Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/186

 if he does wish to do it, he cannot, if he have not the power. By this thou mayest perceive clearly that, if thou seest any man desiring what he has not, 'tis the power he lacks.'

M. That is true;  I cannot deny this.

P. Next, if thou seest a man that is able to do what he wishes, thou hast no doubt that the power is his.

M. I have no doubt of it.

P. Every man is a master of what is in his power.

M. I grant it.

P. Canst thou still remember what I once told thee, namely, that the minds of all men desire to come to True Happiness, though they earn it in diverse ways?

M. I remember it;  it was clearly enough proved.

P. And dost thou remember that I told thee goodness and happiness were all one, and he that seeks happiness seeks goodness?

M. I hold it quite fast in my memory.

P. All men, both good and wicked, desire to come to goodness, though in different ways.

M. What thou sayest is true.

P. It is clear enough that good men are good because they meet with good.

M. Quite clear.

P. And good men get the good they deserve.

M. So I believe.

P. The wicked would not be wicked if they were to meet with the good they desire. They are wicked because they do not compass it, and they fail to get it because they seek it not aright.