# Song VI: Nero’s Infamy explained — The Consolation of Philosophy

> Chapter companion for The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Nero

Depicted as a tyrant who committed heinous acts including arson, patricide, and fratricide, yet ruled vast territories.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-vi-nero-s-infamy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters