ARCTOUR, ARCTURUS is the alpha or brightest star of the constellation Artophylax or the Bear Driver, lying at the North Pole. The name was applied to the whole constellation as early as Hesiod (Works and Days, 564-567).

Boethius comments on the regularity of the seasons of the year: the seeds sown when Arcturus shines grow into tall crops under the heat of Sirius, Bo I, Metr 5.27. He who does not know how the stars of Arctour move near the pole of heaven will wonder at the law of high heaven, Bo IV, Metr 5.2. [Boëtes: Syrius: Ursa]

Both forms occur only in the Boece.