Ocellus Lucanus, Firmicus Maternus, Select Theorems of Proclus (Thomas Taylor)

Fire, indeed, when it is gathered into one thing, generates air; air generates water, and water generates earth. From earth, also, there is the same circuit of mutation, reaching as far as fire, from where it began to change. But fruits, and most plants that derive their origin from a root, receive the beginning of their generation from seeds. When, however, they bear fruit and arrive at maturity, they are again resolved into seed, with nature producing a complete circulation from the same to the same.

But men and other animals, in a subordinate degree, change the universal boundary of nature; for in these there is no periodic return to the first age, nor is there a counter-change (antiperistasisA process of reciprocal replacement or change.) of mutation into each other, as there is in fire, air, water, and earth. Rather, the mutations of their ages being accomplished in a four-fold circle*, they are dissolved and again return to existence. These, therefore, are the signs and indications that the universe, which comprehends all things, will always endure and be preserved, but that its parts, and such things within it as are supervenient, are corrupted and dissolved.

Further still, it is credible that the universe is without a beginning and without an end, from its

This four-fold mutation of ages in the human race consists of the infant, the lad, the man, and the old man, as is well observed by Theo of Smyrna. See my Theoretic Arithmetic*, p. 189.