¶ The Description of Swedland, Gotland, and Finland, the ancient estate of their Kings, the most horrible and incredible tyranny of the second Christiern, king of Denmark, against the Swecians, the poleticke attaining to the Crown of Gostave, with his prudent providing for the same. Collected and gathered out of sundry latin Authors, but chiefly out of Sebastian Monster. By George North.  
¶ Set forth according to the order in the queens majesties Injunction.  
¶ Imprinted at London by john Awdely, dwelling in little Britain Street, by great S. Bartelmew's. Anno .1561. The .28. of October.   

¶ To the right woorshypfull, and his singular good Master, Master Thomas Steuckley Esquire, his obedidient servant George North wisheth prosperous health, with increase of much worship.  
ALL ancient Historiographers (my singular good Master) for their difficult travail, merit most high laud, whose famous works revealeth to our memory the secret doings of time past: and also bewrayeth to time present, the unknown acts of our Elders. For although by the course of Nature, their bodies are killed: yet liveth their good or evil deeds, in the everlasting report of letters. Among these none deserveth more praise, nor worthy of more veneration, than the most noble writer Sebastian Monster: whose large labour greatly surmounteth the doings of any other. This Monster both compendiously & briefly (and yet eloquently and truly) entreateth, not only of one, & his own natural soil: but generally of all Nations, the situation of their Countries, the manners of their people, with the rights and usages of their Princes. In whose volume it was my fortune to read the description of Swedlande, Gothland, & Finland. And finding these Countries to be so large and fruitful, their Kings so noble and ancient, & their people so mighty and valiant. Considering the virtue of Princes to be a mirror to look on, & their vices a terror to think on, & also for that swift Fame hath published the report of these people unto us: I thought meet to reduce the same history into our vulgar tongue, though not so copiously and eloquently as any learned might have done. The situation and natural lying of their great and large Countries, the riches, fertillitye and fruitfulness of the same, with their noble & notable Cities, I have briefly overpassed. The old estate and ancient reign of their Kings, with their divers and sundry alterations, sometime by the Danes, sometime by the Norway's, and sometime by division among themselves. I have in few words collected. But the horrible and cruel tyranny of the second Christiern king of Denmark, against the Swecians, and his just reward for the same, the poleticke attaining of King Gostave to the crown, his triumphant Coronation, his prudent governing, with the virtuous providing for the education & learned instruction of the most noble Eric now King of Swecia, I have most amply declared. Gathering the report hereof out of sundry Autthors, as john Magnus, Archbishop of Vpsalen, Saxus Grammaticus, and Sebastian Monster, whose authority I have chiefly followed. Proffering the same (to your worship) as the fruits of my travail in your absence: acknowledging herewithal the remembrance of my serviceable duty and good will to your Mastership, whose large & ample benefits I have not seldom times received, with your favourable goodness, not only to me, but also to every one, whose need you knew to want your relief. More, what friend remains vnrecompence●●? any friendship towards you? What stayed hand hath withdrawn any gift of yours from him who desired it, and whom you thought worthy to receive it? Besides these your liberalities, your own travel in foreign & straungenations with the perfect understanding, & almost natural speaking of their languages: importeth you to be as trim a Courtier, as you are known to be a worthy Soldier. I would dilate your several virtues, but I fear to incur your displeasure thereby, whose ears envieth the hearing of your own praise, & whose tongue thundereth out the good fame of others. Also some slanderous sycophants would say my pen did flow rather with affection and flattery, then with troth and verity. But to such (as never learned to speak well) I answer (that besides the part of a Servant) I have weighed more your inward natural inclination, than your outward frank doings, although they are sufficient witnesses with me of this my report. Most humbly desiring you to accept in good part this my unlearned labour, that I have under the defence of your goodness putin public print, which if it be thankfully taken, may encourage me hereafter to attempt larger works, whereby I trust as well to profit my Country, as to content myself. wishing the prosperous success of Fortune to call you to your heart's desire, with the fruitful continuance of health between you and my Mistress, whose goodness both I and mine have often times abundantly tasted, to whom I wish like prosperity. Whose mind is frayted with a number of sober virtues.  
Your bound Servant, as I have ever seemed George North.   

