a Victory when one of his Legs was shot off by a Cannon-builet The Swedes were so dishearten'd at the sight of their General 's Misfortune that they began to shrink and give ground The Danish General was too well acquainted with the Art of War to neglect so fair an opportunity of snatching the Victory out of the Hands of a staggering and dismaid Enemy And therefore as soon as he perceiv'd their Disorder he order'd his Cannon to be charg'd with Cartouches and pointed at the Swedish Cavalry and at the same time he brought up his Infantry who made a continual Fire The Swedish Cavalry having lost the Spirit that animated 'em mantain'd a running Fight for some time but at last fearing to be surrounded they fled with the utmost Precipitation and Confusion During the general Disorder the Administrator was carry'd off upon a Sledge by his Servants and dy'd of his Wound near Stregnez as they were bringing him to Stockholm He was extreamly valiant but his undaunted Courage was not accompany'd with an equal Dexterity in the Management of Affairs In a word he was a better Soldier than a Statesman and fitter to command a Party than to govern a Kingdom Otho who knew as well how to improve as how to obtain a Victory gave Orders to his Troops to march immediately against the Swedish Infantry and the Peasants who guarded the Pass of Tyvede He imagin'd that he cou'd easily force their Trenches and commanded the Danish Foot to attack 'em but the Swedes made so brave a Resistance that their Enemies were oblig'd to retire with a considerable Loss The General enrag'd at the Cowardice of his Men order'd the French Infantry to renew the Attack and at the same time went round the Trenches to see whether he cou'd discover an easier Passage or a Place that was not so strongly guarded In the mean time the Prince of Foucarmont advanc'd at the Head of the French and was the first Man who mounted the Rampart with his Sword in his hand but immediately after he receiv'd so dangerous a Wound with an Arrow that he fell into the Ditch The French as if the Fall of their Commander had been design'd for a Signal attack'd the Swedes with so obstinate a Fury that they made themselves Masters of the Trenches notwithstanding an incredible Resistance and while they kept the Enemy in play Otho open'd a Passage in another Place Tho' the Swedes were extreamly weaken'd and fatigu'd by the Length of the Engagement and surrounded on all Sides they continu'd to make a very brave Desence the Peasants animated with Despair and Rage râ—n into the thickest Battalions neither expecling nor desiring to live and even willing to die prâ—vided they cou'd revenge their Death by that 〈◊〉 an Enemy They were all cut to pieces except some who made their Escape in the Night and fled to the Woods from whence they return'd by Degrees to their respective Habitations The Danish General perceiving that there were no Forces left to oppose him pass'd thro' the Forest of Tyvede and penetrated into the Heart of the Kingdom There were no regulated Troops nor Militia on Foot to make Head against the Enemy the People generally fled to the remotest Provinces the greatest Part of the Senators shut themselves up in their Castles the Administrator's Widow retir'd to the Cittadel of Stockholm with the two young Princes her Children and the Peasants dreading the Fate of their Countrymen took shelter in the Woods There was no possibility of putting a Stop to the Carrier of the Publick Mistortunes and retrieving the Honour of the Kingdom but by proceeâ—ing to the Election of a new Administrator who might have encourag'd and commanded the Nobility to make another and more vigorous Effort rasly'd the Militia and scatter'd Troops and oppos'd Christiern's Pretensions to the Crown of Sweden The Clergy imploy'd all their Interest to prevent an Election which they foresaw wou'd be extreamly prejudicial to the Interest of that Prince As soon as the Archbishop receiv'd Advice of the Administrator's Death he left the Monartery whither he had retir'd and resuming the Authority which he had solemnly resign'd in the Senate he march'd straight to Vpsal and made that City declare for the King of Denmark The Bishops of Lincoping and Stregnez were always secret Abettors of the Danish Faction but had declin'd siding openly with either Party while the Event of the War seem'd to be uncertain took this occasion to discover their real Inclinations They publickly own'd the Justice and Reasonableness of the King of Denmark's Claim and visited all the Places in their respective Dioceses to hinder the Nobility from taking up Arms flattering some with Hope of Reward and terrifying others with the Fear of Punishment They endeavour'd to perswade all sorts of Persons that Sweden was not in a Condition to resist the Danes that the late Administrator by disobeying the Head of the Church had provok'd the Indignation of Heav'n and receiv'd the Just Reward of his Contumacy that a new Election wou'd only serve to encrease the Guilt of the Nation and expose it to utter Ruin whereas 't was in their Power to restore Plenty and Tranquillity by submitting to the Orders of the holy See and concluding a solid Peace with Denmark By such subtle Insinuations they gain'd three Senators and several Lords First Trelle Eric Abrahami Benedict Caâ—â—ut whose Lands were most expos'd to the Fury of the Enemy And under pretext of securing the Quiet and Safety of their Country they perswaded these Lords to send Deputies to General Crumpein to desire a Truce in the Name of the whole Nation and to assure him that in the mean time they wou'd take such Resolutions as might be equally profitable to both Kingdoms and agreeable to the King his Master The cunning General wou'd not absolutely deny their Request but he took care they shou'd not have time to reflect upon their Condition and upon their true Interest He granted only a Truce for Eleven Days and during that Time he requir'd that a Meeting of the Estates shou'd be held at Vpsal where he wou'd appear to acquaint 'em with his Master's pretensions The Archbishop who by his Office was the first Senator call'd the Meeting and the Clergy us'd all their Interest and Rhetoric to perswade the Nobility and Commons either to come in Person or send Deputies to the Assembly but the greatest Part of 'em refus'd positively to meet in a Place that had declar'd for the Enemy So that the whole Assembly consisted only of the Bishops the three Senators whom they had gain'd and some Lords of West Gothland who were scar'd into a Compliance by the Troops and Menaces of the Danish General However the Archbishop open'd the Convention which being intirely compos'd of his Friends and Creatures was absolutely govern'd by him In the mean time Otho repair'd to Vpsal accompanied with the principal Officers of his Army and requir'd the Estates to abolish the
Arguments to excuse and even to justify Injury and Oppression The devout King Eric was Barbarously Assassinated by his seditious Subjects and the King of Gothland was suspected of encouraging and corresponding with the Rebels Charles VII The Swedes advanc'd this Prince to the Throne that the two Gothlands might be reunited to the Crown He took all possible care to keep his Subjects from suspecting that he had a Hand in the death of his Predecessor In pursuance of that design he began the Exercise of his Regal Authority by ordaining that all the Laws of St. Eric shou'd be punctually observ'd He recall'd Canut that Prince's Son who after his Fathers Death had made his escape into Norway And to remove all the pretexts that might be us'd for embroiling the Kingdom in a civil War he made a Law that Canut shou'd inherit the Crown after his Death and that for ever afterwards the King shou'd be chosen by turns out of the two Royal Families Afterwards he erected several Monasteries to gain the Esteem and Affection of the People who are always extreamly fond of such external Marks of Piety and Devotion He sent an Embassy to Rome to obtain from Pope Alexander III. the Title of Arch-Bishop and the Pallium for the Bishop of Vpsal who was Primate of the Kingdom The Pope was easily prevail'd with to grant or rather to sell him the favour he desir'd according to the usual Maxims of the Court of Rome and that Prelate was invested with the Archiepiscopal Dignity on condition that the Estates of all those who died without Children in the Kingdom shou'd be intail'd upon the Holy-See but the Swedes soon grew weary of that Religious Bâ—â—dage and freed themselves from so 〈…〉 Canut Tho' King Charles had made a solemn Law to settle the Succession upon this Prince his Ambition cou'd not be satisfied with the prospect of a Crown in reversion He levy'd Forces in Norway and resolving at once to recover the Throne and revenge the Death of his Father he invaded Sweden routed King Charles kill'd him in the Battle and by that Victory made himself Master of the Kingdom He lest no means unattempted to extirpate the whole Race of his Predecessor but since 't was never in the power of a Tyrant to secure his Ursupation by the Death of his Successor all the cruel Diligence with which he persecuted the Family of the late King cou'd not hinder the Swedes from Electing Suercher the Son of that Prince according to the Law by which 't was ordain'd that the two Families shou'd enjoy the Crown by turns Suercher III. This Prince imitating the Barbarous policy of his Predecessor order'd an exact search to be made for all the Relations and Posterity of St. Eric But one of those Princes escap'd his fury and rais'd an Army to make head against his Persecutor Eric X. He defeated King Suercher in a Battle and after that Prince's Death obtain'd the Crown which at that time was always the Reward of the Conqueror As soon as he was fix'd upon the Throne he endeavour'd to make a friendly Agreement with the Family of his Predecessor in order to which he offer'd to re-establish the Law that was made by King Charles for regulating the Succession and to convince the posterity of that Prince that he really design'd to put the Treaty in Execution he appointed John the Son of Suercher to succeed him excluding his own Son Prince Eric who was oblig'd to content himself with a distant prospect of inheriting the Crown after the Death of Prince John Iohn I. He conquer'd some places in Livonia and endeavour'd by Force of Arms to make the Esthonians renounce the Idolatry that prevail'd among 'em But the People of that Country looking upon their forc'd Conversion as a sort of Slavery took up Arms and drove the Swedes out of their Province In the mean time King John Died in the Isle of Wiensingso after he had reign'd three years Eric XI call'd the Stammerer He was the Son of Eric X and obtain'd the Possession of the Crown without the least Effusion of Blood It may be reckon'd a very rare Instance of moderation that a Royal Family shou'd so tamely divest themselves of the Sovereign Authority and suffer a Prince of another House to mount the Throne without Opposition This Monarch had occasion during his Reign to perform a very important piece of service to the Regency of Lubeck The Danes Besieg'd that City with a numerous Army and shut up the Port with an Iron Chain which was defended by a potent Fleet. But when the City was reduc'd to the utmost extremity the King of Sweden sent a considerable number of Ships mann'd with Soldiers under the Convoy of several Men of War who beat the Danes open'd a passage thro' their Squadrons broke the Chain with which the Mouth of the River Trave was block'd up reliev'd the City with Men Provisions and Ammunition and by that seasonable and important supply deliver'd the Republick from the Danish Yoak The Regency as a Testimony of the publick gratitude for so signal a Deliverance ordain'd that the Swedish Merchant Ships shou'd from that time be exempted from the payment of Customs and Duties Waldemar The Family of King Suercher shou'd have had their turn in the Election by vertue of the Treaty concluded with the House of Eric But it seems the Swedes had either forgotten or neglected that Agreement for tho' Eric the Stammerer left no Issue they Elected Waldemar the Son of that Prince's Sister and of Ierl or Count Birger who was General of the Swedish Forces during the preceeding Reign It may perhaps appear strange that the Son tho' an Infant was preferr'd before his Father but 't is plain from the Swedish History that tho' the Kingdom was always Elective 't was the perpetual custom of the People to chuse a Prince of the Royal Family preferrably to all the other Lords of the Kingdom In the mean time the Count or Ierl Birger was intrusted with the care of the Government during the Minority of King Waldemar And that Wise Lord who was his own Son's Minister made it his principal Care to raise the Honor and Authority of the Crown He concluded a Peace with the Neighbouring Princes and then apply'd himself wholly to the contriving and pursuing of those Maxims that might make him absolute in the Kingdom He built and fortify'd the City of Stockholm instituted good and useful Laws and exacted a punctual observance of ' em Upon advice that some Lords began to grow Jealous of his Authority and to complain that he made an ill use of it he suppress'd those brooding Commotions by ordering the principal Fomenters of 'em to be beheaded Afterwards he marri'd the King his Son to Sophi the Daughter of Eric King of Demark that the Authority of his Family might be secur'd by so powerful an Alliance As soon as the young Prince was of Age he advanc'd his Father from the Dignity
An Account of the Religion Civil Government and Art of War with the Remarkable Customs and Ceremonies publick and private With Copper Cuts of the principal Buildings c. To which are prefixed two Essays concerning the Roman Learning and the Roman Education By Basil Kennet of C. C. C. Oxon. Dedicated to the Duke of Glocester Octavo The Evangelical History Or The Life of our Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ Comprehensively and plainly related With Practical Inferences and Discourses thereupon Adorned with Copper Cuts Octavo The Evangelical History Part the Second Being the Lives and Acts of the Holy Apostles comprehensively and plainly related according to the Holy Scriptures and the Writings of the Primitive Fathers of most approved Authority Illustrated with the Effigies of the Apostles and a Map of their Travels fairly Engraven on Copper Octavo A new History of Ecclesiastical Writers Containing an Account of the Lives and an Abridgment of the Works of the Primitive Fathers and other Ecclesiastical Writers from the Time of our Saviour to the End of the Ninth Century Written in French by L. E. du Pin Englished In Seven small Volumes in Folio The Seventh Volume of Monsieur du Pins Ecclesiastical History Containing the History of all Transactions in the Church during the Ninth Century Englished in Folio may be had alone CAMDEN'S BRITANNIA Newly Translated into English With large Additions and Improvements and Maps of every County newly Engraven according to the latest and best Surveys Published by Edmund Gibson of Queen's Colledge in Oxford Folio Now in the PRESS THE Antiquities of Greece Or An Account of the Religion Civil Government Magistrates Laws Customs Military Discipline Arms Publick Buildings Exercises Sports c. of the Ancient Grecians With a Description of the City of Athens c. Octavo The History of the Revolutions in Portugal Done out of French The Memoirs of the Imprisoned Mareschal de Boufflers Important Meâ—nâ—â—â— A Continuation of the Voyage to the World of Descartes All 〈◊〉 from the French will be speedily 〈◊〉 A TABLE Of the Principal Matters Contained in the First Part. A. ADministrators of Sweden what the Dignity was 29 Albert second Son of the Duke of Meckelburg King of Sweden his Reign 9 his Subjects deposed him 10 13 he is defeated by Margaret and taken Prisoner 14 Joannes Angelus Arcemboldi Legate of Pope Leo. X. in the Northern Kingdoms 49 his good and bad qualities 50 his Covetousness in heaping up Treasure ib. he distributes Indulgences ib. he holds a Conference with Christiern King of Denmark ibid. he promiseth to maintain his Interest against the Administrator of Sweden 52 he departs for the Court of Sweden ibid. his Negociation in Sweden with the Administrator ibid. seq by his discourse he gives occasion to the Administrator to suspect that he was brought over to take part with his Enemies 53 The Administrator permits him to distribute his Indulgencies in Sweden 54 he gathers together vast summs of Money in Sweden and the Administrator lets him export them out of the Kingdom 55 He discovers to the Administrator the designs of the King of Denmark his correspondence with the Clergy of Sweden and the Treachery of the two Governours of the Castles of Stockholm and Nicoping 56 he returns to Denmark and seems concern'd at the ill Success of his Negotiation ibie the Pope enjoyns him to take another journey to Sweden and to threaten the Administrator with Excommunication in his name 66 he used all possible means to engage that Prince to give Satisfaction to the Pope ibid. the Administrator offers him the Archbishoprick of Upsal 68 he blames the Archbishops conduct contrary to the Orders he had receiv'd from the Pope to maintain his Authority ibid. he imploys his Friends to perswade his Holiness to confirm the deposition of that Prelate ibid. he returns from Sweden to Denmark 70 Arwide a Noble-man of great note in West Gothland he declares for Gustavus against the Danes and by his order lays Siege to the Castle of Wadestene Augustin the Court of Rome usually employ'd Augustin Moâ—ks iâ— Savony to publish the Indulgences they were supplanted by the Jacobins the mischiefs that ersu'd B. ERic Banner a Danish Lord asks leave to keep his Kinsman Gustavus upon his parole 76 he obtains his request upon condition that he should cause Gustavus to be conducted to the Castle of Calo whereof he was Governour and that he should pay six thousand Crowns of Gold for his Ransom if he suffer'd him to make his escape 76 77 the kind entertainment which Banner show'd to Gustavus 77 Banner being inform'd of the Flight of Gustavus his Prisoner pursues and overtakes him 89 he taxeth him with ingratitude ibid. he is convinc'd at last of the equity of his Reasons 90 Bishops of Sweden their Authority and Riches See Clergy Olaus Bonde Lord of Nericia riseth up in Arms against the Danes and besiegeth Orebro the Capital City of Nericia The Bull of Leo X. which suspends the Kingdom of Sweden from divine Service and excommunicates the Administrator with the whole Senate 69 The Burghers and other Inhabitants of the Maritime Towns of Sweden 6 why their Deputies had little Authority in the Diets ib. C. CAlmar the union of Calmar 16 the statutes and conditions of it ibid. It was the Foundation and Original of the Wars that continued above an Age between Sweden and Denmark 16 Christiern makes himself Master of Calmar 95 he gives the Government of it to Severinus of Norby a Danish Lord ibid. Canutson Grand Marshal of Sweden acknowledg'd King of Sweden and Norway by the Estates 23 he goes about to infringe the Authority and Fower of the Bishops 24 they compel him to leave the Kingdom 26 he is set on the Throne again after seven years of Exile 27 he is detained and taken Prisoner 28 he was constrained to renounce the title of King ibid. and was sent away to a Castle in Finland ibid. he gets possession of the Throne a third time 29 Charles V. his aspiring to an universal Monarchy It is reported that he gave his Sister in Marriage to Christiern only on condition that he should acknowledg him for his Successor to the three Northern Kingdoms in case he should die without issue Christiern the first Count of Oldenburg Progenitor of the Royal Family that now Reigns in Denmark 22 Canutson hinders him from being own'd as a Soveraign Prince by the Estates of Sweden 23 For what reason ibid. after the deposing of Canutson he was proclaimed King of Sweden and Norway 26 he was expell'd seven years after 27 Christiern II. King of Denmark his good and bad qualities 37 he aspires to the Throne of Sweden ibid. what he did in order to get possession of it ibid. sequ he is offended at the Mission of the Legate Arcemboldi and why 50 he endeavours to make use of him to prosecute his designs against Sweden with greater success 51 sequ he communicates his designs to him 52
which furnish'd 'em with Meat for their Subsistence and Skins for the Prince's Tribute They were mere Savages for the most part bred in Woods jealous of their Customs and having little to lose were ready upon the least Occasion to rise up in Arms and revolt against the Government Idolatry was still openly profess'd in some of their Villages and Christianity prevail'd in others but their Religion was so disfigur'd by a Mixture of their Ancient Superstitions that they scarce retain'd more of it than the bare Name of Christians The Peasants were the most numerous and potent Body of the State Some of 'em held immediately of the Crown and sent Deputies to the Diets and the rest were Vassals to the Clergy and Nobility Tho' the Tribute they paid to the King was very easy and inconsiderable he was oftentimes oblig'd to levy it by Force and to send some regulated Troops to the Forrests and Mountains for the Security of those who were appointed to collect his Duties They seldom or never contributed their Assistance to the Preservation of the State but in the Quality of Soldiers and even in that Case they thought themselves oblig'd only to defend the Frontiers of their respective Provinces and always claim'd the Privilege of chusing their own Leaders In all other Respects they liv'd almost without any Dependence upon the Court and ev'n without any Union or Concord among themselves being equally incapable of Society and Submission and affecting rather an untractable Wildness than a generous Liberâ—y If we reflect upon the Independency of the Subjects the limited Authority of the Sovereign and the different Interests of the several Orders that compos'd the State 't will not appear Strange that the Kingdom was almost perpetually harass'd with Insurrections and Civil Wars Most of the Kings aspir'd at a more absolute Authority and some of 'em by the Assistance of their Friends and Creatures endeavour'd to make themselves Masters of the Government and to shake off their Dependence on the Senate But the People were so far from being unconcern'd Spectators of an open Violation of the Liberties and Privileges of the Nation that the very Shadow and least Appearance of Arbitrary Power occasion'd an universal Revolt and re-united all the States against the King The Bishops were afraid of Reprizals under too powerful a Prince who might seize upon his alienated Revenues and perhaps confine the Clergy within the Limits of their Profession The Noblemen took up Arms to defend the Privileges that made 'em in a manner Independent and the Peasants without comprehending their true Interest fought with the utmost Vigor and Obstinacy for the Preservation of certain Customs that were useless to the Public but agreeable to their Savage Temper The whole Kingdom was a perpetual Scene of Seditions Desolations and Revolts The Fate of the King seem'd to be in the Hands of his Subjects and to depend on their Capricious Humour and several Princes were driven out of the Kingdom for attempting to make themselves Absolute The Jealousy that reign'd among the principal Families of the Kingdom made 'em willing to retain the Title and Dignity of a King But at the same Time they resolv'd to bestow that Honour only upon a Foreign Prince that having no private Estate in the Kingdom and being wholly destitute of Relations and Creatures they might oblige him to content himself with as much Authority as they thought fit to allow him About the year 1363. Magnus Smock reign'd in Sweden he had two Sons Eric and Haquin by his Wife Blanch Daughter to the Count of Namur The Elder of these Princes being dead the People of Norway bestow'd the Crown of that Kingdom upon the Younger who by his Father's Advice had marry'd Margaret Daughter to Valdemar IV. King of Denmark Magnus having secur'd Norway and being supported by his Danish Aliance wou'd not let slip so favourable an Opportunity to make himself absolute in Sweden by abolishing the Senate of that Kingdom And perhaps that Project was concerted by all the Three Kings and design'd to be put in Execution in their respective Kingdoms to rid themselves of that dreaded Assembly which check'd their growing Authority and controul'd all their ambitious Designs But as soon as the Swedes discover'd the Intentions and Correspondence of these three Princes they took up Arms immediately and Sweden became the Theatre of a cruel and bloody War Valdemar during his Life was very diligent in assisting his Ally and Haquin sent a considerable Body of Men to re-inforce his Father's Army But the Swedes alone who were always strong enough when they fought for the Defence of their Liberty routed the Joynt-Forces of these three Monarchs and at last drove Magnus out of the Kingdom esteeming themselves sufficiently rewarded for all the Blood they had spent in the Cause by the Liberty they had to chuse a new Sovereign They proceeded immediately to an Election and the Choice fell upon Prince Albert second Son to the Duke of Meckelburgh and Nephew to the late King Magnus excluding King Haquin and Henry Albert's Elder Brother whom they hated and suspected as persons who had always promoted the Interest of the Prince whom they had lately dethron'd Thus Albert ow'd his Advancement to the impatient Humour of the Swedes which cou'd not bear the Yoke of too absolute a power Before his Accession to the Crown that he might promote his own Interest he seem'd to embrace that of the People but as soon as he found himself fix'd upon the Throne he began to follow the Maxims of his Predecessors and study'd the most promising Methods by which he might make himself the absolute Master of his Subjects The Senate was the object both of his Jealousy and Aversion but the Fate of King Magnus deterr'd him from attempting to abolish that powerful Body much less cou'd he hope either to gain or over-aw those rich and potent Lords that look'd upon themselves rather as his Tutors than Councellors And therefore to ballance their Authority he sent for some Princes of his Family and several German Lords and Captains whom he intrusted with the Command of the Troops and principal Forts of the Kingdom He introduc'd some of these Strangers into the Senate against the fundamental Laws of the State and under various pretexts brought into Sweden a considerable Number of Foreign Troops who began to render him terrible to his own Subjects Then he proceeded to impose exorbitant Taxes upon the People for the payment of his Army But this politic Contrivance to establish his Authority being push'd on too far serv'd only to hasten his Destruction for the Swedes grew jealous of their Privileges and resolv'd to shake off that rigorous Yoke which they were not accustom'd to bear Margaret the Daughter of Valdemar King of Denmark and Widow of Haquin King of Norwey was at the same time possess'd of the Crowns of both these Kingdoms For after the Death of the King her Husband who did not long Survive
