The Consolation of Philosophy

He that a fruitful field will sow,

Doth first the ground from bushes free,

All fern and briars likewise mow,

That he his harvest great may see.

Honey seems sweeter to our taste,

If cloyed with noisome food it be.

Stars clearer shine when Notus' blast

Hath ceased the rainy storms to breed.

When Lucifer hath night defaced,

The day's bright horses then succeed.

So thou, whom seeming goods do feed,

First shake off yokes which so thee press

That Truth may then thy mind possess."