by thy sole counsel, hast designed and
wrought all good ! No man set thee an example, for no one
was before thee, who anything or nothing might make. But
thou hast made all things very good, and very fair, and thou
thyself art the highest good and the fairest. As thou thyself
didst design, so hast thou made this middle-earth, and dost
govern it as thou wilt; and thou thyself dost distribute all
good as thou wilt. And thou hast made all creatures like to
each other, and also in some respects unlike. Though thou
hast named all these creatures separately with one name,
thou hast named them all together, and called them World.
Nevertheless, that one name thou hast divided into four
elements. One of them is earth ; another, water ; the third,
air ; the fourth, fire. To every one of them thou hast set its
own separate place, and yet every one is with other classed,
and peaceably bound by thy commandment; so that no one
of them should pass over another's boundary, and the cold
suffer by the heat, and the wet by the dry. The nature of
earth and of water is cold ; the earth is dry and cold, and the
water wet and cold. But the air is distinguished, that it is
either cold, or wet, or warm. It is no wonder ; because it is
created in the midst, between the dry and the cold earth and
the hot fire. The fire is uppermost over all these worldly
130 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIII.
•]) ))u liaefj-c seji'eji gebon. je ^a ^efceapca jemg?pfobe becpux
him. je eac jemenjbe. ]9a bpijan eopj^an 3 6a cealban unbep
]?am cealban paecepe 3 -^ paecan. f ]38ec hnepce "3 plopenbe psecep
haebbe pop on paejie paepuan eop6an. fop])amJ)e hic ne maeg on
liim peljium jejxanban. Ac peo eopj^e hic hek j be j-umum
baele fpiljj'. 3 pop J^am pS'pe heo bi)j jelehc -p hio jpepp 3 blep]>
anb pepcmap bpinjj). pop])am jip -p paecep hi ne jejjpaenbe. ^onne
bpujobe hio 3 pupbe cobjiipen mib ])am pmbe ppa ppa bujx otS8e
axe. ne mihce nanpuhc hbbenbep 6aepe eop])an bpucan. ne Ips&j
paecepep. ne on naujjpum eapbijan pop cile. jip J)U hi hpa&t
hpe^uniRja pi]? pyp ne jemenjbepc. }7unbophce cpiaepce Ipn hic
haeppc jepceapen f f pyp ne popbaepn]? f pseceji 3 Sa eopfan.
nu hic jemenjeb ip pi]) ae3]>ep. ne epc -^ paecep anb peo eop]?e
eallunja ne abpaepce}) -p pyp. ]?aep paecepep ajnu cy}? ip on eop]>an.
•J eac on lypce. ~\ epc bupan pam pobope. ac 6aep p}']iep ajen
pcebe ip opeji eallum populb jepceapcum jepepenhcum. "] ])eah
hic ip jemenjeb pi]? ealle gepceapca. -] 6eah ne maej nane fapa
jepceapca eallunja opcuman. pop])am])e hic naep]? leape Saep
a&lmihcijan. pio eoppe Sonne ip hepijjie j })iccpe })onne oJ)pa
gepceapca. pop})am hio ip nio]?op ^onne aenij ojjpu jepceapr;
bucon ))am pobope. pop}?am pe pobop hme haep]? aelce baej
ucane. 6eah he hipe napep ne jenealaece. on aelcepe pcope he
ip hipe emn neah. je upan. je neo})on. aelc Sapa jepceapca. ])e
pe 2ep\pn aep ymbe ppjiaecon. haep]? hip ajenne eapb on punb-
pon. ~} Seah ip aelc pi}? o]?ep jemenjeb. pop])am}?e nan Sapa ^e-
pceapca ne maej bion bucon oJ>eppe. Seah hio unppeocol pie on
"Saepe oj^eppe. ppa ppa nu psecep 3 eo[i])e pmc ppi}?e eappo]?e co
gepeonne o68e co onjiconne bypjum monnum on pype. ■^ ppa
peah hi pmc })aep pi}) jemenjbe. ppa ip eac ]?aep pyp on 6am
pcanum -j on })am paecepe. ppij^e eappo]? hape. ac hic ip 6eah
])apa. Du ^ebunbe ^ pyp mib ]pi])eunabmbenbhcum pacencum.
•f hic ne maej cuman co hip ajenum eapbe. f ip co ]?am maepcan
pSpe 6e opep up ip. pylaep hic popl?ece }?a eopJ?an. •] ealle o]>pe
gepceapca appmbaS pop unjemeclicum cyle. jip hic eallunja
ppom jepice. Du jepcaj^olabepc eopjjan ppife punbophce j
paepclice f heo ne helc on nane healpe. ne on nanum eop})hc
])in3e ne pcenc. ne nanpuhc eop]?licep hi ne healc. -p hio ne pije.
"] nip hi]ie Sonne e])pe co peallanne op bune Sonne up. Du eac
])a J?piepealban papla on ge])paepum limum pcSjiepc. ppa "f j^aepe
§ IV. BOETHIUS. 131
creatures. Wonderful is thy counsel, which thou hast in
both respects accomplished : both hast bounded the creatures
between themselves, and also hast intermixed them : th^drj
and the cold earth under the cold and the wet water, that the
soft and flowing water may have a floor on the firm earth, be-
cause it cannot of itself stand ; but the earth holds it, and in
some measure imbibes, and by that moistening it becomes
wet, so that it grows, and blossoms, and produces fruits.
For if the water moistened it not, then w^ould it become dry,
and would be driven by the wind like dust or ashes. Nor
could anything living enjoy the earth, or the water, or dwell
in either for cold, if thou didst not a little mix them with fire.
"With wonderful skill thou hast caused it, that the fire burns
not the water and the earth, when it is mixed with both :
nor, again, the water and the earth entirely extinguish the
fire. The water's own region is on the earth, and also in the
air, and again above the sky. But the fire's own place is
above all visible worldly creatures ; and though it is mixed
with all elements, nevertheless it cannot altogether overcome
any one of the elements, because it has not leave from the
Almighty. The earth, then, is heavier and thicker than other
elements, because it is lower than any other creature except
the sky : for the sky extends itself every day outwardly, and
though it approaches it nowhere, it is in every place equally
nigh to it, both above and beneath. Every one of the ele-
ments which w^e formerly spoke about has its own region
apart, and yet is every one mixed with other ; because no
one of the elements can exist without another, though it be
imperceptible in the other. Thus water and earth are very
difficult to be seen or to be perceived by ignorant men in fire,
and yet they are nevertheless mixed therewith. So is there
also fire in stones and in water ; very difiicult to be seen, but
it is nevertheless there. Thou hast bound the fire with very
indissoluble chains, that it may not come to its own region,
that is, to the greatest fire which is over us ; lest it should
forsake the earth, and all other creatures should perish by
excessive cold, if it should altogether depart. Thou hast
established earth very wonderfully and firmly, so that it
does not incline on any side, nor stand on any earthly thing,
nor does anything earthly hold it that it may not sink ; and
it is not easier for it to tall downwards than upwards. Thou
also movest the threefold soul in agreeing limbs; so that
k2
132 EOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIlt.
]-aple J^y laayj-e ne by]) on Sam laej-can f mjpe. Se on eallum ]7ara
I'choman. jrop 61 ic cyx]^ -p fio ppul faepe ])]iio}:ealb. pop]mm]>e
uj^pjran j-ecja}) f hio h»bbe t5pio jecynb. an (5a]ia ^ecynba i]- -p
heo bi]> pilnijenbe. oj^ep f hio bi]' ippenbe. ])pibbe ]>2ez hio bi])
jejTeabpi]". cpa 6apa jecynbu habba]) nerenu. ]-pa j-ame yya men.
opeji Sapa ip pilnunj. o])ep if ipjninj. ac ye mon ana haef]) je-
j-ceabpifnepfe. nallep nan oSjui jepceapc. popjn he haep]? opep-
jmnjen ealle Sa eop])bcan jej-ceapra mib jepeabce "3 mib anb-
jice. pop])am peo jepceabpipnep j-ceal pealban aejpep je Saepe
pilnunja je paep yppep. pop]mm hio ip pynbephc cpa&pc 'Saepe
paple. Spa ])u jepceope t)a paule ^ hio pceolbe ealne pej hpeap-
fian on hipe pelppe.-^ ppa ppa eall])ep pobop hpe]ip|7. o'55e ppappa
hpeol onhpepp]'. pmeaienbe ymb hipe pceoppenb. 0(55e ymbe hi
pelpe. oS5e ymbe Sap eop)>hcan jepceapua. Sonne hio ])onne
ymbe hi]ie pcippenb pmea]?. Sonne biS hio opep hi]ie pelppe. ac
))onne hio ymbe hi pelpe pmeaS. ])onne bi]) hio on hipe pelppe.
anb uubep hijie pelppe hio bi]) J)onne. Sonne heo liipa]> j^ap
eo]i])lican fmj. ^ Sapa punbpa]). Ppaec ]'ii Dpihuen popjeape
pam paplum eapb on hioponum. -^ him ]ifep Jippc peoji])lice jipa.
aelcejie be hipe jeeapnunje. j jebepc -p he pcmaj) jpij^e beophue.
■J Seah ppi]>e miprhce biphuu. pumebeophcop. pume imbyjihcop.
ppa ppa pceoppan. aslc be hip jeeapnunja. ppaeu ])u Dpihcen je-
jcebepapc Sa hioponhcon papla •] Sa eopj^lican hchoman. -^ hi on
Sippe populbe jemenjepc. ppa ppa hi pjiom Se hibep comon. ppa
hi eac CO Se hionan punbia]^. Du pylbepc ]mp eopj^an mib mipc-
licum cSTipenum necena. 3 hi pi])J)an apeope mipclicum ydebe
cpeopa -] pypca. Fojijip nu Dpihten upum OCobum -p hi moron
CO pe apcijan piiph Sap eappopu ]nppe populbe. ~\ op jv.ppum bi-
pejimi CO ]:'e cuman. ^ openum eajum upep GCobep pe mocen
jepeon Sone 8e])elan aepelm ealjia joba. f eapc Du. Fopjip up
Sonne hale eajan upep Xobep. f pe hi ])onne moron apaepcnian
on l^e. ~j cobpip ]>one mij'C Se nu lianjap bepopan upep GOobep
eajum. ~] onlihc ])a eajan mib Smum leohce. popj^am Im eajic
pio biphcu l^a&p pol>an leohcep. -} ]m eajic peo pepce jiaepc poj)-
paepcpa. anb ]m jebepc f hi ])e jepeo]). ]}u ea]ic ealpa jnnja
Fpuma ~\ enbe. Du bpipc ealle J^mj bucon jeppmce. Du eajiu
sejjjep 3e pej. je labpeop. ^eo pio pcop pe pe peg co I13]). ])e ealle
men co punbiap ; •
* Bod. et Cott. pelyne.
§ IV. BOETHITJS.
there is not less of the soul in the least finger than in all
the body. I said that the soul was threefold, because philo-^
sophers say that she has tliree natures. One of these natures 1
is, that she has the power of willing ; the second is, that she is
subject to anger ; the third, that she is rational. Two of these
natures beasts have, the same as men. One of them is will,
the other is anger. But man alone has reason, and not any
other creature. Therefore he has excelled all earthly creatures
by thought and by understanding. For reason should govern
both will and anger, because it is the peculiar faculty of the
soul. So hast thou created the soul that she should always
turn upon herself, as all this sky turns, or as a wheel turns
round, inquiring about her maker, or about herself, or about
these earthly creatures. When she inquires about her maker,
then is she above herself. But when she inquires about her-
self, then is she in herself. And she is beneath herself when
she loves these earthly things and admires them. Thou, O
Lord, hast given to souls a dwelling in the heavens, and on
them thou bestowest worthy gifts, to every one according to
its deserving : and causest them to shine very bright, and yet
with very varied brightness, some brighter, some less bright,
even as the stars, every one according to its desert. Thou,
O Lord, bringest together the heavenly souls and the earthly
bodies, and unitest them in this world. As they from thee
came hither, so shall they also to thee hence tend. Thou
fiUedest this earth with various kinds of animals, and after-
wards didst sow it with various seed of trees and plants!
Grant now, Lord, to our minds, that they may ascend to
thee through these difficulties of this world, and from these
occupations come to thee ; and that with the open eyes of
our mind we may see the noble fountain of all goods. That
art thou! Grant to us, then, sound eyes of our mind, that
we may fix them on thee ; and drive away the mist that now
hangs before the eyes of our mind, and enlighten the eyes
with thy light : for thou art the brightness of the true light,
and thou art the quiet rest of the just, and thou wilt cause
that they shall see thee. Thou art of all things the beginning
and the end. Thou supportest all things without labour. Thou
art both the way and the guide, and the place that the way-
leads to. All men tend to thee !
134 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIV.
CAPUT XXXIY.^
§ I. D3! )-e pifbom pa pif leo]? anb ])\y gebeb afunjen haefbe.
]?a onjan he ep fpellian anb J)Uf cpaep. Ic pene pset hiC pe nu
sepefC J?eapp. f ic ])e jepecce hpsep f hehpte job ip. nu ic ]?e
a&p ha&pbe gejiehc^ hpaet it ys&y. oS^e hpylc f mebeme 50b pa&p.
hpylc f immebeme. ac^ anep f'lnjep ic Se polbe eepepc acpian.^
Ppe]>ep ])u pene 'p eenij 'Smj on ])ippe populbe ppa job pie -p hic
■Se mseje popjipan puUe jepselj^a. 6y* ic J>e acpije |?y ic nolbe ^
unc beppice aeneju leap anlicnep pop po]?a jepsell^a. pop ])y nan
mon ne msej o]7j)pacan "p )'um job ne pie f hehpte. ppa ppa pum
mical 8&pelm ■;] biop. -^ ipnon manije bpocap ^ pi|)an^ op. pop
^y mon cpi}) be pumum jobe f hic ne pie pull job. pop})am him
bij> hpsep hpej*^ pana. anb J>eah ne bij> eallep butan. popjjam selc
fmj pyp]? to nauhte jip hit nauht jobep on him nsep]). be ]}y
]?u miht onjitan f op jjam mseptan jobe cuma]) "Sa leepjan job.
naep op ]?am Iseppan J)8ec msepte. ^e''^ ma }»e peo ea maej peop]?an
to sepelme. ac pe sepelm ma&j peop^an to ea. anb 'Seah peo ea
cym^ ept to |7am sepelme. ppa cymS e&lc job op Ijobe. anb ept
to him. anb he ip ]>2et pulle job. 3 f puUppemebe. f nanep
piUan pana ne bij). Nu ^u miht ppeotole onjitan "p "^ ip Dob
pelp. Ppi ne miht J»u jej)encan. jip nan puht pull nsepe. ]>onne
naepe nan puht pana. "3 jip nan puht pana nsepe. ponne nsejie
nan puht^ pull, pop ]>y bij? senij pull pmj. ])e pum bi]? pana. "j
pop jty bij> aenij fmj pana. Se pum bi}? pull, selc })inj bi]) pullopt
on hip ajenum eapba. Ppy ne miht ])\i Sonne jepencan jip on
senejum J>ippa eopfhcena joba 8&nijep piUan 3 senijep jobep
pana ip. Sonne ip pum job pull aelcep pillan. "] nip nanep jobep
pana. Da anbppopobe ic ^ cpse]?. 8pi]?e pihtlice 3 ppij)e jepceab-
piplice J)u hseppt me opepcumen j jepanjen. f ic ne ms&j no
pipcpe]?an. ne pupfum onjean f jefencan. buton f hit ip eall
ppappaSupejpt;.
§ 11.^ Da cpas]) pe f^ipbom. Nu ic polbe f f>u ]?ohtept je-
opnlice o])]>e f J>u onjeate hpaep peo pulle jeja&lj; pie. pu ne
*■ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 10. — Quoniam igitur quae sit imperfecti, &c.
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 10. — Quo vero, inquit, habitet, &c.
1 Cott. gepeahc. ^ hpylc ^ immebeme ac, desunt in MS. Bod. s Cott.
aj-cian. * Cott. l>e. ^ Cott. pij^a. ^ Cott. hput;u. ^ Cott. >on.
8 pana "] gip nan puhc pana naepe. l>onne na&pe nan puht, desunt in MS.
Bod.
§ I. II. BOETHIUS. 135
CHAPTER XXXIY.
§ I. "When Wisdom had sung tliis lay and this prayer,
then began he again to speak, and thus said : I think that it
is now, in the first place, necessary that I show thee where
the highest good is, now I have already shown thee what it
was ; or which was the perfect good, and which the imperfect.
But one thing I would first ask thee : Whether thou thinkest
that anything in this world is so good that it can give thee
full happiness ? For this reason I ask thee, because I am
unwilling that any false resemblance should impose upon us
for the true happiness. For no man can deny that some
good is the highest: as it were a great g id deep fountain,
and from which many brooks and rivers flc 7. We therefore
say concerning any good, that it is not full good, because
there is in it a deficiency of something ; and yet it is not
entirely without ^ood, for everything comes to naught if it
has no good in it. Hence thou mayest learn that from the
greatest good come the less goods ; not from the less the
greatest, any more than the river may become a fountain.
But the fountain may become a river, and yet the river comes
again to the fountain! So every good comes from God, and
again to him, and he is the full and perfect good, which is
not deficient in any will. Now thou mayest clearly under-
stand that this is Grod himself. Why canst thou not imagine,
that if nothing were full, then would nothing be deficient :
and if nothing were deficient, then would nothing be full ?
Therefore is anything full, because some is deficient; and
therefore is anything deficient, because some is full. Every-
thing is fullest in its proper station. Why canst thou not
then conceive, that if in any of these earthly goods there is a
deficiency of any will and of any good, then is some good full
of every will, and is deficient in no good ? Then answered
I, and said : Very rightly and very rationally thou hast over-
come and convinced me, so that I cannot contradict, or even
imagine anything contrary to it, but that it is all even as thou
sayest.
§ II. Tlien said Wisdom: Nowl would that thou shouldest
consider studiously until thou discover where the full happi-
136 EOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIV.
paf c 'Su nu f eall moncyn if anmohlice jej^apa f Ijob ij* f puma
ealpa joba "3 pealbenb ealljia gej'ceafta. he ly f hehjte 50b. ^ ne
naenne monn nu J)aef ne tpeo]>. fopj^am ]>e he nauht nyton
becepe. ne fupjmrn nauhc emn ^obep pop|>am u\ peg]) aelc je-
] ceabpijnef 3 ealle men f ilce anbetcaf f Eob fie f hehfCe
gob. poji])am ]7e hi tsecnia]? '^ eall 50b on him fy.^ popj^sem jip
hic fpa nsepe. Sonne naepe he "f *f he gehaten if. oJ)]?e e&ni^
])m^ aep paepe. o]?|7e selcseppe. Sonne peepe ]>set betepe Sonne
he. Ac poppam ])e nan Sing nsep seji ])onne he. ne aelcaeppe
Sonne he. ne beoppeop|)pe Sonne he. popj^am he if ppuma. ~\
aepelm. ■] hpop eallpa goba. genog fpeotol hic if. J)sec f puUe
50b paf . £epj)am ])e f pana. f^ if co gelepanne f pe hehfca gob
If* selcef gobef puUapt. ]?y Isef pe leng fppecen^ ymbe Sonne pe
J^yppon.*^ 8e ilea Cob ip. ppa ppa pe sep paebon. f hehpte gob. 3
Sa jelepcan gefselj^a. nu hiC if openlice cuj). f ]>a feleftan ge-
fselj^a on nanum o])pum gefceaptum ne pint, bucon on Ixobe.
Da cpae|> ic. Ic eom ge]?apa ; •
§ III.* Da cpse]? he. Ic ]?e healpige f Su gepceabpiplice 'p
ongice "f te Tiob ip pull selcpe pullppemebneppe. j selcep gobep.
^ selcepe gepaelj^e. Da cpse)? ic. Ic ne meeg pullice ongitan. pop
hpi Su epc pegpc f ilce f ]?u sep paebepc. Da cyselp he. Fop|)y ic
hic |>e pecge epc. j^y ic nolbe f Su penbepc f fe Cob Se psebep
ip 3 ppuma eallpa gepceapta. ^ him ahponan utane come hip
peo heahe gobnep.'^ Se he pull ip. Ne ic eac nolbe f ]7U penbepc
f te ofep paepe hip gob ~) hip gepael]?. oSep he pelp. pop]?am gip
]?u penp c f him ahponan utan comon Sa gob Se he haep ]>. Sonne
paepe f J>ing betepe Se hit him ppam come. Sonne he. gip hiC
ppa paepe. Ac f ly ppi]?e byjlic ~\ ppi]^e micel pynn f mon ]?aef
penan pceole^ be liobe. oSSe ept penan f aenig ]>ing aep him
paepe. oSSe betepe Sonne he. o]>]>e him gelic. Ac pe pceolon^
bion ge])apan^° 'p pe Cob pie eallpa Smga betpt. dp pu nu ge-
leppt f Dob pie^^ ppa ppa on monnum bi]). oSSep bi]) pe mon. f
bi]? papl •;) lichoma. oSSen bi]> hip gobnep. fagegaebpaj? tob 3 ept
setgagbjie gehelt 3 gemetga}>. gip fu Sonne geleppt f hit ppa pie
on liobe.^^ Sonne pcealt fu nebe geleopon^^ "f pum anpealb^*
* Boet. lib. iii. prosa 10. — Sed quseso, inquit, &c.
^ Bod. Tiob. "^ Cott. pen. 3 Bod. ne pene % ^ Cott. pe. ^ god.
fppecan. ^ Cott. ymb )?onne pe ne hyppen. ' Cott. hi pio hea goob-
nep ® Cott. pc\^le'. ^ Cott. pculon. •<> Bod. Se^apa. " Cott.
Selyprc -p te an Lob pie. ^^ Cott. goobe. ^^ Cott. Seleopan. ** Cott.
Knpalb.
§ III. BOETHIUS. 137
ness is. Dost thou not then know that all mankind is unani-
mously consenting that God is the origin of all goods, and the
ruler of all creatures ? He is the highest good ; nor do any
men doubt it, for they know nothing better, nor indeed any-
thing equally good. Therefore every argument informs us,
and all men confess the same, that Grod is the highest good:
for they show that all good is in him. For if it were not so,
then he would not be that which he is called. Or if any-
thing were more ancient or more excellent, then would that
be better than he. But because nothing was more ancient
than he, nor more excellent than he, nor more precious than
he, therefore is he the origin, and the source, and the roof of
all goods. It is sufficiently evident that the perfect good was
before the imperfect. This then is to be i •iknowledged, that
the highest good is fullest of every good that we may not
speak longer about it than we need. The same Rod is, as
we before, said, tlielnghes t good and the best_happiness;
since it is evidently known that the best felicities are in
no other things but in God. Then said I : I am convinced
of it.
§ III. Then said he: I beseech thee that thou wouldest
rationally understand this, that God is full of all perfection,
and of all good, and of all happiness. Then said I : I cannot
fully comprehend why thou again sayest the same thing which
thou saidst before. Then said he: For this reason I say it to
thee again, because I am unwilling that thou shouldest sup-
pose that God, who is the father and origin of all creatures ;
that the supreme goodness of him, of which he is full, came
to him from without. Nor moreover am I willing that thou
shouldest suppose that his good and his happiness were one
thing, and himself another. For if thou thinkest that the
good which he has, came to him from without, then would
that thing from which it came to him be better than he, if it
were so. But it is very foolish, and a very great sin, that any
one should thus think of God ; or moreover think that any-
thing was before him, or better than he, or like him. But we
must be convinced that God is of all things the best. If thou
then believest that God is like as it is among men, that one
thing is the man, that is soul and body, and another is his
goodness, which God joins and afterwards holds together and
138 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIV.
fie mapa Sonne hif . Jjget t5onne hij- fpa jefomnije j-pa he ])one
upne bep. ppsec aelc pmj ^e topceaben bi|> ppom oj^jium. bi|)
o])ep. o^ep 'p pmj. $eah hi secga&bepe pien. dp ]}onne hpelc
J^mj topceaben bi]? pjiom tSam^ hehpcan gobe.^ Sonne ne bij? f
no f hehpte 50b. ^ j^ ip 'Seah micel pyn to gepencenne be Eobe.
f aenij 50b jie bucon on him. o6$e senig ppom him abs&leb.
poppampe nan puhc nip becejie Sonne he. ne emn 50b him.
Ppilc pmj maej beon becepe ponne hip pceoppenb. Foppam ic
pecje mib pihcjie gepceabpipneppe. 'f f pie f hehpce 50b on hip
ajenpe ^ecynbe, f ce ppuma ip eallpa pmja. Da cpse]) ic. Nu
J>u hgepj't: me ppipe pihte opeppeahte.* Da cpaep he. Ppsec ic
ponne sep psebe f f hehj'Ce 50b ^ pio hehpce jepaelp an paepe.
Da cpaep ic. Spa hit ip. Da cpaep he. Ppaet piUe pe Sonne pecjan
hpset f pie ellep butan Efob. Da cpaep ic. Ne meeg ic psep
oppacan. poppampe ic hip yaay aep jepajia ; •
§ IV." Da cpsej? he. ppaepep Su hit appeotolop onjiton
maege. jip ic Se pume bipne jet^ pecje. dp nu tpa 50b paepon.^
t)e ne mihton set pomne bion. -^ paepon peah butu jobe.^ hu ne
paepe hit Sonne genoh ppeotol. f liiopa^ naepe naupep f opep.
pop py ne maej paet pulle 50b bion no tobaeleb. hu ma&5 hit
beon aejpep ge pull, je pana. pof)pam pe cpepap f pio pulle je-
paelp •] 50b. f hi pien an 50b 3 f pie f hehj-te. Sa ne ma^on
naeppe peoppan tobaelebe. pu ne pceolon^ pe ponne nebe bion
jepapan f pio hehj-te ^e^aelp "3 pio heahe gobcunbnep an pie. Da
cpaep ic. Nip nan pmg poppe ponne paet, ne majon pe nanpuht
pmban betepe^^ ponne liob. Da cpaep he. Ac ic polbe jet mib
pumpe bipne pe behpeppan utan f pu ne mihtjt naenne pej
pmban opep. fpa j-pa uppitena jepuna i]\ f hi piUap j'lmle hpaet
hpeju nipej' ~\ pelbcupep eopian. f hi maejen mib Sy apeccan f
GOob papa jehepenbjia I •
§ V.^ pu ne haepbon pe aep jepeht^^ f Sa jepaelpa anb pio
jobcunbnep an paepe. pe pe Sonne pa jejaelpa haepp. Sonne haefp
he aejpep pe pe Sone aejpep haepp. pu ne bip ye Sonne pull
eabij. pu ne papt pu nu hpaet^^ pe cpepap f pe bio pip pe
pipbom haepp. j pihtpip Se pihtpipneppe haepp. ppa pe cpepap eac
" Boet. lib. iii. prosa 10. — Respice, inquit, an hine quoque, &c.
■v Boet. lib. iii. prosa 10. — Nam quoniam beatitudinis, &c.
1 Cott. >aem. '^ Cott. ■goobe. ^ Cott. ?;oob. * Bod. opeppehcne.
5 Bod. Seocma. ^ Cott. tu Soob paepen. ' Cott. buto Soobe. ^ ■f hiojia,
desunt in MS. Bod. ^ Cott. pculon. i» Cott. mebempe. ^^ Cott.
Sepeahc. 12 Cott. f.
§ IV. V. BOETHIUS. 139
regulates ; if thou believest that it is so with God, tlien must
thou of necessity believe that some power is greater than his,
which may join together what belongs to him, as he does what
appertains to us. Besides, whatsoever is distinct from another
thing is one, and the thing another, though they be together.
If therefore anything is distinct from the highest good, then
that is not the highest good. It is, however, great sin to
imagine concerning Grod that any good can be external to
him, or any separated from him ; because nothing is better
than he, or equally good with him. What thing can be better
than its creator? Therefore I say with right reason, that
that is the highest good in its own nature, which is the origin
of all things. Then said I : Now thou hast very rightly in-
structed me. Then said he : But then I b^^ore said, that the
highest good and the highest happiness w/ 'e one. Then said
I : So it is. Then said he : What shall we -hen say ? What
else is that but Grod ? Then said I : I cannot den;y this, for
I was before convinced of it.
§ lY. Then said he: Perhaps thou mayest more clearly
apprehend it, if I still give thee some instance. If therefore
two goods existed, which might not be together, and were
nevertheless both good, would it not be then sufficiently
evident that neither of" them was the other ? Therefore the
full good cannot be divided. How can it be both full and
deficient ? Hence we say that the full happiness and good,
are one good, and that is the highest. They can never be
separated. Must we not then necessarily be convinced that
the highest happiness and the supreme divinity are one ?
Then said I; Nothing is more true than tliat. We are not
able to discover anything better than Grod. Then said he :
But I would still prepare thee by some example, so that thou
mayest not find any way of escaping ; as the manner of philo-
sophers is, that they always wish to declare something new
and strange, that they may thereby awaken the mind of the
hearers.
§ V. Have M^e not already proved that happiness and the
divinity were one ? He then who has happiness, has both in
having either. Is he not, then, full happy ? Knowest thou not,
moreover, what we say, that any one is wise who has wisdom ;
and righteous, who has righteousness? So we also say that
140 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIV^
f f pe Cob, ])e pa ^^obnefj-e hs&f]? -^ t5a ^ej-ajljja. 3 aalc "^eys&h-^
mon bij) nob. j ]?eah if an I^ob.^ fe if ftemn ^ fta^ol ealpa
joba. ~\ op Ssem cumaj; eall 50b. '^ epc hi funbia]> to him. -) he
pelc eallpa. j^eah he nu fie fe fpuma ^ fe fca]?ol ealljia joba ]?e
op him cuma}).^ fpa fpa ealle fceoppan peopfa]? onlihte "3 je-
biphce op ^aepe fminan. fume j^eah beophtop. fume un-
beophcop. fpa eac fe mona. fpa miclum he hht fpa fio funne
hine ^efcmp, 'Sonne hio hme ealne jeonbfcm]? Sonne bi]? he eall
beophc. Da ic ]?a pif fpell on^eac. pa peapp ic ajelpeb.^ "j fpipe
apaepeb. 3 cpaep. If pif la punboplic. "j pinpum. ■] jefceablic*
fpell f pu nu fejfC. Da cpaep he. Nif nan puhc pynpumpe ne
jepifpe "Sonne f pinj f pif^ fpell ymbe if. j pe nu ymbe
fpjiecan piUap. poppam me Smcp gob f pe hic jemengen co pam
seppan. Da cpaep ic. ppaet ip "p la*. •
§ VI. "^ Da cpaep he. Ppaec pu pafC "p ic Se aep faebe f po
f oSe^ S^r^l]^ paepe 50b. •] op Saepe f opan gef aelpe cumaS eall Sa
oppe^ 50b Se pe aep ymbe fppaecon. -j ept co. fpa fpa op Saepe
fae cymp f paecep mnon pa eoppan. anb paep apeppceap. cymp
•Sonne up aet Sam aepelme. pypp Sonne to bpoce. Sonne to ea.
Sonne anblang ea. op hit pypp ept to pae. Ac ic polbe pe nu
acfian hu Su pif fpell unbepftanben haepbept. ppaepep Su pene
"p pa pip gob. Se pe opt aep ymbe pppaecon. f if anpealb. ^
peoppfcipe. '^ popemaepnep.^ •] genyht. "] blip. Ic polbe piton
hpaepep Su penbept f Sap gob paepon limu paepe popan gepaelpe.
fpa fpa monegu limu beop'-* on anum men. ■^ peoppap Seah ealle
to anum lichoman. oSSe pu penbept f hpylc^^ an Sapa pip goba
pophte Sa popan gefaelpe. -^ fiSSan pa peopep goob paepon hipe
gob. ppa ppa nu papl ~] licchoma pypcaS anne mon. j pe an mon
haepp manige lim. -] Seah to Sam tpam.^^ f ip to Saepe paple 3
to pam lichoman. belimpap ealle paf paef monnef goob. ge
gaftlice. ge lichomhce.^^ Daet if nu paef bchoman gob. f mon
fie paegep. 3 ptpang. ^ lang. 3 bpab. 3 manegu oppu gob to eac
pam.^^ -J ne bip hit Seah fe lichoma felp. poppam Seah he Sapa
goba hpylc popleope. Seah he bip f he aep^^ paep. ponne ip Saepe
paple gob paepfcipe. 3 gemetgung. •] gepylb. 3 pyhtpipnep. ~\
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 10. — Cum multa, inquit, beatitude, &c.
^ Bod. "J pe jjeah ip Lob. * Cott. goobpa anb ealpa gooba l>eah ip
men 15 Soob j^e oj: him cymS. ^ Cott. agaelpeb. * Cott. serceabpiplic.
s Bod. i)m. 6 Bod. >e. ' ^ Cott. oSpu. ^ Bod. joprasepnep. ^ Bod.
man hunb lima bioS. »<> Bod. hpyle. " Cott. haem Cpsem. 12 Cott.
Saprhcu gehchomlicu. '^ Cott. eac pasm. '* Cott. aejiop.
§ VI. BOETHIUS. l^y
that is God which has goodness and happiness : and every
happy man is a God. And yet there is one God who is the
stem and foundation of all goods, and from whom cometh all
good, and again they tend to him, and he governs all. He is,
moreover, the origin and the foundation of all goods which
proceed from him. Thus all the stars are lighted and made
bright by the sun : some, however, more brightly, some less
brightly. So also the moon gives light in such measure as
the sun shines upon him. When she shines upon him all
over, then is he all bright. When I heard this speech, I was
astonished and greatly afraid, and said : This, indeed, is a
wonderful and delightful and rational argument which thou
now usest. Then said he: Nothing is more delightful or
more certain than the thing which this argument is about,
and which we will now speak of, for methinks it good that
we mix it with the preceding. Then said I : Oh ! what is
that?
§ VI. Then said he: Thou knowest that I before said to
thee that the true happiness was good; and tliat from the
true happiness come all the other goods, which we have
before spoken about, and again return to it. Thus, from the
sea the water enters into the earth, and then becomes fresh.
It then comes up at the fountain, then runs to the brook, then
to the river, then along the river till it returns to the sea. But
I would now ask thee how thou hast understood this discourse.^
Whether thou thinkest that the five goods, which we have often /
before mentioned, that is, power, and dignity, and renown, (
and abundance, and pleasure ; I would know whether thouj.
thoughtest that these goods were members of the true happi-
ness, as there are many members in one man, and yet all
belong to one body ; or whether thou though test that any
one of the five goods constituted the true happiness, and then
the four otiier goods were its good, as soul and body consti-
tute one man, and the one man has many members, and
nevertheless to these two, that is, to the soul and to the body,
belong all these goods of the man, both ghostly and bodily.
This then is the good of the body, that a man be fair, and
strong, and tall, and broad, and many other goods in addition
to these ; and yet it is not the body itself, because if that
loses any of these goods, it is nevertheless what it was be-
fore. Then the good of the soul is prudence, and temperance,
and patience, and justice, and wisdom, and manv like virtues j
142 BOETHirS. CHAP. XXXIV.
pifbom, anb manege fpelce cpseptaf. "] ppa '8eali hi]) o])ep po
j'apl. oJ)ep bi]) hipe cpaepcap. Da cpsef ic. Ic polbe f 6u me
fsebepc gee ppeocolop ymbe 'Sa opjie job^ ])e to t5a&pe po]7an je-
paelpe belimpa]). Da cpaej? he. Ne paebe ic pe a&p f pio jepaelj?
50b paepe ; • riype. cpae]? ic. pu^ ^ paebepc -f hio f hehpte
500b ys&jie. Da cpae^ he. Gape ^u nu jec jepapa -p te anpealb.
•J peopppcipe. ■] popemsepnep. "j jenyhc. 3 bhp. 3 peo eabijnep.
■J 'p hehpce 50b. f Sa pien ealle^ an. ■] -f an Sonne pie job. Da
cpae]) ic. pu pille ic nu ])8ep o|)pacan. Da cpae]? he. ppa&|)ep
Sine]) ]?e Sonne f ])a Smjpien. pe papa po))ena jepselj^a hmu. Se
pio gepselp pelp. Da cpaep ic. Ic pac nu hpaec pu polbept pican.
ac me lypce bee f pu me pasbepc pume hpile ^'nibe f. Sonne Su
me acpobepc. Da cpsep he. pu ne mihc Su jej^encan. jip Sa gob
paepou |?8epe poj^an gepeelpe hmu. Sonne paepon hi hpaec hpegu*
coba&leb. ppa ppa monnep hchoman hmu bip hpaec hpeju'' co-
baeleb. ac psepa hma gecynb ip ^ hie gepypcap aenne hchoman.
■3 Seah ne bip eallunja gehce. Da cpaep ic. Ne Seapp]) pu majie^
ppmcan ynibe f. jenog ppeotole Su haeppc me '^eysdb. f pa gob
ne pint nan puht tobaeleb ppomSaepe popan gepaelpe. Da cpae]?
he. Irenog pihte Su hit ongitpt. nu pu ongitpt f pa gob ealle
pint f lice f gepael]) ip. 3 pio gepeelp ip f hehpte gob. ■;;] f hehpte
gob ip IfOb. ~\ pe Irob ip pimle on anum untobaeleb. Da cp£e]) ic.
Nip paep*^ nan tpeo. Ac ic polbe nu f Su me paebept hpaet hpegu^
uncupej- ; •
§ YII.^ Da cpaep he. Daet ip nu ppeotol. f te eall pa gob.
Se pe aep ymbe pppaecon. belimpap to Sam hehptan gobe. 3 ])y
men peca}? gob genog. Se he penaj* f f pie f hehpce gob. J»y9 hi
pecap anpealb. 3 eac oj^pu gob. Se pe aep ymbe pppaecon. Sy hi
pena}) f hit pie f hehpte gob. be ]?y Su miht pi tan ■f f hehpte
gob ip hpop eallpa })apa oppa goba ];e men pilma]>. 3 hi lypt.
poppam Se nanne mon ne lypt nanep Smgep buton goobep.
oSSe hpaep hpegu^^ Saep ])e goobe gelic bip. manigep ]?mgep hi
pilnia]) Se pull gob ne bi]?. ac hit haep]? Seah hpaet hpegu^^ ge-
licep goobe. pop})am pe cpe})a]) f f hehpte gob pie Se^^ hehpta
hpop eallpa goba. "3 peo hiop Se eall gob on hpeappaj^. ~j eac f
fmg Se mon eall gob pope be]>. pop pam Singe men lypt aelcep
* Boet. lib. iii. prosa 10. — Hujus rei discretionem sic accipe, &c.
1 Cott. oSpu soob. 2 Cott. se ]?u. ^ Bod. eall. * Cott. hugii.
s Cott. husu. 6 Cott. ma. ' Bod. % « Cott. hpugu. ^ Bod. f.
»o Cott. hpusu. " Cott. hpusu. 12 Cott. pe
§ VII. BOETHIUS. 14!'3
and nevertheless the soul is one tMng^ and its virtues are
another. Then said I : I wish that thou wouldest speak to
me more plainly about the other goods which appertain to
the true happiness. Tlien said he: Did I not say to thee
T)efore that the happiness was good ? Yes, said I, thou saidst
that it was the supreme good. Then said he : Art thou now
convinced that power, and dignity, and renown, and abund-
ance, and pleasure, and happiness, and the supreme good,
that these are all one, and that one is good ? Then said I :
How shall I deny this ? Then said he : Which dost thou
then consider these things to be ; members of the true feli-
cities, or the fehcity itself? Then said I: I now perceive
what thou wouldest know. But I rather wish that thou
wouldest inform me somewhile concerning it, than that thou
shouldest inquire of me. Then said he : Canst thou not
imagine that if the goods were members of the true happi-
ness, they would then be in some degree separated, as the
members of a man's body are in some degree separated ? But
the nature of the members is, that they constitute one body,
and yet are not altogether alike. Then said I : Thou needest
not labour more about that. Thou hast clearly enough proved
to me that the goods are in no wise separated from the true
happiness. Then said he : Very rightly thou understandest
it, now thou understandest that the goods' are all the same
that happiness is; and happiness is the highest good.; and
the highest good is God ; and Grod is ever one, inseparable.
Then said I: There is no doubt of this. But I wish that
thou wouldest now^ inform me of something unknown.
§ VII. Then said he : It is now evident that all the goods
which we have before spoken about, belong to the highest
good: and therefore men seek sufficient good, when they
consider that which they seek the higliest good. Therefore
they seek power, and also the other goods which we before
mentioned, because they think that it is the highest good.
Hence thou mayest know that the highest good is the roof of
all the other goods which men desire and covet. For no man
covets anything but good, or something of that which resem-
bles good. They are desirous of many a thing which is not
fuu good, but it has nevertheless something of resemblance
to good. Therefore we say, that the highest good is the
highest roof of all goods, and the hinge on which all good
turns, and also the cause on account of which man does all
144 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIV;
•Sap a joba Se hi lyfC. f ^u mihc fpij^e fpeocole on^itan be pam.
te nanne mon ne lyyt Ipsey J^m^ef ]?e hme^ lyft. ne paef \>e he
bej>. ac ]?8&r ]7e he mib ])am eapna]?. fbp|?am]?e he pen]?, gip he
^onne lupc bejite. "^ "p j^uphcio. f he ^onne getihhob^ haep]?.
•p he Jjonne haebbe pulle jepaelj^a. pu ne papc Su f nan mon
pop J)y ne piC. 6e hine piban lypce. ae pic pop ]>y ]>e he mib
f>8epe pabe eapnaj> pume eapnunja.^ Sume mib ])agpe pabe eap-
nmp f hie pien Sy halpan. Sume eapnia]? ■^ hie pien ]?y cappan.
Sume f hi polbon cuman Co pumejie ]?apa ptopa ^e hi Sonne to
punbia]). pu ne ip ]>e nu* jenoh ppeotol f men nane puht^
ppi^op ne lupia]). 'Sonne he boj? f hehpte ^ob. pop))am]?e aele
puht Saep Se hi pilnia]) o^Se bo]>. hi bo]> pop ])j. he hi polbon
habban f hehpce 500b on ]>sem. ac he bpeha]?^ pume on ]?am Se
hi yenap f hie mse^en habban pull job ;] puUe'^ jepselj^a on
•Sipum anbpeapbum jobum. Ac 'Sa puUan jepselj^a j f hehpte
50b ip Ijob^ pelp. ppa ppa pe opt sep paebon. Da cpaej? ic. Ne
msej ic no gej>encan hu ic pa&y oJ)pacan mseje. Da cpaej? he.
Uton la&tan ]?onne bion ]jap^ jppeece. j bion unc ]>3&y oppopje.
nu Su ppa pullice onjiten haepjt f Cot) pimle bi]? uncobseleblic
■] pull gob. ■] "p hip 500b '^ pio hip jepaelj) him nahponan utane
ne com. ac paep pimle on him pelpum. j nu ip. "3 a bij> ; •
§ yill.y Da pe |7ipbom ^a 'Sip ppell apaeb hsepbe. ]?a ongan
he ept pmjan 3 pup cpse]?. pel la men pel. selc J)apa J>e ppeo pie
punbije to t5am joobe. •j to Sam jepaell^um. j pe )?e nu jehaept
pie mib Saepe unnyttan lupe J>ippe mibban jeapbep. pece him
ppeobom hu he ma&ge becuman to ])am jepaelpum. poppam f
ip pio an paept eallpa uppa geppmca. pio an hyj? by)> pimle
pmyltu aeptep eallum Sam yftum ~j 'Sam y))um uppa jeppmca.
"f ip peo an ppiSptop "3 pio an ppopep epmmja aeptep (5am
epmSum J>ippep anbpeapban lipep. Ac ]>a jiylbenan ptanap. "] J)a
peolppenan. 3 selcep cynnep gimmap. ■^ call ]?ep anbpeapba pela.
ne onlihtap hi nauht paep mobep eajan. ne heopa pceappneppe
nauht jebetap to Saepe pceapunja 'Saepe po]?an gejaeljje. ac jet
ppi]?op he ablenba]? Sa&p GDobep eajan. Sonne hi hi apcippan.
FopJ)am ealle ]?a j^inj Se hep liciaf on J^ipum anbpeapbum lipe.
pint eop)?lice. pop Sy hi pint pleonbe. Ac pio puhbophce be-
ophtnej-. Se ealle Smj jebipht ^ eallum pelt, nyle f J?a papla
y Boet. lib. iii. metrum 10. — Hue omnes pariter venite, &c.
1 Bod. hipe. 2 Cott. geCiohha'S. ^ f ume eapnunga, deest in ITS .
Bod. * Cott. I^onne. ^ Cott. 'p Ce men nan puhc. ^ Cott. iivohaCO.
7 Cott. fuUa. » Cott. soob ly gob. ^ Cott. \>a.
§ VIII. BOETHIUS. 145
good. For this cause, men covet every one of tlie goods whicli
they covet. This thou mayest very plainly perceive hereby,
that no man desires the thing which he desires, nor that which
he does, but that which he thereby earns. For lie thinks that
if lie obtain Ids desire, and accomplish that which he lias re-
solved, that then he shall have full happiness. Dost thou not
know that no man rides because he lists to ride, but rides
because he by ridiug attains some earning ? Some by their
riding earn that they may be the healthier ; some earn that
they may be the more active; some that they may come to
one of the places which they are then hastening to. Is it not
then sufficiently clear to thee, that men love nothing more
earnestly than they do the highest good ; because everything
which they desire or do, they do for this reason, that they
would have the highest good thereby ? But some of them
err in thinking that they can have full good and full happi-
ness in these present goods. But the full happiness and the
highest good is God himself, as we have often before said.
Then said I : I cannot imagine how I can deny tliis. Then
said he : Let us then relinquish this discourse, and be so far
secure ; since thou hast so fully learned that God is ever in-
separable and full good, and that his good and his happiness
came to him from nowhere without, but was always in him-
self, and now is, and for ever shall be.
§ VIII. When Wisdom had ended this discourse, then
began he again to sing, and thus said : Well, men, well !
Let every one who is free, aspire to this good, and to these
felicities. And whosoever is now bound with the vain love
of this middle-earth, let him seek freedom for himself, that
he may arrive at these felicities. For this is the only rest of
all our labours ; the only haven which is ever calm after all
the storms and billows of our labours. This is the only asylum
and the only comfort of the wretched after the calamities of
this present life. But golden stones and silver, and gems of
every kind, and all this present wealth, neither enlighten the
eyes of the mind, nor improve their sharpness for the contem-
plation of the true happiness ; but rather blind the eyes of the
mind than sharpen them. For all the things which gi\ e plea-
sure here in this present life are earthly, and are therefore
fleeting. But the wonderful brightness which brightens all
things, and governs all, wills not that souls should perish,
L
146 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIT.
poppeoppan. ac pile hi onlihcan. Hip Sonne hpelc mon mae^e
jepion Sa biphcu ]?8ep heopenlican leohuep mib hluurpum eajum
hip ClOobep. ^onne pile he cpe])an -p pio beophcnep J)aepe punnan
pciman pie. paepcepnep^ co mecanne pip ]>a ecan biphcu
tjobep : •
§ IX. ^ Da pe p'lpbom Sa pip leop apunjen hsepbe. pa cpaep
ic. Ic eom jepapa Saep pe '5u pejpc. poppampe Su hit hseppr je-
pepeb mib jepceabpijiicpe pace. Da cpaep he. 0-ib hii miclan'^
peo polbepu pu nu habban jebohc -^ pu mihuepc onjican hpaec
•f pope 50b pcejie. 3 hpelc hic paepe. Da cpsep ic. Ic polbe
paejnian mib ppipe tmjemedice jepean. ^ ic polbe mib unapi-
mebum peo" jebycjan -p ic hic mopce jepion. Da cpa&p he. Ic
hic pe Sonne pille jecaecan. Ac f an ic pe bebeobe. -p pu peah
pop Ssepe raecnmje ne popjice p ■]) ic sep caehce. Da cpaep ic.
Nepe. ne pop^ice ic hic no. Da cpaep he. pu ne psebon pe pe
aep f pip anbpeapbe lip Se pe hep pilniap. na&pe no f hehpue
50b. poppam liic paepe mipclic* 3 on ppa manijpealb jebaeleb.^
^ hic nan mon ne maej eall habban -f) him ne pie pumep pmjep
pana. Ic pe caehce 6a -p ce '6aep pjepe f hehpce 30b. Saep Saep
pa 50b ealle jejaebepobe biop. ppelce hi j-ien co anum pecje^ ^e-
jocen. Donne paep bip pull 500b. Sonne Sa 50b ealle. pe pe aep
ymbe pppaecon. beop co anum ^obe ^ejabepob. Sonne ne bip
paep nanep ^obep pana. Sonne pa 50b ealle on annieppe biop. "j
pio annep biS on ecneppe. dp hi on ecneppe na^pen.'^ Sonne
naepe hiopa ppa ppipe co ^ipnanne. Da cpaep ic. Daec ip ^epaeb.
ne maej ic paep no cpeo^an.^ Da cpaep he. jEyi ic Se haepbe
^epaeb f f naepe pull 50b paec eaU aecjaebejie naepe. poppam ip
f pull 50b Saec eall aecjaebepe ip uncobaeleb. Da cpaeS ic. Spa
me pmcp. Da cpaep he. penpc pu nu f ealle Sa pmj pe jobe
pmc on pippe populbe. pop py ^obe pinc.^ py hi habbap^*^ hpaet
hpeju^^ '^obey on him. Da cpaep ic. Ppaep mae^ ic ellep penan.
hu ne ip hic ppa. Da cpaep he. Du pcealc peah jelypan f pio
annep 3 pio jobnep an pmg pie. Da cpaep ic. Ne maej ic paep
oppacan. Da cpaep he. Pu ne mihc Su ^epencan p aelc pm^
maeg bion. je on Sippe populbe, ^e on paepe copeapban. Sa hpile
pe hic uncobaeleb bip. ponne ne bip hic eaUunja ppa ppa hic aep
' Boet. lib. iii. prosa 11. — Assentior, inquarn, &c.
' Bod. >aep sep nef . - Cott. micle. ^ Cott. po. * Cott. miphc.
» Cott. cobaeleb ^ Cott. pesje. " Bod. ne pen, ^ Cott. cpiosean.
^Cott. pen. i<> Cott. haebben. " Cott. hpusu-
§ IX. B0ETHIIJ3. 147
but wills to enligliten them. If, then, any man may hehold
the brightness of the heavenly light with the clear eyes of
his mind, then will he say that the brightness of the sun-
shine is darkness to be compared with the eternal brightness
of God.
§ IX. When Wisdom had sung this lay, then said I : I am
convinced of that which thou sayest, for thou liasfc proved it
by rational discourse. Then said he: With how much money
wouldest thou have bought, that thou mightest know what
the true good was, and of what kind it was ? Then said I :
I would rejoice with excessive gladness, and I would buy with
countless money, that I might see it. Then said he : I will
then teach it thee. But this one thing I enjoin thee ; that
thou, on account of this instruction, forget not what I before
taught thee. Then said I : No, I will not forget it. Then
said he : Did we not before say to thee, that this present life
which we here desire, was not the highest good ; because it
was varied, and so manifoldly divided, that no man can have
it all, so that there be not to him a lack of something ? I
then taught thee that the highest good was there where the
goods are all collected^as if they 'were melted into one mass.
Then is there full good when the goods which we before spoke
of are all collected into one good. Then is there a deficiency
of no good. Then the goods are all in unity, and the unity
is eternal ! If they were not eternal, then would they not be
so anxiously to be desired. Then said I : That is proved, nor
can I doubt it. Then said he : I have formerly proved to
thee, that that was not full good, which was not all together :
because that is full good which is all together undivided.
Then said I : So methinks. Then said he : Dost thou think
that all the things which are good in this world, are therefore
good, because they have something of good in them ? Then
said I : What else can I think ; is it not so ? Then said he :
Thou must, however, believe that unity and goodness are one
thing. Then said I : I cannot deny this. Then said he :
Canst thou not perceive, that everything is able to exist both
in this world and in the future, so long as it remains un-
separated, but afterwards it is not altogether as it before
l2
148 BOETHTUS CHAP. XXXIV.
paef. Da cpae]) ic. 8e^e me f jpeocolop. ne mae^c ic pullice on-
^ican aefcep hpa&m ^u ppypaj-c. Da cpae]) he. y?i]z Su hpaec
mon fie. Da cpae]? ic. Ic pac f hic i)-^ papl ~\ lichoma. Da cpasj)
he. Ppsec Su pa]x -f hic bij? mon. 'Sa hpile ^e peo papl j fe
hchoma unbaelbe- beo]?. ne bij^hic nan mon. piSSan hi cobaelbe
bio]>. j-pa eac pe hchoma bi]) hchoma. pa hpile ])e he hip limu
ealle haef]?. jip he Sonne hpylc hm poplyjx. ])onne ne bij) he eall
ppa he aep psep. ■]? ilce ])u mihc je])encan be selcum 'Smje. -p
nan ping ne bip j-pelce hic paf pi66an hic panian ongmp. Da
cpaej) ic. Nu ic hic par. Da cpaeb he. |7 enjx Su hpcepep aenig
jefceafc peo. 6e hipe piUan^ nylle ealne peg bion. ac pile hipe
agnum pillan^ poppeoppan ; •
§ X.^ Da cpae]? ic. Ne maeg ic nane cpicapuhc ongican Sapa
pe pice hpaec hic pille. oSSe hpsec ic nylle. 6e ungeneb lyfce^
poppeoppan. poppam^ aelc puhc polbe bion hal -j libban. Sapa pe
me cpica'^ Smcp. buce ic nac be cpeopum. 3 be pSTicum. ~^ be
ppilcum gepceapcum fpylce nane paple nabbap. Da pmeapcobe
he J cpaep. Ne SeapfC pii no be paem gepceapcum cpeogan pe^
ma pe be paem opjmm. pu ne mihc ];u jepon ■f aelc pypc ~\ aelc
puba^ pile peaxan on paem lanbe pelopc. "Se him becpc gepifC. '^
him gecynbe bip ~} jepunehc. anb paeji paeji hic geppec f hic
hpapojT peaxan maeg. 3 lacopc pealopigan.^^ Sumpa pypca oSSe
pumep puba eapb bip on bunum. pumpa on meppcum, pumpa
on mopum. pumpa on clubum. pumpe'^ on bapum ponbum.
Nim ponne ppa piiba.^" ppa pypc. ppa hpepep ppa Su pille. op
paepe pcope pe hip eapb ~\ aepelo bip on co peaxanne. -] jecce on
uncSube^^ pccpe him. Sonne ne gejpepp hic Saep nauhc. ac pop-
peapap. poppam aelcep lanbep gecynb ip. f hic him gelice pSTica
"J gelicne pubu cjbpige.^^ anb hic ppa bep. ppipap •j pypppap
ppipe geopne. ppa longe ppa heopa gecynb bip. f hi gpopan
mocon. Ppaec penpc pu pophpi aelc paeb gpope^^ mnon Sa eop-
pan. 3 CO cipum ~\ co pypcpumum peoppe on Saepe eoppan.
bucon pop py pe hi ciohhiap f pe pcemn •] pe helm moce py
paepcop J py leng pcanbon. Ppi ne mihc pu ongican. Seah pu
hic gepeon ne maeje. "p eall pe bael. pe pe paep cpeopep on cpelp
* Boet. lib. iii. prosa 11. — Si animalia, inquam, considerem, &c.
' Cott. brS. 2 Cott. uncoba&lbe. ^ Cott. pie. )>e hijie pillum. * Cott.
pillum. 5 Bod. lufc. ^ Cott. fopjjsem t^e. " Cott. cpuco. « Cott.
>oii. » Cott. pubu. 10 Cott. pealopiaii. " Bod. pume. ^^ Cott.
pu^u. 13 Co^t. nnsecynbe. '^ Cott. cS'bpe. ^^ Cott. qieope.
§ X. BOETHIUS. 149
was ? Then said T : Say that to me more plainly ; I cannot
fully understand after what tlioii art inquiring. Then said
he: Dost thou know what man is? Then said I: I know
that he is soul and body. Then said he : But thou knowest
that it is man, while the soul and the body are unseparated.
It is not man after they are separated. So also the body is
body while it has all its members ; but if it lose any member,
then it is nob all as it before was. The same thou mightest
conceive with respect to everything : that nothing is such as
it was after it begins to decay. Then said I : Now I know
it. Then said he : Dost thou think that there is any creature
which of its will desires not always to be, but of its own will
desires to perish ?
§ X. Then said I : I cannot find any living thing whicli
knows what it wills, or what it wills not, which uncompelled
chooses to perish. Eor everything, of such as I deem living,
desires to be hale and to live. But I know not concerning
trees and concerning herbs, and concerning such creatures as
Jiave no souls. Then smiled he, and said: Thou needest not
doubt concerning these creatures any more than about the
others. Canst thou not see that every herb and every tree
will grow best in that land which suits it best, and is natural
and habitual to it ; and where it perceives that it may soonest
grow, and latest fall to decay ? Of some herbs or of some
wood, the native soil is on hills, of some in marshes, of some
on moors, of some on rocks, of some on bare sands. Take,
therefore, tree or herb, whichsoever thou wilt, from the place
which is its native soil and country to grow in, and set it in
a place unnatural to it : then will it not grow there at all, but
will wither. For the nature of every land is that it should
nourish herbs suitable to it, and suitable wood. And so it
does :^ protecting and supporting them very carefully, as long
as it is their nature that they should grow. What thinkest
thou ? Why should every seed grow in the earth, and turn
to germs and to roots in the earth, except because they en-
deavour that the trunk and the head may the more firmly and
the longer stand ? Why canst thou not understand, though
thou art not able to see it, that all that part of the tree which
150 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIV.
mon])um jepeaxe]).* f he on^m]? op t5am pyjitpumum. anb fpa
uppeapbef ^pepj? o|? ]?one pcemn. -j piS^an anblan^ Ssej- pipan. 3
anblanj paepe pmbe o]? 'Sone helm, anb piSSan sefcep 'Sam
bo^um oSSe -p hit uc appprng]?. on leapum. ■] on blojxmum. 3
on blebum. Ppi ne miht J>u onjitan -p te selc puht cpicep^ bi^
mnanpeapb hnepcofC. "j unbpoc heapboj-c. ppset ])u mihc je-
peon hu f tpeop bi)> uton jepcyjipeb^ ■j bepaepeb* mib ]?fepe
pmbe pi]? Sone pmcep. 3 pij? ]>a pteapcan pcopmap. "j eac pij)
J^aepepunnan ha&co on pumepe. Ppa maej "f he ne punbpije
ppylcpa gepceapta upep^ pceoppenbep.^ •] hupu psep pceoppenbep.
anb 'Seah pe hip nu punbpien. hpelc upe mseg apeccan me-
bemhce upep pceppenbep pillan ^j anpealb. hu hip jepceapta
peaxap ^ epc pania)?. Sonne Saep tima cym|). ~\ op heopa ]-2&be
peoppaj? ept jeebnipabe. ppylce hi J^onne peopbon co ebpceapCe.
hpaec hi 'Sonne epc bio|). ^ eac hpaec hpeju'^ anhce bio's, ppilce
he a beon.8 poppam^ hi selce ^eajie peo]i])a|? co aebpceapce ; •
§ XI.'' Ppepep Su ^ec onjice f Sa uncpepenban jepceapca
pilnobon co bionne on ecneppe ppa ilce ppa men. ^ip hi mihcon.
Pp8e]?eji Su nu ongice pophpy f pyp punbije up. anb pio eopj^e
op bune. pop hpy ip paec. bucon pop py Se Eob gepceop hip eapb
up. J hipe op bune. pop py punbia])^'' selc jepceapc pibep ppiJ>opC.
pibep hip eapb -3 hiphaeloppijjopcbiojj. anbphhp f ce him pipep-
peapb bip. •j unjebybe. j unjehc. Ppaec pa pcanap. popj^am hi
pint pcilpe gecynbe anb heapbpe. biop eappo])e co cobaelenne.
anb eac uneape co pomne cuma]?. gip hi gebaelebe^^ peop]7a]?. ^ip
pu ]7onne aenne pcan cochppc. ne pyp]? he naeppe ^e^abepob ppa
he aep paep. Ac *!} paecep 3 pio lypc bio]? hpene hnepcpan ge-
cynbe. hi bio}? ppi]?e eape Co cobaelenne. ac hi bip epc pona aec-
jaebepe. Daec pyp 'Sonne ne maej naeppe peop]?an cobaeleb. Ic
paebe peah nu hpene aeji. f ce nan puhc hip ajenum pillum
nolbe poppeoppan. ac ic eom nu mape^^ ymbe *p ^ecynb. }>onne
ymbe pone pillan. poppam hi hpilum pillap on cpa.^^ ]>u mihc
pican^* be manegum pmjum f f ^ecynb ip ppipe micel. ip f pop
micel ^ecynb. f upum hchoman cym]? eall hip maejen op Sam^^
mece J?e pe ]?ic;5a]?. anb Seah paep}? pe mece uc }>uph 'Sone
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 11. — Ea etiam quae inanimata esse, &c.
^ Cott. Sepex'S. 2 Cott. cpucej'. ^ Cott. utan gepceppeb. * Bod.
bepepo'5. * j3od. upepej*. ^ Cott. pcyppenbef. "^ Cott. hpugu.
8 Cott. bion. 9 Cott. jroppsem. 1° Bod. punba'S. " Cott. tobjelbe.
12 Cott. ma. " Cott. cu. " pitan, deest in MS. Bod. ^^ ^ott
paem.
§ XI. BOETHIUS. ]r>l
grows in twelve months, begins from the roots and so grows
upwards into the trunk, and afterwards along the pith, and
along the bark to the head; and afterwards through the
boughs, until it springs out in leaves, and in blossoms, and in
fruits ? Why canst thou not understand, tlrnt every living
thing is inwardly softest, and unbroken hardest ? Moreover,
thou raayest observe how trees are outwardly clothed and
covered witli bark against the winter, and against the stark
storms; and also against the heat of the sun in summer.
Who can refrain from admiring such works of our Creator,
and still more the Creator? And though we admire him,
which of us can declare worthily our Creator's will and
power ? How his creatures grow and again decay, when the
time thereof comes ; and from their seed become again re-
newed, as if they were then newly created ? What they then
again are, and also in some measure alone are, such they ever
shall be, iDecause they are every year newly created.
§ XI. Dost thou now understand that even inanimate crea-
tures would desire to exist for ever, the same as men, if they
could ? Dost thou understand why fire tends upwards, and
earth downwards ? Wherefore is it, but because God made
the station of one up, and of the other down ? For every
creature chiefly tends thither where its station and its health
especially is, and flies from what is contrary, and disagreeing,
and unlike to it. Stones, because they are of immovable and
hard nature, are difficult to divide, and also with difficulty
come together, when they are divided. If thou cleavest a
stone, it never becomes united together as it before was. But
water and air are of a somewhat softer nature. They are very
easy to separate, but they are again soon together. The Are,
indeed, cannot ever be divided. I just now said that nothing
of its own will would perish ; but I am speaking more about
the nature than about the will, for these sometimes are dif-
ferently inclined. Thou mayest know by many things that
nature is very great. It is through mighty nature that to
our body comes all its strength from the food which we eat,
and yet the food goes out through the body. But neverthe-
152 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIV.
lichomon. ac hij- j'paec^ 'Seah ^ hif cpsepc ^ecym]) on ealcepe
aebjie. j'pa )"pa monmelo^ ppc.^ 'f melo^Suph^ cpyp]? aelc ]>ypel.
-\ ])a ]'iopo]>a*^ peopl^a]? apynbpeb. ppa eac ujie gajx bi]) ppij?e j)ibe
papenbe upum unpiUum "j upep unjepealbep pop hip jec^^nbe.
nallep''' popi hip pillan. f bi]? 'Sonne ]?onne pe plapa]?. Ppaec 'Sa
necenu Sonne. 3 eac J)a o|)pe jepceapta. ma pilnia]? (5aep |?e hi
pilnia|> pop gecynbe Sonne pop pillan. Unjecynbelic ip selcpe
puhte^ f liic pilnije ppecenneppe oS5e bea])ep. ac j^eah manig
fmg bi|) to ])dem. geneb j) hiC pillna]? Sapa s&jjjpep. pop])am^ pe
pilla bij? Sonne pcpenjpa Sonne 'f jecynb. hpilum bij> pe piUa
ppi^pa ])onne "p gecynb. hpilum J)3ec gecynb opepcym]) |>one
pillan. ppa nu ppsennep bep. peo biS selcum men gecynbe. 3
hpilum^^ Seah hipe bi]? pojipepneb hipe gecynbep Sujih Jja&p
monnep pillan. eall pio lupu Saep ha&meb Sinjep bi]? poji jecynbe.
nallap^^ po]i pillan ; •
§ XIT.^ Be )>am pu mihc openlice pican f pe pceoppenb
ealipa gepceapca haepj? pop^ipen senne lujc j an jecynb ealliim
hip gepceapcum. 'f ip "p hi polbon a bion. a&lcepe puhce ip ge-
cynbe f hit; piUnige f hica pie be]?am baele'Se hit hip gecynbe^^
healban mot ■;) maeg. Ne feappt Su no tpeogan ymbe f J>e Su
aep tpeobept. f ip be ))am jepceaptum Se nane paple nabba]).
aelc fapa gepceapta Se paple hasp]?, je eac Sa jje nabbajj. pillniaj>
pimle to bionne. Da cyde]> ic. Nu ic onjite "p 'p ic aep ymbe
tpeobe. f ly 'p s&lc jepceapt pillna)? pimle to bionne. f ip ppife
ppitaP^ on Ssepe tybpunje. Da cpsej? he. PpseJ^eji^* ]>u Sonne
onjite ]?8et aelc fapa puhta Se him beon ]>enc]). f hit |»enc|>
aetjaebpe beon jehal unbaeleb. popJ>am ^ip hit tobaeleb biji.
|?onne ne bi]) hit no hal.^^ Da cpae)) ic. Daet ip poj). Da cpaep
he. €all J)ing habba]) 'peah. aenne pillan. ^^ f ip ^) hi polbon a
bion. ]?uph ]7one aanne pillan hi pillma]? ])aep anep ^obej'^'^ Se a
bi]). f ip liob,^^ Da cpse}) ic. 8pa hit ip ppa pu pae^pt.^^ Da
cpse]) he. Ppaet ]?u miht openhce onjicon '^ ■]? ip pop mlice
job^^ Jjinj f ealle gepceapta "j ealle^^ puhta pilnia]^ to habbenne.
<■• JBoet. lib. iii. prosa 11. — Dedit enim providentia, &c.
^ Bod, pppaec. -' Cott. meolo. ^ Cott. j-epc. * Cott. meolo.
* Cott. J^ups- ^ Cott. pype>a. ' Cott. iia^elaep. « Bod. bi'S a&lcpe
])yhce. ^ Cott. pojijjsem. i*> Bod. Sehpilcum. " Cott. nalep. "^ Bo(J_
hip j:;ecynb. ^^ Cott. ppeocol. ''* Bod. )>paet:. ^^ Bod. untobselefc
biS hic gehal. '^ Bod. Da&c ealle l>ins habba'S anne pillan. '7 Cott
Soobep. '^ Cott. Sooh ^ ppa pupaegpc, desunt in MS. Bod. 20 Cotfc
5006. '* Cott. ealpa.
§ xir. BOUTHius. 153
less its savour and its virtue enters every vein, even as any
onp sifts meal : the meal runs through every hole, and the
bran becomes separated. So also our spirit is very widely
wandering, without our will, and without our power, by
reason of its nature, not by reason"orits"\viir, "that happetis
when we sleep. But cattle, and also other creatures, seek
that which they desire, more from nature than from will. It
is unnatural to everything that it should desire danger or
death, but still many a thing is so far compelled that it de-
sires both of them ; because the will is then stronger than
the nature. Sometimes tlie will is more powerful than the
nature, sometimes the nature overcomes the will. Thus lust
does. It is natural to all men, and yet its nature is some-
times denied to it through the man's will. All the desire of
cohabitation is from nature, not from will.
§ XII. By this thou mayest plainly know that the Maker
of all things has imparted one desire and one nature to all
his creatures, that is, that they would exist for ever. It is
natural to everything that it should desire to exist for ever ;
so far as it can and may retain its nature. Thou needest
not doubt concerning that which thou before didst question,
that is, concerning the creatures which have no souls. Every
one of the creatures which have souls, as well as those which
have not, desires always to exist. Then said I: Now I un-
derstand that about which I before doubted, that is, that
every creature is desirous always to exist ; which is very clear
from the propagation of them. Then said he : Dost thou then
understand that every one of the things which perceives itself
to exist, perceives itself to be together, whole and undivided ;
because if it be divided, then it is not whole ? Then said I :
That is true. Then said he : All things, however, have one
will, that is, that they would exist for ever. Through this one
will they desire the one good which for ever exists, that is
Grod ! Then said I : So it is as thou sayest. Then said he :
Thou mayest then plainly perceive that it is on account of a
thiLg, good in itself, that afl creatures and all things desire
154 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXY.
Da cp9&]7 ic. Ne mse^ nan mon f o})pe f e^^an. pop^amMc onjite
f ealle jej-ceapca cofleopon'^ fpa j-pa paeceji. ■] nane pbbe. ne
nane enbebyphnepje neheolbon. acjpij^eunjepeclice^ coj-lupen
•3 Co nauhte pup ben. ppa ppa pe sep pa&bon* on ]ny\e ilcan bee.
gif hi nsefbon senne Dob Ipe him eallum pciopbe. "j pacobe. aab
paebbe. A c nu popJ?amJ)e pe picon 'p an pealbenb ip eallpa Smga.
pe pceolon^ beon nebe ge|}apan. pam pe pillan. pam pe nyllan. f
he pie pe hehpca hpop eallpa goba. Da pmepcobe^ he pi]? mm ^
cpaej>. Cala'^ mm cilb ea. hpsec J)U eapc ppij»e gepaelij. "^ ic yyipe
bli]?e. pop ]?mum^ anbgice. ppijje neah J)u on^eace ^a f pihr. 3
•p lice f ]?u sep jaebepc f ]>u onjicon ne mihtepc. Saep ])u paepe
nu ge]?apa. Da cpaej* ic. ppsec paep ^ 'p ic sep paebe f ic nypce.®
Da cpsej? he, Du psebepc ^p 6u nypcepc^^ selcpe gepceapte enbe.
ac pite nu "^ '^ ip selcpe jepceapte enbe. 'p ]>u. pelp sep nembepc.
f ip 50b. ^' to ])am punbia]? ealle^^ ^ej-ceapca. nabba]? hi nan 50b
opep f CO pecanne. ne hi nan puhc ne magon ne upop ne ucop
pmban ; •
CAPUT XXXY.i
§ I. DA he ^a ])ip ppell apseb haepbe. '5a on^an he epc pmjan.
^ ]?up cpaej). Spa hpa ppa piUe bioplice j-pipijan mib mnepeapban
GDobe sepcep pyhce. ~\ nylle f hme aenij mon oS5e senij Smj
ma^e ameppan. ongmne ^onne pecan on mnan him peipum. f
he aep ymbucon hme pohce. j poplsece unnytce ymbhogan ppa
he^^ ppi])opc ma&je. ^ jejaebepije co ]?am anum. j jepec^e
Sonne hip ajnum^* CDobe. f hiC maej pmban on mnan him
peipum ealle 5a 50b ]?e hiC uce pec]>. 'Sonne msej he ppi]>e pafe
onjican ealle f ypel j f unnec. f he £ep on hip GOobe haepbe.
ppa ppeocole ppa ])U mihc 5a punnan jepeon. ^ ])u. onjicpc ]>m
ajen mge]>anc. f hiC bi|> micele beophrjie ■] leohcpe 5onne peo
punne. pop|)am nan haepijnep 5aep lichoman. ne nan unpeap ne
maej eallunja acion op hip GOobe pa juhcpipneppe.^^ ppa f he
hipe hpaec hpeju nabbe on hip GOobe. (Seah pio ppaepnep ]?aep
lichoman. •] ])a unfeapap ope abipejien f GOob mib opejigio-
^ Boet. lib. iii. metrum 11. — Quisquis profunda mente, &c.
' Cott. popJ?aem. 2 Cott. plopem. ^ Bod. ungelice. * Cott. lan^e
yBdbon. 5 Cott. pculon. ® Cott. pmeapcobe. "^ Cott. Ga. ^ Bod.
mino. 9 Cott. nefpe. ^^ Cott. nej-pe. " Ip ip Sob, desunt in MS.
Bod. 12 Cott. ealla. '^ Bod. hi. >* Bod. anum. i^ Bod. un-
pilitpipiieppe.
§ I. BOETHIUS. 1.-
to possess it. Then said I : No man can more truly say ; for
I know that/all creatures would flow away like water, and
keep no peace nor any order, but very confusedly dissolve,
and come to naught, as we before said in this same book, if
they had not one God who guided, and directed, and governed
them all ! /But now, since we know that there is one governor
of all things, we must needs be convinced, whether we will,
or whether we will not, that he is the highest roof of all
goods. Then he smiled upon me, and said: 0, my chiM,
IKow truly happy art thou, and how truly glad am I, on ac-
count of thine understanding ! Thou hast very nearly dis-
covered the truth ; and the same that thou before saidest thou
coLildest not understand, of that thou hast now been con-
vinced. Then said I: What was that, which I before said I
knew not ? Then said he : Thou saidst that thou knewest
not the end of every creature. But know now, that that is
the end of every creature, which thou thyself hast already
named, that is, good. To this all creatures tend. They have
no good besides this to seek, nor can they discover anything
either above or bejoud it !
CHAPTEE XXXV.
■" § I. Wheit he had ended this discourse, then began be
again to sing, and thus said : Whosoever is desirous to search
deeply with inward mind after truth, and is unwilling that
any man, or anything should mislead him, let him begin to
seek within himself that which he before sought around him ;
and let him dismiss vain anxieties as he best may, and resort
to this alone, and say to his own mind that it may find within
itself all the goods which it seeks externally. Then may he
very soon discover all the evil and vanity which he before had
in his mind, as plainly as thou canst behold the sun. And
thou wilt know thine own mind, that it is far brighter and
lighter than the sun. For no heaviness of the body, or any
fault, can wholly take away from his mind wisdom, so that he
have not some portion of it in his mind ; though the sluggish-
ness of the body and its imperfections often prepossess the
mind with forgetfulness, and atfright it with the mist of error,
<jij BOETHTUS. CHAP. XXXV.
culnefj-e "j mih )>am jebpolmifCe hij- poptio f hit ne mse^e fpa
beophce fcman fpa hic polbe. ^ ^eah bi]? ]*imle conn Saepe
foj^peejrnefj'e fseb on ]?aepe faple punigenbe. Sa hpile ])e pio papl
■;] pe lichoma gebepobe beop. f copn pceal bion apehc mib
apcunja ;j mib lape. jip hit ^popan pceal. pu maej 'Sonne aenij
man jiyhtpiphce 3 gepceabpiplice acpi^an. jip he nan ^pot juht-
pipnejje on him nsepp. nip nan ppa ppijje bebaeleb pyhtpipneppe.
f he nan pyht anbpypbe nyte. jip mon acpa]?. Fopf'am hit ip
ppipe pyht ppell f Placo pe uppita psebe. he cpse]? ppa hpa ppa
ungemynbij pie pihtpipneppe. jecejipe hme to hip gemynbe.
•Sonne pint he Saep fa pyhcpipneppe gehybbe mib ]78&p hchoman
haepijneppe 3 mib hip GOobep gebpepebneppe "j bipgunja ; •
§ II.® Da c])2e]> ic. Ic eom je])apa f f pap po5 ppell f Plato
paebe. pu ne mj^nejobepc^ ]?u me eac nu tupa |}sepe ilcan
pppsece. aepept pu cpaepe 'p ic hsepbe popjiten *p jecynbelic 50b.
■f ic on innan me pelpum hsepbe. pop ^aep hchoman hepigneppe.
set oSpum ceppe |^u me pa&bept ]?aet ^u hsepbept on^iten f me
pelpum |)uhte f ic hsepbe eallunja poplopen f gecynbelice gob.
^ ic oninnan me pelpum pceolbe habban. pop Ssepe unge-
metlican unpotneppe 6e ic haepbe pop))am popls^tenan pelan.
Da cpae]? he. Dap pu nu gemynbejt fia popb ]?e ic pe paebe on
]?aape popman bee. Sonne miht" ^u be Jjam popbum '^ano'^
ppeotole onjitan ^l? *!) ]?u aep psebepu f ]?u nypptept.^ Da cpae])
ic. ppaet paap f. hpast paebe ic f ic nypte ; • * Da cpaep he. Du
pasbept on ]?aepe ilcan bee. f pu ongeate f te Cob peolbe pippej'
mibban geapbep. ac pu paebept "p pu ne mihte pitan humeta he
hi]- peolbe. o(^Se hu he hip peolbe. Da cpaep ic. Ic geman genog
geapa^ mm agen bypig. 3 ic hip paep aep te gepapa. peah ic hit
pa be pumum baele ongeate. ic polbe get hip mape aet 5e ge-
heopan. Da cpaep he. Ne t5e nauht aep ne cpeobe j} te Ijob
paebbe 3 peolbe eallep mibbaneajibep : • Da cpaep ic. Ne me
geot^ nauht ne tpeop. ne nu naeppe ne tpeop.^ ic pe piUe eac
'•ona pecgan be hpaem ic hit aepept^ ongeac. Ic ongeac paet ^ep
mibbangeapb paep op ppi^e manegum anb mipthcum^ ^mgum
gegabepob. y ppipe paepte to pomne gelimeb "j gepangob. naepen
hi gegabepobe 3 gepabobe. ppapipeppeapbagepceapca. Sonne ne
pupbon he naeppe ne gepophte ne eac gegabepobe. ■j gip he hi
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 12. — Turn ego, Platoni, inquam, &c.
* Cott. mynb^obej'C. ^ Cott. meahce. ^ Cott. nefpe. * Cott.
nyrre. s' Cott. seape. ^ Cott. giec. ^ Cott. cpio'S. ^ Bod. J^ara
ic sepepc. 9 Cott. miplicum.
§ II. BOETHIUS. 157
SO that it cannot sliine so brightly as it would. And never-
theless, a grain of the seed of truth is ever dwelling in the
sou], while the soul and the body are united. That grain
must be excited by inquiry and by instruction if it shall
grow. How then can any man wisely and rationally inquire,
if he has no particle of wisdom in him ? No one is so en-
tirely destitute of wisdom, that he knows no right answer
when any one inquires. Therefore it is a very true saying
that Plato the philosopher said. He said : "Whosoever is
forgetful of wisdom, let him have recourse to his mind ; then
will he there find the wisdom concealed by the heaviness of
the body, and by the trouble and occupation of his mind.*"
§ II. Then said I : I am convinced that it was a true
saying which Plato said. But hast thou not again twice re-
minded me of the same argument ? First thou saidst that I
had forgotten the natural good which I had within myself,
through the heaviness of the body. At another time thou
saidst to me, that thou hadst discovered that it seemed to
myself that I had altogether lost the natural good which I
should have within myself, through the immoderate uneasi-
ness which I had on account of lost wealth. Then said he :
Since thou now rememberest the words which I said to thee
in the first book, thou mayest by those words clearly enough
call to mind what thou before saidst thou wert ignorant of.
Then said I : What was that ? What did I say that I was
ignorant of? Then said he: Thou saidst in that same book
that thou knewest that God governed this middle-earth ; but
thou saidst that thou couldest not discover in what manner
he governed it, or how he governed it. Then said I : I very
well remember mine own folly, and I have already acknow-
ledged it to thee. But though I know it in some measure, I
would yet hear more concerning it from thee. Then said he :
Thou formerly hadst not any doubt that God ruled and
governed all the middle-earth. Then said I : Nor do I now
doubt it, nor ever shall doubt it. I will, moreover, at once
tell thee through what I at first comprehended it. I per-
ceived that this middle-earth was composed of very many and
various things, and very firmly cemented and joined together.
If these, such contrary creatures, had not been united and re-
duced to order hy an all-jpowerful Being, then they would
158 BOETHITJS. CHAP. XXXV.
nebunbe^ mibhij-unabmbenblicum^ pacentum.i;^onnetoi-lupan
hi ealle.^ ~) na&pon* no yya. jepiflice. ne j'pa enbebyjiblice. ne
j'pa jemetlice hiopa ytebe. "] hiopa pyne punben on hiopa
jxopum. ~\ on hiopa tibum. gip an unapenbenbhc Cob nsepe,
peolbe J>one job "f -^ he if. f ic hate Cob ppa ppa ealle jepceafta
hataj) ; •
§ III.^ Da cpse]? he. Nu ^u ]78&c ppa openhce onjiten hasffC.
ne jjeappe ic nu nauht ppi)7e ymbe f ppmcan. f ic ^e ma be
jobe pecce. fop])8em Su eapc nu fulneah cumen mnon^ 'Sa
ceapcpe psepe po]?an jepaelj^e. ])e ]m lanje 8&p ne mihcepc
apebian. Ac pit jculon ppa^eah pecan f f pic aep myncon. Da
cp3e|> ic. Ppsec ip 'p. Da cpae]) he. pu ne cealban pic aep "p te
jenyhc paepe^ 5ep8el]?a. "j 'Sa jepseljm paepon Eob. Da cpae]) ic.
8pa hiC ip ppa ]>\i pejpc. Da cpae]) he. tob ne bejjeapp nanep
o]>jiey pulcumep. buton hip pelpep. hip jepceapta mib to peal-
banne. 'be^ ma ])e he aep ))oppte to 'Sam peopce. pop})am^ gip
he aenijep pultumep on aenejum ^mjum bepoppte. 'Sonne naepbe
he no pelp jenoj. Da cpae]) ic. Spa hit ip j-pa ]>\i pejpt. Da cpae]>
he. Duph^ hme pelpne he jepceop ealle^^ ^mj- "J eallpa pealt.^^
Da cpae]) ic. Ne maej ic Saep o])pacan. Da cpde]> he. ^p pe ]>e
haepbon f jepeht.^^ f liob paepe ])uph hme pelpne job.^^ Da
cpae}) ic. Ic jeman f ]?u ppa paebept. Da cpae]) he. 'Duph^^ joob
Cob jepceop aelc'^ J^i^^S- })op])am*® he pelt^'^ ])uph hme pelpne
eallep 'Saep ])e pe aep cpaebon 'p 50b paepe. 3 he ip ana pta])olpaept
pealbenb. ^ pteopa. j pteoppo})ep.^^ pop])aem he peht^^ -3 paet
eallum jepceaptum. ppa ppa job^*^ pteopa^^ anum pcipe. iDa
cpae]) ic. Nu ic Se anbette f ic haebbe punben bupu. ])aep Saeji
ic aep jepeah ane lytle cynan.^^ ppa })aet ic un5ea])e^^ mihte je-
peon^* Y\>]]>e lytellne pciman leohtep op ])ipum^^ Seoftpum. -3
'Seah ])u me taehtept aep ])a bupu. ac ic hipe ne mihte mape
apebian buton f ic hipe jpapobe ymbuton -^ Se ic -p lytle
leoht jepeah tpinclian. ic Se paebe jepypn aep on '8ippe ilcan bee.
f Boet. lib. iii. prosa 12. — Turn ilia, cum hffic, inquit, &c.
^ Cott. gebunbe. ^ Cott. unanbmbenblicum. ^ Cott. ealla. * Bod.
nsepe. ^ Qq^i^ m on. ^ Cott. psepen. "^ Cott. l>on. ^ c^tt. vop^aem.
3 Cott. Dups. 10 Cott. call. " Cott. pylc. 12 Cott. sepeahc. i* Cott.
Soob. " Cott. Dups. '5 Cott. eal. '« Cott. pop^aem. " Cott.
pile. *8 Cott. pceoppol>ep i helma. ^^ Cott. piht. 20 Cott. 5006.
2' Cott. ptiopa. 22 Cott. cinan. 23 Cott. unea>e. " Cott. gepon.
25 Cott. J'ljT'uin.
§ III. BOETHIUS. 159
never have been formed nor joined together: and if be bad
not bound them with his indissoluble chains, then would they
all be dissolved. Neither would their station and their course
be formed so wisely, and so orderly and so suitably in their
places, and in their times, if one unchangeable God did not
exist. Grood, therefore, directed whatever is. This I call
God, as all creatures call it.
§ III. Then said he : Since thou hast so clearly understood
this, I need not now greatly labour in order that I may in-
struct thee further concerning good ; for thou art now almost
come into the city of the true happiness, which thou some
time ago couldest not discover. But we must nevertheless
consider what we have already proposed. Then said I : What
is that ? Then said he : Have we not before agreed that sulE-
ciency was happiness, and happiness was God ? Then said
I: So it is as thou sayest. Then said he: God needs no
other help besides himself to govern his creatures with, any
more than he before needed for the creation ; for if he had
need of any help in anything, then would he himself not have
sufficiency. Then said I : So it is as thou sayest. Then said
he : By himself he created all things, and governs all. Then
said I : I cannot deny it. Then said he : We have before
shown to thee that God was of himself good. Then said I :
I remember that thou so saidst. Then said he:/Througb
good, God created everything, for he governs by himself all
that which we before said was good : and he is the only stable
governor, and pilot, and rudder ; for he directs and rules all
creatures as a good pilot steers a ship./ Then said I : Now I
confess to thee that I have found a door, where I before saw
only a little chink, so that I scarcely could see a very small
ray of light in this darkness. And yet thou hadst before
pointed out to me the door, but I could not ever the more
discover it, though I groped for it whereabout I saw that
little light twinkle. I said to thee some time ago in this
same book, that I knew not what was the beginning of all
160 BOETHITJS. CHAP. XXXT.
f ic nyfte^ hpaet j-e fpumapsepe ealpa ^efceafCa. 'Sa jepehtefC
j>u me f^ hic paef Dob.^ ]>a nypce^ ic ept ymbe pone enbe. 8&ji
fu me epc jepehcejr "p -p paepe eac Ijob.^ Sa paebe ic ]7e ']3 ic
nypce^ hu he ealpa ])apa jepceapta peolbe.'^ ac "Su hit me hseppt
nu ppi]?e ppeocole i^epehc* ppelce^ 'Su haebbe Sa bupu abpoben
]>e ic Sep pohce. Da anbppopobe he me ■] cpse]?. Ic pat f ic |?e
s&p mynegobe^^ ^sepe ilcan pppasce. 3 nu me J)mc|) -^ fu onjice
ppa ppa leng ppa bet ymbe ^a pojjpaeptneppe. ac ic polbe jet pe
eopian pume bipne.^^ ac ppa ppeotole ppa pio paep fe ic ]>e a&p
ysebe. Da cpee]? ic. Ppaet ip pio ; •
§ IV.^ Da cpae)? he. Ne maej naenne mon j^asp tpeojan^^ "j)
te eallpa gepceapca agnum pillan^^ Hob picpa]? opep hi. ■] ea]?-
mobhce hiopa pillan penbaj* to hip piUan. Be ]>aem ip ppijje
ppeotol 'p te Urob aajhpsep pealt mib ]?8em helman ■j mib paem
ptioppo|)pe hip jobneppe. popJ)am|;e^^ ealle^^ gepceapta gecynbe-
hce hiojia ajnum piUum punbiaj? to cumanne to jobe. ppa ppa
pe opt 8&P psebon on J>ippe ilcan bee. Da cpaa]? ic. Ppi ne mseg
ic paep tpeojan.'^ poppaempe Eobep anpealb naepe pull eabiglic.
Jip pa jepceapta hiopa unpillum him hepben.^^ '^ ept 5a je-
pceapta na&pon^^ nanep ^oncep ne nanep peopppcipep peoppe.^^
jip hi heopa unpillum hlapopbe hepben. Da cpaep he. Nip nan
gepceapt Se he tiohhije^'^ f hio pcyle pmnan pip hipe pcippenbep
piUan jip hio hipe jecynb^^ healban pile. Da cpaep ic. Nir nan
jepceapt^^ pe pip hipe pcippenbep pillan pmne. buton bypij mon.
o^Se ept '8a pipeppiepban^^ enjlap. Da cpaep he. Ppset penpt pu.
jip aeneju jepceapt tiohhobe 'f hio pip hip pillan pceolbe pmnan.
hpaet hio mihte pip ppa mihtme ppa pe hme gepehtne habbap.
Da cpaep ic. Ne majon hi nauht 'Seah hi pillon. Da punbpobe
he "3 cpaep. Nip nan puht pe maege o5^e piUe ppa heajum^*
Ijobe pipcpepan. Da cpaep ic. Ne pene ic f senij puht pie 'Se
pippinne. bucon f pit aep pppaecon. Da pmepcobe^^ he anb
cpaep. pite jeape "^ '^ ip "^hehpte 50b. 'f hit eali ppa mihtiglice
s Boet. lib. iii. prosa 12. — Cum Deus, inquit, omnia, &c.
1 Cott. nyppe. ^ Bod. hpaec. ^ Bod. et Cott. gob. '' Cott. nyrpe.
5 Bod. et Cott. gob. ^ Cott. nyppe. ' Cott. piolbe. ^ Cott. jepeanc.
9 Cott. rpylce. !•> Cott. mynbgobe. " Cott. bypne. ^'^ Cott. tpiosan.
" Cott, pillum. i* Cott. j:opJ?sem]3e. ^^ Cott. ealla. »« Cott. |:^poTie
ms&s J>wf cpiosan. i' Bod. hepbepc. ^^ Cott. nsepen. ^^ Cott. pyp^e.
20 Cott. ciohhie. 21 Cott. cynb. 22 Cott. ^ecynb. =3 Cott. pi>ep-
peajiban. ^4 Cott. heaum. " Cott. pmeajicabe.
§ IV. BOETHIUS. 161
creatures. Thou didst then inform me that it was God. Then
again I knew not concerning the end, until thou hadst told
me that it was also God. Then said I to thee that I knew
not how he governed all these creatures, but thou hast now
explained it to me very clearly, as if thou hadst opened the
door which I before sought. Then answered he me, and
said : I know that I before reminded thee of this same argu-
ment, and now methinks that thou understandest, as the
later, so the better, concerniug the truth. But I would yet
show thee some example as manifest as that was which I be-
fore mentioned to thee. Then said I : What is that ?
§ IV. Then said he : No man can doubt this, that by the
proper consent of all creatures God reigns over them, and
bends their will conformably to his will. By this it is very
evident that God governs everything with the helm and with
the rudder of his goodness. For all creatures naturally of
their own will endeavour to come to good, as we have often
before said in this same book. Then said I : Indeed I cannot
doubt it, for God's power would not be entirely perfect it*
creatures obeyed him against their will : and again the crea-
tures would not be worthy of any thanks or any honour if
they unwillingly obeyed their lord. Tlien said he: There is
no creature which attempts to contend against its Maker's
will, if it desire to retain its nature. Then said I : There is
no creature which contends against its Maker's will except
foolish man, or, again, the rebellious angels. Then said he;
"What thinkest thou ? If any creature determined that it
would contend against his will, what could it do against one
so powerful as we have proved him ? Then said I : They
cannot do anything, though they will it. Then wondered he,
and said : There is no being which can or will oppose so high
a God. Then said I : I do not imagine that there is anything
which opposes, except what we before said. Then smiled Ije,
and said '. Be assured that that is the highest good, which so
162 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXV.
macaf. ~] eall ^m^ ^efceop. ^ eallum fpa ^epeclice jiaca)). ^ fap
eapelice^ buton selcum jefpmce hit eall pec. Da cpsaj) ic. f^el
me licobe f ]7U aep psebepc. 3 ]?ipep me iypt nu jet^ bee. ac me
pceamap nu f ic hic aep ne onjeac. Da cpsep he, Ic pat"*^ 'p ])U
^ehepbept ope peccan on ealbum leajum ppellum f te lob
Satupnep punu pceolbe beon'* pe helipca liob opep o])]\e liobap.^
3 he pceolbe bion 'Saep heopenep punu. -j pcolbe picpian on heo-
penum. -^ pcolbon xijantap bion eopj^an puna. 3 ]?a pceolbon^
picpian opep eop|>an. "j fa pceolban^ hi beon^ ppilce'^ hy paepon
jeppypcpenabeapn. popjjaempe^^ he pceolbe been heoponep punu.
■;) hi eop]9an. 'Sa pceolbe ^am jijanrum op];incan f he haepbe
hiepa^^ pice, polbon Sa cobpecan Sone heopon unbep him. Sa
pceolbe he penban Sunpap. ■] lyjecu.^"^ "j pmbap. "3 copyppan eall
hipa jepeopc mib. j hi pelpe opjlean. Dyllice^^ leapunga hi
pophcon. J mihton ea]?e pecgan popppell. gip him ]7a leapunja
ns&pon^* ppecpan. -3 Seah ppij^e gelic jjipum. hi mihcon pecgan
hpylc bypij Neppob pe ^iganr pophte. pe Neppob psep Ehupep
punu. thup psep Ehamep punu. Eham^^ Noep. pe Neppob hec
pypcan aenne top on Sam^^ pelba pe Sennap^'^ hatte. "j on J^aejie
S.'obe 'pe Deipa hatte. ppi|)e neah paejie bypij Se mon nu haec
Babilonia. f hi bybon pop psem jJinjum f^^ hi polbon piton hu
heah hit paepe to ])8em hepone. ^ hu Sicke^^ pe hepon pagpe "j
hu pseft. oSSe hpaet psep opep paepe. Ac hit gebypebe. ppa hit
cynn-^ pap. 'p pe jobcunba anpealb^^ hi toptencte aep hi hit
pullpypcan mopton.^^ ~] topeapp J>one topp.-^ ■j hiopa manigne^*
opploj. ^ hiopa pppaece tobaelbe on tpa-^ -j hunb peoponti^ je-
peoba.^*^ 8pa gebype]? aelcum Sapa pe pm]) yip psem jobcunban
anpealbe."^^ ne jepexp"^ liimnanpeopppcipe on jjeem. ac yyjip pe
jepanob pe hi aep haepbon ; •
§ VJ^ Ac loca nuhpaepep Su pille f pit jiet ppypi;;^en-^ septep
aenijpe jepceabpipneppe puji]?op. nu pit f apunben^^ habba]?. f
^ Boet. lib. iii. prosa 12. — Sed visne rationes ipsas, &c.
1 Cott. e]?elice. 2 Cott. giet. ' Bod. T^pset ic pac. * Cott. bion.
^ Cott. oSpu lirobu. 6 Cott. j-ceolben. ^ Cott. j-ceolben. « Cott.
bion. 9 Cott. rpelce. '» Cott. pop^aem pe. " Bod. hijie. ^2 Cott.
li^eca. ^3 Cott. Dyllica. " Cott. naepen. '^ god. Irhaamej' j-unu.
Irhaan. »6 c^tt. Jjs&m. '^ Cott. Nenj-ap. 's Cott. >e. i» Cott.
hcce. 20 Cott. cyn. 21 Cott. palb. 22 Cott. mopten. 23 Cott.
cop. 24 Cott. monisne. 25 Cott. tu. 2e Cott. gepioba. 27 Cott.
anpalbe. ** Cott. gepyxtS. 29 Bod. Seppypigen. *> Cott. punben.
§ V. EOETHIUS. 1G3
powerfully does everj^tbing, and lias created all tliinc^s, and so
widely over all extends, and so easily without any labour dis-
poses everything. Then said I : I well liked what thou be-
fore saidst, and tins pleases me still better, but I am now
ashamed that I did not know it before. Then said he : I wot
thou hast often heard tell in old ftibles, that Jove, the son of
Saturn, should be the highest god above other gods ; and he
should be the son of heaven, and should reign in the heavens ;
and the giants should be the sons of earth, and should reign
over the earth ; and then they should be as if they were sisters'
children, for he should be the son of heaven, and they of earth.
