Splendor of Light

scope, divided into different classes,
among which true philosophy original: "vera Philosophia" was my
sole focus and aim. However, as to where
such a thing might be found, I sought to inquire
with all diligence among various scholars.
While I, on the other hand, did not know how
to find the path to this, and looked about
with a very troubled heart and soul, behold!
a man stepped forward in royal finery,
greeted me with the kiss of peace (Solomon original Hebrew: "Schelomo"),
showed me a book, and said: Here you have
a song that I have composed; take your time
and contemplate it well, and so you shall find the
way to the true philosophy. Falling to my
knees, I asked him: What must I do so that
I may rightly understand the meaning of this song?
He then addressed me thus: Know that
Abraham, my ancient forefather, left behind
a book called Yetzirah original: "Jezirah" — referring to the Sefer Yetzirah or "Book of Formation," a foundational text of Jewish mysticism and alchemy; within it you will find
a number which was most dear to him,
which I also cited in my Proverbs original Latin: "proverbiis" — referring to the biblical Book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon.
Take this concentrated number singly and doubly;
draw a single number from the double, and so
you shall have found that which you seek—and
all in all—and you will understand my song.
Regarding this parabolic instruction from the
wise King, I took counsel with myself and
went to great lengths to discover the number.
At last, I found this Book of Yetzirah; I searched
for the beloved number of the ancient patriarch
Abraham is traditionally considered the author of the Sefer Yetzirah,
and found in the 4th chapter, paragraph 4, these words: Therefore