<S_SAMPLE_1>

<P_429.C1>

<heading>

HACTENUS MENDACIS FORMAM .- (CMBOETH,429.C1.4)

PROSA 9 (CMBOETH,429.C1.5)

</heading>

" It suffiseth that I have schewyd hiderto the forme of fals
welefulnesse , so that yif thou loke now cleerly , the ordre of myn
entencioun requireth from hennes forth to schewe the verray
welefulnesse . " (CMBOETH,429.C1.7)

" For sothe , " quod I , " I se wel now that suffisaunce may nat comen
by rychesse , ne power by remes , ne reverence by dignites , ne
gentilesse by glorie , ne joie be delices . " (CMBOETH,429.C1.8)

" And $hast $tow {TEXT:hastow} wel knowen the causes , " quod sche , "
whi it es ? " (CMBOETH,429.C1.9)

" Certes me semeth , " quod I , " that Y see hem ryght as thoughe it
were thurw a litil clyfte , (CMBOETH,429.C1.10)

but me were levere knowen hem more opynly of the . "
(CMBOETH,429.C1.11)

" Certes , " quod sche , " the resoun is al redy . (CMBOETH,429.C1.12)

For thilke thyng that symply is o thyng withouten ony devysioun , the
errour and folie of mankynde departeth and divideth it ,
(CMBOETH,429.C1.13)

and mysledeth it (CMBOETH,429.C1.14)

and transporteth from verray and parfit good to godes that ben false
and inparfit . (CMBOETH,429.C1.15)

But seye me this . (CMBOETH,429.C1.16)

$Wenest $tow {TEXT:Wenestow} that he that hath nede of power , that hym
ne lakketh nothyng ? " (CMBOETH,429.C1.17)

" Nay , " quod I . (CMBOETH,429.C1.18)

" Certes , " quod sche , " thou seyst aryght ; (CMBOETH,429.C1.19)

for if so be that ther is a thyng that in ony partie be feblere of
power , certes , as in that , it moot nedes be nedy of foreyne help . "
(CMBOETH,429.C1.20)

" Ryght so is it , " quod I . (CMBOETH,429.C1.21)

" Suffisaunce and power ben thanne of o kynde ? " (CMBOETH,429.C1.22)

" So semeth it , " quod I . (CMBOETH,429.C1.23)

" And $demest $tow {TEXT:demestow} , " quod sche , " that a thyng that
is of this manere <paren> <font> that is to seyn , suffisaunt and
mighty </font> </paren> oughte ben despised , or ellis that it be right
digne of reverence aboven alle thynges ? " (CMBOETH,429.C1.24)

" Certes , " quod I , " it nys no doute that it nys right worthy to ben
reverenced . " (CMBOETH,429.C1.25)

" Lat us , " quod sche , " adden thanne reverence to suffisaunce and to
power , so that we demen that thise thre thynges be al o thyng . "
(CMBOETH,429.C1.26)

<P_429.C2>

" Certes , " quod I , " lat us adden it , yif we wiln graunten the
sothe . " (CMBOETH,429.C2.28)

" What $demest $tow {TEXT:demestow} thanne , " quod sche , "
(CMBOETH,429.C2.29)

is that a dirk thyng and nat noble that is suffisaunt , reverent , and
myghty ; or elles that it is ryght noble and ryght cleer by celebrete
of renoun ? (CMBOETH,429.C2.30)

Considere thanne , " quod sche , " as we han grauntide hirbyfore , that
he that ne hath nede of no thyng and is moost myghty and moost digne of
honour , if hym nedeth ony cleernesse of renoun , whiche clernesse he
myght nat graunten of hymself ; so that for lak of thilke cleernesse he
myghte seme the feblere on any side , or the more outcast . "
(CMBOETH,429.C2.31)

<paren>

<font>

Glose . (CMBOETH,429.C2.34)

This to seyn , nay ; (CMBOETH,429.C2.35)

for whoso that is suffisaunt , myghty , and reverent , clernesse of
renoun folweth of the forseyde thynges ; (CMBOETH,429.C2.36)

he hath it al redy of his suffysaunce . (CMBOETH,429.C2.37)

</font>

</paren>

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,429.C2.40)

" I mai nat , " quod I , " denye it , (CMBOETH,429.C2.41)

but I moot granten , as it is , that this thyng be ryght celebrable by
clernesse of renoun and noblesse . " (CMBOETH,429.C2.42)

" Thanne folweth it , " quod sche , " that we adden clernesse of renoun
to the thre forseyde thynges , so that there ne be amonges hem no
difference . " (CMBOETH,429.C2.43)

" This is a consequence , " quod I . (CMBOETH,429.C2.44)

" This thyng thanne , " quod sche , " that ne hath nede of no foreyne
thyng , and that may don alle thynges by hise strengthis , and that is
noble and honourable , nys nat that a myry thyng and a joyful ? "
(CMBOETH,429.C2.45)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,429.C2.46)

" But whennes , " quod I , " that any sorwe myghte comen to this thyng
that is swiche , certes I mai nat thynke . " (CMBOETH,429.C2.47)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,429.C2.48)

" Thanne mote we graunten , " quod sche , " that this thing be ful of
gladnesse , if the forseide thynges ben sothe ; (CMBOETH,429.C2.49)

and certes also mote we graunten that suffisaunce , power , noblesse ,
reverence , and gladnesse be oonly diverse by names ,
(CMBOETH,429.C2.50)

but hir substaunce hath no diversite . " (CMBOETH,429.C2.51)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,429.C2.52)

" It moot nedly ben so , " quod I . (CMBOETH,429.C2.53)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,429.C2.54)

" Thilke thyng thanne , " quod sche , " that is oon and symple in his
nature , the wikkidnesse of men departeth it (CMBOETH,429.C2.55)

and divideth it ; (CMBOETH,429.C2.56)

and whanne thei enforcen hem to gete partie of a thyng that ne hath no
part , thei ne geten hem neyther thilke partie that nis noon , ne the
thyng al hool that thei ne desire nat . " (CMBOETH,429.C2.57)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,429.C2.58)

" In whiche manere ? " quod I . (CMBOETH,429.C2.59)

<P_430.C1>

<font>

Philosophie . (CMBOETH,430.C1.62)

</font>

" Thilke man , " quod sche , " that seketh richesse to fleen poverte ,
he ne travaileth hym nat for to geten power , (CMBOETH,430.C1.64)

for he hath lever to ben dirk and vyl ; (CMBOETH,430.C1.65)

and eek withdraweth from hymself manye naturel delites ,
(CMBOETH,430.C1.66)

for he nolde leese the moneie that he hath assembled .
(CMBOETH,430.C1.67)

But certes in this manere he ne geteth hym nat suffisance , that power
forleteth , and that moleste prikketh , and that filthe maketh outcaste
, and that dirknesse hideth . (CMBOETH,430.C1.68)

And certes he that desireth oonly power , he wasteth and scatereth
rychesse , (CMBOETH,430.C1.69)

and despyseth delices and eek honour that is withoute power ,
(CMBOETH,430.C1.70)

ne he ne preiseth glorie nothyng . (CMBOETH,430.C1.71)

Certes thus $seest $tow {TEXT:seestow} wel that manye thynges failen to
hym , (CMBOETH,430.C1.72)

for he hath som tyme defaute of manye necessites , (CMBOETH,430.C1.73)

and manye anguysshes byten hym ; (CMBOETH,430.C1.74)

and whan he ne mai nat do tho defautes awey , he forletith to ben
myghty , (CMBOETH,430.C1.75)

and that is the thyng that he moost desireth . (CMBOETH,430.C1.76)

And ryght thus mai I make semblable resouns of honours , and of glorie
, and of delyces ; (CMBOETH,430.C1.77)

for so as every of thise forseide thinges is the same that thise othere
thynges ben <paren> <font> that is to seyn , al oon thyng </font>
</paren> , whoso that evere seketh to geten the toon of thise , and nat
the tothir , he ne geteth nat that he desireth . " (CMBOETH,430.C1.78)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,430.C1.79)

" What $seyst $tow {TEXT:seystow} thanne , yif that a man coveyte to
geten alle thise thynges togidre ? " (CMBOETH,430.C1.80)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,430.C1.81)

" Certes , " quod sche , " I wolde seye , that he wolde geten hym
sovereyn blisfulnesse ; (CMBOETH,430.C1.82)

but that schal he nat fynde in tho thynges that I have schewed that ne
mowen nat yeven that thei byheeten ? (CMBOETH,430.C1.83)

" <font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,430.C1.84)

" Certes no , " quod I . (CMBOETH,430.C1.85)

" Thanne , " quod sche , " ne sholde men nat by no weye seken
blisfulnesse in siche thynges as men wenen that they ne mowen yeven but
o thyng sengly of al that men seken . " (CMBOETH,430.C1.86)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,430.C1.87)

" I graunte wel , " quod I , (CMBOETH,430.C1.88)

" ne no sothere thyng ne may be seyd . " (CMBOETH,430.C1.89)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,430.C1.90)

" Now $hast $tow {TEXT:hastow} thanne , " quod sche , " the forme and
the causes of fals welefulnesse . (CMBOETH,430.C1.91)

Now torne and flytte the eighen of thi thought , (CMBOETH,430.C1.92)

for ther $shalt $tow {TEXT:shaltow} seen anoon thilke verray
blisfulnesse that I have behyght the . " (CMBOETH,430.C1.93)

<P_430.C2>

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,430.C2.95)

" Certes . " quod I , " it is cler and opene , theyghe it were to a
blynd man ; (CMBOETH,430.C2.96)

and that $schewedest $tow {TEXT:schewedestow} me ful wel a litel
herbyforn , whan thow enforcedest the to schewe me the causes of the
fals blisfulnesse . (CMBOETH,430.C2.97)

For , but if I be begiled , thanne is thilke the verray parfit
blisfulnesse that parfitly maketh a man suffisaunt , myghty ,
honourable , noble , and ful of gladnesse . (CMBOETH,430.C2.98)