Then should it bethink the giants that he possessed their
kingdom. Then were they desirous to break the heaven under
him. Then should he send thunders, and lightnings, and
winds, and therewith overturn all their work, and slay them.
Such fictions they invented, and might easily have related
true history, if the fictions had not been more agreeable to
them, and yet very like to these. They might have related
what folly Nimrod the giant wrought. Nimrod was the son
of Cush; Cush was the son of Ham, and Bam of Noah.
Nimrod gave order to erect a tower in the field which is
called Shiuar, and in the country which is called Dura, very
near to the city which men now call Babylon. They did it
for these reasons ; that they wished to know how high it was
to the heaven, and how thick the heaven was, and how firm,
or what was over it. But it happened, as was fit, that the
divine power dispersed them bel'ore they could complete it,
and overthrew the tower, and slew many a one of them, and 71
divided their speech into seventy-two languages. So happens*
it to every one of those who strive against the divine power.
No honour accrues to them thereby, but that is diminished
which they before had.
§ V. But see now whether thou art desirous that we still
should seek after any argument further, now we have dis-
m2
164 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXY.
pit Sep fohton. ic pene ])eah jip pic jiet^ uncpe popb co pomne
flea]?, f faep apppunje pum ppeapca up poj^paepcneppe 'Sapa J)e
pic aep ne gepapon. Da cpoej* ic. Do ppa ppa 'Su piUe. Da cysep
he. ppaec naenne mon nu ne Cpeo]? f Eob py ppa milici^ f he
msege pypcan 'p -p he pille. Da cpae]? ic. Ne cpeo]? psep nan^ mon
■Se auhc pac. Da cpa&J? he. pp3e])ep aeni^ mon pene^ f auhc pie
]73ep ^e Dob bon ne maeje. Da cpaej* ic. Ic hic pac f nauhc nip
•Ssep 'Se he bon ne ma&^e. Da cpse]? he. penpc ]>u hpae})ep he
maege seni^^ ypel bon. Da cpae)) ic. Ic pac f he ne mae^. Da
cp8&J> he. 80]? ^u pegpt. poppam hic ip nauhc. psep ypel auhc
ps&pe J>onne mihce^ hiC liob pypcan. poppy hiC ip nauhc. Da
cpae)) ic. GOe j^mcp ■]) ]>u me bpelige anb bybepie.^ ppa mon cilb
be]), laecpc me hibep 3 'Sibep''' on ppa picne pubu -^ ic ne maej
uc apebian. poppsem ^u a ymbe pcicce pehpc epc on ^a ilcan
pppsece. ]>e ]m aep ppsece^ -3 poplsecpc epc t5a aep '8u hi jeenbob
habbe.^ "j pehpc on uncupe. ])y ic nac nu^° hpsec ]?u pile. GDe
pmc]) '^ Su hpeppe]C ymbucon^^ pume punbephce j pelbcuj>e
pppaece. ymbe jja anpealbnej-pe pape jobcunbneppe. Ic jeman^^
f pu me sep pehcepc pum punbophc ppell. be '6am jja 6u me
jiehcepc f hic psepe eall an ^epselpa 3 -f hehpce 50b. j cpaebe 'p
Sa gepseljia pe&pon^^ on 6am^* hehpcan jobe^^ psepce. "3 "^ hehpce
50b psepe tob pelp.^^ ;j he paepe pull selcjie jepaell^e. anb pu
cpaebe f aelc ^epaelij mon paepe Etob. •] epc Su paebejc f Eobep
gobnep]-^^ 3 hip gejaelijnepp -^ he pelp J)aec f paepe^^ eall an. 3 f
ponne paepe pe hehpca 50b. 3 Co f»3em gobe ealle J>a jepceapca
funbiaj? Se heopa jecynb healbap. •] pilnia]? -p hi^^ Co cumen. 3
eac Su paebepc f ce Eob peolbe^*' eallpa hip gepceapca mib ))am^^
pceoppoppe^^ hip jobneppe.^^ j eac paebepc -^ ealle^"* jepceapca
,hio]ia ajnum pillum unjenebbe him psepon^^ unbeppeobbe.^^ 3
nu on lapc Jju paebepc^"^ 'p ypel naepe nauhc. •] eall Sip pu ge-
pehcepc co poJ?e ppij>e jepceabpiplice bucon aelcpe leappe pae-
beljan. Da cpae]) he. Du paebepc aep f ic ])e bpealbe.^^ Ac me
' Bod. pit "giY get. 2 Cott. naenne. ^ i5o(j, paepe. * aenig, deest
in MS. Bod. . ^ Cott. meahte. ^ Cott. bpelle T byb]\e. ' Cott.
Isebj-c me hibpep T J^ibpef. ^ pe ]pu sep j-paece, desunt in MS. Bod.
y Cott. hsebbe '« nu, deest in MS. Cott. " Cott. ymbe ucan. 12 Bod.
Senam. i3 Cott. paepen. '* Cott. j^aem. i^ Cott. soobe. le Cott.
Soob paepe tob. '''^ Cott. Soober. ** Bod. 1 1> he paepe. '» Cott.
hy. '^0 Cott. piolbe. 21 Cott. paem. 22 Cott. rtioppo'Spe. 23 c^tt.
Soobneppe. 2* Cott. ealla. 25 Cott. paepen. 26 Cott. unbepljiobbe.
27 Cott. rseber. ^^ Bod. f >e bpelobe.
§ V. BOETKIUS. 165
covered wliat we before songlit. I think, however, if we
again stiike our words together, tlicre may spring out some
spark of truth of those things which we have not 3'et ob-
served. Then said I; Do as thou wilt. Then said he: jVo
man doubts that God is so mighty that he is able to work
whatsoever he will. Then said I : No man doubts this, who
knows anything. Then said he : Does any man think that
there is aught which God cannot do ? Then said I : I know
that there is nothing which he cannot do. Then said he;
Dost thou imagine that he can do any evil? Then said I:
I know that he cannot. Then said he : Thou sayest truly,
for it is nothing. If evil were anything, then could God do
it. Therefore it is nothing. Then said I : Methinks thou
misleadest and deludest me, as any one does a child: thou
leadest me hither and thither in so thick a wood that I
cannot find the way out. For thou always, on account of
some small matter, betakest thyself to the same argument
that thou before wert speaking of, and again leavest that
before thou hast ended it, and beginnest a fresh one. There-
fore I know not what thou wouldest. Methinks thou re-
volvest about some wonderful and extraordinary argument
concerning the oneness of the divine nature. I remember
that thou formerly madest to me a wonderful speech, wherein
thou toldest me that it was all one, happiness and the highest
good : and saidst that the felicities were fixed in the highest
good, and the highest good was God himself, and he was full
of all happiness. And thou saidst that every happy man was
a God ! And again thou saidst, that God's goodness, and
his happiness, and himself, that this was all one, and was,
consequently, the highest good ; and to this good all crea-
tures which retain their nature tend, and are desirous to
cotDe. And moreover thou saidst, that God governed all
his creatures with the rudder of his goodness; and also
saidst, that all creatures of their own will, uncompelled,
were subject to him. And now, at last, thou saidst that evil
was nothing ! And all this thou hast proved for truth very
rationally, without any ambiguity. Then said he: Thou
166 E0£Tnir3, chap. xxxv.
))inc]) j-elpim f ic fe nauhc ne bpelobe.^ ac faebe 6e fpij^e lanj
fpell 3 punboplic j-pipe- jepceablice be Sam ISobe Se pic unc je-
fvpn cojebaebon. ;] nu jec^ ic ceohhie -p ic Se hpa&c hpeju*
uncujjep gepecce be Jjam ilcan Ijobe. pic ip jecsTib Saepe 30b-
cunbneppe -p hio maeg beon unjemenjeb pi6 oppe^ jej-ceapca.
bucon ofeppa gepceapca pulcume. ppa ppa nan o}?ep jepceapc
ne maej. ne maej nan o]7ep^ gepceapc be him pelpum bion. ppa
ppa 510' Pajimenibep pe pceop jebbobe^ anb cpaej). 8e aslmihcija^
Cob ip eallpa Smja peccenb j he ana unapenbenbhc^" punia]^ ^
eallpa 6apa apenbenbhcpa^^ pelc. FopjiaemSune Seappc nauhc
ppij^e punbpijan 6eah pe ppipian^^ aepcep Sam^'^ J)e pe onjunnon.
ppa mib laep popba. ppamibma. ppae]?ep pe hic jepeccan majon.
Deah pe nu pculon maneja j raipchce^^ bipna anb bippell
peccan. Seah hanga]) upe (Cob ealne peg on paem ]>e pe aepcep
j-pypia]). ne po pe na^-^ on Sa bipena^^ anb on bippell''^ pop 6apa
leapana ppella lupan. ac popj^ampe^^ pe polbon mib jebeacnian^^
Sa po]?ps&pcneppe. j polbon -p hic pupbe co nycce 6am je-
hepenbum.^*^ Ic jemunbe nu pihce-^ J^aep pipan Placonep iapa
puma, hu he cpa&J?. f^'~ pe mon pe ])e bij-pell pejjan^^ polbe. ne
pceolbe pon on co unjehc bippell 6a&pe pppaece 6e he Sonne
pppecan polbe. ac jeheop-* nu jej^ylbelice hpsec ic nu pppecan
pille. Seah hic ]>e ^epypn aep unnyc Suhce. hpaepeji pe pe enbe
abec lician pille ; •
§ \1} Onjan Sa pmjan. j cpae]7. Jlrefaehj bip pe mon. ]>e
maej jepeon. 5one hluccpan aepellm. Saep hehpcan jobep. ^ op
him pelpum. apeoppan maej. 6a Siopcpo hip ClOobep. p'e pculon
gee op ealbum leaj-um ppellum 6e pum bippell peccaa. pic je-
lamp 310. f ce an heajipepe. paep on Saepe peobe.^' Ipe Thpacia
hacce. pio paep on Epeca pice, pe heappepe pap ppij'e. unje-
ppaejhce ^ob.^^ |)aep namapeepOppeup. he haepbe an ppi]?e aenlic
pip. pio paep hacen Gupybice. J^aongann-'' monn pecjan. be J^am
heappepe. f he mihceheappian-f pepuba^* pajobe. ■] 6a pcanap
' Boet. lib. iii. metrum 12. — Felix qui potuit boni, &.c.
' Cott. bpelle. 2 Cott. i rpi)>e. ^ Cott. siec. * Cott. hpusu.
2 Cott. otpa. ^ Cott. otpu. ' po, deest in MS. Cott. » Cott.
Jibbobe. 9 Cott. selmihcesa. 'o Cott. unanpenbenbhc. " Cott.
et Bod. anpenbenbhcpa. '^ Cott. j-pypien. i^ Cott. paem. 1* Cott.
mifhca. 15 Cott. no. ^^ Cott. bipia. ^' Cott. on >a bifpel. i"* Cott.
}-op}>8&m l>e. *^ Cott. becnan. ^° Bod. Sehepenbon. 21 Cott. pybce.
'- Cott. t ce. ^' Cott. j-ecgan. =4 Cott. sehep. 25 Cott. ^"lobe.
^ Cott. soob. 27 Cott. onson. ^ Cott. pubu.
§ YI. BOETHIUS. 167
saidst just now that I deceived thee; but methinks that
I have not deceived thee, but have stated to thee a very long
and wonderful argument, very rationally, concerning that
God to whom we some time ago prayed : and I still intend
to teach thee something unknown concerning the same God.
It is the nature of the divinity, to be able to exist unmixed
with other beings, without the help of other beings, in such
a way as nothing else is capable of. No other thing is able
to exist of itself Thus formerly Parmenides the poet sung,
and said : The Almighty God is ruler of all things, and he
alone remains unchangeable, and governs all changeable
things. Therefore thou needest not greatly wonder, when
we are inquiring concerning what we have begun, whether
we may prove it with fewer words, or with more. Though
we should produce many and various examples and fables,
yet our mind always hangs on that which we are inquiring
after. We do not betake ourselves to examples and iables,
for love of fictitious speeches, but because we desire therewith
to point out the truth, and desire that it may be useful to the
hearers. I called to mind just now some instructions of the
wise Plato, how he said that the man who would relate
a fable, should not choose a fable unlike the subject of his
discourse. But hear now patiently what I shall further say,
though it formerly appeared to thee unprofitable, whether the
end may better please thee.
§ VI. He began then to sing, and said : Happy is the man
who can behold the clear fountain of the highest good, and can
put away from himself the darkness of his mind! We will
now from old fables relate to thee a story. It happened for-
merly that there was a harper in the country called Tlirace,
which was in Greece. The harper was inconceivably good.
His name was Orpheus. He had a very excellent wife, who
was called Eurydice. Then began men to say concerning the
harper, that he could harp so that the wood moved, and the
168 EOETniUS. CHAP. XXXV.
hi jtypebon,^ pop ])am j^pe^e. 3 pilhbeop.^ Jjsep polbon to ipnaii.
•] fcanhon.^ ppilce hi came^ ps&pon. ]ya yrille. 'Seah hi men.
o^Se huRba]'. pi]? eobon. f hi hi na ne onpcunebon. 'Sa psebon
hi. 'f 'Ssep heappepep pip. pceolbe acpelan. ~\ hipe paple. mon
pceolbe. lasbon^ to helle. '8a pceolbe pe heappepe. peop]?an ppa
papij. f he ne mihte. on jemonj o]?pum mannum bion. ac
teah to puba. -j pset on ])aem muntum. s&jpep ^e bsejep. je
nihtep. peop ~] heappobe. f pa pubap bipobon. '^ Sa ea ptobon. 3
nan heopt. ne onpcunobe. naenne leon. ne nan hapa. naenne
hunb. ne nan neat, nypte nsenne anban. ne naenne ege. to
ojjpum. pop ])8epe miphte^ 'Sae)- ponep. Da ^aem heappepe Jja
|>uhte. '^ hme IpaJ nanep 'Smjep ne lypte on Sippe populbe. 'Sa
jjohte he. "p he polbe gepecan. helle Eobu.^ "] on^innan him.
oleccan mib hip heapepan. •] bibban p. hi him ajeapan.^ ept hip
pip. Da he J>a 'Sibep com. ]7a pceolbe cuman. ]?aepe helle hunb.
onjean hme. |>8ep nama paep Lepuepup.^^ pe pceolbe habban.
))pio heapbu. "3 onjan paegenian.^^ mib hip pteopte. j plejian^^
pi]} hme. pop hip heappunja. Da pap Saep eac. ppipe ejeplic jeat-
peapb. 'Saep nama pceolbe beon^^ Capon, pe haepbe eac Spio
heapbu. "^ pe^* paep ppi]>e opealb. Da onjan^^ Se^^ heappepe.
hme bibbaii. •]? he hme jemunbbypbe. ]7ahpile^e he })aep paepe.
~j hine gepunbne. ept })anon bpohte. 'Sa gehet he him f. pop-
^aem he paep oplypt.^^ '5aep pelbcu])an ponep. Da eobe he pup]?op
o]) he jemette.^^ Sa jpaman Cybena.'^ 'Se polcipce men. hata])
Papcap. ^a hi pecjaj). f on nanum men. nyton nane ape. ac
selcum menu, ppecan^" be hip jepyphcum. 'Sa hi pec^a]?. 'f
pealban.2^ aelcep monnep pypbe. Sa onjann^^ he bibban. hiopa^^
miltpe.^* J)a on^unnon hi pepan mib him. Da eobe he-^ pup-
J>op.^^ -J him upnon ealle hellpapan ongean. •] laebbon hine. to
hiopa cyninje.^'^ "j onjunnon ealle pppecan mib him. ") bibban
■Saep ])e he baeb. Anb f unptille hpeol. Se Ixion paep^^ to je-
bunben. Laiuta^^ cynmj pop hip pcylbe. f oJ>ptob. pop hip
heappunja. Anb Tantalup pe cynm^. Se on J?ippe populbe. un-
» Bod. hijisebon. 2 c^tt. pilbu biop. ^ Cott. pconban. •* Cott.
fcamu. 5 Cott^. laeban. ^ Cott. mep?;J>e. "^ >a. deest in MS. Cott.
^ Bod. sacu. 9 Cott. asepan, ><> Bod. Tfpuepnup. Cott. Cepuejiue-
puf. " Cott. onpaegnian. '2 j^^d. pleiSan. >3 Cott. bion. '* pe,
deest in MS. Cott. ^^ Cott, onsen. i^ Cott. pe. i7 Bod. onlypc.
'* Cott. mecte. " Cott. metcena. 20 Cotr. ppecen. 21 Cott. palben.
22 Cott. ongon. 23 Cott. heopa. ^* Cott. bhpre. 25 Pod. hi. 26 Cott.
Vuphuji. 27 Cott. cinninse. 28 paep, deest in MS. Bod. 29 Cott.
tieuica.
§ VI. BOETHIUS. / 1697
stones stirred themselves at the sound, and wild beasts would
nm thereto, and stand as if they were tame ; so still, that
though men or hounds pursued them, they shunned them
not. Then said they, that the harper's wife should die, and
her soul should be led to hell. Then should the harper be-
come so sorrowful that he could not remain among other
men, but frequented the wood, and sat on the mountains,
both day and night, weeping and harping, so that the woods
shook, and the rivers stood still, and no hart shunned any
lion nor hare any hound ; nor did cattle know any hatred, or i
any fear of others, for the pleasure of the sound. Then it — ' ♦
seemed to the harper that nothing in this world pleased him.
Then thought he that he would seek the gods of hell, and
endeavour to allure them with his harp, and pray that they
would give him back his wife. When he came thither, then
shoidd there come towards him the dog of hell, whose name q^^^
was Cerberus ; he should have three heads, and began to wag
his tail, and play with him for his harping. Then was there
also a very horrible gatekeeper, whose name should be Charon.
He had also three heads, and he was very old. Then began
the harper to beseech him that he would protect him while
he was there, and bring him thence again safe. Then did he
promise that to him, because he was desirous of the unac-
customed sound. Then went he farther, until he met the
fierce goddesses, whom the common people call Parcse, of
whom they say, that they know no respect for any man, but
punish every man according to his deeds ; and of whom they
say, that they control every man's fortune. Then began he
to implore their mercy. Then began they to weep with him.
Then went he farther, and all the inhabitants of hell ran
towards him, and led him to their king ; and all began to
speak with him, and to pray that which he prayed. And the
restless wheel which Ixion the king of the Lapithae was
bound to for his guilt ; that stood still for his harping. And
Tantalus the king, who in this world was immoderately
170 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXYI.
jemetlice Jifpe paef. ^ him ]?ae]i "^ ilce. yfel pyligbe.^ jjaef
jifcpnej^fe. he gejcilbe. Anb fe Uulcop.^ fteolbe roplaetan. -p
he ne flac. fa hppe Tytief. 'Saef cynmgef.^ J)e hme sep. mib |>y
pitnobe. Anb eall hellpapa. picu gefCilbon. ]?a hpile t5e he be-
fopan ]?am cyninje heappobe. Da he pa lanje. •] lanje heap,
pobe. pa chpobe.* pe hellpapana cynmj. j cpse]?. Ucon^ ajipan.
J>aem epne hip pip. popjjam^ he hi. hsepj? geeapnob."^ mib hip
heappunga. Bebeab him Sa. ^3&t he ^eapa pipce.^ f he^ hme
naeppe. unbepbaec ne bepape. pij^J^an^^ he ]?ononpeapb^^ paepe. -^
paebe. jip he hme unbepbaec bepape. f he pceolbe. poplaetan ])£ec
pip. Ac Sa lupe mon mae^ rP^J*^ uneape. o^^e na^^ popbeoban,
pila pel 1^ hpaec Oppeup pa. laebbe hip pip mib him. o])]>e he com.
on f ^emaepe. leohcep -3 peopcpo. pa eobe f pip aepcep him. ^a
he popp^* on "p leohc com. 'Sa bepeah he hme unbepbaec. pip
•Saap pipep. pa lopebe^^ heo^^ him pona. Dap leapan^''^ ppell. laepap
jehpilcne man. papa pe pilnap. helle piojCpa.^^ to plionne. "j Co
paep popep.^^ %obey hohce. to cumenne^^ f he tune ne bepio. to
hij* ealbum^^ ypelum. ppa f he hi ept. ppa puUice pullppemme.
ppa he hi aep bybe. poppam^^ ppa hpa ppa. mib puUon^^ pillan. hip
GDob pent, to ^a yplum. pehe aeppoplet. ^ hi Sonne pulppemep.
anb he him ponne. pulhce hciap. ^ he hi naepjie. poplaetan ne
pencp. ponne pojilypt he. eall hip a&ppan 50b. ^* buton he hit
ept ^ebete ; • iPeji enbaS nu. peo Spibbe boc Boetiep. anb on-
jmp peo peoppe ; •
CAPUT XXXVI.i^
§ I. D'K pe f^ipbom ISa pip leop ppipe luptbaephce ^ jepceab-
piplice apungen haepbe. pa haepbe ic pa ^et^^ hpast^^ hpeja^^ je-
mynb on minum GOobe paepe unpotneppe pe ic aep haepbe. -3
cpaep. 6ala pipbom. pu pe eapt boba anb pojipyneP*^ Saep j'opan
leohtep. hu punbophc me 'Sincp "f -p pu me pecpt. poppaem ic
^ Boet. lib. iv. prosa 1. — Hsec cum Philosophia dignitate, &c.
} Cott, plsbe. 2 Cott. ultop. ' Bod. cynins. " Cott. cleopobe.
5 Cott. pucon. 6 Cott. j:opl?ajm. ' Cott. Seeapnab. ^ Cott. ^eape
pirre. ^ he, deest in MS. Bod. et Cott. i" Bed. j:op>am. " Cott.
l^onanpeapb. 12 o'S]>e na, desunt in MS. Bod. ^^ Cott. peila pei.
»* Cott. pu]i]>um. 15 Cott. lopabe. ^^ Cott. hio. '^ leapan, deest
in MS. Cott. 18 Cott. )jiopCpo. ^^ Cotr. yo J^an. 20 Cott. cumanne.
21 Cott. ealban. 22 Cott. po]i}>a&m. 23 Cott. pulle. 24 Cott. soob.
25 Cott. Siet. 26 Cott. hpylc. 27 Cott. hpugu. 28 Cott. popepvnel.
§ I. BOETHIUS. 171
greedy, and whom that same vice of greediness followed
there ; he became quiet. And the vulture should cease, so
that he tore not the liver of Tityus the king, which before
therewith tormented him. And all the punishments of the
inhabitants of hell were suspended, whilst he harped before
the king. When he long and long had harped, then spoke
the king of the inhabitants of hell, and said : Let us give the
man his wife, for he has earned her by his harping. He
then commanded him that he should well observe that he
never looked backwards after he departed thence, and said,
if he looked backwards, that he should lose the woman. But
men can with great difficulty, if at all, restrain love ! Well-
fiway! what! Orpheus then led his wife witli him till he
came to the boundary^ of light and darkness. Then went his
wife after him. When he came forth into the light, then
looked he behind his back towards the woman. Then was
she immediately lost to him. This fable teaches every man
who desires to fly the darkness of hell, and to come to the
light of the true good, that he look not about him to his old
vices, so that he practise them again as fully as he did before.
For whosoever with full will turns his mind to the vices,
which he had before forsaken, and practises them, and they
then fully please him, and he never thinks of forsaking them :
then loses he all his former good, unless he again amend .
it! Here ends the third book of Boethius, and begins the |
fourth.
CHAPTEE XXXVI.
§ I. "When Wisdom had very delightfully and wisely sung
this lay, then had I as yet some little remembrance in my
mind of the sorrow which I formerly had, and said : O
Wisdom, thou who art the messenger and forerunner of the
true light, how wonderful does that appear to me which thou
172 EOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXVI.
onjice ])8ecte eall f 'Su me aep peahrej-c me peahce^ Cob 6upli
J)e. ~\ ic hic pi]xe^ eac eep be j-umum baele. ac m.e ha&jrbe piof
unpocnej' ameppebne. •p ic hic haepbe mib ealle popgicen. ■] -p
If eac mmpe unpotnefj'e fe maejca bael. -^ ic punbpige pophpy
pe joba^ Irob Isece aemj ypel beon.* o$Se jip hic Jjeah bion^
pcyle. ^ he hic jej^apian pile, pop hpy he hic 'Sonne^ j-ona ne
ppecce."^ Ppsec ]}ii mihc^ 'Se pelp onjican f f ip co punbpianne.
"2 eac o]7ep Sinj.^ me ]7inc]7 jec^^ mape punbop. f ip -f te bypi^^
■3 unpihcpipnep nupicpaj? opep eahie^^ mibban eapb. "j pe pipbom
3 eac oJ)pe cpaepcap na&bba}) nan lop ne nsenne peopj^pcipe on
■^ippe populbe. ac licja]) pojipepene ppa ppa meox^^ unbep pelcune.
"] ypele men on aelcum lanbe pmbon nu pyppe. ^ 'Sa joban
habbap manijpealb picu. ppa maaj popbsepan f he -p ne piopije
3 ppylcpe pa&pce ne punbpige. f ce aeppe ppylc ypel ^epypj^an
pceolbe unbep 'Saep selmihcijan Eobep anpealbe. nu pe picon f
he hic pac. ~\ selc ^ob^'* pile. Da cpse]? he. dp hic ppa ip ppa 'Su
j'ejpc. t5onne ip paec ejephcpe ^onne senij oj^ep bpoja. ■] ip
enbeleap punbop. 'Sam'^ jelicopc ])e on pumep cS^ninjep hipebe
]-ien jylbenu pacu j pylppenu^^ poppepen. -3 cpeopenu mon
peopjjije. piC nip no^"^ ppa ppa ]?u penpc. ac jip 'Su eall -p je-
munan pile f pe sep j-ppaecon. mib 'Saep Eobep pulcume. ^e pe
nu yinbe^^ pppeca]?. ^onne miht'^ J>u x^njican "p ))a joban bio];^^
pimle pealbenbe. ■] ])3. ypelan nabba]> naenne anpealb."^ ~\ f ^a,
cpsepcap ne bio]? naeppe bucon hepmge. ne bucon ebleane. ne
]?a un]7eapap naeppe ne bio]? unpicnobe. Ac fa joban^^ bio]?
pimle jepaelije. 3 ]?a ypelan unjepaslije. Ic ^e maej eopian 'Saep
ppife manega bipna^^ pa 'Se majon gecpymian.^* co fam-^ f
]m nape hpaec ])\i laen^ piopije. Ac ic "Se pille nu jiec jecaecan
•Sone pe^ J^e '6e jelaec Co j^a&pe heopenlican bypij, '5e ])u aep op
come. j'lSSan ]?u onjicpc puph mine lape hpaec pio po])e ^epael]?
bijj. J hpsep hio bi]?. Ac ic pceal aepejc 'Sm GOob ^epij^epian.^^
•p hic maeje hic ])y e]? up ahebban aep Son hic pleogan onjmne
on 'Sa heahneppe. -p hic maeje hal ~\ oppopj pleojan co hip
eapbe. 3 pojilaecan aelce ])apa jebpepebneppa '5e hic nu Jjjiopa]?.
» Bod. mihce. 2 Cott. pippe. ' Cott. ^ooba. * Cott. bion.
* bion, deest in MS. Bod. ^ J^onne, deest in MS. Cott. '^ Cott. pjiece.
8 Cott. meahc. ^ Cott. hneS- ^^ Cott. giec. " Cott. bxyi^.
12 Cott. eallne. " Cott. miox. 1* Cott. soob. ^^ Cott. }?8em. i^ Cott.
relypenu. " Cott. Nif hic no. *^ Cott. embe. ^^ Cott. meahc.
20 Cott. beo'S. 21 Cott. anpalb. 22 Cott. sooban. 23 Cott. bipeua.
2* Bod. secpymisan. 23 Cq^^ j-^ j,on. 21* Coj-t^ sepe^ejiau.
§ I. BOETHIUS. 173
declarest to me! Therefore I am persuaded tliat all whicli
thou before saidst to me, God said to me through thee !
And I also knew it before in some measure ; but this sorrow
had distracted me, so that I had entirely forgotten it. And
this, besides, is the chief part of my unhappiness, that I
wonder why the good God should suffer any evil to exist :
or, if it yet must exist, and he wills to permit it, why hetHen
does not speedily punish it. Indeed, thou may est thyself
know that this is to be wondered at. And also another
thing seems to me even a greater wonder, that is, that folly
and wickedness now reign over all the middle-earth, and
wisdom and also other virtues have no praise nor any honour
in this world, but he despised like dirt on a dunghill : and in
every land wicked men are now honoured, and the good have
manifold punishments. Who can forbear lamenting and won-
dering at such a marvel, that ever such evil should take place
under the government of Almighty God, when we know that
he sees it, and wills all good. Then said he : If it is as thou
sayest, then is this more dreadful than any other prodigy, and
is endless wonder: most like to this, that in a king's court
gold and silver vessels should be despised, and men should
esteem wooden ones. It is not as thou supposest. But if
thou wilt call to mind all that which we have before said,
then, with the help of God, concerning whom we are now
speaking, thou wilt be able to understand that the good are
always powerful, and the wicked have no power ; and that
virtues are never without praise or without reward, nor are
vices ever unpunished; but the good are always happy, and
the wricked unhappy. I can show thee very many examples
of this which may encourage thee, so that thou mayest not
know what thou any longer shouldest lament. But I will
now teach thee the way which will lead thee to the heavenly
city, whence thou formerly camest, since thou knowest
through my instruction what the true happiness is, and
where it is. But I must first give wings to thy mind, that
it may the sooner raise itself up, before it begins to fly on
high ; in order that it may, sound and untroubled, fly to its
native country, and leave behind it every one of the troubles
174 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXYI.
ficce him on mmum lijiaebpaene. ]?ocpije him on mmne pej. ic
bio hif lac]?iop : • '^
§ 11.^ Da ye |7ipbom jja^ipppell apehc- haafbe. pa onjann he
ep pmjan -3 cpsej). Ic haebbe ppi)>e ppifCe pefepa. *p ic ma&j
pliojan opep Sone hean hpop ])agp heoponep. Ac |)8ep ic nu
moj'ce Jjm GOob jepipejii^an mib |)am pi]?epum. '^ pu mihcepc
mib me pLojan. ponne mihc 'Su opeppion ealle pap eopplican
pmg. Ijip pu mihcepc 'Se phon opep pam pobope. ^onne mihcepc
pu jepion pa polcnu unbep pe. -3 mihcepc pe phojan opep pam
pype pe ip becpux pam pobope "3 paepe lypce. j mihcepc pe pepan
mib paepe punnaii becpyx pam cunjlum. 3 Sonne peoppan on
pam pobope. "j piSSan co pam cealban pcioppan pe pe hacap
8acupnep pceoppa. pe ip eall ipig. pe panbjiap opep oppum pceop-
pum upop Sonne aenij opep cungol. piSSon pu Sonne popp opep
pone bipc ahepob. Sonne bipc pu bupan Sam ppipcan pobope. ■]
laecpc ponne behmban pe pone hehpcan heopon. piS6an Su mihc
habban Smne bael Saep popan leohcep, paep picpap an cynmj pe
haepp anpealb eallpa oppa cyninja. pe jemecjap Sone bpibel. ■]
f pealblepep eallep ynibhpeoppcep heopenep 3 eoppan. pe an
bema ip jepcseppij "j beophc. pe pciopp pam hpaebpaene eallpa
jepceapca. Ac jip pu seppe cympc on pone pej 3 co Ssepe pcope
pe Su nu jeoc popjicen happc. ponne pile pu cpepan. Dip ip mm
pihc epel. hionan ic pap aep cumen. "j hionon ic pap acenneb.
hep ic pille nu pcanbanpaepce. nelle ic nu naeppe hionon. Icpac
peah jip Se seppe jepypp f pu pile oSSe mope epc punbian papa
piopcpa Sippe populbe. ponne gepihjc Su nu pa unpihcpipan
cyninja "3 ealle pa opepmoban pican bion ppipe unmihcije "]
ppipe eapme ppeccan. pa ilcan Se pip eapme pole nu heapbopc
onbpaec ; •
§ III.™ Da cpaep ic.^ Gala pipbom. micel ip "^ "3 punbopilic f
pu jehaecpc. j ic eac nauhc ne cpeoje Sac Su hic maeje ge-
laepcan. Ac ic pe halpije f pu me no len^ ne lecce.^ ac jecaec
me pone pej. poppaem pu mihc onjican f me lypc paep pejep.
Da cpaep he. Du pcealc aepepc onjican f pa joban habbap pymle
anpealb. anb pa ypelan naeppe nsenne. ne naenne cpaapc. pop-
pam hiopa nan ne onjic "f ce. job* j ypel biop pimle jepmnan.
1 Boet. lib. iv. metrum 1. — Sunt etenim pennae volucres, &c.
m Boet. lib. iv. prosa 2. — Turn ego, Papse, inquam, &c.
» Cott. labjjeop. ^ c^tt. apeahc. ^ ic, deest in MS. Cott. * Bod,
Isebe. 5 Cott. soob.
§ II. III. BOETHIUS. 175
\vhich it now endures. Let it sit in my chariot, and be con-
ducted in my path ; I will be its guide.
§ II. When Wisdom had ended this speech, then began he
again to sing, and said : I have very swift wings, so that I can
fly over the high roof of heaven. But I must furnish thy
mind with wings, that thou mayest fly with me : then iiiayest
thou look down upon all these earthly things. When thou
art able to fly over the sky, thou mayest behold the clouds
under thee, and mayest fly over the fire which is between the
sky and the air ; and mayest go with the sun between the
stars, and then be in the sky, and afterwards near the cold
star which we call Saturn's star. It is all icy. It wanders
above other stars, higher than any other heavenly body.
After thou art elevated far above it, then wilt thou be above
the swift sky, and wilt leave behind thee the highest heaven.
After this thou mayest have thy portion of the true light.
There reigns one king who has power over all other kings.
He regulates the bridle and the rein of all the circuit of
lieaven and earth. The only judge is steadfast and bright.
He directs the chariot of all creatures. But if thou ever
comest into the path, and to the place which thou hast now
forgotten, then wilt thou say: This is my proper country:
hence I formerly came, and hence was I born : here I will
now stand fast ; I will never go hence ! But, I wot, if it ever
happen to thee that thou wilt or must again explore the
darkness of this world, then wilt thou observe unjust kings,
and all the proud rich, to be very feeble, and very wretched
exiles: the same whom this miserable people now most
dreads !
§ III. Then said I : O Wisdom, great is that and won-
derful which thou dost promise, and I, moreover, doubt not
that thou canst perform it ! But I beseech thee that thou
wouldest not any longer hinder me, but teach me the way,
for thou mayest perceive that I am desirous of the way. Then
said he : Thou must first understand that the good always
have power, and the wicked never have any, nor any ability ;
for none of them comprehends that good and evil are always
176 BOETHirs. CHAP. XXXVI.
jif ])3, ^oban^ ^onne pmle habba]? anpealb.^ ])onne nabbaj) J)a
yjielan nsefjie nsenne. poppam^ f gob anb f yj:el pnc fpij^e un-
famppsebe. Ac ic ^e polbe get* be segj^pum ^apa hpa&c hpeja^
ppeocolop i^epeccan. f Su ma&je ]>y bee jelypan^ ^e ic |)e o])pe
hpile pecce be Jjam"^ ojjpum. o|)pe hpile be Jjam^ oSpum. Tpa
^inj pmbon ]>e aelcep monnep mje]?anc^ copunba)>. "^ ip ponne
pilla "J anpealb.^^ gip Sonne hpaem ))apa tpeja hpa&Jjepep^^ pana
bij>. 'Sonne ne maaj he mib jjam^^ o])pum nan puhc ppemman.^'^
pop]?am^* nan nyle onjmnan ^p "p he nele.^^ buton he nebe^^
pcyle. ~\ p>eah he eall pille. he ne mseg. jip he ]>3&y j^injep an-
pealb^ '^ naep]?. be jjaem ])u mihc^^ ppeotole onjiran, gip ]7u sennie^^
mon gep.'hpc piUnian"^ paep ])e he nsepj;. f ])am bi]? anpealb
pana. 2^ Da cpse]? ic. Daec ip poj?. ne m9&;^ ic paep o])pacan. Da
cpaej) he. dp ])u J>onne hpsene^^ jepihpc^^ ]?e maej bon "p "p he
bon pile, ne Jje Sonne nauhc ne tpeop f pe haebbe anpealb. Da
cpae]? ic. Ne tpeoj) me paep nauhc. Da cpaej) he. JElc mon bip
pealbenb J>8ep pe he pelc. naepj) he nanne anpealb paep pe he ne
pelc. Da cpaa]? ic. Daep ic eom gejjapa. Dacpeephe. PpseJ^ep ]7u
nu geC"^ mseje jemunan -p ic ]?e aep pehte.^^ "I) pap f te selcep
monnep m5e|>anc pilna]? Co ])8epe popan gepselj^e to cumenne."^
Seah he unjehce hiopa eapnije.^^ Da cpaej? ic. Daet ic geman.
genog ppeotole me ip f gepaeb. Da cp86|> he. Iremunpt pu f ic
pe sep*^ yddbe f hit paepe eall an job^^ j gepaelpa. pe ])e gepaelpa
pecS. he peep job.^'^ Da cpaep ic. Ic haebbe genoj pepte on ge-
mynbe. Da cpaep he. Galle men je jobe^^ j^e ypele pilmap to
cumanne to gobe.^^ peah hi hip mipthce^^ pillnigen.^* Da cpoe]?
ic. Daet ip pop f pu pegpt. Da cpaep he. Eenoj; ppeotol f ip f
te pop py pint jobe menjobe."^ Se hi gob^^ gemetaj?. Da cpae]?
ic. Iienoj open hic ip. Da cpae)) he. Da joban^'^ bejitap ^
job^® f hi piUniap. Da cpaep ic. Spa me J^mc]?. Da cpaep he. Da
1 Cott. sooban. ^ Cott. anpalb. ' Cott. popl'sem. * Cott. ^lec,
5 Cott. hpugu. 6 Cott. Selevan. ' Cott. hsem. « Cott. >8em. ^ Cott.
inse)jotic. ^0 Cott. anpalb. ^^ Cott. hpae'Spep. '^ Cott. ]?3em.
»•■' Cott. pulljpemman. '■* Cott. pop^aem. i^ Cott. nyle. ^^ Bod. ne.
J7 Cott. anpalb. • ^s Cott. meaht. ^^ Cott. geni^ne. " ^° Cott. pilnian.
21 Cott. an palber pana. 22 Cott. hpone. 23 Bod. Sepiht. 24 Cott.
Siet. 25 Cott. peahte. 26 Cott. cumanne. 27 Oott. eapnien.
28 8&P, deest in MS. Cott. 29 Cott. Soob. so Cott. 5:;oob. 3i Cott.
Soob. 32 Cott. soob. 33 Cott. miphce. '* Cott. pilnien. ^^ Coti.
Soobe. 36 Bod. gobe. ^7 Cott. Sooban. a« Cott. soob.
§ III. BOETHIUS. 177
en emies . If, therefore, the good always have power, then the
wicked never have any, because good and evil are very incon-
gruous. But I would inform thee somewhat more distinctly
concerning each of tliem, that thou mayest the better believe
what I shall sometimes tell thee concerning the one, and some-
times concerning the other. There are two things which every
man's intention requires, that is, will and power. If, there-
fore^ there is to any man a deficiency of either of the two, he
cannot with the other effect anything. For no one will un-
dertake what he is unwilling to do, unless he needs must : and
though he fully wills he c^nuot perform it, if he has not power
of that thing. Hence thou mayest clearly know, when thou
seest any man desirous of that which he has not, that to him
power is wanting. Then said I : That is true : I cannot deny
it. Then said he : But if thou seest any one who can do what
he desires to do, then there is no doubt to thee that he has
power. Then said I : I have no doubt of it. Then said he :
Ever}Mnan is powerful so far as he exercises power: he has
^^ower when he does not exercise power. Then said I :
(Tfthat I am convinced. Then said he : Canst thou now call
to mind what I b&fore told thee, that is, that the mind of every
man desires to arrive at the true happiness, though they pursue
it differently ? Then said I : That I remember ; it is clearly
enough proved to me. Then said he : Dost thou remember
that I before said to thee, that it was all one, good and happi-
ness ? He who seeks happiness seeks good. Then said I :
I have it sufficiently fixed in my memory. Then said he : All
men, both good and evil, desire to come to good, though they
desire it variously. Then said I : That is true which thou
sayest. Then said he : It is sufficiently evident that good
men are good because they find good. Then said I : It is
evident enough. Then said he: The good obtain the good
which they desire. Then said I : So methinks. Then said
he : The wicked would not be wicked if they found the good
178 BOETHIUS. CHAP, XXXVl.
ypelan naBpon na"^ ypele. gip hi jemetan f ^ob^ f hi pilnia]?. ac
pop ]}y hi ymt ypele ]>e^ hi hic ne jemecaj).^ -j pop ]>y hi hic ne
jemeca]?.^ Se hi hic on pihc ne peca]?. Da cpaej) ic. Spa hic ip
ppa ^u pejpc. Da cpaef he. Fo}i|}8em hic ij- nan cpeo f ]>3,
joban^ bio]) pimle palbenbe. •] ])a ypelan nabba|) nsenne anpealb J
pop py Sa joban^ "p 50b on pihc peca]>. -] Sa ypelan on poh. Da
cpa&]> ic. 8e J7e pen]? f ]>iy po}? ne pie.^ Sonne ne jelep]?^^ he
nanep po]7ep ; •
§ IV.^^ Da cpse]) he. ppaej^ep penpc ])\i nu. jip cpejen men
punbia]? CO anpe jcope. •] habba]) emn micelne pillan Co co
cumenne. "j o]7ep haep]) hip poca anpealb f he msej jan Jiaep he
pile^^ ppa ppa eallum monnum ;5ecynbe paepe f hi mihcon.^^
o})ep naep]) hip poca gepealb -p he mseje jan. ■] pilna]? ])eah
CO papenne.^^ j onjm}) cpj^an^"* on Sone ilcan peg. hp3e])ep
■Sapa cpejipa^^ ])inc]? ]>e mihcijpa.^^ Da cpae]) ic. Nip ^ jelic.
pe bij) mihcijpa pe ^e gaef. })onne pe ])e cpyp}).^^ pop-
]}am^^ he maeg cuman e]> ])ibep'^ Se he pile ^onne pe o})ep.
peje^*^ ellep "p Su pille. f pac aelc man.^^ Da cpae]? he. Spa
jehce^^ beo])^^ ])am jobum^* j ^am^^ ypelum. aejj^aep hiopa^^
pilna]) pop jecynbe ]78ec he cume co ])am hehpcan jobe. Ac pe
joba mseg cuman J>ybep he pilna]). pop]?am he hip on pihc
pilna]). -J pe ypela ne maej cuman co ])am^'' ])e he pilna]?. pop-
J)am he hic on poh^^ pec}). Icnac })eah |)e ellep hpaec Since. Da
cpae]) ic. Ne ])inc]) me nauhc o])pep op ])inum ppellum. Da cpae]>
he. Eenoj pyhce ])u hic onjicpc. ;] f ip eac cacn Sinpe haele.^^
ppa ppa laeca jepuna ip f hecpe])a]) Sonne hio peocne^^ mon je-
pio]7. ^ep he hpelc^^ unpaejhc^^ cacn him on jepeo]). me ])inc])
nu ^ ])in jecynb j Sm gepuna plice ppi])e ppi]?lice pi]) Saem
bypije:-
§ V.° Ic habbe nu onjicen -f ^u eapc jeapo Co onjicanne
mme lape.^^ F^^Pj^y ^c ])e polbe gejaebejiijan maniju ppell -3
" Boet. lib. iv. prosa 2. — Rursus inquit : Si duo sint, &c.
° Boet. lib. iv. prosa 2. — Sed quoniam te ad iiitelligendum, &c.
1 Cott. no. 2 Cott. soob. ^ Bod. t- " Cott. meta'S. s Cott.
meca'5. « Cott. Sooban. ' Cott. anpalb. » Cott. sooban. ^ Cott.
8e he ne pen's -^ >ip po'5 pie. '** Cott. 5elyj:'S. " )>8ep he pile, desunt
in MS. Bod. 12 Cott. meahten, ^^ Cott. pepanne. '* Cott. cpeopan.
" Cott. cpesa. ^^ Cott. mehcigpa. ^^ Cott. cpiep'S. »» Cott. pophaem.
'9 Cott. hybep. 2° Cott. paga. 21 Cott. mon. 22 Cott. ilce. 23 Cott.
biiJ. 24 Cott. soobum. 25 Cott. >aem. 26 Cott. heopa. 27 Cott.
>8&m. 28 Cott. peg. 29 Cott. haelo. so Cott. he piocne. ^i Cott
hi hpilc. 32 Cott. unsepseglic. ^ Cott. mina lapa.
§ IV. V. BOETnius. 379
which they desire ; but they are wicked because they do not
find it, and they do not find it because they do not seek it
rightly. Then said I : So it is as thou sayest. Then said
he : Therefore there is no doubt that the good are always
powerful, and the wicked have no power, because the good
seek good rightly, and the wicked wrongly. Then said I :
He who thinks that this is not true, then believes he no
truth.
§ IV. Then said he : Whether dost thou think ? if two men
are going to one place, and have equally great desire to arrive
there, and one has the use of his feet, so that he may go where
he will, as it were natural to all men that they could ; and the
other has not the use of his feet that he can go, and yet is
desirous to go, and begins to creep the same way, whether of
the two dost thou think the more powerful ? Then said I :
There is no comparison. He is more powerful who goes than
he who creeps, because he can more easily come whither he
will than the other. Say what else thou wilt, every man
knows that. Then said he : In like manner it is with the
good and with the wicked. Each of them desires naturally
that he may come to the highest good. But the good is able
to come whither he desires, because he desires it rightly, and
the wicked cannot come to that which he desires, because he
seeks it wrongly. I know not but thou mayest think dif-
ferently. Then said I : I do not think at all differently from
what thou sayest. Then said he : Very rightly thou under-
standest it : and that is also a token of thy health ; as it is
the custom of physicians to say, when they see a sick man, if
they perceive in him any healthy token. Methinks now that
thy nature and thy habit contends very powerfully against
error.
§ A^ I liave now found that thou art prompt to understand
my doctrine : therefore I am desirous to collect for thee many
ir2
180 BOExnius. CHAP, xxxvi.
maneja bifna. be ]mm f ^u militeft^ ]:>y eS on^itan hpaec ic
j-ecgan pille. Onpc nu hu unmihcije J)a yfelan men beoj?.^
nu 111 ne majon cuman ])ibep. '6ibep 'Sa unjepitcijan jefceapca
pilnia]/^ CO CO cumenne.'* ~\ hu micle umiiihtejpan^ hi paepon.
gip hi hi)' nan jecynbe nsepbon.*' behealb nu mib hu hepjpe
pacencan bypjep ~\ unjepaelpa hi f mt jebunbene. ppsec ]m cylb.
]>onne hi pup])um jan majon. 3 eac 'Sa ealban ceoplap. Sa hpile
j^e hi jan majon. pilnia]) pumep peoj)J)pcipe)- "} pumpe maepjje.
Da cilb jnba]) on heopa jxapum, "^ manijpealbne pieman plegiaj?.
•Seep hi onhypia])" ealbura monnum.. i $a bypejan nan puhc
nylla]^ onjmnan. Ssep pe hi^ him ap])ep ma&jen topenan o^Se
lopep o8Se leaha. ac bop ■f pyppe ip. ipnap hibep "j ^ibep^ bpoh-
genbe unbep pam hpope eallpa jepceapca. 'j "^ te pa unjepicce-
jan^'^ ^ej-ceapca picon. f nycon Jm bypejan men. popjjy pmc 'Sa
cjiaepcap becjian Sonne 'Sa unpeapap. pop])am ^e selc mon pceal
bion ge])apa. pam he pille pam he nylle. f pe pie anpalbejopt^^
pe mseg becuman to pam hehpcan hpope eallpa jepceapca. f ly
Ijob. Sam nip nan puht bupan. ne nan puhc beny|?an. ne
ymbutan. ac ealle ^mj pint binnan him on hip anpealbe. pe
Cob ip ppipe CO lupienne. pu ne cpaebe pu sep f pe psepe an
pepe mihcijopt pe pe mihte gan. Seah he polbe. op J)ippe eoji|)an
enbe. ppa jjset te nan bael Sippe eoppan opep ^ naepe. 'f ilce ]ni
miht jejjencan be Hiobe. fpa ppa pe aep cpaebon. f pe bi]? mihti-
jopt. pe to him cumon maeg. poppam he no hpibep opep f
cumon ne msej ; •
§ VI. 1' Be eallum j^ipum pacum pu miht onjitan f pa joban
biop pimle mihtije. 3 ypelan biop aelcep maejenep ~} aelcep
cpaeptep bebaelbe. hpy penpt pu ^onne f hi poplsetan Sa cpaeptep
•^ poljian Sam un])eapum. Ic pene (5eah f pu piUe pecjan f hit
pie po]i byjije f; hi hi ne cunnon tocnapan. Ac hpaet pejpt Su
Sonne f pie pop cuj>)ie. Sonne pio un^epceabpipnep. hpi gepapia])
hi f hi bioS byfige. hpy nyllaS hi ppypi^an septep cpaeptum ■]
septefi pipbome. Ic pat j^eah f pponjopnep hi oppit 3 hi mib
pl8ep])e opeficym]). -3 jitpun^ hi ablent. pit cpsebon Seah aep f
nan puht nsepe pyppe ponne unjepceabpipnep. Ac hpget pilla}?
pe nu^^ cpepan. gip Sa gepceabpipan habba]? un])eapap •] nilla]>
P Boet. lib. iv. prosa 2. — Ex quo fit, quod huic objacet, &c.
^ Cott. meahce. ^ Cott. bio'S. ^ j^q^^ pillia'5. * Cott. cumanne.
5 Bod. un^emihtpan. ^ Cott. nsefben. ' Cott. hypia'S. ^ Bod. et
Cott. hit. s Cott. hibper \>ibj\ey. 10 Cott. gepicnsan. " Bod-
anpealbe hcro^-t- '- Cott. piC nu pit.
§ VI. BOETHIUS. 181
arguments and many examples, so that thou mayest the more
easily understand what I am about to say. Observe now, how
feeble wicked men are, when they cannot come thither where
even irrational creatures are desirous to come ; and how much
more feeble they would be if they had no natural inclination
to it. Behold with how heavy a chain of folly and uuhappi-
ness they are bound ! Even children, wdien they can just go,
and also old men, as long as they can go, are desirous of some
honour and some praise. Children ride on their sticks, and
play at various sorts of play, wherein they imitate old men.
But the unwise are not willing to attempt anything from
which they may expect to themselves praise or rew^ards. But
they do what is worse ; tliey run erring hither and thither
under the roof of all things; and that which irrational crea-
tures know, unwise men do not know. Tlierefore the virtues
are better than the vices. For every man must be convinced,
whether he will, or whether he will not, that he is the most
powerful wdio is able to arrive at the highest roof of all things,
that is Grod ; wMiom nothing is above, nor anything beneath,
nor about, but all things are in him, in his power. Grod is
greatly to be loved. Didst thou not before say, that he was
most powerful in walking who could go, if he would, to the
end of this earth, so that no part of this earth were beyond
it ? The same thou mayest conceive with regard to Grod, as
we before said, that he is most powerful who can come to him,
because he nowhere beyond that can come !
§ VI. From all these arguments thou mayest understand
that the good are always powerful, and the wicked are desti-
tute of all power and all ability. Why, then, dost thou think
they forsake virtues and follow vices P But I suppose thou
wilt say, that it is through ignorance that they are not able
to distinguish them. But what wilt thou then say is worse
than this want of reason ? Why do they allow themselves to
be ignorant ? Why will they not inquire after virtues and
after wisdom ? But I know that drowsiness oppresses them,
and overcomes them with sloth, and covetousness blinds them.
We have before said, that nothing was worse than ignorance.
But what shall we now say, if the intelligent have vices, and
182 ■ BOETHITJS. CHAP. XXXVI.
fpypian^ aefCep f^ij-bome ^ aeptep cpseftum. Ic pat Seah f ])vl
pile cpe|)an f ppaennej- ~\ ungemeCfsejTnep hi offitte. Ac hpsec
!]• ^onne unjtpen^pe^ Sonne j-e mon ])e bioS^ Co unjemeclice
ofepfpij^eb mib ]>am^ cebpan flaejce, buton he eft geppice ~}
pinne pi]? ]?a unj^eapap ppa he fpij^opt maeje. Ac hpset pilt Su
ponne cpej^an. gip hpa puht nylle y\]) pinnan. ac mib puUan^
piUan poplset aelc job j pulgaep pam ypele. •] bi]? Seah jepceab-
pipe. Ic jecge pie unmihtij -3 eac eallep nauht. popjmm ppa hpa
ppa Sone jemaenan 50b eallpa joba poplaec. buton tpeonne bi]>
pe nauht, Ac jpa hpa ppa piUnaJ) f he cpaeptij pie. he pillna]? f
he pip pie.^ fpa hpa ppa ponne cpaeptig bij). he bij? pip. 3 pe '6e
pip bip. he bip 50b. 7 pe pe Sonne gob bip. pe bij? jepaehg. •] pe
Se jepsehj bip. pe bip eabig. ^j pe pe eabij bip. je bij> liob.^ be
pam^ bsele Se pe sep pehton^° on |)ippe ilcan bee. Ac ic pene nu
hponne f bypige men pillon punbjnan j^aep ]?e ic sep paebe. "p pap
^ te ypele men naepon^^ nauhtar. popl^aemj^ej^ajia ip ma Sonne
J>apa oJ)pa. Ac Seah hi hip nu naeppe ne jelepan. })eah it ip j"pa.
ne magon pe naeppe jepeccan pone ypelan mon claenne ~} un-
tpipealbne. |?e^^ ma ))e pe majon hatan oSSe habban beabne
mon pop cpucene. ne bi^ pe cpuca Sonne nyctpa ]>e pe beaba.
jip him hip ypel ne hpeop]?. Ac pe ]?e ungepechce hopa]>. 3 hip
gecynb nyle healban. ne bi]? pe nauht ; •
§ VI 1.1 Ic pene Seah f J>u piUe cpepan f hit ne pie eallep
ppa gelic. f pe ypela maege bon ypel Seah he 50b ne maeje. j ye
beaba ne maege nau])ep bon. ac ic Se pecje pa&c pe anpealb^^
])apa yplena ne cym]? op nanum cpaepte. ac op unf>eapum. ac gip
pa ypelan pymle jobe^* paepon.^^ Sonne ne bybon hi nan ypel,
ne bij>^^ f nane mihta ^ mon maeje ypel bon. ac^'^ beop un-
mihta. gip f pop ip f peaepgepypn jiehtan^^ f f ypel nauht ne
pie. ponne ne pypcp pe nauht. pe Se ypel pypcp. Da cpaep ic.
Irenoj pop f ip -f pu jejpt.i^ Da, cpae]? he. pu ne pehton^^ pe
Sep "p nan puht naepe mihtigpa Sonne f hehpte 50b. ^^ Da cpae]?
ic. 8pa hit ip ppaSu pejpt,^^ Dacpae]> he. Ne hit |?eah ne maeg
q Boet. lib. iv. prosa 2. — Sed possunt, inquies, mali, &c.
* Bod. j-pypi^an. 2 Cott. unj-cpeiigpa. ^ Cott. bi'S. * Cott.
J>8em. 5 Cott. pulle. ^ Bod. pin-ige. ' Cott. goob. ^ Bod. job.
9 Cott. psem. 1" Cott. peahton. " Cott. naejien. »2 Cott. pon.
13 Cott. anpalb. ** Cott. soobe. '^ Cott. paepen. ^^ Cott. bioS.
1" Bod. -3. i« Cott. peahcon. i^ Cott. paespc. 20 Cott. peahcon.
2> Cott. soob. 22 Cott. paespc.
§ VII. BOETHIUS. 183
will not inquire after wisdom and after virtues ? I know,
however, that thou wilt say that luxury and intemperance
oppress them. But what is weaker than the man who is
utterly overcome by the frail flesh, unless he afterwards de-
sist, and contend against vices as lie best may ? But what
wilt thou say if any creature will not contend against them,
but with full will forsakes all good, and does evil, and is
nevertheless intelligent ? I say that he is feeble, and more-
over altogether nothing ! For whosoever forsakes the uni-
versal good of all goods, without doubt he is nothing. But
whosoever desires that he may be virtuous, desires that he
may be wise. Whosoever, then, is virtuous is wise : and lie
who is wise is good; he then who is good is happy; and he
who is happy is blessed ; and he who is blessed is a god, so
far as we have before mentioned in this same book. But I
rather think that foolish men will wonder at that which I
have just now said, that is, that wicked men were nothing ;
because there is a greater number of them than of the others.
But though they never believe it, yet it is so. We can never
reckon the wicked man pure and sincere, any more than we
can call or esteem a dead man living. Nor indeed is the
living better than the dead, if he repent not of his evil. But
he who lives recklessly, and will not preserve his nature, is
not he nothing ?
§ VII. I think, however, thou wilt say that this is not
altogether so likely, because the wicked can do evil, though
he cannot do good, and the dead can do neither. But I say
to thee that the power of the wicked does not come from any
virtues, but from vices. But if the evil w^ere always good,
then would they do no evil. It is not from power that any
one is able to do evil, but it is from weakness. If that is true
which one some time ago asserted, that evil is nothing, then
he works nothing who works evil. Then said I : Very true is
that which thou sayest. Then said he : Did we not prove be-
fore that nothing was more powerful than the highest good ?
Then said I : So it is as thou sayest. Then said he: Yet it
184 BOETUIUS. CHAP. XXXVI.
nan ypel bon. Da cpae]? ic. Daec \y yo]). Da cpae]? he, Ppsej^ep
aenij mon pene ^ senij mon pie ppa mihcig f he msege bon call
f ]>d&t he piUe. Da cpse]) ic, Nepenp Saej- nan mon 'Se hip gepiC
haepp. Da cpae]? he. ppaet; ypele men majon Seah ypel bon.
Da cpsep ic. Gala '^' hi ne mihcon. Da cp8ej> he. piC ip ppeotol
f hi majon bon ypel. 3 ne majon nan 50b. -j) ip popipam ^e f
ypel nip nauhc. ac ])a, goban.^ jip hi'pulne anpealb habbap. hi
magon bon to gobe^ 'f -^ hi piUap. poppy ip pe puUa anpealb* to
tellanne to ])am^ hehptum gobum.*^ pojijjam^ aegpep je pe an-
pealb,^ ^e pa o])pu gob.^ anb ]m cpgeptap. pe pe lonje sep
nembon. pmbon paepte on pam hehptan jobe.-^^ ppa ppa selcep
hupep pah bip psept aajpep 2,e on Ssepe plope. ge on paem hpope.
ppa bip aelc gob^^ on Eobe psept. poppsem he ip selcep jobep
segpep ge hpop je plop. Dy ip a to pilnianne psep anpealbep. ^
mon mseje job^^ bon. poppam f ip pe betjta anpealb. ^^ f mon
mseje ■j pille pelP* bon. ppa laeppan ppebum ppa mapan. ppsepep
he haebbe. poppam ppa hpa ppa pillap^^ So^^^ ^o bonne, he pillnap
job^7 to habbenne.^^ ■j mib jobe to bionne. pop pip^^ ip pe
Platonep cpibe jenog pop. Se he cpaep. Da pipan ane magon bon
to gobe^^ f hi pilniap."^ ^aypelan majon onpnnon ^ hi pilniap.
Ic nat nu peah ^u piUe cpepan f 6a goban onjmnon hpilum f
hi ne magon pop])bjnn5an. Ac\c cpepe. f^^ hi hit bpmjap pimle
popp. peah hi f peopc ne maejen pulpjiemman. hi habbap Seah
pulne pillan. 3 pe untpeopealba piUa biop^^ to tellenne^* pop
piillppemob peopc. pop^am"^ he naeppe ne poplypt 6am leanum
o66e hep. o66e paep. o6Se ae^paep. peah pillap 'Sa ypelan pypcan
'p "p hi lypt. Seah hit nu ne pie^^ nyt. ne popleopap hi eac pone
pillan. ac habbap hip pite. oppe hep. o'SSe ellep hpaep. o56e
sejpep. pe ypla pilla^^ to ponne hiojia pelt, poppy hi ne majon
bejitan 'p job-^ f hi piUniap.^^ pop 6y hi hit 6uph^° Sone pillan
pecap. nalep puph pihtne pej.^^ 8e ypela"^ pilla naepp naenne ge-
peppcipe pip pa gepaelpa. Da pe pipbom pa 6ip ppell apeht haepbe.
■Sa ongan he ept pmgan anb '6up cpaep.
» Bod. >ap. Cott. paep. 2 Qqii. sooban. ^ Cott. Soobe. * Cott.
anpalb. ^ Cott. psem. « Cott. Soobum. ^ Cott. foppsem. * Cott.
anpalb. » Cott. soob. '» Cott. ^oobe. " Cott. soob, 12 Cott.
Soob. 13 Cott. anpalb. " Cott. pel. ^^ Cott. pilnaS. i^ Cott. soob.
17 Cott. Soob. '8 Cott. habbanne. ^^ Cott. foppv. -<> Cott. Soobe.
21 Cott. pilla'5. 22 Bod, peah. 2^ Cott. bi5. ' 24 Cott, taellanne.
25 Cott. jroppaem. 26 Cott. hic nyt ne pe. 27 Bo(J_ piUg, y)iel. ^s Cott.
?;oob. 29 Cott. pilnia'5. ^° Cott, >ups. 3i Bod. nallap pujihcne
peg. 32 Cott. ypla. 33 Cott. apeaht.
§ VII. BOExnius. 185
cannot do any evil. Then said I: That ia true. Then said
he : Does any one think that any man can be so powerful
that he is able to do all tliat he wills ? Then said I : No man
thinks it who has his senses. Then said he : But wicked men,
nevertheless, can do evil. Then said I : O that they were not
able ! Then said he : It is evident that they can do evil, and
cannot do any good. That is because evil is nothing. But
the good, if they have full power, are able to do whatsoever
good they will. Therefore full power is to be reckoned among
the highest goods ; for both power and the other goods and
excellences, which we long ago mentioned, are fixed in the
highest good. As the wall of every house is fixed both to the
floor and to the roof, so is every good fixed in God, for he is
both the roof and floor of every good. Therefore is the power
that man may do good, ever to be desired : for that is the best
power, that any one is able and willing to do well, whether
with less means or with greater, whichsoever he may have.
For whosoever wills to do good, is desirous to have good, and
to be with good. Therefore is Plato's saying very true, which
he said : The wise alone can do the good which they desire ;
the wicked can only attempt what they desire. /l know not,
however, but thou wilt say that the good sometimes begin
what they cannot accomplish. But 1 say that they always
accomplish it. Though they may not perfect the work, tliey
have nevertheless full will, and the sincere will is to be
reckoned for the perfect work. Therefore they never fail of
rewards either here or there, or both. If the wicked have
will to work what they list, though it is not now perfect, they
lose not also the will, but have its punishment either here or
elsewhere, or both. So greatly does the evil will control
them ! ^For this reason they cannot obtain the good which
they desire, because they seek it through this will, and not
through the right way. The evil will has no fellowship with
iiappiness. When Wisdom had finished this speech, then
began he agaiu to sing, and thus said :
186 B0ETH1TJ9. CHAP, XXXVII.
CAPUT XXXYIl/
§ I. EGpGR nu an j-pell be ])am ofepmobum "] ])am unpiht-
pij'um cyninjum. pa pe gepof j-iccan on pam hehfCan heahj-et-
lum. pa jcinap on manegpa cynna hpaejlum. -j biop ucon
ymbftanhenbe mib miclon gepepfcipe hiopa pegna. 3 pa biop
mib fetlum. 3 mib ^ylbenum hylc fpeopbum. "j mib manij-
j-ealbum hepejeatpum jehypjxe. ■j pjieaciap eall moncynn mib
hiopa ppymme. 3 j'e 'Se hiopa pelc. ne mupnp naupep ne fpienb
ne pienb. pe ma ^e pebenbe liunb. ac bio's ppipe unjefpaejiice
upahapen on hip GOobe poppam ungemeclican anpealbe. Ac py
him mon ponne apmc op pa clapap. "j him optihp papa penunja
■3 paep anpealbep. ^onne mihc pu jepeon f he biop ppipe anhc
papa hip pejna pumum ^e him t5ap peniap. buton he popppa pie.
Anb py. him nu peap jebypep f him pypp pume hpile papa
penunja op Cohen. "3 papa clapa. 3 psep anpealbep. ponne pincp
him 'p he pie oncapcepne^ebpoht. oSSe on pacencum. poppam
op pam unmecca. ■j pam unjemethcan gejepelan. op pam yyet-
mecuum. 3 op mipdicum bpyncum paep hpep. onpaecnap pio
pobe ppaj psepe ppaennejpe. ') jebpepp hiopa OOob ppipe ppiphce.
ponne peaxap eac pa opepmecca 3 unjeppaepnep. ^ ponne hi
peojipap jeboljen. ^onne pypp *p OOob beppunjen mib pam pelme
paepe hacheopcneppe. oppaec hi peoppap gepaepte mib psepe un-
pocneppe. ^ ppa gehaepce. 8iSSan f ^onne jebon bip. Sonne
ongmp him leojan pe tohopa paepe pjiaece. ^ ppa hpaep ppa hip
ippunj piUap. (5onne jehec him peep hip peecelept. Ic pe ifsebe
jepypn sep on pippe ilcan bee. f ealle jepceapca pillnobon pumep
jobep. pop jecynbe. ac t5a unpihcpipan cynjap ne majon nan
50b bon. pop pam ic pe nu paebe. nip f nan punbop. poppam hi
hi unbeppiobap eallum pam unpeapum pe ic 'Se aep nembe. pceal
^onne nebe to papa hlapopba bome pe he hme aep unbeppeobbe.
J '^ ce pyppe ip. f he him nyle pujipum pippmnan. paep he hic
anjmnan polbe. 3 Sonne on pam jepmne puphpunian mihce.
ponne naepbe he hip nane pcylbe ; •
§ 11.^ Da pe pipbom Sa pip leop apun^en haepbe. pa onjan he
epc ppelhan •] pup cpaep. Ijepihpc Su nu on hu miclum. 3 on hu
' Boet. lib. iv. metrum 2. — Quos vides sedere celso, &c.
8 Boet. lib. iv. prosa 3. — Videsne igitur, quanto in cseno, &c.
§ I. II. BOETHIUS. 187
CHAPTEE XXXVII.
§ T. Hear now a discourse concerning proud and unjust
kings, whom we see sitting on the highest thrones ; who
shine in clothes of many kinds, and are surrounded by a
great company of their thanes, who are adorned witli belts
and golden-hilted swords, and with manifold weapons, and
terrify all mankind with their greatness. And he who governs
them regards neither friend nor foe, any more than a mad
hound ; but is inconceivably lifted up in his mind, through
unbounded power. But if any man should strip off from
him the clothes, and deprive him of the retinue and the
power, then wouldest thou see that he is very like to any one
of those his thanes who serve him, unless he be worse. And
moreover, if it by chance happen unto him that he at any time
is deprived of the retinue, and of the clothes, and of the power,
then it seems to him that he is brought to prison or to chains.
Because from excess, and from immoderate clothing, and from
dainty food, and from various drinks of the cup, the fury of
lust is excited, and disquiets their minds very greatly: then
increases also arrogance and wickedness ; and when they are
offended, then is the mind scourged with the heat of anger,
until they are distracted with unhappiness, and so enslaved!
After this takes place, the hope of revenge begins to deceive
them, and whatsoever his anger wills his recklessness pro-
mises him. I said to thee long before, in this same book,
that all creatures were naturally desirous of some good: but
unjust kings can do no good, for the reason I have now given
tliee. That is no wonder, for they subject themselves to all
the vices which I have already named to thee. Every one of
them, therefore, necessarily must submit to the judgment of
the lords, to whom he has already subjected himself; and
what is still worse, that he will not even strive against them.
If he were willing to attempt it, and then were able to per-
severe in the contest, then would he be free from his guilt.
§ II. When Wisdom had sung this lay, then began he
again to speak, and thus said : tSeest thou in how great, and
188 BOETIIIUS. CHAP. XXXYII.
biopum. •] on hu ^lojtfium hopaj-ea]?e^ ]}apa unpeapa ]>a ypel-
piUenban j-ticia]?. ^ hu Sa goban^ fcma]? beophtop jwnne j-unne.
popj^am^ |)a goban* naeppe ne beo)) bebselbe J)apa ebleana hiopa
gobep.^ ne ]m ypelannaeppejjapapica'Se hi geeapnia]?. JElc Jjinj
])e on Sippe populbe jebon bi]?. hsep]? eblean. pyjice hpa 'p -p he
pypce. o'SSe bo 'p 'p he bo. a he hsepS f f he eajma]?.'' Nip f
eac nauhc unpehc'^ ppa ppa gio Romana ]?eap pa&p.^ •;) gec^ !]• on
manegum 'Seobum.^" f mon heh]) aenne heapobbeah^^ jylbenne
set; pumep aepnepejep enbe. psep]? ])onne micel pole co. "j ipna]?^^
ealle enbemep.^^ ^a J)e hiopa aepninje tpepa]?. 3 ppa hpilc ppa
sepepc to ^am beajecym]). J'onne moc pe hine habban him. selc
pilna]? ^ he pcyle aepepc Co cuman ■j hme habban. ac anum he
^eah gebypaj).^'* ppa be]? eall moncynn. on ]?yp anbpeapban hpe
ipna]?. anb oneccaj). anb pillniaS eallep^^ ]?8ep hehpcan jobep.^^
ac hic ip nanum^7 nien geciohhob. ac ip eallum monnum. pop-
paem ip aelcum ]?eapp f he hijie eallan^^ ms&^ne^^ sepcep ])8epe
mebe. paepe mebe ne pypj» naeppe nan gob"^ man bebaeleb. ne
maej hme mon no mib pihce hatan pe jooba. jip he bi]) ]?aep
hehpcan goobep bebseleb.^i popj^sem nan ^ob^- j^eop ne bi]>
bucon jobum"^ ebleanum. bon ^a ypelan "p -p hi bon. pymle bij)
pe beah^* gobep^'^ ebleanep pam jobum^*^ gehealben on ecneppe.
ne maeg papa ypelena ypel pam joban^'^ beniman heopa goobep
■j hiopa phtep. ac gip hi f Soob buCon himpelpum haepben.
"Sonne meahce hi mon hip beniman.^* o|)ep tpeja o5Se pe (^e
hic aep pealbe. oS5e opep mon.^^ Ac ponne pophepc gob"*^ man
hip leanum.^^ Sonne he hip 50b poplaec. OnjiC nu f te selcum
men hip ajen '^ob^^ Jipp 500b eblean. ■p gob f ce onmnan him
pelpum bip. ppa pippa monna pile cpepan f senij 50b man pie
bebaeleb Ssep hehptan jobep. pojipam he pimle aepcep pam
ppmcp. Ac jemun Su pimle Ssep miclan ■j paep paegpan ebleanep.
1 Cott. hopo pea^a. 2 Cott. Sooban. ^ Cott. popl>8em. ^ Cott.
gooban. ^ Cott. Soobep. ^ Cott. geeapna'S. ^ Cott. unpiht. » Bod.
Romana I'eapap ip. ^ Cott. Siec. '" Cott. }>iobum. " Cott. bea^.
12 Cott. ypna'5. ^^ god. enbemepc. ^* Cott. gebype'S. 1^ Cott.
ealle. '^ Cott. Soobep. '^ Cott. anum. i« Cott. ealle, ^^ Cott.
maegene. 20 Qott. Soob. 21 Cott. ne maes hme mon no mib pihce
hacan pe j;ooba. gif he bi'S J^sep hehptan Soobej* bebaeleb. 22 Cott.
Soob. 2' Cott. soobum. 24 Cott. beag. 25 Cott. goobep. 20 Cott.
goobum. 27 Cott. gooban. 28 jjQf^j hiopa ^ob. buron himpeljum
naej^^ben. J>onne mihce hi mon hi beniman. 29 Bod. pealbe o'Sl^a ol^ep
ma. 30 Cott. Soob. ^i Bod, geleapan. ^2 Cott. soob.
§ TT. BOETIIIUS. 189
in ho\T deep, and in how dark a sink of vices the evil-willing
are involved, and how the good shine brighter than the sun ?
For the good are never destitute of the rewards of their good,
nor the wicked ever of the punishments which they deserve.
Everything which is done in this world has recompense. Let
any one work what he may, or do what he may, he will ever
have that which he earns. Moreover, it is not unjust, as was
formerly the custom of the Romans, and still is in many na-
tions, that man should have a golden crown at the end of
some course. Many people then come thereto, and all run
equally, those w^ho have confidence in their running; and
whichsoever first arrives at the crown, then may he have it
to himself. Every one desires that he may first arrive, and
have it ; but nevertheless it i'alls to one. So does all man-
kind in this present life, — runs and hastens, and is desirous
of the liighest good. But it is oflTered to no one man, but is
offered to all men. Therefore it is needful to every one that
he strive with all his power after the reward. OF the reward
no good man is ever deprived. A man cannot rightly call
himself good if he be destitute of the highest good, for no
good servant is without good rewards. Let the wicked do
what they may, the crown of good reward will always be pos-
sessed by the good for ever. The evil of the wicked cannot
deprive the good of their good, and of their excellence. But
if they had that good from without them, then might some
one deprive them of it ; either he who formerly bestowed it,
or another man. But a good man then loses his rewards
when he forsakes his good. Understand, then, that to every
man his own good gives good reward ; that good which is in
himself. "What wise man will say, that any good man is des-
titute of the highest good ? for he always labours after it.
But meditate thou always on the great and the fair reward,
190 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXVII.
Fop]7am^ f eblean if opep ealle o)?pe^ lean Co lupienne.^ ■;] ho
J?8ef lean to fam popefpecenan jobum* ]?e ic ^e a&p tealbe on
^[iibban bee. J^onne hi ]?onne jejabepube"^ bioj). 'Sonne mihc^
J)u onjican 'f fa jepsellJa •] 'p hehjxe job'' bi]? eall an. 3 ■p hij>
Cob. -J })onne Su mihc^ eac on^ican f aelc job^ man bi]? eabij.
;] •}) ealle gej'seli^e men beoj^^^ Urobaf. 3 habbaj? ecu eblean
hiojia^^ jobepl'i^
§ III.* Fopj?am^^ ne Seapp na&nne pipne mon tpeojan. f Sa
ypelan nabban eac ece^^ eblean heopa ypelep. f bi)> ece pite.
Deah ^u nu pene f hiopahpylc'^ •^eyeh'^^^ pie hep pop populbe.
he haepj) t5eah pimle^^ hij- ypel mib him. "3 eac }>3e)' ypelep^^
eblean '5a hpile ])e hic him lica]?. Nip nu nan pip man f nyte f
te job^^ ■;] ypel bio]? pimle^° unge}>paepe betpux^^ him. •] pimle^^
on cpa^^ piUa]?. -^ ppa ppa ^aep joban ^obnep bi}> hip ajen job^^ 3
hip ajen eblean. jpa bij? eac faep ypelan ypel hip ajen ypel. "3 hip
eblean. -j hip ajen pice. ne tpeo]? naenne mon jip he pice haep]?.
•p he nsebbe ypel, ppaec penaj? ]7a ypelan f he beon bebaelbe
■Sapa pica •] pine pulle aelcep ypelep. nallap^^ no ^ an ^ hi bio])
apylbe. ac popneah co nauhce gebone. Ongic nu be ])am gobum
hu micel pice ]7a ypelan pymle habba]?. •] gehyp jyt^^ pum
bippell. 3 jehealb ])a pel ])e ic })e aep paebe. Gall *p. *}) ce anneppe
haep]). 'p pe pecja]) ]}8ec ce pie. '5a hpile ])e hic asc pomne bi]?. •^
■Sa pamppaebneppe pe haca]? 50b. 8pa ppa an man bi}) man. 'Sa
hpile ^e pio papl -3 pe lichoma bi]) aecpomne.^'^ ]7onne hi })onne
jepmbpebe bio]? 'Sonne^^ ne bi^ he ^ f he aep paep. f lice pu
mihc^^ 5e}>encan be 5am lichoman ■j be hip limum. gip ])apa
lima hpilc^^ op bi]). ^onne ne bij* hic no pull mon ppa hic aep
pap. ^ip eac hpylc gob^^ man ppom jobe jepice. Sonne ne bij? he
]>e^^ ma pullice 50b. jip he eallun^a ppom gobe^^ gepice, ]?onan
hic jebypa}) "p Sa ypelan popla&ca]? -f j^ hi a&p bibon^^ ne^^ bioj?
* Boet. lib. iv. prosa 3. — Quae cum ita sint, &c.
1 Cott. Fop)>8em. ^ Cott. o'Spu. ^ Qqh^ lupianne. * Cott. soobum.
5 Cott. sesabejiubu. ^ Cott. meahc. 7 Cott. soob. « Cott. raeahc.
9 Cott. soob. 10 Cott. bio'5. " Cott. heopa 12 Cott. Soobep. i^ Cott.
pop>8em. " Cott. nsebben eac ecu. " hp\'lc, deest in MS. Bod.
i<5 Bod. sepael^ei '7 Cott. pymle. " Cott. Vflep. ^^ Cott. soob.
20 Cott. pymle. 21 Cott. berpeox. ^2 Cott.' pymle. " Cott. cu.
2* Cott. soob. 25 Cott. nallep. 26 Cott. gee. 27 Cott. secromne
bio's. 28 hi Jjonne gepmbpebe bio^ >onne, desunt in MS. Bod. 29 Cott.
meaht. ^o Cott. hpylc. ^i Cott. goob. 32 Cott. t>on. s^ go^e,
deest in MS. Cott. ^* Cott. bybon. 35 Cott. T ne.
§ III. BOETHIUS. 191
for that reward is above all other rewards to be loved: and
add that reward to the before-mentioned goods which I for-
merly recounted to thee in the third book. When they are
added together, then mayest thou perceive that happiness
and the highest good are all one, and that is Grod. And then
thou mayest also perceive that every good man is happy,
and that all happy men are gods, and have eternal reward of
their good !
§ III. Therefore no wise man needs to doubt that the evil
have also eternal recompense of their evil, that is, eternal
punishment. Though thou mayest think that any of them is
happy here in respect of the world, he nevertheless has always
his evil with him, and also the recompense of the evil, even
whilst it gives him pleasure. There is no wise man who is
iijnorant that good and evil are always discordant between
themselves, and always are at variance in their wishes. And
as the goodness of the good is ins own eood, and his own re-
ward, so is also the evil of tlie wicked his own evil, and his
reward, and his own punishment. No man if he has punish-
ment, doubts that he has evil. What ! do the wicked think
that they are exempted from punishments, and yet are full of
all evil? Not only are they foul, but almost brought to
nothing. Understand, tlieretore, from the good, how great
punishment the wicked always have: and liear, moreover, an
example ; and well retain those which I before mentioned to
thee. Whatsoever has unity, that we say exists while it re-
mains together ; and this unity we call good. Thus a man is
a man whilst the soul and the body are together. But wiien
they are separated, then is he not that which he was before.
The same thou mayest conceive concerning the body, and
concerning its limbs. If any of the limbs is off, then it is
not full man, as it was before. So if any good man depart
from good, then is he not any more fully good, if he at all
depart from good. When it happens that the wicked leave
off what they before did, they are not what they before were.
192 BOETIIIUS. CHAP. XXXVII.
•p ^ hi gep psepon. Ac ]?onne hi 'p ^oh^ poplaeca]? -^ Deop]:>a]?
ypele. ^onne ne beo])^ hi nauhtap buton anhcnep. f mon ma&g
jepon "p hi gio men paepon.^ ac hi habbaj? ]?ae}- mennij-cef
^onne ]>one becjtan bael poplopen. 3 J>one popcuj^ej-can"^ je-*
healben. hi poplgeca]? ■^ gecynbehce 50b. "^^ pmc mennijchce
l^eapap. "3 habbaj> ])eah mannep anhcneppe ^a hpile ]>e hi
libba]? ; •
§ IV." Ac fpa )-pa manna ^obnep^ hi ahep]? opep }?a men-
nijcan jecynb. to J^am^^ f hi beo]? Dobap genemnebe.^ ppa eac
hiopa ypelnep apypp]) hi unbep 'Sa mennipcan jecynb. to ];am^
f hi bio]? ypele gehatene. f pe cpepa]? pie nauht. FopJ^am jip
^u ppa ^eplsetne mon metpt f he bi|) ahpeppeb ppom gobe^° to
ypele. ne miht^^ Su lime na mib pihte nemnan man. ac neat,
dp ])U ]>onne^^ on hpilcum men on^itpt. f he bi]? jitpepe j
peapepe. ne pcealt ]>\i hme na hatan man. ac pulp, Anb pone
pef>an ])e bij) J^peopteme. ])u pcealt hatan hunb. nallap^^ mann.
Anb ^one leapan lyte^an. ])u pcealt hatan pox. naep mann. Anb
^one unjemetlice mobe^an ^ yppienban.^^ Se to micelne anban
haapp. t)u pcealt hatan leo. naepmann. Anb ])one paenan. ]?e bi]>
to plap. ^u pcealt hatan appa ma ]?onne man. Anb j^one unje-
metlice eapjan. ])e him onbpeet mape^^ ]>onne he |)U]ipe.^*' ]>\l
miht^^ hatan ha[)a. ma Sonne man. Anb]?am^^ ungeptsej^j^ejan
■3 Sam-^^ haeljan.^^ ])u miht^^ pec^jan^^ f hi bi]? pmbe gelicpa.
oSSe unpt ilium pujelum. Sonne jemetpseptum monnum.. Anb
]mm ]>e Su onjitpt f he li])^^ on hip lichaman luptum. f he biS
anhcopt pettum ppmum. ]ie pimle pillna|r* licjan on pulum
polum. ~\ hi nylla]) appyhjan^^ on hlutcjmm paetepum.^^ ac
|jeah hi pelbum hponne beppembe peopj>on. Sonne pleap he ept
on ]?a polu ■J bepealpia)> ]?aep on. Da pe f^ipbom ]?a }>ip ppell
apeht haepbe. Sa ongan he pmjan 3 jjup cpae|).
" Boet. lib. iv. prosa 3. — Sed cum ultra homines, &c.
1 Cott. soob. '^ Cott. bio'5. ^ Cott. psepen. * Bod. j-opcuj^epan.
5 Bod. -). 6 Cott. soobnep.. ^ Cott. bon. » Cott. genembe. ^ Cott.
bon. '0 Cott. soobe. " Cott. meahr. ^- J>onne, deest in MS. Cott.
i^ Cott. nallef. ■ ^* Bod. ippenbe. ^'^ Cott. ma. '" Cott. ]>ypfe.
»7 Cott. meahc. ^^ Cott. |jsem. '^ Cott. jjsem. 20 Cott. ^alan.
2» Cott. meahc. - Cott. j-ec^an. 23 (jott. li^'S. -* Cott. pymle
pillaS. 25 Cott. nseppe nella^ appylian. ^ Cott. pajtpum.
§ IV. BOETHIUS. 193
But when men forsake good, and become wicked, then are
they nothing but a resemblance ; so that one may see that
they formerly were men, but they have lost the best part of
humanity, and kept the worst. They forsake the good of
their nature, that is human manners, and have nevertheless
the likeness of man while they live.
§ IV. But as the goodness of men raises them above human
nature, so far that they are named gods ; so also their wicked-
ness degrades them below human nature, so far that they
are called evil, which we say is nothing. Therefore if thou
shouldestmeet a man so debased that he is turned from good
to evil, thou canst not rightly name him man, but beast. If
then tliou observest with respect to any man, that he is a
rapacious man, and a spoiler, thou shouldest not call him a
man, but a wolf. And the fierce man who is a brawler, thou
shouldest call a hound, not a man. And the deceitful, crafty
man, thou shouldest call a fox, not a man. And the immo-
derately proud and angry inan, who has great malice, thou
shalt call a lion, not a man. And the dull man who is too
slow, thou shouldest call an ass more than a man. And the
excessively timid man who is more fearful than he needs, thou
mayest call a hare more than a man. And to the inconstant
and the light, thou mayest say, that they are more like the
wind, or restless birds, than modest men. And to him whom
thou observest that he is lying in the lusts of his body, thou
mayest say, that he is most like to fat swine, which always
desire to lie in foul mire, and will not wash themselves in
pure waters ; but if they sometimes rarely are made to swim,
then cast they themselves again into the mire, and wallow
therein. When Wisdom had ended this speech, then began
he again to sing, and thus said :
194 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXVIII.
CAPUT XXXYIIIJ
§ I. IE ^e^ me&g peccan op ealbum leaj'um j'pellum pum
fpif e anlic j'pell j^aepe pppaece ]>e pic nu ymbe pppsecon. pit je-
bypebe 310 on Tpoiana gepmne 'I? paep paej* an cynmj ])8&p nama
Aulixef. j-e haepbe tpa Sioba unbep ])am Kapepe. Da Sioba
psepon hatene Il^acije 3 Recie. "] Saep Kafepef nama pa&p Aga-
memnon. Da pe Aulixep mib ]?am Kapepe to })am jepohte pop.
ta hsepbe he pume hunbpeb pcipa. ^a paepon hi pume ten jeapi
on ]?am jepinne. Sa pe cynmg ept ham cepbe ppom ])am Kapepe.
■J hi 'I) lanb hsepbon gepunnen. ^a naepbe ma pcipa poiine an. 'p
yae^Y 'Seah })pe pej)pe. ^a geptob hme heah pebep •] ptopm pae.
peap|) ^a popbpipan on an iglonb ut on^ Saepe j7enbel pas. ]?a
paep |)aep ApoUmep bohtop. lobep puna, pe lob paep hiopa
cyninj. j hcette f he pceolbe bion pe hehpta Cob. 3 f bypige
pole him gelypbe. pop]7am])e he paep cyne eynnep. j hi nypton
naenne o]7epne Cob on tiaene timan. buton hiopa cynmjap hi
peop])obon pop Eobap. Sa pceolbe paep lobep paebep beon eac
Eob. |)aep nama paep 8atupnup. "j hip ppa ilce eal cyn^ hi haepbon
pop Ijob. J}a pap hiopa an pe Apollmup ^e pe aep ymb ppjiaecon.
^aep ApoUmep bohtop pceolbe bion jybene. j^aepe nama paep
Kipke. pio hi paebon pceolbe bion ppipe bpycpaeptiju. ~\ )io
punobe on '5am iglanbe ]>e pe cymng on popbpipen peapp '5e pe
aep ymbe pppaecon. pio haepbe Saep ppi]>e micle pepobe hipe
Sejna. 3 eac oJ>ep]ja maebena. 8ona ppa hio gepeah 'Sone pop-
bpipenan cynmj ])e pe aep ymbpppaecon. paep nama paep Aulixep.
5a ongan hio hme lupian. ■^ hiopa aejpep opepne ppipe unje-
metlice. ppa f te he pop hipe lupan poplet hip jiice eall. j hip
cynpen. ^ punobe mib hipe op 6one pippt f hip pejnap him ne
mihton lenj mib jepunian. ac pop hiopa eapbep lupan ~j pop
^aepe ppace tihobon hine to poplaetanne. Da ongunnon leape
men pypcan ]-pell. 3 paebon f hio pceolbe mib hipe bpycpaepc-
pa men popbpeban. 6 peoppan hi an pilbe beopa lie. "j pi^San
plean on pa paccentan ^ on coppap. 8ume hi paebon f hio
pceolbe poppceoppan to leon. ~] Sonne peo pceolbe pppecan.
ponne pynbe hio. 8ume pceolban bion epopap. ^3 Sonne In
pceolban hiopa pap piopian. ponne gpymetoban hi. 8ume
pupbon to pulpan. Sa Suton. Sonne hi pppaecan pceolbon.
^ Boet. lib. iv. metrum 3. — Vela N'eritii ducis, &c.
* Botl et Cott. J?a. 2 Bod. et Cott. ucon. 3 Bod. et Cott. selcine.
i:
§ I. BOETHIUS. 195
CHAPTER xxxvnr.
§ I. I CAK relate to thee, from ancient fables, a story very
like to the subject which we have just now spoken about. It
happened formerly in the Trojan war, that there was a king
whose name loas Ulysses, who had two countries under the
Caesar. The countries were called Ithaca and Eetia, and tlie
(-sesar's name was Agamemnon. WhenTJlysses went witli
the Caesar to the battle, he had some hundred ships. Then
were they some ten years in that war. When the king again
returned homeward from the Caesar, and they had conquered
the land, he had not more ships than one; but that was a
ship with three rows of oars. Then opposed him a great
tempest and a stormy sea. He was then driven on an ishand
out in the Wendel sea. Then was there the daughter of
Apollo, the son of Jove. Jove was tiieir king, and pretended
that he should be the highest god, and that foolish people
believed him because he was of royal lineage, and they knew
not any other God at that time, but worshipped their kings
for gods. Then should the father of Jove be also a god, whose
name was Saturn ; and likewise all his kindred they lield for
gods. Then was one of them the Apollo whom we before
mentioned. Apollo's daughter should be a goddess, whose
name was Circe. She, they said, should be very skilful in
sorcery ; and she dwelt in the island on which the king was
driven, about whom we before spoke. She had then a very
great company of her servants, and also of other maidens.
As soon as she saw the king driven thither, whom we before
mentioned, whose name was Ulysses, then began she to love
him, and each of them the other, beyond measure ; so that he
for love of her neglected all his kingdom, and his family, and
dwelt with her until the time that his thanes would no longer
remain with him ; but for love of their country, and on ac-
count of exile, determined to leave him. Then began false
men to work spells. And they said that she should by her
sorcery overthrow the men, and cast them into the bodies of
wild beasts, and afterwards throw them into chains and
fetters. Some, they said, she should transform to lions, and
when they should speak then they roared. Some should be
wild boars, and when they should lament their misfortune
then they grunted. Some became wolves. These howled
o2
196 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXVIII.
Sume pupbon to ]7am beopcynne ]>e mon liat tigpip Spa peep's
eall pe jepeppcipe pophpeppeb to miptlicum beopcynnum. aelc
to pumum biope. buton Ipam. cynmge aniim. ^Icne mete hi
onpcunebon })e men eta}), j pilnobon 'Sapa )?e beop eta)).
Nsepbon hi nane anhcneppe manna ne on hchoman ne on
ptemme. 3 selc pippte Seah hip jepit ppa ppa he eep pippte. f ^e-
pit pap ppi]>e popgienbe pop fam epm|)um ^e hi ^pojan, Ppaet
])a menn ^e ]?ypum leapun^um jelepbon. 'Seah pippton ])8et hio
mib J)am bpycpsepte ne mihte 'Sapa manna CDobon penban.
]>eah hio '5a hchoman onpenbe. Gala f hit ip micel cpaept ^aep
QOobep pop ^one hchoman. Be ppilcum -j be ppilcum ]7U miht
onjitan f pe cpsept ftaep hchoman bi}> on ])am OOobe. -) f te
eelcum men ma bepia]7 hip OOobep unpeapap. 'Saep GOobep tio|>
eallne ])one hchoman co him. 3 J)aep lichoman mettpumnep ne
mse;^ f GOob eallunja to him getion ; •
§ 11.^ Da cpsej? ic. Ic eom gepapa "p *}> ip po]?. f ]?u sep
psebept. '^ paep f hit nauht unjuht psejie ]>3et mon ^a ypel-
pillenban men hete netenu. oSSe pilbeop.^ Seah hi mannep on-
licnepje hsebben. Ac ^ip ic haepbe ppilcne anpealb.^ ppylce pe
seimihtega Erob haep]?. Sonne ne lete ic no "Sa ypelan bepian
Sam^ gobum"^ ppa ]pi]?e ppa hi nu bo]). Da cpae]) he. Nip hit him
no ppa lonje alepeb ppa ])e (Sync]?, ac Su miht onjitan f him
bi]) Y]}]])e hpsebhce jeptypeb^ hiopa oppopjneppe. ppa ic Ipe nu
pihte pec^an pille. 'Seah ic jet emtan^ naebbe pop o])eppe^
jppsece. 'Saep hi '8one unnyttan anpealb^ na&pben Ipe hi penaj) f
hi habba]).^ Sonne nsepbon hi ppa micel pite ppa hi habban
pculon. Da ypelan bi]? micle^° unjepaelijpan })onne. Sonne^^ hi
magan ])uphtion^^ J)aet ypel f hi lypt. ])onne hi ])onne bion.
]>onne hi hit bon ne majon.SeahSip^^ ^yPS^ i^®^ ^^ jelepan.^*
pic ip ppi])e ypel f mon^^ ypel pille. -^ hit^^ ip |)eah micle pyppe
f) hit mon maej bon.^^ pop])aem^^ pe ypela^^ piUa bi|) toptenceb.
ppa }>e pecelp^*' bepopan pype. jip mon f peopc puphtion^^ ne^^
maeg. Ac Sa ypelan^^ habba]? hpilum Spio unjepselj^a.^^ an ip f
hi ypel piUaJ). ofep "p -p hi majon. ])pibbe f hi hit ])uphtio]).^^
■"" Boet. lib.'iv. prosa 4. — Turn ego, Fateor, inquam, &c.
1 Cott. pilbiop. 2 Cott. anpalb. ^ Cott. ^aem. * Cott. goobum.
s Cott. gej-ciojieb. ^ Cott. a&meccan. ^ Cott. o'Spe. ^ Cott. un-
nettan anpalb. ^ Cott. haebben. '» Cott. bio'5 fymle. " Bod. )>one.
12 Cott. mason J?u)iSCion. i3 Cott. hip. "• Cott. gelepen. i^ Cott.
men % 16 ijo,i^ he^ 17 5on, deest in MS. Cott. '« Cott. poj»}'3&m
pop^sem. 19 Cott. ypla. ^o (j^tt. J^aep pec. «i Cott. ]jupsnon. 22 ne,
deest in MS. Bod. 23 Cott. yplan. '^* Cott. unpselj^a. 25 Cott.
.bupscio'5.
§ II. BOETHIUS. 197
when they should speak. Some became that kind of wild
beast that man calls tiger. Thus was all the company turned
to wild beasts of various kinds ; each to some beast, except
the king alone. Every meat they refused which men eat,
and were desirous of those which beasts eat. They had no
resemblance of men either in body or in voice, yet every one
knew his mind, as he before knew it. That mind was very
sorrowful through the miseries which they suffered. Indeed,
the men who believed these fictions, nevertheless knew that
she by sorcery could not change the minds of men, though
she changed the bodies. How great an excellence is that of
the mind in comparison of the body ! By these things, and
the like thou mayest learn, that the excellence of the body is
in the mind ; and that to every man the vices of his mind are
more hurtful. Those of the mind draw all the body to them,
and the infirmity of the body cannot entirely draw the mind
to it.
§ II. Then said I : I am convinced that that is true which
thou before saidst, that is, that it w^ould not be unfit that we
should call evil-willing men cattle, or wild beasts, though they
have the resemblance of man. But if I had such power aa
the Almighty God has, then would I not let the wicked injure
the good so much as they now do. Then said he : It is not
permitted to them so long as thou supposest. But thou
mayest be assured that their prosperity will very soon be re-
moved, as I will shortly inform thee, though I have not leisure
now on account of other discourse. If they had not the vain
power, which they think they have, then would they not have
so great punishment as they shall have. The wicked are much
more unhappy when they are able to accomplish the evil which
they list, than they are wdien they are unable to do it ; though
these foolish men do not believe it. It is very wicked that
any man wills evil, and it is still much worse that he is able
to do it, for the evil will is dispersed like incense before the
fire, if man is not able to accomplish the work. But the
wicked have sometimes three misfortunes : one is, that they
will evil; the second, that they are able to do it-, the third,
198 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXTIII.
j:oj)]7am})e^ l^ob hsep]) getiohhob to j-ellenne^ pitu ^ epmpa
])am ypelum^ monnum fop hiopa yflum peopcum. Da cpaej? ic.
