The present state of Denmark. By Guy Miege, author of the New cosmography, or survey of the whole world.

Of the Danish Government.

THis Kingdom has been till of late Elective, and not Hereditary, whatever Heylin pretends to the contrary. 'Tis true the Danes have usually preferred the Royal Family, and set the eldest Son on the Throne of his Father. But, because the House of Austria (for exam∣ple) has hitherto injoy'd the Imperial Crown above 240 years successively, I hope it do's not follow therefore that the Empire is not Ele∣ctive. 'Tis well known that in Denmark, after the death of Christopher, the Crown was transferred to the House of Oldenburg, who held it on no other ground but by that of Ele∣ction. And about 160 years ago was not King Christiern II. outed of his Estate, and Frede∣rick advanced unto it? But Dr. Heylin eludes that, by saying that such things have hap∣ned in Estates that were clearly Hereditary, and ought to make no Precedent, and that Acts of Violence and Force are only justifi'd

by the false Topick of Success. When all is done, 'tis undeniable that the Crown of Den∣mark was formerly Elective, if we consider that it was made in due form Hereditary no longer ago than the year 1660, in the Person of King Frederick. Which hapned thus, soon after the Treaty concluded that very year betwixt his Majesty and the now King of Sweden.

The Clergy and Commonalty had been always jealous of the great Power of the No∣bility, and more particularly during the War with Sweden. They therefore being now armed, especially the People, and con∣sequently capable of all things, secretly com∣bined together, as well out of hate to the Nobles, as out of gratitude to the King, for his Fortitude in preserving of them, to make him Hereditary Monarch of their Crown. Their declared Reasons were, that being his Majesty had undergone in his War with Sweden all imaginable Dangers, and that he had with admirable Constancy and Magnanimmity demonstrated his affection and willingness in Conservation of his People and Kingdom, they were of opinion that so great Benefits ought not to be let pass without the demon∣stration and some extraordinary Marks of their Gratitude. Which could not be better expressed, than by presenting the Crown to his Majesty's Line by Succession. Wherein

they were the more incouraged by the Ex∣ample of a neighbouring Kingdom (meaning that of Sweden) where the same Thing had been done with good Success, and notable Ad∣vantage to the People.

This Resolution being taken, these two States appointed Deputy's to inform the Sena∣tors of their design, and desired them to communicate it to the Nobles, whom they acknowledged to be the first and most conspi∣cuous Part of the Whole. They farther wish∣ed them to cooperate in perswading them to a Compliance in this Point, that they might all joyntly agree in so reasonable and plausi∣ble an Undertaking.

After great Deliberation they were answer∣ed, that the Proposition was not so new but that several Discourses had been had about it heretofore, and that very important Reasons had been produced Pro and Con in the mat∣ter. But that the Nobility could not forbear complaining of the Informality used herein, namely, that a Business of so great weight should not only come abroad so secretly and without the least Communication, but also positively be agreed on and concluded. In short, it was desired on their part, that the Senators and Nobility should not be further pressed herein, and that they might at least have time allowed them orderly to deliberate hereof amongst themselves. But the other

two Bodies, declining with civil Excuses the point of Informality, insisted upon an Answer to the principal Matter, and the Conformity of the Nobles with the other two Members.

In the mean time, finding them dilatory, and that their Answer would prove none or nothing to the purpose, they resolved to per∣sist, and joyntly present their Proposition to his Majesty; which rendred it as to them un∣alterable. The King behaved himself in such a manner as if he neither had nor did desire it; but so that he would not decline or refuse it, if it were presented to him formally and by the three States. The Clergy and People made new Instances. So that the Nobles, see∣ing no other Remedy, seemed to yield, ut praeveniant, ne quod faciunt fecisse videantur in∣viti.

During these Traverses the Gates were shut at Copenhagen, the Watch doubled, the Citizens upon their Gard, and all Courts lock'd up. The Nobility, lest it might be done without them, conformed at last with the other two Bodies. Thus going joyntly to the Castle, they presented the King, first with the Crown hereditarily by Succession, ad Progeniem masculinam. But, perceiving that the Clause was not pleasing to his Maje∣sty, it was by a new Resolve offered and ac∣cepted sine discrimine Sexûs.

Monsieur Trolle Viceroy of Norway, by reason of the Indisposition of Gesdorph the Ricks Hoff-master, congratulated their Ma∣jesty's and Princes in the name of the Nobi∣lity, with Expressions that the Senate and No∣bles could have wished that these Proceedings had been carried with mutual Communicati∣on and better Order, that Body being no less inclinable to gratifie his Majesty and his Po∣sterity than the others. The Bishop of Co∣penhagen harangued in the name of the rest, closing his Speech with the Blessing of Amen, which was repeated by all that were present.