¶ The description of the most flourishing Country of Gothia, or Gotlande, with the ancient reign of their noble Princes.  
This word Gotlande in the German tongue doth interpretat a good ground of good land. And amongst the North-east Regions, this Country of the Goths is most fertylit. It is also to be prere●●ed before the rest, for the abundant yielding or all manner of fruits and honey, and chiefly for that it hath such goodly pastures, whereby their cattle are fed both great and fat, 
The fruitfulness of Goth●●.  full of large forests, with apt & pleasant Rivers. They have great store of all manner of merchandise, & in every place is found such plenty of usual necessaries, that their superfluities sufficeth to interchange with others, abounding with precious turres and mettanes, but chiefly with Copper.  
The Goths & the Swecians time out of mind, & even from the beginning or their being: have unsted & knit themselves in league & amity, 
The ●●thes 〈◊〉 the Swedens have time out of ●●nve, been under one King.  both under one law and one King. And also they have appointed the confines & bounds of both Countries to be as one kingdom. Yet have they often times occasion being offered (& as those chances are wont) sequestered & divided themselves the one from the other, and each nation have had their several king. Notwithstanding their division was never certain, neither did it long remain between them: but that they were joined again with contented subjection under the authority and government of one Prince. At home & near hand against their neighbours the Swecians have ever prevailed: 
Nereh●●●● and against their neighbours, the Swecians have ever stoorished, but abroad the Goth●●.  but abroad in far & strange Countries, the glory of the Goths with their mighty and bloody bartels by the report of Fame have greatly exceeded. They wrestled of long time with the Romans, & being overcomed, they would for a while be quiet: but attempting again the doubtful hazard of battle, they have with great discomfiture and destruction of the Romans, suppressed & overthrown their mighty and almost invincible armies. Also not seldom times with equal victory, 
The goths sacked Rome they possen Italy, they occupied France, & made sure four da●●● in Spain.  or little loss they have departed. And at length treading down & overcoming their whole Empire: they passed through Italy, where with great waist & destruction they sacked Rome. They possessed Italy no small time, they occupied France, and they grounded themselves so in Spain, that their chief Nobility doth descend from them, as the Roman histories doth mention.  
Gothland boundeth with his north limits to the South of Swecia, & lieth from the West to the mountains of Norway, 
The noble cities of 〈◊〉 t●lād, wy●●●●s Du●●●omrs.  which are from the limits of Swecia, to the mouth of the River Trolheta, from the South and the East it joineth on the sea. The towns & cities of this Country, be many and great, Lodhusia a port town, where great traffic is used, Wald burgurbs hath a strong & fair castle, Halmstat, Elsinburg, Landskron Calmaria with a goodly Castle. Stegholm, Suderco pia, Norcopia, Lidercopia a city that stands upon the river of Vener, Vasten & Huetland .2. trim towns. Vestrogothia a Dukedom, whose cities be Scaris and Varnem, where are the Sepulchres & graves of their ancient kings. Ostrogothia a Dukedom, whose cities be Schemingt● & Lincopia, where their bishops sea is: Halladia, Smalandia, Tnischia, Verindia, Blechingia, all Dukedoms. Visby a City of the Goths, where was wont to be their ancient & famous Mart, 
〈◊〉 my a● by the 〈…〉 ●●●tes.  but now (by the often incursions & afflictions of the Denmark and M●scouite Pirates) it is depopulated and left desert. The ruined monuments do yet appear, bearing witness of the flourishing estate of the place. Here was the first certain abiding & building of the Goths, the which the Meotides did occupy. There is at this present day a goodly castle & a Monestary, wherein is a brotherhood of the order of Saint Benedic, 
〈◊〉 ●●●ary 〈◊〉 sun 〈◊〉 ●●●hur●  having a library of ●000. Anethors, & old ancient Histories. Out of this Country, and other the North-east Regions doth come the rich furs of noble Beasts, & chiefly the costly Sables, which are wonderfully esteemed. They never hunt them, but in the Winter, for then Nature makes their fur thickest and surest. They have an Island environed with the Sea, 
〈…〉 of 〈…〉  reported to be in length. 28. German miles, it is greatly adorned with fruitfulness, for his fertility and plentiful abounding of all things, it is called the Mother or nourisher of Swecia.  

¶ Of the ancient Kings of the Goths & Swecians, after the authority of john Magnus, Archbishop of Vpsalen.  

〈…〉 ●ie●t 〈◊〉 ●f for 〈…〉.  Agog nephew to japhet noah's son (as witnesseth joseph in his first book of Antiquities, the. 11. chapter) was the father & founder of the Scythians, & was the first that reigned king among the Scythians in that part of Europe, that now is called Finland. This Magog had. 5. sons, the eldest called Swenus, 
Magog's. Sonn●s.  from whom the Swecians recefued first their proper name. He succeeded his father in the kingdom. And after him his second brother named Gother & of some Gog, reigned king. After Gother Vbbo the third son of Magog was elected king whose reign was after the flood .246. years. This Vbbo long before the time of Abraham, did build the city of Vpsalen which now is their Metrapolitan seat, 
Vbo builded Vpsalen, be for the time of Abraham  he died and was buried in the same City. After whose death Siggo attained to the kingdom, and ruled with much honour the term of .65. years, giving place to nature the .402. year after the flood was buried at Vpsalen. Whilst Siggo reigned in Swecia, 
The vertu●●● government of the first Eric.  Eric the first was chosen King in Gothia: he governed with so much justice as any prince them might do, he made laws & decrees, such as the world than best might bear. Virtue did so govern his kingly authority, that many histories report him to be, 
These names only remain, Vddo, Alo, Othen, Charles, B●orn● Gother, Siggo.  not only the chief & worthiest, but also the first king of the Goths, and the Swecians, he died after the flood 425. From him to Berico, only the names of their kings remain, as Vddo, Alo, Othen, Charles, Biorno Gother, & Siggo.  
Berico by the common consent both of the Swecians and Goths did enter into the Monarchy of both kingdoms, 
Berico the 14. king, & the first that led them out of their country.  after the flood .836. he was the .14. king and the first that led them out of their Country. They departed out of Gothland & Swedland, from the creation of the world .2831. and after the flood .875. & before the coming of Christ .1430. at what time Othoniel judged Israel. This Berico left the crown to his son Humulfus, giving him therewithal a fatherly charge for the well governing of his Country. After him reigned Humelus, cousin to Humulfus, under whom the Danes rebelled, which the Saxons seeing, 
〈…〉  invaded Denmark, whereby they were compelled of necessity to yield & submit themselves again to Humelus. After whose death his son Gothilas succeeded, he reigned with no less valiantness than did his father, he died & left the crowue to Sichtruge.  
Thus far by the authority of john Magnus, Archbishop of Vpsalens with others: hereafter followeth Sebastian Monster, whose authority I have chiefly followed.    

¶ The antiquity/ the doings, the increase, and the riches, with the natural situation of the most flourishing and largest Country of all the North-east Regions, named Sweonia or Swecia, & as it is commonly called Swedia.  
SWecia hath lying upon his west parts the Goths, upon the North the Wermilanes, with the Scricfins, on the East, Finland and Russia, and upon the south, the sea Balthicke. This country doth yield his greatest abundance of all fruits towards the North, where the earth bestoweth her nourishing gifts of kind plentifully. And also there is gathered much store of honey, very rich of Silver, Bras, Lead, Iron, and cattle. 
rich of Silver and other metals.  They have likewise all kind of fish, which is not only received of the Sea, but also generally of their Rivers and Pools. And for Beasts to hunt both wild and tame, either for pleasure or profit, no country can have more.  

