# Song II: The True Sun explained — The Consolation of Philosophy

> Chapter companion for The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius.

## What happens

This brief poem contrasts the limited light of the physical sun, sung by Homer, with the all-seeing, boundless vision of the divine Creator, who perceives all that is, has been, and shall be, and is therefore called the true Sun.

## Themes in this chapter

### Providence and Fate

The poem emphasizes God's all-seeing, timeless vision, which is central to the theme of divine providence overseeing all events.

### True Happiness

By contrasting the limited physical sun with the divine 'true Sun,' the poem suggests that true fulfillment lies in turning toward the eternal, all-seeing God.

## Character check-ins

### Boethius

The speaker of the poem, reflecting on the limitations of earthly light and the omniscience of God.

### Phoebus

Mentioned as the sun god whose light, though glorious, cannot penetrate the depths of the ocean or the earth.

### Homer

Referenced as the poet who sang of Phoebus' light, yet his praise is of a lesser, limited radiance.

## Key lines

> Homer with mellifluous tongue Phoebus’ glorious light hath sung, Hymning high his praise; Yet his feeble rays Ocean’s hollows may not brighten, Nor earth’s central gloom enlighten.

Homer sang beautifully of the sun god Phoebus, but that light cannot reach the depths of the sea or the dark interior of the earth.

_Establishes the limitation of physical light as a metaphor for human understanding._

> But the might of Him, who skilled This great universe to build, Is not thus confined; Not earth’s solid rind, Nor night’s blackest canopy, Baffle His all-seeing eye.

The power of the Creator, who built the universe, is not so limited; nothing on earth or in the darkest night can hide from His sight.

_Contrasts the limited sun with the omnipresent and omniscient God._

> All that is, hath been, shall be, In one glance’s compass, He Limitless descries; And, save His, no eyes All the world survey⁠—no, none! Him , then, truly name the Sun.

All things past, present, and future are seen at once by Him; no other eyes can see the whole world. Therefore, He alone is rightly called the Sun.

_Affirms God's eternal, all-encompassing vision as the true source of light and understanding._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-ii-the-true-sun
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters