3127. The damsel ran. That this signifies the desire [animus] of that affection, is evident from the signification of “running,” as meaning that which is of the inclination or of the desire; and from the signification of a “damsel,” as being an affection in which is innocence (see above, n. 3067, 3110).

3067. And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say. That this signifies an affection in which is innocence, is evident from the signification of a “damsel.” In the Word the affections of good and of truth are called “little children,” “damsels,” “girls,” and “daughters;” but in all cases with a difference as to state: when “daughter” is named, affection in general is signified; when “girl” is named, affection in which is charity is signified; but when it is said “damsel,” affection in which is innocence is signified, because the age of girlhood is next to that of infancy, which in the internal sense is innocence. The case is the same with “boy,” or “little boy,” by which is signified a state in which is innocence (see n. 430).