Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/146

 Him into many parts, when they misguidedly seek the highest good in the baser creatures. Dost thou think he that has most power in this world has need of no more?'

Again I answered, saying, 'I do not say he had need of more, for I know that no man is so wealthy as not to need something to boot.'

'Thou sayest quite rightly,' answered Philosophy; 'a man may have power, but if another has more, then the less strong needs the help of the stronger.'

'It is all,' I said, 'as thou sayest.'

Then said Philosophy, 'Though Power and Self-sufficiency are counted as two things, they are but one.'

M. I think so too.

P. Dost thou think that Power and Self-sufficiency are to be despised, or to be honoured more than other advantages?

M. No man may doubt that Power and Self-sufficiency are to be honoured.

P. Let us then, if it so please thee, increase Power and Self-sufficiency by adding to them Honour, and then reckon the three as one.

M. Let us do this, for it is the truth.

P. Dost thou then deem wanting in honour and fame the union of the three qualities, when they are reckoned as one, or does it on the contrary seem to thee of all things most worthy of honour and fame? If thou knewest any man with power over everything and having every honour to such a degree as to need