על בריאת העולם ל״הOn the Account of the World's Creation 35
א׳
1[103] Beside the proofs already mentioned, the perfecting power of the number 7 is also shown by the stages of men’s growth, measured from infancy to old age in the following manner: during the first period of seven years the growth of the teeth begins; during the second the capacity for emitting seed; in the third the growing of the beard; and in the fourth increase of strength; in the fifth again ripeness for marriage; in the sixth the understanding reaches its bloom; in the seventh progressive improvement and development of mind and reason; in the eighth the perfecting of both these; during the ninth forbearance and gentleness emerge, owing to the more complete taming of the passions; during the tenth comes the desirable end of life, while the bodily organs are still compact and firm; for prolonged old age is wont to abate and break down the force of each of them.
ב׳
2[104] These ages of men’s life were described by Solon the lawgiver of the Athenians among others in the following lines:
ג׳
3In seven years the Boy, an infant yet unfledged,
Both grows and sheds the teeth with which his tongue is hedged.
When heaven has made complete a second week of years,
Of coming prime of youth full many a sign appears.
In life’s third term, while still his limbs grow big apace,
His chin shows down; its early bloom now quits his face.
In the fourth heptad each one full of strength doth seem—
Strength, which of manly worth best earnest all men deem.
Let him in his fifth week of years a bride bespeak,
Offspring to bear his name hereafter let him seek.
The sixth beholds the man good sense all round attain;
Not now can reckless deeds as once his fancy gain.
Now see him seventh and eighth, fresh heptads, duly reach
In insight strongest now, strongest in power of speech.
In his ninth week of years, strong still but softer far
For high achievement’s venture speech and wisdom are.
Then should the man, ten bouts complete, attain life’s end
Fate, no untimely gift, death’s call may fitly send.
Both grows and sheds the teeth with which his tongue is hedged.
When heaven has made complete a second week of years,
Of coming prime of youth full many a sign appears.
In life’s third term, while still his limbs grow big apace,
His chin shows down; its early bloom now quits his face.
In the fourth heptad each one full of strength doth seem—
Strength, which of manly worth best earnest all men deem.
Let him in his fifth week of years a bride bespeak,
Offspring to bear his name hereafter let him seek.
The sixth beholds the man good sense all round attain;
Not now can reckless deeds as once his fancy gain.
Now see him seventh and eighth, fresh heptads, duly reach
In insight strongest now, strongest in power of speech.
In his ninth week of years, strong still but softer far
For high achievement’s venture speech and wisdom are.
Then should the man, ten bouts complete, attain life’s end
Fate, no untimely gift, death’s call may fitly send.