The Consolation of Philosophy

To the Reader.

the Latin, I have contented myself with marking a P. when Philosophy speaks, and a B. when Boethius responds to her or questions her, cutting with liberty that which would only have served as a distasteful repetition. My READER, if you derive all the benefit that I wish for you from this Consolation, you may well be sometimes afflicted, but you will always be content In the 17th-century sense, "content" implies a state of being fulfilled or at peace with one's lot, even amidst suffering..

A P P R O B A T I O N An "Approbation" was an official endorsement by a religious or academic authority, certifying that a book was both accurate and consistent with Church doctrine, often required before publication..

THIS Book entitled, the Consolation of Philosophy, etc., approved through so many centuries, and admired by all those who have heard and practiced its doctrine, is translated so faithfully into our Language, that it gives us cause to believe there is nothing left in Verse or in Prose within the Treasures of antiquity that we cannot make our own; also, it deserves no less praise for its translation than it has been esteemed for the rare? virtues of its Author. This is why, besides the assurance I give that there is nothing in it that is not conforming to the Faith and Doctrine of the Catholic Church: It seems to me that it should be received as a masterpiece of the perfection of our language; which I, the undersigned Doctor of Theology and Chancellor of the University of Reims, certify by these presents. Done at Reims, this 3rd of March, 1636.