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

figure, from its motion, from time, and from its essence; and therefore, it may be concluded that the world is unbegotten and incorruptible. For the form of its figure is circular; but a circle is on all sides similar and equal, and is therefore without a beginning and without an end. The motion of the universe is also circular, and this motion is stable and without transition. Time, likewise, in which motion exists, is infinite, for it had no beginning, nor will it have an end in its circulation. The essence, too, of the universe is without departure into any other place and is immutable, because it is not naturally adapted to be changed, either from the worse to the better, or from the better to the worse. From all these arguments, therefore, it is obviously credible that the world is unbegotten and incorruptible. And thus much concerning the whole and the universe.

Chapter II

Since, however, in the universe, one thing is generation, and another is the cause of generation—and since generation takes place where there is mutation and a departure from things which rank