1
I also am mortal, like all men, a descendant of the first-formed child of earth; and in the womb of a mother I was molded into flesh,
2
within the period of ten months, compacted with blood, from the seed of a man and the pleasure of marriage.
3
And when I was born, I began to breathe the common air, and fell upon the kindred earth, and my first sound was a cry, like that of all.
4
I was nursed with care in swaddling cloths.
5
For no king has had a different beginning of existence;
6
there is for all mankind one entrance into life, and a common departure.
7
Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
8
I preferred her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her.
9
Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her.
10
I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light, because her radiance never ceases.
11
All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth.