Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/155

 each according to its merits. Thou, O Lord, bringest together heavenly souls and earthly bodies, and minglest them in this world. As they came hither from Thee, even so also they seek to go hence to Thee. Thou didst fill this earth with diverse kinds of beasts, and afterwards didst sow it with diverse seeds of trees and plants. Grant unto our minds, O Lord, that they may rise up to Thee through the hardships of this world, and from these troubles come to Thee, and that with the eyes of our minds opened we may behold the noble fountain of all good things, even Thee. Grant us health for our minds' eyes, that we may fasten upon Thee, and scatter the mist that now hangeth before our minds' sight, and let Thy light lighten our eyes; for Thou art the Brightness of the True Light. Thou art the comfortable resting-place of the righteous, and Thou enablest them to see Thee. Thou art the Beginning and the End of all things. Thou bearest up all things without effort. Thou art the Way, and the Guide, and the Bourne whither the Way leadeth; to Thee all men are hastening.'

When Philosophy had chaunted this song and prayer, she began once more to discourse, and spake on this wise:

'I think it first necessary that I should unfold to