BOOK II.

THE VANITY OF FORTUNE'S GIFTS

Summary

CH. I. Philosophy reproves Boethius for the foolishness of his

complaints against Fortune. Her very nature is caprice.--CH. II.

Philosophy in Fortune's name replies to Boethius' reproaches, and

proves that the gifts of Fortune are hers to give and to take

away.--CH. III. Boethius falls back upon his present sense of

misery. Philosophy reminds him of the brilliancy of his former

fortunes.--CH. IV. Boethius objects that the memory of past

happiness is the bitterest portion of the lot of the unhappy.

Philosophy shows that much is still left for which he may be

thankful. None enjoy perfect satisfaction with their lot. But

happiness depends not on anything which Fortune can give. It is to

be sought within.--CH. V. All the gifts of Fortune are external;

they can never truly be our own. Man cannot find his good in

worldly possessions. Riches bring anxiety and trouble.--CH. VI.

High place without virtue is an evil, not a good. Power is an empty

name.--CH. VII. Fame is a thing of little account when compared

with the immensity of the Universe and the endlessness of

Time.--CH. VIII. One service only can Fortune do, when she reveals

her own nature and distinguishes true friends from false.