Page:King Alfred's Version of the Consolations of Boethius.djvu/72

 though thou wouldst fain drink of the warm must.'

Then Philosophy cried aloud and said, 'May I then put thy fixed belief to the proof, that I may thereby get to know by what means and in what manner I am to cure thee?'

'Prove me as thou wilt,' answered the Mind.

Then said Philosophy, 'Dost thou believe that Fate rules this world, or that aught of good may happen without a Cause?'

'I do not believe,' replied the Mind, 'that in that case anything could happen in such an orderly fashion; nay, of a truth I know that God is the controller of His own work, and from that true faith I have never swerved.'

Then again Philosophy answered and said, 'It was about time same thing thou wast singing but a little while ago, that each creature knew from God its due season, and fulfilled its due course, save only man. Wherefore I marvel beyond measure what ails thee, and why thou complainest, holding this faith. But let us consider the matter yet more deeply. I do not fully know which of thy doubts remain; but thou sayest thou hast no doubt that God guideth this world;  tell me then, how would He like it to be?'

M. I can hardly understand thy question, yet thou sayest I am to answer thee.

P. Dost think I know not the danger of that confusion in which thou art wrapt around? Come, tell me what is the end that every beginning is minded to have?