56
Michael and Gabriel come to him and summon him upward into heaven.
57
Ezra swears that he will not go up until he has seen every judgment that he is permitted to see.
58
They lead him still lower, beyond a fourteenth level, where lions and small dogs lie around fiery flames; the righteous pass through them and cross into Paradise.
59
He sees thousands upon thousands of righteous ones and splendid habitations prepared for them.
60
After seeing these things he is lifted into heaven among a multitude of messengers, who tell him to petition for the sinners, and he is placed before the Master.
61
Ezra petitions for the sinners, but the Master answers that they are being repaid according to their works.
62
Ezra argues that grass-eating animals seem to have a lighter portion than Adam: they do not praise, yet they die without the same burden of sin, while human beings suffer in life and after death.
63
The Master answers that Adam and ishah were made in the divine image and were commanded not to sin; the torment shown is connected to refusal of that command.
64
The short form adds that the elect enter rest through repentance, confession, and abundant works of mercy.
65
[SHORT-RECENSION PARALLEL; Barberini has no unit 65.] Ezra asks what the righteous do so that they escape judgment.
66
[SHORT-RECENSION PARALLEL; Barberini has no unit 66.] The Master compares them to a faithful servant who receives freedom; so the righteous receive the Kingdom.