8pa hic If ppa 'Su pejj't. -^ ])eah ic polbe ^epyj'can. jip ic mihce.*
•p hi naefbon ]7a heapb]*8el]?a "p hi mihconypel bon. Da cpsa]? he.
Ic pene ]:»eah j) him lopije pe anpealb^ seji |)onne '5u polbepc.^
0(56e hi penen. pop]?8em nan puhc nip lang''' psepep on ]?ip anb-
peapban hpe. ]}eah monnum ]?ynce 'p hic lanj pie. Ac yyi'pe ope
pe micla anpealb^ 'Sapa ypelena gehpipc ppijje pasphce. ppa ppa
jpeac beam on pyba^ PypcJ) hlubne bynt Sonne men laepc
pena]?. ■j popjiam^^ e^e hi bio]?^^ pimle ppij}e eapme. dp hi
■Sonne hiopia ypel eapme ^ebeS. hu ne bi]? J)onne pimle 'f lan^e
Spel pyppe Sonne f pcopce. Deah nu ]>a yplan nseppe ne pup-
bon^'-^ beabe. Seah ic^^ polbe cpe])an f hi psepon^'* eajimopce.^^
Xrip ]?a eapmj)a ealle^^ poj^e^*^ pmc. Se pe lanje^^ sepi ymbe
jiehcon.^^ f Sa ypelan^° hep on populbe^^ habban pceolban.^^
J'onne ip paec ppeotol. f ]'>a eapm})a beoj)^^ enbeleaje ]>e ece-"^
bio]?. Da cpae]? ic. Dser ip punboplic f Su pejpc.^^ --j ppijje eap-
po];hc bypejum monnum co onjitanne. Ac ic onjite J)eah f
hic behmp]7 ^enoj pel to psepe j-pjiaece ])e pit seyi ymbe pppaecon.
Da cpae)) he. Ic ne pppece nu no to bypegum monnum. ac
pppece to ]?am ])e pillniap^^ |7ipbom onjitan. pop]?8em f bi])
tacn JZipbomep. f hme mon pilnije^'^ ^ehepan'"^^ •] onjitan. Ac
jip bypi2;jia hpone tpeje^^ senigep Sapa ppella. Se pe sep ymbe^^
pppaecon on ])ippe ilcan bee. Sonne jepecce he. jip he mseje.
o])ep tpega oSSe ]?apa ppella pum leap oSSeunjelic Saepe pppaece
pe pit aeptep ppypiap. oSSe ppibbe penb ongite 3 jelepe f pit
on piht ppipien.^^ gip he papa nan ne be]).^^ Sonne nat he
hpaet^^ he men]) ; • ^*
§ III.^ Ac ic Se mae^ jec^^ taecan opep Sm^ pe bypejum
monnum pile Sincan ^et^^ unjelepenbhcpe.^'' ^ ip Seah genoj
^ Boet. lib. iv. prosa 4, — Nam hoc quoqiie quod dicam, &c.
1 Cott. yopjjsemjje. '■^ Cott. pellanne. ^ Cott. yjlura. ■* Cott. meahc.
* Cott. anpalb. ^ Cott. polbe. ' Cott. Ions. » Cott. anpalb. » Cott.
puba. '" Cott. pop)38em. " Cott. beo'S. 12 Cott. pupben. " ic,
deest in MS. Cott. »'' Cott. psepen. i^ Cott. eapmopce T unsepael-
Sopce. 16 Cott. ealla. 1^ Cott. rol^a. '^ Cott. lonse. '^ Catt.
lieahton. '^'^ Cott. yplan. 21 Cott. peopulbe. 22 ^ott. pceolben.
■-^^ Cott. ypm>a bioS. ^4 Qo^.^ ^f^c. 25 Cott. psegpc. 26 Q^tt. pel
pilniaS. 27 Cott. pelnige. 28 Bod. gepan. 29 Cott. tpeoSe. ^o Cott,
vmb. 31 Cott. ppvpiKen. ^2 Cott. nyCe. ^^ Cott. nan ]>apa hpaet.
^^ Cott. maenS. 'as Cott. giec. se Cott. siet. 37 Cott. unsele-
febhcpe.
§ III. EOETHIUS. 199
that they accomplish it. For God lias decreed to give punish-
ments and miseries to wicked men for their wicked works.
Then said I: 80 it is as thou sayest ; and yet I woukl wish,
if I might, that they had not the uuhappiness of being able
to do evil. Then said he : I think, however, that that power
will be lost to them sooner than either thou or they would
expect. For nothing is of long duration in this present life,
though it seem to men that it be long. But very frequently
the great power of the wicked falls very suddenly, even as a
great tree in a wood makes a loud crash when men least
expect; and through fear they are always very miserable.
But if their wickedness makes them miserable, is not then
the long evil always worse than the short? Though the
wicked never died, I should still say that they were most
miserable. If the miseries are all true, which we long ago
discoursed about, that the wicked should have in this w^orld,
then is it evident that those miseries are infinite which are
eternal. Then said I: That is wonderful which thou sayest,
and very difficult to be understood by foolish men. But I
nevertheless perceive that it appertains well enough to the
discourse which we were before holding. Then said he : I
am not now speaking to foolish men, but am speaking to
those who desire to understand wisdom ; for it is a token of
wisdom that any one is willing to hear and understand it.
But if any of the foolish doubt any of the reasonings which
we have already uttered in this same book, let him show, if
he can, some one of the arguments ichich is either false, or
inapplicable to the subject about which we are inquiring; or
thirdly, let him turn, understand, and believe that we argue
rightly. If he will do none of these things, then he knows
not what he means.
§ III. But I can still teach thee another thing, which to
foolish men will seem yet more incredible, and is nevertheless
suitable enough to the argument which we are holding. Then
200 BOETIIIUS. CHAP. XXXTIlf.
gelic ])am j-pelle ^e pit sejrtep fpypiap. Da cpaej? ic. Ppaec ip f
la 'Smga. Da cp8e]?he. pic ip "p *{? ^aypelan^ bio]? micle i^ejaeli^-
pan 6e on 'Sipfe populbe^ habba]? micelne pean 3 manijpealb
pice^ pop hypa^ ypelum.^ ^onne ])a pi en ])& nane pjiaece nabba]).
ne nan pite on ^ij-pe populbe pop hiopa yple. Ne pene Seah nan
mon f ic pop J>8&m anum ^yllic pppece. 'Se ic polbe un])eapap
caelan. "j gobe hepian. 3 mib ^sepe bipne^ men 'Speacian ~j
tihtan''' Co gobum 'Seapum. pop|)am^ eje 'Ssep pitep, ac pop
o]?pum jjin^um^ ic hic pppece^^ ^ec ppipop. Da cpse]? ic. Fop
hpilcum^^ o];pum ^injum polbepc^^ 'Su f pppecan.^^ bucon pop-
J?am^* 'Se ])u nu psebepc. Da cpa&p he. Ijemunpt^^ Su f pic aep
pppaecon. f paep f Ipa ^oban^*^ haepben^'^ pymle anpealb^^ "j ^e-
p8&lj)a. •) J>a ypelan^^ nsepben nseppe nau|)eji. Da cpaa]? ic. Daet
ic jeman. Da cpae]? he. Ppaec penpc ^u nu. jip )?u gepihpc
hpylcne ppipe un^epsehjne mon. ^ onjicj-c 'Seah hpaec hpeju^^
jobep^^ on him. hpaej^ep he pie ppa unjepaehj ppa pe J>e nan puht
jobej-^^ nsepj*. Da cpse]? ic. 8e me )?ync]? gepaeli^pa. '5e hpaec
hpe^u^^ haep]?. Da cpaej) he. Ac hu]?ync])^e J?onne be pam^^ ]>e
nan puhc gobej'^^ nsep)). jip he haep]?^'' pumne eacan ypelep. pe J)u
pile pecgan J)onne jec^'' jieun^epaelijpa 'Sonne pe ojjep. pop Ipsey
ypelep^^ eacan. Da cpse]? ic. Ppi ne pceolbe me ppa 'Smcan.^^
Da cpse]) he. Telo ]?onne f Se ppa ]?inc]?.^^ onjic Sonne mib
innepeapban^^ GQobe f J^aypelan^^ habba]? pimle^^ hpsec hpeju^*
jobep on ^emong hiopa yfel. f ip hiopa pice f mon mae^ j'piSe
eaSe gepeccan mib pihce him co jobe.^^ Ac }?a ]>e him bi}) un-
picnobe eall hiopa ypel on Sippe populbe. habba,]? pum ypel
hepijpe "J ppecenblicpe ]?onne senij^*^ pice pie on ]7ij"pe populbe.
■f ip "p him bi]) un^epicnobe^''' hiopa ypel on ])ippe populbe. ^^ f
ip f ppeocolopce cacn^^ ]?8ep maepcan ypelep on J)ippe populbe.'**^
' Cott. yplan. 2 Co^t. peopulbe. ^ Cott. pitu. * Cott. hiopa.
5 Vfelum, deest in MS. Cott. ^ Cott. bypne. ^ Cott. )>peat;isan -^
tyhcan. ^ Cott. yopjjaem. ^ Cott. hncsum. 10 Cott. pppaec. ^ Cott.
hpylcum. • 12 Cott. polbef. ^^ Cott. ppjiaecan. J* Cott. fopjjsem.
*^ Cott. semanft. is Cott. Sooban. i7 Cott. haejrbon. '8 Cott.
anpalb. i^ Cott. yylan. 20 Cott. hpu^u. 21 Cott. Soobep. 22 Cott.
Soobep. 23 Cott. hpusu. ^^ Cott. feem. 25 Cott. goober. ^^ Bod.
na&jr-S. 27 Cott. gier. 28 Cott. yjlep. 29 Cott. J?yncan. ^o pa
cp8&^ he. Telo )jonne 'f \>e ppa Jpinc'S, desunt in MS. Cott. ^i Cott. m-
nepeapbpe. ^2 Cott. yy^an. ^3 Cott. pymle. ^* Cott. hpugu. 35 Cott.
Soobe. 36 Bod. am. ^^ Cott. unpitnob. ^s Cott. peopulbe. ^9 Qq^^^
tacen. *" Cott. peopulbe.
§ III. ' BOETHIUS. 201
said I : "What tiling is that ? Then said he : It is this, that
those wicked persons are much happier who in this world
have great misery, and manifold pimishment for their evil,
than those are who have no suffering nor punishment in this
world for their guilt. Let no one, however, think that I
speak thus merely because I would reprove vices, and praise
virtue, and by the example urge and persuade men to good
conduct through fear of punishment: but I speak it still
more for other reasons. Then said I : For what other reasons
wouldest thou speak it, except what thou hast just mentioned ?
Then said he : JDost thou recollect what we before said, that
is, that the good always had power and happiness, and the
wicked never had either? Then said I: That I remember.
Then said he : But what tbinkest thou, if thou seest any man
very unhappy, and yet perceivest something of good in hira ;
is he as unhappy as the man who has no good m him ? Then
said I: He appears to me happier, who has something of
good. Then said he : But what then dost thou think con-
cerning him who has no good, if he has some addition of
evil? He, thou wilt say, is still more unhappy than the
other, through the addition of evil. Then said I : Why should
not I think so ? Then said he : Consider that it so appears
to thee, and understand with inward mind that the wicked
have always something of good among their evil, tliat is their
punishment, which we may very easily, and justly reckon to
them as good. But those whose evil is all unpunished in this
world, have an evil heavier and more dangerous than any
punishment in this world is ; that is, that their evil is un-
punished in this world, which is the most evident token of
the greatest evil in this world, and of the worst recompense
202. BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXYIII.
"D V^y pypr^aii^ cbleanef s&ftep'Sifj'epopulbe. Da cpseS ic. Ne*
ma&j ic ^aef oJ)facan. Da cpae])he. Fopjjaem j'lnt ungefa&lijjian
J?a ypelan. pop})8&m him bij? biicon jepyphtum popjipen hiopa
ypel ^onne ]ja pien ]?e him bi]? hiopa ypel jeleanob be
heopa^ jepyphcum. pop)>aem hic ip jnht f mon ypehje
))a ypelan.* -j hic ip poh^ f hi mon Isece unpicnobe. Da
cp9&]> ic. Ppa oppsec]) ]>3&y. Da cpa&J) he. Ne ms&g nan man
o]7pacan f hit ne pie eall gob^ "j) ce pihc bij?.'^ 3 eall ypel "f ce
poh bi]?. Da cpaej? ic. Ic eom ppij^e ^ebpepeb mib Sippe j'ppaece.
■] pimbpije^ pophpi^ ppa pihtpip bema aenije unpihce gipe pille
pop^ipan. Da cpae]? he. Be hpam^" cpept ]?u f. Da cpse]? ic.
Fop|7am]?e^^ 6u aeji cpaebe 'p he unpihc bybe. f he lete unpyc-
nob^^ ]?a ypelan. Da cpse]? he. Daec ip hip peop]:»pcipe. f he ppa
jipoP^ ip. "3 ppa pumebhce ^ip'8. f ip micel ^ipu^^ ^ he jebic
o^Seet Sa ypelan^^ ongita]? hypa'^ ypel 'j gecyjipa])^'^ co gobe.^^
Da cpae]? ic. Nu ic on^ice f hie nip ece jipu f he Jip]) ]>am'^
yplum. ac ip hpaec hpeju^*^ elbunj^^"] anbib Jjaep hehpcan beman.
Fop]?am-^ anbibe '^ pop|)am^^ ^ej>ylbe me ]9inc|> f he pie Ipe
ppiJ)op poppepen. ^ ^eah me hca]; 5ip ppell jenog pell. 3 J'ync]?
me ^enog gelie^^ ]>8&m ])e ^u sep paabepc ; •
§ TV J Ac ic 'Se halpije^^ S^c^^ f '^u me pejje^'^ hpsej^ep Su
pene "p ]?a ypelan^^ habban senij pite septep ^ipje populbe.^^
o'SSe ^a joban^*' sbi^iJ eblean heopa^^ jobep.^^ Da cpae]^ he. pu
ne psebe ic Se aep f ]?a joban^^ habbap eblean hiopa^'' jobep.^^
3&j)>ep ^e hep. ^^e on ecneppe. ^ ^a ypelan^^ eac habba]) eblean
heopa^''' ypelep.^^ ^ejj^ep ge hep. ge epC on ecneppe. Ac ic pille
baelan 'Sa ypelan^^ '5am ypelum^° nu on tpa.'*^ pop]?amJ>e*^ oj^ep
bael ]?apa ypelena'^^ ha&p^ ece pice. pop])am hi nanne milbheopc-
neppe ne jeeapnobon. o]>epi bael pceal beon ^ecleenpob.'*^ anb ^a
y Boet. lib. iv. prosa 4. — Sed, qufeso, inquam, te, &c.
' Cott. pyppepcan. 2 jvje^ deest in MS. Bod. ^ Cott. hiopa. * Cott.
yphge l>a yylan. ^ Cott. pog. « Cott. goob. ^ bi5, deest in MS. Cott.
^ Cott. punbpie. ^ Cott. pophpy. i" Cott. hpaem. " cpepc l>u %
Da cpe&tS ic pop}>am, desunt in MS. Cott. ^^ Qq^^^^ unpitnob. ^^ Cott.
Sijrul. " Cott. sipo. 15 Cott. yflan. le Cott. hiopa. " Cott.
Secieppa'S. ^^ Cott. Soobe. ^^ Cott. l-sem. 20 Cott. hpilc hpu^u.
21 Cott. elbcung. 22 Cott. j:oji}>8em. 23 Cott. pop^sera. 24 Cott.
SeSongehc. 25 Cott. healpige. '^'^ Cott. siec. 27 Cott. pecge. 28 Cotj.
yflan. 29 Cott. peopulbe. ^'^ Soban, deest in MS. Cott. ^i Cott.
hiopa. 32 Cott, soobep. ^3 Cott. sooban. '-^^ Cott. heopa. ^s Cott.
Soobep. 36 Cott. yjrlan. ^7 Cott. hiopa. ^s Cott. yplep. ^9 Cott.
yplan. *<> >ain yjelum, desunt in MS. Cott. *' Cott. tpua. " Cott.
vop\>xni ]>e. " Cott. yplena. ** Cott. geclaepnob.
§ IV. BOETHIUS. 203
after this world. Then said I : I cannot deny this. Then
said he: Therefore the wicked are more unhappy, because
their wickedness is undeservedly forgiven them, than they
are if their wickedness is recompensed according to their
deserts. Therefore it is right that evil should be inflicted on
tile wicked, and it is wrong that they should be suffered to
go unpunished. Then said I : Who denies this ? Then said
he: No man can deny that everything is good which is right,
and everything evil which is wrong. Then said I : I am
very much troubled with this discourse, and wonder why so
righteous a judge should bestow any unjust gift. Then said
he: "Wherefore sayest thou that? Tiien said I: Because
thou before saidst that he did wrong, inasmuch as he left the
wicked unpunished. Tiien said lie : That is his glory, that he
is so bountiful, and bestows so abundantly. It is a great gift
that he waits till the wicked are sensible of their evil and turn
to good. Then said I : Now I understand tiiat it is not an
eternal gift which he gives to the wicked, but is rather the
delay and waiting of the highest judge. On account of his
waiting and forbearance, methinks he is the more despised ;
and yet this argument pleases me well enough, and seems to
me like enough to what thou before saidst.
§ ly. But I beseech thee, now, that thou wouldest tell me
whether thou thinkest that the wicked have any punishment
after this world ; or the good any reward for their goodness ?
Then said he : Did I not say to thee before, that the good
have recompense for their goodness both here and for ever;
and the wicked also have recompense for their evil, both here,
and also for ever ? But I will now divide the wicked from the
wicked in two parts. For one part of the wicked shall have
eternal punishment, because they have deserved no mercy ;
and the other part shall be cleansed and proved in the
204 BOETHTTJS. CHAP. XXXVIII.
amepeh on }>am^ heoponlicon pype. )"pa hep bi]) fylfop.^ pop-
J?am'* he haef]? j^ume jeeapnunja fumepe milbheopcnejje. pp-
J)am* he moc cuman aefceji ])am^ eappo]?um Co ecpe ajie. IjiC
ic J^e mihce peccan mape.^ sejl^ep ge be Jjarn'^ jobum.^ je be
|)am^ yplum. jip^^ ic nu semtan^'^ haephe. Ac ic onbpa&be 'f
ic poplece^^ f pic aep sepceji appyjiebon.^^ f psep f pic polbon
jepeccan "J? ^u onjeace f ]?a yplan naepbon^* neenne anpealb.^^
ne nsenne peopppcipe. ne on ^ipje populbe/^^ ne on j^aepe co-
peapban. pop])8em ]>e ]>uhx:e sepi "p eallpa Sm^a pyppepc 'p yu.
penbepc^'^ f hi haepbon^^ Co micelne. "j f ealne pej^^ piopobepc^^
•f hi ealne pej^' naepon on pice. "j ic ]?e peebe ealne^^ pej -^ hi
naeppe ne biop bucon piCe. feah ^e ppa ne "Since. Ac ic pac
•geah f pu pile piopian *p hi ppalan^ne^^ fyPF^ habba]? leap^* ypel
to bonne. 3 ic J)e paebe ealne peg f pe pyppc bi]> ppijje lycle hpile.
anb ic Se pecje gec.^^ ppa ppa he len^pa bij?. ppa hi bioj? unje-
paelijpan. •}) him paepe ealpa maepc unpael]? f^'^ f pe pyppc paepe
oJ> bomep baej. Anb ic Se paebe eac "p "Sa paepon ungepaeligpan
Se him unpihchce hiopa ypel popbopen pa&pe. J)onne pa paepen
])e him^'^ hiopa^^ ypel pyhclice onjeppecen paepe. jec^^ hiC je-
bypep f ^e ]?incj? ^ J)a oppopjan bi|)^^ jepaeli^jian^^ ^onne^^ pa
jepicnoban ; •
§ v."" Da cpaej* ic. Ne 'Smc]? me naeppe nanpuhc ppa poj^lic
ppa me ])inc]) ^m^^ ppell ]?aem cimum^'^ ]>& ic j)a jehepe. A c gip
ic me penbe Co Sijep polcep borne. J>onne nip hiC no "p an '^ hi
nyllaj> pippe "Smpe pace jelepan. ac hi hic nella])^^ pupj^um je-
hipan.^^ Da cpaep he. Nip f nan punbop. PpaeC pu papc f fa
men J>e habbap unhale eajan. ne majon pul eaj>e locian onjean
]>a punnan Sonne hio beophcopc^^ pcmp. ne puppum on pype.^^
ne on nan puhc beophcep^^ hi ne lypc locian. jip pe aeppel lep
^ Boet. lib. iv. prosa 4. — Turn ego, Cum tuas, inquam, &c.
* Cott. >aem. 2 Cott. peoljrop. ^ Cott. yop^a&m. * Cott. pop-
J>8em. * Cott. l>8&ra. ^ Cott. meahce majie peccan. ^ Cott. Jjaem.
* Cott. soobum. 9 Cott. >8em. i" Cott. beep. " Cott. semetcan.
12 Cott. poplaece. i^ Cott. rpypebon. " Cott. ns&pben. ^^ Cott.
anpalb. 1® Cott. peopulbe. ^^ Cott. penbep. ^^ Cott. hsej-ben.
'9 Cott. eall nes. 20 Cott. pioT-ober. ^i Cott. eall neg. 22 Cott.
eallne. 23 Cott. lonsne. ^4 Cott. leape. 25 Cott. giet. 26 ^^ ^eest
in MS. Cott. 27 ),e him, desunt in MS. Cott. 28 Cott. heopa. 29 Cott.
git. 30 Cott. bio^. 31 Bod. et Cott. unsepseliSjian. ^2 Cott. bonne
bonne. 33 Cott. bmca^ bine. 34 Cott. tibum. 35 Cott. nylla'5.
36 Cott. Sehepan. ^7 Cott. beoptopr. 38 Cott. opyp. ^o'cott.
beopcep.
§ V. BOETHIUS. 205
heavenly fire, as silver here is, because it has some deserving
of some mercy, wherefore it may come after these troubles
to everlasting honour. Still I could instruct thee more both
concerning the good and concerning the evil, if I now had
leisure. But I fear that I should neglect what we were be-
fore seeking after, that is, that we would argue so that thou
mightest perceive that the wicked have no power, nor any
honour, either in this world or in that to come. For for-
merly this appeared to thee the worst of all things, that thou
thoughtest they had too much ; and thou always didst lament
that they were not always punished: and I always said to
thee, that they never are without punishment, though it ap-
pear not so to thee. But I know, however, that thou wilt
lament that they have so long time permission to do evil ;
and I have always said to thee, that the time is a very little
while ; and I now say to thee, that the longer it is, the more
unhappy they are, and it would be to them the greatest un-
happiuess of all, that the time continued till doomsday. And
I said to thee also, that they would be more unhappy if their
evil were unjustly passed over, than they would be if their
evil were justly punished. Tet it so happens that thou
thinkest those who have impunity are happier than those
wlio are punished.
§ V. Then said I : Nothing ever appears to me so true as
thy arguments appear to me, at the times when I hear them.
But if I turn myself to the judgment of this people, they not
only are unwilling to believe this thy doctrine, but they will
not even hear it. Then said he: That is no wonder. Thou
knowest that the men who have unsound eyes cannot very
easily look at the sun when she shines brightest, nor indeed
do they choose to look on fire, or on anything bright, though
the apple of the eye be left. In like manner the sinful minds
206 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXYIII.
bi]>. fpa bio]7^ ])a ]-ynnpullan GOob ablenb mib hiopa^ yF^^^^^
pillan. 'f hi ne ma^^on jefion f lioht* paejie beojihcan ]-o]^f8&fC-
neffe. ^ if fe hehfca pjj-bom. Ac him bi]? fpa pd&m pujlum. •]
J>aem biopum. ])e majon^ bee locian on nihc Sonne on bsej. pe
baej blenc "j '6i0)'tpa|> hiofia ea^an. ~] Ssepe nihce ]?ioft:po hi
onhhta]7. Fop]>y penaj^Sa ablenban GOob. f f fie po maepce ge-
pael]? "p men peo alepeb ypel co bonne. 3 pio bseb him moce bion
unpicnob. pop])8em hi ne^ lypc ppipian aeptep aelcpe pppaece ppa
lanje oS he f pyhc picon. ac penba)) on hiopa unjiihtan'^ pillan
1 rPyP^S^l' 9&F*^ep ])8em. Dy ic nac hu nyta^ pu me taehpt to
J>8&m bypejum monnum. ^e naeppe ajptep me ne ppypia]?. Ic
ne pppece neeppe co |)3em. Ac ic pppece co Se. popj^sem Su
ceohhapc f '5u ppypije aepcep me. •;) ppiJ?op ppmcpc on |)am
ppope Sonne hi bon. Ne pecce ic hpaec hi beman. Ic lasce nu
CO Smum bome ma ])onne cohiopa, popJ)am h. ealle locia]? mib
bam^ eajum on |)ap eop]7lican Smj. -} hi him liciaj? eallunga.
sej])ep ^e on |>8ep GOobep eajum. je on paep hchoman. A c Su
ana hpilum bepcyl)C mib o])jie eajan on j^a heopenlican j^'inj.
mib oj^pe^*^ J>u locapc nu gee on l»ap eop])hcan. pojipaem pena})
])a bypgan '^ aelc mon pie blmb ppa hi pmc. 3 f nan mon ne
msege peon^' f hi gepion ne majon. Daec bypig ip anliccopc |)e
pum cilb ]-ie pull hal •] pull aelcsepejebopen. •;) ppa pullice Sionbe
on eallum cy)'Cum 3 cpsepcum. ]m hpile ]?e hic on cnihchabe
bio]?.^^ ~] ppa pop]? eallne Sonne Jiojop hab. o]) ]>e he pypp selcep
cpsepcep mebeme. ~\ Sonne lycle seji hip mibpephj?e peoppe^^
baem^* eagum blmb. ~] eac }>3ep GOobep eajan peop})an ppa ab-
lenbe ^ he^^ nanpuhc ne jemjine psep Se he aeppe sep jepeah
oSSe jehepbe. "3 pene ]7eah f he pie aelcep Smjep ppa mebeme
ppa he aeppe mebemapc^^ paepe. ^ penp f selcum men pie ppa ppa
him pi. "J aelcum men^^ j^ynce^^ ppa ppa him ])inc]). peah pe^^ he
Sonne ppa Sypij pie f he psep pene. hpaepep pe Sonne pillon-^
ealle penan Saep J^e he penp. ic pene peah f pe nyllen.^i Ac
polbe pican hu ])e Jmhce be pam^^ monnum Se pic aep cpaebon
1 Cott. beoS. 2 Cott. heopa. ^ Cott. yplan. " Cott. leoht. s Bod.
J>a mag. "^ Bod. et Cott. hine. '' Cott. unnertan. ^ Cott. nyc.
s Cott. baem. i" mib o'Spe, desunt in MS. Cott. " Cott. serion.
^2 Cott. biS. 13 peop>e, deest in MS. Bod. •* Bod. bam. i^ Cott.
hie. 1^ Cott. mebomif c. ^"^ pie ppa ppa him pi. ^ selcum men^ desunt
in MS. Cott. 18 Cott. }>ince. ^^ }>eah \>e, desunt in MS. Cott. -*' Cott
piUen. 21 Bod. nyllaS. 22 Cott. J?»m.
§ V. BOETHIUS. 207
are blinded by their evil will, so that thej are not able to be-
hold tlie light of bright truth, which is the highest wisdom.
But it is with them, as with the birds and the beasts which
can see better by uight than by day. The day blinds and
darkens their eyes, and the darkness of the night enlightens
them. Tlierefore the blinded minds think that this is the
greatest happiness, that a man should be permitted to do evil,
and his deed should be unpunished. For they are not desirous
to inquire after every instruction, until they know what is
right, but turn to their evil will, and seek after it. There-
fore I know not to what purpose thou teachest me to the
foolish men who never inquire after me. I never speak to
them ; but I speak to thee, because thou art inclined to seek
after me, and labourest more in the pursuit than they do. I
care not what they judge. I approve thy judgment more
than theirs, for they all look with both eyes, as well with the
eyes of the mind as with those of the body, on these earthly
things, which excessively delight them. But thou alone
sometimes lookest with one eye on the heavenly things, and
with the other thou lookest as yet on these earthly things.
For the foolish think that every man is as blind as they are,
and that no man is able to see what they cannot behold.
Such folly is most like to this ; that a child should be born full
sound and full healthy, and so flourishing in all excellences
and virtues, during childhood and afterwards throughout
youth, that he becomes capable of every art ; and then a little
before bis middle-age, he should become blind in both eyes,
and also the eyes of the mind should become so blinded, that
he remembers nothing whicli he ever before saw or heard :
and nevertheless he sliould think that he is as capable of
everything as he ever was when most capable : and should
think that it is with every man as it is with him ; and that it
seems to every man as it seems to him. But though he were
so foolish as to think so, should we all think as he thinks ?
I think, however, that we should not. But / wish to know
what thou thiukest concerning the men of whom we before
208 BOETHIIJS. CHAP. XXXVIII.
f unc ))ulice f psepon^ pilbiopum ijelicpan ^onne monmim. hxi
micelne |7ipbom ^a ha&jrbon.^ me funcj? tieali ]) hi naebbaen^
naenne ; •
§ VI.^ Ic ^e polbe jec* peccan pume pihtne pace.^ Ac ic
pac "p ])iy pole hip nyle^ gelepan.''' *p ip "p ])a bio|> jepaelejpan J)e
mon picno]).^ Sonne J»a bion J>e hi pitniap. Da punbpobe ic paep
-} cpse]?. Ic polbe f pu megepeahce^ hu^^ hit ppa bion mihte.^^
Da cpa&J) he. Ppaepep pu onjice f selc ypelpillenbe mon ";] selc
j^pelpypcenbe pie picep pyp]>e. Da cpaep ic. Irenoj ppeotole ic f
onjice. Da cpaep he. pu ne ip pe J)onne ypelpillenbe anb ypel-
pyjicenbe Se pone unpcylbjan picno)?.^'^ Da cys&p ic. 8pa hic ip
ppa ]>\i pejpc.^^ Da cpaep he. Ppgepep J?u pene f pa pien eapme
•;) unjepselige pe pitep pyppe biop. Da cpa&p ic. Ne pene ic hip
no. ac pac jeapa.^* Da cpaep he. dp pu nu beman mopce.^*
hpaepepne polbepc^^ pu beman pitep pypppan. '5e pone un-
pcylbjan^^ picnobe. peSonepe-p picepolobe.^^ Da cpaeS ic. Nip
•p jelic. ic polbe helpan paep pe Saep unpcylbij paepe. anb henan
pone^^ pe hine ypelobe.^*^ Da cpaep he. Donne pe pmcp pe
eapmpa pe f ypel bep. Sonne pepe hic papap. Da cpaep ic. Daep
ic jelepe f te aelc unpihc picnunj pie paep ypel pe hic bep. naep
paep pe hic papap. poppam^^ hip ypel hme ^ebep eapmne. 3 ic
onjice f pip ip ppipe^^ pihc pacu f pu nu pecpc. 3 ppipe anlic
paem pe Su a^ji pehcepc.^^ ac ic pac peah f pyp^^ polce ppa ne
pmcp : •
§ YIl.^ Da cpaep he. {7el pu hic onjicpc. Ac pa pmjepap
pmjiap nu hpilum paem Se laeppan peappe ahcon, pmjiap paem
pe^^ paep man yplap. ^ ne pmgiap pam^^ pe 'p ypel bop. paem
paepe mape peapp. pe pa oppe unpcylbije ypelap.^^ *p him mon
pyngobe to pam^^ picum. -j baebe f him^^ mon bybe ppa micel
pice ppa hi Sam^*^ oppum unpcylbegum bybon. ppa ppa pe pioca
a Boet. lib. iv. prosa 4. — Nam ne illud quidem, &c.
b Boet. lib. iv. prosa 4. — Atqui nunc, ait, contra faciunt, &c.
1 Cott. psepen. 2 Cott. haejrben. ^ Cott. naebben. * Cott. giet.
* Cott. fpij^e pihce paca. « Cott. nele. ' Cott. gelyj-an. ^ Cott.
pirnaS. ^ Bod. Sepehcepc. i" Bod. hi. " Cott. meahce. »2 Qq^^,
piciiab'. 13 Cott. r^'syt. " Cott. geape. ^^ Bo(J, moptofC. '^ Coit.
polbep. 17 Bod. nonepcylbsaij. i** Cott. ]>o\abe. ^^ Bod. l>oime.
■■'0 Cott. yplobe. 21 Cott'. poji>3em. 22 god. ppa. 23 Cott. peahtep.
2^ Cott. >ip. 25 j,e, deest in MS. Cott. 26 Cott. l)3em. 27 Cott. yplaS.
2*^ Cott. >8em. 29 Bod. >am % so Cott. >sem.
§ VI. YII. BOETHIITS. 209
said, that it appeared to us that they were more like wild
beasts than men ? How much wisdom had they ? Methinks,
however, they have none.
§ VI. I would now utter to thee a true observation, but I
know that this people will not believe it : that is, that those
persons whom men injure are happier than those are who
injure tliem. Then wondered I at this, and said: I wish
that thou wouldest explain to me how it can be so. Then
said he : Dost thou understand that every evil-willing man
and every evil-doing man is deserving of punishment ? Then
said I : Clearly enough I understand that. Then said he :
Is he not then evil-willing and evil-doing, who injures the
innocent? Then said I : So it is as thou sayest. Then said
he : Dost thou think that they are miserable and unhappy,
who are deserving of punishment ? Then said I : I not only
think it, but know it very well. Then said he : If thou werfc
now to judge, which wouldest thou judge more deserving of
punishment, him who injured the innocent, or him who
suffered the injury? Then said I: There is no comparison.
I would help him who was innocent, and oppose him who
injured him. Then said he : Then, in thy opinion, he is more
miserable who does the evil, than he who suffers it. Then
said I: This I believe, that every unjust punishment is the
evil of him who inflicts it, not of him who sufiers it ; there-
fore his evil makes him miserable. And I perceive that this
is a very just observation which thou now makest, and very
agreeable to those which thou madest before ; but I never-
theless know that this people will not think so.
§ YII. Then said he : Thou understandest it well. But
advocates now-a-days plead for those who have less need of it.
They plead for those who are injured, and do not plead for
those who do the injury. It were more needful to those who
injure others lolw are innocent, that some one should plead
for them before the magistrates, and pray that as great hurt
might be done to them, as they had done to other innocent
persons. As the sick man has need that some one should
210 BOET^IUS. CHA.P. XXXIX.
ah l^eapfe f hme mon Isebe to J)am^ Isece. f he hif tihge. fpa
ah fe ])e^ f ypel be|). '^ hme mon la&be Co ]?am^ picum f mon
])8e}i mseje ]-ni]:)an •] bsepnan hif un])eapa]*. Ne cpe})e ic na "^ "^
ypel pie f mon helpe |)3ep unpcylbijan* 3 him pojiejjinjie. Ac ic
cye]fe f hit: ip becpe'' f mon ppe^e fone pcylbigan.^ 3 ic pec7;e
•f* pio popepppaec ne byje*^ nau])ep ne ipam^ pcylbijan.^ ne pam^^
])e him pope pin^aj). jip hi J»8ep pilnia]? f him hiopa^^ ypel un-
p]iecen jie be j^sep jykep anbepne. Ac ic pac jip ])a pcylbijan^^
aanijne ppeapcan ^ipbomep haepbon^^ "j be senium bsele on-
^ican.^* f hi mihtan'^ hiopa pcylba Jjuph^*^ pice^'' gebecan. ])e
him hep on pojmlbe^^ on become. 'Sonne nolbon hi na cpe]mn
f hit paepe pite. ac polbon cp8e]?an f hit pe&pe hiopa^^ clsen-
j-unj. -J heopa betpunj. "j nolbon naenne Jjinjepe jecan.^^ ac
luftlice hi polbon laecan ^a pican hie tiician septep hiopa
ajnum pillan. poppasm ne pcyle nan pip man naenne mannan
hatian. ne hata]? nan mon fone joban. buton pe ealpa^^ ^yi'^-
jofta.^^ ne "^ nip nan piht ^ mon J»one ypelan hatige. ac hit ip
pihtpe ]:>3et him mon milbpige.^^ f ip ])onne hiopa milbpunj. f
mon ppece hiopa unpeapaf be hiopa jepyphtum.^* Ne pceaP^
nan mon piocne monnan^^ ^epapjobne^'^ ppencan. ac hme mon
pceolbe^^ Iseban to (5am^^ Isece f he hip tili^e. Da pe yiybom
]>a Sip ppell apeaht heepbe. 'Sa ongan he ept pinjan 3 ])up
cpse]?.
CAPUT XXXIX.<^
§ I. FORppI bpepe je eoppu GOob mib unpihtpe piounje
ppa fpa y]>a pop pmbe ]?a pse hpepa]?. o5Se pop hpy setpite je
eopeppe pypbe f hio nan jepealb nah. o^Se hpi ne majon je
jebiban jecynbehcep bea^ep. nu he eop selce bseg topeapbep
onet. ppi ne majon ge gepion f he ppypaj? selce bae;^ asftep
pujlum. ■] aeptep biopum. ]| aepteji monnum. 3 ne poplaet nan
^ Boet. lib. iv. metrum 4. — Quid tantos juvat excitare motus, &c.
I Cott. \)Sdm. ■ 2 j,e, deest in MS. Cott. s Cott. ^sem. * Cott.
unj'cylbgan. s Cott. betepe. ^ Cott. fcylbgan. ' Bod. bynse.
« Cott. )>sem. 9 Cott. fcylbsan. 10 Cott."^l?8&m. " Cott. heopa.
'2 Cott. rcylb^an. i^ Cott. haeyben. " Cott. oiiSeaten. i^ Cott.
meahten. i*^ Cott. J^npS. '^ Cott. 'p piCe. ^^ Cott. peopulbe. ^^ Cott.
heopa. 20 Cott. sepecan. 21 Cott. eallpa. 22 Cott. byp^opca. 23 Cott.
milcpse, ^* Cott. unpyjihcum. 25 Cott. j^cyle. 26 jjod. monna.
27 Cott. •] sepajigobne. 28 Qq^^^ ^cel. 2d Cott. >8em.
§ I. BOETniTJS. 21]
lead him to the physician, that he may cure him ; so has fie
who does evil, that some one should lead him to the magis-
trates, tliat they may cut off and burn his vices. I do not
say that it is wrong that men should help the innocent, and
defend him ; but I say that it is better that we should accuse
the guilty ; and 1 say that t\ie defence does no good either to
the guilty or to him who pleads for him, if they wish that
their evil should not be punished in proportion to its guilt.
But I know that if the guilty had any spark of wisdom, and
in any measure knew that they might make amends for their
crimes by punishment, which came upon them here in this
world, then they would not say that it was punishment, but
would say that it was their purification and their amend-
ment ; and would seek no advocate, but they would cheer-
fully suffer the magistrates to punish them according to their
own will. Hence no wise man ought to hate any one. No
one hates the good, except the most foolish of all. Nor is it
right that we hate the wicked; but it is more right that we
have mercy on him. This then is mercy to them, that we
punish their vices according to their deserviugs. No one
ought to afSict a sick person ivJw is troubled ; but we should
lead him to a physician, that he may cure him. When Wisdom
had finished this discourse, then began he again to sing, and
thus said :
CHAPTER XXXIX.
§ I. Wherefore vex ye your minds witli evil hatred, as
waves through the wind agitate the sea ? Or wherefore up-
braid ye your fortune, that she has no power? Or why
cannot ye wait for natural death, when he every day hastens
towards you ? AVhy cannot ye observe that he seeks every
day after birds, and after beasts, and after men, and forsakes
p2
212 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIX.
]'p8&]) Sep he ^epeh]? "p "f he sefcep fpypej^. p'ala pa "j) ]?a un^e-
]'8&hjan menn ne magon jebibon hponne he him to cume. ac
popfceota]) hme popan. ppa ppa pilbe beop piUna}) o]?ep to ac-
pellenne. Ac hit na&pe no manna pyht f hiopa s&nij o]?epne
piobe. Ac f fs&m pyht. -phiopa selc julbe o]?pum eblean selcep
peopcep aeptep hip gepyphtum. ^ ip "f mon lupobe ]>one goban.
ppa ppa piht ip f mon bo, ~\ milbpi^e J)am ypelum. ppa pe sep
cps&bon. lupie J?one man. j hatije hip unj?eapap. ceoppe him op
ppa he ppi]7opt msej ; •
§ 11.'^ Da he ])a pip leo)> apunjen haepbe ]?a jeppeo^obe^ he
ane hpile. Da cpsej* ic. Nu ic ongite openhee f pio ]'o]>e je-
pselp ptent on jobpa monna je eapnunja. ~] pio unpeel]) ptent
on ypelpa monna ge eapnunjum. Ac ic pecjje ^et f me ne
]7inc|? nauht lytel job^ l^iljep anbpeapban hpep jepsel|>a. ne eac
nauht lytel ypelhip unjepaelpa. popj^sem ic nseppe ne gepeah ne
gehypbe naenne pipne mon Ipe ma polbe bion ppecca. 3 eapm. 3
selpiobig.^ •;] poppepen. ^onne pelij.'] peop]?. ~\ pice. 3 popemsepe
on hip agnum eapbe. pojij^aem hi pecja])'* f hi maejen^ ]?y^ e]>
liiopa p'lpbome puljan 3 hme jehealban. jip hiopa anpealb bij>
pullice opep f pole ]?e him unbep h\]>. 3 eac on''' pumum baele
opep ])a 'Se him on neapepte bi|> ymbuton.^ pop])am^ f hi
majen^^ henan ^a yplan. anb pyp]?]iian^^ J)a joban.^^ popJ»8em pe
goba^^ bi]? pimle appyjipe. oegpeji ge on pip anbpeapban lipe. je
on 6am^'* topeapban, 3 pe ypela. pe mon hip yplep^^ geptypan ne
msej. bi|) pimle pitep pyppe. je on pippe populbe. je on paepe
topeapban. Ac ic punbpige ppipe ppiplice pop hpi hit ppa pent
ppa hit nu opt bep. 'f ly f miptlice pita^'^ 3 mani^pealbe^'
eajipopa^^ cumap to ^am^^ jobum ppa hi to pam^^ ypelum
pceolbon. ^ ^a gob^^ pe pceolbon bion eblean ^obum monnum
gobpa peopca. cumap to yplum monnum. poppsem ic polbe
pitan nu set pe hu pe licobe "p jeppixle. Ic hip punbpobe micle
py Isep. jip ic pippte^^ p hit peap gebypebe buton Erobep pillan 3
baton hip gepitneppe. Ac pe selmihtiga^^ Iiob haepp geeceb
^' Boet. lib.iv. prosa 5. — Hie ego, video, inquam, &c.
» Cott. geppusobe. 2 Cott. goob. ^ Cott. el)>iobis. * Cott. pae^a^.
5 hi msegen, desunt in MS. Bod. ^ Cott. >e. 7 Cott. be. « Cott.
bio'5 ^nfibucan. ^ Cott. poppsem. i<* Cott. mseSen. " Cott. fvp]>pan.
12 Cott. sooban. " Cott. gooba. 1^ Cott. >a&m. ^^ Bod. ypel. ' 1^ Cott.
miphcu pitu. 1' Cott. manisj-ealb. is Co^t. eapfoH. ^^ Cott.
>8em. 20 Cott. l)Eem. 21 Cott. goob. 22 Cctt. pippe. 23 Cott.
selmehceSa.
§ II. BOETHIUS. 213
no track till he seizes that which he pursues ? Ahas ! that
unhappy men cannot wait till he comes to them, but antici-
pate him, as wild beasts wish to destroy each other! But if:
would not be right in men, that any one of them should hate
another. But this would be right, that every one of them
should render to another recompense of every work accord-
ing to his deserts; that is, that one should love the good, as
it is right that we should do, and should have mercy on the
wicked, as we before said ; should love the man, and hate his
vices ; and cut them off, as we best may.
§ II. When he had sung this lay, then was he silent for
some time. Then said I : Now I clearly understand that true
happiness is founded on the deservings of good men, and misery
is founded on the deservings of wicked men. But I will yet
say that methinks the happiness of this present life is no little
good, and its unhappiness no little evil. Por I never saw nor
heard of any wise man who would rather be an exile, and
miserable, and foreign, and despised, than wealthy, and honour-
able, and powerful, and eminent in his own country. For they
say that they can the better fulfil their wisdom, and observe
it, if their power be ample over the people tliat are under them,
and also in some measure over those who are in the neigh-
bourhood round about them, because they are able to repress
the wicked, and promote the good. For the good is always
to be honoured, both in this present life and in that to come ;
and the wicked, whom man cannot restrain from his evil, is
always deserving of punishment, both in this world and in
that to come. But I very much wonder why it should so fall
out, as it now often does ; that is, that various punishments
and manifold misfortunes come to the good, as they should to
the wicked; and the blessings which should be a reward to
good men for good works, come to wicked men. Therefore I
would now know from thee, how that course of events were
approved by thee. I should wonder at it much less, if I knew
that it happened by chance, without God's will, and without
his knowledge. But the Almighty God has increased my
214 BOETHIUS. CUAP. XXXIX,
mmne eje 3 mine papunja mib t5i]7um Jjingum. pop]?8em he
hpilum jelj) 'Sa gejaell^a 'Ssem gobum.^ "j j^aem ^T^um unpsel]?a.
ppa liic pilic paepe f he pimle^ bybe. hpiium he epc jepapaj) "p ]>&
^oban^ habba]) unpaelpa 3 un2;ehmp on m8ene2;um ]:>in5um. ~] t5a
ypelan habba]) gepa&ljja. 3 him jehmp]?^ ofc aeptep hiopa ajnum
pillan. ])y ic ne msej nano])ep5e]>encan. bucon hit peap ppa je-
bypige. bucon Su me get py jepceabhcop o]?ep gepecce. Da
anbppapobe he ymbe long 'j cpse]?. Nip hic nan punbop ^eah
hpa pene f ppylcep hpaef^ unmynbhnja gebypije.^ ponne he ne
can'^ ongican j jepeccan pop hpiEob ppylc^ jepapap, Ac ^u ne
pcalc no cpeojan^ f ppa ^ob^^ pceoppenb -j pealbenb^^ eallpa je-
pceapta pihthce pceop^^ eall f he pceop.^^ 3 pyhce bemj) j
pealc^^ eallep. peah pu nyce pop hpi^* he )'pa "] ppa bo *. •
§ IIl.^ Da he Sa pip ppell apehc^^ hsepbe. '5a onjan he pmgan
■3 cpse]^. Ppa unlaepebpa ne punbpap psep pobepep psepelbep •j
hi]' ppiptneppe. hu he selce baej uton ymbhpypp(5 eahie Sipne
mibbaneajib. oSSe hpa ne punbpa]) f te pmne cunjlu habbap
pcypcpan hpyppc 'Sonne pume habban. ppa ppa tmijlu habba]>
pe pe hacaj) paenep Sipla. pop py hi habbap ppa j'ceojitne ymbh-
pyppc. poppi hi pmc ppa neah Sam nojipenbe paepe eaxe. Se eall
pep pobop on hpeppp. oSSe hpa ne papap paep. buton Sa ane pe
hic piton. *J) pume tun^lu habbap lenjpan ymbhpyppc. ponne
pume habban. •] Sa lenjepcne pe ymb pa eaxe mibbepeapbe
hpeappap. ppa nu Boetiep bep. "3 8atupnup pe pceojipa. ne cymp
paep aep ymb ppittig pmcpa paep he sep paep. OSSe hpa ne
punbpap Saep f pume pceoppan gepitap unbep pa pa&. ppa ppa
pume men penap f pio punne bo Sonne hio to petle jaep. Ac
hio ne bip Seah py neap paepe pae pe hio bip on mibne baej.
Ppa ne papap Saep Sonne pe pulla mona pypp opeptojen mib
pioptpum. oSSe ept 'p Sa pteoppan pcmap bepojian pam monan.
3 ne pcmap bepopan paepe punnan. Sipep hi punbpiap 3 maniep
pyllicep. •) ne punbjiiaS na f ce men 3 ealle cpuca puhta habbap
pinjalne "3 unnj^tne anban betpuh him. OSSe hpi ne punbpiap
hi paep f hit hpilum Jmnjiap. hpilum na ne onjmp. oSSe ept ge-
pmnep pae. ^3 pinba. ^3 ypa. ^3 lanbep. oSSe hpi f ip peoppe ^3 ept
« Boet. lib. iv. metrum 5. — Si quis Arcturi sidera nescit, &c.
> Cott. soobum. 2 Cott. pymle. ^ Cott. sooban. * Cott. limp'5.
^ Cott. Sehpaec. « Cott. Sebepige. "> Cott, con. « Cott. foja hpy
]-pylc Tiob. ^ Cott. on tpio^an. '" Cott. soob. " Cott. palbenb.
>2 Cott. gepceop. is Cott. pelc. '^ Cott. hpS'. »5 Cott. apeahr.
§ III. BOETHIUS. 215
fear and my astonisliment by these things. For he some-
times gives felicities to the good, and infelicities to the wicked,
as it were right that he always did. Sometimes again he per-
mits that the good have infelicities and misfortunes in many
things ; and the wicked have happiness, and it frequently
liappens to them according to their own desire. Hence I
cannot tliink otherwise but that it so happens by chance, un-
less thou still more rationally show me the contrary. Then
answered he, after a long time, and said : It is no wonder if
any one think that something of this kind happens unde-
signedly, when he cannot understand and explain wherefore
God so permits. But thou oughtest not to doubt that so good
a creator and governor of all tilings, rightly made all that he
has made, and riglitly judges and rules it all, though thou
knowest not why he so and so may do.
§ III. When he had made this speech, then began he to
sing, and said : Who of the unlearned wonders not at the
course of the sky, and its swiftness ; how it every day re-
volves about all this middle-earth ? Or who wonders not
that some stars have a shorter circuit than others have, as the
stars have which we call the waggon's shafts ? They have so
short a circuit, because they are so near the north end of the
axis, on which all the sky turns. Or who is not astonished
at this, except those only who know it, that some stars have
a longer circuit tlian others have, and those the longest which
revolve midward about the axis, as Bootes does ? And that
the star Saturn does not come where it before was till about
thirty winters ? Or who wonders not at this, that some stars
depart under the sea, as some men tliink the sun does when
she sets ? But she nevertheless is not nearer to the sea than
she is at mid-day ! AVho is not astonished when the full moon
is covered over with darkness ? or again, that the stars shine
before the moon, and do not shine before the sun ? At this
and many a like tlung they wonder, and wonder not that men
and all living creatures have continual and useless enmity
with each other. Or why wonder they not at this, that it
sometimes thunders, and sometimes begins not? Or, again,
at the strife of sea and winds, and waves and land ? or wliy
216 EOETlllUS. CHAP. XXXIX,
pop ]7sepe funna fciman to hif agnum ^ecs^nbe peop]?e. Ac j)
unjej-caeSSije pole punb])a]) ])sep ]>e hiC pelbojc jepihj). ^eah liic
laeppe punbop pie. •] pena]) f f ne^ pie ealb jepceapc. ac pie peap
gepopben nipane. Ac 'Sa ])e pippec geopne peop])a]) •] onginnaj?
]?onne leopnian. gip him tob abpit op |)ara GOobe f b^jij f hic
aep mib opeppjiigen pgep. ^onne ne punbpia]) hi no pela |?8ep ]>e
hi nu punbjiia]? ;•
§ IV/ Da pe |7ipbom pa J)ip leo]? apun^en haepbe. ^a je-
rpu^obe he ane lyde hpile. Dacp8e]?ic. 8pahic ip ppa ^u pejpc.^
Ac ic polbe jec f ]m me hpeec hpeju^ openhcop jepeahce'^ be
l^aepe pipan ]?e mm GQob ppi])opt; gebpepeb hsep]?. f ip f ic Se seji
ymb acpabe. popJ>am hic paep pimble^ '^et ]?in gepuna f 'Su
polbepc selcum GOobe bijlu 'Smg taecan ■j pelbcu])e ; • ^ Da
ongan he pmeapcian ■] cpaej? to me. Du ppenpt"^ me on '8a
mseptan pppsece j on 'Sa eapipoj^eptan to jepeccenne. )>a pace
pohton ealle uppican 3 ppipe ]-pi]7hce ymbppmicon. "j uneafe
seni^ com to enbe J^sejie ppjisece. pop]?am*^ hit ip ]7eap Ipsejie
pppaece ^ ^aepe apcmi;^e.^ 'p te pimle^*^ ])onne 'Saep an tpeo
opabon bij). ponne bi])^3ep unpim aptypeb. ppa ppa mon on ealb
ppellum pejp^^ f an nsebpe paepe ^e hsepbe nijan^^ heapbu. ~\
pimle.^^ ^ip mon anpa hpile opploh.^^ |)onne peoxon ]?aep piopon
op ]>am^^ anum heapbe. 'Sa jebypebe^^ hit ]?8et ])8ep com pe
pojiemaejia Gpculup to. ]e yd&y lobep punu. ]m ne mihte he je-
J>encan hu he hi mib eenije cjiaepte opepcuman pceolbe. seji he
hi bepa&j mib puba utan. "j pojibepnbe^'^ '5a mib pype. 8pa ip
(5ippe ppjiaece pe 'Su me septep apcapt.^^ uneape hype cym]) samg
mon op. jip he aepept on cymp.^^ ne cym]? henaeppe to openum
enbe. buton he haebbe ppa pceapp anbjet^^ ppa f pyp. poppam
pe Se ymb f apcian pile.' he pceal aepept pitan hpaet pie pio
anpealbe popepceapunj E^obep. "j hpaet pyjib pie. j hpaet peap je-
bypije. ;] hpaet pie gobcunb anbjit. 3 gobcunb popetiohhung.
anb hpaet monna ppeobom pie. Nu 'Su mihc onjitan. hu hepij
■]) hu geappope^^ pip ip eall to jepeccanne. Ac ic pceal peah
f Boet. lib. iv. prosa 6. — Ita est, inquam, &c.
' ne, deest in. MS. Bod. et Cott, 2 Cott. psespc, ^ Cott. hpusxi.
* Bod. gepehtepc. = Cott pj'mle. ^ Cott. f elbcutS. ^ Cott. ppsenrc
^ Cott. pop]?sem. » Cott. apcungse. 1" Cott. j-ymle. " Cott. psegS,
I- Cott. iii?;on. 13 Cott. pymle. "> Cott. hpelc opaploS. '^ Cott.
bcEm. '6 Cott. ^ebepebe. i'' Cott. jojiboejiiibe. 1* Cott. acpapc.
13 Cott. cemb\ 20 Cott. anbgic. 21 Cott. eappope.
§ lY. BOETHIUS. 217
ice is formed, and ngain by the shining of tlie sun returns to
its own nature? But the inconstant people wonder at tliat
which it most seldom sees, though it be less wonderful ; and
thinks that that is not the old creation, but has by chance
newly happened. But they wiio are very inquisitive and en-
deavour to learn, if Grod removes from their mind the folly
with which it was before covered, then will they not wonder
at many tilings which they now wonder at.
§ IV. When AVisdom had sung this lay, then was he silent
a little while. Then said I : So it is as thou sayest. But 1
am still desirous that thou wouldest instruct me somewhat
more distinctly concerning the thing which has chiefly troubled
my mind, that is, what I before asked thee. For it was always
hitherto thy wont that thou w^ouldest teach every mind ab-
struse and unknown things. Then began he to smile, and
said to me : Thou urgest me to the greatest argument, and
the most diflicult to explain. This explanation all philoso-
phers have sought, and very diligently laboured about, and
scarcely any one has come to the end of the discussion. For
it is the nature of the discussion and of the inquiry, that
always when there is one doubt removed, then is there an
innumerable multitude raised. So men in old tales say, that
there was a serpent which had nine heads, and whenever any
one of them was cut off, then grew there seven from that one
head. Then happened it that the celebrated Hercules came
there, who was the son of Jove. Then could not he imagine
how he by any art might overcome them, until lie surrounded
them with wood, and then burned tliem with fire. So is this
argument which thou askest about : with difficulty comes any
man out of it, if he enter into it. He never comes to a clear
end, unless he have an understanding as sharp as the fire.
For he who will inquire concerning this ought first to know
what the simple providence of God is, and what fate is, and
what happens by chance, and what the divine knowledge is,
and tlie divine predestination, and what the freedom of naen
is. Now thou mayest perceive how weighty and difficult all
i;his is to explain. But I will nevertheless endeavour to
218 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIX.
hpaec hpe^a^ hij- on^innan ]?e to taecanne. jiojipam^ ic habbe on-
jicen f hic if fpi]?e micel laecebom 6mpe fop^e. gip ]?u j^ij-ej-
auhc onjitj-c. 6eah liic me lan^ co Isejienne pe. fopj^sem hic ij'
neah jjsepe tibe Se ic jeciohhob haefbe on o5e|i peopc to ponne.
-} get nsebbe Sip jebon. 3 me Sine]? eac f pu pabije lipaec
lipejnunjep^ anb fe ])incen to selenje ]?ap langan j'pell. ppelce
Se nu lypte leofa.* ic pat eac f Se heopa^ lypt. Ac Su pcealc
)?eah gejjolian piime hpile. ic ne maejhit nu ppa hpa]?e apmjan.
ne aemtan^ nabbe. popJ>3em hit ip ppife lonj ppell. Da cpaej? ic.
Do j'paej^ep ]>\i piUe ; • ^
§ V.s Da ongon lie pppecan yyi])e peopjian ymbucon. ppilce
he na ]>a, pppaece ne msenbe. ~\ tiohhobe hic ])eah ])ibeppeapbep
-} cp8ej>. Galle^ ^epceapta. ^epepenhce anb unjepepenhce.^ pciUu
"j unptiUu^^ onpo]? set psem jtiUan.^^ -j sec ]mm jeptaejjj^ijan. •]
set )7am^^ anpealban Eobe. enbebypbneppe. 3 anbphcan. -j ge-
metgunje. 3 pophpsem hit ppa jepceapen psep. pop]:'aem he }?at
|?y^^ he jepceop eall f he gepceop. nip him nan puht^^ unnyt
f>8ep Se he jepceop. 8elIrob puna]) pimle^^ on ])£e;ie hean ceapcpe
hip anpealbneppe •^ bilepitnepfe. Sonan he bsel]? mane^a i mipt-
hce^^ gemetjunja eallum hip gepceaptum. anb ];onon^^ he pelc
eallpa. Ac f. "^ te pe hata]? Urobep pojie])onc ~] hip popepceapun;?;.
*^ blip. Sa hpile \>e hit ]7sep mib him h\\>. on hip ClDobe. sep|)am^^
^e hit jeppemeb peop]?e. Sa hpile |^e hit je]>ohc bi]?, Ac piSSan
hic pullppemeb bi}). Sonne hacaj) pe hit py]»b. Be ])y msej sek*
mon pitan f hi^^ pint sejl'ep je tpejen naman. ge tpa Smg.-^
pope])onc 3 pypb. 8e popefonc ip pio jobcunbe gepceabpipnep.
pio ip psept on ])am hean pceoppenbe^^ ])e eall popepat hu hit
jepeopj^an pceal sep sep hit gepeopj^e, Ac f f ye pypb hata]?. f
bi]? Urobep peopc ])e he selce bseg pypc]>. s&5]'e]i je J^sep ]>e pe je-
peo]?. je J»sep ])e up unjepepenlic h\p. Ac pe gobcunba popejwnc.
hea))epal> eaUe jepceapta 'p hi ne moton tojiupan op heopa
enbebypbneppe.^^ 810 pypb Sonne bsel|) eallum jepceaprum anb-
plitan. J ptopa. 3 tiba. 3 jemetgun^a. Ac ]io pypb cym]> op
s Boet. lib. iv. prosa 6. — Turn velut ab alio orsa principio, »S:,c.
* Cott. hpugu.- 2 Qott. popJ?aem. » Cott. hpu?;ununsep. * Cott
lioha. ^ Cott. hiopa. ^ Cott. aemeccan. ^ Cott. polbe. ^ Cott.
Calla. 9 Cott. gepepenlica anb ungepepenlica. ^° Bod. J?ille i unfile.
" Bod. unpcillan. >2 Cott. t>8em. i3 Cott. hpy. " Cott. pihc.
'5 Cott. pymle. ^^ Cott. mipleca. ^^ Cott. >onan. ^^ Cott. sep^aeiric
19 Bod. et Cott. hiC. 20 Cott. ]pmc^. 21 Cott, pceppenbe. 22 Bod.
pypbnerpe.
§ V. BOETHIUS. (,^19
teach thee a little of it, because I liave conceived it to be a
very powerful remedy for thy sorrow, if tliou learn something
of this, though it be long for me to teacli. For it is near the' .
time when 1 had intended to begin other work, and I have not
yet finished this: and metliinks, too, thou art rather weary,
and these Jong discourses appear to thee too lengthy, so that
thou art now desirous of my songs. I know, too, that they --
give thee pleasure. But thou must nevertheless bear witJi\
me for some time. I cannot so readily sing it, nor have I
leisure, for it is a very long argument. Then said 1 : Do as
thou wilt.
§ y. Then began lie to speak very f\ir about, as if he
intended not that discourse, and nevertheless approached
thitherward, and said; All creatures visible and invisible,
still and moving, receive from the immovable, and from the
steadfast, and from the singly-existing God, order, and form, -
and measure ; and therefore it was so ordained, because he
knew wherefore he made all that he made. Nothing of that
which he has created is useless to him. God dwells always
in the high city of his unity and simplicity. Thence he dis-
tributes many and various measures to all his creatures, and
thence he governs tTiem all. But that which we call God's
providence and foreknowledge, is such while it is with him, in
his mind, before it is fulfilled, and so long as it is designed ;
but after it is fulfilled, then we call it fate. Hence may every
man know that these are both two names, and two things,
providence and fate. Providence is the divine intelligence
which is fixed in the high Creator, who foreknows all, how it
shall come to pass, before it happens. But that which we
call fate, is God's work which he every day works, both what
we see, and what is invisible to us. But the divine provi-
dence restrains all creatures, so that they cannot slip from
their order. Fate, then, distributes to all creatures, forms,
and places, and times, and measures. But fate comes from
220 BOETHTUS. CHAP. XXXIX.
J>am^ ^epitte ^ op |>am^ fope]?once jjsef selmilitijan^ Cobef. pe
pyjic]? aefteyi hi]' miajecgenblicum pojieponce ])onne^ ipa hpaec
j'pa he* pile ; •
§ VI. '^ 8pa ppa selc cpseptega Jjencp 'j meapcaj) hip peopc on
hip GOobe aep seji he ic pypce. "j pypic]? piSSan ealL J>iop panb-
pienbe pypb ]?e pe pypb hata}>. psep]? sepcep hip pope]?once. 3
aepcep hip gejjeahre. ppa ppa he tiohha]? f hic pie. ])eah hic up
manijpealbhc 'Since, pum ^ob.^ pum ypel. hiC ip peahhim anpealb
50b. ^ poppam*^ he hic eall co gobum enbe bpmgp.'*' -j pop ^obe^
bep eall -^ *p he be]?. 8ip])an pe hiC hata]? pypb. pyS6an hic je-
pophc bip. sep hit paep Dober^ popeponc ~\ hip popeciohhunj. Da
pypb he ^onne pypc]?. oSSe puph 'Sa joban^^ enjlap. o'86e j^ujih
monna papla. 06 5e puph o]7eppa jepceapta lip. oS5e ])ujih heo-
penep tunjl. o]>])e }>uph '8apa pcuccena^^ miplice lotppencap.
hpilum ]?uph an papa, hpilum puph eall t5a. Ac 'f ip openlice
cuj). f pio jofccunbe pope ceohhunj ip anpealb ;] unapenbenbhc.^^
■3 pelc selcej' j^mjep enbebypbhce. anb eall pmj gehipa}>. 8ume^^
]>inj ]?onne on (5ippe populbe^'* pint unbejipieb }>8epe pypbe. pume
hijie nane^^ puht unbeppiebe^^ ne pint, ac pio pypb. ^j eall pa
■^inj pe hipe unbeppieb pint, pint unbeppieb pam^' jobcunban
fojiej^once. be |)am^'^ ic]?e msej pum bippell pecjan. 'p (Su miht^^
■Sy j-peotolop onjitan hpylce men biop unbejipieb psepe pypbe.
hpylce^^ ne biop. GalP^ ^lop unptiUe jepceapt "3 j^eop"^ hpeap-
pienbe hpeapipap^^ on ^am^^ ptiUan liobe. "j on pam geptseSSe-
^an. J on j^am^'^ anpealban. ~) he pelt eallpa jepceapca ppa ppa
he Bet ppuman ^etihhob hsepbe "j jet hsepp ; •
§ Vll.^ 8pa ppa on paenep eaxe hpeapipa^^^ pahpeol. "j pio eax
ptent ptille. 3 byp]^ ]?eah eallne^'' ^one paen. anb pelt eallep paep
paepelbep.^^ *j? hpeol hpeppp. ynibuton.^^ 3 pio napa^^ nehpt ^aepe
eaxe. pio paeji]) micle paeptlicop •] ojij-opjhcop Sonne pa peljan^^
bon. ppelce pio eax pie f hehpce 50b. pe pe nemnap liob. 3
^ Boet. lib. iv. prosa G. — Sicut enim artifex, faciendae rei, &c.
i Boet. lib. iv. prosa 6. — Nam ut orbium circa eundem, &c.
1 Cott. psem. 2 Cott. aelmehtigan. ^ jjonne, deest in MS. Cott.
* Cott. hpa. 5 Cott. ■goob. ^ Cott. yoppaem. ' Cott. bpens'5. « Cott.
Soobe. ^ Cott. toobep. i" Cott. sooban. " Bod. j-cuccena loc.
»2 Cott. unanbpenbhc. ^^ Pott. Sumu. '* Cott. peopulbe. ^^ Cott.
nan. '^ ^^tt. unbe]i]?ieb. •' Cott. paem. i*' Cott. meehc. '^ hpylce,
deest in MS. Bod. ^^ Bod. eal. 21 Cott. hof. ^2 Bod. hpeajnob.
23 Cott. pJBin. '^* Cott. hpeappa-S. 25 Cott. a&lne. 26 Cott. paejiekep.
27 Cott. ymbutan. 28 c^tt. naj.u. 20 Cott. pelga.
§ VI. VII. EOETHIUS. \ 221)
the mind, and from tlie providence of Almighty God. He,
therefore, works after bis unspeakable providence, whatsoever
he v^'ills. ^
§ VI. As every artificer considers and marks out his work /
in his mind before he executes it, and afterwards executes if{
all ; this varying fortune whicli we call fate, proceeds after
his providence and after his counsel, as he intends that it
should be. Though it appear to us complicated, partly good,
and partly evil, it is nevertheless to him singly good, because
he brings it all to a good end, and does for good all that which
he does. Afterwards, when it is wrought, we call it fate ;
before, it was God's providence and his predestination. He
tlierefore directs fortune, either through good angels, or
through the souls of men, or through the life of other
creatures, or through the stars of heaven, or through the
various deceits of devils; sometimes through one of them,
sometimes through them all. But this is evidently known,
that the divine predestination is simple and unchangeable,
and governs everything according to order, and fashions
everything. Some things, therefore, in this world are sub-
ject to fate, others are not at all subject to it. But fate, and 1
all the things which are subject to it, are subject to the !
divine providence. Concerning this, I can mention to thee
an example, whereby thou mayest the more clearly under-
stand which men are subject to fate, and which are not. All
this moving and this changeable creation revolves on the
immovable, and on the steadfast, and on the singly-existing
God ; and he governs all creatures as he at the beginning
had, and still has determined.
§ VII. As on the axle-tree of a waggon the wheel turns,
and the axle-tree stands still, and nevertheless supports all
the waggon, and regulates all its progress— the wheel turns
round, and the nave, being nearest to the axle-tree, goes much
more firmly and more securely than the fellies do — so the
axle-tree may be the highest good which we call God, and
222 BOETLIIUS. CHAP. XXXIX.
^a j-eleftan men papan nehft Urobe. fpa fpa j"io najru fep]? nehft^
jjaepe eaxe. anb ]m mibmefCan fpa yya j^pacan. fopj^ampe^ selcef
j-pacan hi]> o])ep enbe fsej'C on Jjsepe najre, oj^ep on 'Seejie pel^e.
j-pa bi]? ]mm^ miblej-can monnum. oj^pe hpile he fmeaj) on hip
GOobe ymb ]ny eop];lice lip.'^ o]?pe hpile ymb "p jobcunblice.
ppelce'^ he locie mib oJ?pe eagan Co heoponum. mib o])pe to
eop]?an. ppa ppa ]>a^ ppacan ptica]?'' o]?ep enbe on J^sepe Fel2;e.
o]?e]i on ]?aepe nape, mibbepeapb pe ppaca^ biS 8e;i,6pum emn
neah. ])eah o}7ep enbe bio psepc on paepe nape. o])ep on faepe
pelje. ppa bioj) 5a mibmepran^ men on mibban J»am ppacan. ^
]?a becpan^" neap^'sepenape. "j famsepcan^^ neap j^am^^ pelgum.
bioj) Ipenh paepte. on Ipdsjie nape.^^ '^ pe napa on ]:)a&pe eaxe.
Ppaet ^a pelja 'Seah hanjia])^* on 'Sam ppacan. ]?eah hi eaUunja
pealopijen on J^aape eoj)]7an. ppa bo]) ]?a maepcan men on |)am
mibmepcum. 'j ]?a mibmepcan^^ on pam becpcan. j 'Sa becptan
on Eobe. Deah f'a maeptan ealle hiopa lupe penben co '8ippe
populbe. hi ne magon ])aep onpunian. ne Co naiihce ne peop])aJ>.
^ip hi be nanum basle ne bioj? jepaepCnobe Co Urobe. j^on ma Ipe
])d&Y hpeohlep^^ F^^S^ majon bion on^^ ]?am paepelbe.^® ^ip hi ne
bio]7 paepce on pam^^ jpacum.^^ •j ^a ppacan on 'Saepe eaxe. Da
pelga^^ bio]) pyppepc paepe eaxe. popSaem hi papaS unjepybe-
licopc.^^ pio napii p36p]> nehpc Saepe eaxe. poppy hio paep|) ge-
punbpulhcopc.^^ ppa bop Sa pelepcan men. ppa hi hiopa lupe neap
Ijobe laecap. anb ppipop |?ap eopphcan ^inj poppeo]?.^* ppa hi biop
oppopjjiu.^^ 11 Isep peccap, hu pio pypb panbpi^e. o^5e hpaec
hio^^ bpien^e. ppa ppa pio napu bi'8 pimle^'^ ppa jepunb. hnaeppen
^a pelja on f Se hi hnaeppen. 3 Seah bip pio napu hpaec hpuju
cobaeleb ppom paepe eaxe. Be |>y '5u mihc^^ on^ican f ye^^ paen
bip micle lenj gepunb pe laep bip Cobaeleb ppom paejie eaxe. ppa
biop 'Sa men eallpa oppop^opce^^ s^Sl^ep ge ?ipep anbpeapban
lipep eappopa.^^ ;;^e 'Saep copeapban. ]?a Se paapce biop on Eobe.
ac ppa hi ppipop^^ biop apynbpobe^^ ppam Ijobe. ppa hi ppipop^*
1 Cott. neahpc. 2 Cott. j:op}j8em}>e. ^ Cott. \>d&m. * lij:, deest in
MS. Cott. ^ Cott. ppilce. ^ Bod. \>xy. ' Cott. pcicia'S. ^ god.
tnibbepeajxbpe ppaca. ^ Bod. maepcan. ^'^ Bod. bepan. ^^ Bod. et
Cott. maecpan. ^2 Cott. J^aem. ^^ Cott. nseye. "* Cott. hon?;]a'5.
15 Cott. msecepcan. le Cott. hpeoler. ^^ on, deest in MS. Bod. '^ Cott.
Jjsem j8&pelce. i^ Cott. J>0em. ^o Bod. fpacanum. 21 c^^tt, yelgea.
22 Cott. unsepebelicoj-C. 23 Cott. Kerwnblicopc. 24 ^^^ fjnhoji paf
eop'Shcan ^ing yopfeo'S, desunt in MS. Cott. 25 Cott. oppop?;pan.
26 Cott. hi. 27 Cott. rymle. 28 Cott. meahc. 29 Cott. pe. ^0 Cott.
oprojigej'Ce. 31 Cott. eappoj^e. ^2 Cott. ppipup. ^s Cott. apynbpebe.
3* Cott. ppi)?up.
§ VII. BOETHIUS. 223
the best men go nearest to Grod, as the nave goes nearest to
the axle-tree ; and the middle class of men as the spokes.
For of every spoke, one end is fixed in the nave, and the
other in the felly. So is it with respect to the middle class
of men. One while he meditates in his mind concerning this
earthly life, another while concerning the heavenly: as if he
should look with one eye to the heavens, and with tlie other
to the earth. As the spokes stick, one end in the felly, and
the other in the nave, and the spoke is mid ward, equally near
to both, though one end be fixed in the nave, and the other
in the felly ; so are the middle class of men in the middle of
the spokes, and the better nearer to the nave, and the most
numerous class nearer to the fellies. They are nevertheless
fixed in the nave, and the nave on the axle-tree. But the
fellies depend on the spokes, though they wholly roll upon
the earth. So do the most numerous class of men depend on
the middle class, and the middle class on the best, and the
best on God. Though the most numerous class turn all their
love towards this world, they are not able to dwell there, nor
do they come to anything, if they are not in some measure
fastened to God, any more than the fellies of the wheel can
make any progress if they are not fastened to the spokes, and
the spokes to the axle-tree. The fellies are farthest from the
axle-tree, therefore they go the most roughly. The nave goes
nearest the axle-tree, therefore it goes the most securely. So
do the best men. As they place their love nearer to God, and
more despise these earthly things, so are they more free from
care, and are less anxious how fortune may vary, or what it
may bring. Provided the nave be always thus secure, the
fellies may rest on what they will. And yet the nave is in
some measure separated from the axle-tree. As thou mayest
perceive that the waggon is much longer secure, which is less
separated from the axle-tree ; so, of all men, those are most
untroubled, with the difficulties either of this present life, or
of that to come, who are fixed in God ; but as they are farther
224 BOETIIIUS. CHAP. XXXTX.
bio]) gebpefbe ^ ^ej'pencte. sejl^ep ge on GOobe je on lichoman.
8)7ylc 1]' J)aec "p pe pypb hata]>
§ VI 1 1."^ ... Be pam^ ^obcunban popejjonce fpylce pio
fmeaunj "j po jefceabpifnej' ij- co metanne pi]? ]?one jeajiopican^
anb ppelce •f hpeol bi]? co metanne pi]? Sa eaxe. popj^aem ]"io eax
pelc eallep ])dey paenej-. jpa be]) pe jobcunba pope]Jonc. he pcype})^
■Sone poboji 3 ^a tun;4:lu. ^ ^a eopJ»an ^ebe]? pciUe. 3 jemetgaf)
})a peopep jepceapca. f ip paecep. •] eop)?e. ■] pyp. "j lypc. Sa he
J)pa}ia}> J jephte^a]).^ hpilum ept unphceja^ "3 on oppum hipe
gebpeni:}) 3 epc jeebnipa}). ^ CybpeJ)^ a&lc tubop. anb hic*^ epc
jehyc J jehelc. Bonne hiC popealbob bip. anb poppeapob. -j epc
jeeopp ~\ jeebnipaj) })onne ]7onne he pile.^ 8ume uppitan^ Jjeah
pecgap f pio py]»b pealbe^ sejj'ep ge 5ep3el])a ge ungepseljja selcej-
monnep. Ic Sonne pecje, ppa ppa ealle EjupCene men pec^a]?. ^
pio jobcunbe popetiohhnnj hip pealbe. naep pio pypb, 3 ic pac ^
hio benip eal ])in5 FP'K pih^®- 6eah unjepceabpipum monnum^*'
)pa ne Junce. pi pena]) "p Sapa selc pie Urob. 6e hiopa piUan
puljaep. Nip hiC nan punbop. pop|)8em hi bio]> ablenbe mib
•Sam^^ piopcpum hiopa^^ pcylba. Ac pe gobcunba pope]?onc hic
unbepptenc eall ppij^e pyhce.^^ 'Seah up fince. pop upum bypije.
f iC on poh pajie. poppam^* pe ne cunnon f pihc unbep-
pcanban. pe bemj) 'Seah eall ppij^e pyhte. Seah up hpilum ppa ne
Since ; •
§ IX.^ Galle men ppypia]?^^ aepcep })am hehpcan jobe.^^ ge
^obe^^ 5;e ypele. Ac popjoy ne majon Sa^"^ ypelan cuman to
pam^^ hean hpope eallpa ^oba.-^^ pop];am^^ hi ne ppypia]? on
])iht aeptep. Ic pat^^ Seah Su cpe|)e^^ nu hponne to me. ]ppylc
unpyht msej bion^^ mape Sonne he^^ 5e]7api5e '^ hit jepyp]>e.^^
ppa hit hpilum ^epyp]?. f pdam jobum^^ becym}) anpealb ypel on
])ippe populbe.^'^ ^ ^am yplum anpealb gob. -j o])pe^^ hpile segpeji
gemengeb. 9eg]'ep ge J>8em gobum.^^ je J^aem yplum. Ac ic J^e
^ Boet. lib. iv. prosa 6. — Igitur uti est ad intellectum, &c.
1 Boet. lib. iv. prosa G. — Nihil est enim quod mali causa, &c.
1 Cott. l^aem.. 2 j^^^jj, geapepicon. Cott. geapopican ^ rpylce J^ar
laenan ]?iiis bio'S Co mecaniie pi^ J?a ecari ^ fPyl^e f hpeol. ^ Cott.
afcejie'S. * Cott. Se'Spffijia'S ^ phceSa'S. 5 cJtt. tibpe'S. ^ Bod. et
Cott. hi. ^ he pile, desunt in MS. Cott. ^ Cott. u'SpioCan. ^ Cott.
polb. lo Cott. men. " Cott. l^aem. 12 Cott. heopa. ^^ Cott.
pihce. " Cott. j:op>aem. ^^ Cott. ppipiaS. '^ Cott. goob. ^^ Cott. -p.
18 Cott. Knem. '9 Cott. ^ooba. 20 (jott. }op>aem. 21 q^^^ nar.
22 Cott. cpa3j?e. 23 Cott. beon. 24 Qq^j-. ge. 25 Cntt. gepeop^e.
2« Cott. Soobum. 27 Cott peopulbe. ^ Cott. o5)5jie. '-9 Cott. soobum.
§ VIII. IX. XOETHIUS. 225
separated from G-od, so are tbey more troubled and afflicted
both in mind and in body. Sucb is what we call fate. . . .
§ VIII. . . . With respect to the divine providence; as
argument and reasoning is, compared with the intellect, and
such the wheel is, compared with the axle-tree. For the
axle-tree regulates all the waggon. ]n like manner does the
divine providence. It moves the sky and the stars, and makes
the earth immovable, and regulates the four elements, that is,
water, and earth, and fire, and air. These it tempers and
forms, and sometimes again changes their appearance, and
brings them to another form, and afterwards renews them :
and nourishes every production, and pgain hides and preserves
it when it is grown old and withered, and again discovers
and renews it whensoever he wills. Some philosophers how-
ever say, that fate rules both the felicities and the infelicities
of every man. But I say, as all Christian men say, that the
divine predestination rules over him, not fate. And I know-
that it decrees everything very rightly ; though to unwise men
it does not appear so. They think that everything which
fulfils their desire, is Grod. It is no wonder, ibr they are
blinded by the darkness of their sins. But the divine provi-
dence understands everything very rightly, though it seems
to us, through our folly, that it goes wrongly ; because we
cannot perfectly understand it. He, however, ordains all
very rightly, though to us it sometimes does not appear so.
§ IX. All men, the good as w^ell as the wicked, seek after
the highest good. But the wicked are unable to come to the
high roof of all goods for this reason, that they do not seek
after it rightly. I know, however, that thou wilt on some
occasion say to me. What injustice can be greater, than that
he should permit it to come to pass, as it sometimes does, that
to the good unmixed evil happens in this world, and to the
wicked unmixed good ; and at other times both mixed, as well
to the good as to the wicked ? But I ask thee whether thou
226 BOETHIIJS. CHAP. XXXIX.
afcije hp9e]?ep ]>n pene ^ senij mon pe fpa anbgeCFull^ f he
mse^^e onjitan aelcne mon on pyht hpelc he pie. f he naujjeji
ne pie ne betepa ne pyppa ^onne he hip pene. Ic pac '8eah 'p hi
ne majon. Ac peop))a]) ppipe ope on pon pe pibo. ^e pume men
pecja}) f pie mebe pyp}>e. pume men pecja]? f he pie pycep
pyp]?e. Deah hpa maeje onjitan hpaet ofep bo. he ne maej
pican hpaec he ^enc]). Deah he maeje jiime hip pillan onjican.
)}onne ne msej he eallne. Ic l^ema&j eac peccan pum bippell be
jjsem f pu. mihc Sy ppeocolop onjican. Seah hit un^epceabpipe
men onjican ne maejen. f ip pop hpi pe joba Isece pelle ^am
halum men peptne bpenc j ppetne. "3 o]7pum halum Ijitepne ~]
jtpan^ne. 3 hpilum epc ))3em unhalum. pumum h]7ne. pumum
pcpangne. pumum ppetne. pumum bitepne. Ic pat f aelc ]?apa
]>e t5one cpaept ne can. pile fsep punbpian pop hpy hi ppa bon.
Ac hip ne punbpia]? ^a Isecap nauht. pop|)8em hi piton -p Jja
o]>pe nyton. poppa&m hi cunnon selcep hiopa mebtpumneppe on-
jitan "3 tocnapan.^ ~\ eac ^a cpa&ptap ]?e ])Eep pi]> pceolon. Ppset
ip papla haelo. bute pihtpipnep. oMe hpaet ip hiopa untpymnep.
bute unj^eapap. Ppa ip J^onne betepa Isece J^sepe paple. ])onne
he^ ^e hi ^epceop. f ip Cob. he apa)) ]>a, ^oban.'* -3 pitna}) t5a
yplan. he pat hpaep ailc pyppe h\]>. nip hit nan punbop. pop^aem
he op |?8em hean hpope hit eall ^epih]?. anb fonan mipca]? anb
metjaj) aelcum be hip gepyphtum * •
§ X.™ Daet pe 'Sonne hat a]? pypb. ^onne pe ^epceabpipa I/ob.
^e aelcep monnep tSeajipe pat. hpaet pypc]? oS6e 5e})apa]7 faep ^e
pe ne pena)?.^ Anb jet^ ic ]>e msej pume bipne peapum popbum
pecjan be J^am^ bsele ]>e pio mennipce jepceabpipnep maej on-
jitan Sa jobcunbneppe. f ip t^onne f pe onjita)) philum^ mon^
on o]7pe pipan. on oppe hme Irob onjit.^'' ppilum pe tiohhia]>
f he pie ]>e betpta.^^ -} ponne pat Cob f hit ppa ne bij>. Donne
hpaem hpaet cym]) o^'5e gobep^^ o'SSe ypelep mape bonne ])e
])inc]7 f he pypj>e pie. ne bi]> pio unpyhtpipnep no on tobe. ac
pio unjleapnep bi^ on ^e pelpum. f t5u hit ne canpt on piht
jecnapan. Opt ^ebype|> ))eah f te men onjita]? man on ]?a ilcan
pipan. Se hme Ijob onjit. Opt hit 5ebype|> f te manije men
bio]? ppa unjetpume.^^ s&Sl'ep je on GOobe je on hchoman. -f
™ Boet. lib. iv. prosa 6. — Hinc jam fit illud fatalis ordinis, &c.
1 Cott. anbgitfull. 2 Cott. oncnapan. ^ Cott. pe. * Cott. \>tem
J^ooban. 5 Cott. na'5. ^ Cott. ^ic. ' Cott. Jjs&m. ^ Cott, hpilum.
9 mon, deest in MS. Cott. *<> Cott. anbgic. " Cott. becpa. 12 Cott.
goobef. " Cott. untpume.
§ X. BOETHiua. 227
thinkest that any man is so discerning, that he is able to know
every one aright, what he is, so that he may be neither better
nor worse than he thinks him ? I know, however, that they
cannot. Yet it is very often improperly the custom for some
persons to say that a man is deserving of reward, wliile others
say that he is deserving of punishment. Though any one may
observe what another does, he cannot know what he thinks.
Though he may know some jyart of his disposition, yet he
cannot Tcnow it all. I can moreover relate to thee an example,
whereby thou mayest more clearly understand this^ though un-
wise men cannot understand tt. That is: "Why does the good
physician give to this healthy man mild and sweet drink, and
to another healthy man bitter and strong ? And sometimes
also to the sick; to one mild; to another strong; to one
sweet ; to another bitter ? I know that every person who is
unacquainted with the art will wonder at it, why they do so.
But the physicians wonder not at it, because they know what
the others are ignorant of. For they know how to discover
and distinguish the infirmity of each of them ; and also the
arts which should be used with respect to it. What is the
health of souls, but virtue ? or what is their infirmity, but
vices ? Who then is a better physician of the soul, than he
who made it, that is, God ? He honours the good, and
punishes the wicked. He knows what each is deserving of.
It is no wonder, because he from the high roof sees it all ;
and thence disposes and metes to each according to his
deserts.
§ X. This then we call fate ; when the wise God, who knows
every man's necessity, does or permits anything which we ex-
pect not. And yet I may give thee some examples, in few
words, so far as human reason is able to understand the
divine nature. That is, then, tliat we sometimes know man
in one wise, <^?^<? God knows him in anothei'. Sometimes we
judge that he is the best, and then God knows that it is not
so. When anything comes to any person, either of good or of
evil, more than it appears to thee that he deserves, the in-
justice is not in God, but the want of skill is in thyself, that
thou canst not rightly understand it. Yet it often happens
that men know a man in the same manner that God knows
him. It often happens that many men are so infirm, both in
mind and in body, that they cannot of their own accord do
q2
228 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIX.
hi ne majon ne nan joh^ bon. ne nan yjrei nylla]) unnebije. ~}
bioj) eac j'pa unjjylbije^ f hi ne majon nan eappoj^a'^ gepylbehce
abepan. fopj^aem hit jebype]? ope 'f Urob nyle* pop hi]" milbhe-
opcneppe nan unabepenbhce^ bpoc him anpetcan. ^y la&p hi
poplsetan^ hiopa unpceafpulnejpe.'^ •] peopj^an^ pypj-an. 51 p hi
apcypebe^ bio)) -j geppenceb.^*^ 8ume men bio))^^ 9&lcep cpaeptep
pull cpseptije anb pull halije pepap 3 pihcpipe. 6onne ]?incj) 'p
Ijobe unpihc f he ppelce^^ ppence. ^e pup)?um ])one^^ bea]>. Ipe
eallum monnum gecynbe ip^* co folienne.^^ he him jebej)
pepcpan 'Sonne ojjpum monnum. ppa ppa 510 pum^^ pip man^^
cpsej). f ye jobcunba anpealb jefpij^obe hip bioplmgap^^ unbeji
hip^^ pi]>epa pceabe.^^ ~\ hi pcilbe ppa jeopnlice. ppa ppa^^ man
be]) '8one aepP^ on hip eajan. GOaneje tiliga]?^^ liobe to cpe-,
manne to ^on ^eopne f hi piUnia]?. hiopa anum piUum. mani-
pealb eappojje^* to fpopianne. pop]?am ]>e hi pillnia]) mapan ape.,
3 mapian hhpan. •) mapan peop^pcipe mib Cobe to habbanne.
ponne pa habba])^^ ])e poptop libbaj) : •
§ XI." Opt eac becym'5 pe anpealb^^ tSippe populbe to ppi]?e
jobum^^ monnum. pop|)3em pe anpealb^^ pajia yplana^^ people
copoppen. 8umum monnum Ijob pelle])^^ s^Sj^ep ge job^^ ^e
ypel jemenjeb. pop]?aem hi 8e^|>pep eapnia)?. 8ume he bepeapa]?
hiopa pelan ppipe hpa])e. ]?8ep ^e hi aepept jepselije peopifa]?. ]>y
Isep hi pop lonjum jepseljjum hi to up ahsebben. ;} 'Sonan on
opepmetcum peopSen. 8ume he^^ let jjpeajan mib heapbum
bpoce. jjset hi leopnijen ^one cpsept jej^ylbe^^ on ^am^^ lanjan
jeppmce. 8ume him onbpaeba}) eappoj^u ppi]7op ponne hy pyppen.
Seah hi hi eaj^e abpeojan maejen. Sumehi jebycja]? peopflicne
hhpan Sippep anbpeapban lipep mib hiopa ajnum beaj^e. popj^aem
hi penaj) f hi naebben nan opep pioh Saep hlipan^^ pypp^ buton
" Boet. lib. iv. prosa 6. — Fit autem saepe uti bonis, &c.
» Cott. •goob. 2 Cott. un^el^ylbise. ^ Cott. eapFot>u. * Cott.
nylle. ^ Bod. nanum abepenblic. ^ Cott. popla&ten. ^ Cott. unpce^-
jrulneppe. ^ Cott. peop^en. ^ Cott. apCepebe. ^'^ Cott. seppencCe.
" Cott. beo^. 12 Cott. rpylce. '^ Bod. ]>onne. ^* Cott. ip secynbe.
15 Cott. Jjohanne. ^^ j^um, deest in MS. Cott. ^7 Cott. men. is Cott.
SeFpiot^obe hipbeoplinsap. ^^ hip, deest in MS. Cott. ^o Cott. pceate.
2» ppa, deest in MS. Cott. 22 Cott. seppel. " Cott. CDanige ciha«.
2* Cott. eappo)5u. 25 Cott. hsebben. 26 Cott. anpalb. 27 Cott.
Soobum. 26 Cott. anpalb. 29 Cott. ypelana. ^o Cott. pele^. ^i Cott.
goob. 3* hi Co up ahaebben ■) l>onan on opepmecrum peophen. 8ume
he, desunt in MS. Bod. 33 Cott. sel>ylbehce. 34 Cott. Jjsem. 35 Bod.
habben nan o>epf iot5 j^sep hliopan.
§ XT. BOETHIUS. 229
any good, or avoid any evil ; and are, moreover, so impatient,
that they cannot with resignation bear any troubles. There-
fore it often happens tliat God, througii his mercy, wills not
to impose on them any intolerable affliction, lest they should
forsake their innocence, and become worse, if they are moved
and troubled. Some men are full virtuous in all virtue, and
full holy and righteous men. Then seems it to God unjust
that he should afflict such; and moreover death, which is
natural to all men to suffer, he makes more tranquil to them
than to other men : as formerly a certain wise man said, that
the divine power saved his darlings under the shadow of his
wings, and protected them as carefully as man does the apple
of his eye. Many so earnestly endeavour to please God, that
they desire of then' own accord to sufltir manifold troubles;
because they desire to have greater honour, and greater fame,
and greater dignity with God, than those have who live more
pleasantly.
§ XI. Frequently also the power of this world comes to
very good men, in order that tlie power of the wicked may be
overthrown. To some men God gives both good and evil
mixed, because they earn both. Some he bereaves of their
wealth very soon, when they first are happy, lest through
long felicities they should too much exalt themselves, and
thence become proud. He permits some to be vexed with
severe trouble, that they may learn the virtue of patience by
the long affliction. Some fear difficulties more than they
need, though they may easily bear them. Some purchase
the honourable fame of this present life by their own death;
because they think that they have no other price worthy of
this fame, except their own lite. Some men were formerly
unconquerable, so that no one could overcome them with any
230 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIX.
hiopa a^num pope. Sume men paepon ^lo unopepj-pij^eblice. fpa
•p hi nan ne mihte^ mib nanlim pite opep]-pi]>an. ^a bijnobon
hiopa eeptep jenjum f hi naepen mib picum OFepppi})be. on
•^aem paep ppeocol f hi pop heopa jobum peopcum haepbon ^one
cpsept "p hi^ mon ne mihte opepppijjon.^ Ac pa ypelan^ pop
hiopa yplum peopcum paepon ^epicnobe opep ppi]7e.^ pop))8em 'p
^a pitu jeptipbon^ o}>pum f hi ppa bon"^ ne boppcen. 3 eac '8a
jebetan fe hi t5onne bpocia]). f ip ppi]?e ppeocol tacn '6am^ pipan
•f he ne pceal lupian co unjemedice 'Sap populb jepaelfa. pop-
faem hi ope cumaj> to ^aem pypptan^ monnum. Ac hpaec pille
pe cpe]?an be 'Sam^° anbpeapban pelan. Se ope cym]? co ]>d&ia
jobum.^^ hpaet he ellep pie bucan cacn Saep topeapban pelan j
^sep ebleanef anjin ^e him Cob gecihhob^^ haep)) pop hip goban^^
pillan. Ic pene eac f te Ijob pelle manejum yplum^^ monnum
5epael]?a popjjaem ])e^^ he pac heopa^^ Secynb anb heopa*^ pillan
ppa jepabne. -f hi pop nanum eapm]?um^^ ne bi)?^® no ^y
betcpan.^^ ac Sy^'^ pyppan. ac pe joba laece. f ip Ijob. lacna})
hiopa GOob mib Sam^^ pelan. pile "p hi onjiten hponan him pe
pela come anb olecce Saem ]?ylaep he him Ipone pelan apeppe^^
oSSe hine J»am pelan. 3 penbe hip Seapap to jobe. ^ poplaete ^a
unj)eapap j pa ypel ^e he sep pop hip epmpum bybe. Sume
beoj)^^ ^eah ]>y pyppon jip hi pelan habbap. poppaem hi^* opep-
mobiga]?^^ pop ^aem pelan -j hij* unjemetlice bpucaS .* •
§ XII.^ Cbanejum men bio]? eac popjipene poppam^^ pap
populb^'' ^epaelpa. f hi pcyle tSam^^ jobum^^ leanian hiopa job.^^
■3 t5am^^ yplum hiopa ypel. poppam'^^ pimle biop pa joban^^ 3 Sa
yplan unjeppgepe betpyh"*^* him. je eac hpilum 'Sa yplan biop un-
jepabe betpuh him pelpum. je puppum an ypel man bi6 hpilum^^
unjeppaepe him pelpum. poppampe^*^ he pat f he untela be^. "]
Boet. lib. iv. prosa 6. — Quibusdam permissum puniendi jus, &c.
1 Cott. meaht. '^ Cott. him. ^ Cott. meahce opepppi^an. "* Cott.
yplan. » Cott. ppi^l^e. « Cott. Septipben. '' Cott. Sebon. » Cott.
Jsem. » Cott. pyppeprum. 10 Cott. )>aem. " Cott. Soobum. »« Cott.
tiohhob. '^ Cott. sooban. ^* Cott. maenesum ypelum. '^ Bod.
heah. IS (^ott. hiopa. >' Cott. epm]>um. i* Cott. byCS. " Cott.
becpan. 20 ^q^j^ n^ ^a J>y. 21 Cott. >aem. ^'^ Cott. apyppe. ^^ Cott.
bio's. ^* hi, deest in MS. Bod. 25 g^jj, oj-epmobgiam. ^e Cott.
popJ)»m. 27 Cott. peopulb. 28 ^o^t. )>8em. 29 Cott. soobum. ^ Cott.