and not only impos'd unusual Taxes upon the People but invaded the Privileges of the Nobility without reflecting on the fatal consequences of disobliging those to whom he ow'd his Crown and Authority By these violent proceedings he lost several of his best Friends and the most considerable Lords of the Kingdom The Arch-Bishop taking advantage of this Misunderstanding routed the King's Army which was already weaken'd by the Desertion of the Nobility and pursu'd him to Stockholm whither he retir'd after the Loss of the Battle That unfortunate Prince perceiving that the Nobility had forsaken him and that he had neither Forces nor provisions to undergo a Siege was so afraid of falling into the Hands of his Enemies that he left the Kingdom and retir'd to Dantsick with a Design to raise Forces in Prussia and Germany and to appear once again in Sweden at the Head of an Army In the mean Time the Arch-Bishop was receiv'd into Stockholm where he caus'd Christiern I. to be proclam'd King of Sweden That Prince was still in Norway but as soon as he had settl'd his Affairs there he march'd immediately to Sweden and was receiv'd as Sovereign of the Kingdom The Arch-bishop flatter'd himself with the Expectation of Governing the Kingdom and imagin'd that Christiern wou'd in imitation of his Predecessors content himself with the Title of King but that Prince declar'd openly that he was resolv'd to keep the power in his own Hands and did not think fit to gratify the Ambition of his Benefactor The haughty Prelate finding himself so unexpectedly slighted and as he thought ungratefully treated express'd his Dissatisfaction in Terms that were not much different from a positive Menace But Christiern knowing him to be a Person of a turbulent and daring Temper was so far from complying with his Humor or endeavouring to appease his Passion that he order'd him to be apprehended and sent him under a strong Guard to Denmark Catil Bishop of Lincopinc the Arch-bishop's Nephew took up Arms immediately to revenge the Affront that was put upon his Uncle and having in a little time rais'd a considerable Body of Soldiers had the good fortune to obtain several Victories over that Prince's Army Christiern perceiving that his Army was not strong enough to keep the Field in opposition to that Prelate disperst his Forces into the Places that were in his Possession and return'd to Denmark to Levy a sufficient Number of Men to recruit and augment his Army Bishop Catil remain'd Master of the Government during the War which lasted almost seven Years He offer'd several times to receive the King of Denmark into the Kingdom if he wou'd set the Archbishop at liberty But that Monarch was too proud to submit to a forc'd compliance and scorn'd to own the Reduction of Sweden to any but himself Canutson's Friends perceiving that the Breach grew-still wider took advantage of so favourable a Juncture and prevail'd with Catil to consent to the King's Restoration Assoon as that Prince receiv'd the welcome News he return'd to Sweden and re-mounted the Throne after he had liv'd seven Years in Exile but he saw himself quickly reduc'd to his former Condition This unexpected Revolution open'd the King of Denmark's Eyes and convinc'd him of the Error he had committed in disobliging the Clergy He endeavor'd to regain their Favor by setting the Arch-bishop at liberty and that Prelate assur'd him that he wou'd raise a new Insurrection against King Canutson Christiern was engag'd in a War with the Count of Holstein who had invaded Jutland so that he cou'd not at present spare any Soldiers but he furnish'd the Arch-bishop with a considerable sum to â—â—â—y Forces in Sweden and order'd a Company of his Guards to wait upon him that he might enter the Kingdom with an honourable attendance The Arch-bishop was met and receiv'd on the Frontiers by Bishop Catin and all his Followers He blam'd 'em for contributing to King Canutson's Restoration and 't was resolv'd by all that were present to Dethrone him a second time The War broke forth again with more fury than ever and not long after there was a bloody Battle fought on the Lake Meler which was then frozen where the King was so entirely defeated that he had not Men enough lest to secure his Retreat so that he was forc'd to put himself into the Hands of his Enemies The Arch-bishop made him renounce the Title of King and afterwards confin'd him to a Castle in Finland which he allow'd him for his Subsistence This Prelat was not so fond of King Christiern as before nor to forward to acknowledge him as King of Sweden His Imprisonment had given him a clearer view of the Policy and Temper of that Prince and he had found by experience that 't is sometimes dangerous for a Subject to put too great obligations on his Soveraign He resolv'd to enjoy the Fruit of his Victory and to share the Supreme Authority with the principal Lords of his Party Thus Sweden had the Misfortune to be made the Scene of a confus'd and fatal Anarchy and to groan under the Tyrannical Dominion of as many Sovereigns as there were Lords that cou'd raise any Forces or were Masters of a Castle or Fort. Every private Quarrel was the occasion of a War and the contending Parties made use of the Names of King Canutson or King Christiern to cover their rising up in Arms with a Pretence of Authority tho' at the bottom they did not own the Right or Interest of either of these Princes This Scene of Disorder lasted four Years during which Time the Kingdom was perpetually distracted with intestine Wars and the people were so weary of a liberty that expos'd 'em to so many and such terrible Miseries that they demanded the Restauration of King Canutson with extraordinary Eagerness and Importunity preferring an easy Subjection to a wild and troublesom Freedom Thus after so many Revolutions that Prince had the good Fortune to mount the Throne a third Time He was solemnly invested with the Title and Quality of a King and was put in possession of the Capital City but the Bishops and Lords retain'd their Authority over the Provinces He did not long survive this happy turn of his Fortune and was so sensible at his Death of the Difficulties with which the Sovereign of an elective State must resolve to encounter that he advis'd his Nephew Steno Sture whom he appointed to succeed him to content himself with the Quality of Administrator of Sweden for fear of provoking the Jealousy of the Lords by assuming a more elevated Title The Estates after his Death approv'd the choice he had made and the advice he had given his Successor The Bishops and the Nobility fearing that if he were invested with the Royal Dignity he wou'd re-demand the Tributes Revenues and Forts which they had seiz'd confirm'd the Title of Administrator and in that Quality intrusted him with the Command of the Army and the Government of the State The
were always ready to promote the Interests of Denmark help'd him to bear the mortifying News of the Election of a new Administrator And he imagin'd that by the Assistance of the Swedish Clergy he might obtain an easie Victory over a Prince whose Authority was not yet firmly establish'd He wrote with his own hand to that young Prelate to congratulate his late Advancement and sent him a considerable Sum of Money as a Token of his Friendship Trolle was consecrated at Rome and receiv'd the Pallium from Pope Leo X. In his return to Sweden he pass'd by Lubeck which at that time was the principal and most potent City of all the Hanse-Towns and had engross'd the whole Trade of the Northern Kingdoms There he sound a Gentleman whom King Christiern had sent to engage him in his Party The Danish Minister who was acquainted with his Master's most secret Designs after he had deliver'd his Credentials told the Archbishop in the King's Name that His Majesty cou'd not forbear taking this occasion to repeat the Assurances of his Friendship and that he hop'd to see the Union of Calmar reviv'd by his Assistance and by the Interest and Power to which the Dignity of his Office gave him so just a Title Trolle was not ignorant of the Interest and Inclination of his Family and both his Father and the old Archbishop had taken care to engage him in their Faction He told the Gentleman that he was fully perswaded of the Justice of his Master's Pretensions to the Crown of Sweden and pray'd him to assure that Prince in his Name that he was very sensible of the Obligations which the Consideration both of his Office and Family laid upon him to promote the Danish Interest and that as soon as he had taken Possession of his Archbishoprick he wou'd endeavour to give His Majesty the most convincing Marks of his Zeal and Affection to his Service He had afterwards several private Conferences with King Christiern's Agent during his abode at Lubeck The Dane finding him to be of a haughty and imperious Temper and extreamly proud of his new Dignity and of the Grandeur of his Family resolv'd to attack him on the weak side and to make him an Enemy to the Administrator as well as a Friend to the King of Denmark He insinuated with a great deal of Art that he was oblig'd in Justice to himself and to the Honor of his Family to resent the Affront that was put upon his Father and added That he cou'd never believe that a Person of his Merit wou'd tamely bear the Arrogancy of an Insolent Youth He represented to him afterwards That the Election of an Administrator was a late Invention of the Nobility to elude the Treaty of Calmar That by this means the Kings of Denmark were depriv'd of their undoubted Right to the Crown of Swedon and the Prelates of that Kingdom excluded from the Share which those Princes allow'd 'em in the Government Then finding that his Discourse had made a considerable Impression on the Archbishop's Mind he added as it were to comfort him after such Melancholy Reflexions That in all probability the young Administrator wou'd not continue long in the Possession of his Dignity That the King his Master was resolv'd to insist upon the Execution of the Treaty of Calmar That his Claim wou'd be asserted by Coarlâ— and Ferdinand of Austria whose Sister he had lately marry'd by the Dukes of Saxony his Uncles and the Marquess of Brandenburg his Brother-in-law That he was at Peace with all the Hanse-Towns That the City of Lubeck which formerly pretended to preserve an Equality betwixt the Northern Crowns was not now in a Condition to assist Sweden That the Republick was so weaken'd by the late War in which it was engag'd for the space of ten Years against the King of Denmark that the Regency were wholly taken up with contriving Expedients to re-establish their Trade and wou'd think themselves oblig'd to Christiern if he wou'd consent to confirm and maintain the Peace which they had obtain'd That his Master was endeavouring to make a League with France and England and that as soon as the Truce betwixt Denmark and Sweden expir'd he wou'd enter the last of these Kingdoms at the Head of his Army to maintain his Right and establish his Authority He added That he had Orders to assure him in his Master's Name That his Majesty wou'd entrust him with the Government during his Absence and advance him to the same Post which the Archbishops of Upsal enjoy'd under the Reign of his Predecessors The haughty Prelate listen'd attentively to a Proposal that flatter'd his Ambition He look'd upon the Kindness he had lately receiv'd from the Administrator as a meer forc'd Condescention and instead of loving and honouring him as his Benefactor he began to hate and suspect him as a secret and implacable Enemy of his Family and one who was oblig'd by Interest to humble and oppose him He fancy'd that he might aspire to the Authority which that Prince enjoy'd and even that he might obtain it by devoting himself entirely to the King of Denmark's Service Having consider'd all the advantageous Consequences of such a Revolution he repeated his Protestations to the Envoy that he wou'd imitate the most Zealous of his Predecessors in their inviolable Fidelity to the Crown of Denmark But since he was not well acquainted with the present State of a Kingdom from which he had been so long absent 't was resolv'd and agreed upon betwixt 'em that he shou'd spend some time in reviving and increasing the Danish Faction and that the King shou'd from time to time send private Agents to take an account of the Strength and Condition of their Party and to concert the surest and most convenient Measures to put their Designs in Execution The Danish Envoy having finish'd his Negotiation return'd to his Master and the Arch-Bishop embark'd for Sweden with a full resolution to Plot the ruin of the Administrator Tho' that Prelate was educated at Rome he had made but a slender progress in the Arts of Subtilty and Dissimulation that are so industriously taught at that Court He was naturally of a stiff and violent Temper more learned than Politic proud of the Riches and Power of his Family and absolutely govern'd by his Humor He was extremely imperious and haughty and even incapable of Complaisance he hated his Superiours cou'd not endure his Equals and slighted his Inferiours among whom he reckon'd all those who were not so rich as himself He was so far from regulating his Behaviour to the Administrator according to the Maxims of Policy that he did not so much as observe the common Rules of decency He industriously avoided that Prince who in an obliging manner came out of his Palace to meet him and assoon as he came ashore he went by Land to Upsal without sending any compliment to the Administrator as if he had forgot both his Dignity and Kindness He
and Fomenters of a successful Rebellion that he ought to rid himself of the Senators who were formidable to the Crown by reason of the vastness of their Estates and the Authority they had over the People and that he ought only to leave such Persons in the Kingdom whose Ambition was curb'd by the meanness of their Condition and who cou'd not pretend to any higher Employment than Tilling the Ground and paying Tribute to their Sovereign In the mean time Sigebrite made it her business to confirm the Opinion and Advice of these flattering Courtiers by representing to the King that his Victory wou'd be imperfect and the Consequences of it doubtful and uncertain while there were any Lords in the Kingdom able or willing to dispute the Lawfulness of his Title that the Senators and the principal Noblemen were implacable Enemies to his Authority that he ought to secure his Conquests and compleat his Victory by the Death of those who were in a Condition to oppose him that to prevent all future Disturbances he ought not to spare even those who were most zealous and active in promoting his Interest that the seeming Friendship of the Bishops was only an Effect of the Ancient Emulation and Animosity betwixt them and the Nobility and that those ambitious Prelates wou'd prove the most dangerous Rebels if he shou'd give 'em the least occasion to suspect that he intended to curb their Authority or exclude 'em from a share in the Government The inhumane Politics of this She-Favorite were extremely agreeable to the sierce and cruel Humour of a Prince who look'd upon the Liberty of his Subjects as inconsistent with his Honour and Safety He imagin'd that his Authority was essentially annex'd to the Dignity of his Character without any Dependence upon the Laws of the Kingdom and that his Will was the only Rule and Standard of his Government These were the Principles and Maxims by which he regulated his Actions so that he was easily perswaded to Sacrifice the Senate and most considerable Noblemen of Sweden to the Extravagancy of his Ambition and to secure his Conquests by the Death of so many illustrious Victims But he wanted a specious Pretext to justifie or at least to excuse so barbarous an Attempt for he durst not without a plausible Shew of Reason proceed to the Execution of so many Persons of Quality who had voluntarily submitted to him and rely'd upon the Faith of a solemn Treaty Sigebrite advis'd him to commit the Execution of that inhumane Sentence to the Officers of the Garrison of Stockholm who under the Pretext of a Quarrel betwixt the Soldiers and Inhabitants of the City might encourage the former to execute their Revenge by an Universal Massacre of all the Persons of Note in the Town But notwithstanding the natural Impetuosity of his Temper he was loath to venture upon an Attempt that was clogg'd with so many Difficulties and might probably be attended with dangerous and fatal Consequences He consider'd that the Burghers of that City were numerous and inur'd to War by the late Siege which they had sustain'd that the Garrison might be over-power'd and cut to pieces in the Heat of the Tumult and that the Success of their Resistance might serve as a Signal for a Revolt thro' the whole Kingdom For these Reasons he chose rather to make use of the Pretext of Excommunication and of the pretended Injustice that was done to the Archbishop that the People might be deluded by a certain Appearance of Uniformity and coherency in all his Proceedings and that he might seem to be acted only by a stedfast Zeal for executing the Pope's Bull against the Enemies of that Prelate He spent some Time in Denmark in contriving the most probable Measures and giving necessary Orders to prevent the Commotions that might happen in his Absence and before his Departure disbanded the French Troops that were in his Service This was probably an Effect of his Complaisance to his Brother-in-Law At Francfort June 20 1519. Charles of Austria who not long before had obtain'd the Imperial Dignity for the Soldiers were not only dismiss'd with all the Marks of Contempt and Disrespect but treated rather as Prisoners of War than as Allies and Auxiliary Forces to whose Valour he ow'd the best Part of his Conquests They cou'd neither obtain the Payment of their Arrears nor a Supply of necessary Provisions nor wou'd he furnish 'em with Ships to transport 'em to their own Country so that they were forc'd to wander about the Country like a Company of stragling Vagabonds Many of 'em were starv'd to Death others were Massacr'd by the Danes some were constrain'd to list themselves in the Danish Service and their Officers were oblig'd to encounter with a Thousand Difficulties in bringing home the Rest Assoon as the King had order'd his Affairs in Denmark he prepar'd for his Departure to Sweden that he might be present at the Convention of the Estates which he had call'd in Order to performing of the Ceremony of his Coronation Sigebrite advis'd him to carry Two Danish Senators along with him that the Cruelty of his premeditated Attemâ—t might in some Measure be authoriz'd by their Presence and that the Blame of so inhumane an Action might be laid on these Ministers 'T was by her Advice that he made Choice of Theodore Archbishop of Lunden and Primate of Denmark and the Bishop of Odensee one of his Suffragans the same to whom he had formerly procur'd the Bull of Excommunication to be directed which Pope Leo the Tenth publish'd against the Administrator They were intirely devoted to the Court and were only respected as the Ministers of the King 's irregular Passions He plac'd a great deal of Confidence in the Archbishop of Lunden who was a Person of mean Birth and cou'd neither be reckon'd a Scholar nor a Statesman but to make amends for these Defects he was a most ingenious Contriver of new and refin'd Pleasures and admirably well acquainted with all the Secrets and Improvements of that mysterious Art He ow'd his Advancement and the Favor of his Master to Sigchritc who first brought him to Court to serve her in the Quality of a Spy and afterwards rais'd him from the mean Office of the King's Barber to the Dignity of Archbishop of Lunden And as he had the good Fortune to be supported by so powerful a Benefactress he quickly became the Favorite and Confident of his Master by furnishing him with a constant Supply of fresh and diversify'd Pleasures The King set Sail for Sweden accompany'd with the Queen his Wife and attended by all the Court But Sigebrite declin'd the Voyage either because she was unwilling to expose her self to the Satyrical Mirth of the Swedish Lords who were oftentimes wont to make the King 's extravagant Passion to his old Mistress the Subject of their Wit and Diversion or because that Prince thought fit to leave her at Copenhagen to observe the Motions of the Senate
his Brother-in-Law Regner King of Denmark to oppose the pretended injustice of that Election Great preparations were made on both sides and at last they came to a decisive Battle which put an end to the dispute by the Death of both the Competitors But tho' neither of the two contending Parties cou'd boast of their success Regner look'd upon the defeat of both as an important Victory and during the general disorder made his Son Biorn King of Sweden Biorn IV. Biorn was the Son of Regner King of Denmark and Grandson of Herot King of Sweden He endeavor'd to make himself the absolute Master of his Subjects and treated 'em as conquer'd Slaves But he was at last convinc'd of the impracticableness of that attempt and that he had to do with a People who lov'd their Liberty too well to suffer a stranger to deprive 'em of it for they took up Arms against their Oppressor and forc'd him to retire to Norway Ingiald After the flight of Biorn Ingiald the Grandson of Braut-amund was advanc'd to the Throne at the desire of the whole Nation 'T is said that he was nourish'd in his Youth with the Hearts of Wolves to make him Strong and Fierce and that his Temper and Actions were suitable to his Food and Education The Inauguration of the Prince and the Ceremony of taking Possession of the Crown consisted at that time in a splended Feast to which all the principal Persons of the Kingdom were invited by their new Sovereign Assoon as the Entertainment was over a large Vessel call'd Bragagebar was fill'd with Wine which the Prince was oblig'd to Drink up before he mounted the Throne Then he Swore solemnly to extend the Limits of the Kingdom and to make his Enemies feel the weight of his Sword Ingiald took this Oath at his Accession to the Crown which was accompany'd with all the usual Ceremonies Most of the Provinces in the Kingdom were at that time subject to distinct Kings who only pay'd Homage to the King of Vpsal when they were over-aw'd by his Power Ingiald according to the custom invited 'em to the Solemnity of his Coronation and regal'd 'em with a great deal of Magnificence but the Scene was chang'd at night For the King of Vpsal resolving to rid himself of so many petty Sovereigns who seldom own'd his Authority but when they were forc'd to obey him order'd 'em to be burnt in the House whither they retir'd after the Feast and immediately seiz'd upon their Estates and on the Government of their Provinces This open violation of the Law of Nations and of the publick Liberberty of Sweden render'd the King so odious to his People that when his Dominions were invaded by the King of Denmark they refus'd to Assist him Thus he saw in himself a memorable Instance of the Vanity of a meer titular Sovereignty and of the weakness of a King that does not reign in the Hearts of his Subjects The Danish Army advanc'd without opposition and the unfortunate Ingiald fearing least he shou'd fall into the Hands of his Enemy burnt himself in his House with his whole Family Olaus Tratelia The surname of Trataelia was given him because in imitation of King Braut-amund he disforested several Lands which he bestow'd as Fiefâ— upon his Subjects so that almost all the till'd Ground in the Kingdom was at that time tributary to the Crown Ingo II. The Son and Successor of Olaus He was a Peaceable Prince and consequently despis'd by his fierce Subjects who delighted in nothing else but War Eric VI. He ow'd his Advancement to his own subtlety and to the superstition of the Swedes who took him for a profound Magician He perswaded 'em that the Winds and Tempests were at his disposal and by that means easily gain'd the Respect and Admiration of a rude and barbarous Nation Eric VII surnam'd the Victorious This Prince is somewhat better known in History than his Predecessors He cross'd the Baltick Sea with an Army made a descent into Livoâ—ia and made himself Master of that Province He enlarg'd his Dominions with the Addition of the Provinces of Schonen and Haland which he conquer'd from the Danes and after a long series of Victories did belov'd of his Subjects and fear'd by his Neighbors and Enemies Eric VIII He was converted by two Priests call'd Adelwart and Steven who came from Hamburgh to Preach the Christian Doctrin in Sweden and signaliz'd his Zeal by ordering the Idolatrous Temple at Vpsal to be demolish'd But the People looking upon that Action as a Sacrilegious contempt of their Gods Assassinated the King and the two German Missionaries so that both he and they seem to have a just right to the glorious Title of Martyrs Olaus the Tributary He succeeded his Brother Eric and was so far from being discourag'd by that Prince's cruel and untimely Death that he made open profession of the Christian Religion Some Authors reckon him the first Christian King of Sweden because under his Reign there were several Churches built to the Honor of the true God and the People were generally converted to the Christian Faith by the Ministery of certain English Priests who notwithstanding the seeming Purity of their Zeal were accus'd of promoting their own Interest and carrying on their Politick designs under the specious pretext of propagating the Gospel For 't was by their advice that Olaus made his Kingdom subject to the Holy-See and oblig'd his Subjects to pay a certain Tribute to the Pope which was commonly call'd Peter's Pence But his Successors soon grew weary of that Religious Bondage and abrogated an imposition that was found to be burdensome to the People and prejudicial to the Crown Amund the Burner The Son and Successor of Olaus He was surnam'd the Burner because he ordain'd that when any man injur'd his Neighbor his House shou'd be burnt from whence it may observ'd that the Swedes were still a very rude and barbarous People about the beginning of the eleventh Age. This Prince was kill'd in a Battel against Canut the Rich King of Denmark Emund Slemme The difference betwixt the Crowns of Sweden and Denmark concerning Schonen was terminated by a Treaty to the prejudice of the former which made the King odious to his Subjects For they cou'd not endure that he shou'd acknowledge that Province to belong to the Crown of Denmark which they had always reckon'd a part of Gothland 'T is almost impossible to read the History of these Nations without observing the many advantages that a crafty Politician has over a blunt Soldier for there is hardly one Treaty recorded in their Chronicles in which a considering Reader may not find several remarkable Instances of the subtlety of the Danish Ministers in the Management of Negociations Their Wit did more Execution than the Swedish Valour and with one dash of a Pen they cou'd easily heal the Wounds they receiv'd by the Swords of their Enemies Haquin the Red. After the Death of Emund there was
Counsels and Magistrates of Stockholm and ninety four Lords who had been imprisoned in the Castle 109. 110 The Cruelty and Inhumanity of Christiern ib. he abandons Stockholm to the Fury of his Soldiers 111 A certain Gentleman for bewailing the misfortunes of his Country is by Christiern's order bound to a Stake his privy parts cut off his belly ript up and his heart pull'd out ibid. he commands the Body of the Administrator to be dig'd out of the ground ibid. he gives Orders to drown that Prince's widow ibid. his Covetousness obligeth him to change his resolution and he condemns her to perpetual imprisonment 113 he alters the Form of the Government 114 he oppresseth the People with Taxes ibid. he threatens the Peasants to cut off one of their Feet and one of their Hands 114 he constitutes Theodore Archbishop of Lunden Vice-Roy in his absence ibid. he nominates Thedore and the Bishop of Oldensee to the rich Bishopricks of Stregne and Scara ibid. he sets a price upon the head of Gustavus ibid. he is stiled the Northern Nero many Lords are Massacred by his Order in their Castles ibid. he is surprized with the news of the commotions in Sweden 133 he dares not go in Person to Sweden nor send his Forces out of Denmark ibid. he equally dreads both the Nobility and Clergy ibid. for what reason ibid. he usurps part of the goods of the Archbishop of Lunden 136 the application of a Prophecy of St. Bridget to Christiern 137 he writes to the Vice-Roy of Sweden to order his Army to march to reduce the Mutineers to their Obedience ibid. he threatens Gustavus to put his Mother and Sister to death with Torments if he should appear at the head of the Rebels 109 he causeth these two Princesses to be sowed up in a Sack and cast into the Sea 154 he commands the Danish Officers residing in those places which remain'd in his possession in Sweden to destroy all the Swedes that were in his Troops ibid. Christina the Relict of Prince Steno Administrator of Sweden retires into the Citadel of Stockholm after the death of her Husband 83 Christiern causeth her to be Summon'd to Surrender this Place to him 95 her resolute Answer 96 she is oblig'd to come before Theodore Archbishop of Lunden to give an Account of her Husband's Conduct 107 she appears with a modest and undaunted Countenance ibid. she is Arrested 108 Christiern gives Orders to drown her 112 Admiral Norby saves her Life ibid. After what manner Christiern causeth this Princess to be convey'd into Denmark and condemneth her to perpetual Imprisonment 4 Christopher of Bavaria King of Denmark Sweden and Norway 22 his Reign and Death The Clergy of Sweden ibid. they alone had larger possessions than the King and even than all the other Estates of the Realm together ibid. The Bishops were for the most part Temporal Lords of their Episcopal Cities ibid. every one of them in their respective Diocesses had made themselves Masters of the goods of all Ecclesiastical persons that dyed intestate ibid. They injoy'd the Right of Fines or Mulcts and Confiscations which antiently belong'd to the Prince Demeans ibid. they had acquir'd by pious Foundations and Legacies many Mannours belonging to the Crown 5 The Clergy were allow'd to Augment their estates by donations but never to diminish them by sales and alienations ibid. what the Bishops were wont to exact of the King before they would acknowledg him for their Sovereign ibid. thâ—â— caus'd their Castles to be fortifi'd and kept Garisons in them ibid. they took up Arms against their Neighbours and sometimes even against their King 5 6 the new Authority which Queen Margaret granted to them 19 Canutson K. of Sweden made an attempt to bring down their exorbitant Power 24 the Bishops treated him at 〈◊〉 Heretick ibid. they sent for Christiern King of Denmark and caus'd him to be proclaimed King of Sweden 25 〈◊〉 Canutson is re-establish'd on the Throne but the quality and title of a King are only left to him the Bishops retaining the sole Authority 29 D. DAlecarlia a Province of Sweden 116 a description of it and its Inhabitants 117 the Dalecarlians rise up in Arms against Christiern and acknowledg Gustavus as their Head 127 c. â—hattle between the Dalecarlians and Danes near Westeras 140 the Dalecarlians enter pell-moll with them into the Town 141. they make themselves drunk with Brandy and other strong â—â—quors which remain'd in the Houses of divers Merchants that tracted those Commodities ibid. the Captain of the Castle marches out at the Head of his Garrison and kills a great number of Delecarlians whom he found for the most part drunk unarm'd and without any defence ibid. Gustavus puts a stop to the disorder 142 the Dalecarlians make themselves Masters of the City of Upsal 143 they desire leave of Gustavus to go and get in their Harvest which is granted 'em 146 Denmark the union of Denmark Sweden and Norway under one Soveraign Prince effected by the policy of Margaret Queen of these three Kingdoms 16 E. ERic after Margaret obtains the three Northern Crowns by right of Succession 19 he is driven out of his Dominion by whom and for what reason 20 sequ Eric a Swedish Gentleman F. FRedage a Gentleman proscrib'd by Christiern French Christiern obtains French Troops to the number of four thousand Men 80 the valour and bravery of the French 80 they contribute much to the reducing of Sweden under the obedience of Christiern ibid. the unkind usage they receiv'd from that Prince 103 he refuses to furnish 'em with Provisions to pay 'em their arrears or to provide Vessels to carry them back to their own Country ibid. G. GOthland-west over-run by the Troops of Otho General of the Army of Christiern II. King of Denmark 8â— Gustavus his Age Extraction Employment and excellent Endowments 50 he makes a proposal to furnish the Peasants with Fire-Armes because they usually made use only of Bows and Arrows 60 he defeats the Danes 62 Christiern forms a design to sieze on his Person 74 he proposes an interview with the Administrator in the City of Stockholm and for the security of his Person demands Gustavus as a Hostage ibid Gustavus appears on the shore and the Danish Admiral desires him to enter into his Shallop to goand salute the King 75 he is conducted to Christiern who causes him to be Arrested and Disarmed ibid. Christiern not being able to gain him to his party gives private Orders to take away his Life 76 afterward he is prevail'd with by the Remonstrances of an Officer to keep him Prisoner in the Castle of Copenhagen ibid. Eric Banner a Danish Lord his near kinsman desires him of the King upon his parole and obtains his request 76 upon what conditions 77 Gustavus having receiv'd information of the Calamities of his native Country and of the death of the Administrator is extâ—â—nâ—ly troubled 8 〈…〉 tho' mitigated by the kindâ— so of
the Defeat and ABDICATION of his Father King Magnus the States of Norwey intrusted her with the Regency of the Kingdom and the Guardianship of her Son Olaus And during her Administration of the Government she made so good Use of her Time and manag'd her designs with so much Dexterity and Success that when the young Prince dyed the Norwegians found they were not at liberty to proceed to a new Choice She was Mistress of the Army and of the Forts or places of Strength so that the Principal Lords of the Kingdom who were not gain'd to her party durst not seem dissatisfi'd nor so much as indifferent at a Time when they cou'd not without Danger discover their true Sentiments Thus Margaret was elected by the Estates and exchang'd the Quality of a Regent for that of a Sovereign Queen having already born the same Title as the Wife of King Haquin King Valdemar her Father dying the same Year without leaving any Prince of his Blood whom the Danes might chuse for his Successor she sent Deputies to the States General of the Kingdom to Solicite her Election to that Crown Henry of Mackelburgh the Elder brother of Albert King of Sweden and Husband of her Elder Sister the Princess Ingelburge employ'd his interest to obtain the same Dignity and flattering himself with the advantage he had of being a Son-in-Law to the deceas'd King thought he might easily contend with a Female Competitor But the Queen's Agents drew such convincing Arguments from the Merit and perhaps also from the Money of their Mistress that she was unanimously elected by the whole Assembly and proclam'd Queen of Denmark in the Meeting of the Estates As soon as she receiv'd the News of her Advancement she left Norwey and went immediately to Copenhagen where she fixt the Seat of her Empire This Princess who by some is call'd the Semiramis of the North besides the usual Ambition of her Sex was Mistress of a Dexterity in the Management of Affairs and of a Capacity to form a long Series of coherent Projects that are rarely observ'd in a Woman Her Inclinations to Love were sutable to her Character and Dignity that is she was not really in love with any thing but Glory or sensible of any Passion but her Ambition to extend the limits of her Empire and advance her Authority She rejoyc'd in secret at the Dissatisfaction of the Swedes and endeavour'd to gain some of the Leading Men of that Nation She bestow'd Pensions and an honourable Entertainment on those that were ill treated by King Albert and openly blam'd his injustice in violating the Liberty and Privileges of his Subjects That Prince was daily laying new Impositions upon his People without the consent either of the Estates or Senat and had already Squeez'd considerable Sums out of the Clergy by way of Loans But nothing render'd him more odious both to the Bishops and Nobility than his Reuniting to the Crown the third part of those Fees or Estates to which the Clergy and Gentry claim'd a right by vertue of so long a Possession This was the fatal signal of an universal Revolt the Swedes conspir'd unanimously against him resolving to drive him out of the Kingdom and to offer the Crown to Queen Margaret They imagin'd that she had already so much business in Denmark that she wou'd content her self with almost the bare Title of Queen of Sweden And tho' she shou'd endeavour to stretch the Prerogative too far they concluded that the Danes and Norwegians wou'd unite all their Forces to keep their common Soveraign in a dependence on the Estates and Senate of each Kingdom In pursuance of this Design they secretly deputed some of the most considerable Lords of the Kingdom to offer her the Crown and she receiv'd the Proposal with joy as the most probable means to secure the Peace of Denmark For the violent Animosity that reign'd betwixt the Subjects of both Nations was of as ancient a date as the Foundation of the two Kingdoms and that Antipathy which is usually observ'd betwixt Neighbouring States had all along been a perpetual source of War which had oftentimes prov'd fatal to Denmark And besides this prudent Princess concluded that her new Advancement might one day furnish her with an opportunity to unite Sweden to Denmark These considerations made her resolve to give a favourable answer to the Proposals of the Male contents She agreed with their Deputies that the Nobility shou'd rise up in Arms that they shou'd acquaint King Albert with his Deposition that the Army and Estates shou'd publickly acknowledge her to be their Soveraign and that after her Election she shou'd be oblig'd to send a considerable Body of Troops to support and defend ' em The Treaty being sign'd the Swedes immediately took up arms against the King and sent a Herald to intimate and declare that they renounc'd the Allegiance they had sworn to him At the same time they proclaim'd Margaret de Valdemar Queen of Sweden and assoon as they had receiv'd the Reinforcement which they expected from that Princess the united Armies march'd towards West-Gothland where King Albert was drawing his Forces together to oppose ' em That Prince had taken all possible care to put himself in a posture of defence he had rais'd a considerable Body of Troops obtain'd the Assistance of several German Princes who were either his Relations or Allies and engag'd the Isle of Gothland for the payment of twenty Thousand Rose-Nobles of the Coin of England which he borrow'd of the Knights of the Teutonick Order to maintain the Charge of the War But all these preparations could not divert his impending Fate The two Armies met near Falcopinc and Albert was not only defeated but had the Misfortune to fall into the Hands of his Enemies with his Son Prince Eric and the principal Lords of his Party The Princes of the House of Meckelburgh and Gerard Count of Holstein endeavour'd to revive the drooping Hopes of this unfortunate Prince They levy'd new Troops and obtain'd considerable Succours from the Hans-Towns who were jealous of the Queen's Power and dreaded the successful progress of her Arms. Thus Sweden was made a prey to several different and Jarring Nations who seem'd only to agree in a Design to ruin that Kingdom and amid'st so many Disasters the poor Inhabitants cou'd not distinguish their Friends from their Enemies The War lasted almost seven Years with extraordinary Fury and a vast expence of Blood And the Peace that succeeded was rather an effect of the Weariness of the two contending Parties than of any Abatement of the Rage that animated ' em Albert was at last constrain'd to exchange his Crown for his Liberty and retir'd to his Native Country after which Queen Margaret's Title to the Crowns of the Three Kingdoms of the North was universally own'd and acknowledg'd The Swedes seeing themselves subject to a Princess that had no Children and fearing that after her Death King Albert or the Prince
his Son might renew their pretensions to the Crown intreated her to secure the happiness of the Kingdom by an advantageous Match This Proposal however intended was not at all welcome to the Queen She was too fond of the Sovereign Power to share it with a Husband Yet that she might not seem to slight the Petition of her new Subjects she consented to appoint her Successor But at the same Time she resolv'd to chuse a Prince whose tender Age might secure the quiet of her Government and keep him from attempting to mount the Throne during her Life In pursuance of this Resolution she sent for Prince Henry of Pomerania the Son of Wartislas VII and of Mary of Meckelburgh the Daughter of Henry of Meckelburgh and of Ingelburge the Queen's Elder Sister She order'd him to be call'd Eric a Name which Twelve Kings of Sweden had already born resolving to educate him at her Court and to make him the Heir of the Three Northern Crowns The Form of Government in these Kingdoms was almost the same All three were Elective and every Nation had its Senate without whose advice or the consent of the Estates the Prince cou'd not undertake any important Affair In order to the Accomplishment of her great Design the Queen spent some time in gaining Creatures and securing the interest of some of the Leading Men of each Nation And assoon as she found her Project ripe for Execution she call'd a Meeting or Convention of the Estates of her Three Kingdoms to be held at Calmar in Sweden whither Forty Deputies of each Nation repair'd to establish a Fundamental Law for the uniting of the Three Kingdoms under one Monarch The Queen presented the young Duke of Pomerania to the Convention and entreated 'em to confirm her Choice She endeavour'd with a great deal of Eloquence to make 'em sensible of the advantages they might expect by obeying the same Sovereign and put 'em in mind of the happy consequences of her Election which had establish'd the public Tranquillity and compos'd all those fatal Animosities that are wont to disturb the quiet of Neighbouring States She represented to 'em the inviting prospect they had of making themselves Masters of all the Trade of the Baltic Sea and that the Hanse-Towns cou'd never afterwards enrich themselves by their Divisions adding that the only way to perpetuate these advantages and to make the Union solid and durable was to unite the Three Kingdoms into one Monarchy by a solemn and Fundamental Law The Presence of so great a Princess the solidity of her Arguments the Applauses and Interest of her Creatures either gain'd or commanded the Consent of all the Deputies The Election of the Duke of Pomerania was unanimously approv'd and the Three Kingdoms of the North were united under that Prince and his Successors by a Fundamental Law which was receiv'd by the Three Nations and confirm'd by the most solemn Oaths This Celebrated Union of Calmar instead of establishing a lasting Concord betwixt the Northern Kingdoms was the fatal occasion of those bloody Wars that kept Sweden and Denmark in a perpetual Flame for above a hundred Years It consisted of Three Main Articles which seem'd to have been fram'd on purpose to secure the liberty and Independence of each Nation By the First 't was ordain'd that these three Kingdoms which by the constitution of their Government were Elective shou'd afterwards be Subject to one King who shou'd be elected by turns in each Kingdom and that the Royal Dignity shou'd not be appropriated to any one Nation to the prejudice or Exclusion of the rest unless the deceast Prince shou'd leave Children or Relations whom the Convention of the three Estates shou'd judge worthy to succeed him The Second oblig'd the Soveraign to share his Presence betwixt the three Realms and to spend the Revenue of each Crown in the respective Kingdom without exporting the Money he receiv'd or applying it to any other use than the particular advantage and benefit of the Kingdom where 't was levy'd And by the Third and most important Article 't was provided that each Kingdom shou'd retain its Senate Laws Customs and Privileges that the Governors Magistrates Generals Bishops Soldiers and Garrisons shou'd be Natives of the Kingdom where they were employ'd and that the King shou'd never dispose of any of these Posts to Foreigners or to the Subjects of his other Kingdoms who shou'd be reputed Foreigners and Aliens to the Government of the Countrey where they were not born The Swedes were extremely pleas'd to think that the Royal Prerogative was so effectually restrain'd by this Treaty that the Soveraign cou'd never afterwards invade the liberties of the Subject But they were soon convinc'd of their Error and both saw and felt the fatal Consequences of their mistaken Policy The Queen was too Powerful and Ambitious to content her self with so limited an Authority She was scarce settl'd upon the Throne of Sweden when she began to extend her Power and endeavour'd with an extraordinary Application to make her self the Absolute Mistress of the Kingdom She seiz'd on all the Principal Forts which she cunningly got out of the Hands of the Gentry by proposing some tempting Exchange that might enrich their Families but lessen their Power and augment their Dependance on the Court She bestow'd most of the Vacant Governments on Danish Lords against the Proviso expresly mention'd in the Treaty of Calmar and by degrees remov'd the Swedish Nobility from all the considerable Places of Honour and Trust in the Kingdom Abraham Broderson a young Swedish Lord who had a very graceful Mien and was admirably well shap'd had the peculiar honour of her Favor She gave him the Government of Haland and made him her only Confident But her extraordinary kindness to a Man whose Handsomeness was his only Merit instead of obliging the rest of his Countrimen furnish'd the disaffected party with a new pretext to censure her Behaviour and murmur against the Government At last they adventur'd to express their dissatisfaction to the Queen her self They went in a Body to attend her and laid before her the Titles by which they held their Priviledges and a Copy of the Treaty of Calmar the Violation of which gaul'd 'em extreamly But that cunning and imperious Princess was too well acquainted with her own Power to dread the Effects of their Impotent Rage and instead of returning a Satisfactory Answer to their Address she told 'em in a slighting and disdainful Manner That she wou'd advise 'em to keep their Charters and Titles as carefully as she intended to keep the Forts of the Kingdom She govern'd ever afterwards with an absolute Power and endeavour'd to secure and confirm her Authority by keeping the Nobility at a distance from the management of State-Affairs and empoverishing the Common People that they might not be able to carry on a design against the Government But since these Politic cautions were not sufficient to restrain a Nation that had been
Dignity of Administrator was properly a Commission during the Inter-Regnum or Vacancy of the Throne which might be revok'd and made void by the Estates He was by his Office the General of the Kingdom and had a more immediate Authority over the Soldiers and Officers who took an Oath of Fidelity to him The Arch-Bishop of Upsal as Chief Senator which was a Dignity annex'd to his Office had the Precedency in publick Solemnities and on Days of Ceremony but in Time of War the Sovereign Power was lodg'd in the Person of the Administrator and he enjoy'd all the Authority of a King tho' he durst not assume the Title The Swedes were so afraid of absolute Power that they dreaded the very Name of a King and imagin'd that they enjoy'd a greater Liberty under an Administrator tho' his Authority was not Inferior to that of a King and might be advanc'd as high as he had the Courage and Dexterity to raise it Christiern the First endeavour'd sometimes by Treaties and sometimes by Force to abolish that Dignity and re-establish the Union of Calmar The Bishops were still devoted to his Interest and declar'd in his Favour as often as they cou'd discover their Inclinations without Danger During the space of Four and Forty Years that Monarch and King John the Second his Son govern'd Sweden by Turns with the Administrator Steno and Suanto Sture For it happen'd not unfrequently that the King of Denmark and the Administrator were at the same Time Masters of several Provinces according as the Faction of the Bishops or the Party of the Nobility prevail'd In the mean time neither of 'em cou'd make themselves Absolute in a Kingdom where the Sovereigns were oftentimes oblig'd to part with some Branch of their Prerogative to purchase the Obedience of their Subjects Such was the State of Sweden when it began to be made the Theatre of the most memorable Revolutions that ever happen'd in the North which may be justly reckon'd the Foundations of the Swedish Monarchy Charles XI King of Sweden of the Palatine Branch of Deuxponts is the Grand-son of Catherine de Vasa the Daughter of Charles of Sudermania and Wife of Casimir Count Palatine of the Rhine and of the Grandeur of that Family which at present possesses the Throne After the Death of Swanto Sture the last Administrator of Sweden the Factions and Parties which by his Power and Policy he had broken and disperst began to break forth with fresh Violence He ow'd his Advancement to his own Merit and to the need the Kingdom had of his Protection For he was chosen Administrator at a time when that Dignity seem'd to be instituted on purpose to oppose the Attempts of the Danes His Victories over the Muscovites rais'd his Glory and Reputation and made his Memory Illustrious His Power was almost equal to the Authority of the most Absolute Monarchs He was Fortunate in War and respected in Peace he oblig'd John II. King of Denmark by the Terror of his Arms to make a Truce with Sweden and establish'd Peace and Plenty among his People The Nobility and Peasants look'd upon him as the Protector of the Publick Liberty and his Merit procur'd him the Friendship of some of the Bishops whom he had perswaded to disingage themselves from the Danish Faction He never undertook any important Affair without imparting his Designs to James Ulfonis Archbishop of Upsal and Heming Gadde Bishop of Lincopine For tho' those Prelates were Enemies to his Dignity they cou'd not forbear loving and esteeming his Person He shew'd an extraordinary Respect to the Senate and affected so little Superiority over the Noble men that he seem'd only to excel 'em in Merit tho' he was willing that People shou'd know that this was rather an Effect of his Moderation than of Weakness and Meanness of Spirit He kept always a considerable Body of Standing Forces that his Enemies might never find an Opportunity to Surprize him before he was prepar'd to receive ' em His Court and Houshold were compos'd of the Officers of his Army he maintain'd 'em with his own Revenues in time of Peace and made 'em his Ministers and Favorites These prudent Maxims which he observ'd in the Management of all his Affairs made him the Terror of the Danes and their Faction who durst never engage in any Attempt against Sweden during his Government After his Death the Senate call'd a Meeting or Convention of the Estates at Arboga to proceed to the Choice of a Successor The Bishops led by the Consideration of their private Interest endeavour'd to support the Claim of the Kings of Denmark under whose Reign they had always the largest Share in the Government and lest no Means unattempted to revive the Union of Calmar They represented to the Estates that Plenty and a flourishing Trade were the happy Effects of the Observance of that Treaty in Norway that this was the only Way to change the present Truce with Denmark to a solid Peace which cou'd not but be extreamly Advantageous to Sweden and that on the contrary the Election of an Administrator wou'd make the Kingdom the Seat of a bloody and pernicious War so long as there were any Kings in Denmark able to maintain the Justice of their Pretensions to the Crown of Sweden But these Arguments were not much regarded by the rest of the Assembly who were convinc'd that these designing Prelates wou'd for their own Interest bring the Nation under a Yoak that was Grievous and Insupportable to all the other Estates of the Kingdom The greatest part of the Deputies declar'd aloud That they wou'd have an Administrator and the Bishops were forc'd to comply with the prevailing Opinion The Archbishop of Upsal was the first that gave his Vote and declar'd in Favour of the Senator Eric Trolle who was a prudent and deserving Person and besides recommended by his Age Birth Riches and Alliance to the late Administrator The Archbishop to prevent any Opposition that might be made against that Senator's Advancement assur'd the Friends and Relations of the late Administrator that 't was only the Respect he had for the Memory of that Great Man which made him name Trolle for his Successor adding That by this means Swanto's Son who by reason of his Youth cou'd not be suppos'd to be yet Master of so much Skill and Experience as was requir'd for the Discharge of so great a Trust wou'd have an Excellent Opportunity to fit himself for the Management of Affairs and to learn the Art of War under the Inspection of his Kinsman who by reason of his old Age cou'd not keep him long from the Possession of his Father's Dignity But this was only a specious Pretence to cover his hidden Designs He had resum'd the old Maxims of the Clergy after the Death of Swanto or rather began now to discover those Inclinations which he durst not own under the Reign of that wise and powerful Prince Eric Trolle was his intimate Friend and
