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IN this Book ••••e described the qualities of Gusta∣vus Adolphus, King of Swedland; The educati∣on of the Princess Chri∣stina his onely Daughter. Her Assumption to the Crowns The form of her Government. The mo∣tives and true Causes of her conver∣sion to the Roman Catholique re∣ligion, and what hath occur'd in her Majesties renouncing of her King∣dm.
I Write in my History, the end of the life of Gustavus Adolphus, King of Swedland, who dy'd in the height of his fortunes, in the bloody bat∣tell of Lutzen, a Prince, who with the fame of his valour, had chain'd the affections of his subjects; drawn after him the attendance of strang∣ers, and purchased veneration and respect, among his enemies them∣selves.
* 1.1Never any Prince was beloved so well, nor so faithfully serv'd. They, who could not see him, desir'd at least his Picture, to reverence it, as the Idea of Military valour.
* 1.2He was tall of stature, and of a Majestique aspect, which induced in all admiration and reverence, love and fear together. The hue of his flesh was white, and well colour'd, and his hair and yellow beard, render'd him so resplendent, he was stiled by many the King of Gold, but he hardly arriv'd to the thirty eighth year of his age.
His first inclination to Arms was promoted by a Genius, as noble as
generous, which made him desirous of glory, and ambitious of greatness.
Prudence was still his companion, eloquence and sagacity accompany∣ing his discourses, vivacity and affa∣bility his treaties, and resolution, and courage his enterprizes. In great affairs he wanted not Providence, readinesse, and Constancy, and the force of his wit, and strength of his mind, was still most resplendent in difficulties; he nobly contemning the Lawrells, and Palms, which were not augmented by labours, and water'd with pains.
Before the Battell, he appear'd not so terrible, and dreadfull, as gen∣tle, mild, and mercifull, when he had obtain'd the victory, being un∣daunted in dangers, vigilant in occa∣sions, and wife in each affair. A Prince, in fine of great understand∣ing, and knowledge in all things.
He was followed with a greater affection, and applause, than any Commander before him. He gave satisfaction to all, with his praises, hopes, or mildnesse, and especially
his sincerity, actions of vertue being written by him with indeleble Cha∣racters. He never forgat services, whether little, or great, but reward∣ed, and valu'd them. He was very wittie in his sayings, and most affa∣ble in company, still treating, and speaking to all without pride, and frequently asking when he pass'd by his People, and Souldiers, how they did, what they would, and de∣sired. To his Table and Court, while he was in the field, he admitted all Gentlemen, and private Comman∣ders, he usually saying, a table is the torment of a secret, and a net to catch friendship, and affection. He could not abide ceremonies, and complements affected, and to those unacquainted with his Genius, hee said, or caused others to say, they should reserve their Courtship for the Queens minds of honour, for he was in the field, to teach how to fight, and not to lead a dance.
He was most severe in punishing the Souldiers offences, and exact in providing for the peoples security.
He, like a true souldier, to give an essay of the greatness of his mind, undertook not any enterprize, which was without danger, he that exhort∣ed him, to a care of his life, acqui∣ring his displeasure. It seem'd to him undecent, for a Prince of a war∣like constitution, to have the thoughts of death, he thinking the counsell proceeded from fear, which advis'd him to take heed of himself. He called him happy, that dy'd in his trade, the volunteer death taking pay under him, that feareth him not. His designs were alwaies great, but greater after the battell of Lipswick, he aspiring to the Empire of Ger∣many.
Even the Ottoman power began to reflect on the fortune and valour of this King, who used to say,* 1.3 he wondred the Ancients so easily ob∣tain'd their victories,* 1.4 and those of his time with such difficulty, to whom when represented, it proceed∣ed from the difference in w••aring, and now the expugnations of Ci∣ties, and fortresses are harder, he re∣ply'd,
he did not value the diffe∣rence of arms, nor of times, but that of the courage. That the world was the same, each age had it's Mines, and Countermines, offen∣ces and defences, and that he could war like Alexander, be victorious with Hanibal, and equall Caesars Progresses, who had the mind of Alexander, the skilfulnesse of Hani∣bal, and Caesars undauntednesse.
In the space of two years, he drew to his party, either by the force of arms, or the motives of his pow∣er and reputation, of Fortresses, Ci∣ties, and wall'd Town, to the num∣ber of a hundred and ninety. He won many battels in the field, but crown'd with that of Lipswick,* 1.5 his triumph having conquer'd the most experienc'd, and most fortunate Commander of his age, and an Ar∣my old in battels.
* 1.6He passed the Seas, and enter'd into Germany, with a very little Ar∣my, but as a small snowball rowl∣ing down a high Mountain, be∣comes a great globe, so he passing
from one enterprise to another, could number at his death, above 100000 foot, and 80000 horse, which made up ten Armies, toge∣ther with other bodies, all under his colours.
Nothing but the heresy of Luther eclipsed his high qualities, who, if he had follow'd the steps of his Ancestors, not swerving from the path of the true faith, would have been the Heroe of Kings.
He left no other Progeny,* 1.7 than Christina his only Daughter, born on the 16. of December, in the year 1626, a Princesse of so noble en∣endowments, and so elevated a spi∣rit, that 'tis not any wonder, if she representing in part, the living image of her great Fathers vertues, give cause to believe; Gustavus yet re∣maines to the world in his specie, although not in his individuo.
Now as their good education,* 1.8 who are to have succession in King∣doms, and principalities, is the chiefest foundation of the peoples felicity, this Princesse us'd a dili∣gent
manuring of her mind, be∣queathing her self to the exercises of vertue, to be afterwards able, to outstrip with her years, the duty of age. 'Twas therefore observ'd, that from the first moments, as it were, of her life, and understanding, she began, though a child, to procure the enlightning of her intellect, a command ore her reason, limits to her will, a curb to her affections, a rule to her actions, and strength ••o her body.
* 1.9She was not seven years old, when instructed in the elements of the Latin tongue, and letters, and having now discover'd, what pro∣mise she could make to her self, in the Progresses of her studies, by the quicknesse of her spirit, and most singular judgement, she fell to the cultivating her mind, with the most sublime sciences, as those, which ad∣minister the true lights, not to erre in the Pilgrimage of the world, and the gaining of Heaven.
In her minority, five Ministers and Officers of the Crown, which
were the most conspicuous, had the government of the Kingdom, to wit,* 1.10 the great Admirall, bastar'd Brother co Gustavus her Father, the great Chancellour Axellius Oxestern, the great President Gabriel Oxestern, the great Constable James of the Garde, and the great Treasurer, ano∣ther Gabriel Oxestern.
In the mean time, to her other applications aforesaid, she added the instructing of her self, in the knowledge of different tongues, to make her self the fitter, and more capaple, for the manage∣ment of the Kingdom,* 1.11 in which she made most eminent Progresses. And as the best books are incorrupt Counsellours, and Oracles, which, without the least request, even an∣swer to our thoughts, so she in read∣ing there, employing her best hours, endeavour'd to learn there, the way to govern well.
This Princesse advancing with her years, in Vertues and Sciences,* 1.12 mea∣sur'd every ones ability so well, with the subtlety of her judgement, that
though a girle, she penetrated the hidden designes of her principall Mi∣nisters, of whom she made use, to draw to her self, the totall direction of the affairs of the Kingdom, so as she gain'd great veneration, free'd her self from the subjection, in which some pretended to hold her, and beginning to rule, shew'd she had not any need, to lay the King∣doms weight on any others head, than her own,* 1.13 insomuch that she be∣gan, when seventeen years old, to assist at the Council of the State, and in the eighteenth year, being out of her minority, took upon her the Go∣vernment, on the very same day, the War against Denmark, was hy the Crown of Swedland declar'd, not∣withstanding that against the Em∣perour, together with his confede∣rates, was most vigorously prosecu∣ted.
She alwaies made use of know∣ing and able persons, and when any one assum'd to himself, more au∣thority, than was fitting; she found out a way to moderate his animosi∣ty.
She alone did administer all the publique affairs, and determin'd them with much ease, and satisfa∣ction: She alone would treat with Ambassadours, and the Ministers of Princes,* 1.14 giving audience without the Secretaries of State, or any of her Councellours, she her self giving an∣swer, to the propositions made her, as well by her subjects, as forraign Princes.
This Queen, though young, knew at the same time, how to make her self feared, and belov'd, by her peo∣ple, and strangers. She secretly soun∣ding the genius, and thoughts of e∣very one, so us'd them to the bridle of obedience, and respect, that she saw her most formidable Comman∣ders, though accustom'd at the head of their Armies,* 1.15 to make the world affraid, to conserve still in her pre∣sence, a reverence accompany'd with a fearfull obsequiouness.
On the other side, with the no∣bleness of her mind, she still so ob∣lig'd them, with offices of such love and affability, that she animating
their affections, encreas'd still to∣wards her self their respect and obe∣dience, the true props of a Kingdom.
She beheld every writing present∣ed her, and quickly, and with a clear voice, recited it in it's language, and with her own hand wrote usually the Orders of importance, being as shy and heedy, in imparting the se∣crets of her mind, as curious and cunning in penetrating those of others.
She generally affected all Nati∣tions, vertue alone being only the object of her love. She sought to mend the bad with severity, and make the good better with favours and rewards; so as 'tis no wonder, that honour, and the rarest conditi∣ons that sute with worthy men, were seen to flourish more in her Palace, than in any other Court.
No Prince ever favour'd more lo∣vers of vertue, than this Queen; her Majesty taking very great delight, to discourse with knowing Persons, and endeavouring to have near her, the learnedst of each Nation, whom she highly rewarded.
She had her maids of honour in the Court for decorum, and her own entertainment; but they never with∣drew her from her studies, and exer∣cises of vertue.
No extreamity of weather, nor heat of the Sun, nor Snow, Wind, Tempests, and Rains, nor any other injuries of the season, or accidents, could induce her to that care of her self, which was due to her royal condition. She supposed great acti∣ons walk'd not well with delights, and the Soul had no greater impe∣diment, in the gaining of vertues,* 1.16 than the body bred up and foster'd in them, labour, exercise, sobriety, and vigilance, she counting as parts, of her strong and vigorous mind.
The glorious enterprizes, which seconded the felicity of her Ma∣jesties invincible arms, are already eternall in Histories.* 1.17 After eight months cruell War, and the famous success of her arms; she concluded a peace with his Majestie of Den∣mark, to her great gain, and ho∣nour, and afterwards establisht that
of Germany, not without great ad∣vantages to Swedland, and then too; when she thought it convenient for the ends, which she aim'd at in her mind.
She hath made renoun'd and fa∣mous, the City of Stockholm, with the rule of her directions, and the happy remembrance of her govern∣ment; she having nothing more in her thoughts, than the causing her Kingdom to abound with arts, and wealth.
Her Throne was the Theater of Glory, and Justice; no Princess be∣ing ever beheld of so free a mind, and a courage so undaunted. But she thought in the mean time, of her great retreat towards Heaven, that she might not repent, she had been in the World. As her great and no∣ble parts did charm the hearts of all, that treated with her, to the fame of them flying with speed, to the most remote Nations; produc'd soon the usuall effects of curiosity, calling many of the curious, and most knowing, out of Italy and France,
to admire her. 'Tis impossible to ex∣press the Civility, and Courtesie, with which she received every one, and particularly, her great liberali∣ty, in gratifying, caressing, and re∣warding the vertuous.
All the Princes in Europe amaz'd at her famous prerogatives,* 1.18 either in their own Persons, or else by their Agents, endeavour'd to reverence, and serve her.
To her great and conspicuous en∣dowments, nothing was wanting, but the light of true Religion; but Heaven not suffering so beautifull a soul, and so good a mind, to wander in the darkness of falsehood,* 1.19 was so kind to her in his influence, to cause great and wonderfull effects.
Divine grace awaken'd her search∣ing understanding, and Heavenly in∣spirations began to alarum in her mind, the Survay of the dissonan∣cies, falshoods, and untru••hs, of the Sect she profess'd. But the business was nice, and she thought it not good, to trust her motives to those Ministers credit, whose knowledge
she had formerly measur'd, with more accurateness, and wariness: She consider'd with her self, that as God was still the same, so his faith was the same, and the foundation of all truth: insomuch, that with rea∣son, he could not suffer any thing to be alter'd, and dissonant in the knowledge of that Individuum, which should be only one, and still uniform to it self. She therefore began, to discover the weakness of the reasons, which Luther, and o∣thers sustain'd their new opinions, and fallacie with, and began to dis∣cern that the sacred Scripture under∣stood, and respected, with that Pu∣rity and Candour, with which 'tis received and taught in the Catho∣lique Church; furnisht her with clearest arguments, to convince their untruths. She perceiv'd some sacred books were refus'd by the followers of Luther, for no other cause, but their own meer capticiousness, and only for condemning their errours. That of those they retain, and have in such esteem, the greatest part they
alter, adulterate, and falsifie, and so variously interpret, that 'tis not any wonder, amongst such dissentions & confusions, resembling so many Hydra's head, innumerable Sects are multiply'd and produc'd; yet all disagreeing, and contrary to one a∣nother. Nay, that now the word of God was so vilify'd, that each fool∣ish tradesman, or ignorant woman, durst shamelesly interpret the highest mysteries of the faith, which hard∣ly the most knowing, and most sub∣lime wits understand. That the Sects did encrease, or decrease, as assisted, and fomented here on earth; yet faith is a rare gift of Heaven, inso∣much as the followers of novelties, having nothing of assurance; nor probably the true sense; twas surer to rely on the uniform, and agree∣ing interpretation of so many Saints, the Catholique Church hath had in all ages, for doctrine and integrity of life, so renowned and eminent. 'Twas therefore too evident a mad∣ness, to depart from their common consent, and adhere unto those,
who, without the reputation of goodness, and vertue, have for their own passion, and private advantage, endeavoured to darken the world, to confound it, and vizard it, with many chimeras, and malignities.
