There were spirits high overhead, from the family of sirens, who were operating so secretly that it only became evident after some period of time. They were thinking they were therefore free, because they were subtle, as if in a purer atmosphere. They were told they were not free on that account, and that their greatest subtlety appears to them as it does to others as the greatest subtlety of all. But because they kept on, they were, by a fine veil almost disappearing into a subtler one, led away around the head in a hook-shaped path, and downward. 1748, 11 Sept. They

3123 1/2. thought they were not evil, as sirens usually do, but I was prompted to tell them that their intention in wanting to be so subtle, was prevailing in all else, and that their intention, or motive, was wanting to be purer than others. So whatever they would do with that motive ruling, is nevertheless all turned into that which gratifies the motive, and consists in looking down on others. 1748, 11 Sept. For they liked to make fun of others, and control them according to their own fantasies.