[De contemptu mundi]

wither. Also, because of the extreme joyfulness, which the sweetness of the fruits attests, because there every tree is most beautiful to look at, and most sweet to eat (Genesis 2). The beauty of the light also attests to this, for the clarity of the light is proportional to the purity of the air, as Bede says. Also, because of the fertility of the soil, which the multitude of irrigating fountains attests. For it is said in Genesis 2: A fountain rose up and irrigated paradise, which is divided into four rivers. Also, because of the security of the place, which the height of its situation attests, for it touches the lunar circle, as Bede and Isidore say, that is, it reaches to the calm air after this turbulent air, where the end and limit of exhalations and humid vapors is, whose flow and progress is assimilated to the lunar body, as Alexander explains. It does not touch the lunar orb in reality in height, but is said to reach the lunar circle hyperbolically, so that its maximum height, and its incomparability with respect to the lower earth, might be insinuated. Also, because of its incorruptibility, which the length of life of those existing there attests. For Elijah and Enoch are there alive, as was also narrated above, uncorrupted to this day. For nothing can die there, which is