he was not ignorant of his secret Affection and Dependence on the King of Denmark by reason of a considerable Estate which he had in that Kingdom 'T is true that Lord was a very Wise and Judicious Person but he had neither Courage nor Resolution and both his Age and Inclination made him Incapable of engaging in a War with Denmark Besides the Archbishop concluded That the Fear of losing his Estate in Denmark and the sure Prospect of a considerable Recompence wou'd have so great an Influence over him that he wou'd be easily perswaded to accept of this Dignity by way of Trust and afterwards make use of the Power it gave him to make the King of Denmark Master of the Kingdom But all these Politick Contrivances were frustrated by the unconquerable Aversion with which the Swedes were possess'd against all that were suspected to favour the Danish Interest The Lay-Senators the Nobility the Deputies of the Provinces and Consuls of Steckholm agreed unanimously to exclude Eric Trolle and at the same time declar'd for the young Prince Steno The Bishops and their Faction persisted obstinately in the Choice of Trolle and the Heat of the Two contending Parties began to occasion a terrible Disorder in the Assembly But the Noble-men and Deputies maintain'd the Interest of Prince Steno with so much Zeal and Vigor that the Bishops finding they cou'd not safely oppose his Advancement any longer submitted to the plurality of Voices and even seem'd to approve what they cou'd not prevent Thus the young Prince was at last invested with a Dignity which he ow'd to the Merit and Memory of his Father July 21. Not long after the Disaffected Party began to raise new Disâ—â—â—â—bances and to dispute the Validity of the Election pretending that it was carry'd on by indirect Methods and that the Electors were either byass'd or over-aw'd 'T is hard to divine what might have been the Event of a Contest about so consiâ—â—â—â— le a Prize as the Supreme Power But 't is probable the Animosity of the two Contending Factions might at last have occasion'd a Civil War especially in an Elective Kingdom where People are generally so unwilling to acknowledge a Man for their Sovereign whom they us'd to cousider as their Equal if the Difference had not been compos'd by the Mediation of the Common Friends of both Parties By the Articles of this Agreement the young Administrator was oblig'd to consent that the Archbishop shou'd resign his Benefice and Dignity to Eric Trolle's Son 'T was hop'd that the Son's Advancement wou'd soften the Father's Anger and make him bear his Disappointment with less Impatience And this was reckon'd the surest Expedient to establish a good Understanding betwixt the two Families and to preserve the Peace of the Nation But notwithstanding all these pretended Advantages the Promotion of young Trolle was oppos'd by the greatest part of the Nobility and Gentry who look'd upon this Agreement as a Condescention beneath their Courage and injurious to the Reputation of their Party They assur'd the Administrator that they were able to maintain his Right with their Swords in the Field against the Bishops and the Danish Faction And some ofâ—em who penetrated deeper into the Intrigues of State and were better acquainted with the Art of Government told him in private That the Fate of his Predecessors shou'd deter him from conferring the principal Dignity of the Church upon a Person that was already possest of the highest Advantages both of Birth and Fortune That since the fatal Trâ—aty of Calmar the Archbishops had bâ—â—n the Authors and Fomenters of all the Intestine Wars that had harafs'd the Kingdom under the Reign and Administration of his Predecessors That young Trolle was reputed a turbulent and daring Person That those who consider'd the Zeal with which the Clergy and Danish Faction solicited his Preferment cou'd not but suspect his Fidelity to the present Government And that 't was absolutely inconsistent with the most obvious Rules of Prudence to advance a Man that was in a manner oblig'd both by Interest and Natural Affection to hate the Person who was the only Obstacle of the Grandeur of his Family These were the principal Arguments with which these Grave Politicians endeavour'd to convince the Administrator of the Dangerous Consequences of the propos'd Agreement But in this as well as in most other cases it appear'd that the Force of Reason is not able to curb the unbridld Heat of Youth The young Prince wanted Experience and was unwilling to be govern'd by that of others He was dazl'd with the Splendor of his new Dignity and cou'd not think himself secur'd in the Possession of his beloved Grandeur so long as his Title was controverted by so powerful a Rival His mind was so taken up with the Pleasures of a present Enjoyment that he was not at leisure to think of future Dangers and perhaps he was so deluded by the seeming Generosity of the Action that he was incapable of foreseeing the Hazard to which it expos'd him But whatever were the Inducements that betray'd him into this Error 't is certain that the Archbishop resign'd with his Consent and that Trolle was elected by the Chapter upon his Recommendation He wrote to Pope Leo X. in his Favour and remitted a considerable Sum of Money to the new Prelate who was then at Rome that he might be able to appear in an Equipage suitable to his Dignity and to the Honor and Reputation of the Kingdom The old Archbishop sent a secret Message to his Successor by one of his Confidents with private Orders to pass by the Court of Denmark with which the Swedish Clergy kept an uninterrupted Correspondence The Election of the Administrator and the Advancement of Trolle to the Archbishoprick of Upsal were News of too great Importance to the King of Denmark not to be imparted to him with all possible haste King John had not long before left the Crown to his Son Christiern II. whose Temper was a sufficient Indication of his future Misfortunes He was naturally Sowre Fierce and untractable his Courage proceeded rather from Transports of Fury than from a magnanimous Desire of Glory and he seem'd only to make War that he might feed his Eyes with the Bloody Horrors of Death His Birth and the Choice of the Danes had put him in Possession of two Crowns but he cou'd not think himself Happy in a Kingdom where the Sovereign Power was restrain'd by the Laws and by the Authority of the Senate On the contrary he look'd upon Sweden as a Country where by the Success of his Arms and Right of Conquest he might one day have the Pleasure to Rule with a boundless and unbridl'd Power He waited with an extream Impatience till the Truce which his Father made with the late Administrator shou'd expire that he might put his Designs against that Kingdom in Execution The Advancement of Trolle who was descended of a Family and engag'd in a Party that
in the Court of Rome And therefore instead of endeavouring to unriddle the mystery by over-reaching that crafty Minister in an art of which he was an absolute Master he resolv'd to attack him on the weak side and in pursuance of that design he intreated him by the advice of the Senate to distribute his indulgences in the Kingdom assuring him that during that time he wou'd take such measures as might be conducive to the publick good and agreeable to the inclinations of the holy Father This contrivance had all the success that cou'd be desir'd The Legate was extreamly glad of so favourable an opportunity of continuing his gainful trade with so fair a prospect of Advantage which was the only design of his Legation to the Northern Countries He was afraid that if the Two Nations shou'd come to an open Rupture 't would be impossible for him to pursue his Commission in Sweden and that the tumultuous confusion of War wou'd deprive him of the profits of his Mission for which 't was thought he had advanc'd a considerable Summ to the Apostolical Chamber And therefore as soon as he had obtain'd the consent of the Administrator and Senate he publish'd his Bulls thro the whole Kingdom and his Officers took care to disperse 'em thro all the Provinces Those under-Collectors or Licens'd Beggars whom he carry'd about with him were certain persons who had farm'd the right of publishing his Bulls and were oblig'd to purchase their Leases for a considerable summ of Money 'T was always his Custom to agree with the highest bidder without regarding the qualifications of those mercenary Preachers provided they cou'd give him sufficient security for the payment of his Money The Administrator either out of Policy or Devotion seem'd very desirous of obtaining these indulgences He was very liberal on that occasion and in imitation of his example the Senators and all the Nobility laid out considerable summs of Money on these Commodities The common people who are usually the best customers at such Markets emptied their pockets to secure their Souls every one was willing to contribute to the pious design and even the wildest Debauches seem'd to grow fond of the modish Devotion which the Administrator had brought into fashion and were easily perswaded to submit to a pennance that tended only to mortifie their purses Arcemboldi amass'd a prodigious Treasure in Sweden Vit. Archiep. Vpsal Joan. Magni and the Administrator suffer'd him to export the Money in Specie without paying any Customs or Duties This was a very considerable favour for all the Princes of Germany exacted a third part of the profits of the indulgences that were publish'd in their Dominions And as a further mark of his kindness he sent several magnificent presents to the Legate and among the rest a considerable quantity of rich Furs and a very large Table of massy Silver The Administrator imagining that he had absolutely gain'd the Legate by so many obliging Demonstrations of his Favour and by the richness of his presents some time after took an occasion to discourse with him in private After he had complain'd of the Arch-Bishop's ingratitude he told the Legate that he had receiv'd a full information of that Prelate's pernicious designs and that he was resolv'd either to bring him to a sence of his duty or to make him leave the Kingdom Arcemboldi was so charm'd with that Prince's liberality that he acknowledg'd the Justice of his resolution and even couâ—d not forbear discovering the King of Denmark's secret He thought his Conscience oblig'd him to bestow his favours where he receiv'd the most bountiful returns and perhaps was afraid that the Administrator was already acquainted with the instructions he had receiv'd from the King of Denmark and wou'd stop the Money he had rais'd in the Kingdom if he shou'd still continue to conceal so dangerous a secret Resolving then to make the best advantage of a discovery which perhaps he cou'd not prevent he gave the Prince a full account of the King of Denmark's designs of the correspondence he entertain'd with the Swedish Clergy and of the infidelity of the Governours of the Castles of Stockholm and Nicopinc Yet for his own security he made the Administrator promise to carry on his design with so much prudence and caution that the Arch-Bishop might not have the least occasion to suspect that he had betray'd King Christiern's Secret At his Return to Denmark he seem'd to be extreamly afflicted with the ill success of his Negotiation He told the King that the Administrator was so exasperated against the Arch-Bishop that there was no hope of a speedy Reconciliation that in his opinion that Prelate was an obstacle to the Re-establishment of the Treaty of Calmar that he kept himself constantly shut up in the Castle of Steque from whence he seem'd to threaten the Administrator with a Civil War that he did not think it convenient to go thither least Steno shou'd have suspected his design that the Administrator was possess'd with an extraordinary Aversion against the person of that Prelate and that he had Reason to believe that though 't were possible to prevail with the Prince to resign his dignity he wou'd never be perswaded to consent to that proposal while he thought it might prove advantageous to his Enemy The King of Denmark perceiving the ill success of the Legate's Negotiation concluded that he cou'd never make himself Master of Sweden but at the head of a powerful Army He consider'd also that the Truce was not yet expir'd and that he cou'd not begin the War without the consent and approbation of the Estates of Denmark and therefore he gave private orders to his Admiral to affront the first Swedish Ships he should meet with not doubting but that the Administrator wou'd endeavour to revenge such an indignity by way of Reprizal or Retaliation either by Land or Sea which wou'd oblige the Estates and Senate of Denmark to declare War against Sweden In the mean time the Administrator took all possible care to frustrate the designs of his Enemies and resolv'd to make the best improvement of the Legate's discovery without betraying his secret He inform'd the Senate that several persons in the Kingdom were engag'd in a Conspiracy against the State and that the Governours of Stockholm and Nicopinc had betray'd their Trust and were ready to receive the Enemies into the places which they commanded The Senate was alarm'd at the News of so black a design and pray'd him to secure the Traytors He pretended to take a review of the Garison of Nicopinc and as soon as the Governour and Soldiers came out of the Fort he order'd a new Garrison to take possession of the place under the Command of a Governour who was absolutely devoted to his Interest At the same time he gave orders to arrest the Governour of the Castle of Stockholm Septemia who attended at Court according to his usual Custom Then he call'd a
meeting of the Estates at Westeras the Capital City of Westmannia where those two Governours were accus'd of contriving and abetting a Treasonable design against their Countrey and Commissioners were appointed to draw their Indictment The fear of punishment and the hope of a pardon made so strong an impression upon 'em that they confess'd their design to deliver up these places to the King of Denmark and accus'd the Arch-Bishop as the Author and Fomenter of the Conspiracy The Administrator having this advantage over him resolv'd to proceed against him with the utmost Rigour and in order to his Conviction order'd him to be summon'd to give an account of his Behaviour to the Estates Some of the Senators who were sensible of the dangerous tendency of these divisions and dreaded the fatal consequences of an open Rupture endeavour'd under-hand to perswade the Arch-Bishop to submit to the Administrator and even offer'd him a safe Conduct sign'd by the principal Members of the Estates hoping to divert the threatning storm and to gain the stubborn Prelate by easie and gentle methods The Arch-Bishop was enrag'd to find that his designs were blasted by too early a discovery he complain'd to his Friends of the King of Denmark's remissness and neglect and immediately sent one of his Creatures to that Prince to acquaint him with the danger to which his party in Sweden was expos'd and to hasten his March to that Kingdom In the mean time to amuse the Senate he desir'd that a new Convention of the Estates might be summon'd under pretext that the greatest part of the deputies that compos'd the Assembly at Westeras were either the Creatures or Relations of his declar'd Enemy The Estates were so incens'd at the Pride and Obstinacy of that religious Prelate that they resolv'd to secure his person and bring him to a Tryal They intreated the Administrator to invest the place where he resided and at the same time orders were given out to apprehend his Father and such of his Friends and Relations as were suspected to be privy to his designs against the Government or might be suppos'd to be able and willing to take up Arms in his Defence And since they foresaw that these Proceedings would infallibly occasion a Rupture with the King of Denmark the Administrator was desir'd to raise the Militia and to put the Kingdom in such a posture that it might not be in danger to be surpriz'd by its Enemies The Breach betwixt the Arch-Bishop and the Estates gave the Prince an occasion to revenge a private quarrel under the plausible pretext of punishing a publick Enemy and that he might not lose so favourable an opportunity he gave Orders immediately for a general Rendezvous of all the Nobility and Militia of the Kingdom His Friends and Relations repair'd to his Assistance at the head of their Forces every one striving to signalize his Fidelity to his Country and Affection to the Prince in a War that was undertaken to maintain his Election and defend the Liberty of the Nation Among all the Noblemen who assisted the Administrator on this occasion there was none who expressed a more vigorous Zeal for his Interest then Gustavus Ericson the great Standard Bearer of the Crown A young Lord about Six and Twenty Years of Age descended from the ancient Kings of Sweden and particularly from King Canutson who was his great Uncle He was the Son of Eric Vasa Governour of Finland and Cousin Germain to the Administrator with whom he was educated He had naturally a high and daring Spirit his Soul was postess'd with an eager desire of Glory and infinitely more sensible of the Manly Delights of Ambition than of the softer Charms of Pleasure The Administrator divided his Favour and Confidence betwixt him and his Father but the old Age of that Senator and a certain Timorousness that appear'd in all his Actions made such an impression upon the Prince that tho he did not esteem him less for these Disadvantages he took more pleasure in Gustavus who with an equal solidity of Judgment was Master of more Courage and Strength of Mind and never propos'd any Designs or Expedients but what were suitable to the Bravery and agreeable to the Inclinations of his young Master 'T was by his Advice that the Prince resolv'd to give Fire Arms to the Peasants who till then had only or for the most part made use of Bows and Arrows The Administrator order'd a considerable number of Musquets to be brought to Lubeck and put on Board a Ship which 〈◊〉 Sail immediately for Stockholm but was taken by the Danish Admiral as she came out of the Mouth of the Trave which passes by Lubeck This Act of Hostility serv'd for a Declaration and Signal of a Bloody War which began betwixt the two Nations notwithstanding the opposition made by the Estates of Denmark who were desirous to continue the Truce The Administrator was not so discourag'd by this Loss as to give over the design he had form'd against the Arch-Bishop He put himself at the head of the Militia or Infantry which was the most numerous Body in his Army and gave the Command of the Horse to Gastavus The Bishops of Stregnez and Lincopinc march'd before under pretext of interposing their Interest and Mediation to bring their Primate to a Sence of his Duty but their real Design was to give him notice of the Strength and Condition of the Administrator's Forces For though the Prelates were engag'd both by Interest and Inclination in the Danish Faction as well as the Arch-Bishop they were more Politick and Cunning and took care to conceal their real Sentiments the discovery of which cou'd neither be advantageous to their Party nor safe for themselves at a time when the whole Nation was in Arms for the Administrator At their arrival at Steque they intreated the Administrator to excuse 'em for not declaring against that Prince according to their agreement at Upsal assuring him that they only waited till the King of Denmark shou'd enter the Kingdom to support ' em They advis'd him to reflect upon the Power and Strength of the Administrator who in few days wou'd appear before the Wâ—â—â—s of his Castle at the head of a numerous Army and concluded with telling him that 't would be an Action worthy his Prudence to divert the impending Storm and amuse the young Prince with a seeming Submission from which he might easily disengage himself as soon as they should meet with a more favourable juncture to put their desirous in Execution The Arch-Fishop rejected the Advice of his positick Subingans with Anger and Disdain and chid 'em for their Weakness which he branded with the names of Treason and Cowardice He told 'em he had to â—â—ived Advice by an Envoy from Denmark that Christiern was preparing to invade Sweden with all his Forces that his Fleet was fitted out and ready to make a Descent that the Administrator was 〈◊〉 in a Condition to oppose so potent
care of publishing iâ— and that Prince was desir'd to put it in execution and to treat the disobedient Swedes as Excommunicated persons and obstinate Schismaticks The suddenness of so terrible a blow surpriz'd all Europe and the Swedes were extreamly offended at the last article of the Bull which committed the execution of it to the King of Denmark They said that it did not become the common Father of Christendom to side with either of the contending parties much less to make â—se of his power which was altogether spiritual to protect a Rebel and a Traytor and to authorize a Prince who endeavour'd to make himself master of their liberties and Fortunes The Senate issu'd out a strict order prohibiting all persons to give obedience to the Bull under severe penalties and the Administrator took all possible care to put himself in a condition to oppose the Danish Army without which he was not much afraid of all the Thunders of the Vatican The Legate perceiving that 't wou'd be scandalous to reside longer at the Court of a Prince whâ—m his Master had Excommunicated was forc'd to leave Sweden and to relinquish his expectation of the Arch-Bishoprick of Upsal At his return to Denmark he found King Christiern drawing his forces together in order to his expedition against Sweden Assoon as that Prince receiv'd the Pope's Bull he enter'd into that Kingdom at the head of his Army May. and immediately began to destroy the Countrey with Fire and Sword to stun the Swedes with terrible apprehensions of his vengeance But at the same time to give some colour of Justice and Religion to those Barbarities which he committed purely out of Revenge he caus'd the Bull to be solemnly affix'd in all the places where he left the marks of his Fury as if he had only come with a design to execute the Pope's orders Some time after he sate down with all his Forces before Stockholm hoping that the Terrour of his Arms the Consternation of the Citizens and especially the fear of Excommunication wou'd occasion some Tumult that might be improv'd to his advantage But the Governour and Magistrates of the City took such effectual measures to keep the people in order that there was not the least appearance of any disturbance The Inhabitants were possest with so strong an aversion against the Danes that they resolv'd to desend the Town to the last extremity and the Burghers mingl'd with the Soldiers of the Garrison made frequent and funous Sallies The Besiegers found every where an incredible resistance every Foot of Ground which they gain'd cost 'em the Lives of a great number of their Men and they were oftentimes beaten out of those posâ—s in the day which they had surpriz'd during the obscurity of the Night The Garrison made a continual Fire which did a great deal of Execution and besides the Danes infler'd extreamly for want of necessary Provisions The King was advis'd by his Officers to retire before the Swedes came up who were upon their march to relieve the Town but he was so incens'd against the Burghers for their vigorous resistance that he resolv'd obstinately to continue the Siege In the mean time the Administrator was putting himself in a condition to march against the Enemy with all the Forces of the Kingdom The whole Nation took the Alarm and ran to arms with an incredible Ardor every Man thought himself concern'd in the defence of the common cause and all the Provinces of the Kingdom seem'd to be animated with a spirit of Revenge and Fury Thus instead of an Army of regulated Troops the Administrator saw himself at the head of a vast Body of Tumultuary Forces who without waiting for Orders took up Arms for the preservation of their liberty The whole Countrey was overspread with swarms of Peasants who came flocking to the general Rendezvous some descending from the Mountains and others running out of the Woods Most of these savage Warriors were cloath'd with the Skins of Wild Beasts and arm'd after a very odd and even ridiculous manner but they were inspir'd with a certain undaunted â—ury that supply'd the place of bravery and made 'em resolve to spend the last drop of their Blood in the defence of their Countrey The Administrator having assembl'd all his Forces march'd straight towards the King of Denmark July who searing to be enclos'd betwixt the Swedish Army and the City rais'd the Siege and retir'd to his Ships But the Swedes taking advantage of the motion his Troops were oblig'd to make in order to their Retreat charg'd 'em so vigorously that the Rear of the Danish Army was almost entirely defeated They fied to the shore with so much precipitation and disorder that the greatest part of 'em were cut to pieces and many of those who escap'd the Fury of the pursuers were drown'd in attempting to swim to their Vessels The Swedes made themselves masters of all the Baggage and took above Three hundred Prisoners who for the most part were Officers and Persons of note that halted to sustain the shock of the Enemy while the Soldiers were imbarking and with the loss of their liberty preserv'd the King himself and the greatest part of his Army But this was not the only Misfortune which attended that disastrous Expedition for the Danes were detain'd above three Months in the Road of Stockholm by contrary Winds and at last were so straiten'd for want of provisions that they were sorc'd to make frequent Descents to supply their necessities But they were always repuls'd by the Swedish Cavalry under the command of the brave Gustavus who was perpetually in motion and oblig'd 'em to retire with precipitation to their Ships His Courage and Vigilancy produc'd so good an effect that the Danish Fleet was reduc'd to the utmost extremity they had neither Water nor Victuals and there was a great mortality among the Soldiers The King himself was in danger of perishing either for want of provisions or by the contagious distempers that began to break forth in his Army To deliver himself out of so miserable a condition he sent a messenger to the Administrator with orders to propose a Truce for some days under pretext of treating about the Ransom of the Soldiers After the Envoy had deliver'd his message he insinuated dexterously that t wou'd not be impossible to change the Truce to an eternal peace betwixt the two Nations The Administrator was not â—gnorant of the extremity to which Christiern was reduc'd and knew that he might easily compleat his Victory by starving his Enemy but either out of generosity or in hopes of procuring a solid peace which wou'd have secur'd him in the possessionof his dignity he consented immediately to the Truce and sent several Boats laden with provisions for the use of the King and all his Navy Christiern perceiving that the Administrator was extreamly desirous of a Peace imagin'd that this might furnish him with an Opportunity to make himself Master of his
