BOOK IV. This book opens with a discussion of the existence of evil, and

the system of rewards and punishments (pr. 1). Boethius describes the

flight of Imagination through the planetary spheres till it reaches

heaven itself (met. 1). The good are strong, but the wicked are

powerless, having no real existence (pr. 2). Tyrants are chastised by

their own passions (met. 2). Virtue secures reward; but the wicked lose

even their human nature, and become as mere beasts (pr. 3). Consider the

enchantments of Circe, though these merely affected the outward form

(met. 4). The wicked are thrice wretched; they _will_ to do evil, they

_can_ do evil, and they actually _do_ it. Virtue is its own reward; so

that the wicked should excite our pity (pr. 4). Here follows a poem on

the folly of war (met. 4). Boethius inquires why the good suffer (pr. 5).

Philosophy reminds him that the motions of the stars are inexplicable to

one who does not understand astronomy (met. 5). She explains the

difference between Providence and Destiny (pr. 6). In all nature we see

concord, due to controlling Love (met. 6). All fortune is good; for

punishment is beneficial (pr. 7). The labours of Hercules afford us an

example of endurance (met. 7).