On Wednesday the 27th. of October the Solemnity of the Inauguration was perform∣ed with as much State as the Time would permit. The Trumpets and Kettle-Drums had summoned the Horse and Foot to assist at the Ceremony. Three Troops were drawn up by the Tennis Court, seven Colours of Foot being ranged by them. Four Compa∣nies were also placed behind the Stage or Theatre erected on purpose, and seven Com∣panies more over against the Castle, by the Bridge going to the Island. About ten a Clock the Burgers in twelve Companies marched, and placed themselves from the Castle-Bridge to the Theater, garding the Passage on both sides with their Militia. The Stage was eight or ten Steps high, and for∣ward four Steps higher were placed two

Chairs of State, covered with purple Velvet, over which was a rich Canopy. Further, on the Kings side, were two Stools for the two Princes; and on the Queens, three more for the three Princesses. There were likewise Benches on each side the Theater, covered with Scarlet; the right side being for the Se∣nators, and the left for the Queens Ladies.

About Noon the Court descended from the Castle, the Senators or great Counsellors leading the Van. Four whereof carry'd the Regalia, to wit, the Crown, the Scepter, the Apple or Globe, and the Sword; which were laid upon a Buffet or Table placed before the Kings Chair, and covered with a purple Vel∣vet Carpet. The King followed next alone, then the Queen and her Children, all under a Canopy of Crimson Satten, born by eight principal Men, for they had then no titular Lords. The King, Queen, and Princes be∣ing seated, were environed with the Senate, Nobles, and Courtiers, who stood below on the Stage. And, after some usual Ceremo∣nies (under which Kneeling was not omitted) the Oath of Allegiance was read by the Chan∣cellour, containing a Promise of Fidelity to the King, Queen, and Royal Family, as Hereditary King of Denmark. This was first taken by the Senators, then by the Nobility, then the Courtiers, Deputies of the Clergy and Corporations, and lastly by the Boors

of Amag, who being of Dutch Extraction and free, depend solely on the King. The Oath was in these Words;

Most Gracious King, I A. B. do promise and declare, that I will be true and faith∣ful to your Royal Majesty, as my most gracious Hereditary King and Lord, as also to your Royal Family; That I will endeavour and further your Majesty's Interest in all things, and to the best of my Power defend You from all Dangers and Harm; and that I will faithfully serve your Majesty, as a Man of Honour and an Hereditary Subject ought to do. So help me God, and his holy Gospel.

The Oath being thus taken, their Maje∣sties were humbly congratulated by all (ex∣cept the Boors) mounting in order up the four steps, and after their profound Abaisance returning each to his Station. So that the Ceremony lasted till near three a Clock; at which time the Court returned in the same Order they came, and the Gates thereupon were opened.

Thus King Frederick was a greater Gainer than Loser by the Swedish Wars; the Crown being now intailed to his House, from which it might have gone by way of Election.

Since this Change there has been seven Colleges erected. The first is the College of State, the second that of the Treasury, the third is the Chancery, the fourth of the Mi∣litia, the fifth of Justice, the sixth of the Ad∣miralty's, the seventh of Commerce. There followed also many notable Changes in the chief Offices of the Kingdom, as in that of Riicks Hoosmaster changed to that of Riicks Drost, of no less Eminency and Authority.

The Kings yearly Revenue does chiefly con∣sist in the Toll laid upon all Ships which pass through the Sound. The greatness of which Revenue may be guessed at by the multitude of Ships which of Necessity must pass by it in the Trade of the Baltick. Though I confess the number of them was much greater before the English removed the Trade of Narva to Archangel in Moscovy, upon their Discovery of the North-east Passage. Besides that this Re∣venue is much lessened, since the Swedes, both by the Roschild Treaty, and that in the year 1660, have freed themselves from that Toll. Nay, there have been several Projects on foot, which (if they took) would curtail it much more. As the Design of joyning the Baltick to the Elb by the Lake of Swerin in Meck∣lemburg, the transporting of Merchandizes by Land from Hamburg to Lubeck, and the Malrase Canal in Brandenburg in order to convey the Merchandizes of Poland and Si∣lesia

from the River Oder through the Spree upon the Elb. But, till these Projects take better than they have hitherto done, the Sound is safe enough, and not like to be gi∣ven over.

Besides this important Revenue of the King from the Sound, there is a great year∣ly Toll made of the Cattel which pass into Germany, as also of the Fish transported into other Countries. Now Fish and Cattel being the two main Things that are exported out of Denmark, the first by Sea, and the last by Land over into Germany, the Incomes of Custom-houses, as to other Commodities, are not exceeding great. But on the other side, the Accession of the Crown-Lands is not in∣considerable.