Swedia doth excel Norway.  Swecia, as it is well known in largeness, people, metal, and all other things, doth twice excel the kingdom of Norway: yet there be in many places, hills so sharp & high, and Marasis so deep and watery, that they are not passable, neither with Norse nor Chariot.  

Stockholm their 〈◊〉 City.  Their Imperial City is named Stockholme, not so big in quantity, as it is well fenced and furnished, both by Nature and Arte. It standeth in a Marish ground, much like the cituasion of Venice, from whence he taketh his name. For although it be builded in water: yet is the foundation very strong & sure. The sea entereth into it by two great and large arms, that any ship full fraited, may sail with her burden into either of them.  
After the incarnation of Christ. 1307. this city was wonderfully afflicted, 
〈◊〉 marmfull 〈◊〉 not of 〈◊〉 ●●ard of  and almost utterly ruined, by a fire that fell from heaven. For when the lightning had taken hold of the houses: it miserably burnt & broiled as well the people, as their goods. There perished in this pitiful flame. xvi. hundred men. But most part of the women, with an innumerable sort of maids, conveyed themselves with their substance & children aboard such ships as lay in their havens, & with them not a few men. notwithstanding, 
A thousand and sixt hundred men 〈◊〉.  before they could departed, the whole multitude (fleeing from the peril of present death) violently embarked themselves with the rest, & having no regard to their common calamity, did over charge their ships, in such sort that the waters devoured them both. Such as with great hope & hazard, 
A wonderful and a la●●●ntable chance.  escaped the hateful death of burning: here ended their lives with the unlucky chance of drowning. (An example to the world, no les worthy to be noted, than it is of all men to be pitied.)  
This country of Swecia is full of Marchandrise for strangers, & for their own necessaries, they have enough to make exchange with others. They have also great store of precious furs & metals. The high Mountains of Norway & Denmark, are plainly and perfecly seen of them. 
A great Kind of cur●●●y.  It is for a troth reported, that the inhabitants of Swecia, have a wonderful kind of curtyse entertainment with them: For they account him an evil & naughty man, that denieth to the stranger lodging, so that contention & strife doth often chance among them, who Wall first receive the traveler into his house. Where as they pay neither for meat nor drink. And besides this, 
In Swedland the traveller p●ieth not for ●●●vytails, but in corporate towns.  they will guide their Gest to his next bayght, lending him horse and other necessaries, for the quicker dispatch of his journey. (What greater honour can one do to his country, then in using a stranger friendly?)  
The people of Swecia are many, of strength & arms mighty, both on horseback & a foot. In battle bold and valiant, either on the land or the sea. The Dukedom of Angermani, containeth the North parts, to the confines of Laponie, whose country is full of great woods, and large forests, where their chief wild beasts are hunted. The Dukedom of Midelpathus, occupieth the south of Angermani, after whom lieth the Dukedoms of Helsingia, Ges●ritia, Firingia, & Vpsalia their Metropolitan city, the Dukedom of Coperdalia, where there is a valley that groweth full of Copper, 
A valley that groweth full of Coppet.  also Dalecarlia a people strong & mighty in arms. The Dukedom of Vplandia, which hath all his Country with mines of Silver, Copper, & Steel. 
Vplandia rich of all metals.  They have a notable city called Nicopia, strongly fortified with high walls, & great Bulwarks. Kolinolnemus divideth Swecia from Gothelande, by the Pool that stretcheth out a long from Nicopia.  

¶ Of the Kings of Swecia.  
TO seek the first spring and original of the Swecians, my labour should be no les therein, them an endless travel, & I think it as unpossible for others to find, as myself, both for others to find, as myself, both for the antiquiti of their name, and also the ancient state & continuance of their reign. notwithstanding that which passed time hath committed, to the report of letters (which of all authorities is accounted ol best) I have here briefly collected.  

