eded by olive-trees, the olives by vines, these
by sweet-scented shrubs, and these again by timber trees, whose wood was
useful for building. At stated intervals in this spiral or gyre of
trees, were interspersed seats, formed of the young shoots of the trees
behind, brought forward and entwined in each other, while the fruit of
the trees hanging over at the same time enriched and adorned them. At
this perpetually winding circle of trees, there were passages which
opened into flower-gardens, and from them into shrubberies, laid out
into areas and beds. At the sight of all these things the companions of
the angels exclaimed, "Behold heaven in form! wherever we turn our eyes
we feel an influx of somewhat celestially-paradisiacal, which is not to
be expressed." At this the angel rejoicing said, "All the gardens of our
heaven are representative forms or types of heavenly beatitudes in their
origins; and because the influx of these beatitudes elevated your minds,
therefore you exclaimed, 'Behold heaven in form!' but those who do not
receive that influx, regard these paradisiacal gardens only as common
woods or forests. All those who are under the influence of the love of
use receive the influx; but those who are under the influence of the
love of glory not originating in use, do not receive it." Afterwards he
explained to them what every particular thing in the garden represented
and signified.

14. While they were thus employed, there came a messenger from the
prince, with an invitation to them to dine with him; and at the same
time two attendants brought garments of fine linen, and said, "Put on
these; for no one is admitted to the prince's table unless he be clothed
in the garments of heaven." So they put them on, and accompanied their
angel, and were shewn into a drawing-room belonging to the palace, where
they waited for the prince; and there the angel introduced them to the
company and conversation of the grandees and nobles, who were also
waiting for the prince's appearing. And lo! in about an hour the doors
were opened, and through one larger than the rest, on the western side,
he was seen to enter in stately procession. His inferior counsellors
went before him, after them his privy-counsellors, and next the chief
officers belonging to the court; in the middle of these was the prince;
after him followed courtiers of various ranks, and lastly the guards; in
all they amounted to a hundred and twenty. Then the angel, adv