Metres of Boethius - Alfred's Translations

Alfred's Translations

The Consolation of Philosophy was a 6th century Latin work and is considered one of the most important works of philosophy from the Middle Ages. Alfred's avowed aims in translating the Consolation and other philosophical and historical works was the education of his people. In another of his works, Pastoral Care, Alfred decries the lack of people who could read Latin in his kingdom; even in the clergy. The translation of Boethius would not only bring his important work and philosophies to a larger readership, it would also promote the English language.

The Latin of the 9th century had changed considerably from that of the 6th century when Boethius wrote, and it is likely Alfred was only familiar with the Latin of his day. Asser reports in his life of King Alfred that:

"...his most usual custom, both night and day, amid his many other occupations of mind and body, either himself to read books, or to listen whilst others read them."

The Lays are probably Alfred's most important work, for although he is credited with translating several other works, the Lays show a greater spark of creativity than a simple translation. The attribution of the work to the King himself, along with his other works, is sometimes disputed. This is partly due to Asser's claim of an immediate and miraculous conversion to literacy by Alfred.

"In the same year Alfred, king of the Anglo-Saxons, so often before mentioned, by divine inspiration, began, on one and the same day, to read and to interpret..."

Although this reported late development casts some doubt on Alfred's authorship, all of his purported works seem to bear the influence of a single writer and although he certainly worked with a group of scholars Alfred's authorship is usually considered likely. This is in marked contrast to his near contemporary Charlemagne who had rudimentary literary skills.