Jaylor who after some time allow'd him the liberty of walking abroad and suffer'd him to take the diversion of Hunting New Recreations were propos'd to him every day and it seem'd to be the main Business of the Family to please him But all the Pleasures he enjoy'd in so obliging a Society cou'd neither make him forget that he was a Prisoner nor give him the least satisfaction while his Confinement depriv'd him of a share in the Hazard and Glory of the War His eager desire to serve the Administrator in the Defence of his Countrey and at the same time to execute his just Vengeance on the perfidious Author of his Captivity made him so uneasie that the most study'd Delights serv'd only to encrease his Melancholy On the other Hand King Christiern's Thoughts were so deeply six'd on the Conquest of Sweden and his Mind was so agitated with the tumultuous Motions of a disappointed Ambition that his Spite against the Administrator was exasperated by the ill success of the Siege of Steckholm He cou'd not forgive that Prince for obliging him to make so disorderly and ignominious a Retreat and cutting off part of his Army He was both vex'd and asham'd that he had publickly violated his Faith and the Law of Nations to no purpose by detaining Gustavus and the rest of the Hostages but nothing afflicted him more sensibly than the daily decrease of his Party in Sweden His Mind became a dismal Scene of Spite Rage and Shame and in the heat of his Fury he resolv'd to make a last effort the next Campaign to repair all his Losses by the ruine of his Enemy hoping that the success of his Arms wou'd in some measure justifie him for proceeding against the Swedes as rebellious Subjects and excommunicated Wretches without allowing 'em the Treatment which is usually granted to common Enemies He stood equally in need of Men and Money to carry on his Designs and to supply the last of these Deficiencies he gave Orders to his Officers to seize the Legate Archemboldi's Treasures under pretext that he had laid out the Money he had rais'd by the Sale of Indulgences on contraband Goods But his Guilt really consisted in a Million of Florins which he was going to carry out of the Northern Kingdoms and in holding Intelligence with the Administrator The King had heard of the ill Offices he did to the Arch-Bishop and was not ignorant that he had oblig'd all his Friends to make use of their Interest with the Pope to obtain the Arch-Bishoprick of Upsal And from thence he concluded that the Dignity to which he aspir'd with the Administrator's consent was the reward of his betraying the Secret with which he had entrusted him to that Prince and that his Infidelity had ruin'd the Danish Faction in Sweden The Prospect of so profitable a Revenge was in his Opinion a sufficient Ground to excuse an open violation of the Law of Nations He caus'd the Legate to be secur'd with all his Effects and that he might not be oblig'd to restore the Treasure he had seiz'd or submit to an Examination of the Privileges to which the Function and Character of that Prelate entitl'd him he gave secret Orders to suffer him to steal out of the Kingdom after he had been kept for some time in perpetual Fear of Death that he might take hold of the first Opportunity to make his Escape By this usage of the Legate it appear'd that the seeming Zeal of that Prince in executing the Orders of the Holy See was only a Politick Contrivance to carry on his Ambitious Designs which he endeavour'd always to cover with a pretext of Religion He imploy'd the Legate's Money in making new Levies and impos'd heavy and unusual Taxes upon his Subjects without the Advice or Consent of the Estates The Clergy and Nobility oppos'd these Innovations and positively refus'd to contribute towards the raising of the Supplies under pretext that neither the Taxes nor the Declaration of the War were authoriz'd or approv'd either by the Senate or Estates But their real design was to put a stop to his Ambition and curb the Impetuosity of his Temper for they were extreamly jealous of his Designs and perhaps were not less afraid than the Swedes of the Success of his Arms. In the mean time he squeez'd considerable sums out of the common People who are usually the first who feel the burthen of Taxes and are seldom or never assisted by the Nobility and other Estates who content themselves with securing themselves He levy'd foreign Troops with the Money he had rais'd by these Impositions he invited all the Soldiers of Fortune and straggling Adventurers that would enter into his Service and even preferr'd 'em before the Danes in the Distribution of Offices and Places that his Arms might be lodg'd in the hands of those who depended intirely upon him At the same time he prevailed with Francis I. King of France to assist him with 4000 Foot under the Command of Gaston de Brezé the Prince of Foucarmont and the Baron of Gondrin Thus in a little time he had the Pleasure to see himself at the head of a numerous Army which made him equally terrible to his Subjects and Enemies He conferr'd the Title and Authority of General on Otho Crumpein who was esteem'd one of the greatest Captains in the North and entrusted him with the management of his Designs and the command of his Forces not daring to leave Copenhagen at a time when there were so many visible Signs of a general Dissatisfaction among the Senators and the principal Lords of the Kingdom Otho led his Army to Westgethland where he made a terrible havock to draw the Enemy to an Engagement Febr. In the mean time the Administrator march'd at the head of his Army follow'd by Ten Thousand Peasants of that Province who came voluntarily to his Assistance He encamp'd at the entry of the Forest of Tyvede having order'd a great number of Trees to be cut down to fortifie his Camp and Trenches Otho pretended to be somewhat daunted at the sight of the Swedish Forces and retreated with a seeming Precipitation to the Lake Veler which was at that time cover'd with Ice upon which he encamp'd with his whole Army Steno was so transported at the sight of a Flying Enemy that he was not master of so much presence of Mind as to restrain the impetuous Ardor of his Courage He left his Infantry and the Peasants in the Wood where they lay entrench'd and march'd with his Cavalry after the Danes whom he attack'd near Bogesund His Valor and Example inspir'd all the Soldiers in his Army with a Resolution to conquer or die He charg'd at the Head of a Squadron compos'd of the principal Noblemen of the Kingdom he drove back all that durst venture to stand the Shock of his Attack and broke thro' their thickest Ranks with so brave a Fury that he was just ready to taste the pleasure of so glorious
rather fondness of Liberty which was always reckon'd the peculiar Character of the Nation seem'd to be quite extinct and the haughty and untractable Swedes became the tame Slaves of their most hated Enemies Every Man endeavour'd to avoid the least shadow of Suspicion and contented himself with securing his private Interest without regarding the Safety and Honor of his Country Gustavus disdaining the Cowardise of his Friends resolv'd to have recourse to the Peasants concluding that 't wou'd be an easie Task to inflame the natural Fierceness of the Rabble who cou'd neither be engag'd by Fear nor Hope in the Danish Faction He went about the neighboring Villages in the Night endeavouring to gain the principal Persons and at last ventur'd to appear in Public on Festival-days to incite the Mobile to take up Arms against their Oppressors But he soon perceiv'd that their wonted Fury was but too effectually cool'd by the late disastrous War in which most of 'em had seen the Death of some of their Relations And instead of offering him their Assistance they told him in a blunt and clownish Manner that they wanted neither Herrings nor Salt under the Dominion of the King of Denmark but cou'd not avoid certain Destruction if they shou'd make the least Attempt against so potent a Prince Gustavus was equally vex'd and surpris'd at so unexpected a Disappointment He knew not what to do for whither to retire He cou'd not be safe in Sweden but at the Head of an Army the Danes were still in quest of him and he cou'd neither continue long in one place nor make frequent Removes without exposing himself to manifest and even almost unavoidable Dangers At last he resolv'd tho' with the hazard of his Life to get into Stockholm hoping that his Presence wou'd inspire the Burghers and Garrison with new Resolution and Courage and that by making a brave Defence he might prevail with the Hanse Towns to send him a seasonable Relief He left the Castle of Refnas without acquainting any Person with his Design and travell'd for some Days thro' By ways spending the Night in solitary Cottages to avoid meeting with his vigilant Pursuers But notwithstanding all his Caution he was once in so great Danger of being surpriz'd that the Enemy came but an Hour too late So that finding it impossible to proceed on his Journey without falling into the Hands of the Danes he return'd by another Road and in so pressing an Extremity resolv'd to take Sanctuary for some time in a Convent of Carthusians at Griphysolm which was founded by his Ancestors But the Monks preferring their present Interest to the Memory of past Favors refus'd to admit him under pretext that they were afraid of exposing their House and Order to the Fury and Indignation of the Danes And therefore perceiving that 't wou'd be in vain to expect a safe Retreat where there was so little Appearance of Generosity or Gratitude he return'd to the Province of Sudermania and retir'd to the House of a Peasant that had been an old Servant in his Family where he lay hid for some time and sent his Host with Letters to several Lords endeavouring to re-animate their drooping Courage and inspire 'em with a noble Resolution to recover their Liberty and Honour But they were so terrifi'd and over-aw'd by the presence of the Danish General and by the report he had industreously spread abroad that King Christiern was ready to enter the Kingdom at the head of a powerful Army that they durst not discover the least inclination to a Revolt In the mean time Gustavus comforted himself with the hope of some Revolution after that Prince's arrival concluding that the severity of his Government would rouse the aversion of the Swedes against their ancient Enemies King Christiern long'd extremely to enjoy the Fruit of his Victories and to awe his new Subjects with the sight of their Conqueror He enter'd Sweden in the spring as he had intimated in his Letter to the General and was receiv'd by the Archbishop and the rest of the Prelates with all the joy that usually appears in the Air and Behaviour of the Fortunate The Archbishop especially thought himself oblig'd to signalize his zeal on this occasion and to express a more than ordinary Satisfaction for the success of a Revolution by which he hop'd to be the principal gainer For he concluded that as soon as the King had compleated the Conquest of Sweden he would entrust him with the sole management of his Authority Christiern at his arrival solemnly ratifi'd the treaty of Vpsal and as if that Ceremony had given him an uncontroverted title to the Crown he dispatch'd Expresses immediately to the Administrator's Widow at Stockholm and to the Governour of Calmar requiring 'em to surrender these two places The Governor capitulated without expecting a siege and Christiern without employing any other Artillery than what he drew 〈…〉 purse made himself Master of that important place which was the most considerable Port in the Kingdom next to Stockholm He conferr'd the Government of it upon Severin de Norbi Governor of the Isle of Gothland and Admiral of Denmark who insinuated himself into that Prince's Favour by expressing upon all occasions an intire resignation to his desires and inclinations at a time when the Senators of Denmark and the principal Lords of the Kingdom claim'd a Right to offer their advice to the Prince and even to contradict his Opinion when they thought it inconsistent with the good of the Nation But the Administrator's Widow exprest a more Heroical Resolution than that treacherous Governor She sent Christiern word that she wou'd never submit to the Destroyer of her Family and Country nor comply with the Resolutions of an Assembly that was compos'd of Traitors and Rebels and govern'd by the Enemies of the Nation The Courage of that Princess and the boldness of her Answer was a sufficient Intimation to Christiern that the Conquest of Stockholm wou'd cost him dearer and require more substantial Batteries than that of Calmar And therefore since he perceiv'd that in all probability the Garrison wou'd make an obstinate Defence he advanc'd with his Army to invest the Place and order'd Admiral Norbi to block up the Port with his Fleet. He carry'd on the Siege with all the earnestness and vigour that can be suppos'd to animate an Ambitious Prince who is just upon the point of compleating the Conquest of a Kingdom He was day and night on Horse-back he encourag'd his Souldiers both by his own Example and by considerable Rewards he went daily to the Trenches and visited the most advanc'd Works he shar'd all the danger and fatigue of the Siege with the meanest of his Soldiers and which was still a more difficult and laborious Task he curb'd the impetuous violence of his humour dissembled his secret and implacable aversion against the Swedish Nation and even caress'd the Nobility to keep 'em from taking up Arms for the Defence of their
Princess and the Preservation of their Country In the mean time the Administrator's Widow made a brave resistance The Soldiers of â—he Garrison animated by her Presence and the Inhabitants encourag'd by the Success of their late Defence repuls'd the Artacks of their Enemies with incredible Valor But thâ— they wanted neither Courage nor Resolution they began to suffer extreamly for want of Provisions and Ammunition and the City was so straiten'd by the Besiegers both by Sea and Land that they cou'd not hope to be reliev'd tho' their Countryme or Allies shou'd have taken the Field in their Defence The King of Denmark was inform'd of their Gondition by some Deserters and receiv'd the welcome News with extraordinary Transports of Joy He knew that the Conquest of Sweden depended on the Reduction of the Capital City and was still afraid least Gustavus whose Residence he cou'd not discover shou'd raise an Insurrection in some part of the Kingdom or perswade the Hanse-Towns to make a Diversion in Denmark He sent a new Summons to the Administrator's Widow to open the Gates at Stockholm and to perswade her to a speedy Submission he order'd his Messenger to represent to her that her Obstinacy cou'd not prevent the Loss of the Town that he was Master of the whole Kingdom that his Army was lodg'd at the Foot of the Wall and only expected the Signal for a general Assault that he was sorry she seem'd resolv'd to expose her self to the Disorders that are usually committed when a Place is taken by Storm and that since the Convention of the Estates aâ— Vpâ—al had by a solemn Treaty declar'd him Sovereign of the Kingdom her Resistance cou'd not be esteem'd less criminal than an open Rebellion especially since she headed a Faction that was excommunicated by the Pope At the same time he offer'd to agree with her upon the following Conditions that her Estate shou'd be preserv'd entire that she shou'd still enjoy the same Dignity and Honours which she possess'd during the Life of her Husband that the Prisoners on both sides shou'd be releas'd without paying any Ransome and that the City of Stockholm shou'd continue in the Possession of all its Privileges 'T was not without an extream Reluctancy that the Princess condescended to hear so unwelcome a Message 'T is certainly the most sensible Mortification that can befal a Sovereign when he is oblig'd to divest himself of his belov'd Power especially when his Disaster is attended with this cruel Circumstance that he must resign his Authority to his Enemy However the Ambassador's Widow was so sensible of the hopeless Posture of her Affairs that she was at last perswaded by her Council to treat with the King of Denmark The Articles of the Capitulation were drawn by the Consuls and Magistrates of Stockholm who took care to make 'em as advantageous to the Princess as they durst propose in the present Juncture Nor did the King make the least Scruple to grant all the Terms which they desir'd well knowing that assoon as he shou'd be Master of the City 't wou'd be in his Power to give what Sense he pleas'd to the Articles of the Treaty Thus he sign'd the Capitulation and was receiv'd into Stockholm September at the Head of 4000 Men whom he left to keep Garrison in the Place He call'd a Meeting of the Estates to be held on the Fourth of November and appointed the same Day for the Solemnity of his Coronation Afterwards he sent Detachments from his Army to the principal Places of the Kingdom to keep the Provinces in awe He sent back the General whom he suspected by reason of the Glory of his Victories and his Interest among the Soldiers and having entrusted Norbi with the Command of the Army and the Archbishop of Vâ—sal with the Management of the State he march'd with all possible Diligence to Denmark at the Head of his French and German Auxiliaries having receiv'd repeated Advices that his Presence was absolutely necessary in that Kingdom to crush a brooding Revolt He stood in need of all his Power and of the Fame of his Conquests and Arms to keep his Subjects from breaking out into open Rebellion The People encourag'd by his Absence and by the Necessity of his present Circumstances which oblig'd him to remove his Forces obstinately refus'd to pay the new Taxes which he had laid upon ' em They were generally dissatisfy'd and complain'd against the Government they blam'd him openly for invading Sweden and gave out that his Army was beaten tho' that Report was only grounded on their Wishes that it might prove true The Senate and principal Lords of the Kingdom were so far from opposing and suppressing so visible a Tendency to a Revolt that they fomented the Discontent of the People They hated Christiern for excluding 'em from their wonted share in the Government and were incens'd even to Madness because he seem'd only to assume an Arbitrary Power that he might lodge it entirely in the Hands of an old Dutch woman call'd Sigebrite who had neither Birth nor Beauty to engage his Affection and yet meerly by her Wit and Cunning had made him one of the most desperate Lovers in the World She govern'd him with an absolute and uncontroul'd Empire her Pleasure was the Supreme Law on which the Fate of the Court and of the whole Kingdom depended 'T was as impossible to undermine as 't was dangerous to oppose her Interest She gave and took away all Places Offices and Dignities as she pleas'd without regâ—rding the Laws of the Countrey and not unfrequently undertook the Management and Promoting of unjust Designs on purpose to show the Arbitrariness of her Power Yet notwithstanding her Age and other Defects the deluded King approv'd all that she did and seem'd ambatious to be reckon'd the principal Minister of her Heasure The quick Return of that Monarch from his victorious Expedition surpriz'd his murmuring Subjects and broke all their Designs They endeavour'd with all possible Care to conceal their Discontent and to express a seeming Joy for their Prince's Success He was receiv'd at his Arrival with all those Marks of Affection and Respect which are the perpetual Companions of the Fortunate His Ministers according to the usual Maxims of Courtiers who are always ready to flatter and comply with the Humour and Inclinations of their Sovereign told him in a Cabinet-Council that in pursuance of the indispensable Rules of Policy he ought to secure the principal Lords of Sweden that he cou'd not hope to preserve his Conquests without abolishing the Senate of that Kingdom which they represented as a Body of Factious Persons who upon all occasions assum'd a Liberty to controul and oppose the Royal Authority that there was not one Member of that Assembly who wou'd not joyfully embrace the first Opportunity of a Revolt to make himself Master of the Sovereign Power under the Title of Administrator which for several Years had been the Reward of the Authors
gain'd the most part of the Professors and Scholars of the University who esteem'd it their honor to become the Ministers and Publishers of that Doctrin and every one was desirous to be instructed in it Thus Lutheranism pass'd insensibly from the School into the Houses of private Persons and the Families were divided every one taking part according to his Inclination while some maintain'd the Roman Catholick Religion because it was that of their Fathers and some adher'd to it purely upon the score of its Antiquity others complain'd of the Abuses which the Covetousness of the Clergy had introduc'd into the Administration of the Sacraments and attack'd those Abuses with so much the more Heat as they found it their Interest to discredit ' em The very Women engag'd in these Disputes some out of Vanity and others thro' an excessive Fear of not being in the true way to Salvation and every one set up for a Judge of Controversies The remaining part of the Bishops of Sweden after the Massacre of Stockholm being more mindful of Gustavus's Conquests than of their Episcopal Functions in their respective Diocesses took no notice of the Progress of Lutheranism Gustavus for his part was desirous to conceal his Knowledge of these Opinions whether he look'd upon them as the Effect of some Disputes among idle Divines or perhaps he was not displeas'd that in a Kingdom in which the Bishops had so far oppos'd his Designs there should arise even from amidst the Clergy a Party that made Profession of condemning the Temporal Power and great Revenues of those Prelates Gustavus after the Flight of the Archbishop reunited all his Forces which were divided into different small Bodies and march'd directly to Stockholm He did not design as yet to undertake the Siege as not having a Fleet to block up the Harbour but he only caus'd his Army to draw near hoping that the Consternation of the Danes upon the Defeat of the Archbishop might give occasion to the Friends whom he had in the Place to attempt somewhat in his behalf The Vice-Roy and Archbishop having little assurance of the Fidelity of the Burghers and being afraid of falling into the Hands of Gustavus resolv'd to make their Escape whilst the Sea continu'd open They conferr'd the Government of the Place upon an ancient Officer who commanded the Garrison and retir'd with Precipitation into Denmark giving out that they only went to hasten the Succours which were expected daily from Christiern And 't is certain that he us'd his utmost endeavours to send an Army into Sweden but the Danes terrify'd with the Massacre of Stockholm detested both his Enterprize and Government and refus'd to grant him any Kind of Supplies under pretence that they were already exhausted by the long continuance of the War Gustavus was over-joy'd to hear that the two Prelates were departed for Denmark since the Vice-Roy seem'd to leave him the Kingdom by his Flight and the Retreat of the Archbishop free'd him from an Enemy that was always formidable by reason of his Authority over the Clergy but the Governour put things into to good Order in Stockholm that the Inhabitants were not able to undertake any Attempt in Gustavus's Favour at the same time that Lord receiv'd a Courier from Arwide who brought him word that he made himself Master of the Castles of Wadestene Hora and Scening in Ostrogothland that at the very first Approach of his Forces the Towns of Lincoping Norcoping and Sudercoping had taken up Arms and expell'd the Danes and that he was marching to besiege the Castle of Stegeburg in which Colonel Bernard de Milen a German by Nation kept Garrison with his Regiment The great Joy occasion'd by such prosperous Successes was allay'd with the sad News which Gustavus receiv'd of the deplorable Death of his Mother and Sister For King Christiern exasperated at the Progress of his Victories of which he was certainly assur'd by the flight of the Vice-Roy and Archbishop caus'd these Ladies to be wrapp'd up in a Sack and cast into the Sea and gave Orders at the same time to the Danish Officers who commanded in those Places which still remain'd under his Dominion in Sweden to destroy all the Swedeâ— that were still among his Troops as so many Traitors hir'd by his Enemy which orders were put in Execution with a great deal of Inhumanity especially by the Governour of Aboo the Capital City of Finland who put to Death many Finlandish Gentlemen of his Government Gustavus being extremely afflicted at the Loss of his Mother and Sister publish'd a Proclamation in his Army as also in all the Places where his Authority was acknowledge that all the Danes that cou'd be taken shou'd be put to death without Mercy hoping that these violent Proceedings wou'd render Christiern more odious to his own Subjects He left the greater part of his Forces before Stockholm to form a Blockado under the Command of Colonel De Sassi and Fredage and afterward march'd into Ostrogothland which was almost wholly gain'd by the prudent Conduct and the Valor of Arwide and had lately declar'd against the Danes Gustavus put Garrisons into all the Towns that adher'd and own'd his Authority caus'd the old Fortifications to be carefully Repair'd order'd new ones to be made in all places where they were necessary and left 'em under the command of Governours that were zealous Defenders of their Country and for the most part had been out-law'd by Christiern All the Noble Men of the Province appear'd before him to offer their Service and to congratulate him upon the happy Success of his Arms. The Bishop of Linceping alone was disturb'd and wavering notwithstanding so speedy and private a Revolution and shut himself up in his Castle of Munquebode not daring as yet to declare for Gustavus This was the same Prelate who had fortunately escap'd the Massacre of Stockholm so that the risk that he run on this occasion made him look upon all the Parties that oppos'd Christiern's Interest as so many dangerous Precipices neither could all Gustavus's Conquests revive his Spirits as being persuaded that he could never be able to maintain a War against so potent a Monarch as the King of Denmark and expecting every moment to see this Prince re-enter Sweden at the head of a formidable Army to treat Gustavus and his Followers as he had done Erie Vasa his Father and the rest of the Senators Hâ— exhorted the People both by Word and Writing not to be concern'd in the Commotions of the State tho' the only Reason why he made so great a noise was that he might have a suffici-Number of Witnesses to depose that he had constantly persever'd in supporting the interest of Denmark Gustavus incens'd at the Weakness and Cowardice of that Prelate who in the middle of a Province whereof he was Master durst not declare against the Danes march'd toward his Castle at the head of part of his Troops with a design to oblige him to explain himself
Name and Behalf of the States of Sweden to pay to their City for the Charge of the Fleet the Sum of Sixty thousand Marks of Silver That till the Kingdom shou'd be in a Condition to advance so considerable a Sum the Merchants of Lubeck Trading to Sweden shou'd be exempted from all Customs and Duties for the Goods which they shou'd either Export or Import That no other Nation shou'd be permitted to Trade in the Kingdom That the Administrator shou'd not conclude a Peace or Truce with Denmark without the Consent of the Regency and That in case they shou'd be attack'd by Christiern he shou'd be oblig'd to invade Denmark with Twenty thousand Men to make a Diversion The greatest part of these Conditions seem'd very hard to Gustavus For he perceiv'd that the execution of this Treaty wou'd ruin the Trade of the Kingdom and quite destroy the Revenue of the Crown which at that time consisted almost wholly in the Customs that were laid upon the Importation and Exportation of Goods But on the other Hand there was an absolute Necessity for a Fleet to carry on the Siege of Stockholm Calmar and other Maritime Places He had no Mony either to build or buy Ships and was sensible that as long as Christiern shou'd remain Master of the Sea and consequently of these Ports he might easily prolong the War by pouring in fresh Forces into the Kingdom Thus the Administrator was constrain'd to conclude a Treaty which wou'd have been shameful and dishonourable if it had not been necessary Siguard de Holten sign'd it by his Order and the Fleet set Sail some time after Frederick Brum was Admiral of the Navy and the Land Forces were commanded by John Stammel The Fleet arriv'd safely in the Port of Sudercopinc on Whitson-Eve and the Troops that were to serve a Shoar were landed As soon as the Administrator receiv'd the News of their Arrival he sent Bernard de Milen who was their Country-man to administer the Oath of Fidelty to 'em But they resus'd obstinately to obey or acknowledge that Officer tho' he was a Native of Germany They begg'd earnestly that they might see Gustavus and the greatest part of 'em protested that they wou'd never have left their Country if they had not expected to serve under a Prince whose Valor was celebrated thro' all Germany To satisfy these Foreign Auxiliaries the Administrator was oblig'd to take a Journey to Sudercepinc He charm'd 'em with the gracefulness of his Mien and gain'd their Hearts with the winning Eloquence of his Discourse They took the usual Oath of Fidelity for the time their Superiors had engag'd 'em in his Service with all imaginable Expressions of Joy and Chearfulness and resolv'd to follow his Fortune with as ardent a Zeal as if they had been born his Subjects He made use of these Troops to reinforce the Army that lay before Stockholm ordering 'em to encamp on the side next the Sea over against the Port which was the weakest part of the Camp At the same time he form'd a Squadron of as many Ships as he cou'd find and gave the Command of it to Eric Fleming a Finlandish Lord with Orders to Cruise before the Harbor that all Hope of Relief might be cut off from the Besieg'd Fleming lying in the height of Stockholm discover'd a Squadron of Danish Ships making their way directly towards the Harbor This was a considerable Convoy commanded by the Governor of Aboo whom Norbi had sent to re-victual Stockholm for it seems he had not yet receiv'd Advice that the Regency of Lubeck had declar'd for the Swedes and that their Fleet kept the Sea Immediately Fleming gave Orders to all his Ships to stand in behind the Cape of Stockholm and in the mean time the Convoy with the Ships under his Command advanc'd with a favourable Gale having order'd two light Frigats to sail before the Fleet at an equal distance to make Discoveries As soon as the first of these Frigats had doubl'd the Cape she was surrounded and taken by Fleming who took out all the Ship 's Company and mann'd her with Swedish Seamen and Soldiers Then without losing time he went on Board his Prize and put out to Sea to meet the other Frigat which was making the best of her way without the least suspicion of what had happen'd As soon as the Commodore of the Convoy who was on Board that Vessel perceiv'd the first Frigat making towards him he came in his Boat to learn the Cause of her return but instead of receiving the Advice he expected he found himself in the Hands of his Enemies Immediately Fleming gave the Signal for the whole Fleet to come up and made himself Master of the Convoy and all the Ships in his Company before the Captains who were at a loss for want of their Admiral cou'd agree upon the Order of Battle There was only one Finlandish Ship that made Resistance the Captain defended himself with extraordinary Valor from Noon till Night and at last chose rather to burn his Ship than to fall under the power of his Enemies The Commodore of the Convoy was hang'd by Gustavus's Order by way of Reprisal or Retaliation for the Cruelties he had committed in his Government This was a very mortifying piece of News to Admiral Norbi who reckoning himself Master of these Seas cou'd not endure to be affronted in his own Element by such bungling Seamen as the Swedes were generally reputed to be He order'd his Fleet to be sitted out with all possible haste and as soon as it was ready to put to Sea he set sail with a Convoy of Provisions and Soldiers for Stockholm which was still closely block'd up by Gustavus As soon as he drew near the Lubeck-Fleet and Fleming's Squadron which were Riding at Anchor in the Road of that City the Guns on both sides began to play very furiously and the two Fleets continu'd a whole Day firing at one another without Intermission Norbi intended to renew the Fight next Morning but perceiving some appearances of an approaching Storm he was forc'd to stand in to a little Island where there was safe Anchorage tho' it was very near the Shoar Having cast Anchor in that place he was surpriz'd in the Night with so violent a Frost that all his Ships were engag'd in the Ice Gustavus hearing of this Accident resolv'd not to neglect so fair an opportunity of obtaining a compleat and easy Victory by setting Fire to his Enemies Navy In pursuance of that Design he march'd immediately with the Forces of Lubeck who were encamp'd on that side and whom he thought fitter for such an Attempt than the Dalecarlians and other Peasants of which his Army was compos'd He pass'd over into the Island upon the Ice and gave Orders to the Soldiers to advance as near the Enemy as they cou'd during the obscurity of the Night They quickly found that Norbi was not asleep for upon their Approach they were saluted with repeated
had treated most unworthily His Disgrace expos'd him in his true and naked Colours to the eyes of his Subjects and shew'd him to be as Base and Cowardly under Adversity as he had been Haughty and Insolent in Prosperity He chose rather to live a private Person than to die a King and sav'd himself by an Ignominious flight out of his Dominions with the Queen his Wife and the Priâ—â—es his Children He was also accompained by Sâ—â—â—â—ite who notwithstanding the ill success of heâ— Counsels April 13. retain'd her wonted Empire and Authority over the mind of this miserable Prince He plac'd his only confidence in the assistance of his Brother-in-â—aw the Emperor imagining that he wou'd Arm all Cermany to restore him to the Throne he hâ—d sursaken as if he cou'd not have more easily kept the Possession of his Crown with his own Army than regain it with all the Forces of the Empirc As soon as Norbi receiv'd the news of his Masters Flight and ABDICATION he took his leave of Sweden and gave over his design of relieving Stockholm He left a weak Garrison in Calmar and retir'd with his whole Fleet to the Isle of Gothland under pretext of securing it for Christiern tho' his true Design was to keep it for himself and under the Name of that Prince to make himself the absolute Master and Sovereign of the Island while the Kingdoms of the North were distracted with such terrible confusions Gustavus resolv'd to make the best advantage of his Enemies retreat He had some secret intelligence in Calmar who prevail'd with the Burghers to receive his Troops in the Night and the whole Garrison was put to the Sword At the same time Arwide seiz'd on the Isle of Docland and Bernard de Milen Conquer'd all Bleking And these successes were quickly follow'd with the Reduction of the whole Kingdom except Stockholm and some places in Finland The Garrison of Stockholm weaken'd by the length of the Siege straiten'd both by Land and Sea and kept in Awe by the Burghers of the City who did not longer conceal their Affection to the Administrator began to think of Capitulating They knew not for whose sake they suffer'd all the Incommodities of so close a Siege and were reduc'd to such Extremities by want of Pay and of necessary Provisions that they offer'd to surrender insisting only on the Payment of the Arrears due to 'em since they enter'd into the Place But Gustavus did not think fit to observe his usual Maxim on this occasion for tho' 't was so much his interest to be Master of that City he rejected the advantageous Proposals thâ—â— were made to him by the Garrison He knew that their Numbers were extreamly lessen'd and that they wanted both Victuals and Powder But this seeming Severity was only a pretext to prolong the Siege for some days which in the present juncture was a necessary piece of policy for the Advancement of his Fortune and the carrying on of his secret Designs He saw that Sweden was absolutely deliver'd from the Danish Yoke that Christiern was hated and slighted by all the World and that he wander'd about like a miserable Exile begging the Assistance of his former Allies to restore him to the Crown of Denmark Gustavus had never a nearer Prospect of mounting the Throne but at the same time he stood in need of his most resin'd Politicks to manage so nice a Game He consider'd that the reduction of Stockholm instead of sixing him on the Throne might set him at a further distance from it He knew that Ingratitude is the usual Companion of Security and was afraid that the Swedes being freed from the apprehension of a common Enemy wou'd not unanimously concur to his Election and the Establishment of his Authority And therefore he concluded that the best resolution he cou'd take in so Critical a Juncture was to lengthen the Siege of their Capital City that the uncertainty of so important an event might keep 'em in awe and in a dependence upon his Assistance In pursuance of this Design he call'd a Meeting or Convention of the Estates at Stregnez May 25. whither the Deputies of all the Provinces resorted attended with a vast concourse of the Nobility and common People who flock'd thither from all parts to see Gustaâ—us whom they look'd upon as the Hero and Guardian Argel of his Country As soon as the Assembly was open'd they proceeded to the Election of Senators to supply the vacant Places of those who lost their Lives in the Massacre of Stockholm The Administrator had so great an influence upon the Deputies Bernard Milen Peâ— ter Erland Ivard and Eric Flâ—ming Axcâ— Andrew Canut Andrew Peter John Beâ—o Claud Tordo Bonde and manag'd the Voices with so successful a Dexterity that the choice fell upon such Persons as were intirely devoted to his Interest and were either his Relations or Creatures The †Canut Provost of the Cathedral of Wester as Speaker of the Estates represented to the Assembly the absolute necessity of proceeding speedily to the Election of a King Then he imyloy'd all his Art in Painting forth the Qualities of an excellent Prince one that was Vigilant Laborious full of Courage and indu'd with a sufficient Stock of Valour and Prudence to oppose the unjust pretensions of the Danes to the Swedish Crown that in this description they might see and take notice of the Picture of Gustavus He concluded that after all the Services which the Administrator had done to the State and the illustrious Proofs he had given of his extraordinary Endowments and Virtues they were oblig'd in Gratitude to him and in Justice to the Interests of those whom they represented to confer the Royal Titie and Authority upon their Benefactor This Discourse was receiv'd with an universal Applause The Nobility and Commons Transported with their Zeal and Affection prevented the Senators and Deputies The whole Assembly with a loud Voice Proclaim'd Gustavus King of of Sweden 'T was impossible to gather the Votes or to proceed according to the usual Forms that are observ'd in such Cases His praises were eccho'd thro' the whole Convention he was Stil'd the Saviour and Deliverer of his Country The Peasants and Burghers mingling confusedly with the Deputies â—eglecting all marks of Distinction and even forgetting the respect they ow'd to the Senators and other Lords struggâ—'d and crowded to approach the King The Name of Gustavns was repeated by every Mouth he was the Object of every Eye and all in general endeavour'd to express their Joy at his Election and to congratulate their own Happiness in having an opportunity to contribute to his Advancement The Privce was charm'd with so many extraordinary demonstrations of his Peoples Affection He own'd that it exceeded all his Services and that their Kindness was more agreeable to him than the Noble Essect of their Gratitude He had so much real or seeming Modesty as to decline the offer they made him But the
Enemies to make themselves Masters of one Inch of Swedish Ground And besides the cunning Minister took occasion to insinuate that Gustavus might if he pleas'd be acknowledg'd King of Sweden by Christiern himself who sixing all his Thoughts and Designs upon the Reduction of Denmark had offer'd to relinquish and resign his Pretensions to Sweden provided Gustavus wou'd enter into a League against the Danes But he added that his Master refus'd absolutely to entertain any Correspondence with his Father's Murderer and declar'd that he was his Enemy both as a private Person and as King of Sweden Frederic perceiv'd by the Courage and Resolution of the Swedish Envoy and by the Relation of his own Ambassador that Gustavus's Power was greater than the Archbishop had represented it He found that 't wou'd not be convenient in thepresent Juncture of Affairs to renew ancient Pretensions that might make his Country the Seat of a War He offer'd to come to a Friendly Agreement with Gustavus and to enter into an Offensive and Defensive League with him against Christiern and for a Pledge and Mark of his Esteem and Friendship he sent back the Administrator's Widow and the rest of the Swedish Ladies that had been retain'd his Prisoners in Denmark since the Massacre of Stockholm appointing an honourable Convoy to attend ' em Gustavus July with all his Court went to meet the Widow-Princess and receiv'd her with all the Respect that was due to her Birth and Merit He gave her an Apartment in the Castle of Stockholm and advanc'd her to the Rank she held in the Kingdom during the Life of the Administrator He endeavor'd with all imaginable Marks of Honor and Respect to make her bear with less impatience the Misfortunes of her Family and put all the rest of the Ladies in possession of their Estates Most of 'em had Youth enough to recommend 'em to second Husbands but almost all the Lords of their Quality were either kill'd in the Massacre of Stockholm or were already marry'd No Woman of Quality whether Maid or Widow was suffer'd in Sweden to contract an Alliance with a Family less noble than her own But the King remov'd that Obstacle and permitted these Ladies to chuse their Husbands as they pleas'd tho' under that seeming Complaisance he conceal'd a politic Design for he manag'd their Inclinations so dexterously that they were easily perswaded to chuse the principal Officers of his Army He exhorted these Illustrious Widows to prefer Merit before Riches and to bestow their Fortunes and Affections on Men that had lost part of their Blood in the Service of their Country rather than on those who deriv'd their Blood from a long series of noble Ancestors but had never spent a drop of it for the defence and preservation of the State By these Alliances he secur'd the greatest Families of the Kingdom and at the same time found out a cheap way to reward his Creatures and to enable 'em to serve him more effectually Whatever Joy he exprest at the Arrival of the Administrator's Widow the inward satisfaction of his Mind was not answerable to those external Demonstrations She had two Children who were meer Infants at the death of her Husband Prince Steno for whose Memory and Family the Swedes had an extraordinary Veneration Gustavus took the two young Princes under pretext of educating 'em in the Palace and resolv'd to provide a Husband for the Princess their Mother who cou'd not draw any advantage from that Alliance to the prejudice of his Authority and Government He propos'd and made her accept of Tureiohanson the first Senator and Great Mareschal of the Kingdom The King had consider'd the Character of that Lord and found him to be such a Person as he design'd for a Husband to the Princess He was a Man of great Quality and had a considerable Estate both in Sweden and Denmark He was extreamly proud of these Advantages but had neither Valor nor Courage to recommend him to the Esteem and Affection of the Soldiers His Birth was his only Merit and consequently he cou'd not be suppos'd to have any considerable Interest in a Kingdom where a brave Warrior was infinitely more esteem'd than one that cou'd only boast of his Descent from an Illustrious Family Gustavus made it his next care to sind out the best Expedients to weaken the Power of the Clergy whom he suspected and hated for their great Riches and for the Affection they still retain'd to the Danish Government which had always maintain'd their Authority Arch-bishop Trolle was still a zealous Promoter of that Interest 'T was by his Advice that Frederic caus'd himself to be crown'd King of Sweden and to preserve his Credit with that Prince he entertain'd a secret Correspondence with the Swedish Clergy The King was resolv'd to humble a Body of Men who by their Power and Cabals had always disturb'd the Government and oppos'd the Authority of the Prince and were never satisfied but when they were intrusted with the largest share of the management of public Affairs But he was oblig'd to defer the execution of that Design for some time and was too prudent to begin his Reign with disputing the Privileges of an Order whom the most absolute Prince shou'd never touch but with a tender and wary Hand He contented himself at first with managing the Elections for the filling up of vacant Benefices He procur'd two Persons to be nam'd to the Bishopricks of Stregnez and Westeras Sommor and Petrus Magni who were entirely devoted to him and cou'd not pretend to any Power or Interest in the Kingdom but by his Favour and Protection Afterwards he sent word to the Canons of Vpsal that considering the Flight and Condemnation of their Arch-bishop 't wou'd be convenient to chuse a sit Person to succeed him After the Forms and Proceedings that are requisite in such Cases and the usual Citation and Summoning of that Prelate to return to the Kingdom and vindicate himself from the Crimes that were laid to his Charge his Contumacy in not appearing was reputed a voluntary Abdication and the Chapter proceeded to a new Election By virtue of a Recommendation from the Court which even then was not much different from an absolute Order the Choice fell upon one John Magnus a Native of Sweden who was learned in Scholastick Divinity very pious and of an exemplary Life He was naturally of a fearful Temper and unfit for the management of Affairs He was a Lover of Solitude and had no Interest in the Kingdom and consequently was neither capable of forming nor prosecuting any Designs against the Government Gustavus concluded that by these Nominations he had secur'd the Quiet of the State which was usually disturb'd by the Ambition of the Bishops But as he was entertaining himself with the delightful Prospect of an un-interrupted Prosperity as the glorious Reward and Fruit of his Labours and was preparing to make his Subjects sensible of their Happiness under the
step he should make to abolish the ancient Religion And on the other hand he cou'd not endure to be charg'd with the care and defence of the State while the strongest Forts which properly belong'd to the Crown and the greatest part of the Revenues of the Kingdom were in the hands of those who often imploy'd 'em only to curb the Regal Power and to favour the Enemies of the State He chose rather it seems to expose himself to the issue of a Civil War and even to venture his Crown than to Reign so precariously or rather he saw himself so potent and respected by his People that he thought it not at all hazardous to re-unite to the Crown a part of the Church-Lands under the specious pretence of a Reformation and of the publick Good In so great a Design and so very nice a Juncture Gustavus shew'd himself an able and great Politician He took great care to conceal his Thoughts as to Luther's Opinions but at the same time gave secret Instructions to Chancellor Anderson not only to protect as it were without his knowledge Olaus Petri and the other Lutheran Doctors but also to invite others from the Universities of Germany that Lutheranism might make the quicker progress thro' the Kingdom Olaus and the other Lutheran Doctors being assur'd of the Chancellor's Protection labour'd with great application to establish their Doctrin which they daily explain'd in their Sermons with unexpressible Zeal Most of these new Doctors surpalt the Swedish Clergy in Learning and Elequence to which they added a certain appearance of strictness in their Lives and Conversations which always attends the first Heats of a new-broach'd Religion These Men were heard with great satisfaction by the common People who are always greedy of Novelties that put 'em to no charge and tend to the lessening of the Power of their spiritual Governors The Credit they got insensibly among the Vulgar procured them the Attention and Favour of the Courtiers and the prime Nobility who were glad to see the Bishops humbled While these Doctors endeavor'd to propagate the Lutheran Doctrin by their Sermons Gustavus labour'd hard to find out some specious Pretences to overthrow the Temporal Power of the Bishops and Clergy Immediately he sell upon the Ecclesiasticks of the second Order and issu'd out several Declarations against the Priests and in behalf of the People that the Laity might be oblig'd by Interest to favor these encroachments upon the Clergy and that the People might be accustom'd by degrees to see the Privileges of the Clergy abrogated The Priests in that Kingdom exacted as it were a Tribute of the People upon certain publick Sins and with great rigor extorted considerable Fines from such as took the Diversion of Hunting or Fishing in the time of Divine Service or abus'd the Women to whom they were contracted before the solemn Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage By one of the King's Declarations this Right was taken away and the Priests were prohibited to exact such Impositions for the future By another Declaration the Priests were forbidden to Excommunicate either their private Enemies or their Creditors The Truth is the Bishops and their Officials had so far over-stretch'd the Ecclesiastick Jurisdiction as to appropriate to themselves all the Concerns of the Nation that had the least relation to Religion An Oath made in a Treaty the Interposition of a Clergy-man which was oftentimes begg'd the least Difference in a Contract of Marriage were Grounds sufficient to remove a Cause from the common Courts of Justice which made the Clergy powerful and formidable Gustavus therefore abrogated that Jurisdiction entirely under pretext that the Examination of Suits was not consistent with the ordinary Functions of Clergy-men and by the same Declaration commanded the Clergy that they shou'd bring their Differences before the secular Judges to whom he committed the Cognizance and Judgment of all Causes At last he publish'd a Declaration against the Bishops themselves by which they were expresly forbidden for the future to appropriate to themselves the Estates and Succession of the Clergy-men of their respective Diocesses to the prejudice of their lawful Heirs and commanded 'em to produce before the Senate the Titles by vertue of which they exacted Fines and Confiscations Thus Gustavus issu'd out Declarations one after another proportionably to the progress of Lutheranism which excited the Curiosity of all his Subjects and made 'em speak every one according to his private Interest or Inclination The Nobility and Gentry without examining the new-preach'd Doctrin applauded the King for weakning the Power of the Clergy which was become so odious and some of the most eminent Persons in the Kingdom declar'd publickly in favor of the Lutherans hoping by this new Doctrin to recover those Estates which their Ancestors had given away for the Foundation of so many rich Monasteries of which the Kingdom was full Those even among the People who had some knowledge of public Affairs were not displeas'd to see the Power of the Clergy moderated or at least part of their many Extorsions abolished the invention of which was attributed to the Court of Rome under the plausible Names of Tithes Indulgences and Alms. But that which gave 'em the greatest satisfaction was that the King had put a stop to the litigious Proceedings of the Bishops Officials and other Ministers who oppress'd the Kingdom under pretext of Correction and Ecclesiastical Judgment But both the Regular and Secular Clergy grew very uneasy at this Attempt against their Authority nor cou'd they endure to be thus disturb'd in the possession of their Rights and Priviledges The King slighting their Discontent put his Troops into Winter Quarters upon their Lands which none of his Predecessors had ever attempted to do and quarter'd his Horse in the Abbies and Monasteries pretending that the Peasants were ruin'd but in effect to keep the Monks in awe by the presence and terror of his Soldiers His Officers of Justice brought into Question by his Order the Title of the Carthusians to the rich Monastery of Griphysholm who own'd the King's Ancestors to be the Founders of it and they were oblig'd to prove the Donation or Acquisition of the Lands they injoy'd Having lost their Title they had recourse to Prescription alledging that they held the best part of their Lands from the Piety of the Lords of Vasa but had lost their Title during the Confusions and Troubles of the Civil Wars The King without regarding the Prescription re-united to his own Estate the Lands of this Monastery which belong'd originally to his Family and expell'd the Monks out of it under pretext that it was built upon his own Ground But perhaps the true Reason was because they denied him Admittance into their House when he was Persecuted by Christiern And 't is not improbable that he took this way to feel the Pulse of the People and at the same time to kindle in the Nobility a Desire to follow his Example by
New Testament to compare it with the other He assâ—r'd him he wou'd read it with great satisfaction And for a further Incouragement he told him such a Pâ—â—ce of Work would be the more useful in the Kingdom because few Friâ—sts in it understâ—â—d the Latine Tongue and that they frequently mâ—stâ—ok the meaning of the Text for want of having it in their Mother Tongue To which Reasons he added some private Caresses he made to that Prelate and dismiss'd him with assurances that he wou'd suffer nothing to pass in his Kingdom in Matters of Religion without his knowledge and advice The Arch Bishop dazel'd by those plausible Reasons and the Caresses of his Prince summon'd to Stockholm his Six Suffragan Bishops and the Principal Persons both of the Regular and Secular Clergy To whom he represented the necessity of making a speedy Translation of the New Testament in opposition to that of Olaus he told 'em it was the King's desire and that it was an infallibe means to please his Majâ—sty and keep him in their Communion The Bishop of Lincopire vigorously oppos'd the undertaking of that Work saying that our Saviour had left the Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures to the Bishopâ— and Doctors of his Church left no occasion that there might be for the simple and ignorant to coâ—tend about it That a Traâ—slation in the present Juncture of Assairs wou'd rather be instrumental to the Propagation of Lutheranism in the State and by the Authority of that Book the People would take upon 'em to judge of Controversies That the Church and Religion were not liable to Examination and that he had never approv'd of the Conference at Vpsal That it was far more Prudential to Excommunicate Olaus and his followers that the Bishop of Stregnez his Superior ought to secure him and bring him to his Trial or else send him to Rome and that such Hereticks ought only to be confuted with Fire and Sword But all these Remonstrances could not prevail with the Arch-Bishop to deny in some measure so just a thing to the King and to which he had oblig'd himself in the Conference at Vpsal Thus he persisted in his design unmov'd by the Arguments of the Bishop of Lincopinc who told him in the full Assembly that he wou'd ruin the Religion by his immoderate complaisance for the Court. The Regular and Secular Clergy divided the whole Work among 'em Pufendorf to have it the sooner finished The latter undertook the Translation of the four Evangelists the Acts of the Apostles and St. Pauls Epistles the Mendicant Friars St. Peter's St. John's St. James's and St. Jude's Epistles and the Carthusians were appointed to Translate the Apocalypse Olaus proud of his pretended success in the Conference at Vpsal printed an Account of it and Publish'd it to his Advantage Soon after he publickly Married tho' a Priest to confirm by so viting an Example the Doctrine which he preach'd Many of his Brethern follow'd his Example without the least reluctancy and publickly assâ—m'd the Name of Lutherans as a shelter against their Superiors and a Support to their Marriages Most of the Nobility got Ministers to Preach in their Castles some out of curiosity to hear their Eloquence others to please the King and perhaps in order to get those Church-Lands they had an eye upon Gustavus was extremely pleas'd to see so sudden a change in Matters of Religion And he who never suffer'd his designs to appear but according as Lutheranism got ground thought he might now without danger seize upon part of the Church-Lands In order to which he call'd the Senate to meet at Stockholm upon intelligences he procur'd from time to time and which he dexterously caus'd to be spread all over the Kingdom that the Emperor himself was preparing to March with all the Forces of the Empire to restore King Christiern No sooner were the Senators arriv'd at Stockholm but he desir'd 'em to take all possible care to put the Kingdom in a State of Defense against the attempts of the Enemy The Lords who for the most part ow'd him their Fortunes and Dignities guess'd presently at his intentions and gave this answer suitable to his Designs That the People were utterly exhausted by the long Wars of Sweden and that the Merchants of Lubeck and other Hanse-Towns did absolutely ruin the Kingdom by their extorted Privilege to drive alone the Trade of Sweden and that without paying any Customs That there was no way left to recruit his Treasure but by opening all the Ports of this Kingdom to the Merchants of other Nations but that the Town of Lubeck must be first paid before those Priviledges cou'd be cancell'd which Sweden was forc'd to grant in lieu of Interest for the Mony and Troops that Regency had lent the Crown against the Danes The Senate agreed both in the necessity of making that Payment and at the same time in the present impossibility of doing it The King under colour of easing the People propos'd by his Chancellour to take for the subsistence of his Troops the two Thirds of the Tithes belonging for the most part to Bishops or Rich Abbots And that cunning Statesman did at the same time insinuate that the superfluous Plate and Bells of Churches might be apply'd to pay the Regency of Lubeck by which means its Priviledges might be at once abolish'd which tended to the absolute ruin both of the King and Kingdom The Power and Authority of Gustavus were settl'd by this time upon so firm and solid a Foundation that the Resolves of the Senate were in a manner but a meer Formality So that all the Senators with great submission approv'd of this Expedient of which a solemn Decree was forthwith made and Commissioners were appointed by the King who seiz'd all over the Kingdom upon the Church-plate and Bells which they found to be superfluous and same time laid up in public Granaries the Tithes and all the Grains design'd for the Subsistence of his Troops This Order of the Senate stunn'd like a Thunderbolt both the Superior and Inferior Clergy They saw that they had set a wise and mighty Prince upon the Throne who was resolv'd to ruin their Authority and was so much the more terrible because of his Dexterity in concealing his Hatred and Designs under the specious pretence of the public Good The Archbishop of Vpsal brought his Complaints to the King and told him that his Officers committed such Depredations in all the Churches as were scarce to be fear'd from the most outragious Hereticks or Fanaticks The King having thus at last pull'd off the Mask answer'd the Bishop with an Aiâ— of Authority that what had been seiz'd by his Order wou'd be better imploy'd for the Defence of the Realm than for maintaining the Grandeur and Pride of the Clergy After these words he dismiss'd him and wou'd not give him a longer Audience The King's Answer and the Violence of his Officers did extremely exasperate most of the
of the Crown were so diminish'd by the Usurpations of the Clergy that they were scarce sufficient to answer the Charge of the civil List That the Nobility and Gentry were also ruin'd by the imprudent Bounty of their Ancestors That it was plain the Church of Sweden alone had the command of more Wealth than the King and all the other Estates of the Realm together That the Bishops had always made Religion subservient to their Interest and the Establishing of their Authority and by indirect means had made themselves Masters of the best Mannours and Principal Fortresses That these Prelates growing by degrees Richer and more Potent than their Sovereign had frequently revolted against their Princes That their Ambition had occasion'd all the Civil and Foreign Wars with which the Kingdom had been harrass'd for near the space of 120 Years That they had several times call'd in the Enemies and receiv'd 'em into their Forts sticking at no Treachery to compass their wicked Designs That the Senate sensible of the present Exigencies and knowing how prejudical the excessive Power and Wealth of the Bishops was to the Peace of Sweden had wisely ordain'd that two Thirds of the Tithes shou'd be apply'd to the Maintenance and Subsistence of the Army That the King desir'd that his late Declarations and the Senate's Decree which aimed at nothing but the ease of the People shou'd be confirm'd by the Estates That both the Regular and Secular Clergy should forthwith restore to the Crown to the Nobility and to all private Persons the Lands and Estates which they pretended had been bequeath'd to 'em since the Reign and Prohibition of King Canutson That they shou'd be oblig'd to contribute as well as the Laity to the support of the Army proportionably to their ancient Estates and Acquisitions That the Bishops shou'd not hereafter inherit the Estates of the inferiour Clergy by which means the best Families of the Kingdom insensible decay'd and came to ruin That those Prelates shou'd renounce their pretended Right and Penalties and Forfeitures That they shou'd forthwith put the King in possession of their Forts which had often serv'd for a shelter to Seditious and Rebellions Persons And Lastly that they shou'd be for ever excluded from the Senate or any share in the Government No sooner had the Chancellor ended his Speech but the Bishop of Lincopinc stood up to oppose him and spoke to this effect That it was no wonder to hear of that bold Proposal to take away the Church-Lands from the Clergy while the Lutherans were countenanced in their endeavours to extirpate the true Religion He declared to the Estates that he and the whole Clergy were resolv'd to defend the Catholick Faith never to part with any Church-Lands or yield up any of their Rights or Priviledges without an express Order from the Pope whom they own'd as the Supreme Disposer of the Church Revenues as he was the Infallible Judge in Matters of Religion The King amaz'd at the boldness of that Prelate turn'd towards the Senators and the Nobility as it were to ingage some of 'em to make a sutable reply Immediately Tureiohanson stood up who far from siding with the King told him with a great deal of considence that the Bishop of Lincopinc cou'd not be too much commended for his Zeal and that he wish'd all the Swedes were inspir'd with so noble a resolution to defend the Catholick Faith and the Liberty of the Nation He was applauded by the Bishops and the whole Clergy and their Acclamations were seconded by many Deputies of West-Gothland who bewail'd in secret the decaying State of the Ancient Religion but durst not freely speak their mind for sear of the King's displeasure Tureiohanson's discourse and the Applause it met with among those of his party did both surprise the King and stir up his Passion He complain'd of their ingratitude and want of respect and told them that the Swedes cou'd neither live without Kings nor endure 'em after they were chosen that he was sensible his Declarations against the Clergy and the Senate's Decree concerning Tithes had procur'd him more Enemies in the Kingdom than he had among the Neighbouring Nations who envi'd the Happiness of Sweden that he knew there were many in that Assembly who according to the Swedish Proverb wished the Head of an Ax struck deep into his Head tho' none were so bold as to take up the handle and that they were grossly mistaken if they thought he mounted the Throne as an Actor comes upon a Stage only to personate a King He declar'd withal that he expected obedience and that in the present juncture of Assairs it was requisite he shou'd use an absolute Power to resist the Designs and Attempts both of the Emperor and King Christiern But if they thought he cou'd not justly require Obedience and Submission he protested that he was ready to resign the Crown That he only demanded a re-imbursment for the Charge he had been at for the defence of the State since he undertook the Government that afterwards he wou'd let them peaceably injoy the Fruit of his Victories and solemnly promise to leave the Kingdom for ever At these words Grief and Anger drew some Tears from his Eyes and without expecting an answer he suddenly left the Assembly and went into the Castle follow'd by the Principal Officers of his Army who urg'd him to assume an absolute Power and offer'd to execute his Orders without the consent of the Estates The Chancellor staid to hinder the Estates from taking any Resolutions contrary to the King's Interest in his Absence But nothing was concluded that Day The Temporal Senators and principal Lords alarmed at the angry Retreat of Gustavus rose up immediately as if they had been afraid to be seen in the Company of the King's Adversaries On the other Hand the Bishops and the whole Clergy most of the Lords of West-Gothland and all the Rabble of Westeras conducted Tureiohanson home as it were in Triumph That haughty Lord was so puff'd up with their Applauses that he cou'd not conceal his Joy to see himself at the Head of a Party which he lookt upon as formidable to the King He fancy'd that he should Govern the Estates and by his Authority influence all their resolutions He enter'd his House with the sound of Trumpets and Kettle Drums elevated with his present success without considering that the Favour of the People is usually short-liv'd and that 't is extreamly hard for a great Man to come off with Honour when the Prince's Authority seems to be slighted or disregarded The Estates met again the next Day which was spent wholly in Contests on both sides Olaus Petri made a new Challenge to Dr. Gallus but it came to nothing because Gallus wou'd argue in Latin and in a Scholastic manner and Olaus resolv'd to dispute in the Swedish Tongue The Assembly was divided into two Parties one that stood up for the Preservation of the Rights and Privileges
that the Contest was meerly about Temporal Assairs made high Protestations that they wou'd cut in pieces the first Man who shou'd offer to oppose the King 's Will. And these Menaces struck such a Terror in the Minds of Tureiohanson and the Lords of West-Gothland that they were forc'd to be silent and withdraw At last it was solemnly Enacted by the Estates That the Bishops shou'd immediately put their Forts into the Hands of the King's Officers and disband their Troops and Garrisons That those Prelates shou'd not any more be admitted into the Senate as being a hinderance to the discharge of their Ministerial Functions That it shou'd not be in their power to deprive the lawful Heirs of Ecclesiasticks of their Right of Inheritance nor shou'd thereafter convert to their own Uses the Penalties and Forfeitures which properly belong'd to the Crown That all superfluous Church-plate and useless Bells shou'd be apply'd to pay the Regency of Lubeck That all Church-Lands that had accru'd to the Clergy by Foundations made since the Prohibition of K. Canutson shou'd be re-united to the Crown That the Nobility and Gentry might recover their Estates mortgag'd to the Church by paying off the Mortgage That the two Thirds of the Tithes injoy'd by most Bishops and Abbots shou'd be sequester'd for the subsistence of the Troops so long as there shou'd be any Ground to apprehend a War in the Kingdom and that in time of Peace they shou'd be apply'd to the Erecting and Indowing of publick Schools and Hospitals in all the Provinces That those among the Clergy shou'd be severely Punish'd who shou'd offer to Excommunicate any one for a meerly Temporal Concern That the Magistrates shou'd restrain the Mendicant Friars from their usual Rambles and the King shou'd dispose at his pleasure of all the Priviledges of the Clergy Lastly by the Chancellor's cunning Insinuation it was order'd That all considerable Churches shou'd be provided with learned and godly Men that shou'd expound to the People the pure Word of God which in the Language of those Times signify'd that Lutheranism shou'd be preach'd with Authority No sooner was this Act put into form but all the Deputies sign'd it and even the Bishops who were not well united among themselves Some of 'em were gain'd by the Court and others out of fear were forc'd to subscribe tho' they plainly saw that they sign'd the Abdication of their Dignities and even an Article contrary to the Catholick Religion The Estates pray'd the Chancellor and Dr. Olaus Petri to carry the Act to the King and charg'd 'em to assure his Majesty that he shou'd never hereafter find any opposition to his Will in that Assembly The King having thus brought 'em to his own Terms went to the Assembly where by the Chancellor's Mouth he thank'd the Deputies for their having at last taken Resolutions sutable to the present Exigencies He assur'd 'em That henceforward he wou'd have a particular regard for the People and that he hop'd by the help of that Supply alone which they had now granted him Sweden shou'd have no cause to fear her Enemies Then he dismiss'd the Estates with Assurances of his Gratitude to such among the Deputies as had express'd most Zeal for his Interest By this Act Gustavus finding himself Master in a manner both of the Wealth and Religion of the Church went at the Head of a Body of Horse to see the Act put in execution He past successively from Province to Province attended by Olaus Petri and many other Lutheran Doctors whom he order'd to Preach before him in the principal Churches At the same time he commanded the Titles of all Church-Lands to be brought before him Re-uniting presently to his Demesn and restoring to the ancient Proprietors or their Heirs such Lands as the Clergy had acquir'd since the Reign of King Canutson By which means he recover'd both from the Regular and Secular Clergy more than two Thirds of their Revenues and by computation seiz'd upon Thirteen Thousand considerable Farms some of which he reunited to his own Demesns and with the rest he recompens'd his Creatures and the Principal Officers of his Army At the same time he made great Sums of Mony of the Church-Plate which he caus'd to be melted down to enrich the publick Treasury The Progress of the King all over his Kingdom gave the Final Blow to the Catholick Religion An open War was in a manner declar'd against the Clergy and the Foundations of the old Religion were undermin'd by the Flight or Change of its Ministers There could be no want of pretences at a time when none were requir'd to turn Priests out of their Benefices for persevering in the profession of their Ancient Religion Most Curates and other Benefic'd Clergy-Men scrupl'd not to own the Lutheran Doctrin to keep their Dwelling-Houses and part of their Livings Many of 'em were only requir'd to Marry and to introduce into their Churches the Divine Service in the Vulgar Tongue which was the surest mark of a Priest's conversion to Lutheranism The Bishop of Lincopinc retir'd to Poland and the rest of the Prelates lay sculking in their Houses without dareing to perform the Functions of their Ministry for fear of exposing themselves to new Persecutions They waited with a servile patience for the King's Orders to dispose of their Persons and Dignities always ready to yield him obedience but much more vex'd at the Alteration he made in their Revenues than for the change of Religion The Bishop of Scara who was not well acquainted with the controversies that were agitated among the Divines on both sides was the only Bishop who resolv'd to defend by the strength of Arms his Dignity and the Revenues of his Church In pursuance of this Design he engag'd Tureiohanson with several Lords of West-Gothland who endeavour'd to raise an Insurrection in that Province but the Country-People were so prepossess'd with Esteem and Respect for the King that they refus'd to rise up in Arms and the Bishop saw himself abandon'd by the whole Chapter which began to savour Luther's Opinions The greatest part of the Monks quitted their Monastries some out of a desire of Liberty and others for want of a settl'd subsistence Those who remain'd stedfast in their Religion fied to the Dalecarlians who had openly declar'd against Lutheranism There these miserable Fugitives thought to have their Wants reliev'd and their Grievances redress'd Dalecarlia as I said before is a remote Province in the Northern parts of Sweden inhabited by a rude and ignorant People fond of their Ancient Religion almost meer Savages inur'd to hardship and in that respect fit for War but incapable of Discipline The whole Province swarm'd with Ecclesiasticks both of the Secular and Regular Clergy old Men and Women loaded with young Children who having quitted their Housholds chose rather to wander in the Mountains than embrace Lutheranism The Dalecarlians mov'd with their complaints and incens'd at the sight of the new Pastors in their
a zealous Calvinist who imagin'd that if he cou'd negotiate that Match for his Pupil he might one Day establish Calvinism in Sweden Queen Elizabeth receiv'd with all the external Marks of kindness and respect the Proposals he made to her in the Name of his Master relating to Trade and the Alliance or League betwixt the two Nations and gave him a favourable Answer with respect to Prince Eric but only in general Terms The Embassador fancying that all her obliging Expressions concerning that Prince were real Promises made haste home to Stockholm as if he had consummated his Negotiation At his return he assur'd the King that nothing but the Prince's Presence was wanting to bring it to perfection and that he was consident his good Mien and personal Merit wou'd fix the Queen's Affections Prince Eric flatter'd with so tempting a Prospect was very earnest with the King his Father and press'd him hard to consent that he might take a Journey to England But Custavus jealous of the Glory of his Family wou'd not expose the presumptive Heir of the Crown to a Refusal nor give his consent that he shou'd go out of the Kingdom before some Articles were sign'd 'T is possible a more important but more secret Reason induc'd the King to reject that Voyage Eric was a Prince indow'd with many excellent natural Qualities He had a majestick Presence an Air of Authority which drew Respect from all Men a fiery Briskness in his Behavior and a certain Ardor that was usually taken for Courage or Valor But the lustre of all these external Advantages was obscur'd by some inward Defects that were not unknown to the King his Father which he was willing to hide from the English This Prince inherited a sort of Extravagancy or Distraction from the Queen his Mother which now and then seiz'd upon his Brain and prompted him to outragious Acts There was a certain peevish Sulleness that appear'd in his Behaviour and Actions which by an odd kind of Contagion seem'd to infect all those who approach'd him And in his most lucid Intervals he discover'd so much hardness and wildness of Temper that People were afraid of his Government even before he was own'd and declar'd to be the next Successor to the King his Father These Considerations made such an impression upon Gustavus that he was sometimes resolv'd to leave the Crown to his second Son a generous and good-natur'd Prince who by his Caresses and obliging Behavior had won the Hearts of all those who were to be his Brother's Subjects But the King fearing lest this Preference wou'd stir up a Civil War both in his Family and Kingdom resolv'd at last to regulate the Succession according to the order of Birth-right In the mean time to satisfy Prince Eric whom his Tutor had inspir'd with a violent Passion for Queen Elizabeth he consented at last that Prince John his second Son shou'd go to the Court of England under pretence of Travelling and indeavour to draw at least a verbal Promise from the Queen This young Prince being arriv'd at London was receiv'd by Queen Elizabeth with great Demonstrations of Joy He had a share in all her Divertisements and she frequently invited him to Hunting In short that wise Princess who made those several Proposals of Marriage subservient to her Interest and politick Ends omitted nothing that might amuse the young Prince by insinuating that both his Presence and Proposals were agreeable to her But she declin'd ingaging further in that Affair pretending that she cou'd not in the present Juncture conclude that Marriage so soon as she cou'd have wish'd This was the usual Pretext with which she amus'd all the Princes that courted her whom she was willing to admit as Lovers but cou'd not resolve to accept 'em for Husbands Upon the return of this Prince into Sweden the King presently concluded that his eldest Son Prince Eric wou'd have no better success in the Pursuit of this Match Philip II. than the K. of Spain the D. of Alenson the Arch-duke of Austria E. of Leicester my Lord Courtney and so many others whom this Princess had flatter'd with the same Hopes one after another and often at the same time But Prince Eric was so deluded by his Tutor's Suggestions that he imagin'd his Presence wou'd surmount all Obstacles and pretended that his Brother had thwarted his Inclination either out of Jealousy or Self-interest He solicited the Senators and the King's Ministers both by Intreaties and Threats to procure the King's Consent for him to go to the English Court. Gustavus considering his fierce and unruly Temper and fearing that he wou'd either go without his Consent or raise some Disturbance in the State was at last persuaded to grant his Desire and nam'd the Persons that were to attend him Then he made his last Will and divided his Dominions among the Princes his Children He left his Crown to Prince Eric the Dukedom of Finland to Prince John East-Gothland to Magnus and Sudermania to Charles The younger Princes being to injoy their Provinces by the Title of Principalities but on condition of paying Homage and Fealty to the Crown of Sweden Prince Eric was so highly displeas'd at this Distribution that he was ready to take up Arms to demand the Revocation of the Will but the fear of his Father who was King of his Children as well as of his Subjects kept him in awe He conceal'd his Anger with a Resolution to do himself Justice when the supreme Power shou'd fall into his Hands and was just ready to set Sail for England when he was detain'd at the Port of Elsburg by the News he receiv'd of his Father's Decease That great Prince was seiz'd at Stockholm with an inward Fever that wasted him by degrees yet he continu'd still to manage Affairs with his usual application and resolv'd to Reign to the last moment of his Life Some hours before his Death he sent for Eric Steno the Secretary of State to whom he dictated Memoris concerning the most secret Affairs of the Kingdom Then he sent for the young Princes and charg'd 'em to love one another and submit peaceably to Prince Eric who was now ready to mount the Throne He gave each of 'em his Blessing and made 'em presently withdraw lest his Mind shou'd be disturb'd by the Tears of his Family He dismist even his Physicians who in that Extremity continu'd still to flatter him with hopes of Life that he might spend the last moments of his Life in fixing his Thoughts wholly upon God Thus he died peaceably in the Arms of his Servants in the 70th Year of his Age. His Body was carried to Vpsal Sept. 29. where his Funeral was solemniz'd with publick Orations and Panegyricks with the Tears of all his Subjects and the immortal Memory of his glorious Actions He ow'd his Crown meerly to his own Valor and Reign'd with as absolute a Power as if the Crown had been his Birth-right He made
