The Consolation of Philosophy

What several figures things that live upon the earth do keep!

Some have their bodies stretched in length by which the dust they sweep

And do continual furrows make while on their breasts they creep.

Some lightly soaring up on high with wings the wind do smite

And through the longest airy space pass with an easy flight.

Some by their paces to imprint the ground with steps delight,

Which through the pleasant fields do pass or to the woods do go,

Whose several forms though to our eyes they do a difference show,

Yet by their looks cast down on earth their senses heavy grow.

Men only with more stately shape to higher objects rise,

Who with erected bodies stand and do the earth despise.

These figures warn (if baser thoughts blind not thine earthly eyes)

That thou who with an upright face dost look upon the sky,

Shouldst also raise thy mind aloft, lest while thou bearest high

Thine earthly head, thy soul opprest beneath thy body lie.