A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country/Elpis
ELPIS, a Lady of the Fifth Century, descended from one of the most considerable Families of Messina, and first Wife of the celebrated Boethius,
Like her husband, was devoted to science, and shared his literary labours with him. She examined passages and transcribed quotations. The same genius, the same inclinations, and the same ardour, eminently appeared in both. Far from drawing him from his studies, she was sedulous to animate him, when he grew languid in them. In her all the accomplishments of the head and the heart were united. She had a fine taste in literature, particularly in poetry, and was a shining example of every virtue; so that she must have been a delightful companion to this eminent philosopher and statesman. Indeed, each are said to have thought their destinies equally enviable.
She had the happiness of seeing her two sons, Patritius and Hypatius, raised to the consular dignity, which their father had also several times enjoyed, but died before any of the latter's misfortunes had befallen him. After the death of this beloved wife, Boetius married again, and is said to have been equally fortunate in his second choice.