1459. Some from among the spirits of Mercury were coming here, sent by others to find out what was going on. One of the spirits of our earth said to them that they should tell their people, but that they should tell them nothing but the truth, and not, in their usual way, counter those asking with just the opposite. Otherwise they would be punished. But the troop that had sent them, which was far away, replied that if they were upbraided on that account, then they should all be blamed equally, for they cannot act otherwise. On their earth they are obliged to answer inquirers in that way, because they do not need to know what they are trying to find out, certainly not earthly and bodily matters. And they do not do this with any intention to deceive them, but because it is innate in them. Nor do they lie, but only counter their ideas with opposites, so that they will stop. It would be another matter if they did this with the intention to deceive, which they now say they detest. By this reply, the spirit was satisfied. 1748, 16 March.