〈◊〉 were 〈…〉 land 〈…〉 ●●ich 〈◊〉.  Long time past and long before the nativity of Christ, Sichtrug (as saith Saxus Gramaticus) reigned king of Swecia, till such time as Gram king of Denmark did overcome and kill Sichtrug in battle, whereby the Swecians were made for a while subjects to the Danes. Then Swiddager king of Norway expulsed and drove fourth Grame both out of Denmark and Swecia, 
〈…〉.  by which means he brought all three kingdoms under one crown. Such alteration and overthrows of Princes, as our Elders have seen them, so we in our days have felt the proof of them. For when for tune is disposed to dally with Princes, 
The ●●un●●●●us ●●a●●●● 〈◊〉 ●or 〈◊〉.  she maketh their seat so much the higher, that their fall in the end may be the greater.  
After Swiddager succeeded his son Hasmond, in the kingdoms of Swecia & Norway. Vffo after Hasmond, and Hindin after Vffo, Hynding succeeded Hindin and after his death he left the crown of Swecia to his son Hothrod. Who, whilst he strived to amplefy & enlarge his kingdom: lost both it & his life. Whereby a way was made for the Danes to the crown of Swecia. But Atisle & Nother, the sons of Hothrod, considering the strait tribute of the Danes, recovered (& for a small time enjoyed) the crown after their Father's death. For Rolfe, king of Denmark invaded Swecia, and slew Atisse in battle. He took the Regal name of a king from them, and would in no wise have them bear any Princely dignity, but to remain subjects only to the crown of Denmark. Till such time as Hiartur (a noble man borne of Swecia) did so enter into the favour and grace of Rolfe, 
Swecia is made a tributary subtenant s●y●.  that he granted them the title of a Lieutenant, appointing therewithal a yearly tribute to be paid. And because he would be the more assured of his fidelity, he gave him his sister in marriage.  
The jests & doings of Swecia remained in this state but a while: For Hiartur did cut of the head of Rolfe, & he again of the Danes was polled by the same Barber. Then Mother the brother of Atisse (whom Rolfe did kill) seeing the Regal seat void of a king, did win the Nobilities favour so much, that they possessed him with the same: and also they made it easy for him to bring in subjection the kingdom of Denmark, 
Denmark subject to the crown of Swecia.  which he did. But as with small travel & little time he obtained it: so with inconstancy, and lightness of mind in les while he lost it. For Baldar did drive him out of Denmark. Not long after Mother was slain in battle, where upon the Nobility being weary, & loathing the yoke of the Danes, did make Atisse (one of the blood Royal) king. Thus passed their state for a time, where in no notable thing is found to be done among the Swecians, weather the Danes to them, or they to Danes were subjects. But as by histories it is certainly known, that about the time of Augustus Cesar, Alric was king of Swecia, who was slain by Eric, a man of wit excellent, of tongue eloquent, & of hands ready & valiant, who vanquished Alric, and reigned king after him. This was the same time, that Christ descended from heaven, & took upon him our mortal nature. 
At 〈◊〉 time Christ descended out of heaven.  Haldan the son of Eric succeeded his father in the kingdom of Swecia, who was slain, and his son Siward as heir to his father, possessed the crown. Then Eric the son of Siwardes' daughter and the son of Froto king of Denmark did both step in for the kingdom, 
Between. 2. stools, the ●●●le goeth 〈…〉 ground  but they ended their reign by mutual battle, & Haldane the second did get into the Regal seat, a man only given to the wars, regarding neither the marriage of wife, nor the getting of children, esteeming more the field conquest, than the bed victory, rather delighting in the bloody deeds of Mars, then in the pleasant pastimes of Venus, not withstanding he appointed who should wear the crown after him, which was Vngulnus. He died & left both Swecia and Denmark, under the government of his son Siwald. After whom Reignold, and after Reignold Aluer, one of the noblest men in Swecia successively reigned kings. Then Ingus the eldest of Aluers three sons did lawfully succeed his father. 
The kingdom divided between thee bretbrens  But he dividing the Realm with his brethren Olaue and Ingellus, did only reserve to himself the general decree of all laws. He was slain with his brother Olaue in the Denmark wars, & Ingellus by the victor's consent enjoyed the whole kingdom. Ringus being yet but a child, did reign after his father Ingellus, and after him Gotare, who was slain in battle against the Danes, whereby the crown of Swecia came to jarmeric king of Denmark.  
This was about the year of Christ. 380. at what time the Goths, that long before were gone out of Swecia and Gothia, made great spoil, and wonderfully troubled the Romans both in italy, Spain, and France. The Goths which continually remained in their country, did unit and knit themselves to the Swecians, both in laws and manners, and ever since have been subjects to the Kings of Swecia.   

¶ Who were Kings of Swecia, after Charles the great.  
SInce the yearly histories and acts of Swecia, from jameric to Fro, is unknown to me: I am compelled to let slip and over leap that tyme. Fro was king of Swecia when Lodowic the son of Charles the great, 
Fro kings of Swedia was slayns by the women of Norway.  did sit in the Imperial seat of Rome. This fro was slain by the women of Norway. And Herot chosen king in his place which left the succession to Sorle, whom Regner king of Denmark overcame in battle, whereby the crown came to Biorne the eldest son of Regner, who after the travel of a few years in Swecia, gave place to Fortune. For Vnichsert the second son of Regner was chosen king for his brother. And after him Eric the third son of Regner was appointed to reign in Swecia.  
But Often a man nobly borne of the blood royal of Swecia, did oppress and overthrow Eric, and took the government and rule of his native country into his own hands. Now the brethren of Eric, both to revenge his death, and also to get their old regiment, did so trouble and vex the kingdom of Osten, that they brought the crown to Sturbiorne King Biorns son, with whom Fortune dallied but a while, for he was likewise overcomed and driven out of Swecia, 
Olaue the first king that professed Christ i● Swedia, was christened james, the year of Christ, 〈◊〉  by Eric son to Olaue, & cousin to Regner. This man enjoyed the crown without any let, trouble, or danger, who left the kingdom to his son Olaue, which quietly possessed the same and was the first among the Swecian kings that openly professed Christ. He received the holy sacrament of Baptism, and was named james.  
There were many in Swecia that long before his time did secretly profess the faith, and took upon them the holy order of Anscharius. This was the year of Christ. 1000 at such time as holy Harry was Emperor of Rome.  
After james his brother Emonde (borne of a harlot) & a Christian only in name, did succeed to the crown, a man in martial affairs nothing fortunate. He left the kingdom to Stinkell, a very good Prince (better worthy of the place, than his predecessor) for the Christian religion did greatly increase in his tyme. He pulled down & banished the Idolatry, that the Vpsalieus did use, whereby he much honoured his country. & won himself a fame perpeivallye. He also appointed the same place to be their Metropolitan City.  
About the year of Christ. 1100. he yielded to nature her due, 
What two driveth for, the third enjoyeth.  after whose death, two Erics not without great slaughter & effution of noble blood, contended for the crown. But Halsten son of king Stinkell, upon the unlucky end of both these Erics (who perished in battle) as lawful heir possessed the kingdom, from whence he was by rebellion driven out again, & Animander chosen king in his place. Who for his cruelty to religion, with in a little while after was compelled to tread the steps of his predecessor, & Aquine elected king in his room.  
Then Magnus the son of Nicholas king of Denmark (by the help of the Goths, which were weary with their often change in Swecia) was made king. 
The Goth●● divided ●●om the ●wedians.  The Goths dividing themselves once more from the body of Swecia, and gaping for an alteration, did trust that the Imperial Crown should chance to him, whom they would assign it to. The Swecians (being valiant of mind) would not bear so great an injury, that their old & ancient custom of choosing their prince should be by any astred. Wherefore they determined that their king should be elected and appointed at their pleasure. They advanced to the crown one of their own country, and not only not regarded, but also despired the king which the Goths had made.  
The Goths stubbornly and rebelliously resisting the decree and sentence of the Swecians, did make civil wars against their new king, whom they did overcome. And because they would have Magnus to reign (which was of the Goths election) they made the Imperial seat void of a Ruler. The Swecians annoying domestical dissension, & internal hatred, did condescend and agree with the Goths (not by compulsion, 
The Swedians s●the of civil wa●ris.  but by request) that Magnus should be king. After whose death, they generally exalted Swercone to the kingdom. Who left a son named Charles, that quietly & peaceably succeeded his father, all the time of Waldimar king of Denmark, to whose daughter he was married.  
After Charles reigned Eric, who quietly passed his life with the Danes, & was about the time of Christ 1249. Whose fate & fortune being at an end, they made great variance & discord with the king Birgerius. He left the kingdom to Waldimare, who taking his voyage into the holy land, did leave the protection of his realm to his brother Magnus, which with unnatural rebellion did usurp the same, & would never surrender it again.  

The uncertain s●aie of a prin●●.  Birgerius succeeded Magnus and tragecally enjoyed the crown. For when he thought himself most assured and in the type of all his glory: he was deprived by Eric his brother, & cast into the wretched bands of imprisonment. From whence at length, being by good fortune delivered, he joined his son Magnus' quopartner with him in his reign. Birgerius now at liberty, & knitting amalicious revenge with his authority, did call to remembrance the spiteful wrongs he had suffered at the hands of his brethren. His unquenchable colour kynled so fast for repaying the like evil, that he would by no means be pacified, till that with their blood he was satisfied.  

A unnatural murder among brethren.  When his brethren lest feared him, and when they thought the stinking mist of all malice to be void, than did he with a tained colour of friendship request them to a banquet, where in the midst of their mirth, they were cruelly slain. This horrible & detestable fact did so creep into the ears of the Commons, that it moved every man to the just revengement of so murdrish a deed.  
Then he with his Queen fled, & left his son Magnus behind him: whose head recompensed the offence of his father. After whom they advanced Magnus the son of Eric (which was beheaded at his brother's banquet) to the imperial crown. His reign was so prosperous, that with the help of virtue, and the favour of good fortune, 
The kingdom of Norway knit to the crown● of ●we●ia.  he joined the country of Norway to his kingdom of Swecia, & was crowned king of both countries. He yielded Nature her due the year of Christ. 1326. and left a son called Magnus, heir to both the kingdoms. Magnus did promise the marriage of his son Aquine to the natural sister of the Earl of Holst, on this condition, that if Aquine received her not a Maid, all the noble men and rulers of Swecia, should be free of their oath and alegeaunce to the King. This Maid sailing into Swecia, was taken upon the sea of Waldimar, King of Denmark, & Margaret, Waldimars' daughter was married to Aquine: Which thing the Governors of Swecia perceiving, denied their duty & homage to their Prince (because he kept not promise with them) & forthwith they were sent of the Earl of Holst to Albert Duke of Magnopolis, father in law to the said Earl: who had married Eufemia the king's sister, whose son named Albert, they would have to their king, and so deprived Magnus from all his royal dignity.  
But he seeing himself deposed & forsaken, did join with Aquine to make cruel war against Albert, whose force nought availed, for Albert's power was more able to resist them, than theirs was to overthrow him. 
Magnus' of ●d●iuexyle.  Wherefore Magnus was compelled in the end, to be contented with his banishment, wherein he died.  
Albert being now established, and with princely authority confirmed in his kingdom: did appoint himself with all honourable furniture, sit for a King, & leaving the charge of the regal government, in the hands of Dismarie, did sail to his Country Magnopolus.  

