An introduction to the history of the principal kingdoms and states of Europe by Samuel Puffendorf ... ; made English from the original.

CHAP. IX.

Of DENMARK.

§ 1. DENMARK is one of the most antient Kingdoms in Europe, which was Establi∣shed a great many years before the Birth of our Saviour, but for want of good Histories it can∣not be precisely determin'd at what time it had its beginning, nor how long each of its antient Kings Reign'd, or what were there great Deeds. We will not therefore detain the Reader by inserting here there bare Names, but only to touch upon such matters as are with some certainty transmitted to Posterity. A∣mong the most antient Kings, Frotho III. is most fa∣mous, who, 'tis said, did Reign just before the Birth of Christ, and was a most Potent Monarch, who Rul'd over Denmark, Sweden, Norway, England, Ireland, and other Neighbouring States. The Borders of his Territories were on the East-side Russia, and on the West-side the Rhine. 'Tis also related, that he Conquer'd the Vandals, which lived then in these Countries that now are call'd Pomerania and Mecklenburgh, and that he was the first King that stiled himself King of the Vandals. Gotrick 'tis said, did assist Wittekind, the King of the Saxons, against Charles the Great.

Erick is commonly reckon'd to have been the first Christian King of Denmark (tho some pretend, that his Brother Herald, who Reign'd before him, was the first.) Under this Kings Reign the Christian Religion was propagated in Denmark by the help of Ansgarius, then Bishop of Bremen; which afterwards King Gormo II. endeavouring to root out again, was forc'd by the Em∣perour Henry, sumamed the Bird Ketcher, to grant the free Exercise of the Christian Religion throughout his Kingdom. His Son Harald was attack'd by the Em∣perour

Otto I. from whom the Sea betwixt Jutland and Holland has got the Name of Otten Sound; because the Emperour there threw in his Lance to mark the utmost Limits of his Expedition. His Son Suen Otto came to the Crown in the year 980. who being taken Prisoner by the Jutins, was redeem'd by the Women, who gave their Gold and Silver Ornaments for his Ransom: In recompence of which he granted them this Privilege, that whereas they used only to have a small Portion in Mony out of their Fathers Inheritance, they for the future should have an equal share with the Males▪ He also Conquer'd a part of England, and died in the year 1012.

His Son Canut, or Cnut II. surnamed the Great, was King of Denma••k, Norway and England, having Conquer'd the latter of these three by force of Arms, tho England did not remain long under the subjection of the Danes; for after his death, Harald and only Hardiknut Reign'd in England; after whose death the Danes were again chased out of England. Besides this, Magnus, Son of S. Olaus King of Norway, made himself Ma∣ster of Denmark; which Kingdom however, after his death, Sueno II. obtain'd, but he was forc'd to fight for it against Harald Hardrode, then King of Norway. He died in the year 1074. Him succeeded his Sons Ha∣rald VII. (who Reign'd but two years) and Canute IV. This King did give great Power to the Bishops in Denmark▪ and granted the Tenths of all the Revenues of the Country to the Clergy. At which the Jutes being exasperated, slew him at Oden Sea; but the Cler∣gy as an acknowledgement of his Favours bestowed upon them, placed him in the number of Saints, and his memory was afterwards celebrated with full Cups at their Feasts, by those who call'd themselves the Knutgylden, from him. His Brother Olaus IV. succeed∣ed him, who died in the year 1095. and after him Reigned his Brother Erick II. who took Jutin, at that time a great City in Pomerania. He died in the Ille of Cyprus in his Pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

§. 2. After his death the whole Kingdom was in great Confusion, especially when three at once fought for the Crown, viz. Sueno III, Canute VI, and Waldemar I. These, after they had waged wars together for many years, did at last agree to divide the Kingdom into three parts: but Canute having been assassinated by Sueno, and Sueno▪ again having been slain in a Battel against Wald••mar, he got the whole Kingdom into his possession He subdued the Rugians and Vandals▪ who had hitherto proved very mischievous to Denmark; he also destroyed the City of Julin. 'Tis related that he laid the first Foundation of the City of Dantzwick: and under the Reign of this King, Absalom Bishop of Roshild first began to build the City of Copenhagen. Waldemar died in the year 1182. Him succeeded his Son Ca∣nute VI. who waged great Wars against the Vandals, and at last forced their Princes to be his Vassals; ta∣king upon himself the Title of King of the Vandals or Slaves. He took from Adolf Earl of Holstein, among other places, the City of Hamburgh, which however twenty seven years after did shake off the Danish Yoke. He having also conquered Esthonia and Livonia, the Christian Faith was established in these Countries by his means. He died in the Year 1202.

After him reigned his Brother Waldemar II. who at the beginning was a very fortunate and potent Prince, and had under his Subjection, besides Denmark, the Countries of Esthonia, Livonia, Curland, Prussia, Pomera∣nia, Rugen, Meck••enburgh, Holstein, Stormar, Ditmarsen and Wagern, as also the Cities of Lubeck and Lauenburgh. But he lost a great part of them again by the following occasion: Henry Earl of Swerin having undertaken a journey to the Holy Land, had committed, during his absence, his Lady and Country to the care of Walde∣mar: but having been informed, after his return, that the King had lived in Adultery with his Lady; he, to revenge this Affront, took him Prisoner by stratagem, and after he had kept him three years in prison dismist him, making him pay for his ransom the sum of 45000 marks of fine Silver. The Countries of Mecklenburgh and Pomerania, and the Cities of Lubeck and Duntzwick

taking hold of this opportunity, revolted from Walde∣mar; Adolf Earl of Shauenburgh took from him Holstein and Stormar; the Knights of the Cross took Esthonia and Livonia. And endeavouring to recover these Coun∣tries, he was vanquished in a Battel fought near Born∣hove, by the Earl of Shauenburgh. Yet he recovered Reval and Esthonia; and died in the year 1241.

§. 13. His Son Erick V. succeeded him in the King∣dom, tho he had also given some parts of it to his other Sons; viz. to Abel, Sleswick; to Canute, Blecking••n; and to Christopher, Laland and Falster. These were each of them for being Sovereigns in these Countries; but Erick pretending that they ought to be his Vassals, there were great Commotions in Denmark, till Erick was miserably murthered by his Brother Abel; and Abel after he had reigned two years was slain by the Friselanders and Ditmarsians. Whom succeeded his Brother Christopher I. Aganist this King the Archbishop of Lunden raised abundance of Troubles, and the King having imprisoned him, he was by the rest of the Bi∣shops and Clergy excommunicated, and with him the whole Kingdom. And at last the King was by them poisoned, as 'tis thought, with the Host.

After him reigned his Son Erick VI. who was at Va∣riance with the Bishops, and engaged in Wars against Sweden and Norway; at last he was taken Prisoner in a Battel by Erick Duke of Holstein, and was barbarously murthered by some of the great Men of the Kingdom. He left the Crown to his Son Erick VII, who immedi∣ately, in the first year of his Reign, had great contests with the King of Norway, who had given protection to to the Murtherers of his Father. He also had some o∣ther Differences with some of the neighbouring States, and died in the year 1319. Him succeeded his Brother Christopher II, who got his Son crowned in his Life time. This King was banished the Kingdom by his Subjects, who, under pretence of being oppressed with Taxes, elected in his stead Waldemar Duke of Sleswick their King. But they grew also quickly weary of him, and recalled Christopher, who afterwards in a battel fought against this Waldemar lost his Son Erick Under

the Reign of this King, Schonen being sorely oppres∣sed by the Holsteiners, who were in Possession of it, surrendred itself to Magnus King of Sweden: And John Duke of Holstein, perceiving that he could not main∣tain it by force, sold all his Right and Title to it, for 70000 Marks▪ fine silver. Under the Reign of this King, Denmark was torn into so many pieces, that very few places were left to the King. He died in the year 1333. After his death there was an Interregnum in Denmark during the space of seven years: In the mean time the Holsteiners had brought the greatest part of Denmark under their Subjection; till the Danes making an Insurrection against them, endeavour'd to chase them out of Denmark and for this purpose call'd Waldemar the Son of Christopher II. (who had been Educated at the Court of the Emperour Lewis the Bavarian) into the Kingdom.

§ 4. Waldemar III. did somwhat restore the decay'd State of the Kingdom, having partly forc'd and partly bought the Holsteiners out of Denmark: He sold Hispo∣nia and Reval, to the Knights of the Cross, for 28000 Marks, fine silver; which sum he bestow'd most upon a Journey which he undertook into the Holy Land. But he got Schonen again from Magnus Sameck the then King of Sweden, by fair promises; and by an agreement made betwixt him and Albert, King of Swedeland, Got∣land was also surrendred to him, and some other places belonging at that time to Sweden. He was frequently at Wars with the Hanse Towns, and died in the year 1375.

After him Reign'd his Grandson Olaus VI. born of his Daughter Margaret and Hacquin, King of Norway. During his Minority the Mother had the supreme Ad∣ministration of Affairs. Having after his Fathers death obtained the Crown of Norway, he laid also claim to the Kingdom of Sweden, because his Father was Son of Magnus Sameck, King of Sweden; but he died young.

In his stead the Danes and Norwegians received for their Queen Margaret, his Mother; and she having de∣clar'd Erick Pomeran, her Sisters Daughters Son, her Associate in the Government, enter'd into a War against

Albert King of Sweden. But the Swedes being in general dissatisfied with their King, deserted him, acknowledg∣ing Margaret for their Queen. Albert fought a Battel against Margaret, but was defeated and taken Prisoner with his Son; whom Margaret did not release till after seven years Imprisonment, under condition that he should either pay 60000 Marks, fine silver, for his Ransom, or else resign his Pretensions to the Kingdom of Sweden; and he having perform'd the last, Margaret caused Eric Pomeran to be Crowned King of Sweden. In the year next following the Estates of all the three Northern Kingdoms assembled at Calmar, where Erick having been declared their King, an agreement was made a∣mong them, that these three Kingdoms for the future should be Rul'd by one King. Margaret, who had been an extraordinary good Queen to Denmark, died in the year 1412. After whose death Erick was sole King over these three Kingdoms; but he was in con∣tinual broils with the Holsteiners (who were assisted by the Hanse Towns) concerning the Dutchy of Sles∣wick; which differences were at last composed. He surrendred to his Cousins, the Dukes of Pomerania, the Island of Rugen, which had been a considerable time under Danish Subjection. In the mean time the Swedes were grown very discontented, because Erick did not Govern them according to his Coronation Oath, and oppress'd them by his Foreign Officers; which oblig'd them to stand up for the Defence of their Liberty. The Danes al∣so, seeing that he was very careless of the Affairs of the Kingdom, and did always live in Gotland, did withdraw themselves from his Obedience, alledging, among other matters, that because he had been endeavouring to Establish his Cousin Bogislaus Duke of Pomerania in his Throne, in his life time, he had thereby violated their Right of a Free Election: And having chosen in his stead Christopher Duke of Bavaria, Erick's Sisters Son, he was Deposed, and retired into Pomerania, where he ended his life. Christopher Reigned till the year 1448. with whose Reign the Danes were very well satisfied.

§. 5. After his Death the Danes made an offer of that Crown to Adolf Duke of Sleswick and Earl of Holstein; But he being very antient and infirm refused to accept of it, and recommended to them Christian Earl of Ol∣denburgh, his Sisters Son, whom both the Danes and Norwegians declared their King; and in this Family these two Crowns have remained ever since, by a con∣tinual succession. This King, soon after, began a War with the Swedes (who had made one Charles Cnutson their King) because they would have driven the depo∣sed King Erick out of Gotland; but King Christian, coming to his assistance, made himself Master of that Island. Besides this, some of the Swedish Nobility, who were dissatisfied with Charles Cnutson, having sided with Christian, the War began to be carried on very vigo∣rously betwixt these two Nations. In this War the Archbishop of Ʋpsal did attack Charles with such Suc∣cess, that he obliged him to retire into Prussia, and Christian was crowned King of Sweden. But the Swedes being again dissatisfied with Christian, recalled Charles Cnutson when the War began afresh: and not∣withstanding Charles Cnutson died in the year 1470, and Christian came with a great Army into Swedeland, yet could he not maintain himself in the Throne, his Forces having been defeated near Stockholm. In the year 1471 the Emperor Frederick III. gave to him in Fief, Ditmar∣sen, as also to the Country of Holstein the Title of a Dukedom. He married his Daughter Margaret to James III. King of Scotland, giving her for a Dowry the Orkney Islands and Hetland, which had hitherto been dependent on the Kingdom of Norway. He died in the year 1481. In whose stead the Danes and Norwegians chose his Son John their King, who divided the Duke∣dom of Holstein with his Brother Frederick. This King John after he had reigned in peace for a con••iderable time, did at last enter into a War against Sweden, and having defeated the Dalekarls, forced Steenure the Governour to surrender himself and the City of Stock∣holm, and was crowned King of Sweden. But in the year 1501, he was miserably and shamefully beaten by the Ditmarsians, whom he would have brought under

his Subjection, and afterwards Steen Sture also drove him out of Sweden. He was in continual broils with him and his Successor Suant Sture, who were assisted by the Lubeckers, till these Differences were at last com∣posed; soon after which he died.

§. 6. Him succeeded his Son Christian II, who drew upon him the Hatred of the Danes, partly because he entertained a Woman of mean birth in the Netherlands, whose name was Duivecke, to be his Mistress, and was strangely led by the Nose by her Mother Sigibirta, a crafty old Woman; partly because he had caused Torber Oxe, the Governour of the Castle of Copenhagen, to be, as 'tis thought, unjustly executed. In the mean time great Differences were arisen in Sweden betwixt Steen Sture the younger and Gustave Trolle the Archbishop of Ʋpsal, the first having destroyed the Castle of Steka, which belonged to the latter. King Christian coming to the Assistance of the Archbishop took him along with him into Denmark, where they laid the Design against Swedeland. A Decree therefore was obtained from the Pope, wherein he having condemned the Swedes to un∣dergo great Penalties for the violence offered to Gustave Trolle. King Christian, to put this Decree in execution, sent his Forces into Sweden, where Steen Sture being slain in an Engagement, the whole Kingdom was put into Confusion by his Death: And King Christian, coming at last in person, forced Christina, the Widow of Steen Sture, to surrender the City of Stockholm. At last a general Amnesty having been published first, he was crowned King of Sweden. But when the Swedes thought themselves most secure, he caused some of the chief Men, under pretence of the former Violences committed upon Gustavus Trolle, to be executed by the Hangman, and committed besides great Cruelties. In the mean time, Gustavus Erickson, who had been a Prisoner in Denmark, having made his Escape arrived in Sweden; and with the assistance of the Dalekarls, whom he had stirred up, entirely drove the Danes out of Sweden, which ever since has maintained its Liberty against the Danes. By this time the Hatred of the Danes against Christian was mightily encreased; and

the Jutes having first of all withdrawn themselves from their Obedience to him, it put him into such a Conster∣nation, that he retreated with his Wife and Children into the Netherlands. The Danes chose in his stead his Uncle Frederick Duke of Holstein for their King. Chri∣stian, having raised some Land-forces, did endeavour to regain the Throne, but they were dispersed again. Charles V. also, his Brother in law, was so intangled in the War with France, that he could not send him suffi∣cient Succours. At last he came with a Fleet into Nor∣way, where he surrendred himself to Dnut Gyldenstern, who promised him security. But King Frederick, al∣leging that he was not obliged to keep that promise, made him a Prisoner, and sent him to the Castle of Sun∣derburgh. But having resigned his Title to the King∣dom, he was removed to the Castle of Callenburgh, where he died.

§ 7. Frederick I. entred into an Alliance with Gusta∣vus King of Sweden, and the Hanse Towns, against the deposed King Christian; and forced the Cities of Co∣penhagen and Malmoe, which adhered to Christian, to surrender themselves to him. He also granted great Privileges to the Nobility, and died in the year 1533, the year after he had made Christian II. his Prisoner. Him succeeded his Son Christian III. who met with great Opposition at first from Christopher Earl of Olden∣burgh and the Lubeckers, who pretended to restore the imprisoned Christian to the Throne, and had brought se∣veral Provinces over to their side; but he at last sur∣mounted these Difficulties, with the Assistance of Gusta∣vus King of Sweden, and made himself Master of Copen∣hagen. And because the Bishops had been all along against him, they were excluded from the general A∣greement; and having been deposed in the same year, the Protestant Religion was at the same time establish∣ed in Denmark and Norway. He reigned very peaceably after that time, and died in the year 1558.

§ 8. His Son and Successor Frederick II. subdued the Ditmarsians: then he entred into a War against Erick King of Sweden, which was carried on with great

losses on both sides for the space of nine years: at last a Peace was concluded at Stetin, by the mediation of the Emperour, and the Kings of France and Poland. He Reign'd afterwards very peaceably in Denmark, till the year 1588. when he died.

Under the Reign also of his Son Christian IV. the Kingdom was in great Tranquility, till the year 1611. when he attack'd the Swedish King Charles IX. and took from him Calmar and Elfsburgh. But he made Peace with Gustavus Adolph, the Son of Charles; by virtue of which he restor'd these places unto him, in consideration of a good Sum of Money. He was en∣tangled in the Civil Wars of Germany; for he having been made General of the Circle of the Lower Saxony, he thereby came to be engag'd in a War against the Emperour: But this War proved very disadvantageous to him, he having receiv'd a great overthrow near King Luttern, and being oblig'd not only to quit Germany, but the Imperialists also enter'd Holstein and Jutland itself: Yet he recover'd all again by virtue of a Peace made at Lubeck, except that he lost the advantage of some Ecclesiastical Possessions in Germany, which he intended for his Sons. When Swedeland was afterwards engag'd in the German Wars, he offer'd his mediation betwixt them and the Emperour, in hopes thereby to recover his losses of the Ecclesiastical Possessions, and to prevent that the Swedes might not get a firm footing in Germany. In the mean while he was very vexatious to the Swedes, endeavouring by all ways and means to stop the career of their Victories in Germany, and to spoil their Trade at home; till at last the Swedes being sorely vex'd that their Ships were continually detain'd and confiscated in the Sound, did resolve to put an end to these inconveniencies; and after they had let the Danes know, that they would no longer suffer these Injuries, fell with an Army into Holstein and Jut∣land, and at last also into Schonen. In this War the Danes were great losers both by Sea and Land, but by the extraordinary Valour of their King they maintain'd themselves, till by the mediation of France, a Peace was concluded at Bromsebroo; by virtue of which the

Swedes got Gothland, Osel, and Jemperland, and Holland was given them as a Pledge for the space of thirty years. The Hollanders also taking hold of this oppor∣tunity, did regulate the Toll of the Sound, which hi∣therto having been raised at pleasure, had been very troublesome to them. He died in the year 1648.

§ 9. Him succeeded his Son Frederick III. who upon the perswasions of the Hollanders, attack'd the Swedes, promising himself great success against them, at that time when he supposed that their King Charles Gusta∣vus had quite weaken'd his strength against the Poles; but the Swedish King came upon a sudden with an Army into Holstein and Jutland, and among others, took the Fortress of Fredericksudde by storm; and there hap∣pening an extraordinary hard Frost at the beginning of the year 1658. he march'd over the Ice, first into Funen, where he surprised the Danish Troops; from thence taking his way over Largeland, Laland and Falster, into Zealand. This prodigious success obliged King Fre∣derick to conclude a Peace with him at Roshild, by virtue of which, besides some other advantages, he sur∣rendred to the Swedes, Holland, Bleckingen, Schonen, Bornholm, Bahus, and Drontheim in Norway.

