EVOLUTION OF THE GARDEN 9 



covered this enchanting spot, "full long and broad 

 behind high walls." It was the Garden of Delight^ 

 or Pleasure, whose wife was Liesse, or Joy; and 

 here they dwelt with the sweetest of companions. 

 L'Amant wandered about until he found a small 

 wicket door in the wall, at which he knocked and 

 gained admittance. When he entered he was 

 charmed. Everything was so beautiful that it 

 seemed to him a spiritual place, better even than 

 Paradise could be. Now, walking down a little 

 path, bordered with mint and fennel, he reached 

 the spot where Delight and his companions were 

 dancing a carol to the song of Joy. L' Am ant was 

 invited to join the dance; and after it was finished 

 he made a tour of the garden to see it all. And 

 through his eyes we see it, too. 



The Garden of Delight was even and square, "as 

 long as it was large." It contained every known 

 fruit-tree peaches, plums, cherries, apples, and 

 quinces, as well as figs, pomegranates, dates, 

 almonds, chestnuts, and nutmegs. Tall pines, 

 cypresses, and laurels formed screens and walls, of 

 greenery; and many a "pair" of elms, maples, ashes, 

 oaks, aspens, yews, and poplars kept out the sun by 

 their interwoven branches rnd protected the green 

 grass. And here deer browsed fearlessly and squir- 