And for thow schalt wel knowe that I have wel undirstonden thise
thinges withynne myn herte , I knowe wel that thilke blisfulnesse that
may verrayly yeven on of the forseyde thynges , syn thei ben alle oon -
I knowe dowtelees that thilke thyng is the ful blysfulnesse . "
(CMBOETH,430.C2.99)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,430.C2.100)

" O my nory , " quod sche , " by this opynyoun I seie that thow art
blisful , yif thow putte this therto that I schal seyn . "
(CMBOETH,430.C2.101)

" What is that ? " quod I . (CMBOETH,430.C2.102)

" $Trowest $two {TEXT:Trowestow} that ther be any thyng in this erthly
, mortel , toumblynge thynges that may brynge this estat ? "
(CMBOETH,430.C2.103)

" Certes , " quod I , " Y trowe it nought ; (CMBOETH,430.C2.104)

and thow hast schewyd me wel that over thilke good ther nys no thyng
more to ben desired . " (CMBOETH,430.C2.105)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,430.C2.106)

" Thise thynges thanne , " quod sche <paren> <font> that is to seyn ,
erthly suffysaunce and power and swiche thynges </font> </paren> , "
outher thei semen lyknesses of verray good , (CMBOETH,430.C2.107)

or elles it semeth that thei yeve to mortel folk a maner of goodes that
ne be nat parfyt . (CMBOETH,430.C2.108)

But thilke good that is verray and parfyt , that mai thei nat yeven . "
(CMBOETH,430.C2.109)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,430.C2.110)

" I accorde me wel , " quod I . (CMBOETH,430.C2.111)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,430.C2.112)

" Thanne , " quod sche , " for as moche as thou hast knowen whiche is
thilke verray blisfulnesse , and eek whiche thilke thynges ben that
lyen falsly blisfulnesse <paren> <font> that is to seyn , that be
deceyte semen verray goodes </font> </paren> , now byhoveth the to
knowe , whennes and where thow mowe seke thilke verrai blisfulnesse . "
(CMBOETH,430.C2.113)

" Certes , " quod I , " that desire I gretly (CMBOETH,430.C2.114)

and have abyden longe tyme to herkne it . " (CMBOETH,430.C2.115)

" But for as moche , " quod sche , " as it liketh to my disciple Plato
, in his book of In Thymeo , that in ryght litel thynges men <P_431.C1>
schulde byseche the help of God , what $juggest $two {TEXT:juggestow}
that be now to done , so that we may desserve to fynde the seete of
thilk sovereyn good ? " (CMBOETH,431.C1.116)

<S_SAMPLE_2>

<P_431.C2>

<heading>

QUONIAM IGITUR QUE SIT .- (CMBOETH,431.C2.120)

PROSA (CMBOETH,431.C2.121)

</heading>

" For as moche thanne as thow hast seyn whiche is the fourme of good
that nys nat parfit , and whiche is the forme of good that is parfit ,
now trowe I that it were good to schewe in what this perfeccioun of
blisfulnesse is set . (CMBOETH,431.C2.123)

And in this thing I trowe that we schulde first enquere for to witen ,
yf that any swich maner good as thilke good that thow hast dyffinysshed
a litel herebyforn <paren> <font> that is to seyn , sovereyn good
</font> </paren> may be founde in the nature of thinges ,
(CMBOETH,431.C2.124)

for that veyn ymagynacioun of thought ne desceyve us nat ,
(CMBOETH,431.C2.125)

and put us out of the sothfastnesse of thilke thing that is summytted
to us . (CMBOETH,431.C2.126)

But it may nat be denyed that thilke good ne is , and that it nys ryght
as a welle of alle goodes . (CMBOETH,431.C2.127)

For alle thing that is cleped inparfyt is proevid inparfit be the
amenusynge of perfeccioun or of thing that is parfit .
(CMBOETH,431.C2.128)

And herof cometh it that in every thing general , yif that men seen any
thing that is inparfit , certes in thilke general ther moot ben som
thing that is parfit . (CMBOETH,431.C2.129)

For yif so be that perfeccioun is don awey , men may nat thinke ne say
fro whennes thilke thing is that is cleped inparfyt .
(CMBOETH,431.C2.130)

For the nature of thinges ne took nat hir begynnynge of thinges
amenused and inparfit , (CMBOETH,431.C2.131)

but it procedith of thinges that ben alle hole and absolut ,
(CMBOETH,431.C2.132)

and descendith so doun into uttereste thinges and into thinges
<P_432.C1> empty and withouten fruyt . (CMBOETH,432.C1.133)

But , as I have schewid a litel herebyforn that yif ther be a
blisfulnesse that be freel and veyn and inparfyt , ther may no man
doute that ther nys som blisfulnesse that is sad , stedefast , and
parfyt . (CMBOETH,432.C1.134)

" <font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,432.C1.135)

" This is concluded , " quod I , " feermely and soothfastly .
(CMBOETH,432.C1.136)

" <font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,432.C1.137)

" But considere also , " quod sche , " in whom this blisfulnesse
enhabiteth . (CMBOETH,432.C1.138)

The comune accordaunce and conceyt of the corages of men proveth and
graunteth that God , prince of alle thinges , is good .
(CMBOETH,432.C1.139)

For , so as nothyng mai ben thought betere than God , it mai nat ben
douted thanne that he that no thinge nys betere , that he nys good .
(CMBOETH,432.C1.140)

Certes resoun scheweth that God is so good that it proeveth by verray
force that parfyt good is in hym . (CMBOETH,432.C1.141)

For yif God nys swyche , he ne mai nat be prince of alle thinges ;
(CMBOETH,432.C1.142)

for certes somthing possessyng in itself parfyt good schulde be more
worthy than God , (CMBOETH,432.C1.143)

and it scholde semen that thilke thing were first and eldere than God .
(CMBOETH,432.C1.144)

For we han schewyd apertely that alle thinges that ben parfyt ben first
er thynges that ben inparfit ; (CMBOETH,432.C1.145)

and forthy , for as moche as that my resoun or my proces ne go nat awey
withouten an ende , we owe to graunte that the sovereyn God is ryght
ful of sovereyn parfit good . (CMBOETH,432.C1.146)

And we han establissched that the sovereyne good is verray blisfulnesse
. (CMBOETH,432.C1.147)

Thanne moot it nedis be that verray blisfulnesse is set in sovereyn God
. " (CMBOETH,432.C1.148)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,432.C1.149)

" This take I wel , " quod I , (CMBOETH,432.C1.150)

" ne this ne mai nat be withseid in no manere . " (CMBOETH,432.C1.151)

" But I preye the , " quod sche , " see now how thou mayst proeven
holily and withoute corrupcioun this that I have seid , that the
sovereyn God is ryght ful of sovereyne good . " (CMBOETH,432.C1.152)

" In whiche manere ? " quod I . (CMBOETH,432.C1.153)

" $Wenest $tow {TEXT:Wenestow} aught , " quod sche , " that this prince
of alle thynges have itake thilke sovereyne good anywher out of hymself
, of whiche sovereyne good men proeveth that he is ful ; ryght as thou
myghtest thenken that God , that hath blisfulnesse in hymself , and
thilke blisfulnesse that is in hym , were divers in substaunce ?
(CMBOETH,432.C1.154)

For yif thow wene that God have resseyved <P_432.C2> thilke good out of
hymself , thow mayst wene that he that yaf thilke good to God be more
worth than is God . (CMBOETH,432.C2.155)

But I am beknowe and confesse , and that ryght dignely , that God is
ryght worthy aboven alle thinges . (CMBOETH,432.C2.156)

And yif so be that this good be in hym by nature , but that it is
dyvers from hym by wenynge resoun , syn we speke of God prynce of alle
thynges , feyne-LFD who so feyne-RSP mai who was he that hath conjoyned
thise divers thynges togidre . (CMBOETH,432.C2.157)

And eek at the laste se wel that a thing that is divers from any thing
, that thilke thing nys nat that same thing fro whiche it es
undirstonden to be diverse . (CMBOETH,432.C2.158)

Thanne folweth it that thilke thing that be his nature is divers from
sovereyn good , that that thyng nys nat sovereyn good ;
(CMBOETH,432.C2.159)

but certes it were a felenous cursydnesse to thinken that of hym that
no thing nys more worth . (CMBOETH,432.C2.160)

For alwey , of alle thinges , the nature of hem ne may nat ben betere
thanne hir begynnynge . For whiche I mai concluden by ryght verray
resoun that thilke that is begynnynge of alle thinges , thilke same
thing is sovereyn good in his substaunce . (CMBOETH,432.C2.161)

" <font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,432.C2.162)

" Thow hast seyd ryghtfully , " quod I . (CMBOETH,432.C2.163)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,432.C2.164)

" But we han graunted , " quod sche , " that the sovereyn good is
blisfulnesse . " (CMBOETH,432.C2.165)

" That is sooth , " quod I . (CMBOETH,432.C2.166)

" Thanne , " quod sche , " moten we nedes granten and confessen that
thilke same sovereyn good be God ? " (CMBOETH,432.C2.167)

" Certes , " quod I , " Y ne may nat denye ne withstonde the resouns
purposed ; (CMBOETH,432.C2.168)

and I se wel that it folweth by strengthe of the premisses . "
(CMBOETH,432.C2.169)

" Loke now , " quod sche , " yif this be proevid yet more fermely thus
, that there ne mowen not ben two sovereyn goodis that ben divers among
hemself . (CMBOETH,432.C2.170)

For certes the goodis that ben divers among hemself , the toon is nat
that that the tothir is ; (CMBOETH,432.C2.171)

thanne ne mowen neither of hem ben parfit , so as eyther of hem lakketh
to othir . (CMBOETH,432.C2.172)

But that that nys nat parfit , men mai seen apertely that it nys not
sovereyn . (CMBOETH,432.C2.173)

The thinges thanne that ben sovereynly gode ne mowe by no weie be
divers . (CMBOETH,432.C2.174)

But I have wel concluded that blisfulnesse and God ben the sovereyn
good ; for whiche it mote nedes be that sovereyne blisfulnesse is
sovereyn devynite . " (CMBOETH,432.C2.175)

<P_433.C1>

" No thing , " quod I , " nys more sothfaste than this , ne more ferme
by resoun , (CMBOETH,433.C1.177)

ne a more worthy thing than God mai not ben concluded . "
(CMBOETH,433.C1.178)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,433.C1.179)

" Upon thise thynges thanne , " quod sche , " ryght as thise
geometriens whan thei han schewed her proposicions ben wont to bryngen
yn thinges that thei clepen porismes or declaracions of forseide
thinges , right so wol I yeve the here as a corolarie or a meede of
coroune . Forwhy , for as moche as by the getynge of blisfulnesse men
ben makid blisful , and blisfulnesse is dyvinite , than is it manifest
and open that by the getynge of dyvinite men ben makid blisful .
(CMBOETH,433.C1.180)

Right as by the getynge of justise <em> men ben maked just </em> , and
be the gettynge of sapience thei ben maked wise , ryght so nedes by the
semblable resoun , whan they han geten dyvinite thei ben maked goddes .
(CMBOETH,433.C1.181)

Thanne is every blisful man God . (CMBOETH,433.C1.182)

But certes by nature ther nys but o God ; (CMBOETH,433.C1.183)

but by the participacioun of dyvinite ther ne let ne distourbeth
nothyng that ther ne ben many goddis . " (CMBOETH,433.C1.184)

" This ys , " quod I , " a fair thing and a precious ,
(CMBOETH,433.C1.185)

clepe it as thou wilt , be it corolarie , or porisme , or mede of
coroune , or declarynges . " (CMBOETH,433.C1.186)

" Certes , " quod sche , " nothing nys fairere than is the thing that
by resoun schulde ben addide to thise forseide thinges . "
(CMBOETH,433.C1.187)

" What thing ? " quod I . (CMBOETH,433.C1.188)

" So , quod sche , " as it semeth that blisfulnesse conteneth many
thinges , it weere for to witen whether that alle thise thinges maken
or conjoynen as a maner body of blisfulnesse by diversite of parties or
membres , or elles yif ony of alle thilke thinges ben swich that it
acomplise by hymself the substaunce of blisfulnesse , so that alle
thise othere thynges ben referrid and brought to blisfulnesse <paren>
<font> that is to seyn , as to the cheef of hem </font> </paren> . "
(CMBOETH,433.C1.189)

" I wolde , " quod I , " that thow madest me clerly to undirstonde what
thou seist , and that thou recordidest me the forseide thinges . "
(CMBOETH,433.C1.190)

" Have I not jugged , " quod sche , " that blisfulnesse is good ? "
(CMBOETH,433.C1.191)

" Yys for sothe , " quod I , " and that sovereyn good . "
(CMBOETH,433.C1.192)

" Adde thanne , " quod sche , " thilke good that is maked blisfulnesse
to alle the forseide <P_433.C2> thinges . (CMBOETH,433.C2.193)

For thilke same blisfulnesse $is demed to ben sovereyn suffisaunce ,
(CMBOETH,433.C2.194)

thilke selve is sovereyn power , sovereyn reverence , sovereyn
clernesse or noblesse , and sovereyn delyt . (CMBOETH,433.C2.195)

What $seist $tow {TEXT:seistow} thanne of alle thise thinges , that is
to seyn , suffisaunce , power , and thise othere thinges , -
(CMBOETH,433.C2.196)

ben thei thanne as membris of blisfulnesse , (CMBOETH,433.C2.197)

or ben they reffered and brought to sovereyne good ryght as alle
thinges $ben brought to the cheef of hem ? " (CMBOETH,433.C2.198)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,433.C2.199)

" I undirstonde wel , " quod I , " what thou purposest to seke ,
(CMBOETH,433.C2.200)

but I desire for to herkne that thow schewe it me . "
(CMBOETH,433.C2.201)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,433.C2.202)

" Tak now thus the discrecioun of this questioun , " quod sche ;
(CMBOETH,433.C2.203)

" yif alle thise thinges , " quod sche , " weren membris to felicite ,
thanne weren thei dyverse that on fro that othir . (CMBOETH,433.C2.204)

And swich is the nature of parties or of membres , that diverse membris
compounen a body . " (CMBOETH,433.C2.205)

" Certes , " quod I , " it hath wel ben schewyd herebyforn that alle
thise thinges ben al o thyng . " (CMBOETH,433.C2.206)

" Thanne ben thei none membres , " quod sche , (CMBOETH,433.C2.207)

" for elles it schulde seme that blisfulnesse were conjoyned al of o
membre allone ; (CMBOETH,433.C2.208)

but that is a thing that mai not ben don . " (CMBOETH,433.C2.209)

" This thing , " quod I , " nys not doutous ; (CMBOETH,433.C2.210)

but I abide to herknen the remenaunt of the question . "
(CMBOETH,433.C2.211)

" This is opene and cler , " quod sche , " that alle othere thinges ben
referrid and brought to good . (CMBOETH,433.C2.212)

For therfore is suffisaunce requerid , (CMBOETH,433.C2.213)

for it is demyd to ben good ; (CMBOETH,433.C2.214)

and forthy is power requirid , (CMBOETH,433.C2.215)

for men trowen also that it be good ; (CMBOETH,433.C2.216)

and this same thing mowen we thinken and conjecten of reverence , and
of noblesse , and of delyt . (CMBOETH,433.C2.217)

Thanne is sovereyn good the somme and the cause of al that oughte ben
desired ; forwhy thilke thing that withholdeth no good in itselve , ne
semblance of good , it ne mai not wel in no manere be desired ne
requerid . (CMBOETH,433.C2.218)

And the contrarie ; (CMBOETH,433.C2.219)

for thoughe that thinges by here nature ne ben not gode , algates yif
men wene that thei ben gode , yet ben thei desired as theigh that thei
were verrayliche gode ; (CMBOETH,433.C2.220)

and therefore is it that men oughte to wene by ryghte that bounte be
the sovereyn fyn and the cause of alle the thinges that ben to requiren
. (CMBOETH,433.C2.221)

But certes thilke that is cause for whiche men <P_434.C1> requiren any
thing , it semeth that thilke same thing be moost desired .
(CMBOETH,434.C1.222)

As thus : (CMBOETH,434.C1.223)

yf that a wyght wolde ryden for cause of hele , he ne desireth not so
mochel the moevyng to ryden , as the effect of his hele .
(CMBOETH,434.C1.224)

Now thanne , syn that alle thynges ben required for the grace of good ,
thei ne ben not desired of alle folk more than the same good .
(CMBOETH,434.C1.225)

But we han grauntide that blisfulnesse is that thing for whiche that
alle thise othere thinges ben desired ; (CMBOETH,434.C1.226)

thanne is it thus that certes oonly blysfulnesse is requered and
desired . By whiche thing it scheweth cleerly that of good and of
blisfulnesse is al on and the same substaunce . " (CMBOETH,434.C1.227)

" I se nat , " quod I , " wherfore that men myghten discorden in this .
" (CMBOETH,434.C1.228)

" And we han schewed that God and verray blisfulnesse is al o thing . "
(CMBOETH,434.C1.229)

" That is sooth , " quod I . (CMBOETH,434.C1.230)

" Thanne mowen we concluden sykerly , that the substaunce of God is set
in thilke same good , and in noon other place . (CMBOETH,434.C1.231)

<S_SAMPLE_3>

<P_434.C2>

<heading>

ASSENCIOR INQUAM CUNCTA .- (CMBOETH,434.C2.235)

PROSA 11 (CMBOETH,434.C2.236)

</heading>

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,434.C2.238)

" I assente me , " quod I , (CMBOETH,434.C2.239)

" for alle thise thinges ben strongly bounden with ryght ferme resouns
. " (CMBOETH,434.C2.240)

" How mychel $wilt $tow {TEXT:wiltow} preysen it , " quod sche , " yif
that thow knowe what thilke good is ? " (CMBOETH,434.C2.241)

" I wol preyse it , " quod I , " be pris withouten ende , yif it schal
betyde me to knowe also togidre God that is good . "
(CMBOETH,434.C2.242)

" Certes , " quod sche , " that schal I $undo the be verray resoun ,
yif that tho thinges that I have concluded a litel herebyforn duellen
only in hir first grauntynge . " (CMBOETH,434.C2.243)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,434.C2.244)

" Thei dwellen graunted to the , " quod I . <paren> <font> This to seyn
as who seith , " I graunte thi forseide conclusyouns . " </font>
</paren> (CMBOETH,434.C2.245)

" Have I nat schewed the , " quod sche , " that the thinges that ben
required of many folk ne ben not verray goodis ne parfite , for thei
ben divers that on fro that othir ; (CMBOETH,434.C2.246)

and so as iche of hem is lakkynge to othir , thei ne han no power to
bryngen a good that is ful and absolut ; (CMBOETH,434.C2.247)

but thanne at erste ben thei verraye good , whan thei ben gadred
togidre $als into o forme and into oon werkynge , so that thilke thing
that is suffisaunce , thilke same be power , and reverence , and
noblesse , and myrthe ; (CMBOETH,434.C2.248)

and for sothe , but yif alle thise thinges ben alle o same thing , thei
ne han not wherby that thei mowen be put in the nombre of thinges that
oughten ben required or desired ? " (CMBOETH,434.C2.249)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,434.C2.250)

" It is schewyd , " quod I , (CMBOETH,434.C2.251)

" ne herof mai ther no man douten . " (CMBOETH,434.C2.252)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,434.C2.253)

" The thinges thanne , " quod sche , " that ne ben none goodis whan
thei ben diverse , and whanne thei bygynnen to ben al o thing , thanne
ben thei goodes - ne cometh it hem nat thanne be the getynge of unyte
that thei ben maked goodes ? " (CMBOETH,434.C2.254)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,434.C2.255)

" So it semeth , " quod I . (CMBOETH,434.C2.256)

" But alle thing that is good , " quod sche , " $grauntest $tow
{TEXT:grauntestow} that it be good by the participacioun of good , or
no ? " (CMBOETH,434.C2.257)

" I graunte it , " quod I . (CMBOETH,434.C2.258)

<P_435.C1>

" Thanne $must $tow {TEXT:mustow} graunten , " quod sche , " by
semblable resoun that oon and good be o same thing ;
(CMBOETH,435.C1.260)

for of thinges of whiche that the effect nys nat naturely divers ,
nedes the substaunce moot be oo same thing . " (CMBOETH,435.C1.261)

" I ne may nat denye it , " quod I . (CMBOETH,435.C1.262)

" $Hast $two {TEXT:Hastow} nat knowen wel , " quod sche , " that alle
thing that is hath so longe his duellynge and his substaunce as longe
as it es oon , but whanne it forletith to be oon , it moot nedys deien
and corrumpen togidres ? " (CMBOETH,435.C1.263)

" In whiche manere ? " quod I . (CMBOETH,435.C1.264)

" Ryght as in beestes , " quod sche , " whanne the soule and the body
ben conjoyned in oon and dwellen togidre , it es cleped a beeste ;
(CMBOETH,435.C1.265)

and whanne her unyte is destroyed be the disseveraunce the toon fro the
tothir , thanne scheweth it wel that it is a deed thing , and that it
nys no lengere no beeste . (CMBOETH,435.C1.266)

And the body of a wyght , while it duelleth in oo fourme be conjunccion
of membris , it is wel seyn that it is a figure of mankynde ;
(CMBOETH,435.C1.267)

and yif the parties of the body ben so devyded and disseverid the ton
fro the tother that thei destroyen unite , the body forletith to ben
that it was beforn . (CMBOETH,435.C1.268)

And whoso wolde renne in the same manere be alle thinges , he scholde
seen that withouten doute every thing is in his substaunce as longe as
it is oon ; (CMBOETH,435.C1.269)

and whanne it forletith to ben oon , it dyeth and peryssheth . "
(CMBOETH,435.C1.270)

<font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,435.C1.271)

" Whanne I considere , " quod I , " manye thinges , I se noon other . "
(CMBOETH,435.C1.272)

" Is ther any thing thanne , " quod sche , " that in as moche as it
lyveth naturely , that forletith the talent or the appetyt of his
beynge and desireth to come to deth and to corrupcioun ? "
(CMBOETH,435.C1.273)

" Yif I considere , " quod I , " the beestes that han any maner nature
of wyllynge and of nyllynge , I ne fynde no beeste , but if it be
constreyned fro withoute-forth , that forletith or despiseth the
entencion to lyven and to duren ; or that wole , his thankes , hasten
hym to dyen . (CMBOETH,435.C1.274)

For every beest travaileth hym to defende and kepe the savacion of his
lif , (CMBOETH,435.C1.275)

and eschueth deeth and destruccioun . (CMBOETH,435.C1.276)

But certes I doute me of herbes and of trees (CMBOETH,435.C1.277)

$and I am in a doute of swiche thinges $as ne han no felyng soules
<paren> ne no naturel werkynges servynge to appetites as beestes han ,
whether thei han appetyt to duellen and to duren </paren> .
(CMBOETH,435.C1.278)

<P_435.C2>

" Certes , " quod sche , " ne therof thar the nat doute .
(CMBOETH,435.C2.280)

Now looke upon thise herbes and thise trees . (CMBOETH,435.C2.281)

They wexen first in suche places as ben covenable to hem , in whiche
places thei mowen nat sone deye ne dryen , as longe as hir nature mai
defenden hem . (CMBOETH,435.C2.282)

For some of hem waxen in feeldis , and some in mountaynes ,
(CMBOETH,435.C2.283)

and othere waxen in mareys , (CMBOETH,435.C2.284)

and othre cleven on roches , (CMBOETH,435.C2.285)

and some wexen plentyvous in soondes ; (CMBOETH,435.C2.286)

and yif any wyght enforce hym to bere hem into other places , thei
wexen drye . (CMBOETH,435.C2.287)

For nature yeveth to every thing that that is convenient to hym ,
(CMBOETH,435.C2.288)

and travailleth that they ne deie nat , as longe as thei han power to
duellen and to lyven . (CMBOETH,435.C2.289)

What $wilt $tow {TEXT:wiltow} seyn of this , that thei drawen alle here
norysschynges by here rootes , ryght as thei hadden here mouthes
yplounged withynne the erthes , and sheden be hir maryes hir wode and
hir bark ? (CMBOETH,435.C2.290)

And what $wylt $tow {TEXT:wyltow} seyn of this , that thilke thing that
is ryght softe , as the marie is , that it is alwey hyd in the seete al
withinne , and that it is defended fro withoute by the stedfastnesse of
wode , and that the outreste bark is put ayens the distemperaunce of
the hevene as a deffendour myghty to suffren harm ?
(CMBOETH,435.C2.291)

And thus certes $maist $tow {TEXT:maistow} wel seen how greet is the
diligence of nature ; (CMBOETH,435.C2.292)

for alle thinges renovelen and publysschen hem with seed ymultiplied ,
(CMBOETH,435.C2.293)

ne ther nys no man that ne woot wel that they ne ben ryght as a
foundement and edifice for to duren , noght oonly for a tyme , but
ryght as for to dure perdurably by generacion . (CMBOETH,435.C2.294)

And the thinges eek that men wenen ne haven none soules , ne desire
thei nat , iche of hem , by semblable resoun to kepyn that that is hirs
<paren> <font> that is to seyn , that is accordynge to hir nature in
conservacioun of hir beynge and endurynge </font> </paren> ?
(CMBOETH,435.C2.295)

For wherfore ellis bereth lightnesse the flaumbes up , and the weyghte
presseth the erthe adoun , but for as moche as thilke places and thilke
moevynges ben covenable to everyche of hem ? (CMBOETH,435.C2.296)

And forsothe every thing kepeth thilke that is accordynge and propre to
hym , ryght as thinges that ben contrarious and enemys corrumpen hem .
(CMBOETH,435.C2.297)

And yet the harde thinges , as stones , <P_436.C1> clyven and holden
here parties togidere ryght faste and harde , (CMBOETH,436.C1.298)

and defenden hem in withstondynge that thei ne departe nat lyghtly
atwynne . (CMBOETH,436.C1.299)

And the thinges that ben softe and fletynge , as is watir and eyr ,
thei departen lyghtly (CMBOETH,436.C1.300)

and yeven place to hem that breken or divyden hem ;
(CMBOETH,436.C1.301)

but natheles they retorne sone ageyn into the same thinges fro whennes
thei ben arraced ; (CMBOETH,436.C1.302)

but fyer fleeth (CMBOETH,436.C1.303)

and refuseth alle dyvisioun . (CMBOETH,436.C1.304)

" Ne I ne trete not here now of willeful moevynges of the soule that is
knowyng , but of the naturel entencioun of thinges , as thus : ryght as
we swolwen the mete that we resseyven and ne thinke nat on it , and as
we drawen our breeth in slepynge that we witen it nat while we slepyn .
(CMBOETH,436.C1.305)

For certes in the beestis the love of hire lyvynges ne of hire beynges
ne cometh not of the wilnynges of the soule , but of the bygynnynges of
nature . (CMBOETH,436.C1.306)

For certes , thurw constreynynge causes , wil desireth and embraceth
ful ofte tyme the deeth that nature dredeth . <paren> <font> That is to
seyn as thus : that a man may be constreyned so , by som cause , that
his wille desireth and taketh the deeth whiche that nature hateth and
dredeth ful sore . </font> </paren> (CMBOETH,436.C1.307)

And somtyme we seen the contrarye , as thus : that the wil of a wyght
distourbeth and constreyneth that that nature desireth and requirith
alwey , that is to seyn the werk of generacioun , by whiche generacioun
only duelleth and is susteyned the longe durablete of mortel thinges .
(CMBOETH,436.C1.308)

And thus this charite and this love , that every thing hath to hymself
, ne cometh not of the moevynge of the soule , but of the entencioun of
nature . (CMBOETH,436.C1.309)

For the purveaunce of God hath yeven to thinges that ben creat of hym
this , that is a ful grete cause to lyven and to duren , for whiche
they desiren naturely here lif as longe as evere thei mowen . For which
thou mayst not drede be no manere that alle the thinges that ben
anywhere , that thei ne requiren naturely the ferme stablenesse of
perdurable duellynge , and eek the eschuynge of destruccioun .
(CMBOETH,436.C1.310)

" <font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,436.C1.311)

" Now confesse I wel , " quod I , " that Y see wel now certeynly
withouten doutes the thinges that whilom semeden uncerteyn to me .
(CMBOETH,436.C1.312)

" <font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,436.C1.313)

" But , " quod sche , " thilke thing that desireth to be and to duelle
perdurably , he <P_436.C2> desireth to ben oon . (CMBOETH,436.C2.314)

For yif that oon were destroyed , certes , beynge schulde ther noon
duellen to no wyght . " (CMBOETH,436.C2.315)

" That is sooth , " quod I . (CMBOETH,436.C2.316)

" Thanne , " quod sche , " desiren alle thinges oon . "
(CMBOETH,436.C2.317)

" I assente , " quod I . (CMBOETH,436.C2.318)

" And I have schewed , " quod sche , " that thilke same oon is thilke
that is good . (CMBOETH,436.C2.319)

" <font> Boece . </font> (CMBOETH,436.C2.320)

" Ye , forsothe , " quod I . (CMBOETH,436.C2.321)

" Alle thinges thanne , " quod sche , " requiren good ;
(CMBOETH,436.C2.322)

and thilke good thow mayst descryven ryght thus : (CMBOETH,436.C2.323)

good is thilk thing that every wyght desireth . " (CMBOETH,436.C2.324)

" Ther ne may be thought , " quod I , " no more verraye thing .
(CMBOETH,436.C2.325)

For eyther alle thinges ben referrid and brought to noght ,
(CMBOETH,436.C2.326)

and floteren withouten governour , despoyled of oon as of hire propre
heved ; (CMBOETH,436.C2.327)

or elles , yif ther be any thing to whiche that alle thinges tenden and
hyen to , that thing muste ben the sovereyn good of alle goodes . "
(CMBOETH,436.C2.328)

<font> Philosophie . </font> (CMBOETH,436.C2.329)

Thanne seide sche thus : (CMBOETH,436.C2.330)

" O my nory , " quod sche , " I have greet gladnesse of the ,
(CMBOETH,436.C2.331)

for thow hast fycched in thyn herte the <em> marke of the </em> myddel
sothfastnesse , <paren> <font> that is to seyn , the prykke </font>
</paren> . (CMBOETH,436.C2.332)

But $in this thing hath ben discoveryd to the $that thow seydest that
thow wistest not a litel herbyforn . " (CMBOETH,436.C2.333)

" What was that ? " quod I . (CMBOETH,436.C2.334)

" That thou ne wistest noght , " quod sche , " whiche was the ende of
thinges . (CMBOETH,436.C2.335)

And certes that is the thyng that every wyght desireth ;
(CMBOETH,436.C2.336)

and for as mochel as we han gadrid and comprehendid that good is thilke
thing that is desired of alle , thanne mote we nedys confessen that
good is the fyn of alle thinges . (CMBOETH,436.C2.337)

<S_SAMPLE_4>

<P_446.C2>

<heading>

TUM EGO FATEOR INQUAM .- (CMBOETH,446.C2.341)

PROSA 4 (CMBOETH,446.C2.342)

</heading>

Thanne seide I thus : (CMBOETH,446.C2.344)

" I confesse (CMBOETH,446.C2.345)

and am aknowe it , " quod I , (CMBOETH,446.C2.346)

" ne I ne se nat that men may seyn as by ryght that schrewes ne ben
chaunged into beestes by the qualite of hir soules , al be it so that
thei kepin yit the forme of the body of mankynde . (CMBOETH,446.C2.347)

But I nolde nat of schrewes , of whiche the thought crwel woodeth alwey
into destruccion of gode men , that it were leveful to hem to don that
. " (CMBOETH,446.C2.348)

" Certes , " quod sche , " ne it is nat leveful to hem , as I schal wel
schewen the in covenable place . (CMBOETH,446.C2.349)

But natheles , yif so were that thilke that men wenen ben leveful to
schrewes were bynomyn hem , so that they ne myghte nat anoyen or doon
harm to gode men , certes a gret partie of the peyne to schrewes
scholde ben alegged and releved . (CMBOETH,446.C2.350)

For al be it so that this ne seme nat credible thing peraventure to
some folk , yit moot it nedes be that schrewes ben more wrecches and
unsely whan thei mai doon and parforme that thei coveyten , than yif
thei ne myghte nat acomplissen that thei coveiten .
(CMBOETH,446.C2.351)

For yif so be that it be wrecchidnesse to wilne to doon yvel , thanne
is it more wrecchidnesse to mowe don yvel , withoute whiche mowynge the
wrecchid wil scholde langwisse withouten effect . (CMBOETH,446.C2.352)

Thanne syn that everiche of thise thinges hath his wrecchidnesse
<paren> that is to seyn , wil to don ivel and mowynge to don yvel
</paren> , it moot nedes be that schrewes ben constreyned by thre
unselynesses , that wolen , and mowen , and parformen felonyes and
schrewednesses . " (CMBOETH,446.C2.353)

" I acorde me , " quod I ; (CMBOETH,446.C2.354)

" but I desire gretly that schrewes losten sone thilke unselynesses ,
that is to seyn , that schrewes weren despoyled of mowynge to don yvel
. " (CMBOETH,446.C2.355)

" So schollen thei , " quod sche , " sonnere peraventure than thou
woldest , or sonnere than they hemselve wene . (CMBOETH,446.C2.356)

For ther nis nothing so late , in so schorte bowndes of this lif , that
is long to abyde , nameliche to a corage immortel . Of whiche schrewes
the grete hope and the heye compassynges of schrewednesses is ofte
destroyed by a sodeyn ende , or <P_447.C1> thei ben war ;
(CMBOETH,447.C1.357)

and that thing establisseth to schrewes the ende of hir schrewednesse .
(CMBOETH,447.C1.358)

For yf that schrewednesse makith wrecches , than mot he nedes ben moost
wrecchide that lengest is a schrewe . The whiche wikkide schrewes wolde
I demen althermost unsely and kaytifs , yif that hir schrewednesse ne
were fynissched at the leste weye by the owtreste deth ;
(CMBOETH,447.C1.359)

for yif I have concluded soth of the unselynesse of schrewednesse ,
thanne schewith it clerly that thilke wrecchidnesse is withouten ende
the whiche is certein to ben perdurable . " (CMBOETH,447.C1.360)

" Certes , " quod I , " this conclusion is hard and wondirful to
graunte ; (CMBOETH,447.C1.361)

but I knowe wel that it accordeth moche to the thinges that I have
grauntid herebiforn . " (CMBOETH,447.C1.362)

" Thou hast , " quod sche , " the ryght estimacion of this .
(CMBOETH,447.C1.363)

But whosoevere wene that it be an hard thing to accorde hym to a
conclusioun , it is ryght that he schewe that some of the premysses ben
false , (CMBOETH,447.C1.364)

or elles he mot schewe that the collacioun of proposicions nis nat
spedful to a necessarie conclusioun ; (CMBOETH,447.C1.365)

and yif it ne be nat so , but that the premisses ben ygraunted , ther
nys nat why he scholde blame the argument . (CMBOETH,447.C1.366)

For this thing that I schal telle the now ne schal nat seme lesse
wondirful , (CMBOETH,447.C1.367)

but of the thingis that ben taken also it is necessarie . "
(CMBOETH,447.C1.368)

<paren> <font> As who seith , it folweth of that which that is purposed
byforn . </font> </paren> (CMBOETH,447.C1.369)

" What is that ? " quod I . (CMBOETH,447.C1.370)

" Certes , " quod sche , " that is that thise wikkid schrewes ben more
blisful , or elles lasse wrecches , that abyen the tormentz that thei
han desservid , than if no peyne of justise ne chastisede hem .
(CMBOETH,447.C1.371)

Ne this ne seie I nat now for that any man myghte thinke that the
maneris of schrewes ben coriged and chastised by vengeaunce and that
thei ben brought to the ryghte weye by the drede of the torment , ne
for that they yeven to other folk ensaumple to fleen fro vices ;
(CMBOETH,447.C1.372)

but I undirstonde yit in another manere that schrewes ben more unsely
whan thei ne ben nat punyssched , al be it so that ther ne be hadde no
resoun or lawe of correccioun , ne noon ensample of lokynge . "
(CMBOETH,447.C1.373)

<P_447.C2>

" And what manere schal that be , " quod I , " other than hath ben told
herbyforn ? " (CMBOETH,447.C2.375)

" Have we nat thanne graunted , " quod sche , " that good folk ben
blisful and schrewes ben wrecches ? " (CMBOETH,447.C2.376)

" Yis , " quod I . (CMBOETH,447.C2.377)

" Thanne , " quod sche , " yif that any good were added to the
wrecchidnesse of any wyght , nis he nat more blisful than he that ne
hath no medlynge of good in his solitarie wrecchidnesse ? "
(CMBOETH,447.C2.378)

" So semeth it , " quod I . (CMBOETH,447.C2.379)

" And what $seist $tow {TEXT:seistow} thanne , " quod sche , " of
thilke wrecche that lakketh alle goodes so that no good nys medlyd in
his wrecchidnesse , and yit over al his wikkidnesse , for which he is a
wrecche , that ther be yit another yvel anexed and knyt to hym -
(CMBOETH,447.C2.380)

schal nat men demen hym more unsely thanne thilke wrecche of whiche the
unselynesse is relevid by the participacioun of som good ? "
(CMBOETH,447.C2.381)

" Why sholde he nat ? " quod I . (CMBOETH,447.C2.382)

" Thanne certes , " quod sche , " han schrewes , whan thei ben
punyschid , somwhat of good anexid to hir wrecchidnesse <paren> that is
to seyn , the same peyne that thei suffren , which that is good by the
resoun of justice </paren> ; (CMBOETH,447.C2.383)

and whanne thilke same schrewes ascapen withouten torment , than han
they somwhat more of yvel yit over the wikkidnesse that thei han don ,
that is to seyn , defaute of peyne , which defaute of peyne thou hast
grauntid is yvel for the disserte of felonye ? " (CMBOETH,447.C2.384)

" I ne may nat denye it , " quod I . (CMBOETH,447.C2.385)

" Moche more thanne , " quod sche , " ben schrewes unsely whan thei ben
wrongfully delivred fro peyne , thanne whan thei ben punyschid by
ryghtful vengeaunce . (CMBOETH,447.C2.386)

But this is opene thing and cleer , that it is ryght that schrewes ben
punyschid , (CMBOETH,447.C2.387)

and it is wikkidnesse and wrong that thei escapen unpunyschid . "
(CMBOETH,447.C2.388)

" Who myghte denye that ? " quod I . (CMBOETH,447.C2.389)

" But , " quod sche , " may any man denye that al that is ryght nis
good , and also the contrarie , that al that is wrong is wikke ? "
(CMBOETH,447.C2.390)

" Certes , " quod I , " thise thinges ben clere ynowe ,
(CMBOETH,447.C2.391)

and <em> folwen that </em> that we han concluded a lytel herebyforn .
(CMBOETH,447.C2.392)

