1. After this law I beheld another law of an inferior luminary, the name
of which is the moon, and the orb of which is as the orb of heaven.
2. Its chariot, _which_ it secretly ascends, the wind blows; and light
is given to it by measure.
3. Every month at its exit and entrance it becomes changed; and its
periods are as the periods of the sun. And when in like manner its light
is to exist, its light is a seventh portion from the light of the sun.
4. Thus it rises, and at its commencement towards the east goes forth
for thirty days.
5. At that time it appears, and becomes to you the beginning of the
month. Thirty days _it is_ with the sun in the gate from which the sun
goes forth.
6. Half of it is in extent seven portions, one _half_; and the whole of
its orb is void of light, except a seventh portion out of the fourteen
portions of its light. And in a day it receives a seventh portion, or
half _that portion_, of its light. Its light is by sevens, by one
portion, and by the half _of a portion_. It sets with the sun.
7. And when the sun rises, the moon rises with it; receiving half a
portion of light.
8. On that night, when it commences its period,[177] previously to the
day of the month, the moon sets with the sun.
9. And on that night it is dark _in_ its fourteen portions, that is, _in
each_ half; but it rises on that day with one seventh portion precisely,
and in its progress declines from the rising of the sun.
10. During the remainder of its period[178] its light increases to
fourteen portions.
Footnote 176:
Paris MS.
Footnote 177:
_at the beginning of its morning_, or _day_.
Footnote 178:
_of its day._