Soob. 31 Cott. J)8em. ^^ c^tt. pop^aem. ^^ Cott. Sooban. " Cott.
betpuh. ^5 Cott. pimle. ^^ Cott. f opl?aempe.
§ XII. BOETHIUS. 231
torment. These set an example to their successors that tliej
should not be overcome by torments. In these it was evident
that they, for their good works, had the strength that man
might not overcome them. But the wicked, for their evil
works, have been punished beyond measure, in order that
the punishments might restrain others from daring to do so,
and also might amend those whom they then afflict. It is a
very clear token to the wise, that he ought not to love these
worldly goods immoderately, because they often come to the
worst men. But what shall we say concerning the present
wealth which often comes to the good ? What is it else but
a token of the future wealth, and a beginning of the reward
which God has decreed to him for his good disposition ? I
suppose also that God gives felicities to many wicked men
because he knows their nature and their disposition to be
such, that they would not for any troubles be the better, but
the worse. But the good physician, that is God, heals their
minds with the wealth, until they learn whence the wealth
came to them, and the man submits to him lest he take away
the wealth from him, or him from the wealth, and turns his
manners to good, and forsakes the vices and the evil which
he before through his poverty did. Some indeed are the
worse if they have wealth, because they become proud on
account of the wealth, and enjoy it without moderation.
§ XII. To many men also these worldly felicities are there-
fore given, that they may recompense the good for their good,
and the wicked for their evil. For the good and the wicked
are ever at variance with each other, and also sometimes the
wicked are at variance between themselves, and moreover a
wicked man is sometimes at variance with himself. For he
knows that he does amiss, and bethinks himself of the retribu-
232 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XXXIX*
pen^ him papa' leana. ^ nele^ Seah ])xy ^ej-pican. ne hit pup-
]?um him ne laec hpeopan. •) Sonne pop Sam pmjalan^ e2;e ne
maeg no peop];an geppsepe on him jelpum. Ope hic eac^ jebypeS
f pe ypla poplaec hip ypel pop pumep o|)pep yplep monnep^ anban.
popl^am^ he polbe mib ]>y caelan'' pone opepne f he onpcunebe
hip peapap. ppmcp Sonne )mb f ppa he ppipopc maeg. f he tiola}>
unjehc to bion pam^ oppum. poppam^ hic ip paep gobcunban
anpealbep gepuna f he pypcp op yple gob. Ac hic nip nanum
men alepeb f he maege picon eall f Irob getiohhob h»p5. ne
eac apecan -p ^ he gepophc haepp. Ac on Saem hi habba]?
genog. Co onjitanne f pe pceoppenb^^ 3 pe pealbenb eallpa ge-
pceapca pelc. j pyhce gepceop eall f he gepceop. '^ nan ypel ne
pophte. ne jec ne pypcS. ac aelc ypel he abpipj? op eallum hip
pice. Ac gip Su aepcep Sam hean^^ anpalbe ppypian^^ pile Saep
sslmihtigan^^ Eobep. ponne ne ongitpc pu nan ypel on nanum
pinge. peah Se nu pmce f hep micel on Sip^* mibbangeapbe pie.
poppaem hiC ip pihc f pa goban habban gob^^ eblean hiopa
gobep. J Sa ypl^^ habban^^ pice hiopa yplep. ne bip f nan ypel.
f te pyhc bip. ac bip gob. Ac ic ongite jj ic pe ha&bbe appiec
nu mib pip langan ppelle.-^^ popSsem pe lypc nu liopa.^^ Ac
onpoh hiopa nu. poppam^^ hit ip pe laecebom anb pe bpenc Se
Su lange pilnobept. pset Su py eS maage Saepe^*^ lape onpon ; •
§ XIII.P Da pe J7ipbom Sa pip ppell apeht^^ haepbe. pa ongan
he ept pmgan. "3 pup cpaep. Urip pu pillnige mib hlutpum mobe
ongitan Sone hean anpealb. behealb pa tunjlu paep hean
heopnep. pealbap pa tunglu pa ealban jibbe Se hi on gej'ceapne
paepon. ppa f pio pypene punne ne onhpmp no Sasp baelep paep
heopenep Se pe mona onipnp. ne pe mona no ne onhpmp paep
baelep Se pio punne onipnp. Sa hpile pe hio paep on bip. ne pe
pteoppa. Se pe hatap Uppa. ne cymp naeppe on pam peptbaele.
peah ealle oppe pteoppan papen mib pam pobope aeptep paepe
punnan on pa eoppan. nip hit nan punbop. poppam he ip ppipe
neah pam up enbe paepe eaxe. Ac pe pteoppa Se pe hatap
sepenpteoppa. Sonne he bip pept gepepen. ponne tacnna]) he
P Boet. lib. iv. metrum 6.— Si vis celsi jura tonantis, &c.
' Bod. mapan. ^ Cott. nyle. ^ Cott. ]?sem pngalum. •* eac,
deest in MS. Cott. ^ Cott. mannej'. « Cott. yop]psein. ^ Bod. laeCan.
^ Cott. bionne ]?sem. ^ Cott. f op]?aem. 1° Cott. pcippenb. '* hean,
deest in MS. Bod. *^ Bod. anpealbe pcypian. '^ Cott. a^Imehti^an.
'» Cott. \>yy. 15 Cott. Sooban haebben ^oob. i« Cott. haebban. »7 Cott.
apecne mib J>y lan^an j-pell '^ Cott. leoJ?a. ^^ Cott. p opj^aem*
2" >a&pe, deest in MS. Cott. 21 Cott. apeahc.
§ XIII. BOETHIUS. SB3
tion,and yet will nob cease therefrom, nor if»\deed suffer iiim-
selfto repent of it; and therefore througb »*)erpetual fear he
cannot be at peace with hifnself Frequently it also happens
that the wicked forsakes his evil for hatred of some other
wicked man; because he would thereby upbraid the other,
by avoiding his manners. He labours then about this as he
best may ; that is, he takes care to be unlike the other; for
it is the custom of the divine power to work good from evil.
But it is permitted to no man that he should be able to know
all that God has decreed, or indeed to recount that which he
has wrought. But in tliese tilings they have enougli, to un-
derstand that the creator and the governor of all things,
guides, and rightly made all that he made, and has not
wrought, nor yet works any evil, but drives away every evil
from all his realm. But if thou wilt inquire concerning the
supreme government of the Almighty God, then wilt thou
not perceive evil in anything, though it now seem to thee
that here is much in this middle-earth. Since it is just that
the good have good reward for their good, and the wicked
have punishment for their evil ; that is no evil which is just,
but is good. But I perceive that I have wearied thee with
this long discourse, wherefore thou art now desirous of songs.
And now accept them, for it is tlie medicine and the drink
which thou hast long wished for, that thou mayest more
easily receive the instruction.
§ XIII. When Wisdom had ended this speech, then began
he again to sing, and thus said : If thou desirest with pure
mind to understand the supreme government, behold the
stars of the high heaven. The heavenly bodies preserve the
ancient peace in which they were created ; so that the fiery-
sun does not touch that part of the heaven in which the moon
moves; nor does the moon touch that part in which the sun
moves, so long as she is therein. Nor does the star which we
call Ursa ever come into the west, though all other stars go
with the sky after the sun to the earth. It is no wonder, for
it is very near to the upper end of the axis. But the star
which we call the evening star, when it is seen westwardly,
then betokens it the evening. It then goes after the sun
234 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XL.
a&pen. f»p|? he J)onne aefcep J)3epe j-unnan on ]?3epe eop|>an
fceabe. oj) he oppn|> J)a funnan hmban. -3 cym]? p]}> pojian ])a
j-unnan up. ])onne haten pe hme mopgenjceoppa. ppj)am he
cymj> eaj^can up. boba]? ]7aepe j^unnan cyme. 810 fuime "j fe
mona habbaf tobaeleb butpuhc him ]7one baej anb |)a nihc ]'pi]>e
emne j rpi}>e ^ejjpsepehce picpia)) ^uph jobcunban popefcea-
punga 3 una])pocenhce J)iopia|> J)am eelmihtigan Eobe o]> bomep
baeg. fop ]>y hi ne laec IJob on ane healjre |)9ef heoponef bion.
Sy laef hi popbon o])pa gepceapta. Ac jepibpuma Iiob jemetjaj?
ealla 2;epceapca •] jeppaepa]? ]?a he beCpuh him puma]), hpilum
fhhc pe paeta f bpyje. hpilum he gemengej) f pyp bij? |?am cile.
hpilum f leohte pyp "^ f beophte up gepic. "3 pio liepije eopj^e
piC J>8ep ni]>epe be faep cyninjep jebobe. bpenjS eopjje selcne
peptm 3 aelc cubop a&lce jeape. "j pe haca pumop bpyj); j
jeappa]) paeb 3 bleba. 3 pepcmbaepa haeppept bpynj]? pipa bleba.
ha&jlap anb pnapap 3 j'e ope paeba pen lecca^ ^a eop]?an on
pintpa. pop|>am unbeppehj) pio eopJ>e f paeb 3 ^ebe]) -p hic
5pepa]7 on len^ten. Ac pe metob eallpa jepceapca pec on
eopj^an ealle jpopenbe peprmap 3 ealle popj^bpen^]?, 3 jehyc
fonne he pyle. 3 eopa]? Sonne he pile. ■] nim|) fonne he pile. Da
hpile Se ]}a ^epceapca ]7iopia}). pit pe hehpta pceoppenb on hip
heah pecle. ]7anon he pelc pam ^epealblej^ejium ealle jepceapcu.
Nip nan punbop. popSamJ)e he ip cynmg. 3 bpyhcen. 3 aepelm.
•3 ppuma. "3 ae. "3 pipbom. 3 pihtpip bema. he pent ealla je-
pceaptu on hip aejienba. 3 he het ealle epc cuman. >Da3t pe an
jeptaeSSeja cynmj ne ptafelobe' ealla gepceapta. Sonne pupbon
hi ealle toplopene 3 toptencte. anb to nauhte pupbon ealle je-
pceapta..lSeah habba]) gemaenehce Sa ane lupe. f hi feopian
ppilcum nlapopbe. anb pae^ma]) J^aep f he heopa pealt. nip f nan
punbop. pop)>am hi ne mihton ellep bion. jip he ne }?iopebon
hiopa ppuman. Da poplet pe p'lpbom f lio]).^ anb cpse}> to me.
CAPUT XL.1
§ I. pf^iEDGR Su nu onjite hpibep ]7iop pppaece piUe. Da
cpae]) ic. Seje me hpibep hio pille. Da cpae)> he. Ic p'lle pecjan
})aet aelc pypb bio job.^ pam hio monnum job^ ))ince. pam hio
him ypel fmce. Da cpaep ic. Ic pene •}) hic ea])e ppa bion maeje.
))eah up hpilum o]>ep pince. Da cpaej> he. Nip })aep nan tpy* f
1 Boet. lib. iv. prosa 7. — Jamne igitur vides, quid haec omnia, &c.
» Cott. leo^S 2 cott. soob. a Cott. Soob. * Cott. cpeo.
§ I. BOETHIUS. 235
into the earth's shade, till it runs off behind the sun, and
comes up before the sun. Then we call it the morning star,
because it comes up in the east, and announces the sun's ap-
proach. The sun and the moon have divided the day and the
night very equally between them ; and they reign very harmo-
niously through divine providence, and unceasingly serve the
Almighty Grod till doomsday. God does not suffer them to
be on one side of the heaven, lest they should destroy other
creatures. But the peace-loving G-od regulates and adapts
all creatures, when they exist together. Sometimes the wet
flies the dry. Sometimes he mingles the fire with the cold.
Sometimes the light and bright fire goes upwards, and the
heavy earth is stationed beneath by the king's command. The
earth brings yearly every fruit, and every production ; and the
hot summer dries and prepares seeds and fruits ; and the
fruitful harvest brings ripe corn. Hails, and snows, and
frequent rain moisten the earth in winter. Hence the earth
receives the seed, and causes it to grow in spring. But the
creator of all things nourishes in the earth all growing fruits,
and produces thein all ; and hides when he will, and shows
when he will, and takes away when he will. While the
creatures obey, the supreme creator sits on his throne.
Thence he guides with reins all creatures. It is no wonder ;
for he is kins:, and lord, and fountain, and origin, and law,
and wisdom, and righteous judge. He sends all creatures
on his errands, and he commands them all to come agaiu.'^ If
the only steadfast king did not support all creatures, then
would they all be dissolved and dispersed ; and all creatures
would come to nought. /But they have in common one love
in serving such a lord, and rejoice because he rules over
them. That is no wonder, for they could not else exist, if
they served not their author. Then ceased Wisdom the
song, and said to me :
CHAPTER XL.
§ I. Dost thou now perceive whither this discourse tends ?
Then said I: Tell me whither it tends. Then said he: I
would say, that every fortune is good, whether it seem good
to men, or whether it seem evil to them. Then said I: I
think that it perhaps may be so, though it sometimes ap-
pears otherwise to us. Then said he : There is no doubt of
236 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XL.
selc pypb bio]? job.^ ^apa J)e pihc 3 nycpypj^e biop.^ pop]?3em
aelc pypb. ]-am hio pe pynfum. j-am hio pe unpyiij-um. pop )>y
c5'mj> to ])8em jobum^ f hio opep cpeja bo. o66e hme Jjpeatije
to '8on f he bet bo. ]?onne he aep bybe. o^Se him leanige f he
aep tela bybe. Anb ept a&lc pypb];apa ])e to ^am^ yplum cym]?.
cym]>^ popJ)am tpam^ fiinjum pam hio pie ]ie]7e. pam hio pie^
pynpum. gip to ^am^ yplum cym]; pe]>u pypb. J>onne cymj? he to
ebleane hip ypla. o^Se to J^peatunje^ 3 to lajie f he ept^^ ppa
ne bo. Da on^ann ic punbpijan anb cpae]). Ip f pop mpeapbhce
piht pacu f ^u paep pecpt. Da cpae]? he. 8pa hit ip ppa ]>n
pejpt. Ac ic polbe. jip 'Su polbept. f fit unc penbon^^ pume
hpile to ]?ipep polcep pppaece. pylaep hi cpEe]?on^^ f pit pppaecon^^
opep monnep anbjet.^* Da cpaep ic. Sppec f (Su piUe ;•
§ 11.^ Da cpae^ he. f^gnpt ^u ^ •}) ne pie gob.^^ f nyt^^ bi]?*
Da cpae]? ic. Ic pene ])8&t hit pie. Da cpae]) he. ^Ic pypb^^ ip
nyt ]7apa Se au];ep be]?.'^ oSSe laep]?. oS6e ppic]?.^^ Da cpaep ic.
Daet ip poj). Da cpaef he. 810 pi]>eppeapbe pypb ip ])8em job^^ ])e
pmna]? pi]? un]?eapap "j penba]? hi to jobe.^^ Da cpae]? ic. Ne
maeg ic ^sep o])pacan. Da cpae]? he. ppa&t penpt })u be 'Sa&pe
goban^^ Pypbe. 'Se opt cymj? to jobum^^ monnum on ^ippe
populbe.^* ppilce^^ hit pie popetacn ecpa joba.^^ hpe])ep Ipiy pole
meeje cpe]?an f hit pie ypel pypb. Da pmepcobe^^ ic^^ ~} cpsej?.
Ne cpi]? f nan mon. ac cpse})^^ '])hio pie ppi]>e ^ob.^*^ ppa hio eac
bi]?. Da cpsej? he. Ppaet penpt ])u be ])sepe unpepenlicpan^^
pypbe. ]?e opt ]>pieta])^^ Sa yplan to pitnianne. hpae]7ep ]?ip pole
pene f f job^^ pypb pie. Da cpae]? ic. Ne pena]? hi no f f 50b
pyjib pie. ac pena]? f hio pieppipe eapmlico. Da cpse]? he. Uton
healban unc f pit ne penan ppa ppa ])ip pole pen]), dp pit Saep
pena}) ]?e 'Sip pole pen]?. ]?onne poplaete pit selce gepceabpipn eppe
anb eelee pihtpipneppe. Da epae]? le. Ppi pojilsste pit hi a^* ])y^^
. •■ Boet. lib. iv. prosa 7. — Noiine igitur bonum censes esse, &c.
» Cott. Soob. 2 Cott. bi«. 3 Cott. Sooban. "* Cott. l>aem. » cym«,
deest in MS. Bod. ^ Cott. popl?3&m cpsem. ^ Cott. j-y. ^ Cott.'
Jjaem. » Cott. >peun5e. *" Bod. jec. " Cott. penben. 12 Qott.
cpeJ?on. »3 Cott. fppecon. »* Cott. Semet. ^^ ^ott. goob. ^^ Cott.
nic. " pypb, deest in MS. Cott. i^ Bod. apepbe'5. '^ Cott. pypCS.
■•'o Cott. soob. 21 Cott. soobe. 22 Cott. sooban. 23 Cott. soobum.
2* Cott. peopulbe. 25 Cott. ppylce. 26 Cott. aelcpa sooba. 27 Cott.
pmeapcobe. ^^ i^^ ^gest in MS. Cott. 29 Cott. cpiS. ^o Qott. Soob.
31 Cott. unpenhcpan. ^2 c^tt. I?peaca'S. ^s Cott. goob. ^4 a, deest
in MS. Cott. 35 Cott. J>a.
§ II. BOETHIUS. 237
this, that every fortune which is just and useful, is good:
for every fortune, whether it be pleasant, or whether it be
unpleasant, conies to the good for this reason, that it may do
one of two tilings; that it may eithe^r admonish him, in order
that he should do better than he did before ; or reward him,
because he before did well. And again, every fortune Vhich
comes to the wicked, comes on account of two things, whetlier
it be severe or whether it be pleasant. If severe fortune come
to the wicked, then it comes for retribution of his evil, or else
for correction and for admonition, that he should not do so
again. Then began I to wonder, and said : This is a thoroughly
right explanation which thou givest. Then said he : It is as
thou sayest. But I am desirous, if thou art willing, that we
should turn ourselves a little while to this people's speech,
lest they say that we speak above man's comprehension.
Then said I : Speak what thou wilt.
§ 11. Then said he: Dost thou think that that is not good
which is useful ? Then said I : I think that it is. Then said
he: Every fortune is useful which does either of two things;
either instructs or corrects. Then said I : That is true. Ttien
saiH^heTlTdverse fortune is good for those who contend
against vices, and are inclined to good. Then said I : I
cannot deny it. Then said he: What thinkest thou con-
cerning the good fortune, which often comes to good men in
this world, as if it were a foretoken of eternal blessings ?
Can this people say that it is evil fortune ? Then smiled I,
and said : No man says that, but every one says that it is
very good, as it moreover is. Then said he: What thinkest
thou of the more invisible fortune which often threatens to
punish the wicked ? Does this people think that this is good
fortune ? Then said I : They do not think that this is good
fortune, but think that it is very miserable. Then said he :
Let us beware that we think not as this people think. If we
in this respect think what this people think, then shall we
forsake all wisdom, and all righteousness. Then said I : Why
shall we ever the more forsake them ? Then said he : Be-
238 BOETHIUS. CHA]?. XL.
ma. Da cpa&p he. Fop])y^ polcifce men jecjaj) f aelce^ jie]>\i
pyjib ~\ unpynfumu pe ypel. Ac pe ne fculon Ssef jelepan. jzop-
J^aem ^aec^ aelc pypb bi^ 50b.* fpa pe aeji j-ppaecon. j-am liio pe
jie])u.^ pam hio pie pynpum. Da peapj) ic apsepeb ^j cpae]). Daec
ip ro)) -f 'Su pejj-t. Ic nat ^eah hpa hit buppe^ pecjan bypejum
momium. poppam*^ hip ne maej nan byp man jelepan ;.^
§ III.^ Da onfac pe fifbom faphce j cpa&j). Foppy ne pcyle
nan pip monn pophcigan ne jnopnian^ Co hpaem hip pipe peoppe.
o'SSe hpaepep him cume J>e pepu pypb 'Se hpu.^^ 'Son ma J)e pe
hpaca epne fcyle ymb f jnopnian. hu ope he peohcan pciile.^^
ne bip hip^^ lop na Sy laeppe. ac ip pen f hic pie 'Sy mape. ppa
bij) eac paep pipan meb py mape. pe him ppappe pypb ;] peppe
CO becym]?. Dy ne pceolbe^^ nan pip man pillian^* pepcep hpep.
jip he senijjia cpaepca peep. oSSe aenijep peopppcipep hep pop
populbe.^^ o^Se ecep hpep sepcep 'Sippe populbe.^^ Ac selc pip
mon pcyle apinnan sejpep je pip pa pepan pypbe je pip '5a pm-
puman. py laej" he hme pop Ssepe pynpuman pypbe popcpupige.
oS5e pop ^sepe pepan popepence.^^ Ac him ip peapp *}) he
apebije^^ pone mibmepcan peg becpyhp^^ Saepe pepan pypbe ~j
"Saepe lipan. f he ne pilnije pynpumpan pypbe ■j mapan opj'oph-
neppe ^onne hic jemeclic pie. ne epcco^^ peppe. pop)>aem he ne
maej nappep^^ un;;^emec abpiohan.^^ Ac hic ip on hiopa ajenum^^
anpealbe hpa])pe^^ Sapa hi jeceopan.^* dp hi ponne pone mib-
mepcan pej apebian pilla]?. 'Sonne pcylan^^ hi pelpe him pelpum
jemecjian pa pmpuman pypbe. "^ 5a oppopjan. ponne jemecjap
him Urob ]>a pepan pypbe ^e on ^ippe populbe.^^ je on ]?aepe co-
peapban. 8pa ppa hi eape abpeojan^^ majan ; •
§ IV.* f7el la pipan menn pell, ^ap ealle on pone pej pe eop
laepa]> ^a popemaepan bipna papa jobena jumena 3 paepa peopp-
jeopnena pepa (5e aep eop paepon. Gala je eapjan ~} ibeljeopnan.
hpy je ppa unnycce jion^^ "] ppa appunbene.^^ hpy je nellan^'*
s Boet. lib. iv. prosa 7. — Quare, inquit, ita vir sapiens, &c.
* Boet. lib. iv. metrum 7. — Bella bis quinis operatus annis, &c.
1 Cott. pophy \>e. 2 gelce, deest in MS. Cott. ^ Cott. \>e. * Cott.
Soob. ^ Cott.. ry pehe. ^ Cott. byppe. ^ Qott. poppE&m. « ^^^^
nele nan bypig mon. ^ Cott. to ppi]>e ymb -p gnopman. '^ Bod.
pyp))an pcyle hpaep him cume paepe pu pypb pe lipu. " Cott. pcyle.
12 hip, deest in MS. Cott. ^^ Cott. pcyle. ' ** Cott. pilnian. i* Cott. peo-
pulbe. '6 Cott. poppence. •' Cott. apebie. ^^ Cott. becpeoh. ^^to, deest
in MS. Cott. 20 Cott. nauppep. 21 Cott. abpiosan. 22 Qq^^^ agnmn.
23 Cott. hpaeppe. 24 Cott. seciopen. 25 Cott. pculon. 26 Cott.
peopulbe. 27 Bod. se abpvgan. 28 Cott. pien. 29 Cott. appunbne.
30 Cott. nyUen.
§ III. IV. BOETHIUS. 239
cause vulgar men say that every severe and unpleasant for-
tune is evil. But we should not believe it, since every fortune
is good, as we before said, whether it be severe, or whether it
be pleasant. Then was I afraid, and said : That is true which
thou sayest. I know not, however, who dares to mention it
to foolish men, for no foolish man can believe it.
§ III. Then replied Wisdom sharply, and said : Therefore
no wise man ought to fear or lament, in whatever wise it may
happen to him, or wliether severe fortune or agreeable may
come to him ; any more than the brave man ought to lament
about this, how often he must fight. His praise is not the ^
less ; but the opinion is, that it is the greater. So is also
the wise onan's reward the greater, if more adverse, and
severer fortune comes to him. Therefore no wise man should
be desirous of a soft life, if he makes account of any virtues,
or any honour here in the world, or of eternal life after this
world. But every wise man ought to contend, both against
the severe fortune, and against the pleasant, lest he through
the pleasant fortune should be presumptuous, or through the
severe, despair. But it is necessary for him that he seek the
middle- way, between the severe fortune and the agreeable ;
that he may not desire more agreeable fortune, or greater
security than is fit ; nor again too severe fortune ; because
he is unable to bear excess of either. But it is in their own
power, which of them they will choose. If, therefore, they
desire to find the middle-way, then ought they themselves to
moderate to themselves the pleasant and the prosperous for-
tune. Then will Grod moderate to them the severe fortune,
both in this world, and in that to come, so that they may
easily bear if.
§ IV. Well ! wise men, well ! Proceed ye all in the way
which the illustrious examples of the good men, and of the
men desirous of honour, who were before you, point out to
you. 0, ye weak and idle ! why are ye so useless, and so
240 EOETUIUS* CHAP. XL';,
acfien geftep t5am^ pij-um monnum anb seftep Sam^ peop])-
^eopnum. hpilce^ hi ps&pon Sa Se sep eop psepon. anb hpi^ ge
"Sonne nellon.* p]?])an ge hiopa ]?eapap jeacfob habben.^ him
onhypian.^ j-pa je jpiJ^ofC maegen. poppaem hi punnon aaptep
pyp^pcipe''' on ^ippe populbe. 3 tilebon^ ^obep^ hhpan mib
jobum^^ peopcum. "j pophconjobe^^ bipne ])am^^ Se seftep him
paepon. popj^aem hi puniaj> nu opep J)8em tunglum. on ecpe
eabijneppe. pop heopa^^ jobum peopcum ; • pep enbap J»io
peop})e^* boc Boeciep. anb onjmnS^^ peo pipce ' •
§ V." Da pe yiybom. ^a ^ij- ppell apeht^^ hsepbe. ^a cpse]? ic.
Spipe pyht^'^ ip })in lap. Ac ic polbe 8e nu myngian^^ ]?8epe
manigpealban^^ lape ])e Su me aep jehete be j^aepe Erobep
popeciohhunje. Ac ic polbe aepept pican aet |>e hpae]?ep f auht^^
pie f pe opc jehiopa]? f men cpe]?a|> be pumum pmjum f hiC
pcyle peapgebypian. Dacpaajjhe. OOepaepelioppe^^ -p ic onecce
pi^ paep f ic t5e mopce jelaeptan f ic ^e aep gehec. •] Ipe mopte
jecaecan ppa pceojitne^^ peg. ppa jc pcyjiteptne pmban mihce^^
to ]7mpe cytSt5e. Ac hic ip ppa pypp^* op uncpum pege. op Jjaem
pe^e J>e pit jetiohhob habba]} on to papenne. f )>aet Su me aep
baebe. hit^^ paepe t5eah nyttpe to jecyppenne^^ ^ to^^ on-
jitanne. Ac ic onbpaebe f ic^elaebehibpep j^ibpep on J)a paj>ap
op J)inum pege. *p 'Su ne maeje ept ])inne peg apebian. Nip hit
nan punbop ^eah })u jetypige.'^^ jip ic ])e laebe be ]?am"^ P^S^-
Da cpaej) ic. Ne peappt ])u no f onbpaebon.^*^ Ac ic bio ppi]7e
paegn^^ jip 'Su me laebept Jjibep ic '5e bibbe. Da cpee]? he. Ic ])e
piUe laepan bi ppellum. ppa ic Se eallne peg bybe. -j "Se ]?eah
pecgan piUe. ^ hit nip nauht |>aet mon cpi]> f aenig 'Sing peap
gebypige. pop]?am^^ aelc |)ing cym]?^^ op pumum Smgum. pop 6y
hit ne bij> peap gebypeb. ac J^aep hit op nauhte ne come ]?onne
paepe hit peap gebyjieb ; •
" Boet. lib. V. prosa 1. — Turn ego, Recta quidem, inquam, &c.
» Cott. >8em. 2 cott, hpylce. ^ Cott. hpy. '» Cott. nyllen. ^ Cott.
nsebben. ^ Cott. onhipian. ' Cott. peojx'Sj'Cipe. '^ Cott. tiolobon.
^ Cott. soober- *" Cott. Soobum. " Cott. Soobe. 12 c^^t. >aem.
^8 Cott. hiopa. ^* Cott. fiojijje. '^ Cott. onsin'S. ^^ Cott. apeahc.
'7 Cott. pihc. '8 Cott. mynbsian. i9 Cott. msemsFealban. 20 gofj^
anuhc. 21 Cott. leojrpe. ' 22 Cott. pcoptne. 23 Cott. meahce. 24 Cott
ppi>e yeop. 25 hij;^ ^eest in MS. Cott. 26 Cott. Secipanne. 27 to,
deest in MS. Cott. 28 Cott. getiopie. 29 Cott. bi >8em. ^o Cott
onbpseban. si Cott. gepsesen. ^2 Cott. pop^aem. ^3 Cott. cim'S.
§ V. BOETHIUS. 241
enervated? "Why will ye tiot inquire about the wise men,
and about the men desirous of honour, what they were who
were before you? And why will ye not then, after ye have
found out their manners, imitate them, as ye best may ? For
they strove after lionour in this world, and sought good fame
by good works, and set a good example to those who should
be after them. Therefore they now dwell above the stars, in
everlasting happiness, for their good works. Here ends the
fourth book of Boethius, and begins the fifth.
§ V. When Wisdom had ended this discourse, then said I :
Very right is thy doctrine. But I would now remind thee
of the manifold instruction which. thou before promisedst me,
concerning the predestinati on of God. But I wish first to
know frojn thee whether tEat be aught which we often hear,
that men say concerning some things, that it will happen by
chance. Then said he: I would rather that I hastened
towards this, that I might perform to thee what I before
promised thee, and might teach thee as short a way, as I
shortest might find, to thy native country. But this is so
far out of our way, out of the way which we intended to
travel, that it would be more expedient to return, and un-
derstand what thou before askedst me. But I also fear that
I should lead thee hither and thither in paths out of thy way,
so that thou mightest not again find thy way. It is no
wonder if thou shouldest grow weary, if I lead thee beside
the way. Then said I : Thou needest not fear that : but I
shall be very glad if thou leadest me whither I desire thee.
Then said he : I will instruct thee by discourses, as I always
did : and will say to thee, that it is naught that men say, that
anything may happen by chance. Because everything comes
from certain things, therefore it has not happened by chance :
but if it had come from nothingj^theu it would have happened
by chance.
242 BOETHIUS. • CHA.P. XL.
§ yi7 Da cpse^ ic. Ac hponan com ye nama^ s&pejT. Da
cpae]? he. Apij'totelej' mm beoplmjc hic gepehte on paepe bee
]>e Fipca hacce. Da cp8&]> ic. pu pehte he hit. Da cp3&t5 he.
GOen cpaebon 510 ^onne him hpset unpenunja^ jebypebe. f f
paepe peap gebypeb. ppelce hpa nu belpe eopj^an. j pmbe ])sep
■Sonne golbhopb. "j pecje ]7onne ^ 'f pie peap jebypeb. Ic pac
]?eah gip pe belpepe ^a eopj^an no ne bulpe. ne nan mon sep f
golb J)8&p ne hybbe. ponne ne pimbe he hiC no. popjjy hiC na&p
na peap punben. Ac pio jobcunbe popeciohhunj la&pbe 'Sone J)e
he polbe f ]>e golb hybbe. 3 epc ))one p>e he polbe f he hic
f unbe ; •
§ VII. "^ Da cpse]? ic. Daet ic onjite f hiC ip ppa ppa J)u
pe^pc. Ac ic polbe ^e acpian hpeej^ep pe aenijne ppybom^ habban
oStie semgne anpealb hpset pe bon. hpaet pe ne ne bon. Se pio
jobcunbe popetiohhunj o]?]?e pio pypb up nebe to 'Sam ]?e hi*
piUen ; • Da cp9e]> he. pe habba]? micelne anpealb. nip nan ge-
pceabpip jepceapt f nsebbe ppeobom. pe )?e gepceabpipneppe
haep]?. pe mae^ beman ^ topceaban hpaet^ he pilnian pceal 3
hpset he onpcimian pceal. '^ selc mon hsep]? Sone ppiobom. -p he
pat hpset he pile hpset henele. anb Seah iiabba])^ ealle gepceab-
pipe'^ jepceapta jelicne ppybom. Gnjlap habbaj? pihte bomap j
jobne^ pillan. ^ eall hpset^ hi pillnia|)^^ hi begita]? ppijje ea]?e.
popjjsem |>e hi nanep pojep^^ ne pillnia]?.^^ Nip nan gepceapt ]>e
hsebbe pypbom^^ j ^epceabpipneppe buton enjlum "j mannum.
Da men habba]? pimle ppybom.^"* fy mapan J^e hi heopa OOob
neap ^obcunbum Smjum Iseta]?. 'j habbaj) Ssep )?y laeppan
pjiybom.^^ J>e hi heopa GOobep pillan^^ neap 'Sippe populb^'' ape
laetaj?. Nabba]? hi nsenne ppybom^^ Sonne hi hiopa^^ a^num
pillum hi pylpe un])eapum unbepj^eoba]?.^^ Ac pona ppa hi
heopa^^ ODob apenba]?^^ ppom gobe. ppa peop]?a|) he^^ ablenbe
mib unpipbome. Spa j^eah ip an selmihtig Ijob on hip J>sepe
hean cseptpe.^^ pe gepyh]?^^ selcep monnep jepanc.^'' "j hip popb.
"«' Boet. lib. V. prosa 1. — An est aliquid, tametsi vulgus, &c.
'^ Boet. lib. V. prosa 2. — Animadverto, inquam, idque uti, &c.
^ nama, deest in MS. Cott. 2 jjod. hpegnun^a. ^ Cott. fpeobom.
* Bod. pe. 5 Cott. hpsep. ^ Bod. habba'S. 7 Cott. ealla Sepceabpipa.
« Cott. soobne. ^ Cott. \>xt. 'o Cott. pilnia'5. " Cott. pop. 12 Cott.
pilnia^. 13 Cott. fpiobom. " Cott. ypeobom. ^^ Cott. fpiobom.
'6 Cott. pilla. " Cott. peopulb. '« Cott. ppeobom, '» Cott. heopa.
20 Cott. unbepl>ioba«. 21 Cott. hiopa. 22 Cott. onpenba«. 23 Cott.
hi, 24 cot-j. ceapcpe. 25 Cott gepih'S. 26 c^tt. Se>oht.
§ VI. VII. BOETHIUS. 243
§ YI. Then said I: But whence came tlie name first?
Then said he : My beloved Aristotle has explained it in the
book called Physica. Then said I : How has he explained it ?
Then said he : Men said formerly, when anything happened
to them unexpectedly, that it happened by chance: as if any
one should dig the earth, and find there a hoard of gold, and
then say, that it had happened by chance. I know, however,
that if the digger had not dug the earth, or man had not
before hid the gold there, then he would not have found it.
Therefore it was not found by chance. But the divine pre-
destination instructed whom he would that he should hide
the gold, and afterwards whom he would, that he should
find it.
^ — § VII. Then said I : I perceive that this is as thou sayest :
but I would ask thee whether we have any freedom, or any
power, what we may do, and wliat we may not do ? or whether
the divine predestination, or fate, compels us to what they
will ? Then said he : We have much power. Tiiere is no
rational creature which has not freedom. Whosoever has
reason, is able to judge and discern what he ought to desire,
and what he ought to shun. And every man has this freedom,
that he knows what he wills, and what he wills not. And yet
all rational creatures have not equal freedom. Angels have
right judgments and good will ; and whatever they desire they
very easily obtain, because they desire nothing wrong. There
is no created being which has freedom and reason except
angels and men. Men have always freedom; the more as
they lead their mind nearer to divine things ; and they have
so much the less freedom, as they lead the will of their mind
nearer to this worldly honour. They have not any freedom
when they, of their own accord, subject themselves to vices.
But as soon as they turn away their mind from good, so soon
do they become blind with folly. But one Almighty God
exists in his high city, who sees every man's thought, and
e2
244 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XLI.
•^ hif b3&ba tofcget. ^ %y\t^ selcum septep hif ^epyphtum.
Da j-e yiybom ]7a ])i]' j^ell afaeb haepbe. ]?a on^ann he jinjan "j
]?up cpaej?.
CAPUT XLI.^
§ I. D6Ap Omejiup pe goba pceop. ]>e mib Epecum pelepc
paef . pe pap Fip^iliep lapeop. \e Fiji^iliuj" paep mib Ls&ben papum
jelepc. ]7eah Omepup on hip leopum ppi])e hepebe psepe punnan
jecynb. ";] hiope cpsepcap. •] hiope biopihco. ne ma&j heo peah
ealle ^epceapta jepcinan. ne pa^epceapta. peheo gepcman maej.
ne mseg hio ealle enbemepc ^epcinan. ne ealle mnan geonb-
pcman. Ac nip pam aelmihtigan liobe ppa. pe ij* pcyppenb
ealjia jepceapta. he ^epeo]? -j puphpeop ealle hip jepceapca
aenbemepc. "Sone mon maej hacan buton leape pope Sunne ; •
§ IT/ Da pe pipbom pa ^ip leop ajunjen haepbe. pa 2>eppy-
^obe^ he ane lycle hpile. Da cpaep ic. 8um tpeo me^ haepj?
ppipe jebpepeb. Da cpaep he. ppaec ip pe. Da cpsep ic. pic ip
•p -^ pu pejipc* f Cob pylle aellcum ppiybom^ ppa ^ob^ to bonne,
ppa ypel. ppaepeji he piUe. anbpupejpc eac 'p tob pice a&lc'^ pmj
aep^ hic jepyppe.^ ■j pu pejpt^^ eac f nan pinj pyp]?e^^ buce hiC
Ijob piUe oSSe jepapige.^^ 3 'Su pejpt^^ f hic pcyle call papan
ppa he jetiohhob habbe.^* Nu punbpie ic paep hpy he jepapi^e
•p pa ypelan men habban^^ pone ppybom^^ 'p hi majon^''' bon ppa
^ob ppa ypel ppaepep ppa hi piUan. ^onne he aep pac f hi ypel bon
piUap. Da cpae]> he. Ic pe maej ppipe eape geanbpypban pa&p
ppellep. pu polbe pe nu lician^^ gip hp}'lc ppij^e pice cynmj paepe
•;] naepbe naenne ppyne^^ mon on eallon hip pice, ac paepon eaUe
peope. Da cpaep ic. Ne puhce hit: me nauhc^*^ pihtlic. ne eac
jepipenhc.^^ ^ip him pceolban peope men penijan.^^ Da cpaep
he. PpaeC paepe un^ecynbhcpe.^^ jip Ijob naepbe on eallum hip
pice nane ppije pceapt^* unbep hip anpealbe. pop]>aem he je-
pceop tpa gepceabpipan^^ gepceapta ppio.^^ enjlap "^ men. pam
^ Boet. lib. V. metrum 2. — Puro clarum lumine Phoebum, &c.
y Boet. lib. V. prosa 3.— Turn ego, En, inquam, &c.
1 Cott. Silc. 2 Cott. gerpusobe. ^ Bod. tima. " Cott. r»Sr*^«
* Cott. pelle aelcum men ppeobom. « Cott. soob. ^ Cott. feegfC "p
pice aelc. * Bod. aepep. ^ Cott. Sepeop^e. ^° Cott. r»Sr^- " Cott.
Sepeoppe. »2 Cott. Se^ape. " Cott. r«Sr"- " Cott. hebbe. '^ Cott.
haebben. ^^ Cott. j-peobom. " Cott. masen. 1* Bod. he nu locian.
" Cott. fpeone. '^o Cott. no. 21 Cott. nauht gepij-enhc. 22 Cott.
t>enian. 23 Cott. Dset psepe uncynlicpe. 24 Cott. gepceapt. 25 Cott.
Sepceabpipa. 26 Cott. jrpeo.
§ 1. II. BOETHIUS. 245
discerns bis words aud his deeds, and renders to every one
according to his works. When Wisdom had made this speech,
then began he to sing, and thus said :
CHAPTER XLI.
§ I. Though Homer the good poet, who with the Greeks
was the best, he was Virgil's master ; Virgil was with the
Latia men the best, though Homer in his poems greatly
praised the nature of the sun, and her excellences, and her
brightness ; yet she cannot shine upon all creatures, nor those
creatures which she may shine upon, can she shine upon all
equally, nor shine through them all within. But it is not so
with the Almighty Grod, who is the maker of all creatures.
He beholds and sees through all his creatures equally. Him
we may call, without falsehood, the true sun.
§ II. When Wisdom had sung this lay, then was he silent
a little while. Then said I : A certain doubt has much troubled
me. Then said he : What is that ? Then said I : It is this,
that thou sayest that Grod gives to every one freedom as well
to do good as evil, whichsoever he will: and thou sayest also
that Grod knows everything before it comes to pass ; and thou
sayest also, that nothing comes to pass unless God wills and
permits it : and thou sayest that it must all proceed as he has
ordained. Now I wonder at this, why he permits that wicked
men have the freedom that they may do either good or evil,
whichsoever they will, since he before knows that they will do
evil. Then said he : I can very easily answer thee this inquiry.
How would it please thee, if there were some very powerful
king, and he had not any free man in all his realm, but all
were slaves ? Then said 1 : I should not think it at all right,
or moreover suitable, if men in a state of slavery should serve
him. Then said he: How much more unnatural would it be,
if God had not in all his kingdom any free creature under his
power ? Therefore he created two rational creatures free,
246 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XLI.
he jeap micle jipe fpeobomef. f hi mofton^ bon fpa job j'pa
yf el f p8e|)op2 rpa hi polbon.^ he )-3&lbe* ppi|?e paepte jife "j ]'pi]?e
paepce 8& mib J>aepe gipe selcum menn^ o]) hip enbe. "f ip pe
f pybom.^ jjsec te"^ mon moc bon f he pile, anb f ip pio se f jilc
selcum men be hip jepyphtum se%]>e]\ je on ^ippe pojiulbe je on
l^aepe topeapban ppa gob^ ppaypel pp8&J>ep he be]?, "j men majan^
begitan ]?uph Jjone ppybom^*^ ppahpast ppa he pilla]?. bucon bea))
hi ne magon popcyppan. sec hi hme ma^jon mib jobum^^ pe-
opcum jeletcan 'p he ]>y^^ latop cym]?. je pup]7um o]? opelbo hi
hme hpilum letta)) jip mon to gobum^^ peopce ne onhajie
habban jobne^^ pillan. f ip 50b. Da cpae]? ic. pel Ipn me hseppc
apecne on ^am tpeon. j on fsepe gebpepebneppe ]>e ic aep on
paep be ]7am ppeobome. Ac ic eom nu gee on micle mapan je-
bpepebneppe geunpotpob. pulneah op opmobneppe. Da cpae]) he.
Ppaec ip pio micle unpocnep.^^ Da cpae]) ic. pit'^ ip ymb ]?a
Eobep popetiohhunge. pop}?am^7 pe jehepa}) hpilum pecjan f
hic pcyle eall ppa gepypfiani^ ppappaliob sec ppuman jeciohhob
haepbe. f hic ne maeje nan mon apenban.^^ Nu Smc]? me ^
he bo poh. Sonne he apa])}}a5oban.^'^ "j eac ])onne he picna}> Sa
ypelan. gip -p po]? ip. -p hit him ppa gepceapen ip2&]' f hi ne
mopton ellep bon. unnytlice pe ppinca]) ^onne pe up jebibba]).
■3 'Sonne pe paeptaS. oSSe aelmeppan pella]?. gip pe hip nabba}? Sy
mapan Sane. ]7onne^^ J)a ])e on eallum Sinjum paba]) on hiopa
ajenne pillan. ^ aeptep^^ hiopa lichoman lupte ipna]) ; .
§ III.^ Da cpae]) he. Dip ip pio ealbe piopung ]>e Su longe
piopobopt.^^ "J manige eac aep Se. ])apa pap pum GOapcup. o])pe
naman Tulhuj'. })pibban naman he paep jehaten Eicepo. Se^^
paep Romana hepetoga. pe paej- u]7pita. pe paep ppi])e abipjob mib
Saepe ylcan pppaece. Ac he hi ne mihte bpmgan to nanum
enbe on ]}one timan.^^ FopJ'y heopa GDob pap^^ abipjob on Sippe
populbe pillnunja.^"^ Ac ic Se pecje. jip f po]? ip f je pecja]?. f
hit paep unnet gebob on jobcunbum bocum f Eob beab^^ f
2 Boet. lib. V. prosa 4. — Turn ilia, Vetus, inquit, &c.
* Cott. mofCen. 2 Cott. ypse\)eji. ^ Cott. polben. * Cott. fealbe.
5 Cott. men. « Cott. fpeobom. ^ Cott. re. « Cott. Soob. ^ Cott.
mason. 10 Cott. jrpeobom. " Cott. soobum. 12 Cott. \>e. ^^ Cott.
Soobum. " Cott. Soobne. ^^ lapses i^ pio micle unjiocnef, desunt
in MS. Bod. ^^ Bod. Dip. ^^ Cott. fopha&m. »» Cott. SepeopJ^an.
19 Cott. onpenban. 20 ^0^^. sooban. 21 c^tt, j,y. 22 hiopa agenne
pillan. T aefCeji, desunt in MS. Cott. 23 Cott. fioFobej-. 24 ^ott. j-e.
25 Cott. fop^y he ne meahce ne nan mon on Jjone ciman l>a pppaece to
nanum enbe bpmgan. 26 Cott. paer. 27 Cott. peopulbe pilnunsa.
28 Cott. bebeab.
§ III. BOETHIUS. 247
angels and men. To these he gave tlie great gift of freedom,
that they might do either good or evil, whichsoever they
would. He gave a very sure gift, and a very sure law with
the giftj to every man until his end. That is the freedom,
that man may do what he will ; and that is the law, which
renders to every man according to his works, both in this
world, and ia that to come, good or evil, whichsoever he does.
And men may attain through this freedom whatsoever they
will, except that they cannot avoid death. But they may by
good works delay it, so that it may come later : and more-
over, they may sometimes defer it till old age, if they do not
cease to have good will to good works, that is, good. Then
said I : Well hast thou set me right in the doubt, and in the
trouble wdierein I before was concerning freedom. But I am
still disquieted with much more trouble, almost to despair.
Then said he : What is this great disquiet ? Then said I : It
is concerning the predestination of God. For we sometimes
hear say, that everything must so come to pass as God at the
beginning had decreed, and that no man can alter it. Now
methinks that he does wrong, when he honours the good, and
also when he punishes the wicked, if it is true that it was so
ordained to them that they could not do otherwise. In vain
we labour when we pray, and when we fost, or give alms, if
we have not therefore more favour than those who in ail
things walk according to their own will, and run after their
bodily lust.
§ III. Then said he : This is the old complaint, which thou
hast long bewailed, and many also before thee : one of whom
was a certain Marcus, by another name TuUius ; by a third
name he was called Cicero, who was a consul of the Romans.
He was a philosopher. He was very much occupied with this
same question : but he could not bring it to any end at that
time, because their mind was occupied with the desires of this
world. But I say to thee, if that is true which ye say, it was
a vain command in divine books, which God commanded, that
248 BOETHTTJS. CHAP. XLI.
mon fcealbe^ popls&tan ypel ^ bon ^ob.^ •;] efC ]'e cpibe 'Se he
cpaej>. yya mon ma j-pmcj). fpa mon mapan mebe onfeh]?. "] ic
punbpije hpi pu haebbe popjicen eall f f pic sep pppaecon. p'lC
paebon s&p f pio jobcunbe popetiohhunj selc 50b pophce. anb
nan ypel. ne nan ne Ciohhobe Co pypcenne.^ ne naeppe ne
pophte. je puppum f piC jejieahton* to jobe.^ paec polcipcum
monnum ypel puhce. f paep 'f mon ppsece anb pitnobe lipone
pop hip yple. pu ne psebe^ pic eac on^ ^ippe ilcan bee. f Ijob
haepbe Jetiohhob ppybom to pyllenne^ monnum. "] ppa bybe.^ ~]
gip hi^*^ 'gone ppybom tela gehealbon.*^ f he hi polbe ppijje
peoppian mib ece pice.^^ ■] jip hi Sone ppybom^^ popheolben. f
he hi ^onne polbe pitman mib beape. pe teohhobe^^ gip hi
hpset gepyngobon^^ on pam ppybome.^^ f hi hit ept on Sam^^
ppeobome mib hpeoppunje ^ebeton.^^ ^ py hiopa hpilc^^ ppa
heapbheopt paepe f he nane hpeoppun^e ne bybe. f he ponne
haepbe pihtlic pite. Galla gepceapta he hsepbe jetiohhob 'Seope.^*^
buton enjlum anb monnum. pop^y 6a^^ opjia jepceapta peope
pint, hi healbap^^ hiopa penunja op bomep bae^. Ac pa menn 3
■Sa enjlap. pe ppeo^^ pint, poplaetap hiopa penunja.^^ Ppaet
majon men cpepan ■]) pio jobcunbe popetiohhunj jetiohhob
haepbe 'Saep pe hio ne puphtuje. oSSe hu ma^on hi hi alabijen.^^
f hi ne ma^on job^^ bon. nu hit appiten ip f Urob gielbe^'^
aelcum men aeptep^^ hip jepyphtum. ppy pceal ponne aeni^
monn bion ibel. f he ne peopce.^^ Da cpaep ic. lieno^ pu me
haeppt ^eppylpob^*' paepe tpeounje mmep GDobep. be paepe ac-
punja^^ ^e ic '5e acpobe.^^ Ac ic 6e polbe pet apcien^"* pume
j'ppaece '5e me ymb^* tpeop. Da cpaep he. ppaet ip f. Da cpaep
ic. neno^ me ip cup^^ f Tsob hit pat eall bepopan. ge job^^ je
ypel. aep hit jepyppe.^'^ ac ic nat hpaepep hit eall jepyppan^*
pceal unapenbenblice^^ "p he pat '^ getiohhob haep}>. Da cpaep he.
* Cott. pceolbe. 2 Cott. goob. ^ Cott. pypcanne. ^ Bod. jepihton.
^ Cott. Soobum. <"' Cott. j-oebon. ''' Cott. eac aep on. ^ Cott. jrpeo-
bom to j-ellanne. ^ Bod. biobe. ^° Cott. he. " Cott. ypeobom
Colan^e heolbon. 12 Cott. liye. " Cott. fpeobom. " Cott. Ciohhobe.
>5 Cott. seryngoben. ^^ Cott. paem fpeobome. '' Cott. I^aem. '^ Cott.
hpeoppunga sebecan. ^^ Cott. hpylc. 20 c^tt. peopu. 21 Cott. fop^y
>e >a. 22 Bod. habba^. 23 Bq^. ]^eTixp-ge. 24 Cott. pe^nunsa.
25 Cott. alabian. 26 Cott. maeSen goob. 27 Cott. gelbe. 28 Cott. be.
29 Cott. pypce. 2" Cott. Sefpeolfob. ^i Cott. apcunga. " ^2 Cott.
ahfabe. ^s Cott. acpan. ^i Qott. ymbe. ^s Cott. cuS me if.
3« Cott. soob. 37 Cott. people. ^s Cott. sepeop>an. ^9 Cq^^
unanpenbenblice.
§ III. BOETHTUS.
man should forsake evil and do good ; and again the saying
which he said, that as man labours more, so shall he receive
greater reward. And I wonder why thou shouldest have for-
gotten all that we before mentioned. We before said that the
divine predestination wrought all good, and no evil: nor de-
creed to work, nor ever wrought any. Moreover, we proved
that to be good which to vulgar men seemed evil : that is, that
man should afflict or punish any one for his evil. Did we not
also say in this same book, that Grod had decreed to give
freedom to men, and so did ; and if they exercised the freedom
well, that he would greatly honour them with eternal power;
and if they abused the freedom, that he would then punish
them with death ? He ordained that if they at all sinned
through tlie freedom, they afterwards through the freedom
should make amends for it by repentance; and that if any
of them were so hard-hearted that he did not repent, he
should have just punishment. All creatures he iiad made
servile except angels and men. Because the other creatures
are servile, they perform their services till doomsday. But
men and angels, who are free, forsake their services. How
can men say that the divine predestination had decreed what
it fulfils not ? Or how can they excuse themselves that they
should not do good, when it is written that God will requite
every man according to his works ? AVherefore, then, should
any man be idle, that he work not ? Then said I : Thou hast
sufficiently relieved me from the doubting of iny mind by the
questions which I have asked thee. But I would still ask
thee a question, which I am perplexed about. Then said he :
"What is that ? Then said I : I am well aware that God
knows everything beforehand, both good and evil, before it
happens, but I know not whether it all shall unchangeably
happen, which he knows and has decreed. Then said lie : It
BOETHIUS. CHAP. XLI.
Ne^ Jjeapp hic no eall ^epiopj^on^ unapenbenblice.^ Ac pum hiC
fceal 5epeop]>an unapenbenblice.^ 'p bij> f ce upe nyb]:'eapp^ bi]j.
•J hip pilla bij>. Ac hit ip pum ppa ^epab f hip nip nan neobj^eapp.^
•] ]>eah ne bepa]?^ no Seah hic jepiopj^e.'^ ne nan heapm ne bi]?.
■Seah hic^ no ne ^epypj^e.^ Hrepenc nu be J^e pelpum hpa&pep ]>u
aeni^ 'Smg ppa pgepce^^ geciohhob haebbe f ])e j7ynce^^ f hit
naeppe |)inum pillum onpenbeb^^ peopJ>e. ne J)u buton beon^^ ne
maeje. oS^e hp8&]?ep Jtu ept on eengum gepeahte ppa tpiopaebe
pie. f 'Se helpe hpaefep hit jepypj^e.^* ]?e hit no ne jepypj^e.^*
/ Fela ip Ssepa^^ l^mga ^e Dob a&p pat sep hit jepypj^e.^^ ■j pat eac
f hit bepa]?^' hip jepceaptum gip hit gepyp]). nat he hit no
fop|>y '8e he piUe ^ hit jepypj^e.^^ ac pop J>y '6e he pile pop-
pypnan^^ f hit ne jepypj^e.-^ ppa ppa 50b pcippt}^pa^^ onjit
micelne pmb hpeope sep sep hit peopj^e.^^ ~} haet^^ pealban f
pegl. "J eac hpilum lecjan fone maept. anb laetan ]>a betmge.^*
^ip he sep ]?peopep pmbep baette. paepna]}^^ he hme'^*^ pi]? f
pebeji ; . /
§ IV.^ Da cpaej) ic. 8pi])e pel '8u mm haeppt ^eholpen aet
f>aepe pppaece. anb ic punbpije hpi ppa maenije pipe men ppa
fpij>e ppuncen~7 mib ^aepe pppaece. anb ppa liteP^ S^P^F F^^^^^-
Da cpaep he. Ppaep punbpapt ^u ]?aep ppa ppi]7e. ppa e])e ppa hit
ip to onjitanne. pu ne papt Su f manig Smcg^^ ne bi]> no on-
jiten ppa ppa hit bij). ac ppa ppa 'Sa&p anbjitep maej) bip pe paep
aeptep ppipaj?. Spile ip pe |7ipbom "p hine ne maaj^*^ nan mon op
}?ippe populbe^^ onptan. ppilcne^^ ppilce^'^ he ip. Ac aslc pmS be
hip anbjitep mae]?e f he hme polbe onjitan ^ip he mihte.^^ Ac
pe jZipbom maeg up eallunga onjitan ppilce^^ ppilce^^ pe pmb.^^
"Seah pe hme ne magon onjitan eallunga ppilce ppilce^'^ he ip.
^ Boet. lib. V. prosa 4. — Cujus erroris causa est, &c.
1 Ne, deest in MS. Cott. 2 Cott. Sepeopl^an. ^ Cott. unanpenbenb-
bce. * Cott. neb^eapj:. ^ Cott. nebj?eapj:. ^ Cott. bepe'S. ^ Cott.
Sepeop>e. » hu;^ deest in MS. Cott. » Cott Sepeoji^e. ^° Cott.
jrs&rt. " Cott. J>mce. 12 Cott. onpenbne. " Cott. bion. '^ Cott.
Sepeop)>e. '^ Cott. J>apa. ^^ Cott. gepeopj'e. ^^ Cott. bepe^.
** Cott. Sepeophe. '^ Cott. jroppeopiian. 20 Cott. Sepeop]>e. 21 Cott.
goob fcipfCioepa. 22 Cott. on hpeope fae seji sep hic sepeop)>e. 23 Cott.
hac. 24 Cott. bsetinge. 25 Cott. papena'S. 26 ^e hine, desunt in
MS. Cott. 27 Bod. serpuncen. 28 Cott. lyCel. 29 Cott. Jping.
3" Bod. J>pilc If j-e pifbom ne mseg. ^i Cott. peojiulbe. '2 Cott.
rpylcne. ^^ Cott. rpylce. ^* Cott. meahce. ^s Cott. ppylce.
3S Cott. pint. 27 Cott. fpylcne ppylce.
§ IV. BOETHIUS. 251
need not all happen unchangeably. But some of it shall
happen unchangeably, that is, what shall be our necessity,
and shall be his will. But some of it is so arranged that it
is not necessary, and yet hurts not if it happen ; nor is there
any harm if it do not happen. Consider now concerning
thyself, whether thou hast so firmly designed anything, that
thou thinkest that it never with thy consent may be changed,
nor thou exist without it. Or whether thou again in any
design art so inconsistent, that it aids thee, whether it
happen, or whether it happen not. y Many a one is there of
the things which God knows before it may happen, and knows
also that it will hurt his creatures if it happen. He does not
know it, because he wills that it should happen, but because
he wills to provide that it may not happen. Thus a good pilot
perceives a great storm of wind before it happens, and gives
order to furl the sail, and moreover sometimes to lower the
mast, and let go the cable, if he first restrain the perverse
wind, and so provides against the storm. /
§ IV. Then said I : Very well hast thou assisted me in this
argument ; and I wonder why so many wise men have so
greatly laboured with this question, and found so little cer-
tain. Then said he: What dost thou so greatly wonder at,
so easy as it is to understand ? Dost thou not know that
many a thing is not understood according as it is, but ac-
cording to the measure of the understanding which inquires
after it ? Such is wisdom, that no man in this world can com-
prehend it such as it is. But every one strives, according to
the measure of his understanding, that he might comprehend
it if he could. But wisdom is able to entirely comprehend us
such as we are, though we cannot entirely comprehend it
252 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XLI.
pop]7aem fe pij'bom if Urob. he ^^r^^f* ^^^1^ ^P® pypc.^ je job^
je ypel. a&p hij ^epojiben"* pen. oSSe fiipj^on^ 5e])ohc. Ac he uf
ne nec^ no J>y hpajljop"^ to ]7am^ f pe nebe pcylen® gob^^ bon.
ne uf ne pypn])^^ f pe yjrel bon. fopjmm^^ ]?e he up pealbe ppy-
bom.^^ Ic Se maeg eac taecanpume bipne. 'f pu ]7y e'S^^ onjiCan.
mihc^^ "Sa pppaece. Vysat^^ Ipn papc f gepihc. -\ jehepnep. anb
jeppebnep onjica]? ^one hchoman 'Saep monnep. 3 ]?eah ne on-
gita]} hi hme no gehcne. 'Se eapan onjica]) •^ hi ^ehiopaj). "j ne
onjita]} hi J>eah fone hchoman eallunga ppylcne ppylce he bij?.
pio jeppebnep hme msej^'^ jejpapian.^^ 3 jepjieban f hic hchoma
bij>. ac hio ne maej geppeban hpaejjep he bi]? Se blac ^e hpic. 'Se
paegep ]?e unpaejep. Ac pio gepih^ sec ppuman ceppe.'^ ppa Sa
eagan on bepiof>. hio^^ onjitaj? ealle Sone anbphtan |78ep hcho-
man. Ac ic polbe gee peccan pume pace, f Su pippe^^ hpsep J>u
punbpebepc ; • ^^
§ V.^ Da cpae)? ic. ppset ip f. Da cpae]) he. pic ip f pe an
monn onjicc^^ "^ '^ he on o]?pum onjic pynbephce. he hme on-
51c |>uph Sa eagan pynbephce. jjuph Sa eapan pynbephce. 'Suph
hip paebelpan pynbephce. ^uph gepceabpij-neppe pynbephce. ^uph
jepip anbgic. Cbonige pmc cpucepa^* gepceapca unpcypienbe. ppa
ppa nu pcylf ipcap^^ pmc. anb habbaj) Seah pumne bael anbgitep.
popJ>aem hi ne mihcon^*^ ellep hbbon.^^ ^ip hi nan %]\oz anbgicep
naepbon. pume majon gepion. jume majoil jehypon.^^ pume
geppebon.^^ pume jepcmcan. Ac ^a pCypienban necenu pmC
monnum gehcpan. pop|>am hy habba]? eall f Sa unpcypienban
habba]?. "3 eac mape co. "f ip. "f hio hypi;^aj>^° monnum. lupia]?
•f hi lupia]). anb hacia]? ■f hi haciaj;. "j ply|>^^ -^ hi haciaj*. j pecaj>
^ hi lupiaj?. Da men ^onne habba]? eall f pe aep ymbe pppsecon.
■] eac CO eacan 'Saem micle jipe gejceabpipnejpe. Gnglap 'Sonne
habba]? gepij' anbjic. Fopjjaem pmc )?ap jceapca^^ ])uy jepceapene.
f ]>a unpcypienban hi ne ahebben opep '6a pcypienban. ne him
^ Boet. lib. V. prosa 4 — 5. — ^Neque enim sensus aliquid, &c.
1 eall, deest in MS. Cott. 2 Cott. peopc. ^ Cott. 5006. " Cott.
Sepopbene. ^ Cott. }:uji)>um. ^ Cott. neb. ^ Cott. hpa>op. ^ Cott.
^8em. 9 Bqd. nybe. i" Cott. Soob. " Cott. pepnS. 12 Cott.
popJ?8&m. 13 Cott. }peobom. '' Cott. ]}e y'S. '^ Cott. meahce.
16 Bod. Daet. '^ ppylcne ppylce he fox's, pio geypebnep hme ma&s, desunt
in MS. Bod. '^ Bod. gegpapia'S. '^ Cott. >pumceppe. ^o g^jj g^
Cott. hi. 21 Bod. pipcepc. 22 Cott. punbpobe. 23 Cott. ouSiC.
" Bod. cucepe. 25 j^q^^ pj^cap. 26 ^ott. meahcon, 27 Cott. libban.
28 Cott. sehipan. 29 Cott. geppeban. ^o Cott. hi onhypia'S. ^^ Cott.
flioS. ^^ Cott. sepceap ca.
§ V. BOETHIUS. 253
such as it is, Eor wisdom is (rod. He sees all our works,
both good and evil, before they are done, or even thought of.
But he does not compel us the more, so that we necessarily
must do good, nor prevent us from doing evil ; because he
has given us freedom. I can also show thee some examples,
whereby thou mayest more easily understand this discourse.
Thou knov\'est that sight, and hearing, and feeling, perceive
the body of a man, and yet they perceive it not alike. The
ears perceive that which they hear, and yet they perceive not
the body altogether such as it is. The feeling may touch it,
and feel that it is a body, but cannot feel whether it be black
or white, fair or not fair. But the sight in tlie first instance,
as the eyes look thereon, perceives all the form of the body.
But I would still give some explanation, that thou mayest
understand that which thou wast wondering at.
§ V. Then said I : What is that ? Then said he : It is that
the same man perceives in separate ways what he perceives in
others. He perceives it through the eyes separately ; through
the ears separately ; through his imagination separately ;
through reason separately, through intelligence. Many living
creatures are unmoving, as, for instance, shell-fishes are, and
have, nevertheless, some portion of sense, for they could not
otherwise live, if they had no particle of sense. Some can
see ; some can hear ; some can feel ; some can smell. But
the moving beasts are more like to men, because they have
all which the unmoving have, and also more ; that is, that
they imitate men : love what they love, and hate what they
hate ; and fly from what they hate, and seek what they love.
But men have all that we before mentioned, and also, in ad-
dition thereto, the great gift of reason. But angels have in-
telligence. On this account are the creatures thus formed,
that the unmoving may not exalt themselves above the
254 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XLI.
pi)) ne pmnan. ne fa fCypienban ojrep '8a men. ne Sa men opeji
•ga enjlaf . ne ^a enjlaj- pi]) Dob. Ac ^ ij* eapmlic -f je msej-ca
bael monna ne pee]? on ^ ^ hmi popjif en if. "^ ip jepceabpij'nepp.
ne f ne pee]?^ '^ him ofep ip. "f ip ■]) en^laj- habbaj? •^ pij-e men.
f if ^epip anbjec. Ac mefC monna nu^ onhype|>^ nu neacum
on ])8em f hi pillnia'5 populb lufca ppa fpa netenu. Ac jip pe
nu hsefbon seni^ne beel uncpio^enbef anbjicep fpa fpa enjlap
habbaS. ])onne mihce pe onjicon f f anbjec bi]> micle betepe
■Sonne ujie gefceabpijneffe.* Deah pe pela pmean.^ pe habba})
hcellne jeapopitan buton cpeon. ac ]?am enjlum nip nan cpeo
nanef ])3epa 'Smja pe hi piCon. pop '5i if hiopa jeapopito ppa
micle becpa ^onne upe ^epceabpifneffe. fpa upe ^eceabpifneffe
If becepe Jjonne nytena^ anb^ic fie. o'bSe paef gepictep senij bael
^e him fopjipen ip. au|)ep o'S6e hpopum neacum o]?pe unhpo-
pum. Ac uton nu habban upe GOob up fpa fpa pe ypemepc
msejen pip Saef hean hpopef |?8ef hehfcan anbgitef . -p J»u ma&ge
hps&bhcofC cumon 3 eJ^ehcofC Co finpe ajenpe cySSe |>onan pu
aep come. ])8sp maej ]?in GOob -j pm jefceabpipnep jepeon
openhce ^ 'f hic nu ymb tpeoJ> selcep Smjep. a&J])ep ge be
•Sa&pe gobcunban popepceapun^e. J)e pe nu ope ymb pppaecon.
je be upum ppybome,''^ ge f pa be eallum Smjum ; •
§ VI. '^ Da pe f^ipbom Sa ]>iy fpell afaeb haepbe. |>a ongan he
fingan -3 ])uf cpaep. Ppaet ]-m miht onjitan f manig pyhc ip
mipdice pepenbe jeonb^ eopj^an. •;) pmc fpi|)e ungehcep hipef. j
ungehce papa]?, fume hcga]) mib eallon hchaman on eopfan. •]
ppa pnicenbe papa]? f him nau])ep ne pet: ne pi])epaf ne pul-
tumap. ■J fume bij> tpiopete, pume piopeppece. pume pleogenbe.
•;) ealle feah bio]j op bune healbe pip ])9epe eop]?an. ^ pibep
piUnia]). o])]>e ])sep ))e hi lypc. oJ>])e ))8ef pe hi be]?uppon. Ac pe
mann ana jae]) uppihte. f cacnap f he pceal ma ]?encan up
])onne ny])ep. ^1 laep -^ GOob fienio])opop ]»onne ])e hchoma. Da
fe |7ifbom J)if® leoj) afunjen hsepbe. Sa cpaep he.
*= Boet. lib. V- metrum 5. — Quam variis terras animalia, &c.
» Cott. reca'S. 2 ^u^ ^eest in MS. Bod. ^ Bod. onfCypse^. * Cott.
gefceabpipnefrie. ^ Cott. fmeasen. ^ Cott. necan. ^ Cott. fpeo-
bome ^ Bod. Seon. ^ Cott. pe pifbom ^a J>if leo^.
§ VI. BOETHIUS. 255
moving, or strive with them : nor the moving, above men ;
nor men above the angels ; nor the angels against God. But
it is wretched tliat the greatest part of men do not look on
that which is given them, that is reason: nor regard that
which is above them, that is, what angels and wise men have,
namely, intelligence. But most men imitate cattle, inasmuch
as they follow worldly lusts, like cattle. But if we had any
portion of undoubting intelligence, as angels have, then might
we perceive that that intelligence is much better than our
reason. Though we contemplate many things, we have little
understanding free from doubt. But to the angels there is
no doubt of any of the things which they know ; therefore is
their understanding as much better than our reason, as our
reason is better than the understanding of cattle is, or any
portion of that intellect which is given them, either to prone
cattle, or to those not prone. But let us now elevate our
minds, as we highest may, towards the high roof of the
supreme intelligence, that thou mayest most readily and
most easily come to thine own country, whence thou before
earnest. There may thy mind and thy reason see plainly that
which it now doubts about in everything, both concerning the
divine foreknowledge, which we have often discoursed about;
and concerning our freedom ; and concerning all things.
§ VI. When Wisdom had ended this speech, then began he
to sing, and thus said : Thou mayest perceive that many an
animal moves variously upon the earth, and they are of very
dissimilar form, and go differently. Some lie with the whole
body on the earth, and so go creeping, because neither feet
nor wings support them : and some are two-footed ; some
four-footed ; some flying ; and all, nevertheless, are inclined
downwards towards the earth, and then seek eitlier what they
list, or what is needful for them. But man alone goes up-
right. This betokens that he ought more to direct his thought
upwards than downwards, lest the mind should be inferior to
the body. When Wisdom had sung this lay, then said he :
256 BOETHITTS. CHAP. XUl.
CAPUT XLII d
FOR ]>y pe f ceolbon eallon^ maejne j-pijiian'* aeptep Ijo8e. f
pe pij-fen^ lipaec he psepe. Ipenh hit upe maej) ne pie f pe pitan
hpaet* he pie. pe pculon J^eah be ^s&y anbjicep mae]7e, 'Se he up
^ipj*. punbijan.^ ppa ppa pe aep cpsejjon.^ f mon pceolbe^ aelc
^mj ongitan be hip anbjicep msej^e. poji|)am^ pe ne magon aelc
•Sing ongican ppylc ppilce^ hic ip.^^ JElc gepceapc ^eah ae^l^ep ge
gepceabpip ge ungepceabpjp f ppeotola]) f Tjob ece ip. pop^aem
nseppe ppa maneja gepceapta anb ppa micla -3 ppa^' pa&^pa*^ hi
ne unbep|>iobben Iseppan jepceapca ■] laeppan anpealbe f onne hi
ealle pmbon. ne puppum emn miclum. Da cpaej> ic. PpaeC ip
ecnep. Da cpae]? he. Da me ahpapc miclep 'j eappo]?ep Co on-
jitanne. ^ip Su hit onjitan^^ pilt. Su pcealt habban sep 'Smep
mobep eajan claene ^ hluttpe.^* Ne maeg ic 'Se nauht helan
J)8ep }7e ic pat. |7apt Su f ppio jjinj pmbon on ^ip mibbaneapbe.^^
An ir hpilenbhc ]73et ha&p]? eejjjep^^ ge ppuman je enbe. -3 ic^'^
nat ^eah nan puht J^aep Se hpilenbhc ip nau}>ep ne hip ppuman
ne hip enbe. 0|)ep ^ing ip ece. f haep)? ppuman 3 naepj? naenne
enbe. "j ic^"^ pat hponne hit onjin]?. ~\ pat ^ hit naeppe ne je-
enba]?. f pint englap anb monna papla. Dpibbe ]7ing ip ece
buton enbe "j buton anjinne. f ip Erob. Betpuh j^am'^^ |)pim ip
ppijje micel topceab. dp pit f ealle pculon apmeajan.^^ ))onne
cume pit late to enbe jjippe bee. ot5^e nseppe ; • Ac an '^mj
fu pcealt nybe^^ |)9ep sep^^ pitan. pop hpy Eob ip jehaten pio
hehpte ecnep. Da cpae]? ic. Ppy. Da cpae^ he. Fopj^on pe piton
ppij)e lytel )>8ep J»e aep up ysey. buton be gemynbe. "3 be je-
apcunje.^^ anb jet laeppe Jjsep ^e eeptep up bi]?. "f an up ip je-
piphce anbpeapb "p te fonne bij>. ac him ip eall anbpeapb. ge f
te aep paep. je ■]? te nu ip. je •p te aeptep up bi^. eall hit ip him
anbpeapb. Ne pex]?^^ hip pelena. ne eac naeppe ne pana^. Ne
Opman he naeppe nan^* puht. popSaem naeppe nauht he^^ ne
^ Boet. lib.- V. prosa 6. — Quoniam igitur, uti paulo ante, &c.
» Cott. ealle. ^ Cott. rpypian. ^ Bod. pij-con. * Cott. hpylc.
* Cott. panbian. ^ Cott. cpaebon. ' Cott. pcolbe. ^ Cott. pop>»m.
» Cott. rpylce. 10 Cott. bi'S. " ppa, deest in MS. Bod. 12 Bod.
ppaespa. '^ Cott. pican. " Cott. hlucop. ^^ c^tt. mibbanSeapbe.
*« Bod. l>3ep J?e aegbep. " ic, deest in MS. Cott. ^^ Cott. becpeoh >aem.
»° Cott. copmeasan. 20 Cott. nebe. 21 Cott. an. 22 Cott. Seffipcum.
23 Cott. pcenc'5. ^* Cott. nana. 25 Cott. popj^sem he nseppe nauhc.
CHAP. XLir. BOETHIUS. 257
CHAPTEE XLII.
Theeefore we ought with all our power to inquire con-
cerning Grod, that we may know what he is. Though it may
not be our k^t that we should know what he is, we ought
nevertlieless, according to the measure of understanding
which he gives us, to strive after it : for, as we have already
mentioned, man must know everything according to the
measure of his understanding, since we are not able to know
everything such as it is. Every creature, however, whether
rational or irrational, testifies this, that God is eternal. For
never would so many creatures, and so great and so fair,
submit themselves to an inferior being, and to less power
than they all are, nor indeed to equally great. Then said I :
"What is eternity ? Then said he : Thou askest me about a
great tJiing, and difficult to understand. If thou wouldest
understand it, thou must first have the eyes of thy mind
clean and clear. I cannot conceal from thee anything which
I know. Knowest thou that there are three things in this
middle-earth ? One is temporary, which has both beginning
and end ; and I nevertheless know nothing of that which is
temporary, neither its beginning nor its end. Another thing
is e tern al, and has beginning, and has no end ; and I know
when it begins, and I know that it never will end : that is,
angels and men's souls. The third thing is eternal, without
end, and without beginning, that is, Grod. Among the three
is a very great difference. If we should inquire into the
whole of it, then should we come late to the end of this book,
or never! But one thing thou must necessarily first know,
why God is called the highest eternity. Then said I : Why ?
Then said he : Because we know very little of that which was
before us, except by memory, and by inquiry ; and still less
of that which shall be after us. That alone is truly present
to us, which at the time is : but to him all is present, both
what was before, and what now is, and what after us shall
be ; it is all present to him. His riclies increase not, nor,
moreover, do they ever diminish. He never recollecta any-
258 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XLII.
fopjeac.^ Ne fec5 he nanpuhc. ne ne fmea]). pop|)am2 'Se he hiC
pac call. Ne ]-ec]? he nan puht. pop'Saem^ he nan puhc ne fop-
leap. Ne ehc he nanpe puhce. fop ])y hme nan puhc ne maej
fhon. Ne onhpaec he nanpuht.'* pop^sem he naepS naenne
picpan. ne puj)]?um naenne gehcan. 8imle he bi]? jipenbe. "j ne
pana]) hyp^ naeppe nauhc. Simle*^ he bi^ aelmihcij. pop)>8em he
pimle^ pile goh'^ anb naeppe nan ypel. Nip him nanep 'Smgep
neb])eapp. 8imle^ he biS locienbe. ne plsepj? he naeppe. Simle^
he bi]> jehce man])paepe. 8imle^ he bi]? ece. pop})am naeppe pio
tib naep f he naepe. ne naeppe ne pyp]?. 8imle^ he bi'S ppeoh. ne
bi]7 he to nanum peopce jenebeb. Fop hip jobcunbhcum an-
pealbe he ip aeghpaep anbpeapb pip nucelneppe ne maej nan
monn amecan, nip f (Seah no hchomhce^ to penanne. ac
japthce. ppa ppa nu pipbom ip ~\ pihtpipnep. popj^aem he 'p ip
pelp. Ac hpaet opepmobige je ]?onne. oSSe hpy ahebbe je eop
pi)) ppa heane anpealb. pop|)am|)e ge^^ nauht pij? hine bon ne
majon. popj^aem pe eca "] pe aelmihtiga pimle^^ pit om fam^^
heah petle hip anpealbep. fonan he maeg eall gepion. anb gilt
aelcum be Sam pyhte^^ aeptephipgepyphtum. pop^am hit nyp^*
no unnyt^^ Saet pe hopien to Irobe. popj^aem he ne pent^^ no
ppa ppa pe bo|>. Ac abibba]?^'^ hine ea(5mobhce. pop]78em he ip
ppi]?e jiummob anb ppiSe miibheopt. pebbaS eopep GOob to him
mib eopum honbum 3 bibba]? Saep Se piht pie anb eopep Jjeapp
pie. pop}?am^^ he eop nyle^^ pypnan. hatia]? ypel 'j pho|)^° ppa ge
ppi];opt magon, lupiaj) cpaeptap ■] polgia]} Saem. Tte habba]? micle
Seappe^^ ])aet ge pimle^^ pel bon. pop]?aem ge pimle^^ bepopan
]?am ecan •] J)am aelmehtijan Eobe boj> eall *p 'p ge bo]?, eall he
hit 5epih]> •] eall he hit pojigilt. AGOGN ; •
• Cott. nepop Seat. 2 Qott. pop^sem. ^ (^o^t. pophy. * Cott.
he him nane puhc. ^ Cott. hip. ^ Cott. Symle. ^ Cott. 5006.
8 Cott. 8ymle. » Cott. hcumhce. i** Bod. hi. " Cotti selmehtsa pymle.
12 Cott. ^aem. '^ Qq^^ j.p,j,e pihce. '* Cott. nip. « Cott. unnic.
J6 Bod. pelc. " Cott. bibba«. »» Cott. pophasm. i9 Cott. nele.
»<* Cott. pleoS. 21 Cott. neb>eappe. 22 Cott. pymle.
CHAP. XLII. BOETHIUS. 259
thing, because he never forgets anything. He neither seeks
nor inquires after anything, because he kuows.it all. He
searches for nothing, because he has lost nothing. He pur-
sues not anything, because nothing can fly from him. He
fears nothing, because he has none more powerful, nor indeed
any like him. He is always giving, and nothing of his ever
decreases. He is always Almighty, because he always wills
good and never any evil. There is not need to him of any-
thing. He is always seeing, he never sleeps. He is always
equally gracious. He is always eternal, for the time never
was when he was not, nor ever will be. He is always free ;
nor is he compelled to any work. By his divine power he is
everywhere present. His greatness no man can measure ;
yet this is not to be understood bodily, but spiritually, even
as wisdom is, and righteousness, for he is that himself. But
what are ye then proud of, or why lift ye up yourselves
against so high power ? For ye can do nothing against him.
For the Eternal and the Almighty always sits on the throne
of his power. Thence he is able to see all, and renders to
every one with justice, according to his works. Therefore it
is not in vain that we have hope in God ; for he changes
not as we do. But pray ye to him humbly, for he is very
bountiful and very merciful. Lift up your minds to him
with your hands, and pray for that which is right, and is
needful to you, for he will not refuse you. Hate, and fly
from evil as ye best may. Love virtues and follow them.
Ye have great need that ye always do well, for ye always in
the presence of the Eternal and Almighty God do all that ye
do. He beholds it all, and he will recompense it all. Amem"
s2
260 BOETHIUS. CHAP. XLII.
DRIPTGN aelmihtiga liob. pyphca 3 pealbenb ealpa je-
fceafca. ic bibbe Se poji Jtmpe micelan milbheoptnepfan. •] pop
jjaepe halejan pobe tacne. "3 pop Scam GOapian mae^j? habe. anb
pop Seem GOichaelep jehyppumneppe. ~} pop ealpa ])mpa haljena
lupan •] heopa eapnungum. f ]>u me gepippije bet )7onne ic
apyphte to ])e. ^ •^eyiyya. me to (Smum pillan anb co mmpe paple
})eappe bet ^onne ic pylp cunne. j jeptafela mm GOob to 'Smum
pillan -\ to mmpe paple J^eappe. 3 jeptpanja me pip Jjsep beoplep
coptnunjum. anb apyppa ppam me ^a pulan jalnyppe -\ selc mi-
pihtpipnyjpe. "3 jepcylbe me pi]? mmum pipeppinnum ^epe-
penlicum -3 unjepepenlicum. ~\ taec me Smne pillan to pypcenne.
f ic ma&je Se mpeapblice lupian to popon eallum pmjum mib
cla&num jepance 3 mib claenum lichaman. poppon ]>e Su eapt
mm pceoppenb. •] min alepenb. mm pultum. mm ppopep. mm
tpepnep. ~) mm to hopa. pi ]>e lop ~] pulbep nu "3 a a a to
populbe buton a&jhpilcum enbe. SCDGN : •
FliriS,
CHAP. XLII. BOETHIUS. 261
O Lord God Almighty, Creator and Euler of all creatures,
I beseech thee by thy great mercy, and by the sign of the
holy cross, and by the virginity of Saint Mary, and by the
obedience of Saint Michael, and by the love of all thy saints,
and hy their merits ; that thou wouldest direct me better than
I have done towards thee: and direct me to thy vv^ill, and
to my soul's need, better than I myself know : and make
steadfast my mind to thy will, and to my soul's need: and
strengthen me against the temptations of the devil; and re-
move from me impure lust, and all unrighteousness; and
defend me against mine enemies visible and invisible ; and
tench me to do thy will ; that I may inwardly love thee
before all things, with pure mind, and with pure body ; for
thou art my Creator, and my Eedeeraer, my Help, my Com-
fort, my Trust, and my Hope. To thee be praise, and glory
now and for ever, world without end. Ameist.
THE END.
THE ANGLO-SAXON VERSION
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS,
AN ENGLISH FREE TRANSLATION,
MARTIN F. TUPPER, ESQ., D.C.L.,
&c. &c. &c.
PROCEMIUM.
DU8 ^Ippeb uy.
ealb-fpell peahte.
Eyninj yeyz-yexna.
cps&jrc melbobe.
leoS-pyphca lift,
pim pd&y Inyt micel.
J)aec he piojjum leobum.
leoS j-pellobe.
monnum mypjen.
mij'lice cpibap
])y la&f selinje.
ucabpife.
j-elflicne yec%.
]>onne he fpelcef lyC.
gymS fop hi]- jilpe.
Ic fceal pet y^jiezan,
pon on piece.
polc-cuSne paeb.
haelejjum j-ecjean.
hlifce je J)e pille.
INTRODUCTION.
Thus to us did Alfred sing
A spell of old ;
Song-craft the West-Saxon king
Did thus unfold:
Long and much be long'd to
His people then [teach
These mixt-sayings of sweet
The joys of men ; [speech,
That no weariness forsooth,
As well it may, —
Drive away delight from truth,
But make it stay.
So he can but little seek
For his own pride :
A t'ytte of song 1 fitly speak,
And nought beside :
A folk-beknown and world-
I have to say ; [read thing
To all the best of men I sing, —
List, ye that may.
264,
THE METKES OF BOETHIUS.
METEUM I.
pit pse)* jeajia lu.
faecce tocan eajxan.
op 8ciS])ia.
jcelbaj- laebbon.
J>jieat;e jepjmnjon.
J^eoh-lonb monij.
fecton fu^peapbef.
pje-peoba tpa.
riocene jiice.
jeaji-mEelum peox.
haepban him jecynbe.
oyningaj- cpejen.
Rasbgob anb Alejiic.
jiice jeJHinjon.
Da paep opep muntgiop.
monig atyhceb.
Eoca Sylpep pull.
juSe gelypceb.
polc-gepmnep.
pana hpeappobe.
]cip on pceapte.
pceocenb ))olicon,
Icalia.
ealle^ '^e%oi\'^Qii,
linb-pijenbe.
hijelaejcan.
ppua epne ppom muntjiop.
06 ]?one maepan peapoS.
])aep 8icilia.
pae-) tpeamum in.
ejlonb micel.
epel maeppa^.
Da paep Romana.
pice jepunnen.
abpocen bupja cypc.
beabu-pmcum paep.
Rom j^epymeb.
Raebgoc anb Alepic.
pojion on J^aec paepcen.
METRE I.
or ROME AND BOETHIUS.
It was long of yore
That the Gothic rout,
Eorth from Scythia's eastern
shore,
Led their shieldmen out,
Thronged with swarms of war
The lands of many a clan,
And ill the South set firm and
far,
Two tribes to trouble man.
Yearly waxed and grew
Those Gothic kingdoms
twain,
And Alaric and Rhaedgast too.
Right royally did reign.
Then down the Alps the Goth
Made haste to force iiis way,
In haughty pride all fiercely
wrath
And lusting for the fray.
Their banner fluttered bright,
AVhile all Italia through
Shot ruthless in their linden
might
The shielded warrior crew,
Forth from the Alpine drifts
To great Sicilia's coast,
"Where in the sea-stream it
uplifts.
Its lofty island boast.
Then Rome's old rule was
crush'd,
Her costliness despoil'd,
And by that host, with battle
flush'd,
The city's beauty soil'd.
» Cott. ealla.
THE METRES OE BOETHITJS.
265
fleah Cafepe.
mib ]mm aepelmjum.
uc on Ejieca]-.
Ne meahce ]m feo pea lap.
pije popfcanban.
Ijocan mib ^uSe.
jio monna jejcpion.
pealbon unpillum.
e|)el peapbap.
halite a]>ap.
fd&y jehpsejjepep paa.
Deah pa&p majo-pmca.
mob mib Ijpecum.
gip hi leob-ppuman.
laeptan boppcen.
8cob I'pajie on ))am.
J'eob psep jepunnen.
pintpa maenijo.
0(5 |)8ec pypb gepcpap.
I^aec l^e peobpice.
fejnap anb eopla)-.
hepan pceolban.
f7a&p pe pepecema.
Epipce jecnoben,
cyninj pelpa onpenj.
pulluhc peapum.
Fsejnobon ealle.
liompapa beapn.
anb him pecene co.
ppij:»ep pilnebon.
pe hmi paepce jehetr.
psec hy ealb-pihca.
aelcep mopcen.
pypj?e jepunijen.
on jjgepe pele^an bypij.
fenben Eob puolbe.
pa&c he EfObena jepealb.
ajan mopte.
pe ])set eall alea^.
paep ]?8em sej^ehnje.
Appianep.
Alaric and Ehsedgasfc
The fastness first they seek,
While Caesar with his chiefs
fled fast
For safety to the Greek.
Then could the wretched band,
Left mournfully behind,
No more the warring Goth
withstnnd,
Nor much of mercy find.
Unwillingly their trust
The warders then gave up,
None to his oath was true and
just;
And full was sorrow's cup.,
Yet to the Greek outyearn'd
The people, as at first,
And for some daring leader
burn'd
To follow whom they durst.
The people wore their woes
Many a wintry year,
Till weird-ordained Theodoric
rose.
Whom thane and earl should
hear.
To Christ the chief was born,
And water-wash'd the king,
While all Kome's children ble&t
the morn
That peace with it should
bring.
To Eome he vowed full fast
Her old-time rights to yield,
While God should grant his
life to last,
The Gothic power to wield.
266
THE METBES OE BOETHItTS.
jehpola leofpe.
|5onne Dpihcnej* ae.
pec lohannef.
gohne Papan.
heapbe beheapon.
naep f haeplic baeb.
eac pam psef unpim.
oSpep manep.
f pe Eota ppemebe.
jobpa gehpilcum.
Da psey picpa pum.
on Rome bypij.
ahepen pepecoja.
hlapopbe leop.
]>enben Eynepcole.
Epeacap piolbon.
Da&c paep pihcpip pmc.
psep^ mib Rompapum.
pinc-jeopa pella.
pi6]9an lonje he.
paep pop peopulbe pip.
peojiS-mynpa geopn.
beopn boca jleap.
Boiciup.
pe ha&le hatce.
pe pone hlipan jepah.
paep him on jemynbe.
maela jehpilce.
ypel anb ebpic.
faec him el])eobje.
kS-nmjap cySbon.
paep on Ejieacap holb.
jemunbe papa apa.
anb ealb-pihca.
pe hip elbpan.
mib him ahcon lonje.
lupan anb hppa.
Anjan pa hjxum ymbe.
pencean peajijrhce.
hu he pibep meahce.
He did forswear all that :
The Atheling he lied,
To please Arius God forgot,
And falsely slipp'd aside.
He broke his plighted oath,
And without right or ruth,
Good John the Pope against
all troth
Beheaded for the truth.
A shameful deed was there ;
And heaps of other ill
Against the good this Goth did
In wickedness of will, [dare
A man there was just set
For heretoch in Eome,
Loved by the lord whose bread
he ate,
And dear to all at home :
Dear also to the Greek,
When he the town did save ;
A righteous man, whom all
would seek.
For many gifts he gave.
Long since was he full wise.
In worldly wit and lore,
Eager in worth and wealth to
rise,
And skill' d on books to pore.
Boethius was he hight ;
He ate shame's bitter bread,
And ever kept the scorn in
sight
Outlandish kings had said.
He to the Greek was true,
And oft the old-rights told,
"Which he and his forefathers
too
From those had won of old.
» Cott. na&f.
THE METEES OP BOETHITJS.
267
Epecaf onceppan.
f 8&C fe Eafepe.
eft anpalb ofep hi.
ajan moj^te.
fenbe aepenb-^eppic.
ealb-hlapopbum .
bejelice.
anb hi pop Dpihcne baeb.
ealbum Cpeopum.
Jjaec hi aepc to him.
comen on J)a ceajtpe.
lete Epeca pitan.
paeban Rompapum.
pihtep pyp^e.
lete Jjone leobpcipe
Da ]>a lape onjeat.
Deobpic Amuhnj.
anb pone ]7ejn opeppenj
heht paefthce.
polc-sepij^ap.
healbon fone hepe-pme.
paep him hjieoh pepa.
eje ppom J)am eople,
he hine inne.
heht on capcepne.
cluptep belucan.
Da paep mob-pepa.
miclum jebpepeb.
Boetmp.
bpeac lonje gep.
plencea unbep polcnum.
he ]>y pypp meahte.
]?ohan ])a J^page.
Jja hio ppa Jjeapl becom.
paep J)a opmob eopl.
ape ne penbe.
ne on Jjam paeptene.
ppoppe jemunbe.
ac he neopol aptpeahc.
ni|)ep op bune.
peol on fa plope.
Carefully then he plann'd
To bring the Greek to Eome,
That Caesar in his rightful land
Again might reign at home.
In hidden haste he plied
With letters all the lords,
And prayed them by the Lord
who died,
To heed his earnest words.
Greece should give laws to
Eome,
And Eome should Greece
obey;
The people longed to let them
come
To drive the Goth away.
But lo ! the Amuling
Theodoric found out all,
And bid his fellows seize and
bring
This high - born chief in
thrall.
He feared that good earl well,
And straightly bade them
bind
Boethius in the prison cell,
Sore troubled in his mind.
Ah ! he had basked so long
Beneath a summer sky,
111 could he bear such load of
wrong,
So heavy did it lie.
Then was he full of woe,
Nor heeded honour more;
Eeckless he flung himself
below
Upon the dungeon floor ;
(263)
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
pela popba fpjisec.
pop]7oht ]>eaple.
ne penbe j^onan aefpe.
cuman op J^sem clammum.
cleopobe to Dpihtne.
jeompan pcemne.
gybbobe ])uy ', •
METRUM Il.a METEE II.
Ppaec ic lio^a pela.
luftlice jeo.
pane on paelum.
nu pceal piopigenbe.
pope jepsejeb.
ppeccea jiomop.
pmjan pap-cpibap.
GOe J?iop piccecung hapatS.
ajaeleb J^ep jeocpa.
f ic ]>a jeb ne meeg.
jepejean ppa pae^pe.
)7eah ic pela 510 ]>a.
pecte po^-cpiba.
))onne ic on paelum pssp.
Ope ic nu mipcyppe.
cuSe pppaece.
anb Jjeah uncu^pe.
aep hpilum ponb.
me |7ap populb paelSa.
pel hpaep^ blmbne.
on ]>ip bmime hoi.
bypme poplaebbon.
anb me J)a bepypton.
psebej- anb ppoppe.
pop heopa unc}ieopum.
])e ic him aeppe betpc.
tpupian pceolbe.
hi me copenbon.
heopa bacu bicepe.
'^ Boet lib. i. metrum 1. — Carmina qui quondam studio florente per-
egi, &c. —The metier of Boethius, strictly speaking, begin here.
* Cott. hpsep.
Much mourning, there he lay,
Nor thought to break his
chains,
But to the Lord by night and
day,
Sang thus in sighing strains.
A SOEROWrUL FTTTE.
I Lo ! I sang cheerily
In my bright days,
But now all wearily
Chaunt I my lays ;
Sorrowing tearfully.
Saddest of men.
Can I sing cheerfully,
As I could then ?
Many a verity
In those glad times
Of my prosperity
Taught I in rhymes ;
Now from forgetfulness
"Wanders my tongue,
L "Wasting in fretfulness
Metres unsung.
Worldliness brought me here
Foolishly blind,
Biches have wrought me here
Sadness of mind ;
"When I rely on them,
Lo ! tliey depart, —
Bitterly, fie on them !
Eend they my heart.
THE METEES OE BOETHIUS.
269;
anh heopa bliffe fpom.
Fophpam polbe je.
peopulb Fjiynb mine,
pec^an oS|>e pinjan.
fa&c ic jepsellic mon.
paepe on peopulbe.
ne pync J)a popb PC'S,
nu J)a jepaelfa ne majon.
pimle gepunijan.
Why did your songs to me*,
World-loving men,
Say joy belongs to me,
Ever as then ?
Why did ye lyingly
Think such a thing,
Seeing how flyingly
Wealth may take wing ?
METHUM III.^
^ala on hu jpimmum.
anb hu jpunbleapum.
pea^e ppmceS.
]>3&t ppeopcenbe mob.
]7onne hic ])a ptponjan.
pcopmap beata^.
peopulb-bipjun^a.
ponne hic pmnenbe.
hip ajen leohc.
an poplseteS.
anb mib una popjit.
pone ecan gepean.
jjpm^S on fa pioptpo.
])ippe populbe.
popgum jeppenceb.
ppa ip pippum nu.
mobe jelumpen.
nu hiC mape ne pau.
pop Eobe jobep.
bucon jnopnunje.
ppembpe populbe.
him ip Fpoppe })eapp.
METEE III.
A FYTTE or DESPAIR.
Alas ! in how grim
A gulf of despair,
Dreary and dim
For sorrow and care,
My mind toils along
When the waves of the world
Stormy and strong
Against it are hurl'd.
When in such strife
My mind will forget
Its light and its life
In worldl}^ regret.
And through the night
Of this world doth grope
Lost to the light
Of heavenly hope.
Thus it hath now
Befallen my mind,
I know no more how
God's goodness to find,
But groan in my grief
Troubled and tost,
Needing relief
For the world I have lost.
*> Boet. lib. i. metrum 2.— Heu, quam praecipiti mersa profundo, &c.
270
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
'• METEUM lY.c
-^ala ]?u j-cippenb.
fcippa tunjla.
heponef anb eo]i|)an.
]9u on heah-jecle.
ecum picfafC.
anh ]>u ealrie hpaeSe.
hefon ynibhpeapfeft.
anb jjujih J^me halige mihc.
cunjlii jenebeft.
])aet; hi ]>e Co hepa^.
j'pylce feo funne.
f peajicpa nihta.
piofcpo abpaej'ceS.
j)uph |)ine melic.
blacum leohce.
beojibce fCeoppan.
mona jemecjat^.
]?uj)h |>inpa meahta ppeb.
hpilum eac ]?a punnan.
finej' bepeapaS.
beophcan leohtej*.
]>onne hic gebypijan mse^.
|>8ec f pa jeneahpne.
nebe peopJm'S.
ppelce J)one msepan.
mop^enpceoppan.
J^e pe o6pe naman,
aepenjxeoppa.
nemnan hepa^.
])n jenebept pone.
faec he ]73epe punnan.
pi^ bepicije.
jeapa gehpelce.
he jonjan pceal.
bepopan pepan.
Ppsec ))u psebep pepcepC.
pumup-lanje bajap.
fpiSe hace.
METEE IV.
A PSALM TO GOD.
Thou, that art Maker of
heaven and earth,
Who steerest the stars, and
hast given them birth ;
For ever Thou reignest upon
Thy high throne,
And turnest all swiftly the
heavenly zone.
Thou, by Thy strong holiness
drivest from far
In the way that Thou wiliest
each worsliipping star;
And, through Thy great power,
the sun from the night
Drags darkness away by the
might of her light.
The moon, at Thy word, with
his pale shining rays
Softens and shadows the stars
as they blaze,
And even the Sun of her
brightness bereaves.
Whenever upon her too closely
he cleaves.
So also the Morning and Even-
ing Star
Thou makest to follow the Sun
from afar.
To keep in her pathway each
year evermore,
And go as she goeth in
guidance before.
« Boet. lib. i. metrum 5. — Stelliferi Conditor orbis, &c.
THE METEES OF BOEXniUS.
271
pEem pincep-bajjum.
punbpum )ceo]ita.
tiba jeciohhaj-c.
Du |)8em cjieopiim felefC.
pujjan anb pej'Can.
J>a aep je jpeapca j*copm.
nopl^an anb eafcan.
benumen haefbe.
leapa gehpelcep.
J>u}ih pone la(5pan pinb.
Gala lipsec on eoppan.
ealla jepceapta.
hypa^ J)inpe hsepe.
boh on heoponum ppa pome.
mobe anb mse^ne.
bucan men anum.
pe pi^ pmum pillan.
pypcet) opcopc.
pella pii eca.
anb pu almihtija.
ealpa jepceapca.
pceppenb anb peccenb.
apa pmum eapmum.
eoppan cubpe.
monna cynne.
pupb pmpa mehta ppeb.
Ppi ]m ece liob.
8&ppe polbe.
paet pio pypb on jepill.
penban pceolbe.
yplum monnum.
eallep ppa ppiSe.
hio pul ope Sepet5.
unpcylbejum.
SitcaS ypele men.
^lonb eopS-picu.
on heah- pedum.
halije ppiccaS.
unbep heopa potum.
pipum uncuS.
bpi pio pypb ppa po.
Behold too, O Father, Thou
workest aright
To summer hot day-times of
lono^-livino; licrht,
To winter all wondrously or-
derest wise
Short seasons of sunshine with
frost on the skies.
Thou givest the trees a south-
westerly breeze,
"Whose leaves the swart storm
in its fury did seize
By winds flying forth from the
east and the north
And scattered and shattered
all over the earth.
On earth and in heaven each
creature and kind
Hears Thy behest with migbt
and with mind ;
But man, and man only, who
oftenest still
Wickedly worketh against Thy
wise will.
For ever, Almigbty One,Maker,
and Lord,
On us, wretched earthworms,
Thy pity be poured ;
Why wilt Thou that welfare to
sinners should wend,
But lettest weird ill the un-
guilty ones rend ?
Evil men sit, each on earth's
highest seat,
Trampling tbe holy ones under
their feet ;
272
THE METRES OF BOETKIUS.
penban yceolbe.
Spa fine jehybbe.
hep on pojmlbe.
jeonb bupja pela.
beophte cpseptap.
Unpihcpij-e.
eallum tibum.
habbaS on hoppe.
J)a ]>e him pinbon.
jnhcep pippan.
picep pyp^pan.
Bi6 f leape loc.
lanje hpile.
beppijen mib ppencum.
Nu on populbe hep.
monnum ne bepiaS.
mane aj^aj-.
dp ])u nu palbenb ne pile.
pipbe pteopan.
ac on pelp-pille.
j-i^an laecepc.
jjonne ic pac ]?3ec te pile.
populb-men cpeojan.
geonb polban-pceac.
bucon pea ane.
Gala mm Dpyhten.
}>a ]?e ealle opeppihpc.
populbe jepceapca.
plic nu on moncyn.
milbum ea^um.
nu hi on monejum hep.
populbe yj?um.
pynna^ anb ppmcaS.
eapme eop^-papan.
apa him nu fa.
Why good should go crookedly
no man can say,
And bright deeds in crowds
should lie hidden away.
The sinner at all times is
scorning the just,
The wiser in right, and the
worthier of trust ;
Their leasing for long while
with fraud is beclad,
And oaths that are lies do no
harm to the bad.
Guide, if thou wilt not steer
fortune amain.
But lettest her rush so self-
willed and so vain,
1 know that the worldly will
doubt of Thy might,
And few among men in Thy
rule will delight.
My Lord, overseeing all things
from on high,
Look down on mankind with
mercy's mild eye ;
In wild waves of trouble they
struggle and strive,
Then spare the poor earth-
worms, and save them
alive !
THE METRES OF BOETfllUS.
273
METEUM V.^
Du meahc be paejie funnan.
f peocole jefencean.
anh be aejhpelcum.
oSpum j-ceojipan.
papa pe aepcep bupjum.
beophtofC feme's.
dp him pan fope.
polcen hanja^.
ne maejen hi jpa leohtne.
leoman anpenban.
aep pe ]?icca mipc.
J>mpa people.
8pa ope pmylce paa.
pu]?epne pmb.
gjiseje jlap-hluSpe.
jpimme jebpepeS.
))onne hie gemenjaS.
micla ypca.
onhpepaS hpon-mepe.
hpioh biS ]>onne.
peo ]>e aep jlabu.
on-piene paep.
8pa ope aepppinje.
ucapealleS.
op chpe hapum.
col anb hlucop.
anb jepechce.
pihce plopeS.
ipnet5 pi^ hip eapbep.
oS him on mnan pelS.
muntep maejen-pcan.
anb him on mibban jehje'S.
atpenblob op faem coppe.
he on cu pit5j>an.
topceaben pypt5.
pcip bi6 jebpepeb.
bupna jeblonben.
bpoc bits onpenbeb.
METRE Y.
OF TROUBLE AND ITS CUBE.
Ye may learn by the stars and
the sun
Shininw on cities so bright,
If the welkin hangs dreary and
dun,
To wait in the mist for the
light.
So too, the calm sea, glassy
grey,
The south wind all grimly
makes riot ;
And whirlpools in strife stir
away
The whale-pond that once
was so quiet.
So also, outwelleth a spring,
All clear from the cliff aud
all cool,
Till midway some mountain
may fling
A rock to roll into the pool.
Then broken asunder will seem
The rill so clear-running
before,
That brook is turned out of
its stream,
And flows in its channel no
more.
So now, in thy darkness of
mind.
Thou wiliest my wisdom to
spurn,
^ Boet. lib. i. tnetrum 7.— Nubibus atris, &c.
T
274
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
Of hif pihc pyne.
"Withstanding, hj trouble
py])um coplopen.
made blind,
)pa nu ]9a J)io]"cpo.
The lessons thou never wilt
])mpe heopcan pillaS.
learn.
mmpe leohcan.
lape piS|Tonban.
Yet now, if ye will, as ye may,
anb ]>m mob-jej^onc.
The true and pure light
miclum jebpefan.
clearly kiDOw,
Ac jip ]ni nu pilnafc.
Let go the vain joys of to-day,
J)a&c ])u pel ms&je.
The weal that brings nothing
])3ec po6e leohc.
but woe.
ppeocole oncnapan.
leohce jeleapan.
And drive away bad unbelief,
]7U poplaecan pcealt.
The fears of the world and
ible opep-p9elJ)a.
its care,
unnyrne ^epean.
A-nd be thou not given to grief,
Jm pceak eac ypelne eje.
Nor yield up thy mind to
an-poplaecan.
despair.
populb-eappo]>a.
ne mo]x Jm pepan pop J>8em
Nor suffer thou glad-going
eallep co opmob.
things
ne ))u ]>e a&ppe ne laec.
To puff thee with over-much
plenca jepa&can.
pride.
J7e laep ]>u peopt5e pop him.
Nor worldliness lifting thy
mib opep-meccum.
wings,
epc jepcenbeb.
To lure thee from meekness
anb CO upahapen.
aside ;
pop oppopjum.
populb jepaelfum.
And let not, too weakly again,
Ne epc CO paclice.
Ills make thee despair of the
jeopcpeope.
good,
aenijep jobep.
"When hunted by peril and
fonne fe ]?op populbe.
pain,
pi])eppeapba maepc.^
And haunted by misery's
Jjin^a l^pea^e.
brood.
anb |)u J)e pelpum.
ppiJ)opc onpicce.
For always the mind of a man
pop}7a&m pimle bi6.
Is bound up with trouble
pe mob-pepa.
below,
miclum ^ebunben mib.
1
Cott. maep^.
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
275
jebpepnej-fe.
jip hine bpeccean moc.
J)i]ja ypla lipa&J>ep.
mnan jpencan.
pop];aem ])a tpejen tpejan.
reoS CO pomne.
piS Jia&c mob fopan.
mifcej- bpoleman.
])8ec hic yeo ece ne moc.
hman jeonb j-cman. [mifCum.
punne pop |)a&m ppeapcum
sep ]78em hi geppi'Sjiab peopfen.
If riches or poverty can
Engraft it with sin or with
woe.
Because the twin evils make
dun
The mind in a misty swart
shroud,
That on its eternity's sun
Is dim till it scatters the
cloud.
METEUM VI.«
Da ye pipbom epc.
popb-hopb onleac.
j-anj po^-cpibap.
anb ])UY pelpa cpaeS.
Donne po punne.
ppeocolopc pcnie^.
habpopc op hepone.
hpaeSe bio's aJ>]pcpob.
ealle opip eop|)an.
oSpe pceoppan.
pop]78&m liiopa biphcu ne
auhc [biphcnej-pe.]
Co jepeccane.
pi^ Jjaepe punnan leohc.
Donne pmolce blaepS.
pu|)an anb pepcan pinb.
unbep polcnum.
ponne peaxeS hpat5e.
pelbep blopcman.
pa&jen |?aec hi mocon.
Ac pe pceapca pcopm.
J>onne he pcponj cymS.
nopjian anb eapcan.
he genimeS hpa^e.
])8epe popan plice.
« Boet. lib. ii. metrum 3. -
METEE YI.
OP CHANGE.
Then did Wisdom again
Unlock his word-hoard well,
And sang in soothful strain
The truths he had to tell.
When with clearest blaze
The sun shines in the sky,
The stars must quench their
rays
bi'5. Over the earth so high.
Eor that, set in the light
Of her that rules by day,
Their brightness is not bright.
But dimly dies away.
When the wind South-west
Under the cloud blows low,
Eield-flowers wax their best.
Fain to be glad and grow.
But when by East and North,
The stark storm strongly
blows,
He speedily drives forth
All beauty from the rose.
■ Cum polo Phoebus roseis quadrigis, &c.
t2
276
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
Anb eac ])a puman j*s&.
nopj^epne 57c.
nebe jebaebeb.
))a&c hio ppanjejeonb ftypeb.
on YtapM beace6.
€ala -p on eopj^an.
anhc paej-clicej- .
peopcef on populbe.
ne punaS s&fpe.
So, -with a stern needs-be
The northern blast doth
dash
And beat the wide waste sea
That it the land may lash.
Alas, that here on earth
Nothing is fast and sure ;
No work is found so worth
That it for ever endure.
METRUM YllS
METRE VII.
Da onjon fe pijbom.
or CONTENT AND HUMBLENESS.
hif jepunan yy\^^ain,
jho-popbum 50I.
Again, as his wont, began
^^b aec^ ppelle.
Wisdom a song,
ponj ]-ot5-cpiba.
And spoke out his spells as he
pumne pa jeca.
wander'd along.
EpaeS he ne hepbe.
He said : On a mountain no
paec on heanne^ munc.
man can be skill'd
monna aenij.
With a roof weather-proof a
meahce aj-eccan.
high hall to up build.
healle hjiop-fa&fce.
Ne peapp eac ha&lepa nan.
Moreover, let no man think
penan ])3iy peopcef.
ever to win
pa&c he pij'bom maeje.
Ey mixing pure wisdom with
pi6 opepmecca.
'over-proud sin.
aepj)e jemenjan.
Heard ye that any built firmly
Pepbep pu aeppe.
on sand.
})8ec ce aenij mon.
Or caught hold of wisdom with
on ponb beopjap.
gain-getting hand ?
peccan meahce.
paepce healle.
The light soil is greedy to
Ne maej eac pipa nan.
swallow the rain ;
pifbom cimbpan.
So now doth the rich, in his
f'aep J^aep populb-gitpunj.
measureless gain
beopj opepbpaebeS.
bapu ponb piUaS.
\jen popppeljan.
' Boet. lib. ii. metrum 4.-
-Quisquis volet perennem, &c
» Cott. wTt.
2 Cott. heane.
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
277
Spa bet5 jiicpa nu.
gpunbleaj' Sirfun^.
jilpef anb aehca.
jebpince^ Co bpyjjum.
bpeofenbne pelan.
anb ])eah ])3&y J>eap}:an ne
))upfc aceleb.
Ne maej h8ele|)a jehpaem
hny on munce.
lanje jelaejcan.
popjjsem him liinjpe on.
fpipc pinb j-papeS.
Ne bi'S fonb |)on ma.
piS micelne pen.
manna aenjum.
hupep hipbe.
ac hic hpeopan pile,
pijan jonb aepcep pene.
8pa bio6 anpa ^ehpaep.
monna mob-pepan.
miclum apejebe.
op hiopa pcebe pcypebe.
J)onne he pcponj bpeceS.
pinb unbep polcnum.
populb-eappopa.
oS5e hi^ epc pe pe}>a.
pien onhpepeS.
pumep ymbhojan.
unjemec jemen.
A c pe J)e |?a ecan.
ajan pille.
pofan jepaelfia.
he pceal ppiSe phon.
pippe populbe phte.
pypce him pi^j)au.
hip mobep hup.
J^aep he maeje pinban.
eaSmeuca pcan.
unjemecpaepcne.*
5punb-peal jeapone.
» Cott. hic.
bit5.
Of honours and havings, drink
deep of sucli weal,
Yea, down to the dregs, and
still thirsty will feel.
may
A house on a hill-top
never long stay.
For quickly the swift wiad
shall sweep it away,
And a house on tbe sand is no
better at all ;
In spite of the house-herd, in
rain it shall fall.
So failing and fickle is every
mind
When rack'd by the rage of
this world-trouble wind,
And measureless cares, as a
quick-dropping rain
Unstopping, stir up the mind's
welkin with pain.
But he who would have ever-
lasting true bliss,
Must fly from the glare of a
world such as this :
And then let him make a strong
home for his mind,
"Wherever true Lowliness' rock
he can find ;
* Cott. unis metf septne.
278
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
]'e to-jliban ne J^eapp.
feah hic pecje pmb.
populb-eap]:o])a.
oS6e ymbhojena.
opmece pen.
j:op])8&m on ])sepe bene.
Dpihten pelpa.
J>apa eabmecca.
eapbpaepc punija^.
])8ep pe J7ipbom a.
puna^ on gemynbum.
pop]?on oppopj lip.
ealnig IsebaS.
populb-men pipe,
bucon penbinje.
]?onne he eall poppih^.
eopt51icu 500b.
anb eac ])apa ypela.
oppoph punaS.
hopa^ CO fam ecura.
})e J)aep a&pcep cuma^.
pine ^onne aejhponan.
aelmihcij Eoob.
pinjallice.
pimle jehealbeS.
anpuni^enbne.
hip agenum.
mobep ^epelpum.
J)uph mecobep jipe.
feah hme pe pmb.
populb-eappoj^a.
ppiSe ppence.
anb hine pin^ale.
^emen ja&le.
]7onne him jpimme on.
populb-p8el]?a pmb.
ppat5e blape^,
])eah ])e hine ealnej.
pe ymbhoja ]>yppa.
pojiulb-paelpa.
ppaSe bpecce.
A settled ground-anchor that
never shall slide,
Though trouble attack it by
tempest and tide ;
Per that, in Lowliness' valley
80 fair,
The Lord, and mind-wisdom
for ever live there.
Therefore leads always a quiet-
like life
The wise in the world, without
changes or strife,
When heedless alike of earth's
good and earth's ill,
He watches in hope of an after-
world still.
Such an one evermore God ever
kind
Happily keeps in the calm of
his mind ;
Though wild winds of sorrow
against him are hurl'd,
Though always annoyed by the
cares of the world.
Though wrathful and grim are
these trouble-dark gales,
And Care in its anguish and
anger
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
27§
METETJM yill.s
8ona yya ye pifbom.
i>af popb haefbe.
fpecole apeahce.
he ])a fi'8|>an onjan.
pnjan foS-cpibaj-.
anb ])u.y j-eljra cpseS.
Ppaec fio popme elb.
polb-buenbum.
jeonb eopjjan-fceat.
s&jhpam bohce.
pa f>a anpa jehpaem.
on eopS-paepcmum.
genoh ])iihce,
nip hic nu ]m ppelc.
naepon pa jeonb peopulbe.
pelige hamap.
ne miplice.
meccap ne bpmcap.
ne hi Jjapa hpaejla.
hupu ne jembon.
]>e nu bpihc-juman.
biopopc laecaS.
pop]78em hiopa nsenij.
na&p |)a peta.
ne hi ne jepapon.
punb-buenbe.
ne ymbucan hi.
apep ne hepbon.
hpaec hi pijienlnpta.
ppecene paepon.
bucon ppa hi meahcon.
jemechcopt;.
J)a jecynb bejan.
fe him Epipc jepceop.
anb hi aene on baeje.
a&ron pymle.
on aepen-tib.
eoppan paeptmap.
e Boet. lib. ii. metrum 5. — Felix nimium prior aetas, &c.
METRE YIII.
OF PEIMAL INNOCENCE.
Sooa as "Wisdom thus had
sung,
He began, with plainer tongue,
Sooth to sing his sayings thus,
And himself to speak to us.
O how full of blessing then
Was the first glad age to men !
When earth's fruitful plenty
came.
Not as now, to all the same ;
"When through all the world
were there
No great halls of costly care ;
No rich feasts of meat or drink ;
Neither did they heed or think
Of such jewels, then unknown,
As our lordlings long to own ;
Nor did seamen aye behold,
Nor had heard of gems or gold.
More ; with frugal mind they
fared ;
And for pleasures only cared,
As at Christ's and kindred's
voice
They were bidden to rejoice.
Once in the day, at eventide,
They ate earth's fruits, and
nought beside ;
No wine they drank, their
stoup was clear;
No cunning slave was mingling
near
280
THE METEES OF BOETHIXTS.
puhej* anb pypta.
nallej' pm bpuncoiu
fcip op pteape.
naep )>a jcealca nan.
]>e mete 06 5 e bpinc.
msenjan cu^e.
psetep pi(5 huni^e.
ne lieopa paeba pon ma.
pioloce piopian.
ne hi piapo-cpaeptum.
jobpeb ^ipebon.
ne hi pmpeceb.
petcon peapohce.
ac hi pimle him.
eallum tibum.
uce plepon.
unbep beam-pceabe.
bpuncon bupnan pa&cep.
calbe pellan.
naenij cepa ne peah.
opep eap-^eblonb.
ellenbne peapob.
ne hujiu ymbe pcip-hepjap.
pae-tilcap ne hepbon.
ne pup])um pip a nan.
ymb ^epeoht: pppecan.
naep J?eo]' eop^e bepmiten
apep J>a geta.
beopnep blobe.
]>e hi ne^ biU-pube.
ne pup))um punbne pep
peopulb-buenbe.
jepapan unbep ]unnan.
naenij pi^]?an paep.
peep's on peopulbe.
jip mon hip pillan onjeac.
ypelne inib elbum.
he psep sejhpaem la's.
Gala jjset^ hic pupbe.
06 5 e polbe Jjob.
» Cott. hme.
Meats and drinks, to glut their
greed,
Or make the heated honey-
mead;
No silk-sewn weeds wish'd
they to wear ;
No good- webs dyed with crafty
care;
Nor set on high with skilful
power
The mighty dome, or lofty
tower.
But under the sweet shade of
trees
They slept at all times well at
ease,
And, when thirsting, gladly
took
"Water from the running
brook ;
Never trader wandered o'er
Seas to seek a foreign shore.
Never had one heard, indeed,
O f ships to till the briny mead ;
Nowhere yet with blood of
men
Was the earth besmitten then,
Nowhere had the sun beheld
Steel that struck, or wound
that well'd.
Those who work'd an evil will
Won not worship for their ill ;
All would then have loathed
them sore :
O that this could be once
more!
2 Cott. >8ep.
THE METRES OF BOETHITTS.
281
paec on eop])an nu.
uffa tiba.
jeonb ))af pi ban peopulb.
paepen aejhpaep^ ppelce.
unbep punnan.
Ac hic ip paempe nu.
faec peoy jitpunc hapaS.
^umena jehpelcep.
mob ameppeb.
Jjaec he mapan ne pecS.
ac hic on piece.
peallenbe bypn'S.
epne pio jicpunj.
]>e naenne jpunb hapaS.
ppeapte ppaepeS.
pumep on lice.
epne j^am munce.
]>e nu monna beapn,
Gene hacaS.
pe on ijlonbe.
Sicilia.
ppeple bypneS.
)?aec mon helle pyp.
haceS pi be
pop]>aem hic pimle bit5.
pm-bypnenbe.
anb ymbutan hit.
o'Spa pcopa.
blace popbaepnS.
bicepan leje.
Gala hpaec pe popma.
peoh-jicpepe.
paepe on populbe.
pe fap ponj-ptebap.
gpop aepcep jolbe.
anb aeptep jim-cynnura
hpaec he pfiecnu jepcpeon.
funbe maenejum.
beppijen on peopulbe.
paecepe oStSe eop})an.
» Cott.
that God would now on
earth
Make us all so purely worth !
But, alas ! men now are worse ;
Lust of getting sets a curse
As a clog upon each mind,
Eeckless other good to find.
Lust of gain unfathomed glows
In the heart with bubbling
throes ;
Swart it lies, and sweltering
deep,
Like old Etna's boiling heap,
"Which in Sicily's broad isle,
Burns with brimstone many a
mile.
So that men around it tell,
Of its fires as fires of hell,
For that ever still it burns
Bitter everywhere by turns.
Woe! that ever should have
been
In this world the sinner seen,
"Who was first so basely bold
As to dig for gems and gold :
Cares for many then he found
Darkly hidden in the ground,
Dangerous wealth and deadly
worth
In the deeps of sea and earth.
»shp»p.
282
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
METEUM IX.^ METEE IX
Ppaet pe ealle piCon.
hpelce aejilepce.
je neah ^e jieon.
Nepon pophce.
Rom papa cynmj.
])a, hif pice paep.
hehpc unbeji heoponum.
CO hjiype monejum.
|7gelhjieopep '^eyeb.
ps^Y pul pibe cut5,
unpihc-haemeb.
ajileaj-ca pela.
man anb moppop,
mipbaeba popn.
unjiihcpipep.
mpib-))oncap.
pe hec him co jamene
jeajia popbaepnan.
Romana bupij.
pio hip picep paep.
eallep e}>el-ptol.
pe pop unjnyccjium.
polbe panbian.
Jip -p pyp meahce.
hxan ppa leohce.
anb ppa lon;^e eac.
peabpa peccan.
ppae he Romane.
pecjan jehepbe.
paet on pume tibe.
Tjioia bupj,
opepcojen ha&pbe.
leja leohcopc.
lenjepc bupne.
hama unbep heponum.
Naep ])3ec hephc baeb.
faec hine ppelcep gamenep.
Jilpan lypce.
^ Boet. lib. ii. rnetrum 6. — Novimus quantas dederit ruinas, &c
NERO.
All know too well, abroad or
near at home,
What evils Nero wrouglit, that
King of Rome,
When, highest under heaven,
his rule was then
The dread and overthrow of
many men.
The madness of this savage
bred betimes
Lust, murder, vile misdeeds, a
bad man's crimes ;
He gave the word of old to
wrap in flame
Rome's self, iiis kingdom's seat,
to make him game ;
Wishing in wicked wantonness
to know
Whether the fire so long and
red would glow
As erst in Troy, he heard that
Romans said.
The mounting fire burn'd
longest and most red.
Base deed, in such fierce frolic
to delight,
Aimless and vain, unless to
mark his might.
And, once it happened, at a
certain hour.
He would again show forth hia
frantic power,
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
283
|)a he ne eapnabe.
ellef puhce.
bucon ])8&t he polbe.
opep peji-])iobe.
hi]- anef hupu.
anpalb cyf>an.
6ac hic jepselbe.
sec pumum cieppe
paer pe ilea hec.
ealle acpellan.
Jja picopcan.
Romana pican.
anb ]?a 8e])eleptan.
eopl jebypbum.
])e he on jjaem polce.
geppijen hsepbe.
anb on uppan.
ajene bpopop.
anb hip mobop mib.
meca ecgum.
biUum op-beatan.
pe hip bpybe opploj.
pelp mib ppeopbe.
anb he pymle paep.
micle ]?e bhSpa.
on bpeojc-copan.
|)onne he ppylcep mopSpep.
mae) c jeppemebe.
nallep popjobe.
hpsepep pi$J>an a.
mihtig Dpihcen.
amecan polbe,
ppece be jepyphcum.
poh-ppemnienbum.
ac he on pepSe paejn.
f acnep anb peapupa.
paelhpiop punobe.
J7]olb emne ppa feah.
eallep J^ippep maepan.
mibban-jeapbep.
ppa ppa lypt anb laju.
And bade the richest men of
Rome be slain,
Each earl of highest birth, each.
wisest thane:
With swords and bills he
hewed until they died,
His mother, brother, yea, and
his own bride, —
Ever the blither in his own bad
breast
When he had done such mur-
ders cruellest.
Nothing reck'd he that soon
the mighty Lord
Would mete out wrath to sin-
ners so abhorr'd.
But in his mind, that fed on
wicked wiles,
Eemain'd a savage, wreath'd
in cunning smiles.
Still, even he so ruled this
middle-earth.
Far as the land hath air, and
sea for girth.
Ear as the sea surrounds all
men and things,
The seats of warriors, and the
thrones of kings.
That from the South, and East,
and furthest West,
And earth's high headland
reaching- northeruest,
284
THE METBES OF BOETHIUS.
lanb ymbclyppaS.
jap-jecs embe-OT'^-
jumena pice,
fecje pclu.
j*uS-eafC anb pej-c.
oS ]7a nopt^mefcan.
naeffan on eopj^an.
eall ]>2et Nepone.
nebe oSSe luftum.
hea))0-}nnca jehpilc
hepan fceolbe.
pe hsefbe him co ^amene
))onne he on jylp apcaj.
hu he eop^-cynmjaf .
ypmbe anb cpelmbe.
p'enpc. ]?u f pe anpalb,
eat5e ne meahte.
Irobep selmihtijep.
J)one 5elp-pca]?an.
pice bepaeban.
anb bepeapian.
hip anpalbep,
))uph pa ecan meahc.
o^Se him hip ypelep.
ellep jepciopan.
Gala jip he polbe.
faec he pel meahce.
pdet unpiht him.
eaSe popbioban.
6apla f pe hlapopb.
hepij 51 oc plepce.
j'pape on l)a ppypan.
pinpa jjejena.
ealpa J)apa haelejja.
)>e on hip cibum.
jeonb pap laanan popolb.
liban pceolbon.
pe on unpcylbjum.
eopla blobe.
hip ppeopb pelebe.
ppitSe jelome.
All this to Nero willing wor-
ship gave,
And every chief by force be-
came his slave,
Till 'twas his game, when pride
had pufF'd his mind
To hunt and kill the kings of
human kind.
But thinkest thou that God's
all holy might
Could not with
this
not with ease
haughty sinner smite,
And scathe his pride, and drive
him from the helm,
Or quench his guilt, and so
berid the realm ?
O that he would, as well he
might with ease,
Ever forbid such wrongful
works as these !
Woe! that this lord should
cast so heavy a yoke
On all men's necks,both thanes
and serving folk,
"Who, for the harmful season of
his power,
Lived in this world their
quickly passing hour :
Woe ! that his sword was often
weltering then
With blood of high-born earls
and guiltless men !
Clearly in this, our saying
shone out bright,
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
285
Dsep pa&f fpi^e j-peotol.
J)aec pe paebon ofC.
)>aec pe anpalb ne beS.
apihc 5obep.
jif fe pel nele.
)>e hip jepealb hapaS.
That power can do no good, as
well it might,
If he who rules, wills not to
rule aright.
METEUM X.»
Eip nu haelej^a hpone.
hlipan lypte.
unnytne jelp.
ajan piUe.
])onne ic hine polbe.
pojibum bibban.
])£et; he hme aejhponon.
ucan ymbe pohce.
fpeotole ymb pape.
puS-eapc anb pepc
hu pibjil pmc.
polcnum ymbutan,
heoponep hpealpe.
hije-pnotpum.
maej ea^e J?mcan.
paec peop eopSe pie.
call pop ]?8&c ojjep.
un^emet^ lytel.
feah hio unpipum.
pibgel ]?ince.
on ptebe pcponjlic,
pteopleapum men.
feah ma&j ])one pipan.
on jepic-locan.
faepe jitpunje.
jelpep pcamian.
])onne hme ]?aep hlipan.
heapbopc lypce'8.
anb he ])eah ne maej.
J)one cobpeban.
METEE X.
OF FAME AND DEATH.
If any man will be so vain
As now for fame to lust,
The empty praise of men to
gain,
And in such folly trust,
Him would I bid to gaze
around
The circle of the sky.
And think how far above the
ground
The heaven is wide and high.
How small this world to wis-
dom's ken
Set against that so vast,
Though ours may seem to wit-
less men
Huge, wide, and sure to last.
Tet may the wise in heart feel
shame
That once his thirst was
strong
Tor silly greediness of fame
That never lasteth long.
Such lust of praise he may not
spread
Over this narrow earth.
» Boet. lib. ii. metrum 7. — Quicumque solam raente praecipiti petit, &c.
> Cott. unismet.
286
-THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
Of ep ]my neajiopan.
nsenije pmja.
eopj^an-j-ceataj".
!)• |}8&c unnec jelp.
Gala Ofepmoban.
hpi eop alyfce.
mib eoppum ppipan.
pelppa pillum.
]7aec ppsepe 510c.
jymle unbeplucan.
Ppy je ymb pa&c unnec.
ealnij ppmcen.
paec je pone hlipan.
habban ciliaS.
opep ])ioba ma.
ponne eop peapp pie.
peah eop nu jepaele.
paec eop puS oSSe Hop's,
pa ycmeptan.
COP'S- buenbe.
on monij piobipc.
miclum hepien.
Deah hpa se])e\e pie.
eopl jebypbum.
pelum jepeopj^aS.
anb on plencum pio.
bujii])um biope.
beaS psep ne pcpipeS.
J>onne him pum poplaet.
pobopa palbenb.
ac he pone pelejan.
paeblum ^ehce.
epn maepne jebeS.
8&lcep l^mjep.
Ppaep pmc nu ])2&y pipan.
pelanbep ban.
paep jolb-pmipep.
]>e psep jeo ma&popt
poppy ic cpaeS paep pipan.
f^elanbep ban.
foppy aenjum ne msej.
'Tis folly all, and of the dead,
A glory nothing worth.
And you, proud, why wish
ye still
And strive with all your care
The heavy yoke of your own
will
Upon your necks to bear ?
Why will ye toil yet more and
more
For glory's useless prize,
And reach your rule from shore
to shore
Unneeded and unwise ?
Though now ye reign froni
South to North,
And, with an earnest will,
The furthest dwellers on the
earth
Your dread behests fulfil ?
The greatest earl of wealthiest
praise
However rich or high.
Death cares not for him, but
obeys
The Euler of the sky ;
With even hand right swift to
strike,
At His allowing word,
The rich man and the poor
alike.
The low-born and his lord.
Where are the bones of We-
land now,
So shrewd to work in gold ?
Weland, though wise, to death
must bow,
That greatest man of old :
THE METKES OE BOfiTHIUS,
287
eopt5-buenfepa.
fe cpaeft; lofian.
]>e him EpifC onlaen^.
Ne ma&5 mon aeppe ]?y e'S.
aenne ppaeccan.
hi]- cpa&fcej' beniman.
))e mon onceppan msej.
funnan onj-pijran.
anb ])i]ne jpifcan jiobop.
op hif piht-pyne.
pmca genij.
Ppa par nu ]?aej- pij'an.
pelanhep ban.
on hpelcum m hlaepa.
hpupan ])eccen.
Ppsep ip nu pe pica.
Romana pica.
anb pe apoba.
]>e pe ymb pppeca'S.
hiopa hepecoja.
pe jehacen paep.
mib ]78em buphpapum.
Bpucup nemneb.
Ppaep ip eac pe pipa.
anb pe peop'S-jeopna.
anb pe paepc-paeba.
polcep hypbe.
pe paep u(5pica.
aeicep f^mjep.
cene anb cpaepcij.
])aem paep Eacon nama.
pi paepon jepypn.
poiiS-jepicene.
nac naeni5 mon.
hpaep hi nu pmbon.
Ppaec ip hiopa hepe.
bucon pe hhpa an.
pe ip eac co lytel.
ppelcpa lapiopa.
Fop]>aem ]>a. majo-pincap.
mapan pypSe paepon.
Thoufjh wise, I say ; for what
Christ gives
Of wisdom to a mnn,
That craft with him lor ever
lives
Which once on earth began :
And sooner shall a man's hand
fetch
The sun from her due course,
Than steal from any dying
WTetch
His cunning skill by force.
Who then can tell, wise We-
land's bones
Where now they rest so
long?
Beneath what heap of earth
and stones
Their prison is made strong ?
Home's wisest son, be-known
so well,
Who strove her rights to
save,
That mighty master, who can
tell
Where Brutus has a grave ?
So too, the man of sternest
mould,
i The good, the brave, the
wise.
His people's shepherd, who
hath told
Of Cato, where he lies ?
Long are they dead : and none
can know
More of them than their
name: " [now
Such teachers have too little
Of all their worthy fame.
288
THE METEE3 OF BOETHIUS.
on populbe.
Ac hic 1]' pypr^ nu.
|)aec jeonb ]7af eopj^an.
aejhpaeji pnbon.
hiojia pelican.
hpon ymb fppaece.
j-ume openlice.
ealle fopjitene.
paec hi je lilij'a.
hip-cuSe ne maej.
pope-maepe pepap.
pop5 jebpenjan.
Deah je nu penen
anb pilnijen.
]>d&t je lanje tib,
libban mocen.
hpaec lop aeppe ]?y bee.
bio oS5e pince.
pop)?8em pe nane foplet,
J)eah hiC lanj pmce.
beats aepcep bojop-pime.
ponne he hsefS Dpihcnepleafe.
Ppaet ponne haebbe.
haelepa senij.
juma see paem Jilpe.
jip hme jejpipan moc.
pe eca beaS.
«ftep pippum populbe.
Now too, forgotten every
where,
The like to them have found
But little kindly speech or care
From all the world around ;
So that, however wise in worth,
Such foremost men may-
stand.
No home-felt praises bring
them forth
For fame throughout the
land.
Though now ye wish long time
to live,
And pine to have it so,
"What better blessing can it
give
Than now ye find below ?
As Death lets none go free at
last
When God allows him
power,
If Death for ever follows fast,
How short is this world's
hour!
METEUM XI.'^
An pceppenb ip.
bucan aelcum cpeon.
pe If eac pealbenb.
populb-jepceapta.
heoponef anb eopJ)an.
anb heah pea.
anb ealpa J?apa.
te paep m puniatJ.
anjepepenlicpa.
METEE XI.
OF god's wise government.
One, only One, made all the
heavens and earth ;
Doubtless, to Him all beings
owe their birth ;
And guided by His care,
Are all, who therein dwell un-
seen of us,
^ Boet. lib. ii. metrum 8. — Quod mundus stabili fide, &c.
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
289
anb eac j-pa rame.
And these whom we can look
)?apa )>e pe eagum.
at, living thus
on locia'5.
In land, and sea, and air.
ealpa ^ej-ceapta.
I'e \y aelmihti^.
He is Almighty: Him all
J)8em olecca'5.
things obey,
ealle jej-ceapte.
That in such bondage know
pe paej' ambehcef.
how blest are they ;
apulic cunnon.
Who have so good a king ;
^e eac ppa pame.
Those also serve, who thereof
pa pae]* auhc nycon.
know not aught
paet hi psep peobnep.
Dutiful work, however little
peopap pinbon.
thought.
j-e up sepecce.
As bond-slaves they must
pi bo anb peapap.
bring.
eallum jepceapcum.
unapenbenbne.
He hath set out in kindred
pmjallice.
kindness still
pibbe ^ecynbe.
Duties and laws to work His
pa pa he polbe.
changeless will,
psec -p he polbe.
And, after His own mind,
ppa lanje ppa he polbe.
That which He will'd so long
pa&t hic pepan pceolbe.
as will He would,
ppa hic eac co populbe pceal.
He will'd that everything for
punian^ popS.
ever should
popp8&m aeppe ne majon.
Thenceforward keep its
pa unpcillan.
kind.
populb-jepceapCa.
peoppan jeptilbe.
Never may restless things to
op paem pyne onpenb.
rest attain.
pe him pobepa peapb.
And from that settled circle
enbebypbep.
turn in vain
eallum gepecte.
"Which order's God hath
hgept5 pe alpealba.
given,
ealle gepceapta.
He hath set fast, and check'd
jebaec mib hip bpible.
them each and all
hapaS butu jebon.
By the strong measured bridle
ealle jemanobe.
of his call
anb eac jecojen.
To rest, or to be driven,
paec hi ne mocen.
» Cott. punia-S.
V
200
THE METRES OF BOETHITJS.
opep metobef eft.
sefpe jejTiUan.
ne efC eallun^a.
fpi]7op j'Cipian.
}>onne hi fi^opa-peapb.
hif gepealb-lefep.
pille onlsecen.
he haf aS )?am^ bpible.
butu befangen,
heopon anb eopJ>an.
anb eall holma-bejonj.
Spa haepS geheaj^sepob.
hepon-picep peapb.
mib hip anpealbe.
ealle jepceapta.
]7a&t hiopa aejhpilc.
PI'S o])ep pmS.
anb ]?eah pmnenbe.
ppe])ia^ pa&pce.
s&jhpilc o]7ep.
utan ymbclyppe^.
j)y laep hi toppipen.
popj^aem hi pymle pculon.
])one ilcan pyne.
ept gecyppan.
Ipe aec ppym^e.
psebep jeciobe.
anb ppa ebnipe.
epc ^epiopj^an.
ppa hit nu pajatS.
ppean ealb gepeopc.
]>2&t te pinnenbe.
pi)?eppeapb jepceapt.
paepte pibbe,
pop's anhealbat5.
ppa nu pyp anb psetep.
polbe anb laju-ptpeam.
maniju o])pu jepceapt.
epn ppi^e him.
^lonb J?ap piban^ populbe.
» Cott. k.
As He, great word, the leathern
reins of might
Holds loose in His right hand,
or draws them tight ;
For He hath stretch'd
along
His bridle over earth, air, sea,
and beach,
That all things, leaning fastly
each on each,
By double strife stand
strong.
Por, ever as at first, the Father
bade.
In the same ways of running
that He made
Still changing though un-
changed,
By strife most steady keeping
peace most true
Our Free-Lord's handicraft, so
old yet new,
Is evermore arranged.
Thus earth and sea-stream, fire
and water thus,
And all great things about or
far from us.
Betwixt themselves hold
strife,
Yet so good-fellowship all fastly
keep.
And render bondage true, and
duty deep
To Him who lent their
life.
Nor only thus, that each the
rest to please.
Whitherward things together
dwell at ease,
2 Cott. pibap.
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
291
pinnatS betpeox him.
anb fpa J)eah majon.
hiopa pejnunja.
anb jepepfcipe.
psepce gehealban.
Nif hit no "p an.
])aet ppa ea(5e maej.
pijjejipeapb ^epceapc.
pepan aetja&bepe.
pymbel gepepan.
ac hiC ip fellicpe.
Jjsec hiopa senij ne mas^.
butan oJ)pum bion.
ac pceal puhca jehpilc,
pifeppeapbep hpaec-hpu^u.
habban unbep heoponum.
J)aat hip hije.
buppe jemecjian.
asp hic CO micel people.
Paep^ pe aelmihciga.
eallum jepceafCum.
|)aet geppixle jepec.
pe nu punian pceal.
pypta jpopan.
leap jpenian.
J)8et on ha&ppeft epC.
hpejc anb pealupaS.
pincep bpmjeS.
pebep unjemec calb.
ppifCe pmbap.
8umop aepceji cymeS.
peapm gepibepu.
Ppaet pa ponnan nihc.
mona onlihce'S.
o^paec monnum baej.
j-unne bpm^eS.
gionb pap piban jepceapC.
Peep's pe ilea Tiob.
eoppan anb paecepe.
meapce jej'ecte.
mepe-ftpeam ne beap.
But far more strange than
so,
Nor one, but on its thwarter
still depends.
And lives on tliat which while
it harms befriends,
Lest it too great should
grow.
Wisely the mighty Fraraer of
the world
Hath set this turn-about for
ever twirl'd.
Yet ever still to stay ;
The sprouting wort shoots
greenly from its root,
And dying, then, in harvest
yields its fruit.
To live another day.
Winter brings weather cold,
swift winds and snow ;
Summer comes afterward with
warming glow ;
By night outshines the
moon;
Till o'er this wide-seen world
the day up-springs,
And to all men the sun return-
ing brings
Her welcome brightness
soon.
So also, God hath bounded sea
and land :
The fishy kind, except at His
command,
On earth may never swim :
Nor can the sea earth's thresh-
old overleap,
Nor can the earth, beyond the
tide at neap, [rim.
O'erstep the sea's wide
u2
292
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
opep eop])an fceac.
eapb jebpseban.
fifca cynne.
bucan ppean leape.
ne hio aeppe ne moC.
eop)>an ])yppc-polb.
up opep pteppan.
ne ]7a ebban ]?on ma.
polbep meapce opep.
papan mocon.
\>Si jepetneppa.
pijopa pealbenb.
lipep leoht ppuma.
laec ))enben he pile.
jeonb ])ap mBepan jepceapc.
meapce healben.
Ac fonne pe eca.
anb pe aelmihtija.
)?a 5epealb-le]?epu.
pile onlaecan.
epne ]7apa bpibla.
]>e he gebaetce.
mib hip a^en peopc.
eall eec ppym^e.
paec ip pifeppeapbnep.
puhte jehpelcpe.
J)e pe mib J)8em bpible.
becnan tiliaS.
jip pe ]?ioben Iset.
]?a toplupan,
pona hi poplaeta'S.
lupan anb pibbe.
])8ep gepeppcipep.
P)ieonb-p8ebenne.
cilaS anp^ gehpilc.
agnej- pillan.
populb-jepceapca.
piimaS becpeox him.
o^l^aet ])]op eop^e.
eall po}ipeop]>eS.
anb eac ppa pame.
These things the Source and
Spring of life and light
The Lord of wielded might, by
His will's right,
Biddeth their bounds to
keep,
Until the Ever - living One
makes burst
The curbing bridle set on all
at first.
And so unreins the deep.
By rein and bridle in a hint I
teach
The waywardness of all things,
each on each ;
For, if the Euler will'd
The thongs to slacken, things
would soon forsake
All love and peace, and wilful
evil make
Instead of good fulfill'd.
Each after its own selfish will
would strive,
Till none of things on earth
were left alive
In such bewrestling stern ;
And in like manner other
things unseen
Would be as if they never then
had been,
All brought to nought in
turn.
But the same God, who meteth
all things thus,
Makes folk to be at peace with
all and us.
In friendship true and
fast:
THE METEES OE EOETHIUS.
293
oSpa jefceafta.
peoppaS him feljre.
pSj?an CO nauhce.
Ac ]-e ilea Tsob.
•fe "p eall mec^a^.
f e jepehS pela.
polca to j'omne.
anb mib ppeonhpcipe.
fa&fCe 3e;5abpaS.
jefamna^ pinpcipaf.
fibbe jemenjeS.
claenlice lupe.
fpa ye cpaepc^a eac.
Sepeprcjpar.
F£e}t:e ^epamnaS.
}>8&c hi hiopa ppeonbpcipe.
pop^ on pymbel.
untpeopealbe.
cpeopa jehealbacJ.
pibbe pampabe.
€ala pi^opa Hob.
paep ]7ip money n.
miclum jepaehj.
^ip hiopa mob-pepa.
meahce peopj^an.
fta])olpaept: gepeahc.
j)uph 'pa, pcponjan meahc.
anb ^e enbebypb.
ppa ppa o^pa pine,
populb gepceapta.
paepe hic la ]?onne.
mupje mib monnum.
gip hic meahce ppa.
He knits together in a love
most fond
Unending wedlock, and the
kindred bond
For evermore to last.
So too, the skill' d All- worker
well unites
The fellowship of men in
friendly rights,
That thej may live at
peace,
In simple truthfulness and
single strength
Thenceforth for ever of one
mind, at length
To make all evil cease.
O God All-conquering! this
lower earth
Would be for men the blest
abode of mirth
If they were strong in
Thee,
As other things of this world
well are seen ;
then, far other than they
yet have been,
How happy would men
be!
METEUM XII.i
8e ])e pille pypcan.
pa&pcmba&pe lonb.
acio op J»8em secepe.
sepepC pona.
METEE XII.
USES OF ADVERSITY.
"Whoso wills to till a field,
Well to bear a fruitful yield,
1 Boet. lib. iiL metrum 1. — Qui serere ingenuum volet agrum,&c
294
THE METRES OE BOETHIXJS.
peapn anb fopnaj*.
anb pypfaf j-pa fame piob.
pa 'pe pilla^.
pel hpaep bepian.
claenum hpaete.
fy laep he ci])a-leap.
licje on faem lanbe.
Ip leoba ^ehpsem.
]>ioy ot5pu bypen.
epn behepu.
paet ip psec te ])ynce^.
pegna gehpelcum.
huni^ep bi-bpeab.
healpe py ppetpe.
jip he hpene 8&]i.
hunijep ceape.
bicpep onbypgetJ.
Bi6 eac ppa pame.
monna seghpilc.
micle ]?y psegenpa.
hpep ye^jiey.
51 p hme lycle aep.
pcopmap jepconbatS.
anb pe pceapca pmb,
nop]mn anb eapcan.
Naenegum puhte.
baej on ])once.
jip pio bimme niht.
Sep opep elbum.
ejepan ne bpohce.
Spa ]>md6 anpa jehpsem.
eop^-buenbpa.
pio poSe jepaeltS.
pymle pe betepe,
anb py pynpumpe.
pe he pita ma.
heapbpa henpa.
hep abpeoje^.
Du meahc eac mycle ]>y et5.
on mob-pepan.
popa jepselj^a.
Let him first pluck up and
burn
Thorns and thistles, furze and
fern,
Which are wont clean wheat*
to hurt,
Lying lifeless in the dirt.
And this other likeness too
Well behoves us all to view,
Namely, that to those who eat
Honeycomb, it seems more
sweet.
If a man before the tear
Of honey, taste of bitter cheer.
So it falls, that all men are
With fine weather happier far
If a little while before
Storms were spread the welkin
o'er.
And the stark wind, east by
north.
Lately rush'd in anger forth.
None would think the daylight
dear
If dim night they did not fear ;
So, to every one of us,
On the broad earth dwelling
thus,
Joy more joyous still is seen
After troubles once have been.
Also, thine own mind to please.
Thou shalt gain the greater
ease,
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
fpeotolop jecnapan.
anb to heopa cy^Se.
becuman fiSfan.
gip jJu up acyhj*t$.
aepefC fona.
anb J)u apyptpalaj-C.
op jepic-locan.
leapa gepaeljja.
ppa ppa lonbep-ceopl.
op hip aecepe lyc6.
ypel peob monij.
8iS)>an ic ]>e pecje.
J)a&c ]>VL ppeocole meaht.
poj^a jepaalfa.
pona oncnapan.
anb pu aeppe ne jxecpc.
aenijep fingep.
opep ])a ane.
gip fu hi eallep onjitpt.
And shalt go where true joys
grow,
If all false joys thou forego ;
As ill weeds are puU'd with
toil
Bj the land-churl from the
soil.
And hereafter, thee I tell,
True joys there await thee
well;
Ay and here, if these be first.
Thou for nought beside wilt
thirst,
But all else shall fail to please
If thou truly knowest these.
METEUM XIII.^
Ic pdle mib jibbum.
sec secy)>an.
hu pe aelmihti^a.
ealpa jepceapca.
bpypS mi& hip bpiblum.
be^^ ]>ibep he pile.
mib hip anpealbe.
je enbebypb.
punbophce.
pel jemec^atS.
hapaS ppa ^eheajjopab.
heopona pealbenb.
ucan bepan^en.
eaUa jepceapca.
gepa&peb mib hip pacentan.
faet hi apebian ne ma^on.
)jaet; hi hi aeppe him.
op aplepen.
METEE XIII.
OF INWAED LIKINGS.
I will with songs make known
How the Almighty still
Bridles all things from His
throne
And bends them to His will,
By His wielded might
Set wonderfully right.
The Euler of the skies
Hath well girt all things so,
Binding them in such strong
ties,
Aside they cannot go,
And may not find the way
"Whereby to slip astray.
™ Boet. lib. iii. metrum 2. — Quantas rerum flectat habenas, &c.
296
THE METRES OE BOETHIUS.
anb ]7eah puhta jehpilc.
ppija'b co-healb.
pbpa gej-ceafCa.
ppiSe onhelbeb.
pi^ Ipdey gecynbep.
jie hi cyninj enjla.
paebep sec ppymSe.
f septe getiobe.
ppa nu pm^a jehpilc.
J^ibep-peapb punbaS.
pibpa jepceapca.
bujon pumum en^lum.
anb moncynne.
])apa miclep to peola.
popolb-punienbpa.
pint5 piS gecynbe.
Deah nu on lonbe. ^
leon jemece.
pynpume pihc.
pel acemebe.
hipe majipcep.
miclum lupije.
anb eac onbpaebe.
bo^opa gehpelce.
jip hic aeppe jepsel^.
I^aec hio senijep,
blobep onbypge^.
ne ]?eapp beopna nan.
penan ]?8epe pypbe.
|)aec liio pel piSj)an.
hipe caman healbe.
ac ic ciolihie.
]>2Qt hio ])3ep nipan taman.
nauhc ne gehicgje.
ac Jjone pilban gepunan.
piUe ^elpencan}
hipe elbpena.
onjmS eopnepte.
pacentan plitan.
pyn jpymeci^an.
» Cott.
And each living thing
On this crowded earth
Firmly to the bent doth cling
Which it had at birth
From the Father's hand,
King of Angel-land.
Thus each one we find
Of beings in their turn,
Save some bad angels and man-
kind,
Thitherward doth yearn ;
But those too often force
Against their nature's
course.
A lioness may be such
A tame and winsome beast,
That she may love her master
much,
Or fear him, at the least;
But if she taste of gore
She will be tame no more :
Let it not be thought
That she will then be mild,
But back to her old likings
brought
Be as her elders wild,
In earnest break her
chain,
And rave and roar amain.
Will first her keeper bite,
And then all else beside,
gehncan.
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
297
anb sepej-c abit.
hipe agenej-.
hufej* hipbe.
anb hpaSe pS|)an.
haelepa ^ehpilcne.
])e hio jehencan mseg.
nele hio poplaecan.
libbenbej' puhc.
neaca ne monna.
nim^ eall f hio finC.
Spa boS puhu-fuglaf.
]?eah hi pel pien.
tela atemebe.
jif hi on cpeopum peoppa^.
holce to mibbep .
hpaeSe bioS poppepene.
heopa lapeopap.
]?e hi ]anje aep.
cybon '^ cemebon.
hi on tpeopmn pilbe.
ealb-jecynbe.
a pop6 piS]?an.
piUum punia^.
feah him polbe hpilc.
heopa lapeopa.
hpcum beoban.
]>one ilcan mete.
]>e he hi s&pop mib.
tame getebe,
him ]?a tpiju ])incaS.
emne ppa mepje.
]>2et hi pEep metep ne pec^.
]}incS him CO pon pynpum.
])a6t him pe pealb oncpyS.
))onne hi gehepa'S.
hleo]7pum bpsegban.
oSpe pu^elap.
hi heopa ajne.
ptepne ptypia^.
ptunaS eal jeabop.
pel-pinjum pane.
Cattle or men, each living
wight,
Will seize, whate'er betide.
All she can find will seize,
Her ravening to appease.
So the wood finches too, «
Though timely tamed they
be,
If to the woods escaped anew,
Again they flutter free ;
However train' d and
taught,
Their teachers then are
nought :
But wilder evermore,
They will not leave the
wood.
Though by their trainers, as
of yore.
Enticed by tempting food ;
So merry seem the trees,
That meats no more may
please.
All winsome then is found
The wide weald sounding
strong
With other birds that sing
around,
And so these find their song,
Stunning one's ears with
noise
Of their woodland joys.
298
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
pubu eallum oncpy^.
Spa bi^ eallum tpeopum.
J)e him on sepele biS.
pset hic on holce.
hyhpc gepeaxe.
feah ]?u hpilcne boh.
byge pi^ eop)7an.
he bi'5 uppeapbep.
ppa pu an f oplaecejC.
pibu on piUan.
pent: on gecynbe.
Spa be^ eac pio funne.
])onne hio ou jige peopjje^.
opep mibne bas^.
mepe conbel.
pcypc on ofbsele.
uncu^ne peg,
nihcep genepe'5.
nop^ epc "3 eapc.
elbum otepetS.
bpencS eop^-papum.
mopjen mepe cophrne.
hio opep money n ptih^.
a uppeapbep,
oS hio efC cyme(5.
))8&p hipe ypemejt bi^.
eapb-jecynbe.
Spa fpa 8&lc jepceafC.
ealle msejene.
jeonb ]?af piban populb.
ppijaS 3 hijaS.
ealle m serene.
eft j-ymle on lyC
pi6 hip ^ecynbep.
cymS CO ponne hic msej.
Nif nu opep eopfan.
aeneju gepceapc.
]7e ne pilnie Ips&t hio.
polbe cuman.
CO pam eapbe.
]>e hio op becom.
Thus too, every tree,
Grown high in its own soil, ^
Though thou shalt bend its
boughs to be
Bow'd to the earth with toil,
Let go, it upward flies
At its free will to rise.
Thus also, when the sun,
Great candle of the world,
After the mid-day down doth
run
To unknown darkness hurl'd,
Again she brings to eartli
Bright morn, north-east-
ern birth.
Upward she ever goes.
Up, to her highest place :
So, every creature kindly grows
According to its race,
And strives with all its
might
To take its nature's right.
There is not now one thing
Over this wide earth
That doth not all its longings
fling
About its place of birth,
And safely there find rest
In God Almighty blest.
There is not one thing found
Over this wide world
THE METRES OF BOETHIdS.
299
})get If opfopjnef.
anb ecu pejx.
fa&c ly openlice.
aelmihci Eiob.
Nif nu opep eop])an.
seneju jepceaft.
fe ne hpeappije.
]-pa j-pa hpeol beS.
on hipe pelppe.
pop]?on hio fpa hpeappatS.
])3ec hio epc cume.
J)8ep hio aepop paep.
jjonne hio aejiepc pie.
utan behpeppeb.
fonne hio eallep pyptS.
utan beceppeb.
hio pceol epc bon.
faec hio sep bybe.
anb eac pepan.
]>ddt hio aepop paep.
But on itself with endless
round
It, like a wheel, is twirl'd.
So turning to be seen
As it before hath been :
For when at first it moves,
Bight round it turns amain ;
And, where it once has gone,
behoves
To go that way again ;
And as it was before.
To be so evermore.
METEUM XIV.^
Ppaet bi^ ]7aem pelejan.
populb-jitpepe.
on hip mobe ]>e beC.
peah he micel age.
golbep ~\ jimma.
anb jooba gehpaep.
3&hta unpim.
anb him mon epijen pcyle,
B&jhpelce baej.
aecepa pupenb.
Deah fep mibban jeapb.
anb J)ip manna cyn.
py unbep punnan.
j'uS pepc "3 eapc.
hip anpalbe call.
unbep])iebeb.
ne mot he J?apa hyppta.
METEE XIV.
THE EMPTINESS OF WEALTH.
What is a man the better,
A man of worldly mould, —
Though he be gainful getter
Of richest gems and gold,
With every kind well filled
Of goods in ripe array,
And though for him be tilled
A thousand fields a day ?
Though all this middle-earth
be
Beneath his wealdom
thrown,
And men and all their worth
be [own.
South, east, and west, his
*» Boet. lib. iii. metrum 3. — Quamvis fluente dives auri gurgite, &c.
300
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
hiona ne Iseban.
op ])if|'e populbe.
{mhce ])on mape.
hopb-jejxpeona.
}?onne he hij^ep bpohte.
Da ye j7]j-bom pa J^if lioS
aj-unjen haefbe. ])a onjan
he epc fpelhan anb cpae'S.
^lETEUM XV.«
Deah hme nu.
pe yjrela unpihtpipa.
Nepon cynincj.
nipan jej-cejipte.
phcejum paebum.
punbophce.
5olbe gejlen^be.
anb jim-cynnum.
J)eah he pa&p on populbe.
picena jehpelcum.
on hip hp-ba2;um.
la^ anb unpeopS.
piepen-pull.
hpset pe peonb ppa ]>eah.
hip biophnjap.
bu5u|7um pcepte.
ne msej; ic Ipeah. jehycjan
hpy him on hije popfCe.
a])y psel pepan.
J»eah hi pume hpile.
jecupe bucan cpaepcum.
cynmja bypejapc.
naepon hy py peopSpan.
pitena senejum.
J)eah hme ye bypija.
bo to cynmje.
hu maej f jepceabpip.
pcealc ^epeccan.
|)aec he him ]>y pelpa.
pie oSSe Jjince.
o Boet. lib. iii. raetrum 4.
He cannot of such treasure,
Away with him take aught,
Nor gain a greater measure
Than in his mind he brought.
Wisdom having sung this lay,
Again began his spell to say.
METRE Xy.
NEEO'S BASENESS.
Though Nero now himself, that
evil king
Unrighteous, in his new
and glittering robe
Deck'd wonderfully for ap-
parelling
"With gold and gems and many
a brightsome thing,
Seem'd to be greatest of
this earthly globe,
Yet to the wise man was he
full of crime,
Loathly and worthless in his
life's daytime :
And though this fiend his
darlings would reward
With gifts of rank, my
mind I cannot bring
To see why he to such should
grace afford :
Yet if some whiles a foolish
king or lord
Will choose the simple all
the wise above,
A fool himself, to be by fools
ador'd.
How should a wise man reckon
on his love ?
— Quamvis se Tyrio superbus ostro, &c.
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
301
METRUM XYI.P
8e fe pille anpalb a^on.
J)onne fceal he a&pej-c cilian.
J)aet he hif felpef .
on fepan aje.
anpalb innan.
]>y laef he seppe pe.
hij- un))eapum.
eall unbepfybeb.
abo op hip mobe.
miphcpa pela.
papa ymbhojona.
]>e him unnec pie.
laete pume hpile.
piopunja.
anb epm]>a ))inpa.
Deah him eall pie.
pep mibban jeapb.
ppa ppa mepe-pcpeamaj*.
ucanbehejaS.
on aehc gipen.
epne ppa pibe.
ppa ppa pepmepc nu.
an i^lonb hj^.
uc on jappec^.
paep nsenju bi3.
nihc on pumepa.
ne puhce pon ma.
on pintpa baej.
coceleb cibum.
psec ip Tile haten.
f>eah nu anpa hpa.
eallep pealbe.
J)8ep iglanbep.
anb eac ponan.
oS Inbeap.
eapte-peapbe.
peah he nu f eall,
ajan mote.
p Boet. lib. iii. raetrum 5.-
METEE XVI.
OF SELF-RULE.
He that wishes power to win,
Eirst must toil to rule his
mind,
That himself the slave to sin
Selfish lust may never bind :
Let him haste to put away
All that fruitless heap of
care:
Cease awhile thy sighs to-day,
And thyself from sorrow
spare.
Though to hitn this middle-
earth
Eor a garden all be given,
With the sea-stream round its
girth,
East and west the width of
heaven ;
Prom that isle which lies out-
right
Furthest in the Western
spray.
Where no summer sees a
night,
And no winter knows a day ;
Though from this, far Thule's
isle.
Even to the Indian East,
One should rule the world
awhile.
With all power and might
increas'd.
-Qui se volet esse potentem, &c.
302
THE METBES OF BOETHIUS.
hpy biS hif anpalb.
auhte Jjy mapa.
jip he piSj^an nah,
hip pelpep jepealb.
mjefancep.
anb hme eopnepCe.
pel ne bepapenaS.
pop bum -J baebum.
PI'S |>a un|)eapap.
fe pe ymb pppecaS.
How shall he seem great or
strong
If himself he cannot save,
Word and deed against all
wrong,
But to sin is still a slave ?
METEUM XVII.1
Dset eopt5papan,
ealle haep ben.
polb-buenbe.
ppuman jelicne.
hi op anum cpaem,
ealle comon.
yejve •) pipe.
on populb mnan.
anb hi eac nu jec.
ealle gelice.
on populb cuma^.
plance "3 heane.
nip f nan punbop.
pop^aem pitan ealle.
]^3ec an Erob ip.
ealpa ^epceapca.
ppea moncynnep.
pa&bep anb pcippenb.
pe |>a&pe punnan leohc.
peleS op heofonum.
monan 3 J)ypum^ ma&pum
pceoppum.
pe ^epceop men on eopfan,
anb jepamnabe.
paple to lice.
aec ppuman aepepc.
METEE XVII.
TEUE GREATNESS
All men and all women on
earth
Had first their beginning
the same,
Into this world of their birth
All of one couple they came :
Alike are the great and the
small ;
No wonder that this should
be thus;
For G od is the Father of all,
The Lord and the Maker of
us.
He giveth light to the sun,
To the moon and the stars
as they stand ;
The soul and the flesh He
made one,
When first He made man
in the land.
Well-born alike are all folk
Whom He hath made under
the sky ;
<i Boet. lib. iii, metrum 6. — Omne hominum genus in terris, &c.
1 Cott. >yr.
THE METRES OF BOETHIITS.
303
pole unbep polcnum.
emn 3ef>ele jejceop.
sejhpilcne mon.
Ppy je ]?onne aefjie.
opep oSpe men.
opepmobi^en.
bucon anbpeopce.
nu je un8e]?elne.
senij ne meca^.
Ppy je eop pop 8e])elum.
up ahebben nu.
On paem mobe biS.
monna jehpilcum.
)?a pihc a&J)elo.
])e ic ]>e pecce ymb.
nalep on pa&m plaepce.
polb-buenbpa.
Ac nu sejhpilc mon.
fe mib ealle biS.
hip un]?eapum.
unbep^iebeb.
he popla&c s&pepc.
lipep ppum-pceapc.
anb hip ajene.
3&J?elo ppa pelpe.
anb eac pone paebep.
J)e hme sec ppuman jepceop.
popjjaem hme ansepela^.
selmihtij Cob. .
])aet he un8e])ele.
a popS Jjanan.
pyp^ on peopulbe.
to pulbpe ne cymt5.
"Why then on others a yoke
Now will ye be lifting on
high ?
And why be so causelessly
proud,
As thus ye find none are ill-
born?
Or why, for your rank, from
the crowd
Eaise yourselves up in such
scorn ?
In the mind of a man, not his
make,
In the earth-dweller's heart,
not his rank,
Is the nobleness whereof I
spake,
The true, and the free, and
the frank.
But he that to sin is in thrall.
Ill-doing wherever he can.
Hath left the first life-spring
of all,
His God, and his rank as a
man :
And so the Almighty down-
hurl' d [sin,
The noble disgraced by his
Thenceforth to be mean in the
world, [win.
And never more glory to
METRUM XVIII.'^
Gala f pe ypla.
unpihta jebeS.
ppa]>a pilla.
poh-hsemecep.
METEE XVIII.
OF SINFUL PLEA.SUEE.
Alas ! that the evil unrighteous
hot will
Boet. lib. iii. metrum 7. — Habet omnis hoc voluptas, &c.
804
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
paec he mib ealle ^ebjia&jztS.
anpa gehpylcef.
monna cynnef .
mob pulneah fon.
hpsec ]'io pilbe beo.
])eah pip pie.
anun^a pceal.
eall poppeopj^an.
Jip hio yppm^a.
apuhc ptin^eS.
ppa pceal papla gehpilc.
piS]?an lopian.
Jip pe lichoma.
poplejan peop])eS.
unpiTic-heemebe.
bute him sep cume.
hpeop to heoptan.
a&p he hionan penbe.
Of lawlessly wanton desire
should still
Be a plague in the mind of
each one !
The wild bee shall die in her
stinging, though shrewd,
So the soul will be lost if the
body be lewd,
Unless, ere it wend hence, the
heart be imbued
With grief for the deed it
hath done.
METEUM XIX.s
eala f ip hepij bypi^.
hyge^ ymbe pe pe pile,
anb ppecenhc.
fipa gehpilcum.
J)8&t fa eapman men.
mib ealle gebpaeleS.
op paem pihcan pege.
pecene alaebeb.
Ppse]?ep je pillen.
on puba pecan,
jolb ])2et peabe.
on jpenum cpiopum.
Ic pat ppa ))eah.
))aet hit pitena nan.
])ibep ne peceS.
pop^aem hit J)aeji ne pex^.
ne on pingeajibum.
plicije ^immap.
Ppy je nu ne pet tan.
METEE XIX.
WHERE TO riND TRTJE JOTS.
Oh ! it is a fault of weight,
Let him think it out who
will.
And a danger passing great
Which can thus allure to ill
Careworn men from the
right way,
Swiftly ever led astray.
Will ye seek within the wood
Eed gold on the green trees
tall?
None, I wot, is wise that could,
Eor it grows not there at all :
Neither in wine-gardens
green
Seek they gems of glitter-
ing sheen.
8 Boet. Hb. iii. metrum 8. — Eheu, quam miseros tramite devio, &c.
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
on fume bune.
fifc nee eoppu.
}^onne eop pon lyptcS.
leax o^6e cypepan.
GOe jelicofC f mcS.
faec ce ealle picen.
eop^-buenbe.
J»oncol-mobe.
J)aec hi |)gep ne pnt.
Ppae]>ep je nu pillen.
p8e]>an mib hunbum.
on pealcne pae.
Jjonne eop pecan lypc.
heopocap •] hmba.
fu jehycjan meaht.
faec je pi]lat5 pa.
on puba pecan.
optop micle.
fonne uc on pae.
Ip f punboplic.
psec pe pitan ealle.
paet; mon pecan pceal.
be pae-papoSe.
anb be ea-oppum.
a&pele jimmap.
hpite anb peabe.
anb hipa jehpaep.
Ppaet In eac piton.
hpaep hi ea-pipcap.
pecan puppan.
anb ppylcpa pela.
peopulb-pelena.
hi "f pel bo^.
jeopnpulle men.
jeapa gehpilc.
ac f ip eapmlicopC.
ealpa pinja.
pset pa bypegan pint.
on jebpolan popbene.
epne ppa blmbe.
past hi on bpeoptum ne majon,
"Would ye on some hill-top set,
"When ye list to catch a trout
Or a carp, your fishing net ?
Men, methinks, have long
found out
That it would be foolish
fare,
Por they know they are
not there.
In the salt sea can ye find,
When ye list to start and
hunt
"With your hounds, the hart or
hind?
It will sooner be your wont
In the woods to look, I
wot, [are not.
Than in seas where they
Is it wonderful to know
That for crystals red or
white.
One must to the sea-beach go.
Or for other colours bright.
Seeking by the river side
Or the shore at ebb of
tide?
Likewise, men are well aware
Where to look for river-fish,
And all other worldly ware
Where to seek them when
they wish ;
Wisely careful men will
know
Tear by year to find them
so.
But of all things 'tis most sad
That the foolish are so blind,
So besotted and so mad
That they cannot surely find
80G
THE METEES OP BOETniTTS.
ea^e ^ecnapan.
hpaep })a ecan goob.
j-oJ)a gej-8el)?a.
finbon ^ehybba.
j:op])8&m hi aejrpe ne lyjt.
aapcep ypypian.
fecan ]?a gepaeljja.
fenaS j-ampife.
paec hi on ]>ij- Isenan maejen.
lipe finban.
poj^a gef ael]?a.
]?3ec If jeljra Cob.
Ic nac hu ic maeje.
naenije finja.
eallej" jpa )-pi'6e.
on pepan mmum.
hiopa bypi^ caelan.
ppa hit me bon lypte^.
ne ic pe ppa ppeotole.
^epecjan ne mae^.
fop]7sem hig^ pmc eapmpan.
anb eac bypejpan.
un^epaehjpan.
]?onne ic pe pecjan maeje.
pi pilnia^.
pelan anb aehta.
anb peopSpcipep.
CO gepmnanne.
};onne hi habbaS pset.
hiopa hije peceS.
penaS ponne.
jpa jepideape.
]?8et hi Jja yolpan,
gep3el]7a haebben.
"Where the ever-good is
nigh
And true pleasures hidden
lie.
Therefore, never is their strife
After those true joys to
spur ;
In this lean and little life
They half witted deeply err,
Seeking here their bliss
to gain,
That is, Grod Himself, in
vain.
Ah! I know not in ray thought
How enough to blame their
sin,
Kor so clearly as I ought
Can I show their fault within,
For, more bad and vain
are they.
And more sad than I can
say.
All their hope is to acquire
Worship, goods, and worldly
weal;
When they have their mind's
desire
Then such witless joy they
feel,
That in folly they believe
Those true joys they then
receive.
> Cott. hic.
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
307
METRUM XX.*
Gala min Dpihten.
faec ]>\i eapc a&lmihtij.
micel mobilic.
ma&p])um jefpaaje.
anb punboplic.
pitena jehpylcum.
Ppaec ])u ece Irob.
ealpa jefceapta.
punboplice.
pel jepceope.
unjepepenlicjia.^
anb eac ppa pame.
jepepenlicpa.
pofce pealbepc.
pcippa jepceapta.
mib jepceabpipum,
ms&jne 3 cpa&pce.
Du ]>yyne mibban jeapb.
ppom ppuman aepepC.
popS o^ enbe.
cibum tobaelbep.
ppa hit jeca&popc psep.
enbebypbep.
]?8ec hi as^hpaej^ep.
ge appapa'S.
je epccumat?.
Du j)e unptilla.
ajna jepceapta.
to Jjinum piUan.
piplice aptypept.
anb J>e pelp punaepc.
ppiSe ptiUe.
unanpenbenblic*
a pop's pimle.
nip nan mihtijpa.
ne nan ma&ppa.
* Boet. lib. iii. metrum 9.— qui perpetua mundum ratione gubernas, &c.
* Cott. ungepepenhca. ^ Qq^^ unanpenbenblica
pop's pimle.
x2
METRE XX.
OF GOD AND HIS CEEATUEES.
O thou, my Lord Almighty,
great and wise.
Well seen for mighty works,
and marvellous
To every mind that knows thee.
Ever Good !
Wondrously well all creatures
Thou hast made.
Unseen of us or seen; with
softest band
Of skilful strength thy brighter
beings leading.
Thou from its birth forth
onward to its end
This middle-earth by times
hast measured out
As was most fit ; that orderly
they go
And eft soon come again. Thou
wisely stirrest
To thine own will thy changing
unstill creatures.
Unchangeable and still thyself
for ever !
No one is mightier, greater
than Thou art,
'No one was made thine equal :
need was none,
308
THE METEES OF BOETHIITS.
ne ^eonb ealle ))a jej-ceaft.
epnlica ]>m.
ne ])e aenij neb-Jjeapf nsej*.
8&ppe ^lec ealpa.
J)apa pebpca.
)>e fu gepopht hapaft.
ac mib ]?mum pillan.
])u hit pophtep call.
anb mib anpalbe.
]>inum a^enum.
peopulbe gepophtept.
anb puhta gehpaet.
]}eali ]?e nsene^u,
neb-J)eapp paepe eallpa.
]7apa maep^a.
Ip -p micel ^ecynb.
j)inep joobep.
]?encS ymb pe fe pile.
popfon hic ip eall an.
aelcep fmcjep.
]7U -^ -p ]>m 500b.
hic ip ])in ajen.
pop]?9em hit nip^ utan.
ne com auht to ]>e.
Ac ic ^eopne pat.
fa&t ]>m ^oobnep ip.
aelmihti^ joob.
eall mib ]>e pelpum.
pit ip unjelic.
upum gecynbe.
up ip utan cymen.
eall fa pe habbaS.
jooba on jpunbum.
ppom Hiobe pelpum.
Naept J)u to senegum.
anban jenumenne.
pop]>am ]>e nan l^mj nip.
})in ^elica.
ne hupu aenij.
aelcpaeptijpe.
Of all these works which Thou
hast wrought, to Thee ;
But, at the willing of thy
power, the world
And everything within it didst
thou make,
Without all need to Thee of
such great works.
Great is Thy goodness, — think
it out who will ;
For it is all of one, in every-
thing.
Thou and Thy good; Thine
own ; not from without ;
Neither did any goodness come
to Thee :
But, well I know, Thy good-
ness is most good
All with Thyself: unlike to us
in kind ;
To us, from outwardly, from
Grod Himself,
Came all we have of good in
this low earth.
Thou canst not envy any;
since to Thee
Nothing is like, nor any higher
skilled ;
For Thou, All Good, of Thine
own thought didst think.
And then that thought didst
work. Before Thee none
Was born, to make or unmake
anything,
Cott. hip.
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
309
popj^aem |>u eal 500b.
anef jej^eahce.
|)inef 5e]7ohtefC
anb hi |)a pophcefC.
naef aejiop ])e.^
aenegu jefceapc.
}7e auht ot5Se nauht.
aujjep pophte.
Ac |>u butan b^^ne.
bpejo moncynnef.
ael selmihcij Cob.
eall jepoplicefC.
finj ])eaple 500b.
eapc ]>e felpa.
})aet hehjce 500b.
Ppaat; fu halij jraebep.
aeftep J)inum piUan.
populb gef ceope.
|)ij-ne mibban jeapb.
meahcum jjinum.
peopaba Dpihten.
jpa ]>u polbefC j-elp.
anb mib ))mum pillan.
pealbefC eallep.
f op]>sem Ipu. foj^a Ijob.
felfa baelefC.
jooba aejbpilc.
j:op|78em ]?u jeapa sep.
ealle^ jepceapca.
sepefC jefceope.
)pi^e jelice.
fumef hpaejjpe ]7eah.
unjelice.
nembej-t eall j-pa feah.
mib ane noman.
ealle tojsebepe.
populb unbep polcnura.
Ppaet ]>u pulbpep Erob.
})one anne naman.
ejrc cobaelbep.
» Cott. na&r
But Thou without a model
madest all,
Lord God of men, Almighty,
very good,
Being Thyself of all the highest
good!
Thou, Holy Father, Thou, the
Lord of Hosts,
After Thy will, and by Thy
power alone,
The world, this midway gar-
den, didst create ;
And by Thy will, as now Thy
wisdom would,
Wieldest it all ! For Thou,
God of truth.
Long time of old didst deal out
all good things,
Making thy creatures mainly
well alike,
Tet not alike in all ways ; and
didst name
"With one name all together all
things here,
" The World under the clouds."
Yet, God of glory,
That one name, Father, Thou
didst turn to four :
The first this Earth-field ; and
the second water ;
Shares of the world : third fire,
and fourth, air :
This is again the whole world
all together.
apopjje. 2 Cott. ealla.
310
THE METEES OE BOETHITJS.
jraebeji on peopep.
p3&f ^apa polbe an.
anb paecep opep.
populbe baelef .
anb fyji ij- Jjpibbe.
anb peopep^e lypc.
)>8et If call peopulb.
epc tojB&bepe.
pabbaB ])eah fa peopep.
ppum-pcol hiopa.
aejhpilc hiopa.
agenne ptebe.
]>eah anpa hpilc.
PI'S ofep pie.
miclum gemengeb.
anb mib msejne eac.
paebep aelraihtijep.
paepce jebunben.
gepiblice.
popce tojaebepe.
mib bebobe J?ine.
bilepic paebep.
]>3dt te heopa aenij,
o|?pep ne boppce.
meapc opepjanjan.
pop metobep eje.
ac jeSpeopob pintr»
]?ejnap tojsebepe.
cyninjep cempan.
cele pits haeto.
paet piS bpyjum.
pmna^ hp8ej)pe.
paecep "] eopSe.
paepcmap bpenja^.
fa pnt on jecynbe.
cealba ba tpa.
paecep paec ~\ cealb.
panjap ymbe-licjatJ.
eopSe ael jpeno.
eac hpaef pe cealb lypC.
ip jemengeb.
Tet have these four each one
his stead and stool,
Each hath its place; though
much with other mixt ;
Fast by Thy might, Almighty
Father, bound,
Eiding at peace, and softly
well together,
By Thy behest, kind Father!
so that none
Durst overstep its mark, for
fear of Thee,
But willing thanes and war-
riors of their king
Live well together, howsoever
strive
The wet with dry, the chilly
with the hot.
"Water and Earth, both cold in
kind, breed fruits:
Water lies wet and cold around
the field.
"With the green earth is min-
gled the cold air,
Dwelling in middle place: it
is no wonder
That it be warm and cold, blent
by the winds.
This wide wet tier of clouds;
for, in my judgment,
Air hath a midway place, 'twixt
earth and fire,
All know that fire is uppermost
of all
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
311
j:opJ)a&m hio on mibbum puna(5
nif f nan punbop.
|7£ec hio fie peapm "3 cealb.
pa&c polcnep ciep.
pinbe jeblonben.
popfaem hio if on mible.
mine jeppseje.
pypep •] eoppan.
Fela monna pac.
pa&c te yp emeft if.
eaUpa jefceapta.
fyp opep eoppan.
polbe neoj^emefc.
If ]!2at punboplic.
)7epoba Dpihten.
fa&c ]>n mib jej^eahte.
})mum pypcepc.
J)8&c J)u ^8&m jefceapcum.
fpa jepceablice.
meapce ^efecceft.
anb hi ne menjbefC eac.
Ppaec J)u ]?aam paeccepe.
paetum ~j cealbum.
polban Co plope.
pa&fCe jefeccefC.
fop))3em hic unftille.
sejhpibep polbe.
pibe COfcpipan.
pac anb hnef ce.
ne meahce hit on him f elpim,
fo6 ic jeape pac.
aeppe jepcanban.
ac hiC fio eopSe.
hilc "3 f peljeS eac.
be fumum baele.
faec hio fi^]?an maej.
pop paem fype peopJ)an,
gelehc lypcum.
foppaem leap -3 S^^pf .
bpseb jeonb Bpecene.
blope6 3 5pope8.
Over this earth, and ground is
nethermost.
Yet is this wonderful, O Lord
of Hosts,
Which by thy thought thou
workest, that distinctly
Thou to Thy creatures settest
mark and bound
And dost not mingle them :
the wet cold water
Thou fixest it the fast earth for
a floor ;
For that itself, unstill, and
weak, and soft
Alone would widely wander
everywhere,
Nor, well I wot it sooth, could
ever stand.
But the earth holds and swills
it in some sort.
That through such sipping it
may afterward
Moisten the aery -lift: then
leaves and grass
Yond o'er the breadth of Bri-
tain blow and grow,
Its praise of old. The cold
earth bringeth fruits
More marvellously forth, when
it is thawed
And wetted by the water :
if not so,
Then were it dried to dust, and
driven away
312
THE METEES OF BOETHItTS.
elbum CO ape.
GojiSe po cealbe.
bpenjS paeftma fela.
punboplicpa.
pop]>8&m hio mib faem paetepe.
peopJ?a$ gej^apeneb.
XI F 'p nsepe.
ponne hio paepe.
popbpu^ob to bupte.
anb cobpifen pi'Span.
pibe mib pmbe.
f pa nu peop]>aS opt.
axe gionb eop]7aii.
eall coblapen.
Ne meahce on faepe eopfan.
apuhc libban.
ne puhte pon ma.
paetpep bpucan.
oneapbian.
a&nije cpa&pce.
pop cele anum.
jip pu cynm^ en^la.
piS pype hpaet-hpuju.
polban "3 laju-ppeam.
ne menjbepc tojaebepe.
anb jemetjobepc.
cele 3 haeco.
cpaepce j^me.
paec f pyp ne mae^.
polban 3 mepe-ptpeam.
blate popbaepnan.
]>eah hic pi^ ba tpa pie.
paepte jepejeb.
paebep ealb jepeopc.
ne pmcS me f punbup,
puhte J)e laeppe.
paet piop eopSe maej.
anb ejop-ptpeam.
ppa cealb jepceapt.
cpaepta nane.
eallep abpaepcan.
Wide by the winds ; as often
ashes now ,
Over the earth are blown : nor
might on earth
Aught live, nor any wight by
any craft
Brook the cold water, neither
dwell therein,
If Thou, O King of Angels,
otherwhile
Mingledst not soil and stream
with fire together ;
And didst not craft- wise mete
out cold and heat
So that the fire may never
fiercely burn
Earth and the sea - stream,
though fast linked with both,
The Father'swork of old.
Nor is, methinks,
This wonder aught the less,
that earth and sea
Cold creatures both, can by no
skill put out
The fire that in them sticks,
fix'd by the Lord.
Such is the proper use of the
Of earth and water and the
welkin eke.
And even of the upper skies
above.
There, is of right the primal
place of fire ;
THE METEES OF BOETHITJS.
SI^
])2et f him on mnan fCica^.
Fyper ^eye^eb.
mib fpean cpaefte.
faec If ajen cpsefC.
ea^op-ftpeamef.
paecpep ■;) eopjjan.
anb on polcnum eac.
anb efne fpa )-ame.
uppe ofep pobepe.
Donne if j^aep pypej*.
fpum-ptol on pihc.
eapb Ofep eallum.
oSpum jefceaftum.
jefepenlicum.
jeonb fifne fiban jpunb.
peah hic pi6 ealle^ fie.
efc jemenjeb.
peopulb-jefceafta.
peah palban ne moC,
paec hiC aenije.
eallunga fopbo.
bucon ])3&Y leafe.
Ipe uf )?if lif tiobe.
])3&c if fe eca.
anb f e aelmihti^a.
Gop^e If hefijpe.
o^pum jefceaptum.
))icpe jeppuen.
popj^aem hio l^paje fCob.
ealpa ^efceapca.
unbep ni)jemaeft.
bucon ]?8em pobepe.
]>e ])af puman jefceaft.
a&jlipylce bseje.
ucan ymhpypfeS.
anb peah paejie eop])an,
aeppe ne o^jime^.
ne hipe on nanpe ne mot.
neap ))onne on oSpe.
fcope jefcseppan.
Its birthright over all things
else we see
Throughout the varied deep,
though mixt with all
Things of this world,
it cannot over one
Bise to such height as to de-
stroy it quite ;
But by His leave who shaped
out life to us
The Ever-living, and Almighty-
One.
Earth is more heavy and more
thickly pack'd
Than other things ; for that it
long hath stood
Of all the nethermost : saving
the sky
Which daily wafteth round
this roomy world.
Yet never whirleth it away,
nor can
Get nearer anywhere than
everywhere.
Striking it round-about, above,
below,
"With even nearness whereso-
e'er it be.
Each creature that we speak of
hath his place
Own and asunder, yet is mixt
with all.
No one of them may be with-
out the rest,
» Cott. ealla.
314
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
ftpicetS ymbutan.
upane 3 neo]?ane.
ejren neah jehpaefep.
s&^hpilc jefceafC.
]>e pe ymb pppeca^.
ha&ptJ hip a^enne.
eapb on punbpan.
bi'5 feah yi6 faem o^pum.
eac gemenjeb.
Ne maej hipa senij.
butan oSpum bion.
J>eah hi unppeotole.
pomob eapbien.
ppa nu eopSe ^ paetep.
eappoS tsecne.
unpippa jehpaem.
puma's on pype.
J»eah hi pine an.
ppeocole ))aem pipum.
Ip 'p pyji ppa pame.
paepc on ]>s&m paecpe.
anb on pcanum eac.
pcille jehebeb.
eappo^ hape ip.
hpae|?pe ]>aep hapatJ.
paebep enjla.
pyp jebunben.
epne Co |)on psepce.
]7aet; hic piolan ne mae^.
ept a&c hip e^le.
faep f o])ep pyp.
up opep eall ))ip.
eapb paepc punat5.
pona hic poplaeceS.
J?ap laenan gepceapC.
mib cele opepcumen.
^ic hic on cyt5Se ^epic.
anb ))eah puhca jehpilc.
pilna'S J)ibep-peapb.
paep hip maejSe bi5.
msepc aecgaebpe.
Though dwelling all together
mixedly :
As now the earth and water
dwell in fire,
A thing to the unlearned hard
to teach,
Bat to the wise right clear:
and in same sort
Tire is fast fixt in water, and
in stones
Still hidden away and fixt,
though hard to find.
Tet thitherward the Father of
angels hath
So fastly bound up fire, that it
may
Never again get back to its
own home
Where over all this earth sure
dwells the fire.
Soon would it leave this lean
world, overcome
Of cold, if to its kith on high
it went ;
Tet everything is yearning
thitherward
"Where its own kindred bide
the most together.
Thou hast established, through
Thy strong might,
O glorious King of Hosts,
right wondrously
The earth so fast, that it on
either half
THE METEES OP BOETHIUS.
315
Du jeftajjolaheft.
Jjuph J;a j-tjionjan meahc.
p'ejioba pulbop cyninj.
punboplice.
eop|)an fpa j:a&i*Ce.
J)aet hio on aeni^e.
healfe ne helbeS.
ne maej hio hibep ne jjibep.
pjan })e rpil'op.
j)e hio fymle bybe.
Ppaec hi ]}eah eopShcep.
auhc ne halbeS.
If })eah epn eSe.
up anb op bune.
to peallanne.
folban ]?ipre.
paem anlicopt.
fe on aeje biS.
jioleca on mibban.
jhbeS hpaej)pe.
a&5 ymbutan.
rpa pcenc eall peopulb.
ptille on cille.
ptpeamap ymbutan.
laju-ploba jelac.
lypte ■;] tunjla.
anb pio pcipe pcell.
pcpiJ)eS ymbutan.
bojopa jehpilce.
bybe lanje ppa.
Ppaet pu ]?ioba Eob.
))piepalbe on up.
paple gepettept.
anb hi piSjjan eac.
ptypept anb tihtept.
fuph ]>a ptponjan meaht
fast hipe ]>y la&ppe,
on ]>2em lyclan ne bi^.
anum pinjpe.
]>e hipe on eallum biS.
faem hchoman.
Heeleth not over, nor can
stronger lean
Hither or thither, than it ever
did.
Since nothing earthly holds it,
to this globe
'Twere easy up or down to fall
aside,
Likest to this, that in an egg
the yolk
Bides in the middle, though
the egg glides round.
So all the world still standeth
on its stead
Among the streams, the meet-
ing of the floods :
The lift and stars and the clear
shell of heaven
Sail daily round it, as they
long have done.
Moreover, Grod of people. Thou
hast set
A threefold soul in us, and
afterward
Stirrest and quick'nest it with
Thy strong might
So that there bideth not the
less thereof
In a little finger than in all the
body.
Therefore a little before I
clearly said
That the soul is a threefold
workmanship
316
THE METRES OF BOETHITJS.
fop])3em ic lytle sep.
fpeocole j-aebe.
paec po fapl paepe.
I^piefalb ^epceapt.
Jjejna gelipilcep.
f opfaem u(5pitan.
ealle pegjaS.
faec ce an jecynb.
selcpe paule.
yppung paepe.^
ofep pilnunj.
If po J>pibbe jecynb.
}>aem tpaem becepe.
pio ^epceabpipnep.
Nip -p pcanblic cpaept.
popjjaem liic naeni^ hapaS.
near buton monnum.
haepS [)a oJ>pa tpa.
unpim puhta.
haep^ ]>a, pjlnunja.
pel hpilc necen.
anb ]?a yppunja.
eac ppa pelpe.
pop]?y men habbae^.
jeonb mibban geapb.
eop^-gepceapca.
eaile^ opepljun^en.
poppaem ye hi habba^.
faap ]>e hi nabbaS.
})one aenne cpaepc.
]?e pe aep nembon.
810 ^epceabpipnep.
pceal on jehpelcum.
faepe pilnunje.
palban pemle.
anb ippunje.
eac ppa pelpe.
hio pceal mib jefeahce.
fe^nep mobe.
mib anbjite.
In every man:
because the wise all say
That ire is one whole part in
every soul ;
Another, lust ; another and the
third
Far better than these twain,
wise-mindedness :
This is no song-craft ; for only
man
Hath this, and not the cattle :
the other two
Things out of number have as
well as we ;
For ire and lust each beast
hath of itself.
Therefore have men, through-
out this middle-sphere
Surpassed Earth's creatures
all ; for that they have
What these have not, the one
good craft we named.
Wise - mindedness in each
should govern lust
And ire, and its own self; in
every man
With thought and understand-
ing ruling him.
This is the mightiest mainstay
of man's soul.
The one best mark to sunder
it from beasts.
Thou mighty King of peoples,
glorious Lord,
Cott. yppungejie. ' Cott. ealla.
THE METEES OF B0ETHIT7S.
317
eallej* palban.
hio If f ms&rte maegen.
monnej- faule.
anb fe felefta.
funboji cpaefCa.
Ppaet ]?u ]>a. j-aule.
rijopa palbenb.
])eoba Jjjiym-cynmg.
puf jefceope.
paec hio hpeapfobe.
on hipe pelppe.
hipe utan ymb.
ppa ppa eal beS.
pme j-pipte pobop.
pecene ymbpcpifetS.
bogopa gehpilce.
Dpihtnep meahtum.
pipne mibban jeapb.
Spa beS monnef paul.
hpeole gelicofC.
hpsepfeS ymbe hy pelpe.
ope pmeajenbe.
ymb pap eopSlican.
Dpihcnep jepceapca.
bajum ^ nihcum.
hpilum hi pelpe.
pecenbe pmea^.
hpilum epc pmea'5.
ymb ])one ecan Iiob.
pceppenb hipe.
pcpi^enbe paepS.
hpeole jelicopc.
hpeepp^ ymb hi pelpe.
jjonne hio ymb hipe pcyppenb
mib jepceab pmea^.
hio bi^ upahaepen.
opep hi pelpe.
ic hio biS eallunja.
an hipe pelppe.
f onne hio ymb hi pelpe.
. pecenbe pmea^.
Didst fashion thus the soul,
that it should turn
Itself around itself, as in swift
race
Doth all the firmament, which
quickly twirls
Every day around this middle-
sphere,
By the Lord's might :
§0 doth the soul of man
Likest a wheel whirl round
about itself,
Oft-times keen searching out
by day and night
About these earthly creatures
of the Lord :
Somewhile herself she probes
with prying eye :
Somewhile again she asks about
her God,
The Ever One, her Maker;
going round
Likest a wheel, whirling
around herself
When she about her Maker
heedfal asks,
She is upheaved above her
lower self:
She altogether in herself abides
When, seeking round, she pries
about herself:
But furthest falls beneath her-
self, when she
. With love and wonder search-
eth out this earth
318
THE METEES Or BOETHIUS.
hio biS fpi^e pop.
hijie j'elppe beneofan.
]>onne hio ]?2er laenan,
lupatS ~\ punbpaS.
eopSlicu fmj.
opep ecne paeb.
Ppaet ]>\i ece liob.
eapb popjeape.
paulum on heoponum.
pelepc peop^lica.
jmpsepca jipa.
Ijob aelmihcij.
be je eapnunja.
anpa jehpelcpe.
ealle hi pcma^.
J)uph ]>a pcipan neaht.
habpe on heopenum.
na hpaejjpe peah.
ealle epenbeophce.
Ppaet pe opc jepio'S.
habpum nihcum.
)>8ec ce heopon-pceoppan.
ealle epenbeophce.
geppe ne pcina^.
Ppaet ]>\i ece Erob.
eac jemenjept:.
pa heoponcunban.
hij?ep piS eoppan,
paula piS lice,
pi^fan punia^.
J?ip eop'Slice.
anb f ece pamob.
paul in plaepce.
Ppaec hi pimle to fe,
hiona^ punbia^.
pop]>8em hi hibep op ))e.
aepop comon.
pculon ept to ])e.
pceal pe lichama.
lapt peapbijan.
With its lean lusts, above the
lore for ever !
Yea, more ; Thou, Ever Good,
to souls in heaven
Givesfc an heritage, Almighty-
God,
And worthiest lasting gifts, as
each hath earned.
They, through the moonlit
night, shine calm in heaven,
Tet are not all of even bright-
ness there,
So oft we see the stars of
heaven by night.
They shine not ever all of even
brightness.
Moreover, Ever Good, Thou
miuglest here
Heavenly things with earthly,
soul with flesh :
Afterwards soul and flesh both
live together,
Earthly with heavenly :
ever hence they strive
Upward to Thee, because they
came from Thee,
And yet again they all shall go
to Thee !
This living body yet once more
on earth
Shall keep its ward, for-that it
theretofore
Wax'd in the world: they
dwelt (this body and soul)
Cott. hi on.
THE METEBS OF BOETHIUS.
319
epc on eop])an.
fopfaem he sep Of hipe.
peox on peojiulbe.
punebon aec fomne.
epen j-pa lanje.
ppa him lypeb psep.
ppom faem aelmihtijan.
f e hi sepop 510.
jefomnabe.
fa&c ip yo^ cynmj,
pe J)ap polban jejceop.
anb hi jepylbe fa.
fpiSe miflicum.
mine jeppseje.
neaca cynnum.
nepjenb uj-ep.
he hi fiSjjan apiop.
pseba monejum.
puba ~) pypca.
peopidbe fceatum.
pop^ip nu ece Irob,
upum mobum.
)j3ec hi mocen to pe.
metob alpuhca.
J)uph^ )?ap eapfofu.
up aj-cijan.
anb op ])ij-um byj-ejum.
bilepit faebep.
J?eoba palbenb.
to fe cuman.
anb J)onne mib openum.
eajum moten.
mobep upef.
|)uph ]7mpa maejna ppeb.
aepelm jepon.
eallpa jooba.
])3et ]>u eapt feljra.
jije Dpihten Eob.
je ])a eajan hal.
upep mobep.
So long together as to them
gave leave
The Almighty, who had made
them one before,
That is in sooth the King!
who made this world,
And fill'd it mixedly with kinds
of cattle,
Our Saviour and near Helper,
as I trow.
Thence He with many seeds of
woods and worts
Stock'd it in all the corners of
the world.
Forgive now, Ever Good, and
give to us
That in our minds we may up-
soar to thee.
Maker of all things, through
these troublous ways ;
And from amidst these busy
things of life,
O tender Father, Wielder of
the world,
Come unto Thee, and then
through Thy good speed
With the mind's eyes well
opened we may see
The welling spring of Good,
that Good, Thyself,
Lord, the God of Glory !—
Then make whole
The eyes of our understand-
ings, so that we,
» Cott. t>up5.
820
THE METRES OF BOETHITJS.
fast pe hi on fe feljrum.
pS})an moten.
ajraefcnian.^
fa&bep en^la.
tobpip ])one ficcan mift.
]>e fpaje nu.
piS |>a ea^an fopan.
ufj-ep mobef .
hanjobe hpyle.
