The Consolation of Philosophy

When stars are shrouded

With dusky night,

They yield no light

Being so clouded.

When the wind moveth

And churneth the sea,

The flood, clear as day,

Foul and dark proveth.

And rivers creeping

Down a high hill

Stand often still,

Rocks them back keeping.

If thou wouldst brightly

See Truth's clear rays,

Or walk those ways

Which lead most rightly,

All joy forsaking

Fear must thou fly,

And hopes defy,

No sorrow taking.

For where these terrors

Reign in the mind,

They it do bind

In cloudy errors."