* 1.20To these her reflections, the wise Queen added diverse other weighty considerations; and amongst them, this seem'd to have force, that by the continu'd succession of Popes, and uniformity in Rights, and Do∣ctrine, the Church of Rome, though tost by fierce tempests, invaded by her enemies armes, and molested with contrary Doctrines, had all∣waies like the Palmtree, grown higher, and been still more resplen∣dent, and glorious.
Her Majestie observed, that the very same Nations, and particular∣ly the Septentrional, which now do live out of the lap of the Roman Church,* 1.21 have more than any others, for many ages past, had the Catho∣lique faith in veneration, and pro∣duc'd many men; who, with their holy lives, have enobled the world,
and with their souls beautify'd Hea∣ven. That the writings esteem'd the most learned, the famousest actions, the conspicuousest vertues, and most refin'd wits, have been the perseveres in the Catholique faith, insomuch that as examples more forcibly per∣swade us, than precepts; it seem'd to her impossible, so many good men, so intelligent, and so learned, should have been blind, to follow so tenaciously, and so long, the opi∣nions and doctrines, which hereti∣call Ministers represent to the sim∣ple and Ideot, for falsities, and er∣rours.
Besides she consider'd, the very same Protestants confess'd, the Spa∣niards, the French, and Italians were of a more elevated spirit, and more compos'd mind; of more pro∣found Knowledge, and a civiller, and soberer behaviour, than all other people of the world; and that a∣mongst these of the Northern Inha∣bitants themselves; he was most va∣lued, that was best acquainted with the customs, and dictates of the Na∣tions
aforesaid, insomuch that though Arius had in Spain spread the poyson of his heresie; and France had both open'd her bosom, and arms, to the errours of the neighbou∣ring Countries; yet those great Kings, and most of the Nobility, without ever changing their opini∣ons, among, so many accidents, had continu'd in the obedience of the Catholique Church, and the Vicar of Christ, which afforded a strong argument, for the goodness and truth of his faith.
* 1.22Her Majesty received an additional force in her mind, that the Authors of heresies could never yet shew; when, how, or why, the Catholique Church did prevaricate in her faith nor where, and in whom perpetua∣ted, and conserv'd, it being very necessary, the true Church should alwaies have endur'd in some part.
But, the consideration of the qualities, of the Authors of heresies, made a very strong breach in this Princesses heart; her Majestie being now well inform'd, that interest a∣lone,
and the pleasures of the flesh, not the benefit of the publique, nor integrity of the mind, were the Councellours and Promoters of these novelties. She examin'd Mar∣tin Luthers condition••,* 1.23 and the o∣ther opposers of the Catholique Church, and found they were men of an ill life, sensual, and extreamly am∣bitious; whereupon like seditious persons, who in a State-Govern∣ment, do cloak their pretences with the zeal of the publique good, and the service of the Prince, against whom they fight, they never had o∣ther design, than the ruine of the State, and Monarchy of the Church, in revenge of the wrong, they pre∣tended to receive in their minds; in that the Popes of Rome comply'd not with their boundless desires; so as she foresaw in the end, that when Luther began to impugne the value of indulgences, by depressing the authority of the Pope, he did it out of envy and anger, that the care of delivering them in Sermons, was committed to others, and not to
himself, as he had desir'd. That when Purgatory was condemned by him, he being unwilling to admit a∣ny pain did remain to the souls, which dy'd in the state of grace; 'twas meerly his invention, either to discredit more the said indulgen∣ces, or let loose the reins to sensu∣ality, since the contumacy is the greater,* 1.24 when the punishment is represented the less. That when he deny'd fastings, Pennance, Confessi∣on, the single life of Priests, the in∣tercession of Saints, the Mass, the Ornaments, and Images of the Church, and the like; it onely pro∣ceeded from his inward design, to make the people follow him, who are apt to believe, what allureth the senses, and furthers the appetite of nature; as likewise his principall mo∣tives for promoting his wickedness, had their rise from his unplacable ha∣tred of the Pope, as one that con∣demned his errours.
To this pious Queen, the resolu∣tion of Henry the eigth King of England, seem'd too sacrilegious and
wicked; who withdrew from the o∣bedience of the holy Church, a Ca∣tholique, and well compos'd King∣dom, and onely for the pleasing of his humours, and abandoning, and debasing himself in the loves of Anne Bullen.* 1.25 She dislik'd the un∣worthy actions of those Princes of Germany, who spoiling the Churches, had seized the revenues of so many Orders of Religious, who in honour of our Saviour, and the Heavenly Court, had employ'd them in sacred Temples, to glorifie, and exalt him. But more than all the rest, she came to the Knowlege of the truth, by considering, how unseemly it was to believe, the Holy Ghost would use such men, that were viti∣ous, and unworthy, for reforming of his Church, while there were so ma∣ny others, renown'd for their Do∣ctrine and sanctity.
With these speculations, and the guide of the holy Fathers, exactly perpended by her; she saw a great light before her eyes, whereupon as in the way long chosen by her, she
discover'd great stumblings, and disturbances; so among these new lights, she walking in the best, and readiest paths, began to examine particularly the substance and foun∣dation of the truest religion. With great rewards she invited to her, the famousest men in the Lutheran pro∣fession, and under the colour of learning what they knew, extracted with admirable dexterity, the sum of their belief and understanding: Truth, the only Catholique,* 1.26 and Roman religion, among the black darkness of so many opinions, and contrary doctrines, began to shew her clean∣ness, and beget in her mind, a great loathing of the manifest falsities, and immoderate absurdities, which usu∣ally by the malice of hereticall Mi∣nisters, with great industry are in∣still'd into the minds, of unwary and simple people.
* 1.27In the mean time, Don Joseph Pinto Parera, the Portugall Am∣bassadour arrived in Swedland, ma∣king his entrance into Stockholm a∣bout the end of July, with whom as
his confessour, was Father Anthony Macedo a Portugess, together with his Companion, Father John Ar∣drada, both Jesuits. The Queen in∣form'd of all, was glad of that en∣counter, by her so desir'd, insomuch as concealing in her mind, a resolute inclination to the Catholique faith, she began in her discourses, and treaties, to shew some esteem and affection to Father Macedo. He on the contrary side, observing the Queen, when she spake of the Pope, to shew much respect and venera∣tion, discover'd, her Majestie had a good disposition towards Catho∣liques, and therefore with dexterity, by opening, and enlarging the way, so wrought, that every day her satis∣faction and confidence of him, re∣ceiv'd augmentation.
When the Ambassy was finisht,* 1.28 & Parera prepar'd to be gone in Sep∣tember, 1651. het Majesty more fre∣quently than before, began to send for the Father aforesaid; In the end, on the 12th of August, retyring with him into her inwardest lodgings, and
saying, she would tell him a business of consequence; said thus in his ear, Father Macedo, you are the first Je∣suit I knew, and as by the pra∣ctice, and relation I have of your vertue, I s••ppose I may be confident of your faithfulness, and prudence; so now since you are to depart, I de∣sire by all means, you'l procure me sent hither two Italians of your So∣ciety, expert in all Knowledge, who under the colour of Gentlemen, than desire to see the world, may stay in my Court, that I without suspiti∣on, may make use of them, to which effect I'le write too by you to your Generall.* 1.29 The Father comply'd wi••h her Majestie, with expressions, and a sense peculiar to news of that consequence, and giving her due thanks for her confidence of him, and offering to serve her with fideli∣ty, he swore to be secret.
Macedo come home full of joy, and consolation, and beginning to consider of the manner, how to execute diligently her Majesties de∣sire, resolved to ask leave, as he did,
of the Ambassadour, to go see, for his own curiosity, the fair and great Ci∣ty of Hamburg, but could not obtain it; so as he return'd to the Queen, and told her of the difficulties he hid met with. Her Majestie hearing him of a setled resolution to serve her, reply'd, you may go, and say nothing. The Father inform'd, that the Vessell,* 1.30 which should carry him was then in the Haven of Balen, 35 miles distant, and ready to set sayl towards Lubeck; went to take his last leave of the Queen, who gave him a letter of credence, written, and subscrib'd with her own hand, and directed to the General of the com∣pany of Jesus, who then was Father Francis Piccolomini.
Father Macedo concluded his ex∣pressions, with humbly beseeching her, to consummate her holy inspira∣tions, to which she reply'd , that if she had known, the Roman religion, had been best, she would have em∣braced it, and that he should cause the two Fathers, she desir'd to be sent, with whom she might freely
discourse, and without all suspition, having nothing else to say, but en∣treat him again, to be secret and quick.
The Father being licenc'd to de∣part, went out of the gate behind the Court, which looks towards the Sea, and pass'd in a Feluca to a Rock, where he remained that night, since he could not reach the Vessell by day. The day after he arrived at Ba∣lem, whether one was now come, dispatcht by the Queen, at the in∣stance of the foresaid Ambassadour, to arrest him, and carry him to pri∣son; but as he had secret order from her Majestie, to let him escape, if he found him, he fain'd he could not find him, and took horse and return∣ed to Stockholm, and the Father embarqued himself, and sayled to∣wa••ds Lubeck on the 2d. of Septem∣ber, where twelve daies after he arriv'd.
The Ambassadour soon gave out, the Father was a Knave, by his fly∣ing away in that manner, and others divulged, he was become a Luthe∣ran,
and married. From thence he arriving in Hamburg, steer'd his course towards Nurenberg, and fi∣nally having run many dangers, came to Rome on the 18. of October, 1651.
Father Piccolomini the Generall of the Society, dyed a little before, so as he delivered the letter to Fa∣ther Goswin Nikel, who was then Vicar-Generall, and afterwards Ge∣nerall; a man of great parts, and born in the City of Cullen.* 1.31 He em∣brac'd with great zeal, a business of that consequence, and as 'tis the particular profession of the Society aforesaid, to search all the parts of the world, to convert to the holy faith, both Heretiques and Infidells, in which they employ very freely whatsoever is given them in charity, and quickly made choice of Father Francis Malines,* 1.32 a Reader of Divini∣ty in Turin his Country, and Fa∣ther Paul Casate of Piacenza, a pro∣fessour of Mathematicks in' the Ro∣man Colledge at Rome; men, be∣sides integrity of life, of most exqui∣site
understanding, and great know∣ledge, that as persons desirous to tra∣vell, and see the world, they might without delay, take their journey for Swedland.
They arrived in Venice on the se∣cond of December. 1651, the one comming out of Piemont, and the other from Rome. On the twelfth of the said month, they departed, and prosecuted their journey;* 1.33 notwith∣stnnding the extremity of the wea∣ther, and only in the beginning of March got ro Stockholm, being hinder'd on the way, by reason that Father Malines hurt his foot, by the fall of his horse, which made him keep his bed many daies.
In the mean time, Father Godfrey Franchenius, a Jesuit, and a man, that was truly Apostolicall, and of excellent parts, was brought by a Tempest from Denmark into Swed∣land, who had frequently treated with the Queen, and not without profit, but not being able to stay there without being known, he be∣fore was departed, and gone into Flanders.
These two Fathers, arriving in Stockholm, were presently conduct∣ed to the Queen,* 1.34 as Italian Gen∣tlemen, and Passengers. And albeit her Majestie dissembled in the be∣ginnning, they so soon perceiv'd her good disposition, and admir'd too in her, then 25. years old, a soul undeceived, and exempt from vanity, and the greatness of the world, and filled with so equall a Knowledge of all things, that she seem'd onely nourisht with the marrow of morall Philosophy. Not long after,* 1.35 she de∣clared her self, resolv'd by a holy in∣spiration, to embrace the Catholick faith, and renounce for it her King∣doms, and all humane greatness, though there she was not onely esteemed, but ador'd with a fuller, and more absolute authority, than a∣ny of her time.
There's no doubt, but she would very gladly have resetled in Swed∣land the Catholique faith, if she could have overcome the great, and many difficulties, that lay in the way. Too evident was the danger of
spoyling the consort of her resoluti∣ons, if they had smelt the least in that kind. Besides too, the uncertainty of the end, much time was required, and hazard of her conscience, in which she was impatient to continue, with∣out the profession of the Catholique religion, and she could by no means profess it occultly.
* 1.36When she had with the said Fa∣thers, long discussed the means, that were fittest, for the compassing of her Majesties intentions; she deter∣mined to let the Pope know her re∣solution, and to send unto him with her letters; the said Father Casati, who was to inform himself particu∣larly, of all that was necessary for her future stay in Rome, which then was her design; she supposing the said City most fit for her abode, not so much for the honour of her per∣son, as because she being there inde∣pendent, of any other Potentate whatsoever in Christendom, might employ the endowments of her mind, in the service of God, and his Church, by her Majesties interpo∣sing
in many affairs of Christendom, for the which without doubt, there was no want at all of ability in her Majestie.
She sent then the Father to Rome, in the Month of May of the year a∣foresaid, but omitted at that time, to make any motion to the Pope, be∣cause she was not able to renounce so soon her Kingdom, and in the mean time, they had no suspition at all, of those resolutions, with which Pope Innocent was assistent to the business. But Father Malines re∣mained in Swedland, well treated by the Queen, while her Majesty disposed, and so ordered her affairs, that by the States of Swedland, Charles Prince Palatine (deputed before to the Crown after her) was after her renouncing it, admitted to the King∣dom, which done, she might securely depart.
In fine, when she was to discover her mind, and compleat her resolu∣tions, she began then, by declaring her intentions to Monsieur Bordolot, a French man, and now Abbot of
Massay, her trusty Physitian, to the end, he repayring to the Court of France, and making no mention at all of the business of religion, might onely treat there, if, after her renoun∣cing the Kingdom, she might so∣journ in France, as likewise she had thoughts of dispatching Father Ma∣lines to Rome, with her letters to the Pope.
* 1.37While Bordolot and Malines prepared to be gone, the Queen ha∣ving made a discovery of the exqui∣site judgement, and great prudence of Don Antonio Pimentel; who, with the Title of Gentleman, sent from the Catholique King, to com∣plement the Queen, and procure be∣tween their Majesties a good corre∣spondence, had been some Months before in that Court, where he had with his rare parts, purchas'd very great credit, and fame, resolv'd to trust him with her thoughts, and make use of his assistance and counsell, in a business of that conse∣quence. This Gentleman heard at∣tentitively the Queen, and was as
much comforted, as astonisht,* 1.38 at the strangeness of the news. And when he had considered, how meritorious in Heaven, how famous in the world, and beneficiall to Christianity, so glorious an action would be, he re∣presented to the Queen, the necessi∣ty of supporting it, by a Prince no less powerfull, than pious, that he ac∣companying with her dispatches, the letter she sent to the Pope, might make authentick the credit of so great, and so heroique an act, for the compassing of which, the Catho∣lique King seem'd fit to her Ma∣jesty. The Queen therefore consign∣ed to Father Malines,* 1.39 letters for his Holiness, Cardinall Chigi, then Secretary of State to the Pope, and for Father Nikei the Generall of the Jesuits, and likewise gave him order, that as secretly as he could, he should go into Spain, to procure the dispatches of his Catholique Majesty to the Pope, in order to which, she gave the said Father, let∣ters for the Catholique King, and Don Lewes de Aro, supposing be∣sides,
besides, that Don Antonio Pimentel being come to Madrid, whither he was called, might adde credit to her letters, and solicit the effecting their Contents. And as the greatest thing, that troubled her Majestie, consisted in secresy, to remove every shadow of suspition;* 1.40 she desir'd, that the Father might go another way, and not embarque himself with Pimentel. For the very same reason, it seemed not good to the Queen, that Father Casati returned to Ham∣burg from Rome; should repass into Swedland, to avoid the renewing of the jealousies, and suspitions had formerly of them; especially she knowing, some letters had been in∣tercepted, which Casati had written to Malines, by which they under∣stood, that they were both engag'd, in the very same business, and had common interests. Father Malines departed from Stockholm, on the 3d. of May, 1653. having stayed there something more than a year and two months. The length of his voyage from Swedland to Lubeck, occasio∣ned
by the contrary winds, and his not finding suddenly shipping in England, whither he went for that purpose out of Flanders, were the cause he arrived not at Madrid till the second of August, where he stayd certain months, without ha∣ving any news of Pimentel, or ne∣gotiating any thing, since his order was not to begin, till he had first received her Majesties letters, which were to be sent after. Don Antonio aforesaid, departed from Stockholm in the following August, and em∣barquing at Gottembourg, advanced not far, when the Ship, that sprang a leak, constrain'd him back thither; while the Vessell was repairing, he went to the Court, which then was removed to Vesten, where he recei∣ved order from Spain, to stay there yet a while.
The Queen hinder'd by that acci∣dent, to make use of Pimentel,* 1.41 sub∣stituted in his place, Father John Baptist Guemes a Dominican, who was in Denmark with the Earl of Rebogliedo the Spanish Ambassadour
to that King, and being to negoti∣ate some business appertaining unto the said Earl, in the Court of Ma∣drid, was to have, and expect the conveniency of embarquing himself with Pimentel, to which end, in the month of July, 1653, he arrived at Gottembourg; but the Ship, as afore∣said, coming back, and he being commanded by Pimentel to conti∣nue with him; went thence with him to Vesten. The Queen knowing, he was a man of great prudence, and other rare qualities; and considering she could give no suspition by his going into Spain, since they knew long before, he went for the affairs of Rebogliedo, she lost not the con∣juncture of making use of him; for the treating of that in Madrid, which she had design'd should be done by Pimentel.* 1.42 She therefore informed him of the matter, and wrote to Fa∣ther Malines, whom before she had order'd, to make no attempt of any thing, without new advice, which he was to expect, before he promoted any bus••ness.
Father Guemes departed with her Majesties dispatches, and Pimentel's, on the ninth of October, and after many troubles, and impediments, arriving in the Catholique Court, in the month of March, 1654, very earnestly sollicited there, the Kings letters to the Pope, to accompany the Queens, and so honourably, & so faithfully proceeded in this business of consequence, that her Majestie afterwards declaring, she was infi∣nitely satisfied; was most confident of him, by making him her Confessour, and using him in her hardest, and most scrupulous resolutions. Though not onely by the mouths of the fore∣said two Fathers Malines, and Ca∣sati, together with the Dominican,* 1.43 and the letters of Pimentel himself, his Majestie was fully inform'd, and assured of all things; yet he could do no less, than remain surpriz'd a while, at the news of so great, and so strange a resolution; it seeming to him a difficult thing,* 1.44 that a Princess of that spirit, and of so sublime a judgement, could abandon her
Kingdoms, her Country, and sub∣jects, whom she loved so tenderly, and protected, to lead a private life, without that great Command; for this only reason, to live quietly in the Catholique religion; his Majesty discoursing with himself, that though the said Queen was not able in pub∣lique, at least she could have exer∣cis'd in private, the true faith in her own Kingdom, and perhaps with more advantages to the Catholique religion, especially since surrendring the Scepter unto a new King, who might be of a turbulent, and warlike disposition, was to open peradventure the way, to some of those enterpri∣zes, which in the afflictions of Chri∣stianity, might cause greater dam∣mages to the interests of Catholiques than among the applauses of the world, get glory, and repose to the Queen. He consider'd too wisely, that the things of the world, have no∣thing that is constant but inconstan∣cy, and that women particularly, notwithstanding they have cou∣rage, and spirit, are subject to
change, so as he was not able with his solid Intellect,* 1.45 to judge securely of a single appearance; nor thought he it agreeable to his gravity and de∣corum, to engage himself in any thing, without sounding more fully the business, and reaching the bot∣tom of the motives, from which a resolution so great, and so little in use, was deriv'd. But afterwards assur'd, that many heroicall vertues, and eminent parts abounded in the Queen, with the motive of which, she knew, the world was one of those enemies, that is conquer'd by flying, and albeit a woman had strength to trample under her feet, its forces, allurements, and charms, and conquer her self. The King was so taken with her Majesties magna∣nimous action, that out of his most pious zeal to the honour of God,* 1.46 and the Catholique Church, he not one∣ly with great fervour accompanied her Majesties letter to the Pope; but exhibited all his protection, for the journey, and entire satisfaction
of so noble, and so vertuous a Prin∣cesse.
After the peace of Germany, the States of Swedland, having soon bent their thoughts for the settlement of the Kingdom; had likewise found it necessary to provide, that the Masculine succession fayling in the blood Royall, some one might a∣scend the Throne quietly and peace∣ably, and the rather, since the re∣calling the suffrages of the ancient elections, did not seem good to them, they knowing by experience, that kind of dominion, as not very durable, and unsafe, had often been replenisht with tumults and calami∣ties; whereupon they unanimously agreed, that her Majesty pleasing her self with a husband, that was not of a different religion, nor sus∣pected by the States, should esta∣blish in her Progeny the security of succession.* 1.47 They therefore made se∣verall instances to the Queen, and often sollicited the effect of their desires.
The Queen, who in her mind had
greater designs, making use of the pretence of being unwilling by mar∣riage, to subject her own liberty to any, declar'd, that as she had been born free,* 1.48 so she likewise would live, and die free. She boastingly said, all the Kingdoms of the world were a price below the value of li∣berty, which onely was the preti∣ousest Gem in her Crown. That she knew, the chast wits were still the most vigilant, most lively, and the fittest for all things, which re∣quire understanding, spirit, and pru∣dence.
The States seeing her firm in re∣solving not to marry; pretended at least to appoint her a Successour, to the end, that she fayling, there might be no difficulty in a new Kings election. And because what∣soever we can most of all wish for in a Prince, consists in his valour, his prudence, and goodness, in the meet∣ing of all the four Orders of the Kingdom, the qualities and parts of the most conspicuous personage be∣ing maturely examin'd, all gave
their votes and applauses, to the fore∣said Prince Charles Gustavus, Pala∣latine, as one, who descending by Birth from Emperours and Kings, and having till that time comman∣ded the Swedish Amies, had given in all occasions great experiments of his valour and prudence. Besides he being passionately belov'd by the people and souldiers; could desire no clearer arguments of his merit,* 1.49 for his exaltation to the Crown, establisht in his Person, by his sub∣stitution in the Kingdom, if Christi∣na should fail.
Some Polititians divulged (to med∣dle in their discourses with so great an affair) the Queen was not plea∣sed, the gate of dominion should be opend to this Princes desire, since this being the most sensible of humane affections, and that which soonest toucheth the quick, they might see again acted on the Stage, the offen∣ces of those times, in which many men, thinking nothing to be villa∣nous, and wicked; have trampled under foot, to compasse soon their
ends, all respects, obligations, ho∣nour and conscience. But the said Polititians have fail'd in the conceit, which perhaps they imagin'd their discourses would have rais'd, while that they measur'd her Majesties thoughts, and resolutions, with their own ordinary rule of the inter∣est of State. The Queen's designs had solider motives, and deeper foundations. She sought to gain a Kingdom, where Angells inhabit, and therefore lost that willingly where men have their residence.* 1.50 The Queen could not erre in the reason of State, who secur'd to her selfe that of God. She labour'd to know God in true greatnesse, and felicity; and God made himself known to her, by giving her judgement, and vigour, to seek what few did desire, and to despise that which all covet after. For what concern'd humane reputation, and glory, she had learnt; she could not better make happy and prolong the short periods of her life, than with the report of one of the most glorious resoluti∣ons,
that had ever been heard. She therefore very charitably and freely, agreeing to surrender her Scepter to the foresaid Prince Palatine, con∣trived a way with which, without discovering her thoughts, she frankly might renounce the possession of those States, which were no long∣er hers, because by her Majesty ex∣chang'd for those of Heaven. She thought, that she had not the lustre of any vertue, while she sate on that Throne, which was not illustra∣ted with the splendour of true faith. The Queen lov'd God, and there∣fore could no longer love the world. To mount to the greatnesse of Hea∣ven, 'twas necessary she should fall from the height of terrestriall felici∣ty.
This her Majesties resolution dis∣covered to some she most trusted, it seem'd strange to them, she would abandon voluntarily the dominion of a Kingdom, than which there is not any thing more desired on the earth: & as in the change of a Prince, both the Cities, and Inhabitants, are
oftentimes subject to hurtfull alte∣rations, so with the apprehension of future events, and the want of the happinesse they enjoy'd,* 1.51 they parti∣cularly were troubled, and discon∣tented, and labour'd to remove her from that her opinion, with very strong reasons, and resembling the quality of the matter, of which they discours'd. They knew the new Kings ••enius, and the martiall inclinati∣ons of his Captains, so as they were ••ffraid, it might prove one of those punishments, which with the appea∣rance of a blessing, is cast upon them, whom God will chastise. They doubted,* 1.52 though the Queen loved peace, and a good correspon∣dence with the neighbouring Prin∣ces, that the Genius and Interest of her Majesties Successour, would not be the same, who probably at his entrance into his principality, would have the ambition, to make ostenta∣tion of his valour, and foment his Commanders desires.
To convince her understanding, and divert her from so great a reso∣lution,
many of the knowing'st and zealousest Ministers, whom her Ma∣jestie did the honour, to trust with her design of renouncing her King∣dom, but not with her change of re∣ligion, advanced so far, to presage unto her unlucky events, but no∣thing could retain her in her moti∣on, which she urged with all speed.
Now all things appertaining to that renunciation were in readiness; and nothing was wanting, but to so∣lemnize it,* 1.53 with those publique fun∣ctions, requir'd in such Cases. Many Feasts being therefore now made, together with tiltings, for a happy prediction of the new Kings Coro∣nation, in the end on the 17th of January 1654, they brought it to a period. The Prince Palatine would have had it deferr'd, till the follow∣ing July, while his cloaths, and o∣ther things becoming the magnifi∣cence of this unusuall spectacle, were prepar'd. But the Queen admitting no delay; prevented these demurs with all diligence, while each little mi∣nute
seem'd too long to her, for the the finishing her secret intenti∣ons.
She therefore came out of her lodgings that day, about nine of the clock in the morning, and appear'd in the great open gallery of the Court, accompany'd by the Senate, and the Grandees of the Palace. She wore a stately robe embroyder'd with Crowns of gold, and with a comly gravity walking up and down among a great company of Gentle∣men, and other, who out of curiosi∣ty, came to see so renown'd, and unusuall a function,* 1.54 sate down in a chair, under a Canopy of Silver no∣bly wrought, and adorn'd. Here the Lord Zchering Rosem••hain a Sena∣tour of the Kingdom, read with a loud voice the instrument of donati∣on, which her Majestie made to the said Prince Charles Gustavus Pala∣tine, and a Patent; in which the new King engag'd to the said Queen, three Islands, and diverse revenues issuing out of Pomerania, with other, regalities, to the yearly value of two
hundred thousand crowns. Her Ma∣jestie accepting the writings, rose up, and taking the Crown from her head, deliver'd it to the Earl, Peter Bracch great Praefect, and principall Senatour of the Kingdom. The Scepter, Sword, Globe of gold, and a Key, she consign'd to four great Personages, and Ministers of the Kingdom: to wit, to Count Gusta∣vus Horn Generall of the Militia, to Count Gabriel Oxerstern, to Count Oxerstern great Chancellour, and Count Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie great Treasurer. The Queen had no∣thing left to put off, but the royall Robe, and she seeing that those, to whom it belonged, deferr'd to unty it, unty'd it her self, and in throwing it down, sported with her maids of Honour, and was pleasant with them, while there was not any one, in so great a number of persons,* 1.55 that could forbear weeping, to see this so generous action of the Queen, to whom the hearts of all paid the tri∣bute of duty and affection. The roy∣all robe being depos'd, she was be∣girt
with a very white garment, and here with a majestique affability, turning towards the Nobility and people, with a loud, and clear voice, and great freenesse of mind, pray'd a quartern of an hour with such effi∣cacy and sweetnesse, that all remain∣ing equally dazled, with the splen∣dour of so much vertue, and soften'd with the pleasantness of the manner, had such an affection, as admits not of comfort, nor receives modera∣tion.
After this, with a long and most prudent discourse,* 1.56 she advertis'd the new King of many things appertain∣ing to the Kingdoms good Govern∣ment, and affectionately recom∣mended to him the Queen her Mo∣ther, her Friends, and all her Sub∣jects, whom she loved so firmly; and so she return'd to the very same room whence she came, leaving all the people, in the darknesse of con∣fusion, and bitternesse of sorrow, for the losse of that Sun, which so long had govern'd them, with the influ∣ence of his rayes.
* 1.57The Prince Palatine two hours after, was conducted to the Cathe∣drall, by the Arch-Bishop of Upsalia, where he was anointed King, and receiv'd the royall ensignes, and the next day after, the solemn oath was given him by all the four Orders of the Kingdom.
In these solemnities, severall sorts of money, of gold and silver, ••ere scatter'd up and down, as well by the Queen, as the King. Those by the King had his Picture on the one side, and the words Carolus Gu¦stavus, and on the other, a regal-Crown, with these words, a Deo & Christina. Those by the Queen had her Picture on the one side, and on the other a Crown, with these words, Et sine Te.
The day after the usuall Oath of loyalty being perform'd to the King by the States, the Queen visited, and honour'd by all;* 1.58 departed from Up∣salia towards Stockholm. The King accompany'd her to the Mannour of Merstad, which is half the way, and all the Senatours, Gentlemen,
and chief Ladies of the Court, waited on her to Stokholm, where she stay'd three daies. Here all desi∣red to see her, and to be seen by her, who receiv'd them with such courte∣sie and kindnesse, that they there made discovery, of the pleasure she took, to leave them all mindfull of her vertues, and government.
She had made them believe,* 1.59 she would go live in the Island of Holland, fifty leagues distant from Stockholm, in the fair Castle there, with a great Park of Deere, where the Kings were accustom'd to retire for their pleasure.
With this report she departed from Stockholm, three hours after the setting of the Sun. She would depart by night, not to see their af∣fections, and tears, who apprehen∣ded the want of so great a Queen, and so good a Mother.
Yet from the royall Palace to the gate of the City,* 1.60 the concourse of the people was great, but the afflicti∣on much greater, which oppressed their senses; every one, as immove∣able
and mute, with their eyes cast down on the earth, giving to under∣stand a weighty sorrow hath neither tears, nor sighs sufficient to ex∣presse it.
The King had sent the greatest part of the Court to accompany, and attend her; among whom were the Lord Charles Soop, a person of great quality, with the charge of high Steward, the Lord Tersen Gentle∣man of the Chamber, and of much desert and vertue with six other Gentlemen of his Majestie, all of noble families and merit; the Lord Ʋlifeldt great Master of Denmark, retyr'd long since into Swedland, un∣der his Majesties protection, the Se∣natours Earl Todt, and Baron Lind, with Eal Donoau, Lievetenant Colo∣nell, all three personages of high worth, and eminent parts, with seve∣rall others.
In her going out of the City, she was saluted with the Artillery from the walls, and the ships, and as she past along, the Governours of Forts, and Provinces waited on her with
their Souldiers.* 1.61 She travail'd all night, and the next day in the eve∣ning arriv'd at Nikopin, the resi∣dence of Queen Mary Eleanora her Mother, a Princesse of most admi∣rable qualities, where she onely stay'd so long to embrace her, and give her the last farewell,* 1.62 the separa∣tion from whom, was as sensible peradventure to her, as that of her Kingdom. In this she went volunta∣rily far off, from the fruition of a very great happinesse, and in that went from her; who had bequeath'd to her, her own blood.
The same night, without taking any other repose, she continu'd her journey towards Norkopin, a City, and Port of the Sea, eight leagues di∣stant from Nicopin, which was one of the Forts, her Majestie had reserved to her self; Here she stay'd a day to repose, she having not yet slept since her departure from Stockholm. The next day she went to Linkopin, five leagues farther, where she stayed a day; and from thence to Junkopin, a fortresse fourteen leagues off, where
she rested that night. The day fol∣lowing she advanced to a house, of a Swedish Gentleman, call'd Gior∣nornotte, eight leagues off, and here taken with a Plurisy,* 1.63 or stitch in her breast, she was forc'd to stay eight daies. As soon as she was well, she gave out, she would go another way, and instead of advancing towards the foresaid Island of Holland, she went towards Alstat, a Town situated in Aland, a Province which ten years before the Sweeds had taken from the King of Denmark.
This City is indifferently hand∣some, encompast with strong walls, and from the said house some fifteen leagues distant.* 1.64 Here she stay'd two daies, and dismissed not only the officers of the King, who were to wait upon her to the foresaid Castle of Holland, but Brodin too the Lu∣theran Minister, who had accompa∣ny'd her from Stockholm, retaining with her the Senatour Soop, and the Earl of Donoau.
Arriving at Laolin, a Castle in the said Province, five miles from Alm∣stat,
she caus'd the same night her hair to be cut,* 1.65 and putting on mans cloaths, took the way the next mor∣ning, towards Ingilholm, a little Town of the Province of Blekin∣gem belonging to the King of Den∣mark, taking no body with her, but the foresaid Lords, Soop and Donoau, the Earl of Stemberg, a Swedish Gentleman of eminent esteem, and her great Master of the horse, the Lord Wolfe, Gentleman of her Chamber, and Mr. Apelman her Secretary, with three Grooms of the Chamber, about nine in all, giving out she was the Earl of Donoau a Swede, who went to see the world, which she did to passe through Den∣mark, without being subject to in∣vitations, and entertainment. From Ingelhom she came the same night to Helsingbourg a Port of the Sound, which is an arm of the Sea about a league in breadth,* 1.66 through which passe all the Ships, which from the Baltique Sea, do sail towards the West, where the Danes search usually the Vessells, and receive a
certain tole, She pass'd it in little boats, and arriving at Helsenor on th 7th of July, when she had refresht her self a little while, continu'd her journey with diligence; yet omitted not to visit the noble Castle at Fe∣derichbaug,, seated in a very fine prospect, three leagues onely distant from Helsenor; which, as the place of the delights of the Kings of Den∣mark, was sumptuously adorned. She came at three hours in the night to Rotschilt a little City seated on the side of a Lake, and from thence went to Korsor a Port on the Baltique Sea, and the same night pass'd the Bect, a branch of the Sea about four leagues broad, which divides the Province of Zeland from Funen, which belong all to Denmark. On the 9th of July at the rising of the Sun, she arrived at Nibork, which was o're against Korsor, a Port of the Sea. Here she entertained her self, till the Waggons were prepared for travailing, which are all cover'd, and very commodious, like the Ca∣roches in France, and the Coaches
in Italy. She went then to Obensee, the Metropolitan City of the said Province of Funen, a wall'd Town, and full of old Turrets, indifferently handsom and civill, where the Court of Denmark resides a certain month of the year, two leagues near the said Port. She stay'd there that night, and passing the next day through Kol∣ding, a Towre on an narrow arm of the Sea, which serves for a Haven, though it be between the land, where the King uses somtimes to sojourn; she arrived at Hadversleve a little place, and encompast with old walls.
She continu'd thence her journey, and the following night came to Flensbourg, the chief City, and a Port of the Sea, of the Province of Jutland, renown'd for the great traffique it holds with the North, and the West.
On the tenth, she pass'd through, Rensbourg a wall'd Town, and lay that night at Jetzcho an open place. By break of day the next morning, she advanced towards Altennau, a City belonging to the Earl of Ol∣dembourg,
between whom and the City of Hambourg there is an anci∣ent quarrell;* 1.67 that Earl pretending to greater jurisdiction over a bridge of Hambourg, where he receives a lit∣tle tribute from Altennan, near two little leagues, the Queen came to Hambourg, on the very same day a good while before the setting of the Sun; yet she enter'd the Town, and remain'd there unknown till the following day, and then putting on womans apparell, she was seen and known by all.
* 1.68Having stay'd there a day, she went to Neummunster, a City re∣mote a daies journey, to see Prince Frederick of Holstein, with whom she remained a day, treating and concluding the marriage of the King of Swedland, with the Princesse Hedvyck Eleonora his Daughter.
The King of Swedland had disco∣ver'd to the Queen, his inclination to this match, and entreated her fa∣vour in the businesse, provided her Majesties consent went with his. The Queen, who could not chose
but be glad, after giving him a King∣dom, to give him too a wife, conclu∣ded it quickly to the equall obliga∣tion of both parties to her. She after∣wards returning to Hambourg, stay'd there till the 30th of July.
Five daies after her Majesties ar∣rivall, the Court which stay'd be∣hind, as aforesaid, overtook her at Hambourg, It consisted of about fif∣ty persons, besides the Coaches, di∣verse horses and the baggage, with whom were sigre Gustavus di Lilie∣cron a Gentleman of eminent worth, and most excellent parts, the wife of the foresaid Earl of Stemberg, with three of her women, Sigre John Wrangell, Sigre Silvekron her Stew∣ard, Doctor Wenleu her Physitian, and some Musitians, all which took the very same way through Den∣mark.
This King, having had private no∣tice, of her Majesties passage through his Country, and ambitious to ex∣presse his devotions to her, went pre∣sently with his wife, and all the Court to Kolding, and under the pre∣tence
of going a hunting, met on purpose her retinue, and hearing that her Majestie was there, came out of his Coach, to look into those of the Swedes; but for all his sollicitude, and earnestnesse, not finding the Queen and assur'd she was gone by, he was much displeased, he had been prevented by her Majesties great di∣ligence; it troubling him extreamly, he could not comply with his duty towards a Princesse, of so great de∣sert and condition, and so cordially respected by him.
The life and quali∣ties of Gu∣stavus A∣dolphus of Swedland.
His stature.
The Turk was jealous of his for∣tune.
His re∣markable sayings.
His Con∣quests.
With what Army he pass'd the Sea.
Christina his only daughter succeeds in the King∣dom.
The educa∣tion of this Princesse.
Her won∣derfull wit.
On whom the Govern∣ment of the Kingdom depended on her mi∣nority.
She learnt diverse tongues.
She makes great Pro∣gresse in learning.
She begins to assist at the Council of State, and after∣wards takes the Govern∣ment upon her.
She admi∣nisters her self the greatest affairs.
She makes her self be∣lov'd and fear'd.
She con∣temns all delicacy.
She makes war, and then peace with Den∣mark to her advantage.
She is ho∣nour'd by all the Prin∣ces of the world.
Heavens is propitious to her.
The reasons which give motives to the true knowledge.
Important observations
Her own vertue makes her see the truth.
She exa∣mines the life, and conditions of Martin Lu∣ther.
She per∣ceives the falsities, and untruths spread by him.
She fortifies them with some impor∣tant exam∣ples.
She detests heresie.
She resolves to turn Ca∣tholique.
She sends a Jesuit to Rome.
In her letter to the Fa∣ther General of the Socie∣ty.
She desires two Fathers of the Socie∣ty may be sent to her.
The Father Generall re∣ceives her letters▪ very gladly.
He sends two Fathers into Swed∣land.
Their jour∣ney.
Their arri∣vall.
They are courteously receiv'd.
She treats secretly with them, and determines to inform the Pope of her resoluti∣on.
Don Anto∣nio Pimen∣tel is in Swedland for his Ca∣tholique Majesty.
The Queen imparts to him her thoughts.
And re∣solves to re∣ly on the Ca∣tholique King.
Father Ma∣lines the Jesuit is dispatcht to the Court of Spain for that effect.
Father Gu∣emes a Do∣minican, ar∣rives in Swedland, and her Ma∣jesty makes use of him.
She informs him of the business, and sends him into Spain.
Her negoti∣ations.
The King of Spains sense of the news.
The King of Spain's per∣plexity.
With great piety he un∣dertakes the business, and writes to the Pope.
The States of Swed∣land make instance to the Queen.
Her Ma∣jesties an∣swer.
Charles Gstavus Pa∣latine is de∣clared, and substi∣tuted in the Kingdom after the death of the Queen.
She trusts wholly in God.
She resolves to forgoe her Kingdoms.
She is dis∣swaded, but without effect.
The renoun∣cing follows.
The ceremo∣nies of this action.
A generous act of her Majesty.
She gives some adver∣tisements to the King her Suc∣cessour.
The Prince Palatine is anointed King of Swedland.
The Queens return to Stock∣holm, and her depar∣ture.
She makes them be∣lieve she will go into the Island of Holland
The afflicti∣on of the people for her depar∣ture.
Her Ma∣jesties jour∣ney.
She visits the Queen her Mother.
She gives out she will change her journey.
She dimisses div••rse of the Court.
She puts on mans cloaths, to pass un∣known.
She passes the straight of the Sound.
She comes to Ham∣bourg.
She speaks with the Prince of Holsteria, and con∣cludes the marriage of his daugh∣ter with the King of Sweden.