An alternative interpretation of two of the most puzzling surviving medieval texts.

Preface; Abbreviations; Introduction; 1. The outer layers: parody and word-play; 2. The wisdom tradition; 3. Avarice and the four keys to wisdom; 4. The multifarious nature of wisdom; 5. Heretical knowledge? The constitution of man; 6. The Epistolae: Virgilius' Retractatio?; 7. Concealment of mysteries: the techniques of secrecy; 8. Virgilius and the seventh century; 9. Conclusion; Appendices; Notes; Works cited; Index.