The valiant and haught mind of a woman.  In the mean season whilst these things were a doing, Margaret the daughter of Waldimar king of Denmark & Norway, after the death of her husband, protected the two kingdoms with her little son Olaue. And having a desire to the regiment of Swecia, she began to quarrel with Albert, king of the same. They both levied two mighty armies, & committing the success of their good or evil fortune, to the bloody lot of war, Albert (who had finished the course of his prosperous reign) was with his young son Eric, of Margaret taken prisoners, with whom they were kept in miserable captivity, the lingering time of seven years. 
Margar●● Queen of the three kingdoms.  By which overthrow of Albert, the three kingdoms were once more subjects to one crown, and have always remained so ever since. The Norwaise never changing nor disagreeing: but the Swecians refusing to bear the troublesome yoke of a stranger, have often times shaken of the society of the Danes.  
Now Albert upon this condition was delivered out of myson, that he should within three years following, pay three score thousand mark, or else deliver the town and castle of Stockholme, otherwise to be imprisoned again, Albert would have surrendered the City, but the Swecians would not by any means agree to it, he being therefore in despair, and void of all hope of recovering his kingdom, did give up all, and contented himself with his old Magnopolus.  
The mighty Margaret triumphantly reigning Queen of the three kingdoms, passed her youth with great pomp among the Swecians, till such time as crooked age, with creeping pace overtook her (whose stalking steps none can over run) and then by the common counsel and consent of her rulers and governors, she adopted Eric Captain of Pomeranie to her son. 
The Capytaine of Pomeranye is made king. ●ome say the this Phillipp● was the kings dang●ter of England.  After whose death he was made King of the three kingdoms, & quietly passed his time a great while among the Swecians. For Philippe the Queen his wife, and daughter to the king of Portugal, did most commonly lie in Swecia, where in the end she died.  
Now the king having continual wars, & wanting money, did (contrary to his oath) spoil the Swecians, and sought all the means he might to impoverish the country, because it seemed welthiar & much more rytcher than the rest. Which made the Nobility to declare their impatience with open envy (for the Swecians, as they are slow to conceive a wrong: so are they quick in the revenge of injury) but when this was reported, and perfectly related to the Earls of Eric, he which for his evil esteemed nothing, little regarded it. 
The small regard of princes, is 〈◊〉 times cause of their more ●●struction.  Till such time as Engelbert (a noble man both by birth & condition) did raise rebellion against him. And where as he had tortified the Castles and forts of Swecia with captains & officers of the Danes: This Engelbert removed them, and did constitute & appoint Swecians in their places.  
Then Eric at the first with great expedition, sought to fear Engelbert with cruel threatenings, which nought availed, for his magnanimity was able to counterpoise the others envy. Wherefore he raised a mighty army, thinking thereby to pacefy the Swecians fury. He sailing with his parnicious company towards Swecia, was prevented of his purpose by a terrible tempest, wherein most of them were drowned. And Eric himself compelled to land with a few, where he saw by experience that favour and not force, would vanquish the Swecians. allthings chancing contrary to his expectation, he did with much speed and little gain return into Denmark.  
At length the Ports & towns adjoining to the sea, made this concord & agreement between Eric and Engelbert: Eric should be king on this condition, 
A king upon conditions.  that no Danes but Swecians should bear office in their holds, their Cities should keep their old liberties, and their merchants their accustomed franchises. The king being resident in the country, should receive his whole revenue, and being absent, but the one half.  
These things agreed upon, he sailed into Denmark, where the Danes taking example of the Swecians, prescribed certain rules and orders, which they would have compelled their king to follow, whereby much trouble happened in their country. He therewithal wonderfully offended, 
〈◊〉 forsook his kingdom.  did gather together as much treasure as he might. And swearing never more to meddle with the troublesome state of a king, did sail into Prussia.  
After whom Christopher Prince of Palatine, & Duke of Bavar, cousin to Eries' sister, was generally chosen by the chief Rulers of the three kingdoms. Whereby they thought to have provided a great tranquillity and quietness to their Merchants. This man altered nothing in Swecia, till such time as (not contented with his own prosperity) he began to envy their country. And then he heaped up all the treasure of the kingdom, as well that which was gathered of many years before: as his own, and sent it away by the sea.  
After whose death the Swecians would join their kingdom no more with the Danes, 
The Swecians refuse to be knit with the Danes.  but with a much better will did choose to their king Charles Canutus, one of their own, a worthy gentleman, & nobly borne, of the old & ancient blood of the kings of Gothea and Swecia. He scant had finished vii years in his reign, when he began to ware very grievous & covetous in all things, 
Perverse counsel bredeth contemple to the Prince.  altering his noble nature, from upright justice, to severe & cruel punishment, accounting his will in each decree to be a law, which caused his faithful & loving subjects to revolt and turn from him. When he perceived that they swelled so against him, such things as he had before his election, he gathered together, and placing the treasure of the crown in a sure hold, embarked himself and went to Gedamus. When the king was cross sailed, and wanting nothing for his departure, but only weighing of Anchor: one of his noble men demanded of him it he had not left something a shore undone, 
This is not sound in Monster, but ye shall re●de●● in the history of the Baths.  which he would have executed. To whom the King with a great sigh answered: Yes verily, I have neglected long time since, the executing of thee and thy like, which if I had then done, I had now quietly remained in the common wealth.  
Then Christiern (whom the Danes and Norwayse had elected for their King) was called into the kingdom to be crowned, whereby the three kingly titles did join again in one. Not long after, the Swecians did move just rebellion against king Christiern, because he kept not promise with them, nor did not wisely observe those things he had taken in hand. The king therefore the .7. year of his reign, & the year of Christ .1469. did enter with cruel battle into the country of Swecia, where as the inhabitants being knit together, did easily resist him. Notwithstanding this repulse, he had .2. Castles in the Country, that wonderfully vexed & troubled the Swecians. afterward the King entering again with an army into Swecia: could do no good for himself, nor damage to his enemy, for the straight passage of the mountains. In the mean season Charles Canutus that was King of Swecia, died: in whose place they chose Steno, one of their worthy Captains, 
The Swecians choose Steno to be governor, to whom thief give the aucto●i●ye of a king, but not the name.  to whom they gave the authority of a King, but not the name. He might call & command all the Swecian Princes and Rulers to any affairs about the Realm: such one whom the germans name a Marshal, the Frenchmen a Constable, & the Romans a Master of the Horse. In great reverence and estimation was thy Steno, among the Swecians. For they accounted him as well worthy of the crown, as any of his predecessors, which they not seldom times offered him, with the name of a King, but he continually refused it. john the son of Christiern, 
●ohn king of Demmark 〈◊〉 gape for the crown 〈◊〉 ●●ecia.  being placed successor in both the kingdoms of Demnarke & Norway, did also gape for the crown of Swecia. Whose expectation they likewise had satisfied, if he would have been bound (as the rest of his predecessors were) to the observances of all their old laws and customs, which he refused, unless he might have it with the frank authority of a Prince.  
Many years passed whilst the affairs of Swecia, remained in this state, and chief lie because their protector was of such justice, that the people had no desire to a King. Now john the son of Christiern, gathering together an exceeding great and mighty army, 
●ohn king of Demmark doth vanquish Swecia.  did lead them into Swecia: Where after many bloody battles, he conquered the Country. Not long after, when the King was busied about the determinations and apoyntmentes of his doings, there rose a rumir among the people, how easily they might recover their liberty: The king being so busily occupied about the establishing of his own estate. But he perceiving their murmuring minds, did leave his wife with a garrison in the castle of Stockholme, & privily departed out of the Country. The Queen thus left, the Swecians did besiege the castle, 
●●●ng Thōs 〈◊〉 is al●●●st. ●. year 〈◊〉 Nonce.  wherein she was, & at length by the extremity of famine & hunger she yielded, and went to the Monastery of saint Brydget, from whence she was after the space almost of two years delivered by Raymond Legate of Rome. In the mean time king john did leny a huge army, to carry into Swecia, where he having many friends which sent him word either to bring fifty thousand men, or else his travel should be in vain. notwithstanding he attempted this war, 
thirty thousand Danes go into swecia, and prevail not.  wherein he little prevailed, having his son Christiern a soldier with him. After the travel of a small time in these doubtful doings, he died, and left Christiern his son in his place.   

