Religion
Book III, Metre I (I. T.): The Thorns of Error
Translated by "I. T." (1609), revised by H. F. Stewart (Loeb, 1918) · From The Consolation of Philosophy (I. T. 1609, rev. Stewart, Loeb 1918)
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.
Cite this poem
MLA
Boethius. “Book III, Metre I (I. T.): The Thorns of Error.” Translated by "I. T." (1609), revised by H. F. Stewart. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/boethius/72/.
Chicago
Boethius. “Book III, Metre I (I. T.): The Thorns of Error.” Translated by "I. T." (1609), revised by H. F. Stewart. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/boethius/72/.
Read this poem with the Codex →