The swift stairway and the growling bear

It seemed as if I were racing down a stairway; I touched each step only a little, and came safely down all the way without danger. There came a voice from my dear father, "You are making such a racket, Emanuel!" It was said he was angry, but it would pass over. This means that I made use of the cross too boldly, yesterday, but by the grace of God I came through without danger.

I climbed up on a shelf, and broke off the neck of a bottle, from which some thick fluid came forth and covered the floor and then flowed down. I believe [this signifies] that yesterday, by the grace of God and not by my own power, a mass of evil was eradicated from my thoughts. I added that which had been written, which means that which I am still to do.

I heard a bear growling but did not see him. I dared not remain in the upper story, for there was a carcass there which he might scent. I therefore descended to one of the chambers of Dr. Moræus and shut the windows. This signifies temptation, not only to avarice but perhaps also to something else, and that I am engrossed in my anatomical speculations.

Dr. Moræus seemed to be courting a pretty girl; he obtained her consent, and had permission to take her wherever he wanted. I teased her, saying that she was quite willing to say Yes, etc. She was a pretty girl, and grew taller and more beautiful. It meant that I was to inform myself on the subject of Muscles and study these.

Night of April 14–15, 1744