Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/225

Rh all things for which the mind craves; and to be not even touched by a breath of cold or evil air, is not that a blessed state?" I answered: "There is indeed more merriness here than in those torture-chambers below; but here, also, not everything pleaseth me." "Of what dost thou again complain?" quoth he. I said: "I see these idlers with prominent eyes bloated faces, swollen bellies and limbs, that cannot be touched, and seem full of sores. If someone knocks or rubs against one of them, or an evil wind blows, incontinently the man sickens. Often have I heard that standing water rots and stinks, but here I see instances of it. Thus these men employ not their life; they sleep through it, and they lounge through it. This is naught for me." "Thou art a wondrous philosopher," quoth the interpreter.

2. Then they lead me to a second hall, where everything appeared charming to the eyes and ears. I behold delightful gardens, fishponds, and parks, wild beasts, birds, fishes, sweet music of divers sorts, and groups of merry companions who skipped, ran after each other, danced, pursued each other, fenced together, performed plays; and I know not what else they did. "This, at least, is not standing water," said the interpreter. "That