ABSTRACT
When humans gain pleasure through the five physical senses, there is no difference between them and the ass and all beasts, because they also gain delight in those things that entertain their eyes, ears, taste, etc. When, however, humans divert themselves inwardly with a clear conscience, through reason alone, that cannot be imitated by beasts. This is only appropriate to humans; it is the fitting human pleasure, while the other is completely false. However, the trait and tendency of bestial humans is to seek and wish their physical pleasures in all that is most beautiful and diverting, so that not just their eyes and ears, but if at all possible all five of their senses are always continually entertained, without ever stopping, to make them feel satisfied and satiated. As did that Zanni in an Italian comedy who was so devoted to his taste and gluttony that he wished and desired that his neck and gullet could be stretched from Padua to Constantinople, so that the fat macaroni, dumplings or noodles, of which he had swallowed one fistful after another at that time in the public square, would not slither down into his stomach so quickly, so that the pleasure of their taste would last all the longer. So this same Zanni, unable to rid himself of his wish, forcibly held up the swallowed macaroni and chunks in his gullet with his hand as long as he could, in order to prolong his enjoyment of them for longer.
