The Consolation of Philosophy

He that would seek the truth with thoughts profound

And would not stray in ways that are not right,

He to himself must turn his inward sight,

And guide his motions in a circled round,

Teaching his mind that ever she design

Herself in her own treasures to possess:

So that which late lay hidden in cloudiness

More bright and clear than Phoebus' beams shall shine.

Flesh hath not quenched all the spirit's light,

Though this oblivion's lump holds her opprest.

Some seed of truth remaineth in our breast,

Which skilful learning eas'ly doth excite.

For being askt how can we answer true

Unless that grace within our hearts did dwell?

If Plato's heavenly muse the truth us tell,

We learning things remember them anew."¹