Onlihc nu pa eajan.
ufpep mobep.
mib J)mum leohce.
lipep palbenb.
poppaera pu eapc pio biphtu.
bilepic pa&bep.
fo]?ef leohcep.
anb ]?u pelpa eapt.
fio paepce psepc.
paebep selmihtij.
eallpa poSps&ptpa.
Ppaec pu pofte jebepc.
)>det hi ]>e pelpne.
^epion moten.
Du eapc eallpa j^inja.
peoba palbenb.
ppuma ■] enbe.
Ppaet pu paebep enjla.
eall l^mj bipepc.
epelice.
buton jeppiilce.
Du eapc pelpa peg.
anb iacteop eac.
lipjenbpa jehpsep.
anb pio plicije pcop.
pe pe pe5 to lijtS.
pe ealle to.
a punbiaS.^
men op molban.
on J)a maepan ^epceapc.
» Cott. s&peercnian.
Father of angels, fasten them
on Thee !
Drive away this thick mist,
which long while now
Hath hung before our mind's
eyes, heavy and dark.
Enlighten now these mind's
eyes with Thy light,
Master of life ; for Thou, O
tender Father,
Art very brightness of true
light Thyself;
Thyself, Almighty Father, the
sure rest
Of all thy fast and true ones ;
winningly
Thou orderest it that they may
see Thyself!
Thou art of all things origin
and end,
O Lord of all men ; Father of
angels, Thou
Easily bearest all things with-
out toil,
Thou art Thyself the way, and
leader too.
Of every one that lives, and
the pure place
That the way leads to : all men
from this soil
Throughout the breadth of
being, yearn to Thee.
' Cott. apunbia^.
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
321
METEUM XXI."
pel la monna beapn.
geonb mibban jeapb.
fpiopa aajhpilc.
punbie to jjaera.
ecum jobe.
Ipe ye ymb j-pjiecaS.
anb to ))8em jejaelpum.
fe pe fecja^ ymb.
Se J)e poniie nu pe.
neappe jehefteb.
mib pifpep ma&pan.
mibban jeapbef .
unnyttpe lupe.
pece him ept hpaaSe.
pulne ppiobom.
})3et he fopS cume.
to J)8&m 5epa&l]?um.
paula psebep.
poppaem f ip pio ana^ pept.
eallpa jeppmca.
hyhtlicu hyS.
heaum ceolum.
mobep uppep.
mepe pmylta pic,
J)set ip pio ana^ hy^.
]>e aeppe biS.
aeptep pam yfum.
up a jeppmca.
ypta jehpelcpe.
ealmg pmylte.
J)a&t ip pio ppiS-ptop.
anb pio Fpopop ana.^
eaUpa ypmmga.
aeptep Juppum.
peopulb-jeppmcum.
|)£et ip pynpum ptop.
aeptep jjippum ypmfum.
METEE XXI.
OF INWARD LIGHT.
Well, — ye children of men
in mid-earth !
Every freeman should seek
till he find
That, which I spake of, good
endless in worth ;
These, which I sing of, the
joys of the mind.
Let him who is narrow 'd and
prison'd away
By love of this mid-earth
empty and vain,
Seek out for himself full free-
dom to-day,
That soul -feeding joys he
may quickly attain.
Eor, such of all toil is the only
one goal,
Eor sea-weary keels bythe-
haven from woes,
The great quiet dwelling that
harbours the soul,
Still calm in the storm, and
from strife a repose.
That is the peace-place, and
comfort alone
Of all that are harmed by
the troubles of life,
A place very pleasant and win-
some to own,
After this turmoil of sorrow
and strife.
" Boet. lib. iii. metrum 10. — Hue omnes pariter venite capti, &c.
> Cott. an,
322
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
to ajanne.
Ac ic jeopne pat.
paec te gylben maSm.
jylofpen fine.
fcan-jeapo jimma nan.
mibbenjeajibef pela.
mobef eagan.
B&jrpe ne onlyhta^.
auht ne ;iebetaS.
hiopa rceappnefpe.
to ])8&pe fceapunja.
poSpa jej-aelpa.
ac hi rpij^op jet.
monna jehpelcep.
mobep eajan.
ablenbaS on bpeoptum.
])onne hi hi beophtpan jebon.
fop]78em sejhpilc jjinj.
])e on ]?ip anbpeapban.
lipe hca^.
laenu pmbon.
eopShcu ])mj.
a pleonbu.
ac "p ip punbophc.
phte anb beophtnep.
])e puhta jehpaep.
phte jebephte^.
anb aefteji j^aem.
eallum palbe'5.
Nele pe palbenb.
fast poppeop])an pcylen.
paula uppe.
ac he hi pelpa pile.
leoman onhhtan.
lipep palbenb.
liip ))onne haelepa hpilc.
lilutpum eajum.
mobep pmep ms&j.
seppe oppion,
hioponep leohtep.
hlutpe beophto.
But right-well I wot that no
treasure of gold
'Nor borders of gem-stones,
nor silvery store,
Nor all of earth's wealth the
mind's sight can unfold,
Or better its sharpness true
joys to explore :
But rather, make blind in the
breast of each man i
The eyes of his mind thanj
make ever more bright, j
For, sorry and fleeting as fasti
as they can
Are all who in this flitting
earth can delight.
Yet wondrous the beauty and
brightness is seen
Of that which hath bright-
en' d and beautified all
So long as on this middle-earth
they have been.
And afterward happily holds
them in thrall.
For the Ruler He wills not the
soul should be nought,
Himself will enlighten it.
Lord of life given !
If any man then with the eyes
of his thought
May see the clear brightness
of light from high heaven,
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
323
})onne pile he j-ecjan.
J)a&t paepe funnan pe.
beophtnef ]?ioft;po.
beopna jehpylcum.
to mecanne.
piS f micle leoht.
Ziobej* selmihci^ep.
|?3ec If japta jehpaem.
ece bucan enbe.
eabejum paulum.
METRUM XXII.'
8e ]>e septep pihte.
mib jepece.
pille mpeapblice.
septep ppypian.
ppa beoplice.
J>aet; hiC tobpipan ne m»5
monna genij.
ne ameppan hupu.
aenij eopSlic J^mc^.
he aepefC pceal.
pecan on him pelpum.
j?3et he pume hpile.
ymbucan hme.
aepop pohce.
pece pgec piSj^an.
on hip pepan mnan.
anb poplaece an.
ppa he optopt msege.
a&lcne^ ymbho^an.
py him unnec pie.
anb jepamnije.
ppa he ppiJ>opt mseje.
ealle to ])£em anum.
hip mjeponc.
gepecje hip mob.
|)8et hit maej pmban.
eall on him innan.
^ Boet. lib. iii. metrum 11, — i
Then will he say that the blaze
of the sun
Is darkness itself to the glory
so bright
"Which Great God Almighty
shines out on each one
Of souls of the happy for
ever in light.
METEE XXII.
OF THE INNER MIND AND THE
OUTER SIN.
The man that after right with
care
"Will inwardly and deeply
dive,
So that no earthly thing may
scare,
Nor him from such good
seeking drive,
Eirst in himself he shall find
out
That which beyond he some-
while sought,
Within his mind must search
about.
And leave behind each trou-
blous thought ;
This at the soonest, as he may.
Such care were harm to him
and sin,
Then let him haste and hie
away
To this alone, his mind
within.
Quisquis profunda mente vestigat verum, &c.
* Cott. aelcpe.
t2
324
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
J)aec hit Oft Oft nu.
ymbutan hit.
ealnej feceS.
^ooba aeghpylc.
he onjit ]"iS])an.
ypel ^ unnet.
eal f he hsejrbe.
on hif mcofan.
aepop lanje.
epne j-pa ppeotole.
ppa he on ]?a punnan ma&j.
eajum anbpeapbum.
onlocian.
anb hi eac ongit.
hip m5eJ»onc.
leohtpe "3 bephtpe.
ponne pe leoma pie.
punnan on pumepa.
j)onne ppe^lep gim.
habop heofon-tungol.
hlutpopt fcine^.
f oppe&m J>8ep hchoman.
leahtpap "j hepijnep.
anb ]>a unj^eapap.
eallun^a ne majon.
op mobe ation.
monna aenegum.
pihcpipneppe.
Deah nu pinca hpsem.
]?8&p hchoman.
leahtpap 3 hepijnep.
anb unpeapap.
opt bypi^en.
monna mob-pepan.
msej't anb ppiJ)opt.
mib ]?8epe yplan.
opopjiotolneppe.^
mib jebpol-mipte.
bpeopijne pepan.
poptiS mob fopan.
' Cott.
Say to his mind, that it may
find
What oftest now it seeks
around
All in, and to itself assign'd
Every good that can be
found :
He then will see that all he had
In his mind's chamber
thought and done,
Was evil long afore and bad.
Clearly as he can see the
sun:
But his own mind he shall see
there
Lighter and brighter than
the ray
Of heaven's star, the gem of
air,
The sun in clearest summer
day.
Por that the body's lusts and
crimes,
And all its heaviness in kind,
Utterly may not any times
Wipe out right wisdom from
man's mind:
Though now in every man such
wrong.
Those lusts and crimes and
fleshly weight.
Worry the mind both loud and.
strong.
And make it half forget its
state.
ofopsiotolneppe.
THE METRES OE BOETHITJS.
325
monna jelipelcef .
pa&t hiC fpa beophte ne moc.
blican anb^ pcinan.
j-pa hjc polbe gip.
hic jepealb ahce.
j?eah bi^ pum copn.
f aebep jehealben.
j-ymle on Jjsejie paule.
|0(Spaepcneppe.
I^enben jabepcanj puna^.
jape on lice.
})Eep paebep copn.
bi^ pimle apeahc.
mib apcunja.
eac piS]>an.
mib goobpe lape.
^ip liic 2Popan pceal.
Pu maej senij man.
anbppape pmban.
J^inja aenijep.
I^ejen mib jepceabe.
i^eah hme jimca hpilc.
pihcpiphce.
3&pcep ppi^ne.
jip he apuht: napaS.
on hip mob-pepan.
myclep ne lyclep.
pihcpipneppep.
ne gejiabpcipep.
nip ])eah senij man.
I^aec ce eallep ppa.
J)aep jepabpcipep.
ppa bepeapob pie.
))8ec he anbppape.
a&nije ne cunne.
pinban on peph^e.
^ip he ppujnen bit5.
poppsem hic ip pihc ppell.
]>s&t up peahce gio.
ealb uSpica,
And though the mist of lies
may shade
Man's dreary thought that
it be dull,
And be no more so bright
arrayed
An if 'twere pure and pow-
erful,
Yet always is some seed-corn
held
Of sturdy truth within the
soul,
While flesh and ghost together
weld,
And make one fixt and ga-
ther'd whole.
This seed-corn waxes ever-
more.
By much asking quickened
so,
As well as by good wholesome
lore,
That it quickly learns to
grow.
How may a man right answer
find
To anything ask'd well and
fit.
Unless he keenly store his
mind
That it have much or little
wit?
no man so be-
Yet is there
reaved
Of knowledge, that he can-
not bring [ceived
Some answer well to be re-
If he be ask'd of anything.
» Cott. an.
326
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
upe Plat on.
he cpae^ f te aejhpilc.
un^emynbij.
pihtpifnej-fe.
hme hpa&^e pceolbe.
efC gepenban.
into pnum.
mobep gemynbe.
he mae^ piSpan.
on hip pun-copan.
pihcpipneppe.
pmban on pephte.
paepte ^ehybbe.
mib gebpsepneppe.
bojopa gehpilce.
mobep pmep.
msept 3 ppipopt.
anb mib hepmeppe.
hip hchoman.
anb mib Jjaem bipjum.
]>e on bpeoftum ptype'S.
mon on mobe.
msela jehpylce.
METEUM XXIII.^'
8ie "p la on eoppan.
aelcep J^mjep.
jepaelig mon.
gip he jepion maege.
f one hlutpeptan.
heopon-tophtan ptpeam.
aej^elne aepelm.
aelcep joobep.
anb op him pelpum.
))one ppeaptan mift.
mobep )>ioptpo.
mae^ apeoppan.
pe pculon J^eah jita.
mib Ijobep pylpte.
ealbum 3 leapum.
* Boet. lib. iii. metrum
Wherefore it is a spell of right
Which our own Plato, long
of old,
That ancient wise and worthy
wight,
To all of us most truly told ;
He said, that each who wisdom
sought,
Forgetful, should to memory
turn,
And in the coffer of his thought
Eight- wisdom hidden would
discern,
Through all the drift of trouble
there,
And all this body's heavy
clay.
And busy toil, and daily care,
Which stir the breasts of
men alway.
METEE XXIII.
TEUE HAPPINESS.
Look! for on earth a happy
man
In everything is he,
Who Heaven's shining river
can
Good's high - born well-
spring see ;
And of himself may scatter
back
His mind's own mist of swarthy
black.
By God's good help, we will a3
yet
12. — Felix qui potuit boni, &c.
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
327
fmne in^ej^onc.
betan birpellum.
faec |)u J)e bee mae^e.
apebian co jxobojium.
pihce j'tije.
on ])one ecan eajib.
uffa faula.
METEUM XXIV y
Ic hsebbe fiSpu.
fujle fpipcpan.
mib ]?8em ic fleo^an mseg.
feop ppam eopfan.
ojrep heane hpop.
heoponej- ]>iiTef .
ac J)aep ic nu mopte,.
mob jepet^pan.
pmne pepS-locan.
peSpum mmum.
o'5|)aet ]7U meahce.
Jjipne mibban jeapb.
aelc eopSlic pmj.
eallunga poppion.
OOealicep opep pobopum.
jepecbce.
peSepum lacan.^
peop up opep.
polcnu pmban.
pbcan pi^l^an upan.
opep ealle,
GOeahcep eac papan.
opep ]>d&m pype.
pe pela jeapa pop.
lange betpeox.
lypce -) pobepe.
ppa him aec ppymt5e.
paebep jeciobe.
Du meahcepc ]?e pi^pan.
mib ]?aepe punnan.
y Boet. lib. iv. metrum 1. — Sunt etenim pennae volucres mihi, 5bc.
' Cott, onlacan.
With spells ofol den leaven
Inform thy mind that thou
mayst get
To read the way to heaven ;
The right way to that liappy
shore [more.
Our soul's own country ever-
METEE XXIY.
THE soul's HEKITAGE.
I have wings like a bird, and
more swiftly can fly
Far over this earth to the roof
of the sky,
And now must I feather thy
fancies, O mind.
To leave the mid-earth and its
earthlings behind.
Stretch'd over the heavens,
thou mayst with thy wings
Sport in the clouds and look
down on all things,
Yea, far above fire, that lieth
betwixt
The air and the sky, as the
Eather hath mixt.
Thence with the sun to the
stars thou shalt fly,
Thereafter full quickly to float
through the sky,
328
THE METRES OP BOETHIUS.
f ajian becpeox.
o))pum tunjlum.
OOealitej-c pe full jiecen.
on J)sem pobepe ufan.
jiSj)an peoji]?an.
anb Jwnne famcenjej'.
aec ]78&m sel-cealban.
anum fteoppan.
re yjimejc ly.
eallpa tunjla.
]7one Satupnup.
|Tinb-buenbe hacat5.
unbep heoponum.
he 1]' pe cealba.
eall ipig cungel.
ypemepc panbpaS.
opep eallum upan.
o|)pum pteoppum.
Si^pan J)u J)one.
Jjone upahapapc.
pop^ opep-papenne.
})u meaht peoppian.
f?onne bipc J)u pi^fan.
fona opep uppan.
pobepe pyne ppipcum.
5ip ]?u pihc paepepc.
j)a^ ))one hehptan heopon.
behmban la^tpc.
Donne meahc pu pi^|)a.
jo]>ep leohtep.
habban ]>]nne bsel.
|7onan an cynmg.
pume picpaS.
opep pobepum up.
anb unbep ppa pame.
eallpa gepceapca.
peojmlbe palbe^.
Daec ip pip cynmj.
I^aec ip pe J)e palbe6.
jionb pep-pioba.
To the lonely cold planet,
which sea-dwellers call
Saturn, in heaven the highest
of all.
He is the icy cold star in the
highest
That wanders the furthest, and
yet as thou fliest
Higher, and further, and up
shalt thou rise.
Tea, to the top of the swift
rushing skies !
If thou goest rightly, e'en
these shalt thou leave :
And then of the true light thy
share shalt receive,
Where up over heaven, the
Only King reigns,
And under it all the world's
being sustains.
This is the "Wise King, this is
He who is found
To rule o'er the kings of all
peoples around ;
With his bridle hath bitted
the heaven and earth,
And guides the swift wain by
His might driven forth.
He is the One Judge un-
swervingly right,
Unchanging in power, and un-
sullied in light J
1 Cott. J)e.
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
329
ealpa ofpa.
eopJ)an cynmja.
]-e mib hi]- bpible.
ymbe bseceb hsepS.
ymbbpyppc ealne.
eoppan ^ heoponej*.
pe hif jepalb-lepep.
pel jemecjaS.
fe pcopeS a.
fuph pa pcponjan meahc.
paem hpsebpsene.
heofonep anb eop]?an.
ye an bema if. ^
jertceSj)!^.
unanpenbenblic.
pbci^ ~] ma&pe.
ISip ]?u pypFpc on.
peje pihcum.
up CO J^a&m eapbe.
])3&t ip aa])ele pcop.
j^eah |)u hi nu geca.
popjTten hsebbe.
jip J?u aeppe.
epc ]?aep an cymepc.
Jjonne pile J)u pecjan.
anb pona cpe}»an.
pip ip eallunja.
mm ajen cy^.
eapb anb.epel.
ic psep aep hionan.
cum en ~\ acenneb.
J)uph pippep cpa&pcgan meaht.
nylle ic aeppe hionan.
uc pitan.
ac ic jymle hep.
popte pille.
mib paebep piUan.
paepce pconban.
Ijip pe ponne aeppe.
epc jepeoppeS.
peec pu pile oS6e mopc.
"When to His dwelling-place
back thou dost roam,
However forgotten, it still is
thy home.
If ever again thou shalt thither-
ward go,
Soon wilt thou say, and be sure
it is so,
" This is mine own country in
every way,
The earth of my birth, and my
heirdom for aye :
" Hence was I born, and came
forth in my time.
Through the might 'of my
Maker, the Artist sublime,
Npr will I go out evermore but
stand fast,
At the will of my Father, come
hither at last."
And if it should aye be again
that thou wilt
Come back to the world in its
darkness and guilt.
Thou shalt easily see of these
kings and these proud
Who worst have down-trodden
this woe-ridden crowd,
330
THE METBES OF BOETHIUS.
peopolbe Jjioj-tpo.
ept panbian.
]?u meahc eaSe ^epon.
unpihcpij-e.
eopfan cyningaj'.
anb ]?a Ofepmoban.
o]}pe pican.
]?e Jjif pepije folc.
pypj-c tuciaS.
pset he j-ymle bioS,
rpibe eapme.
unmehtige.
aelcef j^mjef .
emne j>a ilcan.
))e ])ij- eapme f olc.
fume hpile nu.
fpifofC onbpaebeS.
That they too are wretched !
and wofully poor,
Unmighty to do anything any
more,
These, ay even these, beneath
whose dread yoke
Now some while are trembling
this woe- ridden folk.
METKUM XXV.»
jGehep nu an ppell.
be psem ofcpmobum.
unpihcpipum.
eopl^an cynmjum.
J>a hep nu manejum.
anb miphcum.
paebum phte-beophcum.
punbpum pcma'S.
on heah-petlum.
hpope getenje.
jolbe jejepebe.
anb gimcynnum.
ucan ymbe pcanbne.
mib unjiime.
))ejna ~} eopla.
fa bio^ ^ehyp) te.
mib hepe-jeacpum.
hilbe tophcL.m.
ppeopbum -3 petelum.
ppiSe gejlenbe.
METEE XXY.
OP EVIL KINGS.
Hear now a spell of the proud
overbearing
Kings of the earth, when
unrighteous in mind :
Wondrously bright though the
robes they are wearing.
High though the seats where
their pomp is enshrined.
Gold-clad and gemm'd,and with
hundreds round standing.
Thanes and great earls with
their chain and their
sword,
All of them chieftains in battle
commanding,
Each in his rank doing suit
to his lord :
* Boet. lib. iv. metrum 2. — Quos vides sedere celso, &c.
THE METEE8 OE BOETHITJS.
331
anb J)e^nia^.
}?pymme mycle.
aelc of>pum.
anb hi ealle him.
])onan mib |}y^ fpymme.
fpeaCia'S jehpibep.
ymb-fittenba.
o]?pa peoba,
anb j-e hlajropb ne fcpip'S.
pe ]?aem hepe palbeS.
Fpeonbe ne peonbe.
peope ne sehcum.
ac he pefiij-mob.
jideyt on jehpilcne.
peSe hunbe.
puhta jehcoft.
BiS Co upahaepen,
mne on mobe.
pop ]>xm anpalbe.
pe him anjia jehpilc.
hip cip-pina.
CO pulcemaS.
trip mon J)onne polbe.
him apmban op.
J)3ep cyne-jepelan.
cla]?a gehpilcne.
anb him |?onne opCion.
]?apa fejnunja.
anb Jjaep anpalbep.
J)e he hep ha&pbe.
))onne meahc ]?u jepion.
])8ec he bi(5 ppiSe jehc.
pumum J)apa jumena.
)>e him jeopnopc imi.
mib j^ejnunjum.
jjpmjaS ymbe uCan.
jip he pyppa ne biS.
ne pene ic hip na becepan.
Urip him f>onne seppe.
unmenbhnja.
peap jebepebe.
While in such splendour each
rules like a savage,
Everywhere threatening the
people vi^ith strife,
So, this lord heeds not, but
leaves them to ravage
Triends for their riches, and
foes for their life !
Ay, and himself, like a hound
that is madden'd,
Flies at and tears his poor
people for sport,
In his fierce mind too loftily
gladden'd
With the proud power his
chieftains support.
But, from his robes if a man
should unwind him,
Stripp'd of such coverings
^ kingly and gay,
Drive all his following thanes
from behind him,
And let his glory be taken
away;
Then should ye see that he
likens most truly
Any of those who so slavishly
throng
Eound him with homage de-
murely and duly,
Neither more right than the
rest, nor more wrong.
» Cott. J>a.
332
THE METRES OF B0ETHIX7S.
'p2Rt him pup be ofCogen.
I^pymmej- j paeba.
anb l^ejnunja.
anb J?8ep anpalbep.
})e pe ymbe jppecaS.
51F him senij )?apa. .
Ofhenbe pypS.
ic pac f him pincet5.
Ipset he ponne pie.
becpopen on capcepn.
oS6e coShce.
pacentan gepaepeb.
Ic ^epeccan maeg.
])s&t Of ungemete.
aelcep J^mjep.
piyte ~] paeba.
pin-jebpmcep.
anb op ppec- mecann
ppipoj-c peaxat5.
]?aepe ppaennej-pe.
pob-ppaj micel.
pio j-pit5e gebpa&fS.
pepan ingehyjb.
monna jehpelcep.
J?onan maepc cymeS.
ypla ojrepmeca.
unnetta faca.
Donne hi geboljene^ peopfacS
him pypt5 on bpeofCum mne.
beppungen pepa on hpeppe.
mib paem fpipan pelme.
hat-heopcnej-j-e.
anb hpeSe piSpan.
unpotneffe.
eac gepeaepet?.
heapbe jehaepceb.
pim piSpan onjmcJ.
pum tohopa.
ppit5e leogan.
})aef jepmnep ppaece.
pilnat5 f ippe.
» Cott.
If then to him if; should chance
in an hour,
All his bright robes from his
back be offstripped,
All that we speak of, his pomp
and his power,
Glories unravell'd and gar-
ments unripp'd, —
If these were shredded away,
I am thinking,
That it would seem to him i
surely as though
He to a prison had crept, and
was linking
All that he had to the fetters
of woe.
Eightly I reckon that measure-
less pleasure,
Eating and drinking, and
sweetmeats and clothes,
Breed the mad waxicg of lust
by bad leisure,
Wrecking the mind where
such wickedness grows :
Thence cometh evil, and proud
overbearing ;
Quarrels and troubles arise
from such sin,
When in the breast hot-heart-
ness is tearing
With its. fierce lashes the
soul that's within.
Sebogene.
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
333
anef anb o])pe]-.
him f eall jehset.
hij- pecelefC.
pihtef ne j'cpifeS.
Ic ]>e fsebe sep.
on fij-j-e j-elfan bee.
paet fumef joobep
pbpa jefceafCa.
anleppa aelc.
a pilnobe.
pop hip ajenum.
ealb-gecynbe
unpihcpij'e.
eopJ)an cyninjaj* .
ne majon aeppe ])uphtion.
apuhc joobep.
pop paem yple.
]>e ic ]>e aep pa&be.
Nip '^ nan punbop.
popfaem hi piUa^ hi.
f>8em un])eapum,
j)e IC }>e 8&P nembe.
anpa jehpelcum.
a unbep}>eoban.
8ceal ]>onne nebe.
neappe jebujan.
Co papa hlapopba.
ha&pte borne.
j)e he hine eallunja.
sep unbep))iobbe.
\>^t ip pyppe ^ec.
faat he pmnan nyle.
piS ])8em anpalbe.
asnije pcunbe.
])8ep he polbe d.
pmnan onjinnan.
anb ]?onne on paem jepmne.
puphpunian pop{5.
Jjonne naepbe he.
nane pcylbe.
peah he opeppunnen.
peop]7an pceolbe.
Afterward, sorrow imprisons
and chains him ;
Then does he hope, but his
hope is a lie :
Then again, wrath against some-
body pains him,
Till he has recklessly doom'd
him to die.
In this same book before I was
speaking,
Everything living is wishing
some good.
But the bad kings of the earth,
who are wreaking
Nothing but ill, as is fitting
they should.
That is no wonder, for slaves
very willing
Are they to sins, — as I told
thee before, —
And to those lords whose
chains they are filling,
Straitly and strictly must
bend evermore :
This is yet worse, they will not
be winning
Standing-room even against
such ill might ;
Still, if they will, they struggle
unsinning.
Though they should seem
overthrown in the fight.
334
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
METEUM XXVI.
Ic 'pe ms&j ea^e.
ealbum "j leapim.
fpellum anbpeccan.
fpp8&ce gelicne.^
efne pif^e ilcan.
fe piC ynibfppeca^.
pic jej-selbe jio.
on fume cibe.
]?aet Aulixef.
unbep-haepbe.
faem Eapepe.
cyne-picu tpa.
pe paep Dpacia.
)?ioba albop.
anb Recie.
picep hipbe.
p'a&p hip ppea-bpihtnep .
polc-cu^ nama.
Agamemnon.
pe eallep peolb.
Epeca picep.
En's pa&p pibe.
]>set on ))a tibe.
Tpioia jepm.
peap^ unbep polcnum.
pop pjgep-heapb.
-Cpeca bpihten.
camp-pteb pecan.
Aulixep mib.
an hunb pcipa.
laebbe opep laju-pcpeam.
paec lonje faep.
cyn pmtiep^ pull.
Da^ pio tib jelomp.
faet hi f pice.
jepaehc haepbon.
biope jecepte.
METEE XXVI.
OF CIECE AND HEE COMPANY.
From old and leasing spells
right easily
Can I to thee tell out a tale
like that
"Whereof we lately spake. — It
chanced of yore
That, on a time, Ulysses held
two kingdoms
Under his Caesar: he was
prince of Thrace,
And ruled Neritia as its shep-
herd king.
His head -lord's folk -known
name was Agamemnon,
Who wielded all the greatness
of the Greeks.
At that time did betide the
Trojan war,
Under the clouds well known :
the warrior chief.
Lord of the Greeks, went forth
to seek the battle.
Ulysses with him led an hun-
dred ships
Over the sea, and sat ten win-
ters there.
When the time happen'd that
this Grecian lord
With his brave peers had over-
thrown that kingdom,
Boet. lib. iv. metrum 3. — Vel-a Neritii ducis, &c.
» Cott. gehce. 2 Cott. pine. » Cott. >e.
THE METEES OP BOETHIUS.
335
bpihten Epeca.
Tjioia buph.^
tilum jepjjum.
pa f a^ Aulixef .
leafe ha&fbe.
Dpacia cynmj.'
]>det he ]?onan mofCe.
he lee him behmban.
hypnbe ciolaf .
nigon •J hunb nijontij.
naenije* ])onan.
mepe-henjei-ta.
ma ponne senne.
fepebe on pipel j*tpeam.
famij-bopbon.
]?piepej>pe ceol.
J)3et bi^ f maefte.
Epecijcpa j-cipa.
J>a peap^ cealb yebeji,
fCeapc-ftopma gelac.
ftrunebe pio bpune.
yS piS o])pe.
uc peop abpap.
on penbel-fge.
pijenbpa pcola.
up on f ijlanb.
]?8ep Apollmep.
bohcoji punobe.
baej-jiimep popn.
paej' pe Apollmup.
ae])elep cynnep.
lobep eapopa.
pe paep 510 cynm^.
pe hcecte.
litlum 3 miclum.
^umena jehpylcum.
J>3eC he Urob^ paepe.
hehpc "3 haljopc.
Spa pe hlapopb fa.
1 Cott. bups. 2 cott^ j,u,
* Cott. soob.
The dear-bought burgh of
Troy, — Ulysses then,
The King of Thracia, when his
lord gave leave
That he might hie him thence,
he left behind
Of all his horn'd sea -keels
ninety and nine.
Thence, none of those sea-
horses, saving one.
Travel!' d with foamy sides the
fearful sea ;
Save one, a keel w^ith three-
fold banks of oars.
Greatest of Grecian ships.
Then was cold weather,
A gathering of stark storms ;
against each other
Stunn'd the brown billows,
and out- drove afar
On the mid-winding sea the
shoal of warriors.
Up to that island, where, un-
numbered days.
The daughter of Apollo wont
to dwell.
This same Apollo was of high-
born kin,
Offspring of Jove, who was a
king of yore,
He schemed so, as to seem to
every one.
Little and great, that he must
be a God,
3 Cott. cinms. * Cott.. nsenisne.
336
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
J?aec bifyi^e pole.
on jebpolan la&bbe.
oS|?8ec him jelypbe.
leoba unpim.
yojipsem. he paej* mib pihce.
picej- hipbe.
hiopa cyne-cynnef.
Eu^S If pibe.
faec on ]^a tibe.
peoba aejhpilc haefbon.
heopa hlapopb.
pop J?one hehfCan liob.
anb peop]?obon.
fpa ppa pulbpep cyninj.
gip he to ]>8em pice ps&p.
on pihce bopen.
paep ])ddy lobep paebep.
Irob eac ppa he.
Satupnup J)one.
punb-buenbe,
heton haelej^a beapn.
hsepbon fa msegj^a.
aelcne aepcep ofpum.
pop ecne Ijob.
Sceolbe eac pepan.
ApoUmep.
bohcop biop-bopen.
bypigep polcep.
jum-pmca gyben.
cu^e jalbpa pela.
bpipan bpycpaeptap.
hio gebpolan pylgbe.
manna ppi})opc.
manejpa pioba.
Eynmjep bohcop.
pio Eipce ipsey.
hacen pop hepijum.
pio picpobe.
on ])8em ijlonbe.
])e Auhxer.
cyninj Dpacia.
Highest and Holiest ! So the
silly folk
This lord did lead through lying
ways, until
An untold flock of men be-
lieved in him :
'For that he was with right the
kingdom's chief,
And of their kingly kin. "Well
is it known
That in those times each people
held its lord
As for the Grod most high, and
worshipp'd him
Per King of Glory, — if with
right of rule
He to the kingdom of his rule
was born.
The father of this Jove was
also God,
Even as he : him the sea-dwell-
ers call
Saturn: the sons of men
counted these kin
One after other, as the Ever
Good!
Thus also would Apollo's high-
born daughter
Be held a Goddess by the
senseless folk.
Known for her Druid -craft,
and witcheries.
Most of all other men she fol-
lowed lies.
And this king's daughter, Circe
was she hight,
THE METEES OP BOETHIITS.
337
com ane Co.
Circe for Church, as having
ceole li]^an.
many with her.
CuS paej- fona.
She ruled this isle, whereto the
eallpe ]>se]ie maenije.
Thracian king
76 hipe mib punobe.
Ulysses, with one ship, hap-
sej^elmjef yi^.
pened to sail.
Dio mih un^emece.
Soon was it known, to all the
irrum lufobe.
many there
.ic5-monna fpea.
That dwelt with her, the
anb lie eac fpa fame.
coming of the prince ;
ealle mse^ne.
She without measure loved this
ejrne fpa ppiSe.
sailor-chief,
Ill on fepan lupobe.
And he alike with all his soul
\>2dt he CO hip eapbe.
loved her.
aanije ny pee.
So that he knew not any love
mobep mynlan.
more deep
opep ma&^S Si^nS®-
Even of home, than as he loved
ac he mib ))8em pipe.
this maiden ;
punobe piSj)an.
But lived with her for wife long
o^]?aec him ne meahce.
afterward ;
monna aani^.
Until not one of all his thanes
f>e5na^ pmpa.
would stay,
pd&ji mib pepan.
But, full of anguish for their
ac hi pop ]78em ypmj)um.
country's love,
eapbep lypce.
They meant to leave behind
myncon poplaecan.
their well-loved lord.
leopne hlapopb.
Then on the men she 'gan to
Da onjunnon pepcan.
work her spells ;
pep-))eoba ppell.
They said, she should by those
raebon f hio pceolbe.
her sorceries
mib hipe pcmlace.
Make the men prone like
beopnap popbpeban.
beasts : and savagely
anb mib balo-cpaepCum.
Into the bodies of wild beasta
ppa|)um peoppan.
she warp'd
on pilbpa he.
cynm^ep pejnap.
jyppan pi^]?an.
anb mib pacenCan eac.
jiaepan msemjne.
3ume hi CO pulpum pupbon.
»Cott
. i>esnpa.
z
338
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
ne mealiton ponne popb fopt5-
bpm^an.
ac hio ppag-maelum.
piocon ongunnon.
8ume psepon eappap.
a jpymetebon.
ponne hi papep hpaet.
piopian jx'iolbon.
Da pe leon paepon.
onjunnon la^lice.
yppen^a pyna.
ponne hi pceolbon.
chpian pop cop])pe,
Enihtap pupbon.
ealbe je jiunje.
ealle pophpeppbe.
to pumum biope.
ppelcum he sepop.
on hip Lp-bajum.
jehcopt paep.
butan pam cynm^e.
pe pio cpen lupobe.
Nolbe ]?apa ojjpa.
senij onbitan,
mennipcep metep.
ac hi ma lupebon.
biopa bpohcaS.
ppa hit ^ebepe ne paep.
Naepbon hi mape.
monnum gehcep.
COP'S- buenbum.
Vonne ingeponc.
Psepbe anpa gehpylc.
hip ajen mob.
paet paep J)eah ppi'Se.
popjum jebunben.
pop ps&m eappo])um.
pe him onpseton.
Ppaet pa bypejan men.
pe fypum bpycpseptum.
lon^ gelypbon.
By baleful craft the followers
of the king.
Then did she tie them np, and|
bind with chains.
Some were as wolves ; and
might not then bring forth
A word of speech ; but now
and then would howl.
Some were as boars ; and
grunted ever and aye,
"When they should sigh a whit
for sorest grief.
They that were lions, loathly
would begin
To roar with rage when they
should call their comrades.
The knights, both old and
young, into some beast
Were changed as each afore-
time was most like
In his life's day : but only not
the king.
Whom the queen loved : the
others, none would bite
The meat of men, but loved
the haunt of beasts.
As was ill fitting ;
they to men, earth -dwellers
Had no more likeness left than
their own thought.
Each still had his own mind,
though straitly bound
With sorrow for the toils that
him beset.
Per e'en the foolish men who
long believed
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
339
ipim fpellum.
Through leasing spells in all
jon hpsefpe.
this Druid craft,
it f jepic ne ma&g.
Knew natheless that no man
ob onpenban.
might change the wife,
onna aenig.
Or mind, by such bad craft:
lb bpycpseftum.
though they might make
ah hio jebon meahte.
That for long while the bodies
jt ]?a lichoman.
should be changed.
nSe ]?pase.
Wonderful is that great and
ipenb pupbon.
mighty art
■J) punboplic.
Of every mind above the mean
sejen cpaepc mi eel.
dull body.
oba jehpilcep .
By such and such things thou
ep lichoman.
mayst clearly know
^nne ~\ paenne.
That from the mind come one
ylcum ~\ jpylcum.
by one to each
L meahc ppeocole ongican.
And every man his body's lusts
at fsep lichoman.
and powers.
•tap -} cpaepcap.
Easily mayst thou see that
: J)aem mobe cumaS. •
every man
onna gehpylcum.
Is by his wickedness of mind
nleppa eelc.
more harm'd
u meahc eaSe onjican.
Than by the w^eakness of his
et te ma bepe^.
failing body.
onna jehpylcum.^
Nor need a man ween ever
iObep un]?eap.
such weird-chance.
mne meccpymnep.
As that the wearisome and
jnep lichoman.
wicked flesh
e peapp leoba nan.
Could change to it the mind of
inan f aepe pypbe.
any man,
Bt f pepije plgepc.
But the bad lusts of each mind,
BC mob.
and the thought
Lonna aeni^ep.
Of each man, lead his body
lUunja CO him.
where they will.
ppe maej onpenban.
3 pa unj)eapap.
Icep mobep.
ab f m^ejjonc.
Icep monnep.
3ne lichoman lie
ibep hic pile.
» Cott
Sehpelcum.
z2
340
THE METEES OE BOETHIITS.
METRUM XXYII.b
Ppy je aefpe fcylen.
unpiht-Fiounjum.
eopep mob bpepan.
rpa ]"pa mepe flobef.
yjja hpepaS.
i]'-calbe ys&.
pecjjaS pop pmbe.
Ppy o^pite je.
pypbe eoppe,
paec hio gepealb napa^.
Ppy je paep bea]?ep.
])e eop Dpihten gepceop.
jebiban ne majon.
bitpep gecynbep.
nu he eop aelce ba&j.
onec topeapb.
Ne magon je gepion.
psec he pymle ppypeS.
aeptep sejhpelcum.
eop]7an cubpe.
biopum •] puglum.
bea^ eac ppa pame.
a&ptep mon-cynne.
jeonb ]}ipne mibban geapb.
egephc hunca.
abic on pa^e.
nyle he aenij ppaecS.
seppe poplsetan.
sep he gehebe.
jjaec he hpile sep.
aepceji j-pypebe.
Ip f eapmhc JJing.
])8ec hip jebiban ne majon.
bufij-piccenbe.
imjepaehje men.
hine aeji piUaS.
pop an topciotan.
METRE XXVII.
OE TOLERANCE.
Why ever your mind will ye
trouble with hate,
As the icy-cold sea when it
rears
Its billows waked- up by
the wind r
Why make such an outcry
against your weird fate,
That she cannot keep you
from fears,
Nor save you from sor-
rows assign'd ?
Why cannot ye now the due
bitterness bide
Of death, as the Lord hath
decreed.
That hurries to-you-ward
each day ?
Now can ye not see him still
tracking beside
Each thing that is born of
earth's breed.
The birds and the beasts,
as ye may ?
Death also for man in like
manner tracks out
Dread hunter! this middle
earth through, [more ;
And bites as he runs evei
He will not forsake, when he
searches about, [too
His prey, till he catches it
And finds what he sought
for before.
^ Boet. lib. iv. metrum 4. — Quid tantos juvat excitare motus, &c.
THE METEES OP BOETHIUS.
341
j-pa fpa pu^la cyn.
o56e pilbu biop.
J)a pinnaS beCpuh.
s&^hpylc polbe.
o]?eji acpellan.
Ac |?3ec ip unpiht.
a&jhpelcum men.
]>set he oJ:'ejme.
inpic-]7oncum.
fioge on f£ep'(5e.
jpa ppa fujl ot5Se biop.
Ac ]73ec paepe pilitopc.
p?et te pinca gehpylc.
o]?pum julbe.
eblean on pihc.
peopc be gepeojihtum.
peopulb- buenbum.
pmja jehpilcep.
j78ec ip •}} he lupine,
jobpa jehpilcne.
ppa he geopnopc mae^e.
niilbpije yplum.
ppa pe [sep] pppa&con.
Pe rceal J>one monnan.
mobe lupian.
anb hi]- unpeapa]'.
ealle hatian.
anb opjni|)an.
ppa he ppipopc ms&je.
A sad thing it is, if we cannot
await
His bidding, poor burghers
of earth,
But wilfully strive with
him still ;
Like birds or wild beasts, when
they haste in their hate
To rage with each other in
wrath.
And wrestle to quell and
to kill.
But he that would hate in the
deep of his heart
Another, unrighteous is he,
And worse than a bird or
a beast ;
But best is the man who w^ould
freely impart
To a brother, whoever he be.
Full worth for his work
at the least :
That is, he should love all the
good at his best,
And tenderly think of the
bad, [fore ;
As we have spoken be-
The man he should love with
his soul — for the rest
His sins he should hate, and
be glad [more.
To see them cut off ever-
METEUM XXYIII.c
ppa ip on eoppan nu.
unlaepbpa.
pe ne punbpije.
polcna paepelbep.
METRE XXVIII.
OF HEAVENLY WONDERS.
Who now is so unlearned
among people of the world,
c Boet. lib. iv. metrum 5. — Si quis arcturi sidera nescit, &c
342
THE METRES OE BOETHIIJS.
pobpef fpipfco.
pyne tunjlo.
hu hy aelce bae^e.
utan ymblipepfeS.
eallne mibban jeapb.
Ppa If mon-cynnef.
]>d&t ne punbpie ymb.
])3,y plitegan tunjl.
hu hy pume habbat5.
ppi(5e micle.
pcyptpan ymbehpeapfC,
pume pcpifaS len^.
ucan ymb call pip,
an ))apa cunjla.
populb-men haca^.
paenep ]?ipla.
pa habbaS pcyptpan.
pcpiSe anb psepelb.^
ymbhpeppc Iseppan.
ponne oppu tunjl.
poppa&m hi psepe eaxe.
ucan ymbhpeppeS.
pone nop^-enbe.
nean ymbceppe'8.
on paepe ilcan.
eaxe hpeppe^.
eall puma pobop.
pecene pcpipeS.
]u6-healb ppipe'S.
ppipc untiopij.
Ppa ip on populbe.'
paet ne papije.
buton pa ane.
pe hic aep pippon.
psec maeni^^ tunjul.
mapan ymbhpyppC.
hapa^ on heoponum
pume hpile epc.
laeppe jebpa'S.
pa pe lacaS ymb eaxe enbe.
» Cott. f 8&pelc. 2 Cott. peopulbe
As not to wonder at the clouds
upon the skies unfurl'd,
The swiftly roUinj^ heavens and
the racing of the stars,
How day by day they run
around this mid -earth in
their cars ?
Who then of men doth wonder
not these glittering stars to
see,
How some of them round
wafted in shorter circles be,
And some are wanderers away
and far beyond them all,
And one there is which worldly
men the Wain with shafts
do call.
These travel shorter than the
rest, with less of sweep and
swerve
They turn about the axle, and
near the north end curve,
On that same axle quickly
round turns all the roomy
sky,
And swiftly bending to the
south untiring doth it fly.
Then who is there in all the
world that is not well
amazed.
Save those alone who knew
before the stars on which
they gazed,
3 Cott. psec te msenis.
THE METRES OE BOETHIUS.
343
o"8Se micle mape.
gejrepaS fa hipe mib ope.
ymbe Jjeaple jjpg&geS.
j^apa If jehaten.
Satupnuf yum.
ye haefS ymb J>piti2.
pintep-jepimef.
peopulb ymbcyppeb.^
Boocef eac.
beophte fcme^.
o]7ep fceoppa cymeS.
efne jpa fame.
on pone ilcan fCebe.
efC ymb ppitij.
geap-jepimef.
psep hi 510 pa paef.
Ppa If peopulb-monna.
pset ne paf i^e.
hu fume fceoppan.
06 pa fae papaS.
unbep mepe-ftpeamaf.
paef pe monnum pmc6.
Spa eac fume penatS.
paet fio funne bo.
ac fe pena nif .
puhce pe foppa.
Ne biS hio on aepen.
ne on aep-mopjen.
mepe-fcpeame pa neap.
pe on mibne baej.
anb peah monnum pyncS.
paec hio on mepe ganje.
unbep fae fpife.
ponne hio on fed jhbetS.
Ppa If on peopulbe.
paec ne punbpije.
fullef monan.
ponne he paepm^a.
pyp^ unbep polcnum.
plicej" bejieapab.
» Cott.
That many somewhilea on the
heavens make a longer bend,
And somewhiles less, and sport
about the axle of the end :
Or else much more they wander
quickly round the midway
spheres,
Whereof is one, hight Saturn,
who revolves in thirty years,
Bootes also, shining bright,
another star that takes
His place again in thirty years,
of circle that he makes.
Who is there then of worldly-
men to whom it doth not
seem
A thing most strange that
many stars go under the sea-
stream,
As likewise some may falsely
ween that also doth the sun,
But neither is this likeness
true, nor yet that other one.
The sun is not at even-tide,
nor morning's early light
Nearer to the sea-stream than
in the mid-day bright,
And yet it seems to men she
goes her wandering sphere
to lave,
When to lier setting down she
glides beneath the watery
wave.
ymbcippeb. Boerej*.
\
8M
THE METRES OF BOETHirS.
bepeahc mib jjioftpum.
Ppa |)egna ne maeje.
eac papian.
a&lcep pcioppan.
hpy hi ne pcinen.
fcipum pebepum.
bepopan fsepe j'unnan.
ppa hi pymle boS.
mibbel nihcum.
pi5 Ipone monan popan.
habpum heopone.
Ppaec nu hselej^a pela.
jpelcep anb ppelcep.
ppiSe punbpa'8.
anb ne punbpia'S.
J>8ec ce puhca jehpilc.
men anb necenu.
micelne habba^.
anb unnecne.
anban becpeoh him.
ppiSe pmgalne.
ip f pelhc ]?mc5.
]>sec hi ne punbpia^.
hu hic on polcnum OfC
J^eaple ]?unpa^.
})pa5-m8elum epc.
anpopleeteS.
anb eac ppa pame.
y5 piS lanbe.
ealneg pmneS.
pmb pi^ ps&^e.
Ppa punbpaS J^sej*.
o6Se o])pep epc.
hpy^ Ipaet ip mae^e.
peoppan op psetepe.
phce copht^ feme's,
punna ppegle hat.
pona jecejipeS.
If mepe senhc.
on hip agen jecynb.
1 Cott. hp.
"Who is there in the world will
wonder not to gaze
Upon the full-moon on his way,
bereft of all his rays,
"When suddenly beneath the
clouds he is beclad with
black?
And who of men can marvel
not at every planet's track ?
Why shine they not before the
sun in weather clear and
bright,
As ever on the stilly sky before
the moon at night ?
And how is it that many men
much wondering at such.
Yet wonder not that men and
beasts each other hate so
much?
Eight strange it is they marvel
not how in the welkin oft
It thunders terribly, and then
eftsoons is calm aloft,
So also stoutly dashes the wave
against the shore,
And fierce against the wave
the wind uprises with a roar !
Who thinks of this ? or yet
again, how ice of water
grows.
And how in beauty on the sky
the bright sun hotly glows,
Then soon to water, its own
kin, the pure ice runs away ;
But men think that no wonder,
when they see it every day.
* Cott. tojih.
THE METRES OP BOETniUS.
345
peoppe^ Co psecpe.
Ne }>mc5 f punbop micel.
monna aenejum.
]>aec he ms&je jepeon.
bo^opa jehpilce.
ac ])9ec bype folc.
])aep hiC j-elbnop jepihS.
fpipop punbpiaS.^
peah hic pifjia ^elipaem.
punbop pmce.
on hip mob-pepan.
micie laejje.
Unbep-]t;a]>olp3ept;e.
ealnej pena8.
]?8ec f ealb jepceapt.
aeppe ne paepe.
psec hi pelbon jepio'S.
ac ppi]wp Jiec.
peopulb-men pena^.
|)3&c hic peap come.
nipan jepselbe.
py hiopa na&njum.
hpylc sep ne opeopbe.
ip f eapmhc })inc.
Ac py hiopa aenij.
aefpe peojipeS.
to ])on fippec-jeopn.
fsec he pela onjmS.
leopnian hpta.
anb him hjrep peapb.
op mobe abpic.
paec micle bypij,
paec hic opeppjiigen mib.
punobe lanje.
])onne ic paec jeape.
"p hi ne punbpiaS.
msenijep J'mjep.
pe monnum nu.
paeppo 3 punbep.
pel hpaep pynceS.
This senseless folk is far more
struck at things it seldom
sees,
Though every wise man in his
mind will wonder less at
these ;
Unstal worth minds will always
think that what they seldom
see
Never of old was made before,
and hardly now can be.
But further yet, the worldly
men by chance will think it
came,
A new thing, if to none of
them had ever happ'd the
same;
Silly enough! — yet if of them
a man begins to thirst
Tor learning many lists and
lores that he had scorn'd at
first,
And if for him the "Word of
life uncovers from his wit
The cloak of that much foolish-
ness which overshadow'd it,
Then well of old I wot he
would not wonder at things
so
Which now to men most wor-
thilv and wonderfullv show.
> Cott. punbpa'5.
34G
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
METEIJM XXIX d
El]: ]>\i nu pilnije.
peopulb-Dpihcnej*.
heane anpalb.
hlutpe mobe.
on^itan giopne.-^
gemal-msejene.
heoponer tunjlu.
hu hi him healba^ betpuh.
pibbe pnjale.
bybon ppa lanje.
ppa hi jepenebe
pulbpej- ealbop.
s&c Fpum-pceapce.
paet fio pypene moc.
pun ne gepecan.
pnap cealbep pej.
monna jema&po.
Ppaet })a maepan cunjl.
aufep o]?pep pene.
a ne jehpme^.
8&P ]?am "p o]7ep.
opgepite^.
Ne hupu pe pceoppa.
gepcijan pile.
pej-c-bael polcna.
]?one pij-e men.
Uppa nemnaS.
6alle pcioppan.
pjaS aepcep punnan.
j-amob mib pobepe.
unbep eop])an ^jiunb.
he ana fCenc.
nip "p nan punbop.
he ip punbjium ps&pC.^
upenbe neah,
eaxe J)sef pobepep.
Donne ij' an j-ceoppa.
opep o])pe beophc.
^ Boet. lib. iv. metrum 6.-
* Cott. sionne.
METEE XXIX.
OP THE STAES AND SEASONS.
If now thou art willing the
Lord of the world
His highness and greatness
clear-sighted to see,
Behold the huge host of the
heavens unfurl' d
How calmly at peace with
each other they be !
At the first forming the glori-
fied Prince
Ordered it so that the sun
should not turn
Nigh to the bounds of the
moon ever since,
Nor the cold path of the
snow-circle burn.
Nay, the high stars never cross
on the skies
Ere that another has hurried
away ;
Nor to the westward will ever
uprise
Ursa the star, — so witting
men say.
All of the stars set after the
sun
Under the ground of the
earth with the sky :
-Si vis celsi jura tonantis, &c.
2 Cott. earr.
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
347
cyme^ eaj-tan up.
sep ])onne funne.
J>one^ monna beapn.
mopjen-fCioppa hata'5.
unbep heofonum.
ppf»8em he haelepum bsej.
bobat5 safCep bupgum.
bpenje^ aeptep.
j-pejelcophc j-unne.
famab eallum baeg.
ij- fe foppynel.
paejsp anb j-ciene.
cymeS eaftan up.
8&ppop^ funnan.
anb eft a&fcep funnan.
on feci ^libeS,
pefc unbep peopulbe.
pep-pioba hif.
noman onpenba(5.
J>onne nihc cyme5.
hatat5 hme ealle.
aepen-ptioppa.
pe hi6 J7s&pe punnan ppipfcpa.
fi^pan hi on peel gepitaS.
opipneS.
fa&c ip sefele cunjol.
o^ f he be eapcan peoppe^.
elbum o]>epeb.
8&P ponne punne.
* * *
* * ♦
* * habba«.
aepele tunjol.
emne jebseleb.
baej •] nihce.
Dpihtnep meahcum.
punne ~\ mona.
ppiSe .geppaepe.
ppa him sec ppymt5e.
peebep jeciohhobe.
Ne peappc pu no penan.
1 Cott. jjonne.
That is no wonder; for only
this one,
The axle, stands fastly and
firmly on high.
Again, there's a star more
bright than them all,
He comes from the east,
before the sun's birth.
The star of the morning, — thus
him ever call,
Under the heavens, the chil-
dren of earth.
Por that he bodes day's-dawn
to men's homes
After him bringing the sun
in his train,
Fair from the east this fore-
runner comes,
And glides to the west all
shining again.
People rename him at night in
the west,
Star of the evening then is
he hight,
And when the setting sun goes
to her rest
He races her down more
swift than the light.
Still he outruns her, until he
appears
Again in the east, forerun-
ning the sun,
A glorious star, that equally
clears
The day and the night, ere
his racing be run.
2 Cott. sep pop.
348
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
paet jja pliCe^an cunjl.
]>8&f ]?eopbomef .
afpocen people,
a&p bomej' beeje.
be^ pSj)an ymbe.
moncynnep fpuma.
fpa him jemec ))incet5.
jropj'on hi he healjre.
heofonep j^ifref .
on ane ne laec.
aelmihcij Tiob.
])y laef hi oj^pa fopbyben.
8e]?ela jepceafta.
ac ]'e eca Ijob.
ealle^ gemecjaS.
f iba jep ceafca.
fOfCa ge^pepaS.
hpilum ]78ec bpije.
bpift^ pone pa&can.
hpyJum hi jemenjeS.
mecobep cjiaepce.
cile piS haeco.
hpilum ceppeS ept.
on up pobop.
sel beophca leg.
leoht lypte.
ligeS him behmban.
hepij hpupan bael.
]?eah hic hpilan sep.
eop^e pio cealbe.
on innanhipe.
heolb "3 hybbe.
halijep meahtum.
Be faep cynmgep gebobe.
cyrne^ jeapa jehpaem.
eopSe bpmgeS.
seghpylc cubop.
anb pe hata pumop.
haelepa beapnum.
jeajia jehpilce.
giejieS 3 bpi;z;e^.
1 Cott. ealla.
•Through the Lord's power, the
sun and the moon
Eule as at first by the Fa-
ther's decree ;
And think not thou these
bright shiners will soon
Weary of serfdom till domes-
day shall be :
Then shall the Maker of man
at his will
Do with them all that is
right by-and-by ;
Meanwhile the Good and Al-
mighty One still
Setteth not both on one half
of the sky,
Lest they should other brave
beings unmake;
But Ever Good, He still
suiFers it not ;
Somewhiles the dry with the
water will slake,
Somewhiles will mingle the
cold with the hot.
Tea, by His skill, otherwhiles
will upsoar
Into the sky fire airily-
form'd,
Leaving behind it the cold
heavy ore
Which by the Holy One's
might it had warm'd.
a Cott. bpifS.
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
349
jeonb j-ibne jpunb.
fseh anb bleba.
hdejiyeyt Co honba.
heji buenbum.
pipa pece8.
pen sefcep ]>8em.
fpylce hajal ~\ ynay.
hpufan leccat).
on pmcpef Cib.
pebep unhiope.
pop ])asm eopSe onpehcS.
ealium psebum.
gebe^ ^ hi ^popaS,
geapa jehpilce.
on lenccen cib.
leap up pppyctaS.
ac pe milba mecob.
monna beapnum.
on eoppan pec,
eall f ce gpopeS.
pa&]Cmap on peopolbe.
pel pop'cSbjienjeS hiC.
}}onne he pile.
heopona palbenb.
anb eopa^ epc.
eopS-buenbum.
nimS ]?onne he pile.
nepjenbe Urob.
anb f) hehpce 500b.
on heah pecle.
pice6 pelp cynmj.
anb flop pibe jepceapc.
]?enaS anb ]?iopaS.
he l^one anpalbe^.
j)8em jepelclejjpum.
peopulb jepceapca.
Nip f nan punbop.
he ip pepoba Ijob.
cyninj anb Dpihcen.
cpucepa jehpelcep.
aepelm 3 ppuma.
eallpa gepceapta.
By the King's bidding it
cometh each year,
Earth in the summer-time
bringeth forth fruit,
Eipens and dries for the soil-
dwellers here
The seed, and the sheaf, and
the blade, and the root.
Afterward rain cometh, hailing
and snow,
Winter - tide weather that
wetteth the world.
Hence the earth quickens the
seeds that they grow
And in the lenten - tide
leaves are uncurl' d.
So the Mild Maker for children
of men
Peeds in the earth each fruit
to increase,
Wielder of heaven ! He brings
it forth then ;
Nourishing God ! — or makes
it to cease.
He, Highest G-ood, sits on His
high seat,
Self- King of all, and reins
evermore
This His wide handiwork,
made, as is meet,
His thane and HistheowHo
serve and adore.
That is no wonder, for He is
the King,
Lord God of Hosts, each
living soul's awe,
Theow, a slave.
350
THE METRES OF BOETHIUS.
pyphta "3 jceppenb.
peopulbe ]>iyye.
pij'bom anb s&.
populb-buenbpa.
6alle^ gefceafca.
on hsepenbo.
hio nane ne penbaS.
faec efC cumaS.
Irip lie ppa jepcae^J)!^.
ne fCa])olabe.
ealle gefceapta.^
Ee^hpylc hiopa.
ppaSe copcencte.
peopJ)an fceolben.
ae^hpilc liiopa.
ealle to nauhce.
peop|>an pceolbon.
ppaSe toflopena.
)?eah ]7a ane lupe.
ealle gejceafta.
heoponef -^ eopJ>an.
haebben gema&ne.
]?aec hi ]7iopien.
ppilcum J>iob-ppuman.
anb pa&gnia^ f.
hiopa fsebep palbetS.
nip ^ nan punbop.
poppaem puhca nan.
aeppe ne meahce.
ellej- punian.
jip hi eall mse^ene.
hiopa opb-ppuman.
ne Jjiopobeji.
|jeobne ma&pum.
The source and the spring of
each being and thing,
All the world's maker, and
wisdom, and law.
Everything made, — on His er-
rands they go,
None that He sendeth may
ever turn back ;
Had He not stablished and
settled it so,
All had been ruin and fallen
to rack ;
Even to nought would have
come at the last :
All that is made would have
melted away :
But both in heaven and earth,
true and fast,
All have one love such a
Lord to obey.
And are full fain that their
Eather should reign ;
That is no w^onder, for else
should each thing
Never have life, if they did not
remain
True to their Maker, man's
glorious King.
METEIJM XXX.«
Omepup paep.
eapc mib Epecum.
on ))8em leobfcipe.
« Boet. lib. V. metrum 2. — Puro clarum lumine Phoebum
Melliflui canit oris Homerus, &c.
» Cott. ealla. 2 Cott. gepcepca.
METEE XXX.
OF THE TRUE SUN.
Homer among the Eastern
Greeks, was erst
THE METEES OF BOETHIUS.
351
leo])a cpgeftjafC.
Fip^iliej'.
pjieonb 3 lapeop.
|?8em msepan fceope.
majij-tpa beCfC.
Ppaec fe Omepuf .
ope anb gelome.
paepe punnan plite.
ppi'8e hepebe.
8ej?elo cpaepcaj-.
ope anb jelome.
leo]7um 3 ppellum.
leobum jieahce.
ne mse^ hio ]>edh jepcman.
feah hio pie pcip ■] beophc.
ahpaejijen neah.
ealle^ jepceapca.
ne pupl^um pa jepceapta.
]>e hio jepcman roae^-
enbemep ne maej.
ealle^ jeonblilitan.
innan anb ucan.
Ac pe aelmihteja.
palbenb ~} pyphca.
peopulbe jepceapca.
hip ajen peopc.
call jeonbphce(5.
enbemep ]?uphpyhS.
ealle^ gepceapta.
Daec ip pio joSe.
punne mib pihte be faem.
pe majon pin^an.
ppylc bucan leape.
METEUM XXXI/
Ppaec ])u meaht onjitan.
gip hip pe jeman lypc.
paec ce miphce.
manega puhta.
geonb eoppan papaS.
The best of bards in all that
country side ;
And he was Virgil's friend and
teacher first,
To that great minstrel
master well allied.
And Homer often greatly
praised the sun,
Her high-born worth, her
skilfulness most true ;
Often by song and story many
a one [praises due.
He to the people sang her
Yet can she not shine out,
though clear and bright.
Everywhere near to every-
thing all- ways,
Nor further, can she shed an
equal liglit
Inside and out on all that
meet her rays.
But the Almighty Lord of
worldly things,
"Wielder and Worker,
brightly shines above
His own good workmanship,
and round -all flings
An equal blaze of skilfulness
and love !
That is the true Sun, whom we
rightly may
Sing without leasing as the
Lord of Day.
METEE XXXI.
OP MAN^S UPEIGHTNESS.
Yet more, thou mayst know,
If it lists thee to mind,
That many things go
' Boet. lib. V. metrum 5. — Quam variis terras animalia permeant figuris, &c.
1 Cott. ealla.
352
THE METEES OE BOETHITJS.
unwell ce.
habbaS blioh 3 jraepbu.
unjelice.
anb masj-plicaf.
manegpa cynna.-^
cuS anb uncu^.
cpeopaS -3 ]nicat5.
eall lichoma.
eopj^an jeten^e.
nabba^ hi sec }:i]7pum pultum.
ne ma^on hi mib fotum
eop]?an bpucan. [ganjan.
fpa him eaben paej* .
fume pocum tpam.
folban peS|)a^.
pume piep-pete.
pume pleogenbe.
pmbe^ unbep polcnum.
Bi^ feah puhca jehpilc.
onhnigen Co hpupan.
hnipaS op bune.
on peojmlb phteS.
pilna^ Co eop])an.
pume neb-feappe.
pume neob-ppaace.
man ana gee's.
mecobep gepceajzca.
mib hip anbphcan.
up on jepihce.
GOib ]>y ip gecaenob.
J78ec hip cpeopa pceal.
anb hip mob-jeponc.
ma up ]?onne nipep.
habban co heoponum.
IpY laep he hip hije penbe.
nipep ppa faep nycen.
Nip^ f gebapenhc.
baec pe mob-]*epa.
monna aenigep.
nipep-healb pepe.
anb ]?£ec neb uppeapb.
> Cott. cynnu.
Over earth in their kind
Unlike to the view
In shape as in hue.
Known or unknown
Some forms of them all .
On earth lying prone
Must creep and must crawl ;
By feathers help'd not
Nor walking with feet,
As it is their lot
Earth they must eat.
Two-footed these,
Pour-footed those,
Each one with ease
Its going well-knows,
Some flying high
Under the sky.
Yet to this earth
Is everything bound,
Bowed from its birth
Down to the ground ;
Looking on clay.
And leaning to dust.
Some as they may.
And some as they must.
Man alone goes
Of all things upright, —
"Whereby he shows
That his mind and his might
Ever should rise
Up to the skies.
Unless like the beast
His mind is intent
Downwards to feast, —
It cannot be meant
That any man
So far should sink
Upwards to scan
Yet — downwards to think !
2 Cott. If.
NOTES.
Note 1, p. viii. — "-^lypeb Kunins paej* pealbj-cob 'Siyye bee." " King
Alfred was translator of this book." — Although this preface is written in
the third person, yet there is no doubt that Alfred himself was the writer,
for he explains his method of translating, alludes to " the various and
manifold occupations which often busied him both in mind and body,"
beseeches the reader to " pray for him, and not to blame him if he should
more rightly understand it than he could ;" and finally, offers the apology
that " every man must, according to the measure of his understanding,
and according to his leisure, speak that which he speaks, and do that
which he does." The style of this preface is very similar to the one which
Alfred prefixed to his version of Pope Gregory's Pastoral, and also to that
which he prefixed to the Anglo-Saxon version of Pope Gregorj'^'s Dialogues,
which was written, under his direction, by Werefrith, Bishop of Worcester.
Note 2, p. 2, 1. 2. — " Raebgota anb eallepica." — The invasions of
Radagaisus and Alaric took place early in the fifth century, and, aftep
many years of desolating wars, Theodoric, an Ostrogoth, said to be the
fourteenth in lineal descent of the royal line of Amala, acquired possession
of Rome. Theodoric was a Christian, but bad been educated in the tenets
of Arius. For many years he gave the fullest toleration to the profession
of the Catholic Faith, and went so far as to behead one of his officers for
becoming an Arian, saying, " If thou couldst not continue true to thy God,
how canst thou prove faithful to me who am but a man ?" At length,
however, apprehending danger to his throne, and suspecting the Catholics
to be in league with his enemies, he withheld the toleration he had
granted, and became a persecutor of the orthodox faith. The oppressions
which he beheld, roused the patriotism of Boethius, a noble Roman, distin-
1 guished for his many and varied accomplishments. He entered into a cor-
' respondence with the Emperor Justin, at Constantinople, and this being
discovered, Theodoric caused him to be imprisoned in Ticinum, and whilij
I there, he composed this treatise.
I Note 3, p. 2, 1. 8. — Literally, " that they might be worthy of their
I ancient rights;" "heopa ealbpihca py]ij?e been." — It may here be ob-
t served that the compound words which occur so frequently in Anglo-Saxon
1 are, for the most part, compounded from substantives and adjectives. The
; adjective is frequently found in composition with its substantive, and.
; remains uninflected through all its cases. Thus the adjective "ealb," in
composition with the substantive "pihc," makes " ealbpihta," an^,
" ealbpihtum" in the genitive and dative and ablative plural ; and in
2 A
354 NOTES. I
composition with the substantive "hlajropb," makes " ealbhlajropb/ and!
" ealbhlafopbum" in the dative and ablative plural. Two substantives
are often compounded, the first having an adjective power. Thus " populb"
compounded with the substantives " ]:>eap" and " feel's," respectively
makes " populb J>eapum" and " populb p sel^um" in the dative and ablative
plural. This kind of composition is not limited to two words. The com-
pound " ealb-hlapopb," considered as one word, may again be com-
pounded, as in the present chapter, with the substantive " cyn." The
latter word " cyn" only is then subject to inflection, " ealb" and " hlapopb"
remaining invariable. Accordingly we find " ealb-hlapopb-cynnep" in
the genitive singular ; and a similar inflection will be found in many other
words.
Note 4, p. 2, 1. 11. — John, the first Pope who bore that name, was sent
on an embassy by Theodoric to the Emperor Justin, at Constantinople,
and on his return, Theodoric confined him in a dungeon at Ravenna, where
he died of want.
Note 5, p. 2, 1. 20. — "Senbe >a biSelhce sepenbgeppitu." "5e there-
fore privately sent letters."— The verb Senbe is here used without a
nominative case being expressed, which, however, is to be understood, and
sought for in the preceding sentence.
Note 6, p. 4, 1. 22. — " 8e pipbom." — In several parts of this work the
reader will meet with inconsistencies resulting from the grammatical acci-
dent of gender. In Anglo-Saxon many substantives are neuter, but the
far greater number, though denoting objects undistinguished by sex, are
considered, grammatically, as either masculine or feminine. These distinc-
tions are for the most part regulated by terminations, but are occasionally
arbitrary. As a rule, words ending in a are masculine, and those ending
in e are feminine ; thus CDona, the moon, is masculine ; and 8unne, the
sun, is feminine ; while pip, wife, or woman, is neuter. In the Latin
version of Boethius, Philosophy is described as a female, the word PhUo-
sophia being grammatically of the feminine gender, but Alfred generally
translates it by pipbom, which is invariably masculine. Hence we find
him applying masculine articles, pronouns and adjectives, to pipbom, who
is perhaps in the same page described as the poptep mobo]i of Boethius.
\xx a few places Philosophia is rendered by tepceabpipnep. Reason, and is
then feminine. In one instance, c. iii. § 3, the words pipbom and
Erepceabpipnep are used conjointly to designate Philosophy, with a verb in
the plural number ; and yet the author immediately reverts to the singular,
and says, J>a oilman he epC pppecan ^ cpae^. — Although the dialogue
should properly be carried on between Philosophy and Boethius, yet
Alfred frequently makes " the mind" — i.e. the mind of Boethius — one of
the interlocutors, instead of Boethius himself; and CDob, the mind, is a
substantive of the neuter gender.
Note 7, p. 7, 1. 23. — This opinion of Plato was powerfully enforced by
him in his dialogue De Republica ; and it is a truth which will find an
echo in every well-ordered mind.
Note 8, p. 10, 1. 15. — The Cottonian MS., which has been wonderfully
restored by the gentlemen mentioned in the preface, commences with the
word " unclaenan •" the preceding portion being too much injured to be
deciphered. The variations in the readings of the Cottonian MS., which
ifOTES. 355
occur before this word, were observed by Junius before the MS. was in-
jured by fire, and are given on his authority ; all the subsequent ones are
the result of the editor's own collation.
Note 9, p. 23, 1. 10. — This was Croesus, King of Lydla, who, having been
taken captive by Cyrus, King of Persia, and placed on a pile to be burned,
is said to have been delivered from his danger by a shower of rain, which
Apollo sent at his earnest entreaty. — Herod, i. 87.
Note 10, p. 26, 1. 13. — This chapter ends abruptly, and is evidently in-
complete.
Note 11, p. 36, 1. 22. — " FopJ?am ^e LpipC eapba'S on J^aepe bene
eabmobnei'fe," " For Christ dwells in the vale of humility." — Whatever
allusions to the Christian religion occur in this work, are introduced by
Alfred.
Note 12, p. 47, 1. 82. — Cantabit vacuus coram latrone viator. — Juv.
Sat. X. 22.
Note 13, p. 52, 1. 19. — King Alfred evidently mistook the epithet
" Liberura" for a proper name. The individual alluded to was probably
Anaxarchus, a philosopher of Abdera. Nicocreon, King of Salamis, in
Cyprus, having been offended by the philosopher's freedom, caused him to
be cruelly tormented ; and when at length the tyrant, finding he could not
siibdue the spirit of his victim, threatened to cut off his tongue, Anaxarchus
bit it off, and spit it into the tyrant's face. — Cic. in Tusc. ii. 21.
Note 14, p. 53, 1. 30. — Busiris, King of Egypt, said to have been the son
of Neptune, and altogether a mythical personage, sacrificed to Jupiter all
strangers whom he could seize ; and when Hercules visited Egypt, Busiris
caused him to be bound and laid upon the altar. Hercules, however, soon
disentangled himself, and sacrificed the tyrant and his son on the altar,
where he had slain his victims. The whole statement, however, is contra-
dicted by Herodotus.
Note 15, p. 53, 1. 39. — Regulus was a Roman consul during the first
Punic war, and, after gaining several victories over the Carthaginians,
was at length overcome by Xanthippus, and taken prisoner. He was sent
to Rome by the Carthaginians to sue for peace, but so far was he from de-
siring peace, that he exhorted his countrymen to persevere in the war, as
it would be greatly for their advantage ; and on his return to Carthage he
was cruelly put to death.
Note 16, p. 58, 1. 29. — Lpsejrc. Literally, craft. — Perhaps no word in
the Anglo-Saxon language is used in a greater variet}' of senses. It denotes
art, trade, profession, practice, employment, workmanship, skill, talent,
ability, power, strength, faculty, virtue, excellence, endowment, and many
other good qualities ; and it is also used, though rarely, in a bad sense, for
cunning, contrivance, artifice.
Note 17, p. 62, 1. 32. — l>eopa yppddc ij* tobseleb on cpa ^ hunb
reoponcis. Their language is divided into seventy-two, — This calculation
of the number of languages occurs again in c. xxxv. 1$ 4. It is also men-
tioned by JEUiic^ De Test. Vet. ; and the passage is thus translated by
Lisle : " Now the history telleth us concerning Noe's posterity, that his
sons begot seuenty and two sons, who began to build that wonderfull citie
and high tower, which in their foolish imagination should reach up to
heaven. But Godhimselfe came thereto, and beheld their worke, and gave
2 a2
356 NOTES.
them every one a sundry language, that they understood not each other,
what they said : so they quickly surceased the building ; and then went
they to sundry forrein lands, with as many languages as leaders."
Note 18, p. 64, 1. 8.— Cicero shows in his " Somniura Scipionis" that the
Romans occupied a comparatively small part of the earth, and that, there-
fore, the glory of the Roman name was very limited in its extent.
Note 19, p. 64, 1. 15. — " \>e 'ge ]?8ep ymbe ypmca'S." " Which ye labour
about." — " fa&p," " there," is frequently redundant in Anglo-Saxon as in
modern English.
Note 20, p. 66, 1. 7. — " Cen Jjufenb pmtpa." " Ten thousand winters."
— Northern nations reckon their j'ears by winters, and the shorter divisions
of time by nights. The latter mode of computation is still very common
in this country, as, instead of seven days, we say "se'nnight;" and, in-
stead of fourteen days, we say " a fortnight."
Note 21, p. 68, 1. 34.— Hor. Carm. lib. i. carra. 4.
Note 22, p. 70, 1. 1. — " )>paaC pint nu j^s&p popemsepan anb J^seppipan
Solbpmi^ep ban pelonbep." " Wliat are now the bones of the celebrated
and the wise goldsmith, Weland?" — This passage is grounded on the
following remark of Boethius,
" Ubi nunc fidelis ossa Fabricii jacent ?"
In c. xvi, § 2, Alfred mistook an epithet for a proper name, and here, in-
stead of mentioning the name of Fabricius, the opponent of Pyrrhus, he
seems to have been led by a singular association of ideas to substitute that
of Weland, the Vulcan of northern mythology. Although there is a re-
markable change of persons, the argument to prove the worthlessness of
earthly reputation is not affected by it.
Note 23, p. 70, 1. 7. — "8e apseba Rompapa hepecoSa, pe ps&p hatan
Bpucup, oSpe naman Irappiup." " The patriotic consul of the Romans,
who was called Brutus, by another name Cassius." — This is a very singu-
lar mistake of Alfred's. Brutus and Cassius are here confounded, and con-
sidered as one person !
Note 24, p. 72, 1. 6. — " ppa J?8ep pmbep ypt." "As the wind's storm."
— For this reading we are indebted to Mr. Cardale ; the reading in the
Cottonian MS. being ppa |>ae]i pmbep J?yp, and in the Bodleian ppa& i>eji
pinbep J?yp ; both of which are evidently erroneous, and there cannot be a
doubt that Mr. Cardale has happily restored the original reading.
Note 25, p. 72, 1. 6. — " Scyping," which is here rendered "experience,
means a stirring, or agitation, or any kind of tumult.
Note 26, p. 76, 1. 32. — "8piJ>e ppece to bealcetenne," which is here
translated- " very pleasant to the stomach," could not be rendered more
literal in English, the expression being "dulcis eructando."
Note 27, p. 80, 1. 10.— t ir >onne tob. That is, then, God.— The
Latin of Boethius is. Id autem est bonum. That God is the supreme good
is not formally stated by Boethius until after a long train of reasoning,
which is followed by his address to the Deity. It first occurs in the part
of lib. iii. prosa 10, which corresponds with c. xxxiv. § 2, of the present
work. But in this, and some other passages, the construction shows that
Alfred meant to put God, instead of good. In Anglo-Saxon the word gob
denotes both God and good, so that there can be no other guide to its
meaning, independently of the context, than the introduction of a capital
NOTES.
357
letter. It may be remarked, however, that in the Cottonian MS. of this
work, the adjective 50b is generally spelt •goob.
Note 28, p. 82, line 2.— oj-bselpe ; more prone.— The Bodleian MS.
gives of'Saelpe, and the Cottonian gives oyc^selpe, as the reading of tkis
word ; but these being unintelligible, Junius proposed to substitute
ojbseljie, in wbich he was followed by Mr. Cardale, and the Editor's
opinion coincides with their view.— See Rawlinson's Boethius, p. 167.
Note 29, p. 86, 1. 4. — oj^ep is substituted by Mr. Cardale for heopa, and
makes the passage clearer.
Note 30, p. 90, 1. 4. — ms&te is here used impersonally, and reflectively :
literally, as if it dream you.
Note 31, p. 90, 1. 24. — Da anbfpopobe BoeCiuf. Then answered
Boethius. — Alfred occasionally forgets that he is writing in the character
of Boethius, and names him in the third person.
Note 32, p. 92, 1. 34, — hin^pige ]?ypr~e cale. — These verbs
are all in the singular number, and are used impersonally — a circumstance
which frequently occurs in Anglo-Saxon.
' Note 33, p. 96, 1. 6. — ye Laculuf fsey hepecoga on Rome. Catulus
was a consul in Rome. — Catulus was a Roman consul, but it was Catullus,
the poet, who was indignant that Nonius should sit in a chair of state. The
two are here confounded.
Note 34, p. 102, 1. 28. — This refers to Damocles and Dionysius, the
tyrant of Sicily.
Note 35, p. 104, 1. 19. — Seneca, who is called the "foster-father" of
Nero, had the misfortune to be appointed tutor to that cruel tyrant ; and
having incurred the displeasure of his former pupil, he was put to death by
bleeding, which was accelerated by a bath.
Note 36, p. 104, 1. 24. — Papinian, the celebrated jurist, was a prefect
vinder the Emperor Severus, and it is said that the emperor, on his death,
commended his two sons, Antoninus Caracalla and Geta, to the care of
Papinian. But soon after his father s death, Caracalla dismissed Papinian
from his oiRce, murdered his brother Geta, and then gave orders for the
execution of his former guardian, which was shortly afterwards carried
into effect. Boethius could scarcely have selected two more fitting
examples for illustrating his argument.
Note 37, p. 106, 1. 23.— Thyle. Thule — An island in the German
Ocean, which, from its great distance from the continent of Europe, received
from the ancients the epithet of " ultima." Its situation was never ascer-
tained ; and there are still different opinions about it. Some suppose that
it was the island now called Iceland, or else part of Greenland ; while
others consider it to be the Shetland Isles.
Note 38, p. 106, 1. 31. — "pum j'ceop ;" "a certain poet." — This was
Euripides ; and Lhe passage alluded to is Andromacha, 1. 320, Ed. Matth.
Note 39, p. 110, 1. 16. — unse^elne ; unnoble. — It was necessary to coin
a word to express the meaning of the original. Ignoble would convey a
very false idea of what is meant by unaej^el, both in this and many other
passages.
Note 40, p. 112, 1. 15. — GIdipus is here alluded to, who, in ignorance,
is said to have slain his father Laius, King of Thebes.
Note 41, p. 130, 1. 18. — opcuman is evidently a contraction of
oj-epcuman, to overcome, like o'ercome in English.
358 NOTES,
Note 42, p. 132, 1. 36. — bpiffc is here used for bepej-t.
Note 43, p. 142, 1. 17. — J'eapf'S is here used for \>ea.jvft.
Note 44, p. 146, 1. 3. — po beophcnef J^aepe j-unnan fciman fie \>3Ry »p
nef Co metanne, &c. — This, which is the reading in the Bodleian MS., is
evidently a mistake, and unfortunately there is no other MS. to correct it,
inasmuch as those portions of Boethius which are metrical are entirely dif-
ferent in the Bodleian and Cottonian MSS. The Bodleian contains the
metres in a prosaic form, and the Cottonian has them in verse. E. Thom-
son, Esq., has kindly suggested to the Editor that hsej- sep nef should be
^aeftaepiiej', or rather ^eoftaepnef, darkness; and this alteration is in
some measure confirmed by the parallel passage in the metrical version,
viz. :
|>onne pile he recjian,
)>aeC ^aejie funnan pe,
beophcnej* \>ioxt,jio,
beopna gephpylcum,
to metanne.
There can, therefore, be no impropriety in thus altering the reading of the
Bod. MS., and substituting for it a word which, whUe it gives clearness to
the passage, is in harmony with the Cott. MS.
Note 45, p. 160, 1. 22. — The word " he" is redundant here, and makes
tiohhige have the force of a reflective verb ; a mode of expression very
common in this work. It may here be remarked, that there are many
redundancies which did not seem to require any remark in the notes.
Note 46, p. 162, 1. 4. — Ic pat, &c. — The fable of the giants and the his-
tory of the Tower of Babel are introduced by Alfred in consequence of a
passing allusion in Boethius ; and it may be noticed how carefully Alfred
guards against making a direct assertion Avith regard to these fabulous
histories, by employing the expression, "pceolbe been."
Note 47, p. 162, 1. 20.— Deipa. Dura.— Daniel, c. iii. 1.
Note 48, p. 166, 1. 8. — Papmenibep. Parmenides. — Parmenides was a
Greek philosopher, and flourished about the same time as Socrates ; and,
like other philosophers of that period, expressed his opinions in verse.
The poem from which the quotation is made is entitled, " On Nature."
Note 49, p. 166, 1. 18. — ^aep pipan Platonej* lapa puma. — The passage
here alluded to was the remark made by Plato in his Timseus, viz. that
discourses, in those matters of which they are the interpreters, should
always have a certain relationship to the subject.
Note 50, p. 170, 1. 3. — Tytiep. — The reading of this word is evidently
different in the Cott. MS., but from the illegible state of this part of the
MS. it is impossible to say what the reading is.
Note 51, p. 184, 1. 18. — pe Platonep cpibe. — The saying of Plato, to
which reference is made, is in his " Gorgias and Alcibiades," b. i.
Note 52, p. 194, 1. 4. — Ulysses is called by Boethius, Neritius dux, this
name being derived from Neritos, a mountain in Ithaca. Alfred evidently
mistook his author's meaning, and considered Retia, or Neritia, as a
distinct country, over which Ulysses ruled.
Note 53, p. 194, 1. 11 — penbel pae ; the Wendel Sea. — This was either
the whole of the Mediterranean Sea, or that part of it which is called the
Adriatic. — See Alfred's Orosius, b. i. c. i.
NOTES. 359
Note 54, p. 194, 1. 32. — 8ume hi jwbon "^ hio fceolbe foprceoppan
fco leon. "J "Sonne feo fceolbe fppecan. jjonne pynbe hio. Some, they
said, she— i.e. Circe — should transform to lions, and when they should
speak, then they roared. — Literally, some they said she should transform
into a lion, and when she should speak then she roared. She, of course,
refers to leon, which is a feminine noun in Anglo-Saxon.
Note 55, p. 220, 1. 27. — Spa fpa on paenef eaxe hpeappah Jja hpeol.
As on the axle-tree of a waggon the wheel turns. — The whole of this
section is King Alfred's original production. The simile of the wheel is,
perhaps, pursued rather too far, and occasionally is not very intelligible ;
byp)>, which occurs a few words after, is for bepe'S.
Note 56, p. 228, 1. 10. — See Psalm xvii. 8 ; Keep me as the apple of an
eye.
Note 57, p. 236, 1. 17.— In the Cott. MS., after Da cpa&'S he, the follow-
ing words are inserted, " eall bi^ Soob "^ te nyc bi^. t>a cyae'5 ic '^ \y j^o'S.
ba cpae^ he." 8io, &c. Having chiefly followed the Bodleian text, it did
not appear necessary to disturb that arrangement by incorporating these
words in the text of this edition.
Note 58, p. 242, 1. 2.— See Aristotelis Physica, lib. ii. c. v.
Note 59, p. 244, 1. 6. — The passage alluded to appears to be in Iliad iii.
1. 277:
'HtXtdy 6 , OS TvavT ((popas, Kol navT irraKoveLs.
Note 60, p. 246, 1. 26. — Cicero was named Marcus Tullius Cicero. See
also c. xviii. § 2.
Note 61, p. 248, 1. 3. — In the Cott. MS. the following words are inserted
after j-ppaecon, before piC: ">a cpae'5 ic hpaet haebbe ic fopgiten ]ps&Y >e
piC 8&P fppaecon. i>a op's he" pit, &c. For the reason before given, in
note 57, they are not incorporated in the present text.
Note 62, p. 252, 1. 20.— gepip anb^ic is rendered " intelligence," in con-
formity with the Latin. By intelligentia, Boethius meant the highest
degree of knowledge.
Note 63, p. 255, 1. 15. — By the expression "prone cattle," which is the
translation of " hpopa nycenu," those animals are meant which have their
faces turned towards the ground.
Note 64, p. 256, 1. 1, c. xlii. — Fop \>y pe pceolbon, &c. "Therefore we
ought," &c. — This, which is the last chapter of King Alfred's translation
of Boethius, and which is very interesting, is almost entirely the royal
author's own.
Note 65, p. 260, 1. 1 — Dpihcen selmihciSa Irob, &c. "O Lord God,
Almighty," &c. — This prayer, which is added at the end of the Bodleian
MS. in a later hand, was not appended to the Cottonian MS.
Note 66, p. 263, I. 1. — Buy -^Ippeb up. — This introduction, which was
prefixed to the Cottonian MS., was scarcely the production of King Alfred
himself, although it is an additional proof, if any were wanting, that he
was the translator of Boethius, and the author of the metrical version.
What is usually called the prose version of Boethius, contains the metres,
but the translation is not in verse, although from the nature of the subject
it nearly approaches poetry. King Alfred, it is supposed, wrote the prose
when harassed with those " various and manifold worldly occupations
which often busied him both in mind and in body," of which he so feel-
360 NOTES.
ingly complains ; and when he had overcome the difficulties which beset
him, he reduced the translation of the metres -.to that form in which they
have been handed down to us, being at once a monument of royal industry,
and a pure specimen of the poetry of the Anglo-Saxons.
Note 67, p. 264. — Metre I. — What is here termed Metre I. is rather an
original introduction of King Alfred to the subsequent poem. The work of
Boethius commences with a metre relative to his misfortunes, without
alluding to the cause of them :
" Carmina qui quondam studio florente peregi,
Flebilis, heu, msestos cogor inire modos."
As the whole of the Anglo-Saxon metres are too paraphrastic to be strictly
called translations, it appears to be the simplest arrangement to number
them from this.
Note 68, p. 264, 1. 25. — Linb-pigenbe. — Literally, fighting under shields
made of the linden, or lime-tree. Lmb in its primary signification is the
linden, or lime-tree, Tilia arhor ; and in its secondary, or metaphorical
sense, it is a standard, or banner, as A\ell as a shield. A similar meta-
phorical use is made of the word aefc, an ash-tree. It often signifies a
spear or javelin; i.e. a weapon made of ash.
Note 69, p. 270, 1. 1. — JEala J?u fcippenb. — This metre, which contains
an address to the Deity, is a happy production of King Alfred's muse.
With regard to Mr. Turner's observation, that King Alfred's prose transla-
tion of the metres of Boethius has more intellectual energy than his verse,
it may be remarked, that this is not singular. We usually find much
greater energy in blank verse than in poetry, which is fettered with
rhyme. This may be exemplified by taking one of the poems ascribed to
Ossian, and reducing it to the regular laws of verse. Mr. Turner, however,
does justice to our author, by saying, " There is an infusion of moral mind
and a graceful ease of diction in the writings of Alfred, which we shall
look for in vain to the same degree and effect among the other remains of
Anglo-Saxon poetry." — History of the Ani;lo-Saxons, b. v. ch. iv.
Note 70, p. 307, 1. 1. — Cala mm D]nhten. — This metre contains an-
other address to the Deity, which, like the former one, is extremely beau-
tiful. The Latin metre, beginning, O qui perpetua mundum ratione
gubernas, is so amplified, that the Anglo-Saxon version of it may be con-
sidered an original composition.
Note 71, p. 348, 1. 4. — aep bomej' bsege; before dome's day. — Dome's
day signifies the day of judgment: being derived from beman, to judge.
From hence also is derived our English verb, to deem, i.e. to form a judg-
ment or opinion.
GLOSSARY.
5r.
"K, ever
ISbelgan, to offend
!Sbepan, to bear
^rbejjecian, to find hidden
^bibfeaii, to pray
Sbican, to bite, to devour
Tfblenb, blinded
Stlenban, to blind
[Sibpecan, to break, to spoil, to take
by storm
TTbpebian, to remove, to open
SIbyf san \ *° Prepossess, to occupy
IScelan, to cool
TCcennan, to bring forth, to beget ;
IScennebnej', birth
TTcpung, an asking, a question
3;'cpelan, to die
?cplt„1 '»"'•■ -perish
TCbimmian, to make dim, to darken
Sbl. a disease
S'bovi, to take away, to banish
^ibpencan, to drown
Sbjieosan "^
3'Jvpeohan > to endure, to tolerate
ffbpiohan )
3!bpij:an, to drive away, to drive
Sbpaefcan, to quench, to dispel
JE, law
^a, a river, water
^ceji, a field
JEibpe, a vein
JEbyceaft, a new creation
-^jren, the evening, even
-^jren-pteoppa, the evening star
JEyen-tibe, the evening
^yep, ever
JEift, again
JEyzeji, after
^pcep-senga, a successor
-^j-teppa, second
-^ycep-j-pypian, to examine, to in-
quire after
^ppeajibnep, absence
JE^, an egg
iEj;hp8e>ep, both
^ghpibep, on every side
vEshponon, every way, everywhere
^t;]>ep, either, both, each
^hc, property, possessions
^Ic, each
^IcpsepCiS, all skilful
^leng, long; To s&lense, too long
-^linge, weariness
^Imep, alms
^Imihciga, the Almighty
JEltsep, good, sound, perfect
^l)>eobe, a foreigner
-^ll^eobiS, foreign
^mca [ le^s^'-e' rest
JEne, once
362
GLOSSARY.
JEnbemej*t, equally
^„J|;P| each, Single
►J, ^ ^^ ^ only, excellent, singular
^ppell^^'^PP^'
ric^ [ honour, wealth
JEp, ere, ever, before
^penb, an errand
^penb-geppic, a letter, a message
^pej-C, first
^plej*C, 'S]i\ea.j't, iniquity, impiety
-^p-mopSen, early morning
^pnepeS, a course
.^pning, a running
-<Ep-tibe, timely
^fppms, a fountain
^J>el, noble
JE]?elcunbnef, nobleness
JEjjeling, a prince, a nobleman
-^l>elo, nobility, native country
37 * 'J- together
jEcne, Etna
-/Ecpican, to twit, to reproach
^pelm, a fountain
Sjraepan, to make afraid
TCpsepeb, afraid
!?Cf8eptnian, to fix
Sjranbian, to discover, to experience
!S!peban, to feed, to instruct
S'feoppian ")
3!|:epjian [ to take away, to put
TCpppan r away, to depart
Spypan J
3"peppcean, to become fresh
Spylan, to defile
TCpyppan, to remove to a distance
S^gan, to own, to possess
S'gaelan, to hindw
TCSen )
IS"snian, to appropriate
Sgyjran, to give back
Miebban, to raise
TThc-auhc, aught, anything
S'hpap ^
IS'hponanv anywhere, anywise
ffpep >
IShpsepgen, everywhere
?Chpeppeb, turned
SThpoppen, see J^peoppan
Slabian, to make excuse for
ISlaeban, to lead away, to mislead
IS'laeCan, to let go, to lose, to relinquish
TClbop, a chief
ISlecgan, to lay aside, to retract, to
confine
^l^pan ( *^ P^^^^^
Sleosan, to tell lies
Tflepenb, a Redeemer
Sllunga, altogether
Slpealba, the Omnipotent
Tflypan, to set free
TTlypCan, to desire
!Smbeht, a service
Smepian, to prove
Smetan, to mete out, to measure
TCmeppan, to hinder, to mislead, t«
distract, to corrupt
TTn, one
!S'n8e)>elan, to dishonour, to degrade
!S'nbib, waiting
Snbinban, to unbind
[S'ncop, an anchor
Snba, envy, enmity, revenge
ffnbepn, measure, proportion
Snbetcan, to confess
"S"! bt r > ^^^^^ ^^ meanmg, under-
Siltic J standing, intelligence
^Snbgetpull, discerning
TCnb^icpulhoe, clearly
JTnblans, along
Snblipeiie, food
TCnbpypn, respectable
IS'iibpaciSan, to deny
Snbppap
!?Cnbpypb
Snbppapian ) .
^ J ■ \. ("to answer
Anbpypban \
Snbpeapb, present
^npeopc'l^'^"'''""^**'"
TCnbplit, form
!S'nbplira, the countenance
Snpealb, onefold, simple, singly
existing
Snpealbnep, oneness, unity
an answer
GLOSSARY.
363
5tnjropl»tan, to lose, to forsake, to
relinquish
^°|f|ahook
3'nsehc, like
^Yngin, a beginning
Snginnan, to begin
ISnhealban, to observe, to keep
5Cnhebban, to lift up
IS'nlic, alone, only
ISTnlic, like
ISnlicnej-, form, likeness, resem-
blance
IS'nmobbce, unanimously
^Lnnej", oneness, unity
ISnj'cunian, to shun
JCnj-enban, to send
3!nj*ectan, to impose
ffnpn, a view
Snunga, at once
Snpalban, to rule
SnpalbeS, powerful
Slnpealba, a governor
^inpillice, obstinately
3[!npunian, to dwell alone
?poba(^P^*"^^
!5paeban > to search out, to discover,
Spebian ) to conjecture
TCpsepian, to bear, to sustain
TTpeccan, to declare, to explain
TCpecan, to delight
S!ppapan, to depart
3'pian, to honour
TCpleapnej", impiety
Splice, honourabl}'-
SppyptS, venerable, deserving of
honour
^Sjipypjja, a venerable person
3!ppyp'Snej', honour, dignity
?Cpapan, to sow
S!pcian, to ask
!S"fcipan, to separate, to be safe
TCpcoptian, to shorten, to become
shorter
?Cpcupan, to repel
Tfpeuns, an asking, an inquiry
^LfinSan, to sing
[Sflupan, to slip away
!S']'meaSan, to inquire
ISrppinSan, to break, or spring out
ISfpyhsan, to wash
ISfpypian, to seek, to explore
Spcipcian, to exterminate
!S"pnsan, to ascend
^rtpecan ) ^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^
Af tpeccan )
[S'pcypian, to stir, to move, to agitate
Spfa, an ass
3!ppeoCole, clearly
!Sppinban, to enervate, to perish
Sfynbpian, to separate
Scelan, to reckon, to count
3'cemian, to make tame
!S!reon, to attract, to draw, to allure
!?CS, an oath
3!J?eman, to extend
IS^eopcpian ^ to become dark, to
!7CJ>ypcpian ^ obscure
Sj'peocan, to warn, to weary
!S)>y, therefore
3!tihte, intent upon, attracted to
!Scion-op, to draw out
!Scpenblob, rolled
!Suht, aught
!S!uJ>ep, either
ISpeccan, to awaken, to excite
Spegan, to move away, to turn
aside, to agitate
ISpenban, to turn aside
!S"peo]ipan, to cast away, to degrade
ISpep, anywhere
Spinban, to strip off
?Cpinnan, to contend
ISpiiigeb, execrable
?fppican, to write out
Spypcan, to do
!S"pypcpalian, to root out
"Kxe, ashes
B.
Ba, both
B»cf "'"""'
Bsecan, to bridle
Bale, a heap
Balo, wicked
Band, dative of Ba, to both
3G4
GLOSSARY.
