507. * THE NATURE OF THE DRAGON The dragon (concerning whom see above [nos. 501-505]) is such that he is intent upon each and everything, so that he suffers nothing to pass by whether interior or exterior; thus he has watchful eyes, and he mixes himself up with each and all things, and by every means in his power blocks up the ways lest anything should appear to be from him. He also does this by denials, except when he breaks out into open anger, and then he blasphemes, bears internal hatred, and spares no one unless he be one of his adorers. He seeks to fortify himself in every way, lest he should be overthrown. When thrust down he strives continually after higher things. Moreover, from continued practice he is skilful in all the arts, and exercises many of them; there are also those which are quite foul, with which he has prostituted himself. He also exercises those arts in anger, nor can he do anything else of himself, or from the custom of so many years, and also from so many spirits who breathe together into him as into their own center, of whom he is the ultimate subject. There are indeed many who are likewise dragons, but these refer themselves to him as their idol; hence he is of such a nature, for if he were destitute of adorers, he would be capable of nothing. This dragon is the leader and god of the Jews in the life after death, as well also as of all the evil, even among the so-called Christians, all of whom he defends. 1748, Jan. 22. * There is no n. 506 in the manuscript.