Eden & Hell

Eden & Hell

Deep in my heart I have resolved to spurn the garden of Eden in favour of Hell, for there I shall find dripping honey and nectar: all the graceful does and lustful ladies.

What is there for me in Eden?  There are no loves there, only women blacker than soot or pitch, and crones covered with lichen.  My spirit would drop in their company.

Eden, what are you to me?  You assemble all the maimed women and infamous men.  That is why I think of you with contempt.

Hell, I consider you excellent in charm and grandeur, for you house all the girls in their elegant dresses.   It is you who have assembled all the delights of our eyes.

Mahberot Immanuel of Rome (1261-1335?)