But I preye the <P_448.C1> that thow telle me , yif thow accordest to
leten no torment to the soules aftir that the body is ended by the
deeth ? " <paren> <font> This to seyn , " $Undirstondest $tow
{TEXT:Undirstondestow} aught that soules han any torment aftir the
deeth of the body ? " </font> </paren> (CMBOETH,448.C1.393)

" Certes , " quod sche , " ye , and that ryght greet .
(CMBOETH,448.C1.394)

Of whiche soules , " quod sche , " I trowe that some ben tormented by
asprenesse of peyne , (CMBOETH,448.C1.395)

and some soules I trowe ben exercised by a purgynge mekenesse ;
(CMBOETH,448.C1.396)

but my conseil nys nat to determyne of thise peynes .
(CMBOETH,448.C1.397)

" But I have travailed and told yit hiderto for thou scholdest knowe
that the mowynge of schrewes , whiche mowynge the semeth to ben
unworthy , nis no mowynge ; and ek of schrewes , of whiche thou
pleynedest that they ne were nat punysschid , that thow woldest seen
that thei ne were neveremo withouten the tormentz of hir wikkidnesse ;
and of the licence of mowynge to don yvel that thou preyedest that it
myghte sone ben ended , and that thou woldest fayn lernen that it ne
sholde nat longe endure , and that schrewes ben more unsely yif thei
were of lengere durynge , and most unsely yif thei weren perdurable .
(CMBOETH,448.C1.398)

And aftir this I have schewyd the that more unsely ben schrewes whan
thei escapen withouten hir ryghtful peyne thanne whan thei ben
punyschid by ryghtful venjaunce ; (CMBOETH,448.C1.399)

and of this sentence folweth it that thanne ben schrewes constreyned at
the laste with most grevous torment , whan men wene that thei ne ben
nat punyssched . " (CMBOETH,448.C1.400)

" Whan I considere thi resouns , " quod I , " I ne trowe nat that men
seyn any thing more verrayly . (CMBOETH,448.C1.401)

And yif I turne ayein to the studies of men , who is he to whom it
sholde seme that he ne scholde nat oonly leven thise thinges , but ek
gladly herkne hem ? " (CMBOETH,448.C1.402)

" Certes , " quod sche , " so it es - (CMBOETH,448.C1.403)

but men may nat . (CMBOETH,448.C1.404)

For they have hir eien so wont to the derknesse of erthly thinges that
they ne may nat lyften hem up to the light of cler sothfastnesse , but
thei ben lyk to briddes of whiche the nyght lightneth hir lokynge and
the day blendith hem . (CMBOETH,448.C1.405)

For whan men loke nat the ordre of thinges , but hir lustes and talentz
, they wene that either the leve or the mowynge to don wikkidnesse , or
elles the scapynge withouten peyne be weleful . (CMBOETH,448.C1.406)

<P_448.C2>

" But considere the jugement of the perdurable lawe .
(CMBOETH,448.C2.408)

For yif thou conferme thi corage to the beste thinges , thow ne hast
noon nede of no juge to yeven the prys or mede ; (CMBOETH,448.C2.409)

for thow hast joyned thiself to the most excellent thing .
(CMBOETH,448.C2.410)

And yif thow have enclyned thi studies to the wikkide thinges , ne seek
no foreyne wrekere out of thiself ; (CMBOETH,448.C2.411)

for thow thiself hast thrist thiself into wikke thinges , ryght as thow
myghtest loken by diverse tymes the fowle erthe and the hevene , and
that alle othere thinges stynten fro withoute , so that thow nere
neyther in $hevene ne in erthe , ne saye no thyng more ;
(CMBOETH,448.C2.412)

thanne scholde it semen to the as by oonly resoun of lokynge that thow
were now in the sterres , and now in the erthe . (CMBOETH,448.C2.413)

But the peple ne loketh nat on these thinges . (CMBOETH,448.C2.414)

What thanne ? (CMBOETH,448.C2.415)

Schal we thanne approchen us to hem that I have schewed that thei ben
lyke to beestes ? (CMBOETH,448.C2.416)

And what $wylt $tow {TEXT:wyltow} seyn of this : yif that a man hadde
al forlorn his syghte , and hadde foryeten that he evere sawhe , and
wende that no thing ne faylede hym of perfeccioun of mankynde ;
(CMBOETH,448.C2.417)

now we that myghten sen the same thinges - wolde we nat wene that he
were blynd ? (CMBOETH,448.C2.418)

Ne also ne accordeth nat the peple to that I schal seyn , the whiche
thing is sustenyd by as stronge foundementz of resouns , that is to
seyn , that more unsely ben they that doon wrong to othere folk , than
they that the wrong suffren . " (CMBOETH,448.C2.419)

" I wolde here thilke same resouns , " quod I . (CMBOETH,448.C2.420)

" $Denyest $tow {TEXT:Denyestow} , " quod sche , " that alle schrewes
ne ben worthy to han torment ? " (CMBOETH,448.C2.421)

" Nay , " quod I . (CMBOETH,448.C2.422)

" But , " quod sche , " I am certein by many resouns that schrewes ben
unsely . " (CMBOETH,448.C2.423)

" It accordeth , " quod I . (CMBOETH,448.C2.424)

" Thanne ne $dowtest $tow {TEXT:dowtestow} nat , " quod sche , " that
thilke folk that ben worthy of torment , that they ne ben wrecches ? "
(CMBOETH,448.C2.425)

" It accordeth wel , " quod I . (CMBOETH,448.C2.426)

" Yif thou were thanne iset a juge or a knowere of thinges , whethir
$trowest $tow {TEXT:trowestow} that men scholden tormenten , hym that
hath don the wrong or elles hym that hath suffred the wrong ? "
(CMBOETH,448.C2.427)

" I ne doute nat , " quod I , " that I nolde doon suffisaunt
satisfaccioun to hym that hadde suffrid the wrong , by the sorwe of hym
that hadde doon the wrong . " (CMBOETH,448.C2.428)

<P_449.C1>

" Thanne semeth it , " quod sche , " that the doere of wrong is more
wrecche than he that hath suffride wrong ? " (CMBOETH,449.C1.430)

" That folweth wel , " quod I . (CMBOETH,449.C1.431)

" Than , " quod sche , " by thise causes and by othere causes that ben
enforced by the same roote , that filthe $of synne be the propre nature
of it maketh men wrecches , $it scheweth wel that the wrong that men
doon nis nat the wrecchidnesse of hym that resceyveth the wrong , but
the wrecchidnesse of hym that dooth the wrong . (CMBOETH,449.C1.432)

But certes , " quod sche , " thise oratours or advocattes don al the
contrarie ; (CMBOETH,449.C1.433)

for thei enforcen hem to commoeve the juges to han pite of hem that han
suffrid and resceyved the thinges that ben grevous and aspre ,
(CMBOETH,449.C1.434)

and yit men scholden more ryghtfully han pite of hem that doon the
grevances and the wronges : the whiche schrewes it were a more
covenable thing that the accusours or advocattes , nat wrooth but
pytous and debonayre , ledden tho schrewes that han don wrong to the
jugement ryght as men leden syke folk to the leche , for that thei
sholden seken out the maladyes of synne by torment .
(CMBOETH,449.C1.435)

And by this covenant , eyther the entent of the deffendours or advocatz
sholde fayle and cesen in al , (CMBOETH,449.C1.436)

or elles , yif the office of advocatz wolde betre profiten to men , it
scholde be torned into the habyte of accusacioun . <paren> <font> That
is to seyn , thei scholden accuse schrewes , and nat excusen hem .
</font> </paren> (CMBOETH,449.C1.437)

And eek the schrewes hemself , yif it were leveful to hem to seen at
any clifte the vertu that thei han forleten , and sawen that they
scholden putten adoun the filthes of hir vices by the tormentz of
peynes , they ne aughten nat , ryght for the recompensacioun for to
geten hem bounte and prowesse whiche that thei han lost , demen ne
holden that thilke peynes weren tormentz to hem ; (CMBOETH,449.C1.438)

and eek thei wolden refuse the attendaunce of hir advocattz , and taken
hemself to hir juges and to hir accusours . For whiche it betydeth that
, as to the wise folk , ther nis no place yleten to hate <paren> <font>
that is to seyn , that hate ne hath no place among wise men </font>
</paren> ; (CMBOETH,449.C1.439)

for no wyght nil haten gode men , but yif he were overmochel a fool ,
(CMBOETH,449.C1.440)

and for to haten <P_449.C2> schrewes it nis no resoun .
(CMBOETH,449.C2.441)

For ryght so as langwissynge is maladye of body , ryght so ben vices
and synne maladye of corage ; (CMBOETH,449.C2.442)

and so as we ne deme nat that they that ben sike of hir body ben worthy
to ben hated , but rather worthy of pite ; wel more worthy nat to ben
hated , but for to ben had in pite , ben thei of whiche the thoughtes
ben constreyned by felonous wikkidnesse , that is more crwel than any
langwissynge of body . (CMBOETH,449.C2.443)

<S_SAMPLE_5>

<P_450.C2>

<heading>

ITA EST INQUAM .- (CMBOETH,450.C2.447)

PROSA 6 (CMBOETH,450.C2.448)

</heading>

" Thus is it , " quod I . (CMBOETH,450.C2.450)

" But so as thou hast yeven or byhyght me to unwrappen the hidde causes
of thinges , and to discovere me the resouns covered with derknes , I
preie the that thou devyse and juge me of this matere , and that thou
do me to undirstonden it . (CMBOETH,450.C2.451)

For this miracle or this wonder trowbleth me ryght gretly . "
(CMBOETH,450.C2.452)

And thanne sche , a litelwhat smylinge , seide : " Thou clepist me , "
quod sche , " to telle thing that is gretteste of alle thingis that
mowen ben axed , and to the whiche questioun unnethes is ther aught
inowh to laven it . (CMBOETH,450.C2.453)

<paren> As who seith , unnethes is ther suffisauntly any thing to
answeren parfitly to thy questioun . </paren> (CMBOETH,450.C2.454)

For the matere of it is swich , that whan o doute is determined and kut
awey , ther waxen othere doutes withoute nombre , ryght as the hevedes
wexen of Idre , the serpent <P_451.C1> that Hercules slowh .
(CMBOETH,451.C1.455)

Ne ther ne were no manere ne noon ende , but if that a wyght
constreynede tho doutes by a ryght lifly and quyk fir of thought
<paren> that is to seyn , by vigour and strengthe of wit </paren> .
(CMBOETH,451.C1.456)

For in this matere men weren wont to maken questiouns of the symplicite
of the purveaunce of God , and of the ordre of destyne , and of sodeyn
hap , and of the knowynge and predestinacioun devyne , and of the
liberte of fre wil ; the whiche thinges thou thiself aperceyvest wel of
what weighte thei ben . (CMBOETH,451.C1.457)

But for as moche as the knowynge of thise thinges is a maner porcioun
of the medycyne to the , al be it so that I have litil tyme to doon it
, yit natheles y wol enforcen me to schewe somwhat of it .
(CMBOETH,451.C1.458)

But although the noryssynges of dite of musyk deliteth the , thou most
suffren and forberen a litel of thilke delit , whil that I weve to the
resouns yknyt by ordre . " (CMBOETH,451.C1.459)

" As it liketh to the , " quod I , " so do . " (CMBOETH,451.C1.460)

<P_451.C2>

Tho spak sche ryght as by another bygynnynge , (CMBOETH,451.C2.462)

and seide thus : " The engendrynge of alle thinges , " quod sche , "
and alle the progressiouns of muable nature , and al that moeveth in
any manere , taketh his causes , his ordre , and his formes , of the
stablenesse of the devyne thought . (CMBOETH,451.C2.463)

And thilke devyne thought that is iset and put in the tour <paren> that
is to seyn , in the heighte </paren> of the simplicite of God ,
stablissith many maner gises to thinges that ben to done ; the whiche
manere whan that men looken it in thilke pure clennesse of the devyne
intelligence , it is ycleped purveaunce ; (CMBOETH,451.C2.464)

but whanne thilke manere is referred by men to thinges that it moeveth
and disponyth , than of olde men it was clepyd destyne . The whiche
thinges yif that any wyght loketh wel in his thought the strengthe of
that oon and of that oothir , he schal lyghtly mowen seen that thise
two thinges ben dyvers . (CMBOETH,451.C2.465)

For purveaunce is thilke devyne resoun that is establissed in the
sovereyn prince of thinges , the whiche purveaunce disponith alle
thinges ; (CMBOETH,451.C2.466)

but , certes , destyne is the disposicioun and ordenance clyvynge to
moevable thinges , by the whiche disposicion the purveaunce knytteth
alle thingis in hir ordres ; (CMBOETH,451.C2.467)

for purveaunce enbraceth alle thinges to-hepe , althoghe that thei
<P_451.C2> ben diverse and although thei ben infinit .
(CMBOETH,451.C2.468)

But destyne , certes , departeth and ordeyneth alle thinges singulerly
and devyded in moevynges in places , in formes , in tymes , as thus :
(CMBOETH,451.C2.469)

lat the unfoldynge of temporel ordenaunce , assembled and oonyd in the
lokynge of the devyne thought , be cleped purveaunce ,
(CMBOETH,451.C2.470)

and thilke same assemblynge and oonynge , devyded and unfolden by tymes
, lat that ben called destyne . (CMBOETH,451.C2.471)

" And al be it so that thise thinges ben diverse , yit natheles hangeth
that oon of that oother ; forwhi the ordre destynal procedith of the
simplicite of purveaunce . (CMBOETH,451.C2.472)

For ryght as a werkman that aperceyveth in his thought the forme of the
thing that he wol make , and moeveth the effect of the werk , and
ledith that he hadde lookid byforn in his thought symplely and
presently by temporel ordenaunce ; certes , ryght so God disponith in
his purveaunce singulerly and stablely the thinges that ben to doone ;
(CMBOETH,451.C2.473)

but he amynistreth in many maneris and in diverse tymes by destyne
thilke same thinges that he hath disponyd . (CMBOETH,451.C2.474)

Thanne , whethir that destyne be exercised outhir by some devyne
spiritz , servantz to the devyne purveaunce , or elles by some soule ,
or elles by alle nature servynge to God , or elles by the celestial
moevynges of sterres , or ellis by vertu of aungelis , or elles by
divers subtilite of develis , or elles by any of hem , or elles by hem
alle the destinal ordenaunce is ywoven and acomplissid ,
(CMBOETH,451.C2.475)

certes , it es opene thing that the purveaunce is an unmoevable and
symple forme of thinges to doone , (CMBOETH,451.C2.476)

and the moevable bond and the temporel ordenaunce of thinges whiche
that the devyne symplicite of purveaunce hath ordeyned to doone , that
is destyne . " For whiche it is that alle thinges that ben put undir
destyne ben certes subgitz to purveaunce , to whiche purveaunce destyne
itself is subgit and under . (CMBOETH,451.C2.477)

But some thinges ben put undir purveaunce , that sourmounten the
ordenance of destyne ; (CMBOETH,451.C2.478)

and tho ben thilke that stablely ben ifycchid neyghe to the first
godhede . (CMBOETH,451.C2.479)

They surmounten the ordre of destynal moevablete . (CMBOETH,451.C2.480)

For ryght as of cerklis that <P_452.C1> tornen aboute a same centre or
aboute a poynt , thilke cerkle that is innerest or most withinne
joyneth to the symplesse of the myddle , and is , as it were , a centre
or a poynt to the tothere cerklis that tornen abouten hym ; and thilke
that is utterest , compased by a largere envyrownynge , is unfolden by
largere spaces in so moche as it is ferthest fro the myddel symplicite
of the poynt ; and yif ther be any thing that knytteth and
felawschipeth hymself to thilke myddel poynt , it is constreyned into
simplicite <paren> <font> that is to seyn , into unmoevablete </font>
</paren> , and it ceseth to ben schad and to fleten diversely ; ryght
so , by semblable reson , thilke thing that departeth ferrest fro the
firste thought of God , it is unfolden and summittid to grettere bondes
of destyne ; (CMBOETH,452.C1.481)

and in so moche is the thing more fre and laus fro destyne , as it
axeth and hooldeth hym neer to thilke centre of thinges <paren> <font>
that is to seyn , to God </font> </paren> ; (CMBOETH,452.C1.482)

and yif the thing clyveth to the stedfastnesse of the thought of God
and be withoute moevynge , certes it surmounteth the necessite of
destyne . (CMBOETH,452.C1.483)

Thanne ryght swich comparysoun as is of skillynge to undirstondyng ,
and of thing that ys engendrid to thing that is , and of tyme to
eternite , and of the cercle to the centre ; ryght so is the ordre of
moevable destyne to the stable symplicite of purveaunce .
(CMBOETH,452.C1.484)

" Thilke ordenaunce moveth the hevene and the sterres
(CMBOETH,452.C1.485)

and atemprith the elementz togidre amonges hemself ,
(CMBOETH,452.C1.486)

and transformeth hem by entrechaungeable mutacioun .
(CMBOETH,452.C1.487)

And thilke same ordre neweth ayein alle thinges growynge and fallynge
adoun , by semblable progressions of sedes and of sexes <paren> that is
to seyn , male and femele </paren> . (CMBOETH,452.C1.488)

And this ilke ordre constreyneth the fortunes and the dedes of men by a
bond of causes nat able to ben unbownde ; the whiche destynal causes ,
whan thei passen out fro the bygynnynges of the unmoevable purveaunce ,
it moot nedes be that thei ne be nat mutable . (CMBOETH,452.C1.489)

And thus ben the thinges ful wel igoverned yif that the symplicite
duellynge in the devyne thoght scheweth forth the ordre of causes
unable to ben ibowed . (CMBOETH,452.C1.490)

And this ordre constreyneth by his <P_452.C2> propre stablete the
moevable thingis , (CMBOETH,452.C2.491)

or elles thei scholden fleten folyly . " For whiche it es that alle
thingis semen to ben confus and trouble to us men ,
(CMBOETH,452.C2.492)

for we ne mowen nat considere thilke ordenaunce . (CMBOETH,452.C2.493)

Natheles the propre maner of every thing , dressynge hem to gode ,
disponith hem alle , (CMBOETH,452.C2.494)

for ther nys no thing doon for cause of yvel , (CMBOETH,452.C2.495)

ne thilk thing that is doon by wikkid folk nys nat doon for yvel , the
whiche schrewes , as I have schewed ful plentyvously , seken good , but
wikkid errour mystorneth hem ; (CMBOETH,452.C2.496)

ne the ordre comynge fro the poynt of sovereyn good ne declyneth nat
fro his bygynnynge . (CMBOETH,452.C2.497)

" But thou mayst seyn , ' What unreste may ben a worse confusioun than
that gode men han somtyme adversite and somtyme prosperite , and
schrewes also han now thingis that they desiren and now thinges that
thei haten ? ' (CMBOETH,452.C2.498)

Whethir men lyven now in swich holnesse of thought <paren> as who seith
, ben men now so wyse </paren> that swiche folk as thei demen to ben
gode folk or schrewes , that it moste nedes ben that folk ben swiche as
thei wenen ? (CMBOETH,452.C2.499)

But in this manere the domes of men discorden , that thilke men that
som folk demen worthy of mede , other folk demen hem worthy of torment
. (CMBOETH,452.C2.500)

But lat us graunten , I pose , that som man may wel demen or knowen the
good folk and the badde ; (CMBOETH,452.C2.501)

may he thanne knowen and seen thilke innereste atempraunce of corages
as it hath ben wont to ben seyd of bodyes ? (CMBOETH,452.C2.502)

<paren>

<font>

As who seith , may a man speken and determinen of atempraunce in
corages , as men were wont to demen or speken of complexions and
atempraunces of bodies ? (CMBOETH,452.C2.505)