But King Charles Gustavus being inform'd, that by the perswasions of the Emperour, the Elector of Bran∣denburgh, and the Hollanders, the Danes had resolv'd to renew the War, as soon as the Swedes had left the Country, or should be again engaged in a War with Germany or Poland, he resolv'd to be beforehand with them, and returning into the Isle of Zealand, took Cronenburgh, and Besieg'd Copenhagen by Sea and Land. In the mean while the Dutch sent a Fleet to Relieve Copenhagen, against whom the Swedes fought with great bravery: But in the year next following, the Swedes did in vain storm Copenhagen, and besides this, lost the Battel in Funen▪ Bornholm revolted, and Druntheim was retaken. And tho the Danes endeavour'd to carry on the War against the Swedes, hoping to have now after the death of their King Charles Gustavus, met with an opportunity to revenge themselves for their former losses;

yet acccording to a Project concluded upon by France, England and Holland, a Peace was made near Copen∣hagen, almost upon the same Conditions with that con∣cluded formerly at Roshild, except that Bornholm and Druntheim remained in the possession of the Danes; in lieu of which some Lands were assigned to the Swedes in Schonen.

A Peace being thus concluded, the King, at the Dyet held at Copenhagen, was declared an absolute Sovereign, and the Crown Hereditary; whereby the great Privi∣leges of the Nobility were abolished, and a new Form of Government introduced, where the whole Manage∣ment of Affairs depends absolutely on the King's plea∣sure.

This King died in the year 1670. Him succeeded his Son Christian V. who after he had put his Affairs into a good Posture, entred into an Alliance with the Empe∣ror, Holland and their Confederates. And seeing that the Swedes had been worsted in the Country of Bran∣denburgh, he hoped to have met with a good opportuni∣ty to break with Sweden. He began therefore with the Duke of Holstein; who, not foreseeing the Design, came to him at Rensburgh, whom he forced to quit all his Advatanges which he had obtained by the Peace of Roshild, and to surrender into his hands the Fortress of Tonningen, which he caused to be demolished, and af∣terwards took Wismar from the Swedes.

In the year next following he entred Schonen, where he took Helsingburgh, Landscrone and Christianstad, as also the Isle of Gotland, with little Resistance. But he having de∣tach'd some Troops to invest Halmstad, they were sur∣prized by the King of Sweden, who routed them, and such as were not slain were all made Prisoners. Not long af∣ter, the whole Danish Army was beaten out of the field in a bloody Battel fought near Lunden. In the year 1677. King Christian besieged Malmoe, but having miscarried in a Storm which he made upon the place, he was forced to raise the Siege; and soon after recei∣ved another Overthrow in a Battel fought near Lands∣crone betwixt him and Charles King of Sweden. In the Year next following the Danes were obliged to raise the Siege of Bahus, and to surrender Christianstadt,

which reduced to Extremity by Famine: but at Sea they had better Success; yet, by virtue of a Peace made betwixt them, they restored all such places as they had taken from the Swedes.

§ 10. It is evident, out of antient History, That this Nation has been formerly very warlike: but in our age the Danes have lost much of their antient Glory, be∣cause the Nobility have been rather for enjoying their Revenues in Plenty and Quietness, than for undergoing the fatigues of War, and the Commonalty have fol∣lowed their Example. This may also perhaps be alleged for a reason, that they having seldom been engaged in any Wars, but with Sweden, (except that Christian IV. made war in Germany, which however was carried on chiefly by German Souldiers) which could not be of any long Continuance, the Danes often wanted oppor∣tunity to keep themselves in exercise; especially since they had the conveniency of making use of the Germans, whom they listed for money: and the number of Inha∣bitants seem'd to be but proportionable to the Country, which is of no great extent. Since the King has been declared Soveraign, all means have been employed to improve the Military force of the Nation; but it seems that the National Forces, without the help of the Ger∣mans, will not be of any great Consequence, as to Land-service. Neither is it the King's interest to put his Nobility upon Martial Exploits, or that they should grow famous in War, for fear they should make an Ef∣fort to recover their former Privileges.

