Chapter III: 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).