¶ The tragical history, and tyrannical doings of the second Christiern king of Denmark.  
CHristiern the second, king of Denmark, & son to john, did plainly demonstrate in his youth where unto he would be chiefly addicted in his age. For being a soldier under his Father in the Swecian wars, he used himself very fierce and cruel, & in peace at home double & deceitful.  

Christiern king of Denmark doth enterprise to invade Swedia.  This Christiern full freighted with ambition, & as it should seem naturally inclined to mischief, began immediately after his father's death with haught mind to make civil wars, and first he enterprised to invade Swecia. But when he perceived them to be of such great might, that as long as there was no domestical dissension nor unnatural hatred between them, they could well defend their country nearhand, & also subdue their enemy abroad: He practised to get that by policy, which he could not get by force and therefore he went about to kindle contention, and to sow sedition among the Swedian confederates.  
first he procured to this treason, Gostave the Metrapolitan Bishop of Vpsalien. Who by the instigation of Christiern, did not only condescend & agree thereunto himself, but also allured a great number more to join with him, 
Gostave the Bishop of Vpsalien, goeth about to betrays his country  which were fully determined, and certainly appointed the year of Christ .1517. to betray and deliver their country to king Christiern. But as soon as this treason was related, & perfectly known to the second Steno, general Governor of Swecia: he presently persuaded and exhorted the bishop to leave of his evil begun enterprise, friendly charging him to remember the end before the beginning, and not to take that in hand, 
Friendly admonition.  which should be the destruction of his native and natural country, & also purchase to himself an everlasting infamy. But the bishop contemning this favourable admonition, did with a steadfast mind continue in his traitorous intent, & now seeing his devilish doings to be bewrayed, 
The bishop besieged in the castle of Stech.  he fled for refuge to the Castle of Stech, where in he was by Stenoes' soldiers besieged.  
Christiern king of Denmark hearing of the danger that Gostave was in, like a faithful confederate, did levy an army for his delivery, trusting by his power to set the bishop at liberty, & also by his might to vanquish the country. 
Christiern overcomed and driven out of Swe●●●.  But he being driven back & overthrown by the Swecians, was compelled to forsake the rescue of Gostave, and to return with the loss of a great number of his men into Denmark. The Bishop understanding of the unfortunate success of his companion, being void of all hope, & utterly in despair of all aid: did feign a repentance, 
Gostave fai●●th a repentance, and ●oth yield.  & was contented simply to yield himself, only the siege to be raised. It was agreed upon, & the Bishop thus delivered (because he would seem to be perfect sorry for his offence) he left his ecclesiastical dignity, & privately lived of his own patrimony.  
Now Christiern seeing the head & chief instrument of his confederacy to be unarmed, whereby the rest that were of no such authority (as the Bishop) might the easslyer be dismembered: he began to execute his malicious enterprise with open force, 
Christiern the second time both invade swecia. Stockholm besieged.  & gathering together a huge & mighty army, did lead them into Swecia, fully bend with his monstrous power to over ru● the country, & to subdue the people with cruel servitude. He encamped round about Stockholme, making his first attempt with their chief & principal City. But the Swecian soldiers laced him & his army in so strait, that they could get neither victuel for themselves, 
The extreme hunger of the Danes.  nor forage for their horse, which caused his host to perish with extreme hunger. In this miserable estate they remained almost two months, plagued with all evils & discommodities that might be, and return into Denmark they could not, the winds were so adverse against them.  