In short, the Kings Revenues are such, that he keeps a handsom Court, and main∣tains a good Fleet, with several Garrisons he has in his numerous Forts and Frontire-Pla∣ces. As to the Forces which he is able to raise, that may best be seen by some of his Royal Predecessors particular Undertakings. As of Christiern II; who at the Request of Henry II. of France, sent a Fleet of a hundred Sail into Scotland, and therein no fewer than 10000 Souldiers; And of Frederick his Un∣cle, then Duke of Holstein, who in his Wars against this Christiern (whose Removal from the Crown he had projected) brought 50000

Men into the Field to make good his Quar∣rel. In short, considering the many Ports and Islands this Crown is Master of, both within the Baltick and without, it cannot be but the King may suddenly raise a strong Power at Sea. And then, considering that each of the Nobility, which are here nume∣rous enough, is bound to find a certain num∣ber of Horse upon all Occasions, as are those also who hold Lands of the King (which the Danes call Verlehninge) there is no doubt but he is able to make good Levies for a sud∣den Service, especially in defence of his Do∣minions.

For State-Affairs, the King has his Council of State, with whose Advice he determines either of Peace or War, enters into new Leagues or Confederacies, and imposes Ta∣xes upon his Subjects as occasion requires. In this Juncture of time this Court seems enga∣ged with France with an Eye upon Sweden, in order perhaps to recover from that Crown, by the Assistance of France, what has been formerly extorted from the Crown of Den∣mark by the Treaty of Roschild. Schonen is a fine Country East of Seland, which, till that Treaty, belonged to Denmark; and, if the King of Denmark should attempt to re∣cover it by such means as God has put into his hands, 'twere but repelling Force by Force, and endeavouring to regain that by Force of

Arms which Charles Gustave, by the terrour of his Arms, extorted from Frederick. I pass by the Act of Calmar, whereby the Swedes bound themselves to a perpetual Union with Denmark, under the lawful Successors of Queen Margaret. Which Act was afterwards confirmed, upon the Coronation of Eric, her immediate Successor.

For all Causes and Controversies, such is the Constitution of this Crown, that they are first to be decided in the Herets (or Prefe∣ctures) where they first arise. From whence it is lawful to appeal to the Judge of the Pro∣vince, from him to the Chancellor of the Kingdom, and finally to the King and Coun∣cil.

Having said thus much as to the Govern∣ment of Denmark, and of the King as Su∣preme thereof, I shall now present you with the Chronological Succession of the Kings of Denmark, with an Historical Abstract of those Kings Lives that have any thing worth taking notice of. The Danish Authors make a great Catalogue of fabulous Kings since King Dan, which (being unwilling to impose upon the Publick) I shall freely pass over. I could begin, as Heylin, with Gotricus, whom he looks upon as the first Legislator of the Danes, and the Establisher of their Kingdom. But I shall content my self to begin with Ha∣rold, the first Christian King of Denmark,

that settled the Christian Religion in those Parts, and who began his Reign about the Year 927.

The Chronological Succession of the Christian Kings of Denmark, since the Year 927.

Anno	Chr.	Reigned
927	HArold I.	48 Years.
975	Sueno I.	35. Years.
1010	Olaus.	10. Years.
1020	Canute I.	21. Years.
1036	Canute II.	9. Years.
1045	Magnus.	4. Years.
1049	Sueno II.	27. Years.
1074	Harold II.	2. Years.
1076	Canute III.	9. Years.
1085	Olaus.	10. Years.
1095	Eric I.	7. Years.
1102	Harold III. or Nicolas.	33. Years.
1135	Eric II.	4. Years.
1139	Eric III.	8. Years.
1147	Canute IV.	8. Years.
1155	Sueno III.	2. Years.
1157	Waldemar I.	28. Years.
1185	Canute V.	18. Years.
1202	Waldemar II.	40. Years.
1241	Eric IV.	9. Years.
1250	Abel.	2. Years.

Anno	Chr.	Reigned
1252	Christopher I.	7 Years.
1259	Eric V.	28. Years.
1286	Eric VI.	35. Years.
1321	Christopher II.	12. Years.
1333	Waldemar III.	42. Years.
1376	Margaret with Aquin	36. Years.
1412	Eric VII.	27. Years.
1445	Christopher III.	3. Years.
1448	Christiern I.	34. Years.
1482	John	32. Years.
1513	Christiern II.	10. Years.
1523	Frederick I.	11. Years.
1534	Christiern III.	24. Years.
1559	Frederick II.	29. Years.
1588	Christiern IV.	60. Years.
1648	Frederick III.	22. Years.
1670	Christiern V. the present King.

Harold I. (according to our Account) was converted to the Christian Faith, seeing (for a Proof of it) a Clergy-man carry a burning hot Iron in his hands, without any hurt. Whereupon he became the Apostle of the North, and prudently governed his Domi∣nions. His Son, being still a Heathen, wa∣ged War with him, and slew him in a Battel Sept. 1. Anno 980.

That Son was Sueno I. (otherwise called Swain) his immediate Successor. At first a great Ene∣my of the Gospel, as well as an Usurper of

the Throne in his Father life-time, and a great Scourge unto the English. Being outed of his Estate by Eric King of Sweden, he re∣ceived the Gospel, regained his Kingdom, and re-established Christianity in it, his War on England still continuing. He was King of Denmark by Birth, and of Norway by Conquest. Which last he conquered from Olaus, then King of Norway.

After Sueno's Death, both Denmark and Norway fell to the share of his eldest Son O∣laus, whilst his younger Son Canute fixed in England. Olaus having reigned Ten years in the North, and dying without Issue, left his two Crowns to his Brother Canute I. surnamed the Great, but the second Canute in the general Account. His Father Sueno being dead, he went on in his Conquests against King Edmund, surnamed Iron-side, who succeeded Ethelred. After some Disad∣vantages, he at last came off victorious in a field-Fight. Then he challenged his Rival to a single Combat, which made them Friends; but he obliged him to divide his Kingdom with him. Not long after which, Edmund having been basely murdered by Edward (surnamed the Outlaw) his eldest Son, King Canute brought the Murderers to a condign Punishment, and took upon himself the Go∣vernment of the whole Kingdom. After that he conquered Sweden, and brought the Crown

of Scotland to a state of Vassalage. He mar∣ried Emma the Widow of Ethelred, and Daughter of Richard Duke of Normandy. In the year 1027 he went in Pilgrimage to Rome, and died eight years after, leaving the Northern Crowns to Canute, and Eng∣land to Harold his base Son. He had a Daughter called Elfgine, who was married to the Emperour Henry III.

Canute II, second Son of Canute I, was first of all King of Denmark, and afterwards of England, upon the death of his elder Brother Harold, who died not long after his Coro∣nation, Anno 1040. He was kindly received by the English, but he proved very unkind to 'em. For he caused several of the chief Men of the Kingdom to be put to death, and he oppressed the People with heavy Taxes. To avenge the Injuries done to his Mother Em∣ma by Harold, he caused him to be digged out of his Grave, and his head to be cast into the Thames. Two years after his coming to the Crown, he went to a Wedding in Lambeth, where he fell off his Chair, and died. Some thought he had been poisoned. However, he being dead, the English took up Arms, and made a riddance of the Danes. This is that King Canute, which was common∣ly called Hardy Canute.

To him succeeded King Magnus in Den∣mark, who governed that Kingdom the space

of four years. He was Son of Olaus King of Norway.

Sueno II, was Sisters Son of Canute I, (ac∣cording to our account) by Ulso an English Duke. 'Twas he that restored the Kingdom of Norway to the Norwegians.

Harold II, was Son of that Sueno. There is nothing memorable of him that I can find at present, but that he was surnamed the Idle.

Canute III, was Brother of that Harold. He attempting to recover England, was mur∣dered at the Altar in the Church of St. Al∣bans, Anno 1081, and after that ranked among the Martyrs. A Son of his, called by his Name, did likewise suffer Martyrdom, and was canonized a Saint, Anno 1164, by Pope Alexander IV. The Church of Rome cele∣brates his Day on the 19th of January. I suppose this is that Canute, who was murder∣in the Church of Odensee in Funen, whom Heylin mistakes for his Father.

As for Olaus, I find nothing of him that's memorable.

Eric I, surnamed the Good, was Brother of Canute the Saint. He, being a Religious Prince, took a Voyage to Rome, and after∣wards to the Holy Land, with his Queen Bo∣childe; and he died in Cyprus.

Harold III, was base Son of Eric. 'Tis said he was murdered by his own Brother.

Eric II, called the Bastard, a cruel and pas∣sionate Prince, was also assassinated.

Eric III, Son of Anna Sister of Eric II, suc∣ceeded him. He was surnamed the Lamb, because of his sweet Nature. But he had no Fortune in his Wars with the Swedes. At last he retired into a Monastery, and there died.

Canute IV. was slain at a Feast by his Suc∣cessor,

Sueno III, who was likewise murdered by his Successor.

Waldemar I, Son of Canute, the lawful Son of Eric I, by whose means the Rugians and Vandals embraced the Gospel. He was the first that reduced the Laws into a set form and Writing. And by his Laws the Bishops were to sit with the Council of State in all Causes of moment. But they were dischar∣ged from that Employment by King Chri∣stiern III.

Canute V. was the Son of Waldemar, and of Sophia Sister to Canute the Fourth. Ha∣ving reigned some time with his Father, he at last succeeded him. He made War to the Pomeranians, and is said to have been marri∣ed to Mathildis Daughter of Henry the Lion Duke of Saxony.

Waldemar II, Brother of Canute the Fifth, was Duke of Sleswick before his coming to the Crown.

Eric IV, Son of Waldemar the Second, was married to Agnes, the then Marquess of Bran∣denburgh's Daughter. He shewed a great deal of good Conduct in his Government. But he was murdered by his Brother

Abel, the second Son of Waldemar the Se∣cond, Who did not long enjoy his Usurpati∣on. For two years after he came to the Crown (by an Act, more Cain than Abel-like) he was kill'd himself by the Boors in the Frise∣land War. And it is said, that the Place, where he was inhumed, swarmed with Spi∣rits and strange Apparitions.

Christopher I, the youngest Brother of the foresaid Abel and Eric, was no Admirer of Prelates. He reigned with a various Fortune, and at last was taken Prisoner in his War against the Earls of Holstein. Some Authors are of opinion, that he did not die before the year 1268.

Eric V, surnamed the Old, was Christo∣pher his Son. His Reign of twenty eight years was blessed with Peace and Plenty, but he was slain by the Practices and Treason of his Officers. Mathildis, Daughter of Albert, called the Great Duke of Brunswick, was his Queen. By whom he had, amongst other Children, his Son and Successor,

Eric VI, surnamed the Young, who sup∣planted Christopher, his Elder Brother. He began his Reign with a severe Punishment

of his Father's Murderers. He took Rostock (now a Hanse Town) in Mecklemburg, and some other Places; and he married with the Sister of Birger King of Sweden, by whom he left no Issue.

Christopher II, elder Brother of Eric, added the Island of Rugen to the Crown of Den∣mark, and gave Rostock in fief to the Dukes of Mecklemburg. The Earls of Holstein beat him out of his Kingdom, and he was twice restored to it.

Waldemar III, was Son of Christopher. A stout Prince, but unfortunate in his Wars with the Hanse Towns; which confederated against him, and vanquished him in many Battels.

Margaret, Daughter of Waldemar the Third, gave her self in Marriage to Aquin King of Norway, and so united the Kingdoms. They had a Son named Olaus, a hopeful Prince, but he died young. Aquin her Hus∣band, and Olaus her Son, being dead, she stood still at the Helm; and, not contented with two Crowns, she put in for a third. In short, she attempted by force of Arms to re∣cover the Crown of Sweden. She raised a fine Army, and appeared at the head of it. Albert, Duke of Mecklemburg, was then King of Sweden. He was Son of Euphemia, the Sister of Magnus IV. of Sweden, and got that Crown, to the prejudice of Aquin the

Husband of Margaret. For you must know, that Magnus IV. King both of Sweden and Norway, had two Sons, Eric and Aquin aforesaid. Eric, his eldest Son, was his design∣ed Successor in the Crown of Sweden, whilst in his Life-time he bestow'd the Crown of Norway upon Aquin. Eric dies before his Father, and after his death the Father himself was outed of his Kingdom by the practice of Albert, his Nephew aforesaid. Queen Mar∣garet therefore, having raised a good Army, undertook to do her self Justice, and to dis∣possess Albert of his Inchroachments. By that time Albert was grown a worse Tyrant than his Predecessor; which made the Nobi∣lity, that had raised him up to the Throne, seek the means to unthrone him. So that all things seemed to concur for the Success of Queen Margarets Design. And indeed such was her Valour and the Fortune of her Arms, that she gave the Swedes Battel in the Year 1387, defeated their Army, and took their King Prisoner. A bloody Battel it was, says my Author. Albert was kept Prisoner for the space of seven years. To get his Liberty, he freely resigned his Kingdom to Margaret, and so went to his own Country, where he died. Upon his Resignation, Anno 1394, she caused an Act of State to be passed in Calmar, for the Perpetuation of this Union unto her Suc∣cessors. In short, this was a Princess of a

Temper so far beyond her Sex, that all Hi∣storians cry her up as the Wonder of her Age, and a second Semiramis.

Before she died, she was sollicitous to find a worthy Successor. Ingelburgis, her Sister, of∣fered her one, namely Eric her Son, whom she got by Vratislaus Duke of Pomeren. Mar∣garet accepted of him, and got him crowned in her Life-time, Anno 1396, with the Con∣currence of the States of the three Kingdoms. The Arch-bishop of Upsal performed the Ce∣remony, and thereupon a Law was made that the three Kingdoms should never be se∣parated. This Eric (the seventh in our Ac∣count) begun his Reign in the year 1412, and was Knight of the Garter. His Cruelties ren∣dred him so odious to his Subjects, that they rose up in Arms every where against him. Anno 1424 he went to the Holy Land. And in the Year 1439, weary of swaying the Scep∣ter, he retired into Pomeren, where he lived twenty years longer. So that he was no less than 77 Years old, when he died. During that Retirement, 'tis supposed by some, that he writ the History of Denmark, which begins thus, Dani, ut testantur veteres Historiographi.

Eric having thus resigned his Kingdoms to live a private Life, there was an Interregnum for the space of six years, till Christopher III. came in by Election. He was Duke of Bavaria (but in Title only) Son of John

Count Palatine of the Rhine, and of Marga∣ret Sister of Eric. Though he was very mild in his Government, yet his Subjects were dis∣gusted at him for bestowing the great Places of Trust upon Germans, which he had pro∣mised to confer upon the Natives. He mar∣ry'd Dorothy of Brandenburg; and, after a Reign of three Years, died without Is∣sue. Whereby he made way to the Crown for the House of Oldenburg, the present Roy∣al Family of Denmark. And then the Swedes, weary of the Danish Government, chose a King of their own, Charles Canute, without any regard to the Act of Calmar.

Christiern I, Earl of Oldenburg, was Son of Theodorick Earl of Oldenburg, and of his Wife Hedwige, Sister of Adolph Earl of Sles∣wick and Holstein. Which Earl, being offer∣ed the Crown of Denmark, declined it by reason of his Age and want of Children; but he recommended in his stead Christiern his Nephew and next Heir; who thereupon was chosen King of Denmark. After his Uncles Decease, he succeeded him in the Estates of Holstein and Sleswick, continuing since united unto that Crown. And, by the Assistance of the Bishop of Upsal, he recovered the Crown of Sweden. But he lost it again; and after that Sweden was governed for a time by Marshals.

According to Moreri, 'twas by this King Christiern that the chief Order of Knighthood

in Denmark, called the Order of the Elephant, was instituted, and that at the Wedding of his Son John.

John, the Son of Christiern the First, was crowned King of Sweden, the next Year after his coming to the Crown of Denmark. But, not keeping Conditions with the Swedes, they turned him out, and returned to their former Government under Marshals. King John upon that raised an Army of 50000 Men, in order to recover that Crown. But his Endea∣vours proved fruitless. Christina, his Queen, was Daughter of Ernest, Elector of Saxony. By whom he had, amongst other Children, his Son and Successor

Christiern II, surnamed the Cruel, or the Tyrant. Few Years after he was set upon the Throne of his Father, (that is, in the Year 1518.) He raised an Army against Sweden, and went by Sea to besiege Stockholm. But he was forced at last to raise the Siege. They had at that time in Sweden a Triumvirate of Marshals, who governed the Kingdom. Two of them died natural Deaths, and the last be∣ing by Christiern II. slain in Battel, this King∣dom was again possessed by the Danes. And then King Christiern promised his new Sub∣jects all manner of Clemency and Lenity on his part. But he could not forbear gratifying his barbarous Inclinations. In order to which he invited the chief Men of the Kingdom,

both Spiritual and Temporal, and in the midst of the Feast he caused them to be put to Death. Which Inhumanity was so high∣ly resented by the Swedes, that they rose up in Arms, under the Conduct of Gustave Eric, and drove once more the Danes out of Sweden. On the merit of which Action, Gu∣stave Eric, descended from the ancient Race of the Kings of Sweden, was chosen King of Sweden; and in his House that Crown still continues. Christiern, being returned to Den∣mark, where he continued his Crimes, was likewise expelled from thence; and then Fre∣derick, his Uncle, succeeded him. Where∣upon Christiern fled into the Low-Countries, with Elizabeth his Wfe, Sister of Charles the Fifth and Ferdinand, both Emperours. After ten Years Exile, he attempted, with the Hol∣landers Assistance, to regain the Crown he had lost, to whom therefore he promised vast Priviledges upon the Baltick. But he was ta∣ken Prisoner, and after twenty seven Years Confinement in Prison, he died, in the year 1559, aged about seventy eight years.

Frederick I, surnamed the Pacifick, was Brother of John and Uncle of Christiern the Second. He was chosen King of Denmark and Norway, upon the Abdication of his Ne∣phew; and took up the Crown upon such Terms as made him little more than a titular King. 'Twas he however that brought in

the Reformed Religion in both Kingdoms, according to the Confession of Augsburg. An∣no 1532. he clapt his Nephew, Christiern the Second, in Prison; and not long after he de∣parted this Life, leaving four Sons that he got by Ann of Brandenburg. The eldest where∣of was his immediate Successor.

Christiern III, the eldest Son of Frederick the first, suppressed with great Trouble the Party formed against him in behalf of Chri∣stiern the second. He perfected the Refor∣mation begun in the time of his Father. And as he was a Lover of Learning, so he proved a great Benefactor to the University of Co∣penhagen. Dorothy, his Queen, was Daugh∣ter of Magnus Duke of Saxony. He got by her three Sons and two Daughters. His Sons were Frederick, his Successor; Magnus, who was Bishop of Hapsel in Livonia; and John. Of his two Daughters, the Lady Ann was married to Augustus, Elector of Saxony; and the Lady Dorothy, to Henry Duke of Lune∣burg.

As the Emperour Charles V. prohibited and enacted, that no Ecclesiastical Person should buy any immoveable Goods without the Princes Consent; so this King Christiern ordained, that the Clergy should sell no Church Lands without leave of the King.

Frederick II, Son of Christiern the Third, subdued Ditmarsen, a part of Holstein, till

then unconquered by the Danes, or Earls of Holstein. He warred against Lubeck, and Eric King of Sweden. When Pope Pius IV. desired him by a Nuncio to send some body from him to the Council of Trent, he de∣clined it, saying, that he would have no Commerce with Popes. He very much im∣proved the University of Copenhagen, and was a great Admirer of the Learned, but es∣pecially of Tycho Brahe. Sophia his Queen was Daughter of Ulric Duke of Mecklem∣burg. He got by her three Sons, and four Daughters. His eldest Son Christiern succeed∣ed him, but Ulric and John died young and without Issue. His eldest Daughter Elizabeth was second Wise to Henry-Julius Duke of Brunswick; Ann was given in Marriage to James King of Great Brittain; Hedwige, to Christiern the Second, Elector of Saxony; and Augusta, to John Adolph Duke of Holstein.

Christiern IV, Son of Frederick the Second, Brother of Ann Queen of Great Brittain and Knight of the Garter, succeeded his Father at the Age of twelve Years. Four Counsellors were appointed to be Regents during his Mi∣nority, and he was not crowned till the year 1596.

In the Month of July, Anno 1606, he came over into England, to visit the King and Queen. He had been long expected, when at last News were brought to Court, that he

was come with eight Ships into the River of Thames, and that he anchored before Graves∣end. This hapned on the seventeenth of July; and the next day King James, with Prince Henry, and divers of the Lords, went by Barge to meet this Royal Guest, and bring him up to London. Where he stayed about four Weeks, being entertained all that while with all the Magnificence that could be ima∣gined. Both Kings did ride in great state through the City, there being Pageants ere∣cted in many Places. He was shewed the chief Places about the Town, as the Royal Ex∣change, the Tower, the Monuments at West∣minster; and, that he might have a full Pro∣spect of the City and Suburbs, he went to the top of Pauls. No manner of Pastime was omitted to divert so welcome a Guest, and the Earl of Salisbury feasted him at Theo∣balds four days together. At last on the twelfth of August, being conducted by the King, the Queen, and Prince, with many other great Lords, he departed to his Ships, and arrived in eight days at home.

In July 1614. he came the second time in∣to England, but Incognito, and with a small Company. The Queen was surprised to see him arrived at Somerset House, before she knew any thing of his Coming. King James was then in Progress in Bedfordshire, who heard no sooner of it but he came back. He

admired his Frankness as well as his Affection, and thanked him heartily for both. In return whereof, he regalled him with all the possi∣ble Marks of Kindness and Gratitude. And King Christiern returned, Aug. 1, extreamly satisfy'd with his Entertainment. A rare thing to see Princes converse together with so much Freedom, and not kept asunder with Jealou∣sies of State.

Anno 1610. King Christiern made War against Sweden. In the year 1625. the Pro∣testants of Germany made him Head of the League against the Emperour Ferdinand the Second, for the Restauration of Count Pala∣tine of the Rhine to his Estates. But he was suddenly beat out of all Jutland by the pre∣vailing Imperialists, till he compounded the Business upon very good Terms, and was re∣stored to all his own. Afterwards he turned his Arms against the Swedes, in the year 1644, who got several Places from him; but the Peace put a stop to their Conquests. He reign∣ed sixty years, and died at 70 years of age.

Ann Catharine, his Queen, was Daughter of Joachim Frederick Elector of Brandenburg. He got by her, amongst other Children, Christiern and Frederick. Christiern was chosen King of Denmark, in his Fathers life∣time. He was a very hopeful Prince, but unhealthy; so that he died before his Royal

Father, going to drink some Waters in Sa∣xony. His Death made room for

Frederick III, second Son of Christiern the Fourth. He was Archbishop of Bremen in Saxony, before he came to the Crown, upon the Death of his Royal Father, and not long after the decease of Christiern his elder Bro∣ther, who (as I said before) was King elect. This is that magnanimous Prince, who by his invincible Constancy has not long since redeemed this Crown from the hands of the Swedes. This is that Frederick, whose late Calamities served only to set off the greatness of his Courage. And, as if the same Rules of Providence were appointed for the Royal Families of England and Denmark, whilst King Frederick was struggling for his Crown with the Swedes, the late Usurpers here kept the Crown from King Charles. And, as it was their fortune to suffer both together, so they had the Comfort to be both the same Year restored to their Dominions. 'Tis true King Frederick was fain to part with some of the best Jewels of his Crown. But that Loss, whatever it is, is not Irrecoverable; and has already been sufficiently made up on the part of his Subjects, by their deep sense of Gra∣titude in making his Crown Hereditary, which formerly was but Elective. On the 18th of October 1643, some years before he came to the Crown, he married with the

Lady Sophia Aemilia of Luneburg, by whom he got, 1.

Christiern V, now King of Denmark, a Prince of a warlike and generous Temper. He was born Apr. 18. 1646, and has got Issue by Queen Charlotte his Royal Consort, a Princess of the most Ancient and Illustrious House of Hassia Cassel in Germany.

• 2. Prince George, born in the year 1653. Whose Royal Birth and Princely Qua∣lifications, as well as other Regards, have made him in our King's Judgment a proper Match for the Lady Ann. The Solemnity of which Marriage is at hand.
• 3. Anna Sophia, married to John George, Elector of Saxony.
• 4. Frederica Aemilia, married in the Year 1667. to Christiern Albert Duke of Hol∣stein Gottorp.
• 5. Guilliemetta-Ernestina, married in the Year 1671. to Count Palatine of the Rhine.
• 6. Ʋlrica-Eleonora-Sabina, married to the present King of Sweden, Charles XI.

The Titles of the King of Denmark run thus. Christiern the Fifth, by the Grace of God, King of Denmark and Norway, of the Vandals and Goths, Duke of Sleswick, Hol∣stein, Stormaren, and Dithmarsen, Count of Oldenburg and Delmenhorst, &c.

His Arms are Quarterly. 1. Or, three Lions passant Vert, crowned of the first, for the Kingdom of Denmark; 2. Gules, a Lion rampant Or, crowned and armed of the first, in his paws a Dansk Hatchet Argent, for the Kingdom of Norway. What Arms belong to him, as Duke of Holstein and Sleswick, and Earl of Oldenburg, I am as yet to seek.

Lastly, to omit nothing that may be essen∣tial to this our present Subject, I must give some Account of the Dukes of Holstein, as being of the Blood-Royal of Denmark, and accordingly holding several Estates of that Crown in Holstein.

The House of Holstein is generally divi∣ded into three principal Branches. The King of Denmark is the Head of the first Branch, and the standing Protector of the Princes of the House of Holstein. The other two Branch∣es are that of Holstein Gottorp, and that of Holstein Sunderburg.

The Branch of Holstein Gottorp (so called from Gottorp, a Castle near Sleswick in Hol∣stein) began with

• Adolph, second Son of Frederick I. and Bro∣ther of Christiern III. Kings of Denmark. He came into the World Anno 1526, was made Knight of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth Anno 1560, and dying in the year 1586 left his Estate to

• John Adolph, his Son, who married with Augusta, Daughter of Frederick II. King of Denmark, and died in the year 1620. He left his Estate and Ti∣tle to his Son
• Frederick, born in Dec. Anno 1597. This is that Duke of Holstein, who in the year 1633, sent those two chargeable Embassies to Moscovy and Persia, whereof Olearius has made an ample Relation. The end of which Embassies was to settle a Commerce of Silk in his Dominions, in order to which he caused Frederickstad on the Eyder to be built. He died in the year 1659, leaving his Estate to his Son
• Christiern Albert, the present Duke of Holstein Gottorp, born in Febr. 1641. Marry'd, as I said before, to Frederica-Aemilia, one of the King of Denmark's Sisters.

To the Duke of Holstein Gottorp there's but one collateral Branch, viz. of Ottin, or Ottingen. Which begun with John of Ottin, younger Brother to Frederick Duke of Hol∣stein Gottorp, born March 19th Anno 1606. He was Administrator of the Bishoprick of Lubeck, and an eminent Scholar. He di∣ed Febr. 18. 1655, and left a Son called John Augustus, born August 3. in the Year 1647.

The Branch of Holstein Sunderburg (so cal∣led from Sunderburg, a Castle in the Isle of Alsen, near the East-Coast of Sleswick, began with

• John, second Son of Christiern III. King of Denmark, born March 25th Anno 1545. He died Nov. 9th 1621, and left four Sons, who made so many Branches.
• Alexander, his eldest Son, Duke of Hol∣stein Sunderburg, was born Anno 1573, and died March 13. in the year 1627. His next Heir and Successor was his Son
• John Christiern, born April 26. 1607. Who dying Anno 1653, or 54, left his Title and Estate to his Son
• Christiern Adolph, the present Duke of Hol∣stein Sunderburg.

The three younger Branches are, 1. Of Holstein Norburg, 2. of Holstein Gluksburg, 3. of Holstein Ploen, or Arnsberg.

Thus I have unravelled the Pedigree of the Dukes of Holstein, who are now increased to a great number, and some of them of no great Fortunes. The Duke of Holstein Got∣torp is the most considerable; and yet he was much greater, before he lost the King of Denmark, his Brother-in-Law's, favour; by ingaging too far with Sweden, to the preju∣dice of his Blood. Whereby he lost to the King his Rights of Sovereignty over the Dukedom of Sleswick, and has little or no∣thing

left there besides his Castle of Gottorp. Which Rights were formerly extorted from the late King Frederick by the Roschild Treaty. In Holstein his Subjects are set un∣der Contribution, whilst his Highness resides at Hamburg, his Place of Refuge, where he has in vain protested against the King's Pro∣ceedings. This Prince has a Brother, Augu∣stus Frederick, born Anno 1646.