3248. I reasoned variously about the bird's meaning, but the reasoning ended up with the fact that it had not yet been disclosed what it stands for, only that [it symbolizes] the inhabitants of Mars, because I hear and see that they protest. Nevertheless, such a portrayal cannot come forth without a society of angels that it portrays, for it is evident that a bird symbolizes thought. 1748, 22 Sept.
3248. I reasoned variously concerning the bird, [as to] what it signifies: but my reasoning ended in this, that it is not yet discovered what it signifies, only [that it signifies] the inhabitants of Mars, because I hear and perceive them, to deny it: still such representation cannot exist, apart from the society of angels, which it represents: for it is plain, that bird signifies thought. - 1748, September 22.
3248. Ratiocinatum varie de ave, quid significet, sed ratiocinatio terminata est in eo, quod nondum detectum quid significet, modo quod incolas Martis, quia audio et percepi eos, quod recusent; usque talis repraesentatio non existere potest, absque societate angelorum, quam repraesentet, nam quod avis significet cogitationem, constat. 1748, 22 Sept.