</font>

</paren>

Ne it ne is nat an unlike miracle to hem that ne knowen it nat <paren>
<font> as who seith , (CMBOETH,452.C2.508)

but it is lik a mervayle or miracle to hem that ne knowen it nat
</font> </paren> whi that swete thinges ben covenable to some bodies
that ben hole , and to some bodies byttere thinges ben covenable ; and
also why that some syk folk ben holpen with lyghte medicynes , and some
folk ben holpen with sharpe medicynes . (CMBOETH,452.C2.509)

But natheles the leche , that knoweth the manere and the atempraunce of
hele and of maladye , ne merveyleth of it nothyng .
(CMBOETH,452.C2.510)

But what othir thing semeth hele of corages but <P_453.C1> bounte and
prowesse ? (CMBOETH,453.C1.511)

And what othir thing semeth maladye of corages but vices ?
(CMBOETH,453.C1.512)

Who is elles kepere of good or dryvere awey of yvel but God , governour
and lechere of thoughtes ? The whiche God , whan he hath byholden from
the hye tour of his purveaunce , he knoweth what is covenable to every
wight , and lenyth hem that he woot that is covenable to hem .
(CMBOETH,453.C1.513)

Lo , herof comyth and herof is don this noble miracle of the ordre
destynal , whan God , that al knoweth , dooth swiche thing , of whiche
thing unknowynge folk ben astonyd . (CMBOETH,453.C1.514)

" But for to constreyne <paren> <font> as who seith , but for to
comprehende and to telle </font> </paren> a fewe thingis of the devyne
depnesse , the whiche that mannys resoun may undirstonde , thilke man
that thow wenest to ben ryght just and ryght kepynge of equite , the
contrarie of that semeth to the devyne purveaunce , that al woot .
(CMBOETH,453.C1.515)

And Lucan , my famylier , telleth that the victorious cause likide to
the goddes , (CMBOETH,453.C1.516)

and the cause overcomen likide to Catoun . (CMBOETH,453.C1.517)

Thanne whatsoevere thou mayst seen that is doon in this world unhopid
or unwened , certes it es the ryghte ordre of thinges ,
(CMBOETH,453.C1.518)

but as to thi wikkid opynioun it is a confusioun . (CMBOETH,453.C1.519)

But I suppose that som man be so wel ithewed that the devyne jugement
and the jugement of mankynde accorden hem togidre of hym ;
(CMBOETH,453.C1.520)

but he is so unstidfast of corage that , yif any adversite come to hym
, he wol forleten peraventure to continue innocence by the whiche he ne
may nat withholden fortune . (CMBOETH,453.C1.521)

Thanne the wise dispensacion of God sparith hym , the whiche man
adversite myghte enpeyren ; for that God wol nat suffren hym to
travaile to whom that travaile nis nat covenable . (CMBOETH,453.C1.522)

Anothir man is parfit in alle vertus , (CMBOETH,453.C1.523)

and is an holi man and neigh to God , so that the purveaunce of God
wolde deme that it were a felonie that he were touched with any
adversites ; so that he wol nat suffre that swich a man be moeved with
any bodily maladye . (CMBOETH,453.C1.524)

But so as seyde a philosophre , the more excellent by me - he seyde in
Grec that ' vertues han edified the body of the holi man . '
(CMBOETH,453.C1.525)

<P_453.C2>

" And ofte tyme it betydeth that the somme of thingis that ben to done
is taken to governe to good folk , for that the malice haboundaunt of
schrewes scholde ben abated . (CMBOETH,453.C2.527)

And God yeveth and departeth to other folk prosperites and adversites
imedled to-hepe aftir the qualite of hir corages , (CMBOETH,453.C2.528)

and remordith some folk by adversite , (CMBOETH,453.C2.529)

for thei ne scholden nat waxen proude by long welefulnesse ;
(CMBOETH,453.C2.530)

and other folk he suffreth to ben travailed with harde thinges for that
thei scholden confermen the vertues of corage by the usage and the
exercitacioun of pacience . (CMBOETH,453.C2.531)

And other folk dreden more than thei oughten the whiche thei myghte wel
beren , (CMBOETH,453.C2.532)

and thilke folk God ledeth into experience of hemself by aspre and
sorweful thingis . (CMBOETH,453.C2.533)

And many other folk han bought honourable renoun of this world by the
prys of glorious deth ; (CMBOETH,453.C2.534)

and som men , that ne mowen nat ben overcomen by torment , han yeven
ensample to other folk that vertu mai nat ben overcomyn by adversites .
(CMBOETH,453.C2.535)

And of alle thise thinges ther nis no doute that thei ne ben doon
ryghtfully and ordeynly , to the profit of hem to whom we seen thise
thingis betyde . (CMBOETH,453.C2.536)

" For certes , that adversite cometh somtyme to schrewes and somtyme
that that they desiren , it comith of thise forseyde causes .
(CMBOETH,453.C2.537)

And of sorweful thinges that betyden to schrewes , certes , no man ne
wondreth ; (CMBOETH,453.C2.538)

for alle men wenen that thei han wel desservid it , and that thei ben
of wykkid meryt . Of whiche schrewes the torment somtyme agasteth
othere to don felonyes , and somtyme it amendeth hem that suffren the
tormentz ; (CMBOETH,453.C2.539)

and the prosperite that is yeven to schrewes scheweth a gret argument
to good folk what thing thei scholde demen of thilke welefulnesse , the
whiche prosperite men seen ofte serven to schrewes . In the whiche
thing I trowe that God dispenseth . (CMBOETH,453.C2.540)

For peraventure the nature of som man is so overthrowynge to yvel , and
so uncovenable , that the nedy poverte of his houshold myghte rather
egren hym to don felonyes ; (CMBOETH,453.C2.541)

and to the maladye of hym God putteth remedye to yeven hym <P_454.C1>
rychesses . (CMBOETH,454.C1.542)

And som othir man byholdeth his conscience defouled with synnes ,
(CMBOETH,454.C1.543)

and makith comparysoun of his fortune and of hymself ,
(CMBOETH,454.C1.544)

and dredith peraventure that his blisfulnesse , of whiche the usage is
joyeful to hym , that the lesynge of thilke blisfulnesse ne be nat
sorwful to hym ; (CMBOETH,454.C1.545)

and therfore he wol chaunge his maneris , (CMBOETH,454.C1.546)

and , for he dredith to lesen his fortune , he forletith his
wikkidnesse . (CMBOETH,454.C1.547)

To other folke is welefulnesse iyeven unworthely , the whiche
overthroweth hem into destruccioun , that thei han disservid ;
(CMBOETH,454.C1.548)

and to som othir folk is yeven power to punysshen , for that it schal
be cause of contynuacioun and exercisynge to good folk , and cause of
torment to schrewes . (CMBOETH,454.C1.549)

For so as ther nis noon alliaunce bytwixe good folk and schrewes , ne
schrewes ne mowen nat acorden among hemself . (CMBOETH,454.C1.550)

And whi nat ? (CMBOETH,454.C1.551)

For schrewes discorden of hemself by hir vices , the whiche vices al
toreenden her consciences , and doon ofte time thinges the whiche
thingis , whan thei han doon hem , they demen that tho thinges ne
scholden nat han ben doon . " For whiche thing thilke sovereyne
purveaunce hath makid ofte tyme fair myracle , so that schrewes han
makid schrewes to ben gode men . (CMBOETH,454.C1.552)

For whan that some schrewes seen that they suffren wrongfully felonyes
of othere schrewes , they wexen eschaufed into hate of hem that anoyed
hem , (CMBOETH,454.C1.553)

and retornen to the fruyt of vertu , whan thei studien to ben unlyke to
hem that thei han hated . (CMBOETH,454.C1.554)

Certis oonly this is the devyne myght to the whiche myghte yvelis ben
thanne gode whan it useth the yvelis covenably and draweth out the
effect of any good . (CMBOETH,454.C1.555)

<paren>

<font>

As who seith that yvel is good oonly to the myghte of God ,
(CMBOETH,454.C1.558)

for the myght of God ordeyneth thilke yvel to good .
(CMBOETH,454.C1.559)

</font> </paren> (CMBOETH,454.C1.560)

" For oon ordre enbraseth alle thinges , so that what wyght that
departeth fro the resoun of thilke ordre whiche that is assigned to hym
, algatis yit he slideth into an othir ordre ; so that no thing nis
leveful to folye in the reaume of the devyne purveaunce <paren> <font>
as who seith , no thing nis withouten ordenaunce in the reame of the
devyne purveaunce </font> </paren> , syn that the ryght strong God
governeth alle thinges in this world . (CMBOETH,454.C1.561)

For it nis nat leveful to man to comprehenden by wit , ne unfolden by
word , alle the subtil ordenaunces and disposiciounis of <P_454.C2> the
devyne entente . (CMBOETH,454.C2.562)

For oonly it owghte suffise to han lokid that God hymself , makere of
alle natures , ordeineth and dresseth alle thingis to gode ;
(CMBOETH,454.C2.563)

whil that he hasteth to withholden the thingis that he hath makid into
his semblaunce <paren> <font> that is to seyn , for to withholden
thingis into gode , for he hymself is good </font> </paren> , he
chasith out alle yvel fro the boundes of his comynalite by the ordre of
necessite destinable . For whiche it folweth that , yif thou loke the
purveaunce ordeynynge the thinges that men wenen ben outraious or
haboundaunt in erthis , thou ne schalt nat seen in no place no thing of
yvel . (CMBOETH,454.C2.564)

" But I se now that thou art charged with the weyghte of the questioun
, and wery with lengthe of my resoun , and that thou abydest som
swetnesse of songe . (CMBOETH,454.C2.565)

Tak thanne this drawght , (CMBOETH,454.C2.566)

and , whanne thou art wel reffressched and refect , thou schalt be more
stedfast to stye into heyere questions or thinges .
(CMBOETH,454.C2.567)