# Song II: The Bent of Nature explained — The Consolation of Philosophy

> Chapter companion for The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius.

## What happens

This song meditates on the inherent order and natural laws that govern all things, from lions and birds to trees and celestial bodies. It illustrates how each being, despite external constraints, yearns for its true nature and rightful place, ultimately returning to its origin in a cyclical pattern.

## Themes in this chapter

### Providence and Fate

The song illustrates how all things are governed by an ordered, cyclical law that ensures each returns to its proper place, reflecting a providential design.

### Vanity of Worldly Goods

The examples of the lion and the caged bird show that external comforts and constraints cannot suppress the innate yearning for true freedom and nature, implying the insufficiency of worldly goods.

## Character check-ins

### Boethius

The author and speaker, reflecting on the natural order as a source of consolation.

### Phoebus

Mentioned as the sun god whose daily setting and rising exemplify the cyclical return inherent in nature.

## Key lines

> How the might of Nature sways All the world in ordered ways, How resistless laws control Each least portion of the whole

Nature's power governs the entire universe with unbreakable laws that direct every part of existence.

_Opening lines establishing the theme of universal natural order._

> Thus are all things seen to yearn In due time for due return; And no order fixed may stay, Save which in th' appointed way Joins the end to the beginning In a steady cycle spinning.

Everything naturally desires to return to its proper state at the right time, and the only stable order is the cyclical pattern that connects the end to the beginning.

_Concluding lines summarizing the cyclical nature of all things._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-ii-the-bent-of-nature
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters