The Consolation of Philosophy · 37 of 78

Book III, Song IV: Disgrace of Honours conferred by a Tyrant

Though royal purple soothes his pride, And snowy pearls his neck adorn, Nero in all his riot lives The mark of universal scorn.

Yet he on reverend heads conferred Th’ inglorious honours of the state. Shall we, then, deem them truly blessed Whom such preferment hath made great?