The Consolation of Philosophy · Chapter
Song VI: Nero’s Infamy explained
This song reflects on the monstrous deeds of Nero—burning Rome, murdering senators and his own mother—and questions whether high power can restrain such evil, concluding that it is a terrible woe when a wicked heart wields the sword.
What happens
This song reflects on the monstrous deeds of Nero—burning Rome, murdering senators and his own mother—and questions whether high power can restrain such evil, concluding that it is a terrible woe when a wicked heart wields the sword.
Themes in this chapter
Good and Evil
Contrasts Nero's evil acts with the question of whether power can curb or enable wickedness.
Characters to notice
- Nero
Depicted as a tyrant who committed heinous acts including arson, patricide, and fratricide, yet ruled vast territories.
Key passages
“We know what mischief dire he wrought— Rome fired, the Fathers slain— Whose hand with brother's slaughter wet A mother's blood did stain.”
We recall the terrible evils Nero committed: he burned Rome, killed senators, and murdered his brother and mother.
Summarizes Nero's infamous crimes.
“Did, then, high power a curb impose On Nero's frenzied will? Ah, woe when to the evil heart Is joined the sword to kill!”
Did his great authority restrain Nero's madness? No—it is a disaster when a wicked person also has the power to kill.
Questions the relationship between power and moral restraint.