The Norwegians undergo all sorts of hardship with more Courage and Vigour, whereunto they are inured by their Climate and Air. But the Danes, since they have been Masters of Norway, have always endeavour∣ed to keep under this Nation, by taking from them all opportunities of exerting their vigour, and there are very few left of the antient Nobility in Norway. Yet the Norwegians are now adays very good Seamen, and the Dutch make good use of them in Sea-service: and a great many of the Inhabitants of North-holland, where they are addicted to Fishing, were originally of Norway.

§ 11. The country of Denmark is of no great extent, yet it is generally very Fertile, and fit both for Tillage and Pasturage; for a great number of Oxen and Horses are yearly Transported out of Denmark to other places. And a considerable quantity of Corn is sent out of Denmark into Norway and Island. The Seas near Den∣mark are pretty well stock'd with Fish, which however are rather for the benefit of the Inhabitants, than for ex∣portation. There are little or no Manufactories there, the Inhabitants being not fitted for such works; neither is there any Commodities fit for Exportation in great quantities. On the other hand, the Danes are oblig'd to Import Wine, Salt, good Beer, and Woollen Ma∣nufactury for Cloaths. They have begun to bring Spi∣ces themselves out of the East-Indies, where they have a small Fort upon the Coast of Cormandel. The Toll, which is paid by Foreigners in the Sound in ready mo∣ney, is a very good Revenue in Denmark. Which is the reason why the Danes can scarce forgive the Swedes, that they do not pay this Tributary Toll to Denmark▪ Norway is for the most part a very raw Country, yet it produces several Commodities fit for exportation, viz. dry'd and salted Fish in great quantity, Timber, Board, Masts, Tar, Pitch, and the like. There are also in Norway, Silver, Copper, and Iron Mines. But it produces not Corn sufficient in quantity for the maintenance of its Inhabi∣tants, nor to brew Beer; besides it wants also the same Commodities which are wanting in Denmark. As for its situation its very commodious, to Export and Import Merchandises to and from other Sea-Coasts in Europe. Island is stock'd with Fish, some salted Flesh, and very good Down Feathers, which the Inhabitants are fain to exchange for such Commodities as are, besides Fish and Flesh, requisite for the sustenence and convenience of Life. The Fenock Islands do for the most part live on their Sheep and Fish. Besides that, Denmark can∣not raise a considerable Army of its Natives, this is also a great weakness to this Kingdom, that not only Nor∣way and Denmark are separated by the Sea, and cannot keep correspondency together but by that way; but also that this Kingdom is divided into so many Islands;

so that if an Enemy once becomes Master at Sea, he must needs prove very troublesom to Denmark.

§ 12. As to the Neighbours of Denmark, it Borders on one side upon Germany; for Holstein, which belongs to the present Royal Ramily, is a Fief of the Empire. And tho the Land Forces of Denmark do not come to any comparison with those of Germany, and Jutland lies quite open on that side; yet the Islands are very secure from the Germans, who are not provided with Shipping, except it should happen that the great and lesser Belt should both be frozen, which happens very rarely. Neither is there any great probability that these two States should differ, except the pretensions upon Hamborough, which the King of Denmark will not easily let fall, should furnish an occasion for War. And to speak truly, it is so delicious a morsel, that it may ea∣sily provoke an Appetite. But it will be a very dif∣ficult task for the King of Denmark to attain his aim by open force, except there should happen a very strange juncture of Affairs, or that the inward Divisions, or else by treachery, this City should give an occasion for its Ruin. In the mean while it is not easily to be sup∣posed, that the Neighbouring German Princes should suffer that a City of so great Consequence should fall into the hands of a Foreign Prince. In fine, it is of vast Consequence to Denmark, to hold a good under∣standing with Germany, since from thence it must draw the greatest part of its Land-Forces, wherewith to de∣fend itself against Swedeland.

