Chaucer's Translation of Boethius's "De Consolatione Philosophiae"

Chaucer's Translation of Boethius's "De Consolatione Philosophiae"

When master hands like those of Gibbon and Hallam have sketched the life of Boethius, it is well that no meaner man should attempt to mar their pictures. They drew, perhaps, the most touching scene in Middle-age literary history,the just man in prison, awaiting death, consoled by the Philosophy that had been his light in life, and handing down to posterity for their comfort and strength the presence of her whose silver rays had been his guide as well under the stars of Fortune as the mirk of Fate. With Milton in his dark days, Boece in prison could say, For, indeed, the echoes of Boethius, Boethius, rang out loud from every corner of European Literature. An Alfred awoke them in England, a Chaucer, a Caxton would not let them die; an Elizabeth revived them among the glorious music of her reign.1 To us, though far off, they come with a sweet sound. The angelic Thomas Aquinas commented on him, and many others followed the saints steps. Dante read him, though, strange to say, he speaks of the ii Consolation as a book not known by many.2 Belgium had her translationsboth Flemish3 and French4; Germany hers,5 France hers,6 Italy hers.7 The Latin editors are too numerous to be catalogued here, and manuscripts abound in all our great libraries. No philosopher was so bone of the bone and flesh of the flesh of Middle-age writers as Boethius. Take up what writer you will, and you find not only the sentiments, but the very words of the distinguished old Roman. And surely we who read him in Chaucers tongue, will not refuse to say that his full-circling meed of glory was other than deserved. Nor can we marvel that at the end of our great poets life, he was glad that he had swelled the chorus of Boethius praise; and of the translacioun of Boece de Consolacioun, thanked oure Lord Ihesu Crist and his moder, and alle the seintes in heuen. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 42083
Author: Boethius, 480-525?
Release Date: Feb 12, 2013
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Editor: Morris, Richard, 1833-1894

Translator: Chaucer, Geoffrey, 1343?-1400