Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/62

liv good. As for fame, even if it be worldwide it has bet a narrow range, this earth being a mere speck in the universe. When Fortune turns her back on a man she does him a real service, in enabling him to find the way to goodness.

BOOK III.

Boethius admits that he is greatly comforted by the words of Philosophy, but he would like to hear more of her healing doctrine. In what does true happiness consist Philosophy discusses the nature of the Supreme Good, and shows how all men, even the worst, long to reach it. This Good does not lie in power, nor in wealth, nor in fame, nor in high birth, nor in carnal pleasure; no, it lies in God; and therefore True Happiness lies in Him. Men can participate in happiness, and thereby attain to divinity. Evil has no existence, for God, who can do all things, cannot do evil.

BOOK IV.

Boethius says he cannot quite cease to be unhappy until be knows why God suffers evil to exist, or why, suffering it, He does not punish evil-doers, instead of allowing them to flourish, while wisdom and other virtues go dishonoured. Philosophy replies that Boethius is mistaken, for the wicked have no real power, and never reach the Supreme Good, and moreover are punished. Punishment is a real benefit to the wrong-doer. Then the discussion leads to the subject of Fate and Providence. Providence is the supreme Reason that plans and orders all things; Fate is the instrument which links them together, and sets them in motion, under Providence.

BOOK V.

Philosophy discusses the coexistence of divine foreknowledge and man's free-will; and finally discourses on the nature of God.