Ban, a bone
Bap, bare
Be, by
Beabu-pmc, a soldier
BeaS, a crown
Bealcecan, toeruct
Beam, a beam, a tree
Beapn, a child
BeapnlepC, childless
Beacan, to beat
T. . I to command, to bid, to
Biobon J
Bebob, a commandment
•D [ a book ; also Bee, pi. books
Bec-Lebene, Latin
Becnan, to denote
Becpeopan, to creep
Becuman, to happen, to befal, to
come to, to enter
Becyjipan, to turn
Bebselan, to divide, to deprive, to be
destitute
Beysej'Can, to commit
Befon, to catch hold of, to include
Bejropan, before
Began, to follow
Besitan, to beget, to get, to obtain
Begons, a course
Behealban, to behold, to observe, to
keep
Beheapan, to cut off
BehefU, necessary
Behelian, to cover, to conceal
Behinban, behind
Behopan, to behove, to render fit or
necessary
Behpepyan, to turn, to prepare
Belicgan, to surround
Belimpan, to belong to, to appertain
Belucan, to lock up
Benaeraan, to deprive
Benu?;an, to enjoy
Benyi^an, beneath
Beo, a bee
Beon, to be
■g K ( ^ ^i^l) 3. barrow
Beopn, a man
Beophc, bright
Beophcnep, brightness
Beppenan, to wink
Bepan, to bear; p. p. gebojien
Bepaeban, to rid from
Bepeapian } to bereave, to deprive,
Bepy|:an ^ to strip
Befcylian, to look upon
Bepeon, to look about, to look upon
Berlipan, to impose, to put upon
Bepmitan, to pollute, to defile
Bepops, dear, beloved
Bepcypmian, to agitate
Berpican, to deceive, to betray
Beppimman, to swim about
BeC, better
Betan, to improve
BeCepta, best .
Benng, a cable
Becpung, amendment
Becpc, best
Becpeox ^
Becpuh > betwixt, between, among
Becpux )
Be>ea]if an, to need, to want
BepajJian, to guard, to defend
Bepsepan, to cover
Bepseg-utan, surrounded
Bepealpian, to wallow
Bepitan, to keep, to observe
Beppigan, to cover, to conceal
Bepyppan, to cast
Bibban, to pray, to compel
Bipan, to shake, to tremble
^^Sa^ i to bend
Bysan S
Bil, a bill, a sword
Bil-pube, blood-red sword
Bilepic, gentle, merciful
BilepiCnep, simplicity
Binban, to bind
Binnan, within
Bio-bpeab, bee-bread, honeycomb
Biophco S
Biphrnep > brightness
Biphcu 3
B t V ^^ occupation
Biren ) ,
Bipn I ^^ example
GLOSSAET.
365
Bi)*San, to employ, to be employed,
to be busy
BifSunj;, an occupation
Bifmejiian, to scoff at, to reproach,
to revile
Bifnian, to set an example
Bifpel), a fable
Bippic, a deceit, a snare
Bicep, bitter
Bicepnef, bitterness
Bipifc, provisions, food
Blac, black, pale
Blaeb ) „ .,
Bleb \ ^^^^'
Blace, widely, everywhere
Blapan, to blow, to blossom
Blenbian, to blind
Bleep, colour
Blican, to glitter
Bhnb, blind
Bhoh, hue, beauty
Blip, bliss, pleasure
Bli]>e, blithe, merry, joyful
Bli'Snep, jov, enjoyment
Blob, blood"
Blopma, a blossom, a flower
Boc-cpsept, book-learning
Boba, a messenger
Bobian, to announce, to proclaim
■r. ? > a bough, a branch
Bopb, a bank
Bopen, born ; p. p. of bepan
Boc, repentance
r.'^ , > broad, extended
Bpa&ban, to spread ; p. p. bpaegban
Bpajbing, spreading
Bpeccan, to break
Bjieb, a board
Bpego, a ruler
Bpeopc I , ,
Bpeopc-copaP^®^'^^^^^
Bplbf(^^"^^^
Bpingan, to bring
jj [a brook, affliction, misery
Bpocian, to afflict
Bpoga, a prodigy
Bpopnienbe, perishable
^J^^t^I^J a brother
Bpo]5op )
Bpucan, to use, to enjoy
Bjjun, brown
Bpyb, a bride
Bpyp'5, he governs
Buenb, an inhabitant
Bupan, above
Bugian, to inhabit
Bujig-piccenb ^
BupS-papu > a citizen
Buph-papu J
Buph ^
Bupig >■ a city
BypiS )
Bupna, a stream
Bucan, without, external
u a I ^^^^ unless, except
Bucu, both
Butpuhc, betv/een
Bycgan, to buy
Bypnan, to burn
Lap, active
Lapepcun, an enclosure
LsepCep } .
Leapcep ) ^
Ealian, to be cold
Lamp-pteb, a camp, a field of
battle
LapiCula, a chapter
Lap, care
Lapcepn, a prison
Lealb, cold
LehheccuiiS, scorn, laughter
Lempa, a soldier
Lene, brave
Leoppan, to cut
Leopl, a husbandman, a man
EeoU ,.
Eiol \ ^ «^^P
Leopan, to choose; perf. gecupe,
chose
Lepe-raan^^"^^''^^^*'^^^^^!'™^"
Lepan, to catch, to subdue
366
GLOSSAET.
Lep ^ a space of time, a turn ;
Lieppe> aec jTiuman ceppe, in
Lyp ) the first instance
Leppan, to return, to depart
j^.j^Jachild
LI'S, a germ, a shoot
Lijja-leaf, without a shoot
Llam, a fetter
ElatS, cloth ; pi. Lla}>af, clothes
Llaen, pure, clean
Llaenlic, pure, virtuous
Lla&nnej*, virtue, chastity
Ll|pmn^ ( *° ^^"' ^^ ^'■^' *^ ^P^^^"^
Llif, a cliff
Llifian, to cleave, to adhere
Llub, a rock
LlufCep, a cell
Eniht, a youth, a child, an at-
tendant
tniht-hab, childhood
Lnoban, to dedicate
Lnol, a hill, a knoll
Lol, cool
Lonbel, a candle
Lonj-ul, a consul
tropn, a grain
LopJ^ep, a multitude, a company
Lofp, a fetter
LofCnuns, a temptation
Lo'Slice, truly^ surely
Lpsejrt, craft, art, virtue
y*^ ^ ^ f the Creator, a workman,
v \^ i ail artificer
Lpaeftij;, crafty, skilful, virtuous
Lpeaca, a Greek
Lpeopan > ,
Lpypan \ ^^ ^^^«P
LpifC, Christ
LpifCenbom, Christendom, Chris-
tianity
Lulpian, to cringe
Luma, a comer, a guest, a stranger
Luman, to come
Lunnan, to know
Lunnian, to inquire, to search
En's, known
Lu}>ian, to know
alive
Lpanian, to languish, to waste
Epsehan >
EpeJ>an > to say, to speak
Epi>an )
Epelmian, to kill
Epeman, to please
Epen, a queen
Epic )
Epuc ^ living,
Epuca )
Epibbung, a report, a speech
Epibe, a saying, a speech, a doctrine
Eyle, cold
Eyme, coming
Eyn, kin, kindred, kind
Eyn, proper
Eyna, a cleft, a chink
Etnelic^^y^l'^^^S^^^
Eynepcol, the king's dwelling-place,
the metropolis
Lynins, a king
Eynpen, a kind, a generation, a
family course
Eypepa, a kind of fish
Eyppan, to fetter, to bind
Eypc, excellence, splendour
Ey'S } knowledge, a region, a coun-
Ey>e S try
Eyj?an, to show, to make known, to
relate
D.
Dasb, a deed, an action
D tl [ secret, unknown, abstruse
Dr|op-Fm}^^^°^^«^^^^^y«
Dagl, a part
Dapu, an injury, a hurt
Deab, dead
Dea«hc}^^^^l^'"^°^*^^
Dea'S, death
Deap, dare
Delpan, to dig
Delfepe, a digger
Dem, an injury
GLOSSAET.
367
Dema, a judge
Deman, to judge
Dene, a valley
Deojrel, the devil
Deoplicop, deeper, more deeply
Diophce, deeply
dIp'^J dear, precious
Deopling ) a darling, a favourite,
Dioplins ) one beloved
Deop-cyn, wild beast kind
DeoppeopS "^
Deoppup^ > precious, dear
Deopj^yp'5 3
Deoppup^nej", a treasure
Depian, to injure
DieSelnep, a recess, a secret place
Digellice, secretly
Dim, dim, dark
DioSol, secret, profound
Diop-bopen, nobly b^rn
Diope, dearly
Dohcep, a daughter
Dom, a judgment, a decree
Domepe, a judge
Domef-bseg, doomsday
Don, to do, to make
Dopften, durst
Dpeam-cpaejrc, the art of music
Dpeamepe, a musician
Dpecan
to aflSict, to torment
Dpeccean
Dpepan, to vex, to trouble
^P^^^Urink
Dpync )
Dpeosan, to suffer
DpeopiS, dreary
Dpeopenb, perishable
Dpi )
DpiS \ dry
Dpifan, to drive, to pursue, to exer-
tise
DptS^an^^^'•5^'*°^^^^°^*^^
Dpihten, the Lord
Dpiht-guma, a chieftain
Dpincan, to drink
Dfohta'S, conversation, society
Dpycpsej-r, magical art
Dpycpaejrcis, skilful in sorcery
I^PySSum, the dregs
Dugan, to be honest, to profit
Dugu^, honour, an ornament
Dugu'S, virtuous, honourable
Dun, a hill, a mountain
Dunnian, to obscure, to make dun
Duppe, darest thou ? See Deap
Dupu, a door
Dpelian > to wander, to deceive, to
Dpolian ^ mislead
Dpolema, a chaos
Dybepian, to delude
Dynt, a blow, a crash
Dyri ]
DypS }> foolish
i)yrs J
Dypian, to be foolish
DypiS, folly, error
Dypiga, a foolish person
e.
Ca, a river
Cac, also
Caca, an addition
Gacan, to increase
Gaben, granted, ordained
CabiS, happy, blessed, perfect
eabiglic, perfect
eabignej", happiness
eabmoblice, humbly, conformably
^^JOP^ a wild boar
eafopa, a son
ease, an eye
eala, alas !
ealanb )
ealonb {
ealb? ,,
eoibj^^^
ealb-paebep, a grandfather
Calbop-man, an alderman, a noble-
man
ealb-pihc, an old right
Call, aU
an island
3G8
GLOSSARY.
eallej*, totally, altogether
eallun^a, altogether, entirely, at all
Calnepes ) ,
ealnes r^^^^'
Calo, ale
Cap, an ear
Capb, native soil
Capb-ysej-c, settled, permanent
Capbian, to dwell, to inhabit
eapefo'S ^
eappo'S > difficult
Gappo'Slic )
eappo'Snej*, a difficulty
eapirolju, difficulties
Cajig, weak, timid
Caji-geblonb, the sea
Capm, an arm
Gapm, wretched, poor
eapmins ) the miserable, the
epming ^ wretched
Capmlic, miserable
eapmlice, wretchedly, meanly
eapm-S )
eopm'S > poverty, calamity
e]\m^ S
eapman, to labour, to earn
eapnung, a means, a deserving, an
earning
Gafc, the east
eafCep, Easter
GafC-peapb, eastward
^^t^ I easily
Ca'Smeban, to adore, to be moved
with adoration
6a'Smeb, humble
CatSmec > , .,.,
Ca'Smobnej' y ^
Cap, oh !
Cax, an axis
ebban, to ebb, to recede
ebbe, the ebb, the receding of
water
Gee, eternal
Ccg, an edge
eblean, a reward
ebnipian, to renew
ebj-ceajrc, a new creation
ebpifc, a reproach
ep en-beophc, equally bright
Gpne, even
Cpnlic, equal
6fC, again
CfC-cuman, to come again, to re-
turn
ege, fear
ege-puU, terrible
Cgepa, terror
Csep'lic, horrible, terrific
eglian, to ail, to grieve
esoji-pcpeam, the sea
ehcan, to pursue
eib, an age, time
eibap, men. See ylb
eibjian, parents, ancestors
eibung, delay
eilen, courage, fortitude
eilenbe, a foreign land
611ep, else
eipenb, an elephant
eiKobiS, foreign
Cmbe-sypban, to encompass
Cmlice, equall}^ evenly
emne ( ®^®"' s"^^<^°'^^' equally
emman, to make equal
emca, leisure
enbe, an end
enbebypban, to set in order
enbebypblice, orderly
Cnbeleap, endless, inflnite
enbian, to end
Cngel, an angel
englipc, English
eopel, evil
Copl, an earl, a chief
e:!;'e| '"--">
Cop'Slic, earthly
eop]>an-pceat;, the earth
Cop^-pape, an inhabitant of (ie
earth
Gopian, to show
Copp, your. See })u
GLOSSAET.
369
eplan, to plough, to till
Cfne, a man
€yt, a decree
ecan, to eat
g^^^l more easily
ehe, easy
ej?el, a country, soil, a native place
e)>elice, easily
e^el-j'Col, the metropolis
eSnef, favour, easiness
F.
Faen, deceit, a stratagem
Faebeji, a father
F^rhlad, happy
Fsetenian } , . . , . , r
Fa^snian \ ^^ '^i""'''^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^"^
Fa^gep, fair
Faejejinef, fairness, beauty
Fsepbu, colour
Fsejielb, a way, a course, a going
Faepmga, suddenly
Faeplice, suddenly
Feej'C, fast, firm, constant, sure
Fsepcan, to fast
Faepce, firmly
FeefCeii, a fastness, a citadel
Faej-rlic, firm, constant
Fsej-tlice, firmly
Fsej-rnef, firmness
Faefcnian, to fasten
Faepc-pseb, inflexible
FsefC-paebhc, constant
Faeft-paebnej*, a fixed state of mind,
resolution
Fabian, to vary
Famig, foamy
Fan a, a temple
Fanbigan, to try, to explore, to find
out
pan / ^^ ^^^ ^^ depart
Far, a vessel
Fea } .
FeapaT^^
Fealban, to furl, to fold up
Feallan, to fall
Fealpian, to ripen
Feapn, fern
Feapji, a bull
Feban, to feed
Fefep, a fever
Fela t
FeolaC^^^y
Felb, a field
Fels, a felly
Feltun, a dunghill
Fenn, a fen
Feoh, money
Feoh-sicpejie, a covetous man
Feonb ) rt A
p K f ^ fiend, an enemy
Feop ■)
Feoppan I far
Fiep J
Feope "I
Feoph Wife
Flop J
Feoppan, to prolong, to go far
Feop'S, the fourth
Feopep, four
Feopep-heal}", the four sides
^rntr„ }-«"'"
Fep'5-loca, the breast
Fee, fat, fed
Fecel, a belt
Fe>e, walking, the act of going on
foot
FitqV ! ^ ^^^*^^'"' ^ ^^"S
Fian > , , ^
-r. ^ > to hate
Fiogan )
Fiepen-jrul, wicked, full of crimes
Fiep-j-'ere, four feet
Fipel-pcpeam, the Fifel stream
Fij-ta, the fifth
Finban, to find
Fin^ep, the finger
Fioung, hatred
Fiopep-j-ec, four-footed
Fipap, men
370
GLOSSAEY.
Fipft:, a space of time
Fijipec-Seopu, being inquisitive
Fij-c, a fish
P'lfcian, to fish
Fifica, physica, physics
Ficc, a song
Fla&fc, flesh
Flsefclic, fleshly
Fleosan^
Fleon ]■ to fly, to flee, to fly from
Fhon J
Fleopan, to flow
Fhonbe, fleeting
Fhcan, to contend
Flob, a flood
Flop, a floor
Fobbep, fodder
Folc, a people
Folc-cuS, known to nations, cele-
brated
Folc-Sepi^, a nobleman
Folc-^epm, battle-fray
Folcipc, the vulgar, a man
Fulban-pceac, the earth
Folb-buenb, an inhabitant of the
earth
Folbe, the ground, the earth
Folga'S, service
Folgepe, a follower, an attendant
Fon, to take, to undertake, to begin
Fop, for
Fopbaepan, to forbear, to allow, to
pass over
Fojibaepnan, to burn, to burn up
Fopbeoban il .-..-■, ^ ^ .
FopbiobanP^^^'^^''-'^^'^^^*^^^"
Fopbeppcan, to burst
Fojibjieban, to prostrate, to over-
throw
Fopbugan, to avoid
Fopceapan, to bite off
FojicuS, wicked
Fopcu'Spa, inferior
Fopcpaej?an, to censure
Fopcypjian, to avoid
Fopboii, to destroy
Fojibpipan, to drive out
iFopbpiSan, to dry up
Fopbpilman, to confound
Fopealbian, to wax old
Fope-msepe, eminent, illustrious
Fope-maeplic, eminent
Fope-maepnep, renown
Fopepceapian, to foreshow, to fore-
see
Fopepceapun^, foreshowing, provi-
dence, foreknowledge
Fojiepeupenep, dishonour
Fojiepppaec, a defence
Fopepppeca, an advocate
Fopepppecen, forespoken
Fope-cacn, a foretoken
Fope-)5encean ) to despair, to dis-
Fope-l'encan ) trust
Fope-Hngian, to plead for, to de-
fend
Fope-jjonc, forethought, providence
FopeCiohhun^, predestination
Fope-pitan, to foreknow
Fopgifan, to forgive, to give
Fopgican, to forget
FopSylban, to recompense
Fojihealban, not to keep, to lose, to
withhold
Fophelan, to conceal
Fojihepegian, to lay waste, to de-
stroy
Fophosian, to neglect
Fojihcian } to frighten, to be
Fojihcigan 3 afraid
Fophpyjipan, to pervert, to change
for the worse
Foplaebau, to conduct, to mislead
Foplaetan ) to permit, to relir.quish,
1^'oplecan C to lose, to leave
Fopleopan, to lose
Fopligan, to commit fornication
Foplopen, lost
Foplupcl.ice, gladly, willingly
l""^'"^ Urst
t opma )
Fopneah, almost
Fopon, before
Fopf;iynel, forerunner
Foppceeppan, to transform
Foppceocan, to anticipate
Foppeapian, to wither
Foppeon, to overlook, to despise
GLOSSAET.
371
Fopflapian, to be slow, to be un-
willing
Fop f lean, to slay
Fopj-Canban, to withstand, to under-
stand, to avail
Foppcelian, to steal
Fopfpeljan, to swallow up
Foprpi^ian, to pass over in silence
Fop5, forth
Fop>am / for that reason, be-
Foji)>3emj7e ) cause
Fop'Sbpingan, to bring forth, to pro-
duce, to accomplish
Fop'5-j.oplaecenep, free permission,
license
Fop'S-Sepicaii, to depart, to die
Fop'Spa, further, worse
Fopl'piccan, to oppress, to tread
under
Fopjjy, therefore
Fopcpupian, to be presumptuous, to
be over-confident
FopcpupunS, presumption
Foppeopnian, to refuse
Foppeopj^an > to be undone, to
Fo]ipup>an ^ perish
Fo]i])eop'Spullic, excellent
Foppypb, destruction, damage
Foppypnan, to forewarn
Fopceji-fsebep, a foster-father
Fopcep-mobop, a foster-mother
Foe, a foot
Fox, a fox
Fpam, from
Fpam-sepitan, to depart
Fpea, a lord
Fpea-bpihcen, a supreme lord
Fpeceii \
^J^ 1 >- dangerous
J^pecenlic ( °
Fpecn »
Fpecennep, danger, peril
Fpeppian, to comfort
Fpegnan } to ask, to inquire, to
Fjugnian \ know by asking
Fpemb, foreign, outer
Fpeme, profit, advantage
Fpemeb, a stranger
Fpemman, to effect, to do, to per-
petrate
2
friendship
Fpeo ^
Fpeoh I
Fpis y free
Fpio
Fpy
P"'peobom ■
Fpiobom ^ freedom
Fpybom J
Fpeohce, freely
Fpeolpian, to set free ; p. p. geppylpob
Fjieonb 1
Fpienb > a friend
Fpynb J
Fpeonb-paebenn
Fpeonbpcipe
Fjii?), peace
Fpi)>ian, to protect
Fpi'5-prop, an asylum, a refuge
Fpopep, consolation, comfort
Fpora-peapb, away from, a depart-
ing
Fpuma, the beginning, the origin
Fpum-pceapt, the origin, the first
cause
Fjium-pCol, an original station, a
proper residence
Fjiym^, the beginning
Fugel, a fowl, a bird
Ful, foul, impure
Fulppemeb, perfect
Fulppemebnep, perfection
Fulppemian > to perform, to ac-
Fulppemman \ complish
Fulgan, to follow up, to fulfil, to ac-
complish ; perf. pul-eobe
Full, full
Fulhce, fully
Fulluhc, baptism
Full-pypcan, to complete
Fulneah, nearly, full nigh
Ful-pihc, full right
Fultpupian, to confide
Fultum, help
Fulcumian, to help, to support
Funbian, to strive, to try, to tend to
Fup, a tuirow
Fupbon ) 11-1
i^ ' , } moreover, also, besides
I ujijjum S ' '
Fyllan, to fill
I Fylpc, help
B 2
872
GLOSSAET.
Fyp, fire
J'yjien, liery
Fypmej'C, at all, at most
1-ypp, tar
Fypj', furze
I'yjijjpian, to support, to promote
Labepian ) to gather, to join, to
rrsebjiian ) resort
Irabeptang, continuous, united
ISaelan, to astonish, to hinder
IfSepf, j;r;iss
Irajol, tribute
Iralan, to sing
Tjalbop, an incantation
Iialnej', lust
Iramen, sport, pleasure
Iran ) ,
f w r to go
Dan^an ) °
tapfecg. the ocean
taj'C, the soul, the spirit
l^apclic, ghostly, spiritual
Harclice, spiritually
teacjnan, to ask, to find out by
asking
Ireabop, together
1?^^;^^^^^^^^ I to abide, to wait for
Tjeanbjiypban, to answer
Ireap, the year
teap-mablum, yearly
tea'ie \ ^^'■'"e'"b'> certainly
Leap]:o'S, difficult
Ereapo, prepared, ready
Ereapo-pica. intellect, understanding
lireappian, to prepare
teafcun^, asking, inquiry
l!reac-peapb, a gatekeeper
IrebBepan, to behave
Ixebeacnian, to point out, to nod
I^ebeb, a prayer
Debeb-man, a beadsman, a man em-
ployed in prayer
tebel^an, to be angry
Erebephcan, to enlighten
Irebecan, to improve, to make
amends
^^J^^.^5^^ I to buy
liebycsan^ -^
Irebibban, to pray
Irebinban, to bind
Ireblenban, to blend, to mingle, to
pollute
Ifeblifpian, to rejoice
Irebob, a command
trebpaeban, to spread
nebpensan)
Irebjnnsan ) ^
Irebusan, to bend
Iiebypb, birth, family, origin
Ifcbypian, to happen, to come to
pass
rreceoj-an, to choose; p. p. gecopen
Ireceppan } to turn, to have re-
Irecyppan ) course to
treclsenpian, to cleanse
Ireenapan, to know, to discover
Irecophc, fit, proper
Irecunbelic i . ,
^ • c 1 f- natural
Irecynbelic )
lirecynb, nature, kind, manner
Ireeynbe, natural
ISecynbelice, naturally
Irecy]>an, to make known
tecy'S^e, a country
I^eb "]
Ifib } a song
nyb J
Irebapenlic, seemly
Irebal, a separation
Irebepe, fit, suitable
Irebon, to finish, to complete
Irebpaepnep ^
Irebpepebnef >■ trouble
Irebjiepnep 3
Irebpepan, to disturb
Irebpelan > to mislead, to deceive,
IrebpeliSan ) to seduce
Irebpola, error, heresy
liebpol-mipc, the mist of error
Ireeapnuns, merit, desert
Ireecan, to make addition
Ireebnipian, to renew
Ereenbebypban, to set in order
Ireenbian, to end, to finish
GLOSSABT.
373
tlreenboblic, that which will end
Ireeopian, to discover, to show
Ireyasen, glad
tepapaii, to ^o, to travel, to die
Irefea, joy, gladness
teresan } to join, to unite, to com-
trepegean ) pose
Irepelaii, to feel
ISejreoht, a fight, war
tepepa, a companion
liefeppaeben, companionship
Irejrepj'cipe, a society
Erere'Span > , .
nep>eVanr'^S^^'^^""S^
tefiit, a contention
tefon, to receive, to take, to catch
neppeb^n, to feel
trefpebnej*, the feeling
trefpaege, mind, opinion
tefpaese, celebrated
Erejrpeban, to perceive
Irefpemian, to finish, to fulfil, to
perpetrate
trepjieosan, to set free
tefulcumian, to help
Irej:yllan, to fill, to fulfil, to satisfy
Irepypn, long ago
I^efyp'Spian, to promote, to improve
^^ 5 t [to gather, to unite,
Li::':;;:sanl «'bri„gtose.he;
Legabepuns, a gathering, a collec-
tion
Iresonsan, to pass through
tegpapian, to touch
IreSpipan, to seize
tesypian, to clothe ; p. p. geSepeb
Irehacan, to promise
tehseptan, to bind, to enslave
Hehealban, to hold, to keep, to pre-
serve
ISehebe, seized
tehelpan, to help, to assist
nehencan, to pursue, to seize
Eeheopan
Eehepan ( ^^
Lehipan (
Lehypan )
hear, to obey
Lehepeb, heard, applauded
Erehepeiib, a he;irer
trehepnep, the hearing
Iiehic^an 1 to seek after, to regard,
Irehycsan ) to discover
Erehipan, to form
tehpeoj-an, to fall
Erehpman, to touch
Erehpaec )
Lehpiic [ ^'^''y «"<^
Ifehpaejjepe]', everywhere
Irehpibep, everywhere
ISehyban, to hide
Irehypj*um, obedient
Eehyppumnep, obedience
Tiehypyt, adorned
tielac, an assembly, a collection
Irelanbian, to approach
teleeban, to lead
Irelaepan, to teach, to instruct
rjelaepcan, to continue, to perform
Ireleafa, belief
Ireleajrful, faithful
Ireleanian, to recompense
e ejra / ^^ i^elieve
Irelypan ^
rfeleopnian, to learn
Ireletcan, to hinder, to cause delay
Irelic, a likeness
Lelic, like, suitable
Irelice, likewise
Iielicsan, to lie
Ireliman, to cement, to unite
Irelimpan, to happen
Ifeli]?an, to sail, to move
Irelome, often
IrelonS, on account of
Erelp-pca^ja, a proud wretch
Irelypceb, pleased with, desirous of
Iremsec, a yoke-fellow, a mate
IremaeS'S, greatness
Irenaaene, common, general
liemaenehce, in common
Iremsepe, a boundary
Iremaeppan, to praise
rremag, a relation
Iremal-maesene, a multitude
w . f to attend, or care for
Eemana, a company
374
GLOSSARY.
Iremeapcian, to appoint, to deter-
mine bounds
temelefc, negligence
Iremen, care
Iremensan, to mix, to mingle, to
form
tf^mec, measure
Iremec, docile, meet, suitable
Iremeraii, to meet, to find
Iremerfaefc, modest, moderate
rremer?;ian, to moderate, to regulate
rremecgung, moderation, measure
Lemerlic, suitable, tit, moderate
Iiemons, among
Iremo-, an assembly
rremunan, to remember
tiemunbbypban, to protect
Iremynb, memory
rreinynbgian, to remember
Lemynbpyjijje, memorable, -vvorthy
of remembrance
Ireneahpne, near
Irenealsecan, to approach
rjene)?an, to subdue
Leuiman, to take, to conceive
J^ P }■ suflicientlv, enough
Fjenyban, to compel
rrenyhr, abundance
J^^ > formerly, anciently
lieoc, a yoke
Ereoc]-a, a sighing
Lfolec^al^^'^^^^'^^^^^"^^
I/eolecan, to allure
Ereoraepung, lamentation
Ireompe, sorrowful
Iieompian, to grieve, to mourn
Ireonb, through, over
Ireonb-hhcan, to enlighten
Ireonb-fcinan, to shine through
Ireonb-phcan, to look over, or be-
yond
rreopenian, to open
Ereojin, desirous
teopne ^ ., ,,. ,
Y {- earnestlv, wiUmgly
teopn]: Till, desirous, anxious, diligent
rreopnyullice, very earnestly
rreopnyTilnej*, earnestness, anxiety
y ^ '.to desire anxiously, tc
Iripnian V
yearn
Iripnan
Ireopnlic, earnest
Leopnlice, studiously, earnestly
IreojirpupiaD, to despair
^^' ' vet
try- )
IreGCan, to melt, to pour
Lepab, consideration, a condition
Irepab, considered, constituted
rre]iab]*cipe, prudence
Lepsecan, to seize
Ireppej:-, distracted
Irepeapan, to take by force
Irepeapan, to bind
Irepec, government, correction, skill
Irepecan i to say, to instruct, to
Irepeccan ) prove, to subdue
Irepeeliee, widely, diffusely
r^^^^% J apparel
Irepeman, to adorn
Irepenu, ornaments
tepihr
I'ep^h-
^^'".^J^ I suitable, right, fit
Irepyhci ' ° '
Hepim, a number
trejuj-enlic, suitable
Erepipenbce, suitably, fitly
Irepipnian, to agree, to suit
Erepum, space
Irepyman, to lay waste
trepamnian ) to unite, to collect to-
rjej'omnian ) gether
Erepapsob, afflicted, grieved ;
rapsian
Irerselan, to happen
desert, a reward
p. p.
^^r-iic^,,pp,.
prosperous
Irefsebs
trepaelilice, happily, prudently
rrersehsner ) j^.
trepselS )
Erepceab, reason
Lejceabp^^^^^^
lappmess
GLOSSAHT.
375
tefceabpij-ne]*, reason
tefceayc, a creature
L^efceapen, formed ; p, p. fcyppan
tefceapian, to view, to regard
nej-cenbari, to corrupt
ErefCinan, to shine, to shine upon
Irefcpifan, to appoint, to ordain
Ircf cylban, to shield, to defend
Irepcyppeb, clothed ; p. p. apcyjipan
tefecan, to seek
tepeon, to see
ISepeJ^an, to say, to prove
Erej'ecnej', an appointment, an insti-
tution
Irefetcan, to set, to compose, to
compare
Erefepenlic, visible
tepiblice, peaceably
Ireribpuma, peace-loving
liej"ieh}'e "1
tephc > the sight
nerihtS J
tefi'S, a companion
Defomiiuns, an assembly
Irepcanban, to stand, to attack, to
press upon
liepca>elian ) to establish, to make
teptaj'olian ) steadfast
IrefCaeppan, to go, to step, to ap-
proach
trej-tse'S^iS, stable, steadfast
tefCigan, to ascend
ISefCiUan, to stop, to restrain, to be
still
teptmcan, to smell
ISepteopan^
Erepciopan V
to guide, to rule, to
correct
Leprypan J
IrCfConban, to confine
Irepcpansian, to strengthen
rrercpeon Uealth, gain
tercpynan, to gain, to obtain, to
beget
Irej*nnb, sound, safe, secure
IrepmibFulhce, securely, prospe-
rously
tepunbjrulnef, health, prospority
tej-uubpian, to separate
treppencan, to afflict
Ireppican, to cease, to desist
neppisean | ^^ ^^
silent
teppusian
Ifeppinc, affliction, trouble, labour
Ireppi'Spian, to subdue
Tieppuj'Cep, a sister
trepyngian, to sin
Ireca, as yet, again
Iretacnian, to betoken
Irecaecan, to teach, to explain, to
show
tecaelan, to accuse, to reprove
Irecaepe, meet; sup. gecsepopc
Irecenge, heavy
tecenge, happened
n^Ci^n \ ^° ^^^^^' *° ^^^^^^^
IreCeopian, to grow weary
Ire)?apa, one who assents
liej?apian, to assent, to allow
Irejjanc > .. , ,
neboht \ ^^<^"Sht
IreJ?apeneb, wetted
Irebeaht, counsel, purpose
IreJ>eahcepe, a counsellor
Irebencan } to think, to consider, to
tel'incaii ^ remember
LeJ?eoban, to associate
Ifejjeobe, a language
te^iiinan, to disperse
IreJ?olian, to bear, to suffer
EreJ?popian, to suffer
Ire'Spuen, joined
Ire'Spaenan, to moisten
IreSpaeji, conformable, agreeing, at
peace
teSpaepelice, harmoniously
Ire^paepian, to adopt, to make con-
formable
Irebylb, patience
Ire^ylbelice, patiently
Ifej^ylbis, patient
rreciban, to happen
Iretiohhan, to determine, to appoint
Irerpeope, true, faithful
rrerjieoplice, faithfully
rrecpeopian, to conspire
Irecpymian, to encourage
S7G
GLOSSARY.
neunnan, to grant
teunpocfian, to be sorrowful, to be
disquieted
tepanian, to diminish
tepapenian,.to warn, to beware
Lepsecan, to excite
Irepaesan, to weigh down
Irepealblehep, a rein
Txepeb, madness
tiepeligian, to enrich
Irepelt;-leJ>ep, a rein
liepenian, to allure
Iiepeop]?an, to be, to come to pass
LepeojilJian, to make honourable, to
distinguish
Irepexan, to grow, to accrue
Irepibep, the weather
Se^Ill [ ^ ^^'^^' ^^® ^^^^
tepin, labour, a battle, war
I^epmna, an enemy
liepinnan, to conquer
Irepip, certain
Iiepiphce, certainly
tepic, understanding
IrepiC-leap, witless, foolish
IrepiC-loca, the breast
Trepita, a witness
trepitan, to depart
Irej'icnep, knowledge
IreplaeC, debased
r.eppir, a v^riting
Tjeppixl, a change, a course of events
Ire)mna, a custom, wont
Erepunelic, wonted, usual
Lepunian, to be Avont
Irepunpum, pleasant
">Irepypcan, to make
Irepypcan, to wish
Iribbian, to sing
triepan, to prepare
Irifan, to give
Iripenbe, giving
Iiipepnep, greediness
Iripol, bountiful
Eiippe, greedy, anxious
Tiiyu, a gift
tiganc, a giant
Erilp, arrogance
Irilpan, to boast
Irim "]
Irim-cyn } a jewel, a gem
I/im-cynnJ
Erimelepc, negligence
Irim-peceb, a palace
Lmpaepc, ample
Irinspa, a youngster, a scholar
tioso'Shab, the season of youth
tiomop, sad
Iripcian, to sigh, to sob
Iripe-la-Sepe, yes, O yes !
liicpian, to desire, to covet
Tirruntt covetousness, desire
Irlab, pleasant
tilsep-hlutpu } glass-clear, trans-
rrlap-hlu)>pe ) parent
Irleap. skilful, prudent
Erlengan, to adorn
Irliban, to glide, to slip
Lliopian, to sing
Irliopopb, a song, metre
tngeC, a gnat
Irnopnian, to lament, to grieve, to
groan
Irnonnuns, lamentation
Irob, God
Irob, good
Ifoba, a Goth,
trobcunb, divine
Irobcunbelice, divinely
Irobcunbnyp, deity, divine nature
Irobnep, goodness
Irolb, gold
Irolb-hopb, a hoard of goM
Irolb-prai'S, a goldsmith
Irpapan, to dig, to delve
Irpam, fierce, enraged
I/papian, to grope
r-iises, grey, green
F-pear, great
Ifjiene, green
Lpenian, to become green
te-spe.a„('» greet, to address
Iipim, grim
GLOSSAUT.
377
to roar
Tijiot, a particle, an atom
tpopan, to grow
Irpunb, ground, earth, bottom
trpunb-leaf, groundless, unfathom-
able
tpun-b-peal, a foundation
Ilrnymetan ) , ,
tptmetisan \ ^^ g^""*'
Eruma, a man
lium-pinc, a leader
ITU'S, a conflict
tivbene, a goddess
Irylban, to pay
trvlben, golden
Irylc, guilt
Irvcpepe, a miser
]>abban, to have
!>abpe(^"e^*''^''^^
l>a&jc, detained
l>8ej:cebom, captivity
n>asal \ ^^'^
):s8el ^
Jiselo >■ health
)>8elu )
)>8ele ) ,
l^^le^P"'^"'^^®'^^
]:>selsa, light
T>8emeb->ins, cohabitation
|>8epenb, an errand
l^aejjjrepr, harvest
Daeplic, laudable
lisef , a command
l^as'S, heath, heather
liaeto, heat
)>al, sound, hale
]>ahs, holy, a saint
Span (to pray, to beseech
)>am, a home, a house
l^am-jraepr, an inhabitant
l^angian, to hang
l>ap, hoary
)>apa, a hare
Dae, hot
Dacan, to call, to name, to command
Datheoptnef, hot-heartedness,
anger, fury
l>aCian, to hate
)>ape, sight, aspect
De ,
any one, it
Die [ he,
Dic\
Deapb, a head
)>eaj-ob-beah, a crown
I^Pflh i ^^Sh ; comp. Dyhpe ; sup.
lets '>-hrta
Deane7(^"Sht, highness
Deah-pebep, a great tempest
Deal, a hall
Dealan, to heal ; imp. Dal
Dealban, to hold, to incline
Dealf, half
Dealie, high, exalted
Deahce, highly
Dealicop, more highly
l^ean, needy, poor
Deaiilic, vile, worthless
Deapb, hard
Deapbe, severely ; sup, DeapbofC
Deapb-heopC, hard-hearted
Deajab-fselig, unhappy
Deapb-pselS, a hard lot, unhappi-
ness
Deapm, harm
Deapm-cpibbigan, to speak ill of
one
Deapepa, a harp
Deappepe, a harper
Deappian, to play on the harp
Deappung, harping
Deal'epian, to restrain, to control
Dea)?o-pinc, a chieftain, a noble
Debban, to raise, to lift up
Deps, heavy
Depgan, to be heavy or sad, to
weigh down
Depslice, heavily, grievously
L ^ ^ ^ i heaviness, sorrow
Depner ) '
Delan )
L, /^ to cover, to conceal
]>elban, to bend, to incline
Dell, Hell
378
GLOSSARY.
)>ell-papa, an inhabitant of hell
)>elm, the head, the top of anything
}>elma, a helm, or rudder
l^elpan, to help
|>enan, to oppose, to repress
INCH'S, poverty, trouble, punishment
J>eoj:encunb, heavenly
)>eopan, to mourn
J^eoyon, heaven
J^eopon-Copt, heavenly bright
lieopor, a hart
)>eopfumian, to obey
l^eopc, a hart, a stag
lieopte, the heart
T>ep, here
|>epan, to obey
J>epe, a crowd, an army
T>epe, fame
liejieb, a court, a family
?>ejie-Seac, a weapon
]>epe-pinc, an enemy
?)epe-cema, a chieftain, a leader of
an army
)>epe-toha, a consul, a leader of an
army
liepepian, to despise
liepian, to praise
Tieping praise, favour
lieplic, glorious
)>ibep, hither
Jiibpej* \)ibjiey, hither and thither
Jiigan, to hasten
Dige, the mind, energy, care
liije-laefC, heedless
liije-rnocp, a wise mind
J^igian I to strive, to think, to en-
l^ySian \ deavour
)>iS-rcip, familyship
))ilbe, a battle
l^imfelf, himself
l^inan > ,
l^ionanT^^^^^
T>inban, behind
Tiinbe, a hind
Jiin^pian, to hunger
]iiop, a hinge
T>ypbe ( ^ protector, a ruler
?>ir, his
|>ip, form, hue
)>ip-cu1S, familiar
l^ipung, pretence, appearance
IMaep, a mound, a barrow
IMapopb, a lord
jMapopb-pcipe, lordship, government
)>leahcep, laughter
l>leot>op, a sound
l^lipa, fame, report
l>lipeabiS, celebrated
l^lifeabignep, celebrity
]>lub, loud
T>lutep, clear
lilypcan, to listen
T^naeppian, to rest, to lie
l^nepc, soft, tender
l>nipan, to bend
)>oSian, to be desirous, to be anxious
|>ol, a hole
liolb, faithful
l>olm, the ocean
)>olt, a wood, a grove
lionb, the hand
J^opa, hope
)>opian, to hope
l>opapea}>e, a sink
l^opb, a hoard, a treasure
)>opb-SepCpeon, a treasure
l>opp, reproach, derision
l^pseb, ready, swift
l>p8eblic, speedy
l^Jpaeblice, speedily, quickly
T>p8eb-pepnef, a swift course
l^paeb-ps&ne, a chariot
J^pae^el, a garment, apparel
l^peopan, to fall
)>peope, violently approaching, e.g.
a storm
l^peorenb ? i^^^^^ie
Dpeopenblic ^ ^
)>peop, cruel, troubled
j^peop Jreoentance
l>peoprunS S
)>peopan, to rue, to repent
l^peoppian, to rue, to be sorrowful
)>pepan, to agitate, to lift up
)>peptan, to lie down
GLOSSARY.
379
I^peJ'ep, the mind
]>pioh, rough
}>po]:, a roof, the top of anything
lipoj.-jraej'C, roof-fast, firm
)>pon-mepe, a whale-pond, the sea
))pop, prone, bent down
Jipuj-e, the earth
lipyjie, ruin
]>umera, how, in what manner
)>unb, a hound, a dog
|)unb-niSonnj;, ninety
Jiunbpeb, a hundred
)>unb-feoj-ontis, seventy
}>unis, honey
Dunca, a hunter
)>uncian, to hunt
)>ujau, at least
)>u}', a house
l^uj-ep-hipbe, a keeper
)>pa, who, any
)>pac, brave
)>p8er, which, what
]>ji8ece, wheat
lipaetjep, whether, either
]>p8e})pe, nevertheless
iDpaet-hpeSa, a little, in some mea-
sure
J^paec-hpeSanunSep, in some mea-
sure, in some degree
)>pealpa, expanse, convexity
, ' ' ^ f to turn, to turn round,
1> ■ 1 ^^ depart, to wane
l>peappuns, inconstancy, change-
ableness
)>pelc, any
)^pene, a little
Ibpeol, a wheel
)>pep}iic, changeable
)>pibpe, whither
)bpile. a while, time
)>pilenblic, for a time, temporary
)>pilum, sometimes
)ipir, white
!?J'^" I a little, somewhat
L^ > whence, how
Pponon \ '
T>pone, any one
)>ponne, wlien
]>puppulnep, changeableness
)>pyppt, a circuit
)>yban } ^^ ^^^ ^^ conceal
Le-hyban ) '
|>ybe, a hide, a skin
l^yhchc, joyful, desirable
)>ylc, a hilt of a sword
]>ypan, to hear, to obey
Dyjiian, to imitate
liypnbe, horned, having a beak
)>yppc, an ornament
Jiyppcan, to adorn
l>yppan, to deride, to revile
l^yppmg, reviling, re^jroach
J>yS, a haven
I.
Ic, I
!J*^J ^ I idle, vain
Ibel-Seopn ^
lejlanb »
Iglonb ,- an island
Ilanb )
lelb, old. See ealb, comp. lelbpa,
sup. lelbepc
lie, the same
Immebeme, unworthy, imperfect
Inc, you
Incopa, the mind, the breast
Ineppe, provision
{"SanK^^^ter
Innan \
Ingehygb, intention, thought
Inlice, internally, in itself
;^"^ I within
Innan )
Innanpeapb J .^^^^^
Innepeapb \
IiinoS, the stomach
Innmig, that which is included
Inj^eapbhce, thoroughly, inwardly
Inp)b-}jonc > an inward thought, a
Inpir-J>onc ) deceitfrl thought
lob, Jove
Iiinan, to run
anger
l]jpe
Ippuns
Ij)pian, to be angry
380
GLOSSAIIT.
If, ice
Ips, icy
I^acige, Ithaca
lu, formerly
Kafepe, Cresar, an emperor
Kunmg, a king
L.
La, lo ! oh !
Lacan, to play, to sport
Lacnian, to heal
Labteop \
LaSeopp^'^^^^'^ guide
Ls&ce, a physician, a leech
La&ce-cpaefC, the art of medicine,
medicine
Lsece-bom, medicine, a remedy
Laeban, to lead
Lseben, Latin
Laepan, to leave, to relinquish
Lasn ) ,
Laenan, to lend
Laene, slender
L^nle ^- ^^"« ' ^°"^P- ^^°^ ' ^^P-
Lons i ^"^Serc
Laepan, to teach
Laej*, less
Laej-can, to follow
Laecan, to permit, to let go, to leave,
to suppose
Lap, the remainder, what is left
La^u, water
Lagu-plob, ocean-flood
Lagu-rcpeam, the sea, the ocean
Lanb > 1 ,
Lonse \ ^^^^' ^ ^^^^ ^^'"^
Laug-paep, long continuance
Langfum, lasting, long
Lap, learning, lore, admonition
Lapeop, a teacher, a master
Lapt, at length
Lare, late ; comp. latop
LaS, hateful, hostile, destructive
Lathee, horribly
Leap, permission, leave
Leap, a leaf
Leahcep, a sin, a crime
Leanian, to reward, to recompense
Leap-fpell, a fable
Leaf-ppellung, false opinions, false
speaking
Leapuns. lying
Leax, a salmon
Leccan, to moisten, to be wet
Lecgan, to lay down, to lower
Lep, left
Les )
Lega > a flame
Lis )
Legan, to lay, to place
Lencren, Lent, the spring
Leng, length
Leo > T
T > a. lion
Leon^
Leob-rcipe}^°^*^°°'^P'^P^^
Leob-ppuma, a leader, a chieftain
Leob-hara, a hater of people, a
tjTant
Leohc, light
Leohran, to lighten, to make light
y { > precious, beloved, dear
Leopian ^
Libban |
Lipian )■ to live
Lipsan I
Lj'bban J
Leoptael, estimable
Leoppenb, beloved, acceptable
Leogan, to tell a lie, to deceive
Leoma, a ray of light
Leopnian
Leojanigan
T ,v [• a verse, a poem, a lay
Leo^-pyphta, a poet
Leccan, to hinder
to learn
GLOSSATIT.
381
Libbenbe, living
J ^ to pretend, to dissemble
Lichamlice) , ,.,
Lichomlice f -^
Lician, to please, to like
Licpyp'S, worthy of esteem
Lif, life
Lipep, the liver
Liget, lightning ; pi. lySetu
Lihcan, to shine, to give light
Lim, a limb
Limplice, fitly
Liiib-pigenb, a warrior with a shield
Lipan, to collect, to gather
Lippe, favour
Lipc, science, skill, power
Lip turn, skilfully
LI'S, a cup
Li^, mild
LiJ?an, to sail
Li'S-mon, a sailor
Lixan, to shine
Locen, an enclosure, bounds
Locian, to look, to see
Lop, praise
Lonbep-ceopl, a husbandman
Loppe, a flea
Lopian, to lose, to perish, to go
away
Loc, a lot, deceit, craftiness
LoC-ppenc, deceit
Lex, a lynx
Lupe, love
Lupian, to love
Lujrienb, a lover
Lungiie, forthwith, quickly
Lupc, desire, pleasure, lust
Lupc-baeji, cheerful
Lupc-bsejie, desirous
Lupc-bsephce, delightfully, with
delight
Lupc-ba&pnep, happiness, desire
Lurclice, willingly, joyfully
Luptum, willingly
Lucan, to incline
Lyccan, to pluck up
Lypan, to permit
Lypc, the air
Lypran, to wish, to choose, to be
pleased with
Lyc, little
Lyres, crafty
Lycel I little, small ; comp. Isep, sup.
Lycle ) laepc
LyCelice, deceitfully
Lychan, to diminish, to lessen
CD.
GOacian, to make, to form, to do
CDaeben, a maiden
CDsegen, virtue, strength, might,
power
CCosgen-cpsepc, chief strength
CDaegen-ptan, a huge stone
CDa&gn, power
CDsegS, a maiden, a country, a tribe,
a kinsman
CDaegS-hab, virginity
CDae^-phce, a species, a form
CDsel, a space of time
CDaenan ) to mean, to intend, to
CDenan ^ lament
CDsemgu k
TOanf ( ^ "'°^'^' "^^^y
CDeniSu )
CDaejia, famous, celebrated, great ;
sup. GDaepopc
^^^;^ excellent
CDasjilic, noble
CDaeppan, to be celebrated
CDaepS, greatness, glory, praise ; pi.
miracles
CDsepc, a mast
CDsepc, most, greatest. See CDycel
CDaeran, to dream
CDae^, measure, degree, condition, lot
GDag, a relation
CDat;an, to be able
CDagipcep, a master
CDaso-pinc, a citizen, a man
382
GLOSSAET.
ClDan, sin, wickedness, evil, disease
COaii, sinful, wicked
CDan-pull, full of wickedness
CDaman, to admonish
CDanis-feaiblic, complicated
CDannian, to people, to fill with men
CDan^paepe, gracious
GOapa, greater. See CDycel
CDape, more
CDajJCyp, a martyr
CDa'Sm, a vessel
CDa^m-h\'pbe, a treasurer
ODeahc } \ ^, . , ^
cn hr I strength, might, power
CDeapc, a boundary, a territory
CDeapcian, to mark, to mark out
CDea]apian, to err
CDece, a sword
GDeb, meed, reward
CDebeme, worthy, desirable, perfect
CDebemlice, Avorthily
CDebemne)-, dignity
CDebcpumnef 1
CDeCCjiuntinef I infirmity, weakness
CDeccpymnef J
CDelbian, to make known, to display,
to inform against
CDelo, meal
CDen^an, to mix
GDengio, a multitude
rr, if human, humanitv
CDeobum, meritorious
CDeox, dirt
CDepe, a mere, a lake, water
CDepe-ylob, the ocean
CDepe-hengepc, a sea-horse, a ship
CDepe-fCpeam, the sea-stream, the
ocean
CDepSe
CDupge
rCepfc, a marsh.
CDecan, to meet, to find, to observe
CDecan, to measure, to mete, to com-
pare
CCece, meat
joyful, merry
CDefcSian, to mete, to moderate, to
rule
CDecguns, moderation
CDetob, the Creator
^l^"^^^\[ much, great
CDicelhc, great
CDicelnef, greatness
CDiclep, much
CDiclum, greatly
CDib ) . ,
CDi« \ ^'^^
CDibban-eapb ) the earth, an en-
CDibban-geapb ) closure
GDibbepeajib, midward
CDibbel, middle
CDibyephS, middle age
CDibgehealban, to satisfy
CDiblej'C / midmost, middle class,
CDibmef C \ middle
CDib-o]ie, the middle region
CDib-pintep, mid-winter, Christmas
CDihce. See GOasan
CCihciS, mighty
CDihtighce, mightily, powerfully
CDilb, mild, merciful
CCilb-heopc, merciful
GCilb-heoji-nej-, mercy
CCilbpan, to have mercy, to pit
CTilbfung, mercy, pity
CCilcfe, mercy
ClCin, mine
QOinb^iaii, to advise, to remind
OCifcan, to mix, to dispose
CCij'-cyppan, to wander
CDifbseb, a misdeed
CDij-hpeppan, to pervert
GCirhc )
CDirrlicr^"^"^
CDij'C, a mist
CDi})an, to conceal
(ICob, the mind
OTobep "^
CDobop > a mother
CDobup J
GDobi^, proud
CCobilic, magnanimous
GCob-fej-a, the mind, the mind's sense
CDolbe, the earth
CDona, the mouu
I
GLOSSARY.
383
CDon'5 p month
CDoncyn, mankind
CDop, a moor
CDopSen, the morning
CDopsen-pteoppa, the morning star
C10op)jop, murder
GDofC, must
CDoc, must, can
CDunc, a mount, a mountain
CDunC-Siop, the Alps, the mount of
Jupiter
GDupnan, to mourn, to care for, to
regard
CDuj", a mouse
CDuj-c, must, new wine
CDutS, a mouth
GDyneSian) ^
GDynsian ^
CDynla, inclination
CDyncan, to propose
^yp? } Pleasure, delight
CDypan, to hinder
CDyp'S, pleasure
N.
Nabban, not to have
Nacob, naked
Nsebpe, a serpent
NaeneS, none
^^};^|wasnot
Naej-pe, a promontory
nyj ^. >^ the nave of a wheel
Nagan, not to have or possess
Nahc ^
Nauht > naught, nothing
Napuhc 3
Naleej", not at all
Nallaj*, not only
Nama, a name
Nan, none
Nac, i.e. ne-pac. See pitan
Nauj>ep, neither
Neabinga, necessarily
Neah]
Nean [■ nigh, near
Neaji J
Neahc) . , ,
Niht r^s^*
Neajia \
Neaiiepi
Neapop^"^'-'^^^
Neappa f
Neapanep, trouble, distress
Neapep, straitly
Neapepnep, anxiety
Neappian, to straiten
Neac ^
Netn > cattle, a beast
Nycen )
Nepert^C P^^^^"^^' neighbourhood
Neb, the face
Nebe
Nybe
necessarily
Neob^eappi^^^^' necessity, ne-
Nib-kapp 5 "'"'^'^
Nemnan, to name, to mention
Neob-ppaece, voluntarily
Neob-j^eappe, necessaries
Neocen, cuttle, a beast of burden
Neohan, beneath
Neo|>epa, lower, inferior
Ni'pT^^P^^^^^^^^
-^ir ' t to preserve
Nepian 3 ^
Nepgenb, a saviour ; participle of
Nepgean
Nepe nepe, no, no ; bv no means
Nec )
NetrP"''
Necelic, beastly
Niban > ^ ,
Nybanp'^^^^P^''
S^f^fnine
Niman, to take, to take away, to
assume, to adopt
Niojjop, lower
Nican > . , ,
■»T • [• not to know
Ni)?emepc, lowest, nethermost
TVT 1 1 c downwards, low
Ni)?ep-healb, downwards
to force
384
GLOSSARY.
Niran ) ,
■^T t newlv
Nipe, new
Nop 5, north
Nop'S-enbe, north-end
Noji^-pepc, north-west
Nop}?epeapb, northward
Noc, use, er.jo^'ment
Nocian, to enjoy, to possess, to
occupy
Nu, now
Nu-pihte, just now. straightway
Nyb-)>eap]:, necessary, needful
Nj^llan, to be unwilling
Nye, purpose, use
Nye, perfect
Nyc-pyp'S, useful
O.
Op, of
Opabon, to remove, to do away
Opateon, to draw out, to remove
Opbeacan, to kill, to strike
Opbecuman, to come from
Opbael, a fall, a setting
Opbselpe, more prone
Opbune, downwards, down
Opep, a bank
Opep, beyond
Opepbpaeban, to overspread
Opepcuraan, to overcome
Opepbjiencan, to be drunk
Opeppapan, to pass by, to pass over
Opeppyll, intemperance
Opepsan \ to pass over, to pass
Opepsangan \ away
Opepsiocolnep > f, tf^i^^ss
Opepsioculnep ) °
Opepheopan, to disobey
Opepho^ian, to despise
Opeph\"b, a high mind
Opepmg, superfluity
^ ( high-mindedness, ar-
Opepmetca > ° x i,
-' ' J rogance, too much
food
Opepmetco
Opepmoblic}"^^"S^"^'P^°^^
Opepmobnep, scorn, arrogance
Opeppecan, to instruct
Opeppael'S, superfluity, too great
prosperity
Opeppeon, to look down upon
Opeppectan, to cover
Opeppcaeppan, to overstep
Opepppil^an, to overcome
Opepceon, to cover over, to over-
whelm
OpepJ^eapp, great need
Opepi>eon, to excel, to surpass
Opejipinnan, to overcome
Opepppeon, to cover over ; part
orepppiSen
Opj^epiran, to depart
Ophenan, to take away
Opipnan, to run off, to outrun
Opletan, to let out
Oplypc, desirous of
Opraunan, to remember
Oppceamian, to shame, to be
ashamed
Oppion, to see, to behold
Oppircan, to oppress
Opjlean, to slay, to kill, to cut off
Oppni>an, to cut off
Opppelgan, to devour
Ope, often
Opceon, to draw off, to deprive
Opbincan, to bethink
Ophjaiccan, to oppress
Opcpaeb, frequent
Oppunbpob, astonished
Oleccan, to flatter, to allure, to
cringe, to gratify
Olecun^, flattery, allurement
Onaelan }
Onhaelan ^
Onbipisan )
OnbypSan \ ^° ^^'*®
Onbican, to bite, to taste of
Onblsepan, to blow upon
Onbypban, to animace, to encourage
Oncejijian } to turn from, to turn
Oncvjipan 3 back, to change
Oncnapan K, ^now
Oncneopan ^
Oncpelsan, to reply, to echo
Onb^ir, mind, understanding
Onbpseban, to dread, to fear
Onbppope, an answer
to inflame
GLOSSAET.
385
On-eapbian, to dwell ia
On-ecnerfe, for ever
Oneccan, to hasten
Onpnban, to find, to discover
Onfon, to receive, to accept
Onsean, against
Onsinnan, to begin
Onsican, to perceive, to know, to
understand
OnhaSian, to be at leisure, to be
unoccupied
Onhelban, to incline
Onhnigan, to bow down, to incline
Onhpejian, to stir up
Onhpinan, to touch
Onhpeapj-an ) to change, to go
Onhpeopjran 3 away
Onhypian, to imitate
Onvnnan, within
Ompnan, to run, to move
Onlacaii, to sport
Onlaft, at last, at length
( )nlaenan, to lend
OnlseCan, to relax
Onleosan, to belie, to falsify
Onlic, like
Onlicnef, a likeness
Onlief an, to liberate
Onbhcan ) to enlighten, to shine
Onlyhcan 3 upon, to shine
Onlucan, to unlock
Onlutan, to incline
Onpacan, to deny, to retort, to
reply
Onfcunian, to shun
Onpen, an aspect
Onpigan, to descend, to sink
Onpccan, to press down, to beset
Onfcypian, to agitate, to excite
Onfunbpon, apart
Onfpipan, backwards
Oncigan, to untie, to unloose
On))once, delightful
Onpsecnian, to awaken, to excite
Onpenban, to change, to turn aside
Onppecan, to revenge, to punish
Onppijjan, to reveal
Dnpuman, to dwell, to inhabit
i)pen, open, exposed, clear, evident
Openlice, openly, plainly
t
Opcuman, to overcome ; contracted
from opepcuman
Opb-ppuma, the origin, the author
Opealb, old
Opelbo, old age
OpSellice, arrogantly
rJ^ _ ^ > overmuch
Opmete 3
Opmob, distracted in mind, dejected
Opmobnep, mental disease, madness,
despair
OppopS, secure, prosperous
Opfophnef ^''^"^y' P'^'P'"*^
Ocepan, to appear
0>epan°}*'^^PP«*'"'*^^^^^
OJ>ep, another
Ohep, otherwise
O^pa&ptan, to commit, to trust, to
sow
O'Spinan, to touch
O'Spacan, to deny
OtSpCanban, to stand still
05i)e, or
OtSpican, to blame, to reproach
P.
Papa, the Pope
Pa's, a path
Peappoe, a park
PelSjjian, to make a path, to tread
Plancian, to plant
Plega, play, sport, pastime
Plegian, to play
Pleo ^
Pleoh V peril, danger
Pho J
Pliohc, dangerous
Ppicu, a prick, a point
R.
Racenta, a chain
Racu, rhetoric, a disconrse, an ex-
planation
Rab, a riding
Rajcan, to reach
Raeb, a discourse, counsel, advantage
C
386
GLOSSAET.
Raebah, to read, to govern, to decree
Rsebelfe, a riddle, imagination, am-
biguity
Ra&gl, a garment, clothing
Ra&pan, to bind
RaefC, rest, repose
Raefpian, to think, to meditate
Rap, a rope
Ra'S, quickly
Reab, red
Reajrepe, a spoiler
Reapan, to rob, to take away
Reaplac, spoil, rapine
Recan, to reckon, to count, to relate,
to explain
Recan > to regard, to care for, to
Reccan 5 direct, to govern
Recdear^}'""^^"'''"^''"^^''
Reccelept ) recklessness, careless-
RecelefC ) ness
Reccepe, a rhetorician
Recelf, incense
Recene ( i^nmediately, straight
^™^| a course
Ren, rain
Tj^f ^ i severe, fierce, violent
Re)>iS-mob, fieroe in mind
Ric, dominion, power
Ric, rich, powerful, in authority
Rice, a kingdom
Ricfian, to rule, to reign
Riban, to ride
R^rhc} "Slit, justice, truth
Rihtan, to correct, to instruct, to
make right
Rihte, immediately, straightway
Rihcenb, a ruler, a governor
Rihtlic, just, regular, upright
Rlhtprlice ( "S^^^y* J"'^^>^' ""''^^y
Riht-pellenb, right willing, wishing
what is right
Rihcj)if, rightwise, righteous
Rihcpif ner, justice, wisdom, righte
ousness
Riman, to number
Rinc, a man, a warrior
Rmb, the bark, the rind
Ripa, a handful of corn, a sheaf
Ripe, ripe
Ri« ) .,, . , ,
rj-Aj > a nil, a rivulet, a river
Rob, the rood, the cross
Robop. the sky
Romanifc, Roman
Ronb-beah, a boss
Rof e, a rose
Rum, wide, large, august
Rume, widely
Rumeblic, spacious
Rumeblice, abundantly
Rummob, bountiful
Run-cofa, the breast, the mind
Ryn, a roaring
Rynan, to roar
8acu, strife
Sabian, to be weary
Sae, the sea
8ae-ciij-, the sea-cliff, the shore
Sseb, seed
Ssegan "^
Secgan > to say, to prove
Se^an )
Sael, good
Sdpa} ^^^"^'*' comp. of rel
Sael )
SBelslP'^'P^"*^^
Ssene, dull, sluggish
See-cilca, one who ploughs the sea, «
sailor
Sam, whether
Somob^^Sether, likewise
Sam pa, worse
Sampabe, unanimously
Samcengef, continually, imme-
diately
Sampi]', half-wise, unwise
Samppaebnef, agreement, unity
GLOSSAUT.
387
8anc }
8ans}*s°°S
8an )
8opsr°"°^
8ap-cpib, a sorrowful saying, a
mournful song
SapiS, sorrowful, sorry
8aplic, sorrowful, grievous
Saplice, sharply, sorrowfully, sorely
^^^/ 1 the soul
Sapan, to sow
Scanblic > .,
8ceonblicJ°^^^"'^^^«
8ceab, the shade, a shadow
Sceajrr, creation
Sceajrc, a shaft
8cealan, to owe, to be obliged to any
one
Scealc, a servant, a man
Sceame, shame
Sceameleaj-, shameless
8ceapb, a shard
Sceappner, sharpness
8ceappj*ene, sharp-sighted
8ceac, a region
8cea]?a, a robber, an enemy
8ceapian, to behold, to view
8ceapuns, contemplation
8celb> , . ,.
8 vlb C * shield ; met. an army
8cell, a shell
8ceol, a gang, a crowd, a shoal
8ceop, a poet
8ceoppenb"^
8ceppenb } the Creator, a maker
Scippenb J
8ceopc } short ; com. pcyptpa ;
Scope 5 sup. j-cyiitepc
8ceocan, to shoot
Sciene, beautiful, shining
8cyib| guilty
8cima, splendour, brightness, a ray
8ciman >
Scinan )
8cinlac, magic
8cip, a ship
to shine
ScippCypa, a pilot
Scip, pure, clear, sheer
Scolu, a school, a band
Scpibpsen, a chair of state
Scpipan, to care for
Scpi'S, a revolution
Scucca, the devil
Scypcan, to verge, to incline
Scylb, guilt, sin
Scylban, to shield, to defend
Scyl-pipc, a shellfish
Scyppan, to create
Scypmaelum, confusedly
Scyppan, to adorn, to sharpen
Seals, salt
Seapolxce, artfully
Seapu, a fraud
Sea-S, a well, a gulf
Secan, to seek
Sees, a warrior
Sees, a speech
Sepa, the mind
Sepc, soft, quiet
Selan, to soil, to stain
SelculS ) strange, extraordinary,
Selbcu^ 5 unknown
Selbhponne S
Selbum-hponne, sometimes
Selepc, best ; superlative of pel
Selp, self
Selplic, self -liking, self-love
Selp-pill, self-will
Sella, a giver
Sellic, wonderful
Senban, to send
Seoc, sick
sfo ^mn ( ^"^ complain, to bewail
SeoponciS, seventy
388
GLOSSARY.
Seolocen, silken
8eon, to see
Setcaii, to set, to place, to arrange
Siapo-cpaejrc, a skilful art
8ib, peace, agreement, relationship
8ibj*umlice, peaceably
Siccecung, a sigh, sobbing
Sicilia, Sicily
8ib, wide, various
g^^^ J a custom
Siepan, to lie in wait, to plot
8ij;can, to sift
8isan, to sink down, to rust
Sije, a victory
Sige, a setting, declining
Si^enb, thirsty
Sige-heob, a victorious nation
Simle ) 1
8ymbeir^^^y^
8in, always
8in, his
8inc, a heap
Sinc-seo]:, a money gift
slnsaU ^^"^'°"^^' ^^'''"°
Siiisallice, perpetually
Singan, to sing
8infcipe, wedlock
Sine. See pef an
Sicca, a sick person
8io]:on, seven
8ioj:oJ)a, bran
Sioloc, silk
Siopian, to sew
SI'S, time, occasion, a path, an arrival
c • Ju c after, afterwards
Siccan, to sit, to dwell
81aep5, sloth
81apan > , ,
Siepan p^^^^^P
Slap, slow
Slean, to slay, to strike, to cast or
throw
Siepan on, to slip on, to cast on
Shcan, to slit, to tear
8h5, changeable, inconstant
Smal, small
Smealic, subtle, deep, profound
Smealice, deeply, profoundly
Smeasan} *° '°^''"'®' ^° meditate
8meapcian, to smile
Smeauns, argument
8mec, smoke
Smvlc \ "^^''^' S^ntle, calm, smooth
Smugan, to flow gradually
Snap, snow
Snican, to creep, to crawl
8ni>an, to cut oflf
Snyccpo, wisdom
Sojrce, softly, gladly
Sol, mire
Somne } . ^,
Toromner^S^'^^''
Son, a sound
Sona, soon, immediately
Sonb, sand
Sonbbeoph, a sand-hill
Sonbcopn, sand, grains of sand
8o)»Sian, to sorrow, to grieve, to be
anxious
So« ^
SoJ^a i true
8o|>anJ
So'S-cpibe, a true saying, a maxim
So^-fsep t, just
8o'5-j:8&pcnef, truth, sincerity
So'S-ppell, a true history
Spaca, the spoke of a wheel
Spanan, to urge, to allure, to excite,
to seduce
Speapca, a spark
Speb, means, power, wealth, effect
8pell, speech, language, discourse,
argument
Spellian, to speak, to teach
Spigeccan, to spit
Spipian 1 ^^ inquire, to seek after,
bpyjnan ^ ^^^ ^
Spypisanj ^
Spop, a pursuit, a track
Sppa&c, speech, language, subject of
discourse
Sppecan, to speak
Sppingan, to spring
OIOSSAET.
389
8ppyctan, to sprout, to bud
^J^;(astaflF.aletter
Scan, a stone, a rock
8canban ) , ^ j ^ t «
8conbanr^«^^"*^'*°^"
8can-feapo-Sim, a precious stone
8ca'S, a shore
Scajjol, a foundation
8ca>ol-j:8eft, stable, firm
8teap, a cup
Sceajic, stark, severe
Scebe^ a place, a station
Scemn, a voice
Scemn, a stem, a trunk
8ceopa, a steerer, a pilot
Sceopan "j
8ciopan I to steer, to direct
8cipan J
Sceopleaf, outrageous, without a
guide, ignorant
Sceojipa, a star
Sceoppohep, a rudder
Sceopt, a tail
Scepan, to raise, to honour
Sceppan, to step
Scicce, a small matter
Sciccian, to stick, to remain
8cicel, a sting
Scig, a path
8ns an, to depart, to ascend
Scille, still, quiet, lixed
Snlnei*, stillness, tranquillity
Scingan, to sting
Sconbenbe, standing
Scopm, a storm
8copm-f8&, a stormy sea
8cop, a place, a dwelling
Scpa&ng \
8cpons )
Scpeam, a stream
8cpeon, strength
Scpican, to continue a course
Scponglic, laborious, firm, power-
ful
Scunb, a space of time
8cunia«, to stun, to stun the ears,
to beat against
8cypian, to stir, to move, to agitate
Srypienbe, moving
Scyping, stirring, motion, experience
8typman, to be stormy
Scypmenb, stormy
8ul, a plough
Sum, some, a certain one
Sumep 1
Sumupr^"^"^^'*
Sumup-lang, summer-long
8un ) ,,
Sunner^^^"^
8una
Sunu
Sunbbuenb, a sailor
Sunbop^ P''°P^''' Pec"^^^''' separate
8unbep-j*top, a separate place
Sunbop-gifu, a peculiar excellence
or gift
Su'S, the south
Su'5-eapc, the south-east
Suhepn, southern
8u])e-peapb, southward
Su'S-healb if ^, ,
Su^-peapberT"''^^^^'"^'
Spa, as
Spa-epne, even so
Spa pop^ rpa, as far as, as much as
Spaec, taste, savour
sPph^^^y
Spaepnep, sluggishness
Spaeplice, courteously
8p8e"S, a path
Spsejjep, whether, whichsoever
Spapan, to sweep
Speapc, swarthy, black
Spepan, to sleep, to smoulder
Spepl, brimstone
SpeS, a sound
Spegel, the sky
8pej;el-Cophc, heavenly bright
Spelsan )
Spilgan > to swallow
Spylsan )
Spelgenb, a gulf
Spelean, to die, to perish
390
GLOSSARY.
8pencan, to trouble
Speop, a father-in-law
Speopcan, to darken
8peo|ib, a sword
8peocehan, to testify
Speotol ']
Speocul V clear, manifest
Sputol J
8purele^("^^^'^^'P^^^"^y
8per, sweet
Spermec, a sweetmeat
Specnef, sweetness, an allurement
8pij-an, to move, to revolve
8pij:c, swift
"r y ( swiftness
8pipco 5
8pin, a swine
Spmcan, to labour
8pinsan, to scourge, to afflict
l^'P^ 'a neck
Spypa \
8pi'S, strong, great
8piJ>e, very
8pi'5hc, vast, excessive
8pi'Slice, powerfully
8piJ?op, rather, more
Spi\>OY'c, most chiefly
8ponj;opnep, drowsiness
Spocmeccaj-, sweetmeats. See
ppecmec
8ylian, to soil, to stain
8yloFpen, silver
8ynbeplic, peculiar
8ynbeplice, singly, separately
Synn, sin
8\'^p, a moistening
Tacn
a token, a sijrn
Tacnunj \
Tacnian } to show, to declare, to
Taecnian \ betoken
Taecai), to teach
Taecnan, to see to, to show
Taecning, teaching, instruction
Taelan, to deride, to blame, to up-
braid, to compare
Tael-pyp'Shc, reprehensible
Tarn, tame
Tama, a tamer
Teap, a tear, a drop
Tebpe, frail, weak, tender
Tela, rightly, well
Tellan, to speak, to count, to reckon
Temian, to tame
Teohhian, to think, to endeavour,
to suppose, to draw
Teon, to draw, to allure, to draw
towards, to restrain
Teona, an injury
Teo^a, the tenth
Tib, tide, time, season
Tiep, a heap, an expanse
Tispip, a tiger
T' h?" [ to persuade, to excite
Til, excellent
Tile, Thule
Tilian I to till, to toil, to effect a
Tiolan 5 cure, to endeavour
Tille, a fixed state
rJ j"^ I labour, pursuit, anxiety
Tima, time
Si;z !*»"""*
Tipian, to irritate
Tippin, a beloved prince
Toblapan, to blow about, to scatter
Tobp?5eban, to spread
Tobpecan, to break
Toclupan, to cleave, to split
Tocnapan, to distinguish, to discern
Tocuman, to arrive at
Tobaelan, to divide
Tobjnpan. to drive, to disperse
TopoplaeCan, to allow
Topunbian, to require
Togaebepe, together
Togebibban, to pray to
ToSe)>ieban, to join to
To^liban, to glide away, to slip
Tohealban, to incline downwards
Tohopa, hope
Tol, a tool
Tolecgan, to separate
Tonemnan, to name
GLOSSARY.
391
Toniman, to separate
Top, a tower, a rock
Tojihc, bright, splendid, illustrious
Tofceab, a difference
Tofceaban, to divide, to discern, to
distinguish
Tofciotan, to shoot in, to anticipate
Toj-cpi^an, to wander
Toflupan, to slip asunder, to dis-
solve; part, coplopen
Tofcencan, to disperse; part.
CofCencce
Toj-pifan, to err, to wander
Tocellan, to reckon
Totepan, to tear in pieces
Topeapb, the future
Topeajibef, towards
Topenan, to expect
Topenban, to turn
Topeoppan ) to overthrow, to de-
Topyppan ) stroy
Tpege, vexation
Tpeop, a tree
Tpeopa ) faith, fidelity, a promise,
Tpupa 3 troth
Tpeopen, wooden
Tpeopian ^
Tpepan > to trust, to confide in
Tpupian \
Tpepnep, trust
Tpuna, strong
Tucian, to punish, to torment
Tubop, a production, a progeny
Tunge, a tongue
Tunnel, a star, a constellation
Tupa, twice
Tpa )
Tpega > two, twain
Tpegen )
Tpeonan } ^° ^°^^^' ^« ^^''^^^^
Tpeon ^
Tpeonung > doubt
Tpeouns )
Tpig, a twig, a small branch
Tpinclian, to twinkle
Tpiopec, two-footed
Tpiopaeb, inconsistent
r^an, to instruct
r^bepnej*, frailty, weakness
Tybpian, to nourish
Tybpung, propagation
Tyhc, instruction
Tynbpe, fuel
U.
Upan, above
Upop, higher
Unabepenblic, unbearable
Unabinbenbhc, indissoluble
Unae^el, ignoble, unnoble
Unapeht, unexplained
Unapimeb, countless, unnumbered
Unapecsenblic, indescribable, un-
speakable
Una'Spocenlice, unceasingly
Unapenbenbric(""^^^"°^^^^«
Unb^phc''( ""^''^^*' ^^'' ^"^^*
Unbpoc, unbroken
Unclaen, unclean
Uncu'S, unknown, strange
Uncpe>enbe, inanimate, unspeaking
Uncynb, unnatural
Unbea'Shc, undying, immortal
Unbep, under, beneath
Unbepbaec, backwards, behind
Unbepecan, to eat under, to subvert
Unbeppon, to undertake, to obtain,
to receive, to be subservient
Unbeplutan, to support, to sustain
Unbeppcanban, to understand
Unbeppca^olpaepc, unstable
Unbepjjeob, subject, put under
Unbepheoban i to make subject, to
Unbephioban \ degrade
UnsSei s^^""^^^.^'' ^'^^ difficulty
Une'Snep, uneasiness
Unpaegep, not fair
Unpaeglic, healthy, undying
Unppacoblice, honourably
Uiigebybe, disagreeing
Unsecynbelic/ ^^^^
Ungecynblic \
Un^ebapenlice, unreasonably
Unxeenbob ) ,.
Unseenboblicer^^'''^^^^"^
392
GLOSSARY.
Unseps&p, impassable
Unsefpeeshce, inconceivably, im-
moderately
Unsejylb, insatiable
Ungelaepeb, unlearned, ignorant
Unselefenblic, incredible
Unhf ^^ \ '^"^'^®' ^^^^^^^^
Un^elimp, a misfortune
Unsemengeb, unmixed
UngemeC, excess
Unsemet, immeasurable
UngemeCfeefC, intemperate, im-
mense
Unseraet-jraepcnef, intemperance
UnsemeClic, violent, immoderate,
unbounded
Unsemetlice, immoderately, beyond
measure
Unsemynbig, unmindful, forgetful
Ungeneb, uncompelled
UnSepab, rude, unfit, at variance
Ungepeclice, recklessly, confusedly
Unsepim ) innumerable, infinite
Unpim S quantity
Unsepifen, inconvenient
Un^epifenlic, unbecoming
Unsepifenhce, indecently
Unsepybehce, roughly
UnSej-aeliS, unhappy
Ungefael^, trouble, misfortune, sor-
row
UnSefceabpif, irrational, imprudent
Unserceabpifnef, imperfection,
want of reason
Unserepenhc).^^,.^.^j^
Unfepenlic )
Unserr««>esK^^^„3^^^^
UnsercsetShS )
Ungecefe, inconvenient
Unj^e'Spaep, discordant, unrelenting
Unje'Spaepnef, trouble, discord,
wickedness
lTnSe}>ylb, impatience
UnSeJjylbebce, impatiently
Un^ecpum, infirm
Unsepealbef, involuntarily
_ S^pif f unwise, ignorant
Unjepirrj ignorance
UngepiCpull, unwise
UngepicciS, irrational
UnSepunehc, unusual
Unglab, unpleasant, not glad
Un^leapnef, want of skill
Unhal, unhealthy, unsound
Unhepeb, unheard
Unhiope, tierce, tempestuous
Unhi>y, unhappy
Unhpop, not bent down, erect
Unhpea)ipenb, unchangeable
Unlaejieb, unlearned
Unlonb, a desert
Unm^^phcl ^^"°^^'' "ot celebrated
Unmebeme, unworthy
Unmenblin^a, unexpectedly
Unmeninpclic, inhuman
Unmecca, excess
Unmihc, weakness
Unmynblmja, undesignedly
Unnebe, willingly, uncompelled
Unnyc \ ^^^"' unprofitable
Unnyclice, unprofitably
Unopepfpi)5eblic, unconquerable
Unonpenbeublic, unchangeable
Unpehc )
Unjaiht > wicked, unfit, unjust
Unp\'ht; \
Unpihc ? . . ^.
Unpyhcr"J"^*^'^«
Unpihthaemeb, adulter}', unlawful:
lust
Unpihchc, unjust, wrong
Unpihclice, unjustly, unrighteously
Unpihcpip, unrighteous
Unpoc, sorrowful
Unpocnef, sorrow, bewailing, sad-
ness
Unpyhcpipnej*, unrighteousness
Unpamj'paeb, incongruous
Unpcea'Spulnep, innocence
Un!::*bfsh""'Ie.s,ianooe,>.
Unpnyrpo, folly
UnpciU, moving, restless
Unprjieng, weak
GLOSSARY.
393
Unpfcypienbe, unstirring, immov-
able
Unfpeotol, imperceptible
Unrselu, faultless
Uncela, not well, amiss
Unl'eapj:, ruin, detriment
Un>eap, a fault, vice
Un|)ylbiS, impatient
Uncibhce, unseasonably
Untilab, destitute
UnCiopiS, untiringly
Untobaeleb, undivided
Uncobaeleblic, indivisible, inse-
parable
Untpeopa, wanting in faith, deceit
UnCpymnef, infirmity
Untpiogenbe, undoubting
Uncyb, inexperienced
Unpenunga, unexpectedly
Unpeop'S, worthless, dishonourable
Unpeophian, to dishonour, to dis-
grace
Unpeop'Sf cipe, dishonour, unworthi-
ness
UnpiUej* I against one's will, un-
Unpillum \ willingly
Unpifbom, folly
Unpicnob, unpunished
Unplitegan, to change the figure, or
appearance
Unppecen, unpunished
Unpup'Snef, unworthiness, mean-
ness
Unpynpum, unpleasant
Unpypb, misfortune
Upahebban, to raise, to advance
Upapaepan, to uprear, to excite
Upenbe, the top, the upper part
UpSepapan, to go up, to ascend
Up-on-sepihce, upright
Uppan, upon
Uppyne, rising, an up course
Ur, pi. See 10
XJrabpijran, to drive out, to expel
Ucapapan, to depart, to go out
Ucan, outwards, from without
Ucani
Ute ,- let us
Uton)
Utancyman, to come from without
Ucapeallan, to well out, to spring
out
Ucemej'C, most remote, furthest
UtSpica, a philosopher
Uua, woe
7.
y ac, weak
J^aclic, weak, vain
^aclice, weakly
p'aban, to wade, to walk
J^secce, a watching
JZseb, clothes, apparel
^aebl, indigence, want
l^sebla, indigent
P'aepc, a wonder, a marvel
J78eS, a wave
J7aelhpeop, bloodthirsty, cruel
n iu ^ > cruelty, slaughte
yaelhpiopnep ) *" ^
J78en, a waggon
yieniiy-]piyla,, the waggon shafts
^aepen, a weapon
^eep, prudent
JZaepelice, anxiously
J78ejapcipe, prudence
J7aep'5, notable, extraordinary
pd&ytxxi, fruit
JZsec, wet
^8eta, liquor
JZseCep, water
^ael^an, to hunt
|7apan, to admire, to wonder at
JZajrung, astonishment
fas
J7ah
^agian, to wag, to move to and
fro
J7an ')
pen > dark, pale, wan
|7onn3
^ana, a want
J7ancol, unstable
a wall
394
GLOSSARY.
^panblunj changeableness
J7anbpian, to wander, to vary
J7an5, a field
Iranian, to wane, to diminish, to be
lessened
j7apenian, to guard one's self
j7a]io'5 \
K, "^ ,v >- a coast, the sea-shore
y eapo C '
J^epo'S )
fa's, a flight
f axan l
f eaxan i- to increase
fexan J
j7ea, woe, misery
f ea. miserable
fealb, the weald, a wold, a forest
J7ealban, to rule, to govern, to
wield
fealbenbl^'^^'^'^S^^'^'^"'''
fealbenbe, powerful
f ealblel'ep, a rein
f ealhf cob, an interpreter
f eallan, to boil up, to rage
f ealopigan, to roll round
f ealopisan ) to fall into decay, to
fealupan J wither
J7ealpian, to roll
feapb, a guardian
feapbigan, to dwell
feapm, warm
fear, by chance
fees, a wedge, a mass of metal
f ecssan, to rouse, to agitate
f ebenbe, insane, mad
f ebep, weather, a storm
f es, a way
f eS-f apan, to travel
f espepenb, a traveller
f el, well
J7ela, wealth, riches
f el-gehealben, well contented
f eliS, rich
fell, a well, a spring
f elm, heat, fire
f ena ( ^ thought, an opinion
f enan, to think, to ween, to
imagine
fenban, to turn, to proceed, to bend
to govern
f enbel-fae, the Wendel sea
f enbms, a change
f eob, a weed
f eopab "^
f epeb > a company, a host
f epob 3
f eopc-man, a workman
■L. V >■ fate, fortune
f ypb S
f eojjob, sweet
f eoppan, to cast, to throw
feop'She I worthy, deserving
fypl'e J
f eopl^an, to be, to exist
f eop%ullic, honourable
f eop'Sfullice, honourably
f eop'Sseopn, desirous of honour
f eopJ?ian, to honour, to distinguish,
to enrich, to worship
f eop'Smynb, honour, dignity
f eop^cipe, dignity, advantage
f eopulb-bifS ) worldly occupa-
f eopulb-bifsung \ tion
f eopulb-buenb, a dweller in the
world
f epan, to weep, to bewail
f ep, a man
f epban, to corrupt, to injure
f epig, weary, vile
f epilic, manly, worthy of a man
f epoban, to grow sweet
f ep}>iob, a nation ; pi. men
f ef an, to be
f eft, the west
f efC-bael, the west part ; i.e. the
west
f efte, a waste, a desert
f efte-peapb, westward
f epcmbaepe, fertile
f efcmept, most westward
f hilum, sometimes
f hen. See }>pon
f ic, a station, a dwelling-place
fib, wide
fib-en's, widely known, eminent
f ibe, widely
f ibgiUe, wide, spacious
GLOSSAET.
395
J^iogilner, amplitude
pibvasdjie, far-famed, celebrated
yif, a wife, a woman
|7ipan, to take a wife, to marry
P'lS, war
J^ijenb, a warrior
P'lgej'-heajib, a leader of war
J7i-la-pei, well-away !
pilb, wild
J7ilb-beop, a wild beast
_pilla, the will
|7illan ) to will, to desire, to wish,
_pilnian ^ to be inclined to
|7ilnunS, desire
pm, wine
pmb, the wind
J7inban, to wind, to wander, to
circle
^inbej*-bom, the power of the
wind
prn'^eajiby a vineyard
J7inSebpinc, wine-drink ; i.e. wine
J7innan, to labour, to toil, to con-
tend, to conquer
^mcep, winter
J7incpes, wintry
piy, wise
JZij-bom, wisdom
j7ipe, way, custom, wise
pijT, food
|7ic, the mind
l^ita, a wise man, a senator, a
noble
j7itan, to know
pitan, to blame, to punish
yite, a torment, a punishment
^I'S, with, towards
^i'S-cpe>an, to gainsay, to contra-
dict, to oppose
J7i>eppeapb, adverse, rebellious, in-
consistent
f^i^ejipeapbHep, adversity
pi)>eppinna, an enemy
piSjropan, before
pi^mecan, to compare
^I'Spcanban, to withstand
P'lSpinnaii, to oppose
'^irnian, to torment, to punish, to
injure
^ituung, punishment
J^lsBtca, a loathing
j71anc, splendid, rich
J71acian, to grieve
j71enco, splendour, prosperity, pride,
arrogance
|7hcan, to behold, to look upon
J71ice, beauty, excellence
fhteS, beautiful
J7ob-]?paS, fury
fob \ ^^«°S
J7oh-ppemmenb, a doer of wicked-
ness
|7oh-haemeC, adultery, unlawful
lust
|7ol, a plague, severity, mischief
Tolcen, a cloud, the welkin
yon, error
j7oncla, unstable
p'onbseb, a crime
j7onS-ptebe, a field
]7on-pilla, evil desire, lust
j7on-pilnunS, evil desire, a wicked
purpose, lust
l^on-pypb, evil fortune
j7op, weeping
^opb, a word
J7opb-hopb, a treasury of words
J7opn, a multitude, a number
|7opulb, the world, life in this
world
J7opulb-lupt, worldly lust, plea-
sure
J7pac, exile, banishment
JZpacu ^
P'paec ? vengeance, injury, revenge
fpec )
■L' >■ to punish, to correct
ypecan ) ^ '
]7paecpi'5, banishment
^psec-pcop, an evil place, a place of
banishment
J7p8ennep, lust, luxury
V u (•to support
ypepian ) ^'
^pa'5, anger, wrath
J^pa'S, angry, violent
^I^t^ [quicklv
y pa>um ) ^
^pecca, an exile, a wretch
396
GLOSSAET.
J7peSan, to accuse
j7penc, a fraud, deceit
J7pi5an, to tend towards, to incline,
to strive
J^pingan, to wring, to press
^piCan, to write
p'pitepe, a writer
J^uhhung, madness, fury
pthz \ ^ *^""^' ^ ^^'^^at'^*
fulbop(s^°''y
J^ulf, a wolf
J^unb, a wound
^unb, wounded
Tuiibep > J
f unbophc \ wonderful
runbeplice ) j /• u
f unbophce 1 ^o^de'-f^Wy
P'unbian, to wound
|7unbpian, to wonder, to wonder at,
to admire
j7unb]ium, wonderfully
J7uman, to remain, to dwell
J7ynfum, pleasant, winsome
J/ynfumlice, happily
p'ynj'umnef, pleasantness
J^ypcan, to labour, to make
p'yphta, a maker, a wright
p'ypm, a worm
^ypnan, to warn, prevent, refuse
JZypj'e, worse. See Yjrel
|7ypc, a plant, a herb
jZyptpuma, a root
Y.
Yyel, evil
Ypel, bad ; comp. pj'pfe ; sup.
pyprc
Ypele, evilly, miserably, badly
v^f,i!^" C to inflict evil
Yjrel-piUenb, evil-mindei?
Ypel-pypcan, to do evil
Ypemepc, highest, uppermost
Ynab-cejipan, to turn round
Ymb-clyppan, to encircle, to em-
brace
Ymbe, about
Ymbe-hpeaprt ') ., . «
V 1, u L ( the circumference,
Ymb-hpeoppc V „ circuit
Ymb-hpyppc ) a^^^^^it
Ymb-hpeopfan, to turn about, to
turn round, to encompass
Yrabe-licgan, to lie around
Ymb-fon, to encircle, to encompass
Ymb-habban, to include, to con-
tain
Ymbhoga, care, anxiety
Ymb-fcpiJ?an, to revolve about
Ymb-pictan, to surround
Ymb-pppecan, to speak about
Ymb-ptanban, to surround
Ymb-ppmcan, to labour after any-
thing
Ymb-ucan, round about
Ypmian, to afflict, to oppress
Ypming, a wretch
Ypm^, misery
Ypnan, to run
Yyipe, anger, ire
Yppin^a, angrily
Yppenb, angry
Yppung, anger
YfC, a tempest, a storm
Yce, outwards ; sup. ytemepc, fur-
thest
Y^, a wave
D.
Da, as, when
Daepe. See Dip
Daeptepnep)
Dypcejinep )
Dapan, to suffer, to permit, to
allow
Dapung, permission
„ y thanks, will, mind, favour
Dancian, to thank
Danc-pyp^, thankworthy, accep-
table
Danon, thence
GL0S8AET.
397
Deahc, counsel, thought
Deapf, need, necessity
Dunran^ ( *° °®®'^' *° ^^"^^ "®®*^
Deapjrlice, carefully
Deapl, heavy
Deaple, greatly
Deap, a custom, manner
Deccan, to conceal, to cover
T) ^^ [ a thane, a servant
Degnung ) service, office, duty, re-
Denung \ tinue
Dencan ")..,., ^ .
Dincan ) ""'"^'^^'^
Denben, while
Denian > , , ...
DemsanP^^^''^^'^*'"'^"^'*^'
Deob, a country
Deoban, to join, to associate
Deoben } a lord, a ruler, a people's
Dioben I ruler
Deobij-c, a language, a nation
Deob-lonb, people's land, a people
Deof, a thief
Deon )
Dion S
Deoprcpolb ) ,v._g„Uoi.
Dyprcpolb jathresnold
Deofcpu ^
Dioftjio > darkness
Dij-tpu J
Deep, a servant, a slave
Deopbom, service, servitude
Deopian, to serve
„ > thick
Dicce )
Dicgan, to eat, to receive
Dibep, thither
to flourish
Dilhc
10^
the like, such
DyU]
Dm, thine
Dincan, to seem, to appear
Dins, a thing
Dingepe, an advocate, a pleader
Dingian, to plead at the bar, to
obtain
I
to howl
Diob-y-puma, a nation's founder^ a
creator
DiofCpan, to darken
Diocan }
Ducan 5
Dip, this
Dipl, the shafts of a waggon
Docpian, to be conducted
Dolian; to suffer
Done, the mind, the will, a wish
Doncal-mob, wise in mind, wise
Donecan, as often as
Dononpeapb, thenceward, from
thence
Donne, than
Dojin, a thorn
Dpaeb, thread
Dpa&gian, to run
Dpag, course of events, space of
time
Dpeagan, to vex, to harass, to
afflict
DpeaC, a troop
Dpeatian ( to threaten, to chide, to
Dpietan \ admonish, to terrify
Dpeatung, correction
Dpeaung, a threatening
Dpit-p^Jspe ( ^^'^^ '■^^^ "^ ''''''''
Dpibba, third
Dpie-pealb, three-fold
Dpingan, to crowd, to throng, to
rush
DpH^^'"'
DpiCCiS, thirty
Dpoce, the throat
Dpopian, to suffer, to endure
Dpyccan, to tread on, to trample
Dpym, greatness, majesty, a crowd
Dpym, glorious
Dunep', thunder
Dunpian, to thmnder
Duph-papan, to go through, to
penetrate
Duph-peon, to see through
Duph-Ceon, to accomplish, to fulfil
Duph-punian, to remain, to con-
tinue, to persevere
Duppc, thirst
D
398
GLOSSARY.
DupfCeg, thirsty
Duj", thus
Duf enb, a thousand
Dpapian, to temper, to moderate
Dpeop, perverse
Dpeopteme, a brawler
By, then, when, therefore, because
Dv-la&f, lest
Dyle, Thule
Dypel, a hole
Dyppcan, to thirst
DyjC]ie, dark
THE END.
IOITDON: printed by wilmam clowes and sons, limited,
stamfokd strickt and chauixg cross.
AM
ALPHABETICAL LIST
OF BOOKS CONTAINED I]
BOHN'S LIBRARIES,
Detailed Catalogue^ arranged according to the various
Libraries^ will be stnt on application-.
ADDISON'S Works. With the
Notes of Bishop Hurd, Portrait,
and 8 Plates of Medals and Coins,
Edited by H. G. Bohn. 6 vols.
3^. 6d. each.
iESGHYLXJS, The Dramas of.
Translated into English Verse by
Anna Swanwick. 4th Editionj
revised. 5^.
^ — - The Tragedies of. Trans-
lated into Prose by T. A. Buckley,
B.A. 3J. 6d.
AGASSIZ and G0ULD S Out-
line of Gomparative Physi-
ology. Enlarged by Dr. Wright.
With 390 Woodcuts. 55-c
AiiFIBRI'S Tragedies. Trans-
lated into English Verse by Edgar
A. Bowring, C.B. 2 vols. 35. 6d.
each.
ALLEN^S (Joseph, R. N.) Battles
of the British Navy. Revised
Edition, with 57 Steel Engravings.
2 vols. Si-, each.
4MMIANUS iiAE,o2LLlNUS.
History of Rome during the
Reigns Of Constantius, Julian,
Jxivianus, Vaientinian, and Valens.
Ti-an.-lated by Prof. C. t). Vonge^
M.A. Ts. (id.
ANDERSEN'S Danish Legends
and Fairy Tales. Translated
by Caroline Ptachey. With 12^
Wood Engravings. 5^-^
ANTONINUS (M. Aurelius) , ThS
Thoughts of. Tians. littrally^
with Notes and Introduction by
George Long, M.A. :p. dd.
APOLLONIU3 RHODiaS.
' The Argonautica.' Tratislate^
by E. P. Coleriiige, B-.A. 55-.
APPIAN'S Roman History.
Translated by Liorace White,
M.A.j LL.D. With Maps and
Illustrations. 2 vols. 6s. each.
APULEIUS, The Works
Gomprirsing the Golden Ass, Goid
of Socrates, Florida, and Dis-
course of Magic. 5^.
ARIOSTO'S Orlando Furioso.
Translated into English Vtr^e by
W. S. Rose. With Portrait, and 24
Steel Engravings. 2vols. 5^. eacK
ARIS'i'OPiiANES' Gomcdcs
Translated by W. J. liickic. it
vols. 5^. each.
An Alphabetical List of Books
ARISTOTLE'S Nicomacliean
Ethics. Translated, with Intro-
duction and Notes, by the Vener-
able Archdeacon Browne. 5^.
ARISTOTLE'S Politics and
Economics. Translated by E.
Walford, M.A., with Introduction
by Dr. Gillies. 55.
Metaphysics. Translated by
the Rev. John H. M'Mahon,
M.A. 5^.
History of Animals, Trans.
by Richard Cresswell, M.A. 5.".
Organon; or, Logical Trea-
tises, and the Introduction of
Porphyry. Translated by the
Rev. O. F. Owen, M.A. 2 vols.
3 J. dd. each.
— — Rhetoric and Poetics.
Trans, by T. Buckley, B.A. 5^.
ARRIAN'S Anabasis of Alex-
ander, together with the Indica.
Translated by E. j. Chinnock,
M.A., LL.D. With Maps and
Plans. 55-.
ATHEN.^US. The Deipnoso-
phists; or, the Banquet of the
Learned. Trans, by Prof. C. D.
Yonge, M.A. 3 vols. 5^-. each.
ATLAS of Classical Geography.
22 Large Coloured Maps. With a
Complete Index. Imp. 8vo. ']s. 6d.
BACON'S Moral and Historical
"Works, including the Essays,
Apophthegms, Wisdom of the
Ancients, New Atlantis, Henry
VII., Henry VHL, Elizabeth,
Henry Prince of Wales, History
of Great Britain, Julius Caesar,
and Augustus Coesar. Edited by
J. Devey, M.A. 3^-. 6d.
Novum Organum and Ad-
vancement of Learning. Edited
by J. Devey, M.A. 55.
BALLADS AND SONGS of the
Peasantry of England. Edited
by Robert Bell. 3^. 6d.
BASS'S Lexicon to the Greek
Testament. 2s.
BAX'S Manual of the History
of Philosophy, for the use of
Students. By E. Belfort Bax. 5^.
BEAUMONT and FLETCHER,
their finest Scenes, Lyrics, and
other Beauties, selected from the
whole of their works, and edited
by Leigh Hunt. 3,s. Gd.
BECHSTEIN'S Cage and
Chamber Birds, their Natural
History, Habits, Food^ Diseases,
and Modes of Capture. Translated,
with considerable additions on
Structure, Migration, and Eco-
nomy, by H. G. Adams. Together
with Sweet British Warblers.
