How to read these pages
Each chapter has its own page. On the left you read the original text — the alternating Songs (verse) and prose chapters that make this book unique, “skilfully fitted together like dialogue and chorus in a Greek play.” On the right a reading guide explains what is happening, unpacks the themes, identifies the names and allusions, and shows how each Song answers its chapter. Read the text first; glance right whenever you want help.
The Apparition of Philosophy
Philosophy appears above the grieving prisoner, drives away the Muses of poetry that were feeding his self-pity, and laments the disordered state of his mind.
The Tears Wiped Away
Boethius is speechless with amazement. Philosophy diagnoses lethargy — a forgetting of the self — and wipes the mist of mortal cares from his eyes.
Philosophy Made Known
He recognises his old mistress. She explains why she has come, and recalls the long line of thinkers persecuted by an ignorant world.
The Prisoner's Defence
Bidden to speak his grief, Boethius tells the full story of his unjust accusation and ruin, and ends with a prayer that heaven's order might rule the earth.
The Gentle Remedies
Philosophy grants the justice of his case, but grieves rather for the change in his mind. She will begin with mild remedies before the strong ones.
The Diagnosis
By questioning, Philosophy uncovers the three roots of his sickness — and finds the surviving spark from which his recovery can be kindled.
The argument of Book I, in brief
Boethius' complaint (Song I). — Ch. I. Philosophy appears, drives away the Muses of Poetry, and herself laments (Song II) the disordered condition of his mind. — Ch. II. Boethius is speechless with amazement; Philosophy wipes away the tears that have clouded his eyesight. — Ch. III. Boethius recognises his mistress Philosophy; she explains her presence and recalls the persecutions Philosophy has suffered from an ignorant world. — Ch. IV. Philosophy bids Boethius declare his griefs; he relates the story of his unjust accusation and ruin, concluding with a prayer (Song V) that the moral disorder in human affairs be set right. — Ch. V. Philosophy admits the justice of his self-vindication, but grieves for the change in his mind; she will first tranquillise his spirit with soothing remedies. — Ch. VI. Philosophy tests his mental state and discovers three chief causes of his soul's sickness: (1) he has forgotten his own true nature; (2) he knows not the end towards which the universe tends; (3) he knows not the means by which the world is governed.