what Alterations he pleas'd in Religion the Laws and the Property of his Subjects and yet dy'd ador'd by the People and admir'd by the Nobility He left his Kingdom in Peace with all his Neighbors secur'd by a League with France and enrich'd by a fiourishing Trade with all the Nations of Europe the Revenues of the Crown were much augmented his Treasury full his Arsenals well furnish'd there was a considerable Fleet in the Ports the Frontier-places were fortify'd and in a word Sweden was in a condition to strike her Enemies with Terror and inspire her Allies with Respect A CHRONOLOGICAL ABRIDGMENT OF THE History of Sweden ALL Nations have had Historians that have spoken of the Antiquity of their Original with so much Partiality and Exaggeration that a considering Person will hardly venture to depend upon the Authority of the Authors of ancient Chronicles and the Accounts of those remote times The least Affinity of Names is reckon'd a sufficient Ground by most of those ancient or modern Writers to chuse at pleasure among the ancient Hero's and even among the first Inhabitants of the World such a Founder as they thought fit to name for their Country Among those Historians that are so fond of Antiquity and zealous for the Honour of their Country those who have publish'd an intire Body of the History of Sweden have in my Opinion out-done all the Writers of other Nations They scruple not to affirm that Sweden is the ancientest Monarchy not only of the North but even of all Europe According to those creditious or too partial Authors Magog Noah's Grandson came from Scythia to Finland from whence coasting the Gulf of Bothnia to Gothland he settl'd his Son Gethar or Gog in that Country who is said to have been the first Prince of the Goths and the Stock of the Royal Line I will not undertake in this place to decide that famous Question whether Sweden be the original Habitation or only a Colony of the ancient Goths Both these Opinions are asserted by several Authors But I am fully satisfy'd that 't wou'd be a very difficult Task to give a clear and distinct Account of the first Inhabitants of Sweden from whence they came and when they settl'd in that Country Nor wou'd it be less difficult to prove what those ancient Chroniclers seem to suppose that Sweden had Kings almost as soon as Inhabitants for 't is probable that the Heads of Families were the first Princes of the Earth and that Men did not voluntarily submit to a Monarchical Government till they were convinc'd by a long Experience of the Inconveniencies of a tumultuous Liberty But supposing some ancient Manuscript had faithfully preserv'd the Names of the several Lords that have Rul'd in Sweden Who can tell whether they were Kings or only Princes of some particular Country or perhaps Judges and Captains in their respective Jurisdictions And 't is even not improbable that those Heads whose Names are preserv'd were Cotemporary and at the same time Governors of several Provinces and that the reason why Historians rank'd 'em successively in their Writings was that they might have a longer series of Kings to fill up their Chronology In the mean time 't is certain that there is no fixt Aera to be found in the History of Sweden till about the middle of the Twelfth Age before which time the Relations of that Country are full of Darkness and Confusion History intermixt with Fables and embellish'd with fictitious Wonders extracted from old Legends or ancient Songs in heroick Verse which were the only Annals of those Times In those remote Ages all the Princes and Hero's are either Giants or famous Magicians who signalize their Strength and pretended Power by robbing one another and by committing barbarous and unheard of Cruelties against their Enemies Justice and Honesty were unknown in those Ages and even had not so much as a Name among these barbarous Nations All Controversies were decided by force the most violent Men were most respected and 't was reckon'd a dishonor for a Prince not to ravish a Princess before he married her A wild Beast kill'd in the sight of the People or an Enemy surpriz'd and assassinated in his House was enough to make the bold Murderer a Hero while he liv'd and sometimes a God after his death I shall however give the Reader a Catalogue of those ancient Kings as I have collected 'em from Swedish Authors beginning with Eric I. who reign'd as they relate 2000 Years before our Saviour's Birth The Chronology you will find in the Margin according to the computation of those Writers but I shall assert nothing till I come down to nearer Ages where the Truth begins to appear with more certainty and clearness THE Fabulous History OF SWEDEN Eric I. Years of the World THIS Prince's Birth is altogether unknown to us nor are we better inform'd of the means he us'd to become Master of his Country or of what pass'd under his Government Some Authors relate that he sent considerable Colonies into the Islands of the Cimbric Chersonese which at present are part of the Kingdom of Denmark but the Danish Historians will not acknowledge the Truth of a Story that seems to have been invented by some Swedish Writer to raise his Nation to the Honour of Antiquity and at the same time to a kind of Superiority over the neighbouring Nations Vddo Alo Othen Charles I. Biorn Gethar Gylto We have no account of the Reigns of these Princes and the very Fable is here at a stand only their Names are preserv'd By some Authors they are call'd Judges Nor is it known whether they govern'd at the same time or successively in several Provinces of the Kingdom An Interval of 400 Years during which the Fabulous History is altogether silent Othin A famous Magician commanded the Winds as he pleas'd assum'd the form of any wild Beast and had Intelligence of what pass'd in the remotest Places by the means of two Domestick Demons The Report of his wonderful Skil kept his Enemies in â—awe and inspir'd his Subjects with so profound a â—veneration and respect for him that after his Decease they enroll'd him among the Gods The Stories of Magicians and Witches found an easy admittance into the belief and admiration of those credulous and ignorant Ages Humblus If we may rely upon the Testimony of the Swedish Historians this Prince settl'd his eldest Son Dan in the Cimbric Chersonese who lest his Name to the Country Norus his second Son went by his Orders into the most Northern Provinces where he sounded the Kingdom of Norway One may easily perceive that the Affinity of the Names Dan with Danemark and Norus with Norway has given birth to this Story Sigtrug History is altogether silent concerning the Forâ—une and Adventures of the Posterity of Humblus Only 't is observ'd by the Swedish Authors that Sigtrug Usurp'd the supream Power 'T is plain that at that time there was no settl'd Form of
Government in Sweden and 't is probable the Crown was only Hereditary when the Sons of the deceast King were strong enough to maintain themselves in that station nor were they advanc'd to it before they had signaliz'd themselves by some bold and extraordinary exploit Suibdager King of Norway Conquer'd Denmark from Gram King of Cepers The Swedes charm'd with his Valour or aw'd by his Power chose him for their Sovereign by which Election he saw himself at the same time absolute Lord of the three Northern Kingdoms This Prince according to the Swedish History is the first Foreigner upon whom the Crown was conferr'd Hasinund Son and Successor of Suibdager was slain in a Battle against the Danes Vffo Son and Successor of Hasinund carry'd on a War against the Danes with success but at last Hading King of Denmark under colour of an Interview for a Treaty of Peace drew him into a place where he caus'd him to be Assassiinated Huning Vffo's Brother and Successor after a Bloody War which he undertook against the King of Denmark to revenge the Death of his Brother chang'd of a sudden his violent hatred against his Enemy into an excess of Friendship A Solemn Peace was concluded betwixt these two Princes with a Solemn Oath on both sides that upon the Death of either the other shou'd not survive him It happen'd not long after that Hading was salsly reported to have been Assassinated by his own Daughter which Huning believing resolv'd to die according to his promise In pusuance of this design he regal'd his Friends and the chief Persons of the Kingdom with a sumptuous Entertainment and at the conclusion of the Feast being Drunk he threw himself into a deep Tub full of Mead and so drown'd himself Hading was vext at the News but resolving to imitate the Generosity of his Friend he very coâ—â—ageously Hang'd himself in the sight of all his People if there be any credit to be given to those ancient Histories or rather to the Histories of those Ancient Ages Regner The Son and Successor of Huning was made King of Sweden notwithstanding all the opposition of his Mother-in-Law Torilla He Govern'd his Subjects with much Equity and Moderation But these peaceful Virtues were so far from procuring him the Love and Esteem of a Cruel and Barbarous People that he was slighted and contemn'd because he wou'd not gratify their savage Humour by Plundering the Neighbouring Countries and perhaps also because he was too generous to cause his private Enemies to be Assassinated Hothebrod The Son and Successor of Regner was a warlike and daring Prince and undertook several fortunate Expeditions against the Finlanders Russes Esthonians and Curlandians After which he Attack'd Roe King of Denmark whom he kill'd at the Head of his Army He pursu'd this Victory with so much vigor that he made himself Master of the whole Kingdom But he did not long injoy his Conquest for the Danes revolting at the instigation of Helgo Roe's Brother Hothebrod was routed and kill'd and by this means the Swedes were expell'd out of Denmark These pretended Conquests of Kingdoms were only Inrodes made by the victorious party into the Enemies Country For since there were no places of strength where Garrisons cou'd be left to secure the Conquest as soon as the Victorious Army retir'd with their Booty the Conquer'd Nation took up Arms and chose a new King or Captain to Command ' em Attila I. Succeeded his Father Hothebrod and Marri'd the Mother of Rool King of Denmark But that Match instead of producing a lasting Peace between the two Kingdoms and a good Understanding betwixt the Kings serv'd only to re-kindle the War with greater fury than ever The Queen of Sweden having seiz'd upon the Treasury of the King her Husband fled to her Son in Denmark Attila incens'd at her persidiousness invaded Denmark with his Forces and routed the Danes Rool was defeated and kill'd by one of the Swedish Generals and Hother Attila's Brother was made King of Denmark Hother King of Sweden and Denmark routed the Danes who revolted at the instigation of Balder a Prince of that Nation after which he march'd against the Russes but lost his Life in that Expedition Rodric This Victorious Prince reveng'd his Father's Death by the defeat of the Russes and subdu'd the Finlanders Wendi and Slavonians Attila II The Son and Successor of Rotherick he fought a single Combat at the Head of his Army with Frovia General of the Danish Forces and kill'd him Frovia left two Sons who as soon as they were grown up to Age went to Sweden and offer'd their service to Attila pretending to be Soldiers of Fortune They were receiv'd into the King's House whom they afterwards Assassinated to revenge the Death of their Father Botwil Charles II Grimmer Lordon Gothar Adolphus Algot Eric II. Lindorp The Fabulous Chronology mentions only the names of those Nine Princes without relating their Adventures or so much as the length of their Reigns Alaric Under this Prince's Reign the Swedish Monarchy was divided into two Kingdoms Alaric reigning in Sweden and Gestiblind in both the Gothlands This Division and the Neighbourhood of two Barbarous Nations occasion'd Bloody Wars betwixt ' em Alaric according to the custom of those Times challeng'd Gestiblind to a single Combat who declin'd it by reason of his Age but offer'd in his stead Eric Prince of Norway who was come to his Assistance These two Champions fought with all the Fury and Obstinacy that Men are capable of when they resolve either to vanquish or die Alaric was slain and Gestiblind to reward Eric's Valour not only gave him the Crown of Sweden but appointed him his Successor in the Kingdom of Gothland by which means these two Crowns were not long after reunited upon the Head of that Prince Eric III. surnam'd the Wise This Prince liv'd in a profound Peace and apply'd himself wholly to the Administration of Justice and Execution of the Laws This got him the surname of Wise which he preferr'd to that of Brave and Courageous tho' he really deserv'd it by the Valour he shew'd in the Combat he fought with King Alaric Halden I. The Son and Successor of Eric the Wise A. C. 43. he signaliz'd himself in the Wars of Norway and restor'd Fricdelef King of Denmark to his Fathers Throne from which he had been expell'd by an Usurper Returning to Sweden at the Head of a Victorious Army he resolv'd to make his Will the only Standard and Rule of his Government Upon which his Subjects revolted his Officers and Soldiers forsook him and he was at last put to Death by the Malecontents Siward Haldan's Son was own'd for his Successor upon condition that none shou'd be molested about the Death of his Father Under this Prince's reign the Goths were again separated from the Swedish Monarchy and chose for their King a Prince call'd Charles of the Family of their Ancient Kings who to establish his Authority made a League with
King immediately caus'd 'em to be Beheaded to curb by so necessary a severity the seditious and inconstant Humor of these People Thus by an innocent Artifice and commendable Diligence he appeas'd a furious Infurrection without any Effusion of Blood or Diminution of his Forces These were the last Efforts of an Unbridl'd and Tumultuous Liberty which was forc'd to give way to a more absolute and consequently more peaceful Dominion After this the whole Kingdom submitted to the King and all his Subjects imbrac'd Lutheranism some out of regard to their private Interest and to make their Court and others out of their abhorrence of the irregular Life of the Clergy The Lutheran Doctors gain'd some Proselytes by perswading 'em that their Masters Opinions in Matters of Religion which were falsly reckon'd Innovations were nothing else but primitive Christianity restor'd and purg'd from all Monkish Superstitions and many were glad to be convinc'd of the Truth of the prevailing Religion that they might preserve their Estates without being forc'd to seek their Fortunes abroad Gustavus seeing that most of his Subjects had chang'd their Religion at last declar'd himself a Lutheran He made Olaus Petri Pastor of the Church of Stockholm and his Brother Laurentius Petri Arch-Bishop of Vpsal Upon this new Prelate he bestow'd a Lady who was related to him that the Honor of his Alliance might oblige the People to entertain less scandalous notions of a Marri'd Priest or perhaps that so illustrious a Match might make amends for the great Revenues he had withdrawn from so rich a Benefice The King's Coronation follow'd soon after and was perform'd at Vpsal by this Prelate with great Solemnity January 12. and at the same time he Conferr'd the Honor of Knighthood on all the Senators and the chief Lords of the Court. Sweden was Lutheran all over King Senators Bishops and all the Nobility made publick Profession of that Religion But whereas most of the Country Curates and others of the inferior Clergy had imbrac'd it meerly by force or out of weakness an extravagant Medly of Roman Ceremonies and Lutheran Prayers was introduc'd into several Churches in the Kingdom Some Married Priests and Curates continu'd still to say Mass in several Places according to the Roman Ritual and Liturgy Baptism was administred with all the Prayers and Exorcisms appointed by the Church and the Dead were Buri'd with the same Prayers that are us'd to beg God to relieve the Souls of the Faithful tho' the Doctrin of Purgatory was condemn'd by the Lutherans The King desirous to establish an uniformity of Worship throughout the whole Kingdom a thing so necessary for the publick Peace especially in a Monarchy call a general Assembly of the whole Clergy in the form of a National Council The Assembly was held at Orebro the chief Town of Nericia Loc. l. 6. p. 276. Bazius Mist Eccle. Succ. and the Chancellor Lardz-Anderson presided in the Kings Name This Lutheran Council was compos'd of the Bishops Doctors and Pastors of the principal Churches They own'd the Augsburg-Confession as the Rule and Standard of their Faith and solemnly renounc'd their Obedience to the Pope as Head of the Church They order'd the Roman Worship to be intirely abolish'd prohibited all Prayers for the Dead borrow'd from the Lutheran Churches of Germany the manner of administring Baptism and the Communion declar'd the Marriage of Priests Lawful and Condemn'd Celibacy and Monastick Vows They confirm'd the Ordinance of the Estates at Westeras by which the Church lost her Priviledges and the greatest part of her Revenues And which is observable these Regulations were made by almost the same Persons who the Year before had shew'd so much zeal for the Defence of the Ancient Religion so few there are that can long withstand the fear of Persecution or the hopes of Favour Yet they met with great difficulties in abolishing the Practice of the Roman Church in the Administration of the Sacraments The People and the Women especially cou'd not be satisfy'd without the Ceremonies of Baptism and the Prayers for the Dead The whole Kingdom was fill'd with Marmurings and Complaints upon the Occasion Most Women thro' an excessive Fear proceeding perhaps as much from their Temper as Virtue thought their Children cou'd not be well baptiz'd without the use of Salt and Exorcisms And a small residue of Faith as to the belief of Purgatory created such a disturbance in their Minds on the account of their deceas'd Relations as cou'd not be allay'd by all the Eloquence of the Lutheran Doctors Gustavus fearing the Complaints and Discontent of the People shou'd break out into a new Rebellion order'd the Lutheran Ministers to comply with those who stood up obstinately for the ancient Ceremonies and not to use the new but where they found a Temper dispos'd to receive ' em The King having thus compleated the alteration of Religion undertook another Project which gave him no less hope of filling his Coffers Most of the Swedish Provinces were formerly over-spread with vast Forests King Olaus Traetelga Amund An. 891. and some of their Successors caus'd a great part of 'em to be Dis-forested and bestow'd these new Lands in Fee-farm upon the Nobility and Gentry for which they were to pay a certain Duty to the Crown The Lords and Gentlemen had by degrees during the Civil Wars exempted themselves from paying those ancient Duties and a long Prescription seem'd to have abolish'd 'em till they were reviv'd by the King who requir'd both from the Nobility and Gentry either to part with their Fiefs or to pay Rents at which they were originally tax'd The Claims and Demands of this Prince differ'd not much from the most arbitrary Laws and Decrees and the Parties concern'd alarm'd at this after-clap offer'd to come to a fair Composition The chief Lords of each Province came and treated about it with the Chancellor and agreed to pay to the King Ten Marks of Silver for every Fief or Mannor or as it was then call'd for every Land that paid Tribute to the Crown Thus every thing succeeded with this Prince according to his desire and even beyond his hope He look'd upon the alteration of Religion as the happiest and most important passage of his Reign and the humbling of the Clergy who were no less formidable to him than the Danes as a second Conquest of Sweden Of all his Enemies he had none left but Christiern that cou'd make him uneasy or occasion the least disturbance That Prince was still in Flanders from whence he earnestly solicited the Emperor his Brother-in-law that he wou'd contribute his assistance in order to his Restoration Gustavus kept Spies about him who gave him Intelligence that Christiern was levying Soldiers in Holland From thence he concluded that the Threats and Design of a Descent in the Northern Kingdoms were ready to break out into Action and that Sweden and Denmark were like to be the Scene of the War He immediately sent notice of
it to Frederick K. of Denmark and at the same time thought it convenient to fortify himself against the Designs of the House of Austria by some considerable Alliance He conceiv'd that the Lutheran Princes of Germany who were extremely jealous of the Emperor's Power wou'd be easily perswaded to support his Interest by reason of their Conformity in point of Religion Upon these Considerations he demanded in Marriage the eldest Daughter of the Duke of Saxe Lawenburg The Duke charm'd with the valor and fame of Gustavus heard the Proposal with great satisfaction and sent the Princess his Daughter with a numerous Attendance to Lubeck whither Gustavus sent his whole Fleet to receive her After her arrival at Stockholm the Marriage was consummated with all the Joy and Magnificence that are usual on such Occasions Sept. 24. At the same time the King sent the late Administrator's Son to the Duke of Saxe his Father-in-law under pretext of improving his Knowledge by making him Travel but in effect that he might remove from the sight of the Swedes a young Prince that seem'd to have a better Title to the Crown whose Presence stirr'd up the Compassion of the most Moderate and might serve for a Pretence to all dissaffected Persons Gustavus's Nuptial Ceremonies were scarce at an end when he receiv'd Intelligence that a great number of Troops rais'd for the late King Christiern were privately Imbarking at one of the Ports of Holland Upon which he dispatch'd a new Courier to the K. of Denmark according to a former Agreement and at the same time put himself at the Head of his Army both to observe the Enemy and to hinder the Catholicks and Malecontents from favoring the Descent of that Prince The Emperor had all along flatter'd him with hopes that he wou'd undertake the Expedition himself with all the Forces of the Empire But the almost continual War in which he was engag'd with France broke that Design so that Christiern discourag'd by so many Disappointments and weary of personating so long in a Foreign Country a King without a Crown resolv'd with some Troops he had gather'd from several Parts to try his Fortune and endeavour to force a Passage into his own Dominions Tureiohanson who was always as brave as a Hero at plotting and contriving Work for others us'd all possible Arguments to perswade that Prince to make an Attempt upon Sweden To flatter him and at the same time to engage him in a Design that cou'd not be prosecuted without his Assistance he assur'd him that the Swedes were so incens'd at the late Change of Religion that they long'd for his Restauration That 't wou'd be sufficient to land 3000 Horse in that Kingdom and that the first Mass that was said in his Camp wou'd draw thither all the Malecontents and even many of Gustavus's own Soldiers That notwithstanding the fam'd Politicks and Subtilty of that Prince he had sign'd his own Abdication in the Assembly of the Clergy at Orebro by abolishing the Catholick Religion That excepting a small number of Courtiers and some military Officers who had a share in the spoils of the Clergy the whole Nation detested his Tyranny and the Change of Religion That he had disbanded his Foreign Horse and that his Foot consisted only of an undisciplin'd Militia the greatest part of whom wou'd certainly desert Gustavus as soon as King Christiern shou'd declare that his only Design was to restore the true Religion and to redress the Grievances of the Clergy Upon these plausible Assurances Christiern resolv'd to try the chance of War with about Ten thousand Men of different Nations whom he had listed in his Service during his abode in the Low Countries With this Body of Men imbark'd in Thirty Ships he set out of a Port in Holland and steer'd his Course for Norway which at that time was almost destitute of Troops and Garrisons which seem'd to be a needless Precaution in a Country that was sufficiently defended by the Barrenness of its Soil and the Rocks and Mountains with which 't is overspread Christiern knew that he was less expected there than in Denmark or Sweden and from thence he design'd to enter Sweden either by West-Gothland or Dalecarlia imagining that the Country People of these Provinces were still so incens'd at the Execution of their Country-men that they wou'd immediately rise up again in Arms and favor his Attempt This unfortunate Prince met in his voyage with a terrible Storm which dispers'd all his Fleet and sunk some of his Ships He narrowly escap'd Shipwrack upon the Coast of Norway and with much a do got to the Bay of Bahus with the shatter'd remainders of his Fleet where he landed without the least opposition and resolv'd to march to West-Gothland as a more commodious place for the subsistence of his Troops But upon Information that there was a considerable Body of Horse upon the Borders to oppose his Passage he was oblig'd to march Northwards towards Dalecarlia In his way he besieg'd a Town call'd Obslo which yielded on the first Summons not being in a condition to make any Resistance After that he storm'd the Castle of Carlostadt and some days after made himself Master of Congel These small Successes drew into his Army a great number of Country People of Norway encourag'd with the hopes of plund'ring the Sweedish Frontiers and Archbishop Trolle joyn'd him with some Troops he had rais'd in Brandenburg Christiern had perhaps as little Respect for the Church of Rome as Gustavus but 't was his Interest to appear a zealous Assertor of that Religion since his Enemy was a profest Lutheran and since the Success of his Designs depended entirely on the Assistance of the Clergy and Catholicks He publish'd a General Pardon by way of a Manifesto in which he declar'd That his principal Design was the Re-establishment of the old Religion This Declaration was industriously dispers'd by the Archbishop's Emissaries who made it their Business to perswade People ev'ry where That Christiern had learn'd Wisdom and Moderation in the School of Adversity That he was become a mild affable and most gracious Prince but especially that in Flanders and so near the House of Austria he had contracted an unalterable Affection and Zeal for the Catholick Religion This Manifesto and these private Insinuations drew into his Party many Swedes who still adher'd to that Religion And among others some Dalecarlians who invited him to march into their Province These Peasants cou'd not brook the Change of Church Ceremonies but above all things cou'd not endure to hear the Praises of God sung in their Mother-Tongue They offer'd to take up Arms and to declare for him as soon as he should enter into their Province provided that he wou'd oblige himself after his Restoration to cause all the Lutherans to be burnt But his March into that Province was stopt by the Snow that cover'd all the Mountains which separate Dalecarlia from the Kingdom of Norway However