With the Swedes Denmark had been in continual Broils for a considerable time; and it seems that there is an old grudge and animosity betwixt these two Na∣tions, arising chiefly hence, that the Danes have for∣merly always endeavour'd to make themselves Masters of Sweden, and to reduce this Kingdom into the same condition as they had done Norway. Besides, that af∣terwards they have made it their business, by ruining their Shipping and Trade, to prevent the growing Greatness of Sweden: But Sweden has always vigorously defended itself, and in latter times has gain'd great advantages upon Denmark; for the Swedes have not

only recover'd Schonen, and secured West Gothland, by the Fortress of Bahus; but they have also a way open into Jutland, out of their Provinces in Germany. On the other hand, the Danes have made it their bu∣siness hitherto, by making Alliances with the Enemies of Sweden, to get from them these Advantages. But if we consider, that these two Kingdoms are now di∣vided by their natural Bounds to preserve which, France, England and Holland seem to be mutually concern'd; and that as in human probability Denmark cannot con∣quer or maintain itself in Swedeland; so the other States of Europe, are not likely to suffer, that Sweden should become Master of Denmark: It seems therefore most convenient, that these two Kingdoms should maintain a good understanding, and be a mutual security to one another against their Enemies.

From Holland Denmark may expect real assistance, in case it should be in danger of being Conquered; since the prosperity of Holland depends partly on the free Trade of the Baltic; and if one should become Master both of Sweden and Denmark, he would que∣stionless keep these Passages closer than they are now. But the Danes also are sensible enough, that the Hol∣landers will not engage themselves any further in their behalf, than to keep the ballance even, for fear they should with an increase of Power, attempt hereafter, to raise the Toll in the Sound at pleasure. But as long as Holland sides with Denmark, England will not be fond of the Danish Party, but rather declare for the other side; for the preservation of Denmark, and the Trade in the Baltic, is not of so great consequence to England, as it is to Holland.

The Muscovites may prove very serviceable to Den∣mark against Sweden: yet cannot the Danes make any great account upon an Alliance with them; because it is very difficult to maintain a Correspondency with them, especially if the Poles should declare for Sweden: Besides that, the Muscovites, as soon as they have ob∣tained their aim, commonly have but little regard to Alliances, or the Interest of their Allies. Denmark can have no great reliance upon Poland, except that Crown should be engag'd in a War against Sweden. France has

hitherto shewn no great concern for Denmark, because it has always been in Alliance with its Enemies; yet France would not willingly see it ruin'd, because no State of Europe would desire the two Northern King∣doms should be under the Subjection of one Prince: But I cannot see any reason, why an offensive Alliance with Denmark, should be profitable to France. Spain is more likely to wish well to Denmark, than to assist it, except it should happen, that Swedeland was en∣gaged in a War against the House of Austria, or any other Allie of Spain.

Notes

• 〈…〉〈…〉 Kingdom.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 III.
• Eric•• I.
• 846.
• Suen O••tt••.
• Canut II.
• 1087.
• Waldemar I.
• 1157.
• 1164.
• Canute VI.
• 1227.
• Erick V.
• Ab••l.
• 1250.
• 1252.
• Christ••ph. I.
• 1259.
• Erick VI.
• 1286.
• Erick VII.
• Christoph. II
• 1332.
• Wald. III.
• Olaus VI.
• 1396.
• Eric Pome∣rar.
• 1438.
• Christopher.
• 1439.
• Chris••ian I.
• 1458.
• 1463.
• John.
• 1497.
• 1513.
• Christian II.
• Crowned K. of Swede••.
• 1520.
• 〈…〉〈…〉 of his own Kingd
• 1532.
• 1546.
• 1559.
• Frederick I.
• Christian III
• 1556.
• Fred••rick II
• 1560.
• 1570.
• Christian IV.
• 1613.
• 1625.
• 1629.
• 1643.
• 1645.
• Fr••••erick III
• 1657.
• War with Sweden.
• 〈…〉〈…〉 C••penhagen.
• 1659.
• A Peace conclu••ed.
• Th•• King ••eclared ab∣solute an t••e Crown heredi••ar••.
• Christian. V.
• 1675.
• H•• mak••th War upon Swed••n.
• A Peace.
• The G••nius o••t is N••∣tion.
• The Norwe∣gians.
• Nature of the Soil.
• I••s defects.
• N••ighbours of Denmark.
• Germany.
• Sw••••en.
• Holland.
• England.
• Th•• Musco∣vites.
• Poland.
• France.