With 43 coloured Plates and
Woodcut Illustrations. 5^-.
BECK MANN (J.) History of
Inventions, Discoveries, and
Origins, 4th edition, revised by
W. Francis and J. W. Griffith.
2 vols. 3^. 6d. each.
BEDE'S (Venerable) Ecclesias-
tical History of England. To-
gether with the Anglo-Saxon
Chronicle. Edited by J. A.
Giles, D.C.L. With Map. 5.^.
BELL {Sir Charles). The Ana-
tomy and Philosophy of Ex-
pression, as connected with
the Fine Arts. By Sir Charles
Bell, K.H. 7th edition, revised.
BERKELEY (George), Bishop
of Cloyne, The Works of.
Edited by George Sampson. With
Biographical Introduction by the
Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, M.P.
3 vols. 55-. each.
BION. See Theocritus.
BJORNSON'S Arne and the
Fisher Lassie. Translated by
W. H. Low, M.A. 3.f. 6d.
BLAIR'S Chronological Tables.
Revised and Enlarged. Compre-
hending the Chronology and His-
Contained in Bohn^s Libraries.
tory of the World, from the Earliest
Times to the Russian Treaty of
Peace, April 1856. By J. Wil-
loughby Rosse. Double vol. \os.
BLAIR'S rndex of Dates. Com-
prehending the principal Facts in
the Chronology and History of
the World, alphabetically ar-
ranged ; being a complete Index
to Blair's Chronological Tables,
By J. W. Rosse. 2 vols. 5 j-. each.
BLEEK, Introduction to the
Old Testament. By Friedrich
Bleek. Edited by Johann Bleek
and Adolf Kamphausen. Trans-
lated by G. H. Venables, under
the supervision of the Rev. Canon
Venables, 2 vols. 5^. each.
BOETHIUS'S Consolation of
Philosophy. King Alfred's Anglo-
Saxon Version of. With a literal
English Translation on opposite
pages, Notes, Introduction, and
Glossary, by Rev. S. Fox, M.A.
BOHN'S Dictionary of Poetical
Quotations. 4th edition. (>s.
Handbooks of Athletic
Sports. In 8 vols. , each con-
taining numerous Illustrations.
3^. dd. each.
I. — Cricket, Lawn Tennis,
Tennis, Rackets, Fives,
Golf.
II. — Rowing and Sculling,
Sailing, Swimming.
III. — Boxing, Broadsword,
Single Stick , &c. , Wrest-
ling, Fencing.
IV. — Rugby Football, Associa-
tion Football, Baseball,
Rounders, Fieldball,
Quoits, Skittles, Bowls,
Curling,
v.— Cycling, Athletics, Skat-
ing.
VI. — Practical Horsemanship,
including Riding for
Ladies.
VII. — Camping Out, Canoeing.
VIII. — Gymnastics, Indian Clubs.
BOHN'S Handbooks of Games.
New edition. In 2 vols., with
numerous Illustrations 35'. 6d.
each.
Vol, I,— Table Games :— Bil-
liards, Chess, Draughts, Back-
gammon, Dominoes, Solitaire,
Reversi, Go-Bang, Rouge etNoir,
Roulette, E,0,, Hazard, Faro,
Vol. II. — Card Games : —
Whist, Solo Whist, Poker, Piquet,
Ecarte, Euchre, Bezique, Crib-
bage, Loo, Vingt-et-un, Napoleon,
Newmarket, Pope Joan, Specula-
tion, &c., &c.
BOND'S A Handy Book of Rules
and Tables for verifying Dates
with the Christian Era, &c. Giving
an account of the Chief Eras and
Systems used by various Nations ;
with the easy Methods for deter-
mining the Corresponding Dates.
By J. J. Bond. 5^.
BONOMI'S Nineveh and its
Palaces. 7 Plates and 294 Wood-
cut Illustrations, 5J-.
BOSWELL'S Life of Johnson,
with the Tour in the Hebrides
and JOHNSONIANA, Edited by
the Rev. A. Napier, M.A. With
Frontispiece to each vol. 6 vols.
3i'. dd. each.
BRAND'S Popular Antiquities
of England, Scotland, and Ire-
land. Arranged, revised, and
greatly enlarged, by Sir Henry
Ellis, K.H., F.R.S., &c., &c. 3
vols. ^s. each.
BREMER'S (Prederika) Works.
Translated by Mary Howitt. 4
vols. 3^-. dd. each.
BRIDGWATER TREATISSS.
Bell (Sir Charles) on the Hand.
With numerous Woodcuts. 5^.
Kirby on the History, Habits,
and Instincts of Animals.
Edited by T. Rymer Jones.
With upwards of 100 Woodcuts.
2 vols. 5J-. each.
An Alphabetical List of Books
Bridgwater Treatises continued.
Kldd on the Adaptation of Ex-
ternal Nature to the Physical
Condition of Man. 31. 6<^.
Chalmers on the Adaptation
of External Nature to the
Moral and Intellectual Con-
stitution of Man. 5J-.
BRINK (B. ten). Early English
Literature. By Bernhard ten
Brink. Vol. I. To Wyclif. Trans-
lated by Horace M. Kennedy.
Zs. 6d.
— - Vol. II. Wyclif, Chaucer, Ear-
liest Drama, Renaissance. Trans-
lated by W. Clarke Robinson.
Ph.D. 3s. 6d.
Vol. III. From the Fourteenth
Century to the Death of Surrey.
Edited by Dr. Alois Brandl.
Trans, by L. Dora Schmitz.
3s. 6d.
Five Lectures on Shake-
speare. Trans, by Julia Franklin.
3s. 6d.
BROWNE'S (Sir Thomas) Works
Edited by Simon Wilkin. 3 vols.
3s. 6d. each.
BUCHANAN'S Dictionary of
Science and Technical Terms
used in Philosophy, Literature,
Professions, Commerce, Arts, and
Trades. 6^.
BURKE'S Works. 6 vols. 3s. 6d.
each.
I. — Vindication of Natural So-
ciety — Essay on the Sub-
lime and Beautiful, and
v:irious Political Miscel-
lanies.
II. — Reflections on the French
Revolution — Letters re-
latmg to the Bristol Elec-
tion — Speech on Fox's
East India Bill, &c.
Burke's Works continued.
III. — Appeal from the New to the
Old Whigs— On the Na-
bob of Arcot's Debts —
The Catholic Claims, &c.
IV.— Report on the Affairs of
India, and Articles of
Charge against Warren
Hastings.
V. — Conclusion of the Articles of
Charge against Warren
Hastings — Political Let-
ters on the American War,
on a Regicide Peace, to
the Empress of Russia.
VI. — Miscellaneous Speeches —
Letters and Fragments —
Abridgments of English
History, &c. With a
General Index.
Speeches on the Impeach-
ment of Warren Hastings ; and
Letters. With Index. 2 vols.
3^-. dd. each.
— Life. By Sir T. Prior,
each.
3$. 6d.
BURNEY'S Evelina. By Frances
Burney (Mme. D'Arblay). With
an Introduction and Notes by
A. R. Ellis. 3s. 6d.
Ceciha. With an Introduc-
tion and Notes by A. R. Ellis.
2 vols. 3s. bd. each.
BURN- (R.) Ancient Rome and
its Neighbourhood. An Illus-
trated Handbook to the Ruins in
the City and the Campagna, for
the use of Travellers. By Robert
Burn, M.A. With numerous
Illustrations, Maps, and Plans.
Ts. 6d.
BURNS (Robert), Life of. By
J. G. Lockhart, D.C.L. A
new and enlarged Edition. Re-
vised by William Scott Douglas.
3^. 6d.
Contained in Bohn's Libraries.
BURTON'S (Robert) Anatomy of
Melancholy. Edited by the Rev.
A. R. Shilleto, M.A. With In-
troduction by A. H. Bullen, and
full Index. 3 vols. y. 6d. each.
BURTON (Sir R. F.) Personal
Narrative of a Pilgrimage to
Al-Madinah and Meccah, By
Captain Sir Richard F. Burton,
K.C.M.G. With an Introduction
by Stanley Lane- Poole, and all
the original Illustrations. 2 vols.
y. 6d. each.
*** This is the copyright edi-
tion, containing the author's latest
notes
BUTLER'S (Bishop) Analogy of
Religion, Natural and Revealed,
to the Constitution and Course of
Nature ; together with two Dis-
sertations on Personal Identity and
on the Nature of Virtue, and
Fifteen Sermons, y. 6d,
BUTLER'S (Samuel) Hudibras.
With Variorum Notes, a Bio-
graphy, Portrait, and 28 Illus-
trations, ^s.
or, further Illustrated with 60
Outline Portraits. 2 vols. ^s.
each.
C^SAR. Commentaries on the
Gallic and Civil Wars. Trans-
lated by W. A. McDevitte, B.A.
CAMOENS' Lusiad ; or, the Dis-
covery of India. An Epic Poem.
Translated by W. J. Mickle. 5th
Edition, revised by E. R. Hodges,
M C.P. 3^. 6d.
C ^RAFAS (The) of Maddaloni.
Naples under Spanish Dominion.
Translated from the German of
Alfred de Reumont. 3^. 6d.
CARPENTER'S (Dr W. B.)
Zoology. Revised Edition, by
W. S. Dallas, F.L S. With very
numerous Woodcuts. Vol.1. 6s.
[ Vol, II. out of print.
CARPENTER'S Mechanical
Philosophy, Astronomy, and
Horology. 181 Woodcuts. <^s,
Vegetable Physiology and
Systematic Botany. Revised
Edition, by E. Lankester, M.D.,
&c. With very numerous Wood-
cuts. 61.
Animal Physiology. Revised
Edition. With upwards of 300
Woodcuts, ds.
CARREL. History of the
Counter - Revolution in Eng-
land for the Re-establishment of
Popery under Charles II. and
James II., by Armand Carrel ;
together with Fox's History of
the Reign of James II. and Lord
Lonsdale's Memoir of the Reign
of James II. 3^-. dd.
CASTLE (E.) Schools and
Masters of Fence, from the
Middle Ages to the End of the
Eighteenth Century. By Egerton
Castle, M.A., F.S.A. With a
Complete Bibliography. Illustrated
with 140 Reproductions of Old
Engravings and 6 Plates of
Swords, showing 114 Examples.
ds.
CATTERMOLE'S Evenings at
Haddon Hall. W,th 24 En-
gravings on Steel from designs by
Cattermole, the Letterpress by the
Baroness de Carabella. ^s.
CATULLUS, Tibullus, and the
Vigil of Venus. A Literal Prose
Translation, ^s.
CELLINI (Benvenuto). Me-
moirs of, written by Himself.
Translated by Thomas Roscoe.
3r. 6d.
CERVANTES' Don Quixote de
la Mancha. Motteux's Trans-
lation revised. 2 vols. 35-. 6d.
each.
Galatea. A Pastoral Ro-
mance. Translated by G. W. J.
Gyll. 3^. 6d.
An Alphabetical List oj Books
CERVANTES' Exemplary
Novels. Translated by Walter
K Keliy. 3^. dd.
CHAUCER'S Poetical Works.
Edited by Robert Bell. Revised
Edition, with a Preliminary Essay
by Prof, W. W. Skeat, M.A. 4
vols. 3i'. dd. each.
CHESS CONGRESS of 1862.
A Collection of the Games played.
Edited by J. Lowenthal. ^s.
CHEVREUL on Colour. Trans-
lated from the French by Charles
Martel. Third Edition, «ith
Plates, ^s. ; or with an additional
series of 16 Plates in Colours,
7.?. dd.
CHILLINGWORTH'S Religion
of Protestants. A Safe Way to
Salvation. 3^. 6d.
CHINA, Pictorial, Descriptive,
and Historical. With Map and
nearly 100 Illustrations. 5^-.
CHRONICLES OF THE CRU-
SADES. Contemporary Narra
tives of the Crusade of Richard
Coeur de Lion, by Richard of
Devizes and Geoffrey de Vinsauf ;
and of the Crusade at St. Louis,
by Lord John de Joinville 5^.
CICERO'S Orations. Translated
by Prof. C. D. Yonge, M.A. 4
vols. ^s. each.
Letters. Translated by Evelyn
S. Shuckburgh. 4 vols 5J-. each.
[ Vols. I. and II. ready.
On Oratory and Orators.
With Letters to Quintus and
Brutus. Translated by the Rev.
J. S. Watson, M.A. 5^.
On the Nature of the Gods,
Divination, Fate, Laws, a Re-
public, ConsuUhip. Translated
by Prof. C 1). Vonge, M.A., and
Francis Barham. ^s.
Academics. De Finibus. and
Tusculan Questions. By Prof.
Z. D. Yonge, M.A. 5^.
CICERO'S Offices ; or. Moral
Duties. Cato Major, an Essay
on Old Age ; Laelius, an Essay
on Friendship ; Scipio's Dream ;
Paradoxes ; Letter to Quintus on
Magistrates. Translated by C R.
Edmonds, "^^s. 6d.
CORNELIUS NEPOS.
I'JSTIN.
■See
CLARK'S (Hugh) Introduction
to Heraldry. i8th Edition, Re-
vised and Enlarged by J. R.
Planche, Rouge Croix. With
nearly 1000 Illustrations, ^s. Or
with the Illustrations Coloured,
155.
CLASSIC TALES, containing
Rasselas, Yicar of Wakefield,
Gulliver's Travels, and The Senti-
mental Journey. T^s. 6d.
COLERIDGE'S (S. T.) Friend.
A Series of Essays on Morals,
Politics, and Religion. 3^. 6d,
Aids to Reflection, and the
Confessions of an Inquiring
Spirit, to which are added the
Essays on Faith and the Book
OF Common Prayer, y. 6d.
Lectures and Notes on
Shakespeare and other English
Poets. Edited by T. Ashe s^.bd.
Biographia Literaria ; to-
gether with Two Lay Sermons.
3^. 6d.
Table- Talk and Omniana.
Edited by T. Ashe, B.A. 3s. 6d.
Miscellanies, Esthetic and
Literary ; to which is added,
The Theory of Life Col-
lected and arranged by T. Ashe,
B.A. 3 J. 6d.
COMTfi'S Positive Philosophy.
Translated and condensed by
Harriet Martineau. With Intro-
duction by Fredeyic Harrison.
3 vols. 5j. each.
Contained in Bohn^s Libraries.
COMTE'S Philosophy of the
Soienoes, being an Exposition of
the Principles of the Cotirs de
Philosophie Positive. By G. H.
Lewes. 5^.
CONDE'S History of the Do-
minion of the Arabs in Spain.
Translated by Mrs. Foster. 3
vols. 1^. 6d. each.
COOPER'S Biographical Dic-
tionary. Containing Concise
Notices (upwards of 15,000) of
Eminent Persons of all Ages and
Countries. By Thompson Cooper,
F.SA. With a Supplement,
bringing the work down to 1883.
2 vols. $s. each.
COWPER'S Complete Works.
Edited by Robert Southey. Illus-
trated with 45 Engravings. 8 vols.
3j. 6d. each.
I. to IV. — Memoir and Corres-
pondence.
V. and VI.— Poetical Works.
VII. and VIII. —Translation of
Homer'.s Iliad and
Odyssey.
COXE'S Memoirs of the Duke of
Marlborough. With his original
Correspondence. By W. Coxe,
M.A., F.R.S. R-evised edition
by John Wade. 3 vols. 3^-. 6d.
each.
* ^* An Atlas of the plans of
Marlborough's campaigns, 4to.
lOJ. dd.
History of the House of
Austria (12 18-1792). With a
Continuation from the Accession
of Francis I. to the Revolution of
1848. 4 vols. 3 J. 6d. each.
CRAIK'S{G.L.) Pursuit of Know-
ledge under Difficulties. IHus-
trated by Anecdotes and Memoirs.
Revised edition, with numerous
Woodcut Portraits and Plates. 5^.
CRUIKSHANK'S Three Courses
and a Dessert ; comprising three
Sets of Tales, West Country,
Irish, and Legal ; and a Melange.
With 50 humorous Illustrations
by George Cruikshank. ^s,
CRUIKSHANK'S Punch and
Judy. The Dialogue of the
Puppet Show ; an Account of its
Origin, &c. With 24 Illustra-
tions, and Coloured Plates, de-
signed and engraved by G. Cruik-
shank. 5^.
CUNNINGHAM'S Lives of the
Most Eminent British Painters.
A New Edition, with Notes and
Sixteen fresh Lives. By Mrs.
Heaton. 3 vols. 3^. 6d. each.
DANTE. Divine Comedy. Trans-
lated by the Rev. H. F. Gary,
M.A. 3^. 6d.
Translated into English Verse
by I. C. Wright, M.A. 3rd Edi-
tion, revised. With Portrait, and
34 Illustrations on Steel, after
Flax man.
The Inferno. A Literal Prose
Translation, with the Text of the
Original printed on the same page.
By John A. Carlyle, M.D. $3.
The Purgatorio. A Literal
Prcse Translation, with the Text
printed on the same page. By
W. S. Dugdale. 5^.
DE COMMINES (Philip), Me-
moirs of. Containing the Histories
of Louis XI. and Charles VIII.,
Kings of France, and Charles
the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.
Together with the Scandalous
Chronicle, or Secret History ol
Louis XL, by Jean de Troyes.
Translated by Andrew R. Scoble.
With Portraits. 2 vols. 35-. 6d.
each.
DEFOE'S Novels and Miscel-
laneous Works. With Prefaces
and Notes, including those attri-
buted to Sir W. Scott. 7 vols.
2)S. 6d. each.
I. — Captain Singleton, and
Colonel Jack.
An Alphabetical List of £ookS
t)EFOE's Novels &c., contimted.
II. — Memoirs of a Cavalier,
Captain Carleton,
Dickory Cronke, &c.
lit.— Moll Flanders, and the
History of the Devil.
IV.— koxatla, and Life of Mrs.
Christian Davies.
Vi —History of the Grfeat Plague
of London, 1665 ; The
Storm (1703) ; and the
TrUe-born Englishman.
Vii— t)uncan Campbell, New
Voyage ifoUnd the
Wol-ld, and Political
tracts.
Vli. — kobihson Crusoe.
t):fe LOtiME on the Constitution
bf England. Edited by John
Macgregor. 3^. 6^.
DEMMIN'S Histbry of Arms
and jftrmour, from the Earliest
Period. By Auguste Demmin.
Tl-anslatfed by C. C. Black, M.A.
With tledriy 2000 Illustrations.
Ts. 6d.
t>EMOSTH:gNES' Oi^atiohs.
Trahslated by C. Ranh Kennfedy.
5 vols. Vol. i., 3h M. ; Vols.
IL-V., 5 J. each.
t)E S^AEL'S Corlniie bi: Italy.
By Madame de Stael. trahs-
lated by Ettiily Baldwitl ^fad
Paulina EJHVei:. jj. 6t^.
BEVEL'S Lofeic, 6x the Scieiicfe
of Infeireticfe. A Popular Manual.
By J. Devey. 5^-.
DICTIONARY of Latin and
Greek Quotations; including
Proverbs, Maxims, Mottoes, Law
Terms and Phrases. With all the
Quantities marked, and English
Translations. With Index Verb-
orum (622 pages). 5^.
DICTIONARY of Gbsbletfe and
Provincial iSr.glisli. Cbmpiled
by Thomas Wright, M.A., F.S.A.,
&e; 2 vols. 5^^. each.
DIDRON'S Christian loonb-
graphy: a History of Christian
Art in the Middle Ages. Trans-
lated by E. J. Millington and
completed by Margaret Stokes.
With 240 IllustratiotiSi 2 vols;
5^. each.
DIOaENES LAERTIUS. Liv^s
and OpiMons of the Anoient
Philosophers. Translated by
Prof. C. D. Yonge, M.A. ^s.
DOBREE'S Adversaria. Edited
by the late Prof. Wagner. 2 volSi
$s. each.
D O D D ' S Epigrammatists. A
Selection from the Epigrammatic
Literature of Ancient, Medisfeval,
and Modern times. By the Rev.
Henry Philip Dodd, M.A. Ox-
ford. 2hd Edition, revised and
enlarged. 6s.
DONALDSON'S the Theatre df
the Greeks. A Treatise Oii the
History and Exhibitidn df the
Greek Dratha. With numerous
Illustrations ahd 3 Plans. By John
William Dbhaldsoh, D.D. 5^.
DRAPER'S Histbry bf the
Ihteiie6ttial Development of
:^tii'opfe. B^ Johh Wiiliaili Drapet>
M.D:, IjL.D. 2 Vols. $s. each;
DltNtidP'S Histoi"^ of Fiction;
A n^w Editioh. Revised by
tteniry Wilson. 2 Vols. ^s. each.
DYER (Dr. T. H.). Pompeii : its
Buildings aild Antiquities. By
T. li. Dyer; LL.D. With tiearljr
300 Wobd Engravings, a large
Map, and a Plan df the Forum.
Ts. 6d.
The City of Rome : its History
and Monuments. With Illustra-
tions. SJ-.
DYER (T. F. T.) British Pbi)ulai'
Customs^ Present and Past;
An Account ot the Various GamSs
and Customs associated with Dif-
ferent Days of the Year in thg
Containea in Bohn^s Libraries.
9
British Isles, arranged according
to the Calendar. By the Rev.
T. F. Thiselton Dyer, M.A. 5^.
EARLY TRAVELS IN PALES-
TINE. Edited by Thomas
Wright, M.A. With Map of
Jerusalem. 5^.
EBERS' Egyptian Princess. An
Historical Novel. By George
Ebers. Translated by E. S.
Buchheim. 3^. 6ci.
EDGE WORTH'S Stories for
Children. With 8 Illustrations
by L Speed, p. 6d.
ELZE'S William Shakespeare.
— See Shakespeare.
EMERSON'S Works. 3 vols.
2)S. 6d. each.
I. — Essays, Lectures, and Poems.
II.— Enghsh Traits, Nature, and
Conduct of Life.
III. - Society and Solitude — Letters
and Social Aims— Miscel-
laneous Papers (hitherto
uncollected) — May Day,
and other Poems.
ELLIS (G.) f^pecimens of Early
English Metrical Romances.
With an Historical Introduction
on the Rise and Progress of
Romantic Composition in France
and England. Revised Edition.
By J. O. Halliwell, F.R.S. 55.
ENNEMOSER'S History of
Magic. Translated by William
Howitt. 2 vols. 51. each.
EPICTETUS The Discoiirses of.
With the Encheiridion and
Fragments. Translated by George
Long, M.A. 5.f.
EURIPIDES. A New Literal
Translation in Prose. By E. P.
Coleridge, M.A. 2 vols. 5^. each.
EUTROPIUS.— .9^^ Justin.
EUSEBIUS PAMPHILUS,
Ecclesiastical History of. Trans-
lated by Rev. C- F. Cruse, M- A. 5^.
EVELYN'S Diary and Corre-
spondence. Edited from the
Original MSS. by W. Bray,
F.A.S. With 45 Engravings. 4
vols. ^s. each.
FAIRHOLT'S Costume in Eng-
land. A History of Dress to the
end of the Eighteenth Century.
3rd Edition, revised, by Viscount
Dillon, V.P.S.A. Illustrated with
above 700 Engravings. 2 vols.
5^. each.
FIELDING'S Adventures of
Joseph Andrews and his Friend
Mr. Abraham Adams. With
Cruikshank's Illustrations. 3^". 6d.
History of Tom Jones, a
Foundling. With Cruikshank's
Illustrations. 2 vols. 3.<'. 6d. each.
Amelia. With Cruikshank's
Illustrations ^s.
FLAXMAN'S Lectures on Sculp-
ture. By John Flaxman, R.A.
With Portrait and 53 Plates. 6s.
FLORENCE of WORCESTER'S
Chronicle, with the Two Con-
timiations : comprising Annals of
English History, from the De-
parture of the Romans to the
Reign of Edward I. Translated
by Thomas Forester, M.A. ^i".
FOSTER'S (John) Life and Cor-
respondence Edited by J. E.
Ryland. 2 vol.'.. t,s. 6d. each.
Lectures delivered at Broad-
mead Chapel. Edited by J. E.
Ryland. 2 vols, y. 6d. each.
Critical Essays. Edited by
J, E. Ryland. 2 vols. 3^-. 6d.
each.
Essays : on Decis-ion of Cha-
racter ; on a Man's writing Me-
moirs of Himself ; on the epithet
Romantic ; on the aversion of
Men of Taste to Evangelical Re-
ligion. 3^. ()'i.
Essays on the Evils of Popular
Ignorance ; to which is a,dde45 a
lO
An Alphabetical List of Books
Discourse on the Propagation of
Christianity in India, ^s. 6d.
FOSTER'S Essays on the Im-
provement of Time. With Notes
OF Sermons and other Pieces.
3^. 6d.
Fosteriatia. Selected and
Edited by Henry G. Bohn. 35-. 6d,
GASPARY'S History of Italian
Literature. Translated by Her-
mann Oelsner, M.A., Ph.D.
Vol. I. \Preparing.
GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTH,
Chronicle oL—See Six O. E.
Chronicles.
GE8TA ROMANORUM, or En-
tertaining Moral Stories invented
by the Monks. Translated by the
Rev. Charles Swan. Revised
Edition by Wynnard Hooper,
B.A. 55.
GILDAS, Chronicles oi.See Six
0. E. Chronicles.
GIBBON'S Decline and Fall of
the Roman Empire, Complete
and Unabridged, with Variorum
Notes. Edited by an English
Churchman. With 2 Maps and
Portrait. 7 vols. 3^-. 6^. each.
GILB ART'S History, Principles,
and Practice of BanJdng. By
the late J. W. Gilbart, F.R.S.
New Edition, revised by A. S.
Michie. 2 vols. \os.
GIL BLAS, The Adventures of.
Translated from the French of
Lesage by Smollett. With 24
Engravings on Steel, after Smirke,
and 10 Etchings by Ge<^>rge Cruik-
shank. 6j.
GTRALDUS CAMBRENSIS'
Historical Works. Translated
by Th. Forester, M.A., and Sir
R. Colt Hoare Revised Edition,
Edited by Thomas Wright, M.A.,
F.S.A. <,s.
GOETHE'S Works. Translated
into English by various hands.
14 vols. 3 J. 6a'. each
I. and II.— Autobiography and
Annals.
III.— Faust. Two Parts, com-
plete. (Swanwick.) •
IV.— Novels and Tales,
v.— Wilhelm Meister's Appren-
ticeship.
VI. - Conversations with Ecker-
mann and "^oret.
Vin. — Dramatic Works.
IX.— Wilhelm Meister's Travels.
X. — Tour in Italy, and Second
Residence in Rome.
XL — Miscellaneous Travels.
Xll. — Early and Miscellaneous
Letters.
XIII — Correspondence with Zelter.
XIV — Reineke Fox, West- Eastern
Divan and Achilleid.
GOETHE'S Faust Part I. Ger-
man Text with liayv/ard's Prose
Translation and Notes. Revised
by C. A. Buchheim, Ph.D. 5^-.
GOLDSMITH'S Works. A new
Edition, by J. W. M. Gibbs. 5
vols. 3^-. hd. each.
GRAMMONT'S Memoirs of the
Court of Charles II Edited by
Sir Walter Scott. Together with
the BoscoBKL Tracts, including
two not before published, &c.
New Edition. 51.
GRAY'S Letters. Edited by the
Rev. D. C. Tovey, M. A.
\^In the press.
GREEK ANTHOLOGY. Trans-
lated by George Burges, M.A. 55.
GREEK ROMANCES of Helio-
dorus, Longus, and Achilles
Tatius — viz., The Adventures of
Theagenes & Chariclea ; Amours
of Daphnis and Chloe ; and Loves
of Clitopho and Leucippe. Trans-
lated by Rev. R. Smith, M.4.
5^'
Contained in Bokns Libraries.
II
GREGORY'S Letters on the
Evidence*, Doctrines, & Duties
of tli« Ohrisilan Religion. By
Dr. Olinthus Gre, ory. 35. 6d.
GREENE, MARLOWE, and
BEN JON SON. Poems of.
Edited by Robe-t Bell 3.^. 6d.
GRIMM'S TALES V/ith the
Notes of the Original. Translated
by Mrs. A. Hunt. With Intro-
duction by Andrew Lang, M.A.
2 vols. 35. 6d. each.
— — - Gammer Grethel ; or, Ger-
man Fairy Tales and Popular
Stories. Containing 42 Fairy
Tales. Trans, by Edgar Taylor.
With numerous Woodcuts after
George Cruikshank and Ludwig
Grimm. 3^-. 6d.
GROSSI'S Marco Visconti.
Translated by A. F. D. The
Ballads rendered into English
Verse by C. M. P. y. 6d.
GUIEOT'S HiBtory of the Origin
of Representative Government
in Europe. Translated by A. R.
S coble. 3^- 6d.
History of the English Re-
volution of 1640. From the
Accession of Charles L to his
Death. Translated by William
Hazlitt. y. 6d.
History of Civilisation, from
the Fall of the Roman Empire to
the French Revolution. Trans-
lated by William Hazlitt. 3 vols.
y. 6d. each.
HALL'S (Rev. Robert) Miscel-
laneous Works and Remains.
y. 6d.
KAR! J WICK'S History of the
Articles of Religion. By the late
C. Hardwick. Revised by the
Rev. Francis Procter, M.A. 5^-.
HAUFF'S Tales. The Caravan—
The Sheik of Alexandria- The
Inn in the Spessart. Trans, from
the German by S. Mendel, y. 6d.
BAWTHORNE'S Tales 4 vols.
2,3. 6d. each.
I. — Tv4?ice-told Tales, and ihe
Snow Imagf.
II.- Scarlet Letter, and the House
with the Seven Gables.
III. — Transformation [The Marble
Faun], anci Blithedale Ro-
mance.
IV. — Mosses from an Old Manse.
HAZLITTS Table-talk. Essays
on Men and Manners. By W,
Hazlitt. 3^-. 6d.
Lectures on the Literature
of the Age of Elizabeth and on
Characters of Shakespeare's Plays.
Zs.6d.
Lectures on the English
Poets, and on the English Comic
Writers. 3.9. 6d.
The Plain Speaker. Opinions
on Books, Men, and Things, y.bd.
Round Tab e. 3.^. 6d.
Sketches ai d Essays, y.td.
The Spirit of the Age ; or.
Contemporary Portraits. Edited
by W. C'arew Hazlitt. 3.5-. td.
BEATON'S Concise History of
Painting. New Edition, revised
by Cosmo Monkhouse. ^s.
HEGEL'S Lectures on the Philo-
sophy of History. Translated by
J. Sibree, M.A.
HEINE'S Poems, Complete.
Translated by Edgar A. Bowring,
C.B. y. 6d.
Travel-P.c\ures, including the
Tour in the Harz, Norderney, and
Book of Ideas, together with the
Romantic School. Translated by
Francis Storr. A New Edition,
revis- d throughout. With Appen-
dices and Maps. 3^-. 6d.
HELP'S Life of Christopher
Columbus, tiie Discoverer of
America. By Sir Arthur Helps,
K.C.B. 3^ 6^.
12
An Alphabetical List of Boohs
HELP'S Life of Hernando Cortes,
and the Conquest of Mexico. 2
vols. TfS. 6d. each.
Life of Pizarro. 3^-. 6d.
Life of Las Casas the Apostle
of the Indies. t,s. 6d.
HENDERSON (E.) Select His-
torical Dooumen- s of the Middle
Ages, including the most famous
Charters relating to England, the
Fmpire, the Church, &c,, from
the 6th to the 14th Centuries.
Translated from the Latin and
edited by Ernest F. Henderson,
A. B., A.M., Ph.D. 51.
HENFRE ^ 'S Guide to EngUsh
Coins, from the Conquest to the
present time. New and revised
Edition by C. F. Keary, M.A.,
F.S.A. 6s.
HENRY OF HUNTINGDON'S
History of the English. Trans-
lated by T Forester, M.A. $s.
HENRY'S (Matthew) Exposition
of the Book oH the Psalms. 55-.
HELIODORUS. Theagei.es and
Chariclea. — See Greek Ro-
mances.
HERODOTUS. Tianslated by the
Rev. Henry Gary, M.A. T,<;.6d.
Notes on. Original and Se-
lected from the best Commenta-
tors. By D. W. Turner, M A.
With Coloured Map ^s.
Analysis and Summary of.
By J. T. Wheeler. S^
HESIOD, CALLIMACRUS.and
THE OGNIS. Translated by the
Rev. J. Banks, M.A. 5.;.
HOFFMANN'S (E. T. '^ . The
Serapion Brethren. Trmslated
from the German by Lt.-Col. Alex.
Ewing. 2 vols. 35. 6d. each.
HOGG'S (Jabez) Elements of
Experimental and Natural
Philosophy. With 400 Wood-
cuts. 5^-.
HOLBEIN'S Dance of Death
and Bible Cuts. Upwards of 150
Subjects, engraved in facsimile,
with Introduction and Descrip-
tions by Francis Douce and Dr.
Thomas Frognall Dibden. ^s.
HOMER'S lUad. Translated into
English Prose by T. A. Buckley,
B.A. 5.r.
Odyssey. Hymns, Epigrams,
and Battle of the Frogs and Mice.
Translated into English Prose by
T. A. Buckley, B.A. 5^.
— — See also Cowper and Pope.
HOOPER'S (G) Waterloo: The
Downfall of the First Napo-
leon: a History of the CaTipaign
of 18 15. By George Hooper.
With Maps and Plans. 3J-. 6d.
The Campaign c f Sedan :
The Downfall of the Second Em-
pire, August - September, 1870.
With General Map and Six Plans
of Battle. 3^. 6d.
HORACE. A new literal Prose
translation, by A. Hamilton Bryce,
LL.D. 3^. bd.
HUGO'S (Victor) Dramatic
Works. Htrnani — Ruy Bias —
The King's Diversion. Translated
by Mrs. Newton Crosland and
F. L. Slous. 3i. 6d.
Poems, chiefly Lyrical. Trans-
lated by various Writers, now first
collected by J. H. L. Williams.
3^. dd.
HUMBOLDT'S Cosmos. Trans-
lated by E C. Otte, B. H. Paul,
and W. S. Dallas, F.L.S. 5 vols.
3^. 6d. each, excepting Vol. V. 5^.
Personal Narrative of his
Travels to the Equinoctial Regions
of America during the years 1799-
1804. Translated by T. Ross. 3
vols. $s. each.
Views of Nature. Translated
by E. C. Otte and H. G. Bohn.
5^.
Contained in SohtHs Libraries.
t3
HUMPHREYS' Coin Collectors'
Manual. By H. N. Humphreys.
With upwards of 140 Illustrations
on Wood and Steel. 2 vols. 55.
each.
HUNGARY : its History and Re-
volution, together with a copious
Memoir of Kossuth, ^s. dd.
HUTCHINSON (Colonel). Me-
moirs of the Life of. By his
Widow, Lucy : together with her
Autobiography, and an Account
of the Siege of Lathom House.
3^. dd.
HUNT'S Poetry of Science. By
Richard Hunt. 3rd Edition, re-
vised and enlarged, 5^.
INDIA BEFORE THE SEPOY
MUTINY. A Pictorial, De-
scriptive, and Historical Ac-
count, from the Earliest Times
to the Annexation of the Punjab.
With upwards of 100 Engravings
on Wood, and a Map. 5,^.
INGULPH'S Chronicles of the
Abbey of Croyland, with the
Continuation by Peter of Blois
and other Writers. Translated by
H. T. Riley, M.A. ^s.
IRVING'S (Washington) Com-
plete Works. 1 5 vols. With Por-
traits, &c. 35. 6^. each.
I. — Salmagundi, Knicker-
bocker's History of New
York.
II. — The Sketch- Book, and the
Life of Oliver Goldsmith.
III. — Bracebridge Hall, Abbots-
ford and Newstead Abbey.
IV. — The Alhambra, Tales of a
Traveller,
v.— Chronicle of the Conquest
of Granada, Legends of
the Conquest of Spain.
VI. & VII.— Life and Voyages of
Columbus, together with
the Voyages of his Com-
panions.
VIII.— Astoria, A Tour on the
Prairies.
Irving's Works continued.
XL — Life of Mahomet, Lives of the
Successors of Mahomet.
X. — Adventures of Captain Bon-
neville, U.S.A., Wolfert's
Roost.
XL — Biographies and Miscella-
neous Papers.
XII.-XV.— Life of George Wash-
ington. 4 vols.
Life and Letters. By his
Nephew, Pierre E. Irving. 2 vols.
3^. dd. each,
ISOCRATES, The Orations of.
Translated by J. H. Freese, M.A.
Vol. I. 5j.
JAMES'S (G. P. R.) Life of
Richard Coeur de Lion. 2 vols.
35. 6d. each.
The Life and Times of Louis
XIV. 2 vols. 3^. dd. each.
JAMESON'S (Mrs.) Shake-
speare's Heroines. Character-
istics of Women : Moral, Poetical,
and Historical. By Mrs. Jameson.
3^. bd.
JESSE'S (E.) Anecdotes of Dogs.
With 40 Woodcuts and 34 Steel
Engravings. 55-.
JESSE'S (J. H.) Memoirs of the
Court of England during the
Reign of the Stuarts, including
the Protectorate. 3 vols. With
42 Portraits. 55. each.
Memoirs of the Pretenders
and their Adherents. With 6
Portraits, ^s.
JOHNSON'S Lives of the Poets.
Edited by Mrs. Alexander Napier,
with Introduction by Professor
Hales. 3 vols. 3,^. dd. each.
JOSEPHUS (Flavlus), The Works
of. Whiston's Translation, re-
vised by Rev. A. R. Shilleto, M.A.
With Topographical and Geo-
graphical Notes by Colonel Sir
C. W. Wilson, K.C.B. 5 vols.
3,y. dd. each.
14
An Alphabetical List oj Books
JOYCE'S Scientific Dialogues.
With numerous Woodcuts. 55-.
JUKES-BROWNE (A. J.), Tlie
Building of the British Isles:
a Study in Geographical Evolu-
tion. Illustrated by numerous
Maps and Woodcuts. 2nd Edition,
revised, "^s. 6d.
Student's Handbook of
Physical Geology. With nu-
merous Diagrams and Illustra-
tions. 2nd Edition, much en-
larged, 'js. 6d.
The Student's Handbook of
Historical Geology. With nu-
merous Diagrams and Illustra-
tions. 6f.
JULIAN, the Emperor. Contain-
ing Gregory Nazianzen's Two In-
vectives and Libanus' Monody,
with Julian's extant Theosophical
Works. Translated by C. W.
King, M.A. $s.
JUSTIN, CORNELIUS NEPOS,
and EUTROPIUS Translated
by the Rev. J. S. Watson, M.A.
JUVENAL, PERSIUS, SUL-
PICIA and LUOILIUS. Trans-
lated by L. Evans, M.A. $s
JUNIUS'S Letters. With all the
Notes of Woodfall's Edition, and
important Additions. 2 vols. -^s.bd.
each.
KANT'S Critique of Pure Reason.
Translated by J. M. D. Meikle-
john. ^s.
Prolegomena and Meta-
physical Foundation s of Natural
Science. Translated by E. Belfort
Bax. $s.
KEIGHTLEY'S (Thomas) My-
thology of Ancient Greece and
Italy. 4th Edition, revised by
Leonard Schmitz, Ph.D, LL.D.
With 12 Plates from the Antique.
KEIGHTLEY'S Fairy Myth-
ology, illustrative of the Romance
and Superstition of Various Coun-
tries. Revised Edition, with
Frontispiece by Cruikshank. 5.^.
LA FONTAINE'S Fables. Trans-
lated into English Verse by Elizur
Wright. New Edition, with Notes
by J. W. M. Gibbs. 3^. 6d.
LAMARTINE'S History of the
Girondists. Translated by H. T.
Ryde. 3 vols. 3J-. ()d. each.
History of the Restoration
of Monarchy in France (a Sequel
to the History of the Girondists).
4 vols. 3J-. 6d. each.
History of the French Re-
volution of 1848. 2>^.6d.
LAMB'S (Charles) Essays of EUa
and Ellana. Complete Edition.
Ss. 6d.
Specimens of English Dra-
matic Poets of the Time of
Elizabeth. 3.?. 6a.
Memorials and Letters of
Charles Lamb. By Serjeant
Talfourd. New Edition, revised,
by W. Carew Hazlitt. 2 vols.
3i'. 6d. each.
LANZI'S History of Painting in
Italy, from the Period of the
Revival of the Fine Arts to the
End of the Eighteenth Century.
Translated by Thomas Roscoe.
3 vols. 35. 6d. each.
LAPPENBERG'S History of
England under the Anglo-
Saxon Kings. Translated by
B. Thorpe, F.S.A. New edition,
revised by E. C. Otte. 2 vols.
3^-. 6d. each.
LECTURES ON PAINTING,
by Barry, Opie, Fuseli. Edited
by R. Wornum. 5^.
LEONARDO DA VINCI'S
Treatise on Painting. Trans-
lated by J. F. Rigaud, R.A.,
Contained in Bohn's Libraries.
15
With a Life of Leonardo by John
William Brown. With numerous
Plates, ^s.
LELAND'S Itinerary. Edited by
Laurence Gomme, F.S.A. Vol. L
[/« the Press.
LEPSIUS'S Letters from Egypt,
Ethiopia, and the Peninsula of
Sinai Translated by L. and
J. B. Horner. With Maps. 55-.
LESSING-'S Dramatic Works,
Complete. Edited by Ernest Bell,
M.A. With Memoir of Lessing
by Helen Zimmern. 2 vols.
35-. dd. each.
Laokoon. Dramatic Notes,
and the Representation of
Death by the Ancients. Trans-
lated by E. C. Beasley and Helen
Zimmern. Edited by Edward
Bell, M.A. With a Frontispiece
of the Laokoon group. 3^. 6^.
LILLY'S Introduction to Astro-
logy. With a Grammar of
Astrology and Tables for Cal-
culating Nativities, by Zadkiel. 5i'.
LIVY'S History of Rome. Trans-
lated by Dr. Spillan, C. Edmonds,
and others. 4 vols. ^s. each.
LOCKE'S PhilosopbJcal Works.
Edited by J. A. St. John. 2 vols.
3^. (id. each.
— — Life and Letters: By Lord
King. 3^. dd.
LOCKHART (J. Qr)—See Burns.
LO DGE'S Portraits of Illustrious
Personages of Great Britain,
with Biographical and Historical
Memoirs. 240 Portraits engraved
on Steel, with the respective Bio-
graphies unabridged. 8 vols. ^s.
each.
LONGFELLOW'S Poetical
Works. With 24 full-page Wood
Engravings and a Portrait. 55-.
Prose Works. With 16 full-
page Wood Engravings. 5^.
LOUDON'S (Mrs.) Natural
History. Revised edition, by
W. S. Dallas, F.L.S. With
numerous Woodcut Illus. <^s,
LOWNDES' Bibliographer's
Manual of English Literature.
Enlarged Edition. By H. G.
Bonn. 6 vols, cloth, ^s. each.
Or 4 vols, half morocco, 2/. 2s.
LONGUS. Daphnis and Chloe.
— See Greek Romances.
LUCAN'S Pharsalia. Translated
by H. T. Riley, M.A. 5^.
LUC IAN' S Dialogues of the
Gods, of the Sea Gods, and
of the Dead. Translated by
Howard Williams, M.A. 5^-.
LUCRETIUS. Translated by the
Rev. J. S. Watson, M.A. 5^.
LUTHER'S Table-Talk. Trans-
lated and Edited by William
Hazlitt. 3^. 6d.
Autobiography. —See
MiCHELET.
MACHIAVELLI'S History of
Florence, together with the
Prince, Savonarola, various His-
torical Tracts, and a Memoir of
Machiavelli. 31. dd.
MALLET'S Northern Antiqui-
ties, or an Historical Account of
the Manners, Customs, Religions
and Laws, Maritime Expeditions
and Discoveries, Language and
Literature, of the Ancient Scandi-
navians. Translated by Bishop
Percy. Revised and Enlarged
Edition, with a Translation of the
Prose Edda, by J. A. Black-
well. 5J-.
MANTELL'S (Dr.) Petrifactions
and their Teachings. With nu-
merous illustrative Woodcuts. ()S.
Wonders of Geology. 8th
Edition, revised by T. Rupert
Jones, F G.S. With a coloured
Geological Map of England,
Plates, and upwards of 200
Woodcuts. 2 vols. Is, 6d. each.
i6
An Alphabetical List of Books
MANZONI. The Betrothed :
being a Translation of ' I Pro-
messi Sposi.' By Alessandro
Manzoni. With numerous Wood-
cuts. 55-.
MARCO POLO'S Travels; the
Translation of Marsden revised
by T. Wright, M.A., F.S.A. 5^.
MARRYAT'S (Capt. R N.)
Mastermau Ready. With 93
Woodcuts 3J'. 6d.
Mission ; or, Scenes in Africa.
Illustrated by Gilbert and Dalziel.
Zs. 6d.
Pirate and Three Cutters.
With 8 Steel Engravings, from
Drawings by Clarkson Stanfield,
R.A. 3^. 6d.
■ Privateer sman. 8 Engrav-
ings on Steel. 3^. 6a
Settlers in Canada. 10 En-
gravings by Gilbert and Dalziel.
35 6d.
Poor Jack. With 16 Illus-
trations after Clarkson Stansfield, i
R.A. ss. 6d.
Peter Simple. With 8 full-
page Illustrations. 3^-. 6d.
~ Midshipman Easy. With 8
full page Illustrations. 3.?. 6d.
MARTIAL'S Epigrams, complete.
Translated into Prose, each ac-
companied by one or more Verse
Translations selected from the
Works of English Poets, and
other sources. Js. 6d.
MARTINEAU'S (Harriet) His-
tory of England, from 1800-
1815. 35 6d.
-= — History of the Thirty Years'
Peace, a.d. 1815-46. 4 vols.
2s. 6d. each.
See Comtek Positive Philosophy.
MATTHEW PARIS'S English
History, from the Year 1235 to
1273. Translated by Rev. J. A.
Giles, D.C.L. 3 vols. 5^. each.
MATTHEW OF WESTMIN-
STER'S Flowe's of History,
from the beginning of the World
to A.D. 1307. Translated by C. D.
Yonge, M.A. 2 vols. 5.5-. each.
MAXWELL'S Victories of Wel-
lington and the British Armies.
Frontispiece and 5 Portraits, ^s.
MENZEL'S History of Germany,
from the Earliest Period to 1842.
3 vols. 3J- dd each.
MICHAEL ANGELO AND
RAPHAEL, their Lives and
Works. By Duppa and Quatre-
mere de Quincy. With Portraits,
and Engravings on Steel, ^s.
MICHELET'S Luther's Auto-
biography. Trans, by William
Hazlitt. With an Appendix (no
pages) of Notes. 3^'. 61/.
History of the French Revo-
lution from its earliest indications
to the flight of the King in 1791.
IS. 6d.
MIGNET'S History of the French
Revolution, from 1789 to 18 14.
3^. 6d.
MILL (J. S.). Early Essays by
John Stuart Mill. Collected from
various sources by J. W. M. Gibbs.
3^ 6d.
MILLER (Professor). History
Philosophically Illustrated, from
the Fall of the Roman Empire to
the French Revolution. 4 vols.
3^-. 6d. each.
MILTON'S Prose Works. Edited
by J. A. St. John. 5 vols. 3.?. 6d.
each.
Poetical Works, vi^ith a Me-
moir and Critical Remarks by
James Montgomery, an Index to
Paradise Lost, Todd's Verbal Index
to all the Poems, and a Selection
of Explanatory Notes by Henry
G. Bohn. Illustrated with 120
Wood Engravings from Drawings
by W. Harvey. 2 vols. TfS. 6d.
each.
Contained tn Bohns Librar'ies.
17
MITFORD'S (Miss) Our ViUage.
Sketches of Rural Character and
Scenery. With 2 Engravings on
Steel. 2 vols. 3i". 6d. each.
MOLIERE'S Dramatic Works.
A nevi^ Translation in English
Prose, by C. H. Wall. 3 vols.
2,s. 6d. each.
MONTAGU. The Letters and
Works of Lady Mary Wortley
Montagu. Edited by her great-
grandson, Lord Wharncliffe's Edi-
tion, and revised by W. Moy
Thomas. New Edition, revised,
with 5 Portraits. 2 vols. 5^. each.
MONTAIGNE'S Essays. Cotton's
Translation, revised by W. C
Hazlitt. New Edition. 3 vols.
y. 6d. each.
MONTESQUIEU'S Spirit of
Laws. New Edition, revised and
corrected. By J. V. Pritchard,
AM. 2 vols. y. 6d. each.
MOTLEY (J. L). The Rise of
the Dutch Republic. A History.
By John Lothrop Motley. New
Edition, with Biographical Intro-
duction by Moncure D. Conway.
3 vols 3 J. 6d. each.
MORPHY'S Games of Chess.
Being the Matches and best Games
played by the American Champion,
with Explanatory and Analytical
Notes by J. Lowenthal. 5^-.
MUDIE'S British Birds ; or. His-
tory of the Feathered Tribes of the
British Islands. Revised by W.
C. L. Martin. With 52 Figures
of Birds and 7 Coloured Plates of
Eggs. 2 vols.
NAVAL AND MILITARY HE-
ROES of GREAT BRITAIN ;
or, Calendar of Victory. Being a
Record of British Valour and Con-
quest by Sea and Land, on every
day in the year, from the time of
William the Conqueror to the
Battle of Inkermann. By Major
Johns, R.M., and Lieut. P. H.
^icolas, R.M. 24 Portraits. 6s.
NEANDER (Dr. A.). History
of the Christian Religion and
Church. Trans, from the (German
byJ.Torrey. 10 vols. 3i-.6<3r. each.
Life of Jesus Christ. Trans-
lated by J. McCHntock and C.
Blumenthal. y. 6d.
History of the Plauting and
Training of the Christian Church
by the Apostles. Translated by
J. E. Ryland. 2 vols. y.6d. each.
Lectures on the History of
Christian Dogmas. Edited by
Dr. Jacobi. Translated by J. E.
Ryland. 2 vols. t,s. 6d. each.
Memorials of Christian Life
in the Early and Middle Ages ;
including Light in Dark Places.
Trans, by J. E. Ryland. 3^. bd.
NIBELUNGEN LIED. The
Lay of the Nibelungs, metrically
translated from the old German
text by Alice Horton, and edited
by Edward Bell, M.A. To which
is prefixed the Essay on the Nibe-
lungen Lied by Thomas Carlyle.
NEW TESTAMENT (The) in
Greek. Griesbach's Text, with
various Readings at the foot of
the page, and Parallel References
in the margin ; also a Critical
Introduction and Chronological
Tables. By an eminent Scholar,
with a Greek and English Lexicon.
3rd Edition, revised and corrected.
Two Facsimiles of Greek Manu-
scripts. 900 pages. 5^-.
The Lexicon may be had sepa-
rately, price 2s.
NICOLINI'S History of the
Jesuits : their Origin, Progress,
Doctrines, and Designs. With 8
Portraits, y.
NORTH (R.) Lives of the Right
Hon. Francis North, Baron Guild-
ford, the Hon. Sir Dudley North,
and the Hon. and Rev. Dr. John
North. By the Hon. Roger
North. Together with th^ Autg-
i8
An Alphabetical List of Books
biography of the Author. Edited
by Augustus Jessopp,D.D. 3 vols.
T,s 6d. each.
NHGENT'S (Lord) Memorials
of Hampden, bis Party atid
Times. With a Memoir of the
Author, an Autograph Letter, and
Portrait, ^s.
OCKLEY (S.) History of the
Saracens and their Conquests
in Syria, Persia, and Egypt.
By Simon Ockley, B.D., Professor
of Arabic in the University of
Cambridge. 31. 6d
0]\CAN (J. 0.) The Great Indian
Epics: the Stories of the Rama-
YANA and the Mahabharata.
By John Tampbell Oman, Prin-
cipal of Khalsa College, Arnritsar.
With Notes, Appendices, and
Illustrations. 33-. 6d.
ORDEEICUS VITALISE Eccle
siastical History of England
and Normatidy. Translated by
T. Forester, M.A. To which is
added the Ckronicle of St.
EvROULT. 4 vols. 55-. each.
OVID'S Works, complete. Literally
translated into Prose. 3 vols.
5^-. each.
PASCAL'S Thoughts. Translated
from the Text of M. Auguste
Molinier by C. Kegan Paul. 3rd
Edition. 3^. 6d
PAULI'S (Dr. R.) Life of Alfred
the Great. Translated from the
German. To which is appended
Alfred's Anglo-Saxon Version
OF Orosius. With a literal
Translation interpaged. Notes,
and an Anglo-Saxon Grammar
and Glossary, by B. Thorpe, ^s.
PAUSANIAS' Description of
Greece. Newly translated by A. R.
Shilleto, M.A. 2 vols. 5.y. each.
PEARSON'S Exposition of the
Creed. Edited by E. Walford,
M.A. 5.f.
PEPYS' Diary and Correspond-
ence. Deciphered by the Rev.
J. Smith, M. A., from the original
Shorthand MS. in the Pepysia.n
I.,ibrary. Edited by Lord Bray-
brooke. 4 vols. With 31 En-
gravings. 5.^. each.
PERCY'S Reliques of Anc'ent
English Poetry. With an Essay
on Ancient Minstrels and a Glos-
sary. Edited by J. V Pritchard,
AM. 2 vols 3^. 6d. each.
PERSIUS.— 6-^^ Juvenal.
PETRARCH'S Sonnets, Tri-
umphs and other Poems.
Translated into English Verse by
various Hands. With a Life of
the Poet by Thomas Campbell.
With Portrait and 15 Steel En-
gravings. <fS.
PHILO - JUDiEUS, Works of.
Translated by Prof. C. D. Yonge,
M.A. 4 vols. $s. each.
PICKERIKTG'S History of the
Races of Man, and their Geo-
graphica.1 Distribution. With An
Analytical Synopsis of the
Natural Hlstory of Man by
Dr. Hall. With a Map of the
W^orld and 12 coloured Plates. 5^-.
PINDAR. Translated into Prose
by Dawson W. Turner. To which
is added the Metrical Version by
Abraham Moore. 5.^.
PL.ANCPIE. History of British
Costume, from the Earliest Time
to the Close of the Eighteenth
Century. By J. R. Planche,
Somerset Herald. With upwards
of 400 Illustrations, ^s.
PLATO'S Works. Literally trans-
lated, with Introduction and
Notes. 6 vols. $s. each.
I. — The Apology of Socrates,
Crito, Phoedo, Gorgias, Pro-
tagoras, Phoedrus, Theaetetus,
Euthyphron, Lysis. Trans-
lated by the Rev. H. Carey.
Contained in Bohis Libraries.
19
Plato's Works continued.
II. — The Republic, Timaeus, and
Crilias. Translated by Henry
Davis.
III. — Meno, Eulhydemus, The
Sophist, Statesman, Cratylus,
Parmeijides,and the Banquet.
Translated by(i. Burges.
IV. — Philebus, Charmides. Laches,
Menexenus, Hippias, Ion,
The Two Alcibiades, The-
ages, Rivals, Hipparchus,
Minos, Clitopho, Epistles.
Translated by G. Burges.
V. — The Laws. Translated by
G. Burges.
VI.— The Doubtful Works. Trans-
lated by G. Burges.
Summary and Analysis of
the Dialogues. With Analytical
Index. By A. Day, LL.D. 5.^.
PLAUTUS'S Comedies. Trans-
lated by H. T. Riley, M.A. 2
vols. 5^. each.
PLINY'S Natural History.
Translated by the late John
Bostock, M.D., F.R.S., and H. T.
Riley, M.A. 6 vols. 55. each.
PLIf>rY. The Letters of Pliny
the Younger. Meimoth's trans-
lation, revised by the Rev. F. C
T. Bosanquet, M.A. 5j.
PLOTINUS, Select Works of.
Translated by Thomas Taylor.
With an Introduction containing
the substance of Poiphyry's Plo-
tinus. E'/.ited by G. R. S. Mead,
B.A., M.R.A.S. 5^.
PLUTARCH'S Lives. Translated
by A. Stewart, M.A., and George
Long, M.A. 4 vols. 3^. 6d. each.
Morals. Theosophical Essays.
Translated by C. W. King, M.A.
Morals. Ethical Essays.
Translated by the Rev. A. R.
Shilleto, M.A. <,s.
POETRY OF AMERICA. Se-
lections from One Hundred
American Poets, from 1776 to
1876. By W. J. Linton. 3^- fid.
POLITICAL CYCLOPEDIA.
A Dictionary of Political, Con-
stitutional, Statistical, and Fo-
rensic Knowledge ; forming a
Work of Reference on subjects of
Civil Administration, Political
Economy, Finance, Commerce,
Laws, and Social Relations. 4
vols. IS. 6d. each
POPE'S Poetical Works. Edited,
with copious Notes, by Robert
Carrutbers. With numerous Illus
trations. 2 vols. 55-. each.
Homer's Iliad. Edited by
the Rev. J. S. Watson, M.A.
Illustrated by the entire Series of
Flaxman's Designs. 5^-.
Homer's Odyssey, with the
Battle of Frogs and Mice, Hymns,
&c. , by other translators. Edited
by the Rev. J. S. Watson, M.A.
With the entire Se-ries of Flax-
man's Designs, ^s.
Life, including many of his
Letters. By Robert Carruthers.
With numerous Illustrations, ^s.
POUSHKIN'S Prose Tales: The
Captain's Daughter — Doubrovsky
— The Queen of Spades — An
Amateur Peasant Girl — The Shot
— The Snow Storm — The Post-
master — The Coffin Maker —
Kirdjali — The Egyptian Nights —
Peter the Great's Negro. Trans-
lated by T. Keane. t,s. 6d.
PROPERTIUS. Translated by
Rev P. J. F. Gantillon, M.A.,
and accompanied by Poetical
Versions, from various sources.
3^. 6d.
PROVERBS, Handbook of. Con-
taining an entire Republication
of Ray's Collection of English
Proverbs, with his additions from
■2d
An Alphaheticat List of Books
Foreign Languages and a com-
plete Alphabetical Index; in which
are introduced large additions as
well of Proverbs as of Sayings,
Sentences, Maxims, and Phrases,
collected by H. G. Bohn. 5^-.
PROVERBS, A Polyglot of
Foreign. Comprising French,
Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish,
Portuguese, and Danish. With
English Translations & a General
Index by H. G Bohn 5^-.
POTTERY AND PORCELAIN,
and other Objects of Vertu. Com-
prising an Illustrated Catalogue of
the Bernal Collection of Works
of Art, with the prices at which
they were sold by auction, and
names of the possessors. To which
are added, an Introductory Lecture
on Pottery and Porcelain, and an
Engraved List of all the known
Marks and Monograms. By Henry
G. Bohn. With numerous Wood
Engravings, 5J-. ; or with Coloured
Illustrations, \Os. 6d.
PROUT'S (Father) Reliques. Col-
lected and arranged by Rev. F.
Mahony. Copyright edition with
the Author's last corrections and
additions. New issue, with 21
Etchings by D. Maclise, R.A.
Nearly 600 pages. 5^.
QUINTILIAN'S Institutes of
Oratory, or Education of an
Orator. Translated by the Rev.
■S. Watson, M.A. 2 vols. 5.5-,
each.
RACINE'S (Jean) Dramatic
Works. A metrical English ver-
sion. By R. Bruce Boswell, M.A.
Oxon. 2 vols. 3^. 6d. each.
RANKE'S History of th^ Popes,
their Church and State, and espe-
cially of their Conflicts with Pro-
testantism in the 1 6th and 17th
centuries. Translated by E.
Foster. 3 vols. 3^. (>d. each.
RANKE'S History of the Latin
and Teutonic Nations, 1494-
15 14. Trans, by P. A. Ashv^orth.
3.r. 6d.
History of Servia and the
Servian Revolution. With an
Account of the Insurrection in
Bosnia. Translated by Mrs. Kerr.
3J-. 6d.
REUMONT (Alfred de). See
Carafas.
RECREATIONS in SHOOTING.
By ' Craven.' With 62 Engravings
on Wood after Plarvey, and 9
Engravings on Steel, chiefly after
A. Cooper, R.A. 5^.
RENNIE'S Insect Architecture.
Revised and enlarged by Rev.
J. G. Wood, M.A. With 186
Woodcut Illustrations. 51.
REYNOLD'S (Sir J ) Literary
Works. Edited by H. W. Beechy.
2 vols. 35. 6d. each.
RICARDO on the Principles of
Political Economy and Taxa-
tion. Edited by E. C. K. Conner,
M.A. 5^-.
RICHTER (Jean Paul Friedrich).
Le?ana, a Treatise on Education:
together with the Autiobiography
(a Fragment), and a short Pre-
fatory Memoir. 35'. 6d.
Flower, Fruit, and Thorn
Pieces, or the Wedded Life.Death,
and Marriage of Firmian Stanis-
laus Siebenkaes, Parish Advocate
in the Parish of Kuhschnappel.
Newly translated by Lt. -Col. Alex.
Ewing. 3^. 6d.
ROGER DE HOVEDEN'S An-
nals of English History, com-
prising the History of England
and of other Countries of Europe
from A. D. 732 to A. D. 1201.
Translated by H T. Riley, M.A.
2 vols. 5^. each.
Contained in Sokn^s Libraries.
21
ROGER OF WENDOVER'S
Flowers of Hiitory, comprising
the History of England from the
Descent of the Saxons to a.d.
1 235, formerly ascribed to Matthew
Paris. Translated by J. A. Giles,
D.C.L. 2 vols. 5^. each.
ROME in the NINETEENTH
CENTURY. Containing a com-
plete Account of the Ruins of the
Ancient City, the Remains of the
Middle Ages, and the Monuments
of Modern Times. ByC. A.Eaton.
With 34 Steel Engravings 2 vols,
5?. each.
— — See Burn and Dyer.
ROSOOE'S (W.) Life and Ponti-
ficate of Leo X. Final edition,
revised by Thomas Roscoe. 2
vols. 3*. dd. each.
Life of Lorenzo de' Medici,
called ' the Magnificent.' With
his poems, letters, &c. loth
Edition, revised, with Memoir of
Roscoe by his Son. 3^. dd.
RUSSIA History of, from the
earliest Period, compiled from
the most authentic sources by
Walter K. Kelly. With Portraits.
2 vols. 35'. dd. each.
SALLUST, FLORUS, and VEL-
LEIUS PATERCULUS.
Translated by J. S.Watson, M.A.
SCHILLER'S Works. Translated
by various hands. 7 vols. 3^-. 612'.
each : —
I. — History of the Thirty Years'
War.
II.— History of the Revolt in the
Netherlands, the Trials of
Counts Egmont and Horn,
the Siege of Antwerp, and
the Disturbances in France
preceding the Reign of
Henry IV.
Schiller's Works continued,
HI.— Don Carlos, Mary Stuart,
Maid of Orleans, Bride of
Messina, together with the
Use of the Chorus in
Tragedy (a short Essay).
These Dramas are all
translated in metre.
IV. —Robbers ( with Schiller's
original Preface), Fiesco,
Love and Intrigue, De-
metrius, Ghost Seer, Sport
of Divinity,
The Dramas in this
volume are translated into
Prose,
v.— Poems,
V I, — Essays, /Esthetical and Philo-
sophical.
VII. — Wallenstein's Camp, Pic-
colomini and Death of
Wallenstein, William Tell.
SCHILLER and GOETHE.
Correspondence between, from
A.D. 1794-1805. Translated by
L. Dora Schmitz. 2 vols. 3^-. dd.
each.
SCHLEGEL'S (F.) Lectures on
the Philosophy of Life and the
Philosophy of Language. Trans-
lated by the Rev. A. J . W. Mor-
rison, M.A. 35-. dd.
Lectures on the History of
Literature, Ancient and Modern.
Translated from the German. 35-, 6^.
Lectures on the Philosophy
of History. Translated by J. B.
Robertson. 3^-. ^d.
Lectures on Modern History,
together with the Lectures entitled
Csesar and Alexander, and The
Beginning of our History. Trans-
lated by L. Purcell and R. H.
Whitetock. y. 6d.
-Esthetic and Miscellaneous
Works. Translated by E. J.
Millington. 3^. 6d.
22
An Alphabetical List of Books
SCHLEGEL (A. W ) Lectures
on Dramatic Art and Literature.
Translated by J. Black. Revised
Edition, by the Rev. A. J. W.
Morrison, M.A. 3^. (yd.
SCHOPENHAUER on the Four-
fold Root of the Principle of
Sufficient Reason and On the
Will in Nature. Translated by
Madame Hillebrand. 5^.
Essays. Selected and Trans-
lated. With a Biographical Intro-
duction and Sketch of his Philo-
sophy, by E. Belfort Bax. 5,f.
SCHOUW'S Earth, Plants, and
Man. Translated by A. Henfrey.
With coloured Map of the Geo-
graphy of Plants. 55.
SCHUMANN (Robert). His Life
and Works, by August Reissmann.
Translated by A. L. Alger. 3^, dd.
Early Letters. Originally pub-
blished by his Wife. Translated
by May Herbert. With a Preface
by Sir George Grove, D.C L.
35'. dd.
SENECA on Benefits. Newly
translated by A. Stewart, M.A.
Zs. 6d.
Minor Essays and On Clem-
ency. Translated by A. Stewart,
M.A. 5x.
SHAKESPEARE'S Dramatic
Art. The History and Character
, of Shakespeare's Plays. By Dr.
Hermann Ulrici. Translated by
L. Dora Schmitz. 2 vols. 3^. (yd.
each.
SHAKESPEARE (William). A
Literary Biography by Karl Elze,
Ph.D., LL.D. Translated by
L. Dora Schmitz. '^s.
SHARPE (S.) The History of
Egypt, from the Earliest Times
till the Conquest by the Arabs,
A.D. 640. By Samuel Sharpe.
2 Maps and upwards of 400 Illus-
trative Woodcuts. 2 vols. 5j. each.
SHERIDAN'S 1 r matic Works,
Complete. With Life by G. G. S.
y. 6d.
SISMONDI'S History of the
Literature of the South of
Europe. Translated by Thomas
Roscoe. 2 vols. 35. 6</. each.
SIX OLD ENGLISH CHRON-
ICLES : viz., Assrr's Life of
Alfred and theChroniclesof
Ethe-.werd, Gildas, Nennius,
Geoffrey of Monmouth, and
Richard of Cirencester.
Edited by J. A. Gdes, D.C.L. 5^.
SYNONYMS and ANTONYMS,
or Kin red Wordi and their
OppoaitesJ, Collected and Con-
trasted by Ven. C.J. Smith, M.A.
Revised Edition. 5.$'.
SMITH'S (Adam) The Wealth of
Nations. Edited by E Belfort
Bax. 2 vols. 3^. 6d. each.
Theory of Moral Sentiments ;
with his Essay on the First For-
mation of Languages; to which is
added a Memoir of the Author by
Diigald Stewart. 35. 6d.
SMYTH'S (Professor) Lectures
on Modern History; from the
Irruption of the Northern Nations
to the close of the American Re-
volution. 2 vols. 3r. 6^. each.
Lectures on the French Re-
volution. 2 vols. 3 J-. 6d. each.
SMITH'S ( Pye ) Geology and
Scripture. 2nd Edition. 59.
SMOLLETT'S Adventures of
Roderick Random. With short
Memoir and Bil)liography, and
Cruikshank's Illustrations. 3^-. 6d.
Adventures of Peregrine
Pickle, in which are included the
Memoirs of a Lady of Quality.
With Bibliography and Cruik-
shank's Illustrations. 2 vols. y.6d.
each.
Contained in Bohns Libraries.
23
SMOLLETT'S The Expedition
of Humphry Clinker. With
Bibliography and Cruikshank's
Illustrations. 3^. 6rf.
SOCBATES fstn-named Scholas-
ticus '). The Ecclesiastical His-
tory of (a. d. 305-445). Translated
from the Greek. 5^-.
SOPHOCLES. The Tragedies of.
A New Prose Translation, with
Memoir, Notes, &c., by E. P.
Coleridge. 5^.
The Oxford Translation. 5^.
S OUT KEY'S Life of Nelson.
With Facsimiles of Nelson's writ-
ing, Portraits, Plans, and upwards
of 50 Engravings on Steel and
Wood. 5J-.
Life of Wesley, and the Rise
and Progress of Methodism. 5.?.
Robert Southey. The Story
of his Life written in his Letters.
With an Introduction. Edited by
John Dennis, j.f. dd.
SOZOMEN'S Ecclesiastical His-
tory. Comprising a History of
the Church from A.D. 324-440.
Translated from the Greek. To-
gether with the Ecclesiastical
History of Philostorgius, as
epitomised by Photius. Trans-
lated from the Greek by Rev. E.
Walford, M.A. 5?.
SPINOZA S Chief Works. Trans-
lated, with Introduction, by R. H. M.
Elwes. 2 vols. 5.!-. each.
STANLEY'S Classified Synopsis
of the Principal Painters of the
Dutch and Flemish Schools.
By George Stanley. 5^-.
STARLING'S (Miss) Noble Deeds
of Women; or, Examples of
Female Courage, Fortitude, and
Virtue. With 14 Steel Engrav-
ings. Ss.
STAUNTON'S Chess - Player's
Handbook. A Popular and Scien-
tific Introduction to the Game.
With numerous Diagrams. 55.
Chess Praxis. A Supplement
to the Chess-player's Handbook.
Containing the most important
modern improvementsin the Open-
ings ; Code of Chess Laws ; and
a Selection of Morphy's Games.
Annotated, ^s.
Chess-player's Companion.
Comprising a Treatise on Odds,
Collection of Match Games, and a
Selection of Original Problems, ^s.
- — - Chess Tournament of 1851.
A Collection of Games played at
this celebrated assemblage. With
Introduction and Notes. 55.
STOCKHARDT'S Experimental
Chemistry. A Handbook for the
Study of the Science by simple
experiments. Edited by C. W.
Heaton, F. C.S. With numerous
Woodcuts. New Edition, revised
throughout, ^s.
STRABO'S Geography. Trans-
lated by W. Falconer, M.A.,
and H. C. Hamilton. 3 vols.
5^-. each.
STRICKLAND'S (Agnes) Lives
of the Queens of England, from
the Norman Conquest. Revised
Edition. With 6 Portraits. 6 vols.
<,s. each.
Life of Mary Queen of Scots.
2 vols. <iS. each.
Lives of the Tudor and Stuart
Princesses. With Portraits. 5-f.
STUART and REVETT'S Anti-
quities of Athens, and other
Monuments of Greece ; to which
is added, a Glossary of Terms u.sed
in Grecian Architecture. With 71
Plates engraved on Steel, and
numerous Woodcut Capitals. 51.
24
An Alphabetical List of Books
SUETONIUS' Lives of the Twelve
Caesars and Lives of the Gram-
marians. The translation of
Thomson, revised by T. Forester.
Ss.
SULLY. Memoirs of the Duke
of, Prime Minister to Henry
the Great. Translated from the
French. With 4 Portraits. 4 vols.
T,s. 61. each.
SWIFT'S Prose Works. Edited
by Temple Scott. With a Bio-
graphical Introduction by the Right
Hon. W. E. H. Lecky, M.P.
With Portraits and Facsimiles.
r I vols. 3?. 6d. each.
[Vols. I. -IV. ready.
I. — Edited by Temple Scott.
With a Biographical In-
troduction by the Right
Hon. W. E. H. Lecky,
M. P. Containing : — A
Tale of a Tub, The Battle
of the Books, and other
early works.
II.-TheJournaltoStella. Edited
by Frederick Ryland.M.A.
With 2 Portraits of Stella,
and a Facsimile of one of
the Letters.
II I. & IV. — Writings on Religion and
the Church. Edited by
Temple Scott.
V, — Historical and Political
Tracts (Knglish). Edited
by Temple Scott
VIII. -Gulliver's -Travels. Edited
by G. R Dennis. With
Portrait and Maps.
The order and contents of
the remaining volumes will
probably be as follows : —
VI &VII.— Historical and Pol tical
Tracts (Irish).
IX. — Contributions to the ' Ex-
aminer,' 'Taller,' 'Spec-
tator.' &c.
X. — Historical Writings.
}CI. — Literary Essays and Biblio-
graphy.
STOWE (Mrs. H.B.) Uncle Tom's
Cabin, or Life among the Lowly.
With Introductory Remarks by
Rev. J. Sherman. With 8 full-
page Illustrations. 3^. dd.
TACITUS. The Works of. Liter-
ally translated. 2 vols. 5^. each.
TALES OF THE GENII; or, the
Delightful Lessons of H^ ram, the
Son of Asmar. Translaied from
the Persian by Sir Charles Morell.
Numerous Woodcuts and 12 Steel
Engravings, ^s.
T AS SO' 5 Jerusalem Delivered.
Translated into English Spenserian
Verse by J. H. Wififen. With 8
Engravings on Steel and 24 Wood-
cuts by Thurston. <yS.
TAYLOR'S (Bishop Jeremy)
Holy Living and Dying, with
Prayers containing the Whole Duty
of a Christian and the parts of De-
votion fitted to all Occasions and
furnished for alt Necessities. 35. dd.
TEN BRINK.— ^-^^ Brink.
TERENCE and PH.S1DRUS.
Literally translated by H. T. Riley,
M.A. To wh^chis added. Smart's
MeTRICAlVeRSION OF PHyEDRUS.
THEOCRITUS. BION, MOS-
CHUS, and TYRT^US. Liter-
ally translated by the Rev. |.
Banks, M.A. To which are ap-
pended the Metrical Versions of
Chapnian. 5^^.
THEODORET and EVAGRIUS.
Histories of the Church from A.u.
332 to A.D. 427 ; and from A.D.
43 1 to A. D. 544. Translated from
the Greek. 5^.
THIERRY'S History of the
Conquest of England by the
Normans ; its Causes, and its
Consequences in England, Scot-
land, Ireland, and the Continent.
Translated by William Hazli{_t.
2 vols. 35. ^d. eggh.
Contained in Sohn s Libraries.
^
*HUCYDIDES. The Pelopon-
nesian War. Literally translated
by the Rev. H. Dale. 2 vols.
3i-. 6d. each.
— — An Analysis and Summary
of. With Chronological Table of
Events, Ac. By J. T. Wheeler.
5'HUDICHI^M (J. Ju.^.)k. feea-
tise on Wines: their Origin,
Natuire, and Varieties. With Prac-
tical Directions for Viticulture and
Vihification. By J. L. W. thudi-
thum, M.D., F.R.C.P. (Lond.).
lUustirated. $s.
tJltE'S (Di-; A.) Cottdn Manufae-
turiS Gf GrBat Britain, systemati-
cally itivestigated. Revised Edit,
b^ P. L. Simmonds. With 150
(Original lllustrationsi 2 vols. 55'.
each.
PMidsophy of MSinufadtiir^s.
Revised Editioh, by P. L. Sim-
tooiids; With tiumeroUs Figuires.
Double volume, ^s. 6d.
YASARI'S Lives of the most
Eminent Painters, Sculptors,
and Architects. Translated by
Mrs. J. Fosteir, with a Commen-
tary by J. P. Richter, Ph.D. 6
vols. 3J. 6d. each.
VIRGIB. A Literal Prose Trans-
lation by A. Hamilton Bryce,
LL.D., F.R.S.E. With Portrait.
35. 6d.
VOLTAIRE'S Tales. Translated
by R. B. Boswell. Vol. I , con-
tainmg Bebouc, Memnon, Can-
dide, LTngenu, and other Tales.
3^. 6d.
Walton S Complete Angler,
or the Contemplative Man's Re-
creation, by Izaak Walton and
Charles Cottoh. Edited by Ed-
ward Jebse. To which is added
an aeeount of Fishing Stations^
Tackle, &c., by Henry G. Bohn.
With Portrait and 203 Engravings
on Wood and 26 Engravings on
Steel. 5^.
Lives of Donne, Hooker, <£g.
New Edition revised by A. H.
Bullen, with a Memoir of Izaak
Walton by Wm. Dowling. With
numerous Illustrations. 5^.
WELLINGTON, Life of. By ' An
Old Soldier.' From the materials
of Maxwell. With Index arid 18
Steel Etigravings. 5^-.
Yictories of. See MaxWelL.
WERNER'S Templai-s in
Gi-prus. Translated by E. A. M.
Lewis. 35-. 6ci.
WESTROPP (H. M;) A Hand'^
feook of Archaeology, Egyptian,
Greek, Etruscan, Roman. By
H. M. WSstrppp. 2nd Edition,
revised. With very numeroila
Illustrations. 5J.
WHITE'S Natural History of
Selborne, with Observations on
various Parts of Nature; and the
Naturalists' Calendari With Notes
by Sir William Jardine. Edited
l>y Edward Jesse. With 40 Por=
traits and coloured Plates. $s,
WHEATLEY'S A Rational Illus-
tration of the Book of Common
Prayer. 35. 6d.
WHEELER'S Noted Nam6s ot
Fiction, Dictionary of. Includ-
ing also Familiar Pseitdottymsj
Surnames bestowed on Eriiineiit
Men, and Analogous POpUlar Ap-
pellations often referred to in
Literature and Conversation. By
W. A. Wheeler, M.A. 5^.
WIESELER'S Chronological
SynopsliS of the Four Gc-pelsi
Translated by the Rev. Candil
Venables. 3,s. 6d.
26 Alphabetical List of Books in Bohn's Libraries.
^TIAAKIA of MALMESBURY'S
Chronicle of the Kings of Eng-
land, from the Earliest Period
to the Reign of King Stephen.
Translated by the Rev. J. Sharpe.
Edited by J. A. Giles, D.C.L. 5^.
XENOPHON'S Works. Trans-
lated by the Rev. J. S. Watson,
M.A., and the Rev. H. Dale. In
3 vols. 5^ each.
YOUNG (Arthur). Travels in
France during the years 1787,
1788. and 1789. Edited by
M. Betham Edwards. 3^. dd.
YOUNG (Arthur). Tour in Ire-
land, vi^ith General Observations
on the state of the country during
the years 1776-79. Edited by
A. W. Hutton. With Complete
Bibliography by J. P. Ander-
son, and Map. 2 vols. 3J-. bd.
each.
YULE-TIDE STORIES. A Col-
lection of Scandinavian and North-
German Popular Tales and Tra-
ditions, from the Swedish, Danish,
and German. Edited by B. Thorpe.
5^-
( 27 )
:VEW AND FORTHCOMING VOLUMES OF
BOHN'S LIBRARIES.
THE PROSE WORKS OF JONATHAN SWIFT. Edited by
Temple Scott. With an Introduction by the Right Hon. W. E. H.
Lecky, M.P. In ii volumes, "^s. 6d. each.
Vol. I.—' A Tale of a Tub,' ' The Battle of the Books,' and other
early works. Edited V)y Temple Scott. With Introduction by the
Right Hon. W. E. H. Lecky, M P. Portrait and Facsimiles.
Vol. II.— 'The Journal to Stella.' Edited by F. Ryland, M.A.
With a Facsimile Letter and two Portraits of Stella.
Vols. Ill and IV. — Writings on Religion and the Church.
Edited by Temple Scott. With portraits and facsimiles of title pages.
Vol. V. —Historical and Political Tracts (English). Edited by
Temple Scott. With Portrait and Facsimiles.
Vol. VIII —Gulliver's Travels. Edited by G. R. Dennis. With
the original Maps and Illustrations.
THE LAY OF THE NIBELUNQS. Metrically translated from the
Old German text by Alice Horton, an ^ Edited by Edward Bell, M.A.
With the Essay on the Nibelungen Lied by Thomas Carlyle. 55.
GRAY'S LETTERS. Edited by the Rev. D. C. Tovey, M.A., author
of 'Gray and his Friends,' &c., late Clark Lecturer at Trinity College,
Cambridge. Vol. I. [Shortly.
CICERO'S LETTERS. The whole extant Correspondence. Trans-
lated by Evelyn S. Shuckburgh, M.A. In 4 vols. 5^-. each.
[ Vols. I. aitd II. eady.
THE ROMAN HISTORY OF APPIAN OF ALEXANDRIA.
Translated by Horace White, MA., LL.D. With Maps and Illus-
trations. 2 vols. ds. each.
GASPARY'S HISTORY OF ITALIAN LITERATURE. Trans-
lated by Hermann Oelsner, M.A,, Ph.D. Vol. I. \_ln the press.
THE GREAT INDIAN EPICS. The Stories of the Ramayana and
the Mahabharata. By John Campbell Oman, Principal of Khalsa
College, Amritsar. With Notes, Appendices, and Illustrations.
New Edition, revised, y. td.
LELAND'S ITINERARY. Edited by Laurence Gomme, F.S.A. In
several volumes. [Preparing,
28 )
ROYAL NAVY HANDBOOKS.
EDITED BY
COMMANDER C. N. ROBINSON, R.N.
Profusely Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 5^. each.
Now Ready.
1. NAVAL ADMINISTRATION. By Admiral Sir R. Vesey
Hamilton, G.C.B. With Portraits and other Illustrations.
2. THE MECHANISM OF MEN-OF-WAR. By Fleet-Engineer
Reginald C. Oldknow, R.N. With 61 Illustrations.
3. TORPEDOES AND TORPEDO-VESSELS. By Lieutenant
G. E, Armstrong, late R.N. With 53 Illustrations.
4. NAVAL GUNNERY, a Description and History of the Fighting
Equipment of a Man-of-War. By Captain H. Garbett, R.N. With
125 Illustrations.
The following Volumes are in preparation.
5. THE ENTRY AND TRAININCz OF OFFICERS AND
MEN OF THE ROYAL NAVY AND THE ROYAL MARINES.
By Lieutenant J. N. Allen, late R.N.
6. NAVAL STRATEGY AND THE PROTECTION OF COM-
MERCE. By Professor J. K. Laughton, R.N.
7. THE INTERNAL ECONOMY OF A MAN-OF-WAR.
8. NAVAL ARCHITECTURE.
9. DOCKYARDS AND COALING STATIONS.
10. NAVAL TACTICS.
11. NAVAL HYGIENE.
12. THE LAWS OF THE SEA.
PRESS OPINIONS.
'Commander Robinson, whose able work, "The British Fleet," was reviewed in these
columns in November, I'^gt,., has now undertaken the editing of a series of handbooks, each
of which will deal with one particular subject connected wiih that great creation, the Royal
Navy. Our national literature has certainly lacked much in this respect. vSuch books as
have heretofore been produced have almost invariably been of a character too scientific and
echnical to be of much use to the general public. The series now being issued is intended to
obviate this defect, and when completed w ill form a description, both historical and actual, of the
Royal Navy, which will not only be of use to the professional student, but also be of interest
to all who are concerned in the maintenance and efficiency of the Navy.' — Broad Arrow.
'The series of naval handbooks edited by Commander Robinson has made a most hopeful
beginning, and may be counted upon to supply the growing popular demand for information
n regard to the Navy, on which the national existence depends.'— T^zw^j.
'Messrs. Bell's series of "Royal Navy Handbooks" promises to be a very successful
enterprise They are practical and definitely informative, and, though meant for the use of
persons closely acquainted with their subjects, they are not so discouragingly technical as to
be useless to the lay seeker after knowledge.' — Bookman.
( 29 )
New Editions, fcap. 8vo. 2s. 6d. each net.
THE ALDINE EDITION
BRITISH P0;ETS.
•This excellent edition of the English classics, with their complete texts and
scholarly intrortuctions, are something very diiferent from the cheap volume.-* ol
extracts which are just now so much too common.' — St. James's Gazette.
' An excellent series. Small, handy, and complete.' —Satm-day Review.
Aienside. Edited by Eev. A. Dyce.
Beattie. Edited by Kev. A. Dyce.
Edited by W, M. Bossetti.
Edited by G. A. Aitken.
Edited by E. B. Johnson.
*Blake.
•Burns
3 vols.
Butler.
2 vols.
Campbell. Edited by His Son-
in-law, the Rev. A. W. HiU. With
Memoir by W. Allingham.
Chatterton. Edited by the Rev.
W. W. Skeat, M.A. 2 vols.
Chaucer. Edited by Dr. R. Morris,
with Memoir by Sir H. Nicolas. 6 vols,
Churchill. Edited by Jas. Hannay.
2 vols.
*Coleridge. Edited by T. Ashe,
B.A. 2 vols.
CoUms. Edited by W. Moy
Thomas.
Cowper. Edited by John Bruce?
F.b.A. 3 vols.
Dryden. Edited by the Rev. R.
Hooper, M.A. 5 vols.
Falconer. Edited by the Rev. J.
Mitford.
Groldsmlth. Revised Edition by
Austin Dobson. With Portrait.
*Gray. Edited by J. Bradshaw,
LL.D.
Herbert. Edited by the Rev. A. B.
Grosart.
*Herrlck. Edited by George
Saintsbury. 2 vols.
*Keats. Edited by the late Lord
Houghton.
• These volumes may also be had bound
and back by Gleeson White,
by R. B. Johnson.
Kirke White. Edited, with a
Memoir, by Sir H. Nicolas.
Milton. Edited by Dr. Bradshaw.
2 vols.
Parnell. Edited by G. A. Aitken.
Pope. Edited by G. R. Dennis
With Memoir by John Dennis. 3 vols
Prior. Edit
2 vols.
Raleigh and Wotton. With Se-
lections from the Writings of other
COURTLY POETS from 1540 to 1650.
Edited by Ven. Archdeacon Hannah,
D.C.L.
Rogers. Edited by Edward Bell,
M.A.
Scott. Edited by John Dennis.
5 vols.
Shakespeare's Poems. Edited by
Rev. A. Dyce.
Shelley. Edited by H. Buxton
Porman. 5 vols.
Spenser. Edited by J. Payne Col-
lier. 5 vols.
Surrey. Edited by J, Yeowell.
Svdft. Edited by the Rev. J.
Mitford. 3 vols.
Thomson. Edited by the Rev. D.
0. Tovey. 2 vols.
V a Ugh an. Sacred Poems and
' ious Ejaculations. Edited by the
Rev. ii. Lyte.
Wordsworth. Edited by Prol.
Dowden. 7 vols.
Wyatt. Edited by J. Yeowell.
Young. 2 vols. Edited by the
Rev. J. Mitford.
in Irish linen, with design in gold on side
and gilt top, Ss. 6d. each net.
30
THE ALL-ENGLAND SERIES.
HANDBOOKS OF ATHLETIC GAMES.
The only Series issued at a moderate price, by Writers who are in
the first rank in their respective departments.
• The best instruction on games and sports by the best authorities, at the lowest
prices.' — Oxford Mo.gazine.
Small 8vo. cloth. Illustrated. Price Is. each.
Cricket. By the Hon. and Rev.
E. Lttteiton.
Lawn Tennis. By H. W. W.
WiLBERFORCE. With a Chapter for
Ladies, by Mrs. Hillyard.
Tennis and Rackets and Fives.
By JuLiA?f Marshall, Major J. Spens,
and Rev. J. A. Arnan Tait.
Golf. By W. T. L1N8KIL1..
Rowing and Sculling. By W. B.
Woodgate.
Sailing. By E . F. Knight, dbl.vol. 2s.
Swimming. By Martin and J.
Racster Cobbett.
Camping out. By A. A. Macdon-
ELL. Double vol. 2s.
Canoeing. By Dr. J. D. Haywaed.
Double vol. " 2s.
Mountaineering. By Dr. Claude
Wilson. Double vol. 2s.
Athletics. By H. H. Griffin.
Riding. By 'W. A. Kerr, V.C.
Double vol. 2s.
Ladies' Riding. By W A. Kerr, V.C.
Boxing. By R. G. Allanson-Winn.
With Prefatory Note by Bat Mullins.
Cycling. By H. H. Griffin, L.A.C.,
N C.U., O.T 0. With a Chapter for
Ladies, by Miss Agnes Wood.
Fencing. By H. A. Colmore Dunn.
Wrestling. By Walter Arm-
strong ('Cross-buttocker ').
Broadsword and Singlestick.
By R. Gr. Allanson-Winn and C. Phil-
LIPPS-W0LLE7.
Gymnastics. By A. F. Jenkin.
Double vol. 2s.
Gjrmnastic Competition and Dis-
play Exercises. Compiled by
F. Geaf.
Indian Clubs. By G. T. B. Cob-
bett and A. F. Jenkin.
Dumb-bells. By F. Graf.
Football — B,ugby Game. By
Harkt Vassall.
Football — Association Game. By
C. W. Alcock. Revised Edition.
Hockey. By F. S. Creswell.
(In Paper Cover, 6d.)
Skating. By Douolas Adams.
With a '^hapter for Ladies, by Miss L.
Chbbtham, and a Chapter on Speed
Skatincr, by a Fen Skater. Dbl. vol, 2s.
Baseball. By Newton Crane.
Rounders, Fleldball, Bowls,
Quoits, Curling, Skittles, &c.
By J. M. Walker »,nd C. 0. Mott.
Dancing. By Edward Scott.
Double vol. 2s
THE CLUB SERIES OF CARD AND TABLE GAMES.
No well-regulated club or country house should be without this useful series of books.
Small 8vo. cloth, Illustrated. Price Is. each. Globe.
Whist. By Dr. Wm. Pole, F.R.S.
Solo Whist. By Robert F. Green.
Bridge. By Robert F. Green.
[In the press.
Billiards. By Major-Gen. A. W.
Dratson, F.R.A.S. With a Preface
by W. J. Peail.
Chess. By Robert F. Green.
The Two- Move Chess Problem.
By B. G. Laws.
Chess Openings. By I. Gunsberg.
Drauj5hts and Backgammon
V ' J^^EaKVL^Y *
Reversi and Go Bang.
By ' Bkrkblby '
Dominoes and Solitaire.
By * Berkeley.'
Bezique and Cribbage.
, By ' Berkeley.'
Ecart6 and Euchre.
By ' Berkeley.'
Piquet and Rubicon Piquet
By ' Berkeley.*
Skat. By Louis Diehl.
*jt* A Skat Scoring-book. Is.
Round Games, including Poker,
Napoleon, Loo, Vingt-et-un, &c. By
Baxter Wrat.
Parlour and Playground Games.
By Mrs. Laurence Q-omme.
BELL'S CATHEDRAL SERIES.
S^llustrateD /Ronograpbs in IbanDg Sl3e,
EDITED BY
GLEESON WHITE and E. F. STRANGE.
In specially designed cloth cover ^ crown Zvo. \s. 6d. each.
Now Ready.
CANTERBURY. By Hartley Withers. 3rd Edition, revised. 37 Illustrations.
CHESTER. By Charles Hiatt. 2nd Edition, revised. 35 Illustrations.
DURHAM. By J. E. Bygate, A.R.C.A. 44 Illustrations.
EXETER. By Percy Addleshaw, B.A. 2nd Edition, revised. 35 Illustrations.
GLOUCESTER. By H. J. L. J. Mass6, MA. 49 Illustrations.
HEREFORD. By A. Hugh Fisher, A.R.E. 40 Illustrations.
LICHFIELD. By A. B. Clifton. 42 Illustrations.
LINCOLN, By A. F. Kendrick, B A. 2nd Edition, revised. 46 Illustrations.
NORWICH. By C. H. B. Quennell. 38 Illustrations.
OXFORD. By Rev. Percy Dearmer, M.A. 2nd Edition, revised. 34 Illus-
trations.
PETERBOROUGH. By Rev. W. D. Sweeting. 2nd Edition, revised.
51 Illustrations.
ROCHESTER. By G. H. Palmer, B.A. 2nd Edition, revised. 38 Illustrations.
SALISBURY. By Gleeson White. 2nd Edition, revised. 50 Illustrations,
SOUTHWELL. By Rev. Arthur Dimock, M.A. 37 Illustrations.
WELLS. By Rev. Percy Dearmer, M.A. 43 Illustrations.
WINCHESTER. By P. W. Sergeant. 2nd Edition, revised. 50 Illustration
YORK. By A. Clutton-Brock, M.A, 41 Illustrations.
In the Press.
BRISTOL. By H. J. L. J. Mass6, M.A.
ST. ALBANS By Rev. W. D. Sweeting.
CARLISLE. By C. K, Eley,
ST, PAUL'S. By Rev. Arthur Dimock,
M.A.
RIPON. By Cecil Hallett, B.A.
ST. DAVID'S. By Philip Robson,
A. R.I. B.A.
CHICHESTER. By H. C. Corlette,
A.R.I. B.A.
ST. ASAPH and BANGOR. By P. B,
Ironside Bax.
GLASGOW, By P, Macgregor Chal-
mers, I.A., F.S.A.(Scot.).
ELY. By Rev. W. D, Sweeting, M A.
WORCESTER. By E. F, Strange.
Unifortn with above Series. . Now ready.
ST. MARTIN'S CHURCH, CANTERBURY. By the Rev. Canon Routledge,
BEVERLEY MINSTER, By Charles Hiatt.
WIMBORNE MINSTER and CHRISTCHURCH PRIORY, By the Rev. T.
Perkins, M.A,
TEWKESBURY ABBEY. By H. J. L. J. Mass^, M.A.
WESTMINSTER ABBEY, By Charles Hiatt.
'The volumes are handy in size, moderate in price, well illustrated, and written in a
scholarly spirit, The history of cathedral and city is intelligently set forth and accompanied
by a descriptive survey of the building in all its detail. The illustrations are copious and well
selected, and the series bids fair to become an indispensable companion to the cathedral
tourist in England. —r/w^j.
' We have so frequently in these columns urged the want of cheap, well-illustrated and
well-written handbooks to our cathedrals, to take the place of the out-of-date publications of
local booksellers, that we are glad to hear that they have been taken in hand by Messrs.
George Bell & Sons.'— A7, James's Gazette.
WEBSTER'S
INTERNATIONAL
DICTIONARY
OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE:
i//5 Pages, 3500 UlustrMthns.
JPRICES:
Cloth, i/. ns. 6d/; half c^lf, i/. :is4 half ruSsia, ^/, 5^.; full c
^/. 8h; full i-ussia, 2/. i^j.; half morocco, with Patent Marginal Inc
2/. Ss. ; full calf, With Marginal Index, 2/, 12^. Also boUnd in ± v(
cloth, i/. 14J. ; half dalf, 2/. I2J. ; half russia, 2/. l8i-. ; full Calf, 3/.
full russia, 3/. IS^".
The Appendices comprise a PtonOuncihg Ga^ettfcer of the Wc
Vocabularies of Scripture, Greek, Latin, and English Proper Nai
a DictionaJ-y of the Noted Names of Fiction, a Brief History of
English Language, a Dictionary of Foreign Quotations, Wotds, Phr:
Ptovetbs, &c., a Biographical Dictionalry \Vith 10,000 names, &c., ^
' We believe that, dll things considered, this will be ifOutld tO b'e the
existing English dictionary irt one volurhe. We dO hot know of arty
similar in size and price which can approath it in completeness of a voc
lary, variety of informdtion, and getteral Usefulness. ' — Guardian,
' The most copiprehensive and the most useful of its kind.'
Nati07tal Obst
'■ We rfecommetid the NfeW Webstet- to every man of business,
Kith-ir of a family, eVery teacher, and almost every student— to 6very1
\u fact, who is likely to be posed at an unfamiliar at half-understOod wd
phraste/ --S/i James s Gazfette.
ProspecMses, ivith SpecvUen Pa^es^ oh Applkdtio'h.
tHE ONLY AUTHORISED AND GOMPUETE EDIT!
LONDON i GfeOkGE BELL 6- SONS, VORk STkEEt
COVENT GARDEN*: -;
18; %L S* -O ^q.'
4,- ,
• ^oo5'
RECD V
'^SEP2 6'2flfl5
waru
FEB
Tol^'''
W"^ ^i&C'D LO-UBI
m. Api?""^^
Form L9-Series 44<
38:
i^V
^\i^^
^/^v:
RECD LD-URL
MAR 1 9 1982
^M
i ISM-'
v^
'w.m
'^><