Works of Philo of Alexandria

Philo — Works Vol. I, Yonge — Section 51

XXXV. And besides what has been already said, the growth of men from infancy to old age, when measured by the num- ber seven, displays in a most evident manner its perfecting power ; for in the first period of seven years, the putting forth of the teeth takes place. And at the end of the second period of the same length, he arrives at the age of puberty : at the end * This refers to the Greek games. " The straight race was called orator or Spn/ioc- In the SiavXog Spopog the runners turned round the goal, and came back to the starting place."— Smith in r. Stadium. ON THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. 31 of the third period, the growth of the beard takes place. The fourth period sees him arrive at the fulness of his manly strength. The fifth seven years is the season for marriage. In the sixth period he arrives at the maturity of his understanding. The seventh period is that of the most rapid improvement and growth of both his intellectual and reasoning powers. The eighth is the sum of the perfection of both. In the ninth, his passions assume a mildness and gentleness, from being to a great degree tamed. In the tenth, the desirable end of life comes upon him, while his limbs and organic senses are still unimpaired : for excessive old age is apt to weaken and en- feeble them all. And Solon, the Athenian lawgiver, described these different ages in the following elegiac verses : — In seven years from th'earliest breath, The child puts forth his hedge of teeth ; When strengthened by a similar span, He first displays some signs of man. As in a third, his limbs increase, A beard buds o'er his changing face. When he has passed a fourth such time, His strength and vigour's in its prime. When five times seven years o'er his head Have passed, the man should think to wed ; At forty two, the wisdom's clear To shun vile deeds of folly or fear : While seven times seven years to sense Add ready wit and eloquence. And seven years further skill admit To raise them to their perfect height. When nine such periods have passed, His powers, though milder grown, still last ; When God has granted ten times seven,