Christiern practiseth his delivery by craft.  fleeing therefore to his old & privy mischiefs, he practised the delivery of him & his (by craft) from those extremities, wherein they were wrapped. For being thus with the sharp & greedy plague of famine ovecommed: he desired truce, & an end of the wars. Steno (Governor of Swecia) with glad mind condescended & agreed to the peace. 
A treaty o● peace. The noble deed of Steno.  He also considering the horrible penury of his adversaries, did (upon a valiant & pitiful mind) send in to the camp of the Danes a number of beeves, with other victuel, whereby the painful hunger of his enemies was relieved. Christiern feigning a great favour to Steno, & fraudulently seeming to be much beholding unto him, for this good turn of his, did send into the City, requesting him friendly to come into his tent, & speak with him. 
Steno was void of disc●yght.  The which Steno (who meant all truth) had done, if the Senate of Stockholm had not stayed him. For he was so noble of mind, that he thought no deceit could lurk in a Prince's breast. But the ancients of the City, considering their wealth & decay to remain in his parson, would not suffer him, upon so slender an entreaty to departed out of the town.  
The Dane therefore perceiving this evil to be spied, or at the least frustrate: 
The Dane deniseth yet another mischief.  did yet device another mischief, declaring how he would come into the City among them, if he might have pledges for his safe return. Steno being thereto throughly persuaded, did appoint certain young noble Gentlemen, to be his warrauntes. Among whom was the most valiant Gostave Erichson, Father to the noble Eric, 
Gostave Erichson father to Eric now king of Swedia, to sent for a pledge to Christiern, who carried him prysover into Denmark.  now King of Swecia. He with the rest, committing themselves to the fidelity of the Danes, entered into their Camp, from whence they were carried to their ships, and there (contrary to the expectation of Steno) were bound in Irons.  
The king thus falselying his faith, did not according to his princely promise come into the city: but weighing his anchors, & hoisting up his sails, made speed with his prey into Denmark. The Swecians (not without just cause) did greatly envy the infidelity of the Danes, 
Christiern returns into Demmark  and also deplored & lamented for the loss of these noble men. Who were by the fraudulent dealings of Christern, clean against the law of arms, forcibly made, not pledges (as appointment was) but prisoners, as the Dane would: After this flight, Christiern the space of four year was quiet: strengthening his power with men, & enrytching his coffers with money, remaining still in this detestable purpose, & devilish intent (at time convenient) to scourge Swecia with some greater plague. Unto which furious madness Nature had borne him, will had framed him, & Fortune had appointed him. Levying therefore a great army, did once more invade Swecia. 
Christiern doth the third time invade Swecia.  Levying therefore a great army, did once more invade Swecia. Steno remembering the Irregal part of Christiern, with an ireful mind of revenge, did with great expedition make haste to meet him, & fully bend to try the might of his enemy: did join battle with him. Where Steno playing the part of a noble Captain, 
Steno playing the part both of a Captain & a Soldier was slain.  & also of a valiant Soldier, manfully fight in the face of his adversaries, receiving many & grievous wounds (not without great loss to his country) with high laud was slain. After whose overthrow the Swecians for a while did fiercely maintain the fight, their bloody bodies possessing those places being dead, that they were appointed to keep by their captain being alive. Notwithstanding the bold & haught courages of the Swecian soldiers could not long prevail, the power of the enemy being so great, & not only their field leader, but also their common wealth Governor being killed. Therefore they were compelled to commit the safeguard of their own lives to flight, and like men without a Captain left the field.  
Gostave the counterfeit bishop, utterly drowned in all mischief, & naturally inclined to disceight, 
Gostave shaketh of his discemnled simplicity.  cloaking his evil & naughty desire with poor repentance, covering his crafty intention with the cloud & darkness of feigned holiness, who seemed to live solitarily till this present. Whom no gladness could rejoice, nor no pleasure could please: now seeing his natural country men thus overcomed and disperse, like an unnatural beast with a joyful mind, did shake of his discemuled simplicity, and unbrideling the rain of his hypocritical lust, 
Gostave to turneth to hyn traitorous vo●●●  creeping out of his lurking ivy tree, returned to his traitorous vomit: much more glorying in the victory of Christiern, then bewailing the lamentable overthrow of his country men.  
The winning of one field was to the king no conquest, nor the loss of one battle was to the Swecians no subjection. Wherefore he went about once again to compass with craft his pretenced purpose, & gylefullye determined (under the favourable name of peace) to execute great cruel & incredible evils: 
The Senate of Stockeholme at so licited to peace.  which he could not so perfectly bring to pass by the force of his army: therefore he solicited the Senate of Stockholme to an honest and perfect agreement.  
The treaty was brought to this end, that they were contented with any honest conditions of peace: so that the uncertain and miserable broil of war might cease. They so much regarded the quiet estate of tranquillity, that they preferred this deceitful amity, before the assurance of their own safety. The ancients and chief Rulers of Stockholme did prescribe the Articles which were these: 
The condition of peace.  Christiern should keep and maintain the laws and customs of their Country unbroken, he should not infringe nor take away the liberties of their Cities, he should forgive and forget all such as had woren armour against him.  
The Dane (who never desired quietness, but to some mischievous end) had suttellye conceived all these things in his head before, 
The writings of peace at bra●●● & conser men with these seue●●● feales.  knowing that this agreement was the path way to his inhuman purpose. He swore a solemn oath, writings were drawn, both of their peace and amity. Whereunto they did severally set their hands and seals.  
The Citizens thoroughly persuaded, or rather innocently blinded, by this fraudulent disce●t: laid open their gates to their enemies, 
The Danes enter into Stockholm  & received their new reconciled friends into the City, whereinto many of the Country did enter with them. Not treating them strangely as late adversaries, but curteslye with much gentleness, as ancient friends, did use them honourably.  
Christiern did dwell in his mischievous dissimulation, till such time as he and his Soldiers were of their travelous toil well refreshed, and also had the Castle of Stockholme strongly fortified with his Garrisons, wards, and watches. 
Christiern doth call the Danes ●o horrible counsel.  Then longing and lusting for his horrible intention, and boiling in his devilish desire, he called the Danes to a Council, belching out the rancour and poisoned devise of his murdrish mind, for the destruction both of the City and Citizens. He asketh their judgement, how and by what means he anyght best destroy them, either by force or policy.  
O thrice unhappy Citizens, and most unfortunate Swecians, what meant you to lay open your gates for such a Jest, whose Fame, Fortune, and high felicity, did enlarge his liberty with spiteful affections? Could not his often double dealings have warned you? Can not the ensample of his first breatche of promise teach you? Nor would not the surety of your own persons suffice you, but that you must open your bowels, and cut forth your entrails to feed your enemies with your blood? Why did you not prevent this damnable counsel? Was there no Prophet among you? Was there no celestial sign showed unto you? Can no Swecian ear be so happy to hearken to this conspiracy? 
The bl●●●k ●o● of 〈◊〉 ●iue● be●●●wen.  That whilst you walk up and ded 〈◊〉 the City, thinking yourselves in most security, the bloody lots of your lives be drawn.  
O cruel Christiern, could nothing remove nor induce thy vicies, to dread the terrible punishment of murdrish minds? What great and grievous tempests of hatred lurked in thy breast, that thou must needs thus thunder out thy horrible and damnable sentence, against those that reverenced thee, regarded thee, and honoured thee? They were become thy subjects, & thou shouldest have been their king. They took thee to defend them from foreign force: and not to spoil them with cruel slaughter. They took thee to rule with justice, and not to reign with rigour. 
The Swedians took Christiern for a king, & not for a killet.  They choosed thee a king, and not a killer. They took thee a Man, & not a Monster. How much didst thou digress from humane nature, when thou apointedest thyself for an instrument of murder? Whe● was become thy senses? could no peril fear thee? could no reason rule thee? nor could no shame withdraw thee from thy detestable intent? Did not thy conscience waren thee? Did not the horror of mind trouble thee? nor did not the swift course of fame bash thee, 
Fame flieth ●at & sw●●● with Prince's boi●ge●  which transporteth Prince's doings to the extreme confines of the world? Was there no good counsellor in this assemble? Was there no Dane that durst dissuade thee? Hadst thou no faithful & free friend in all thy company? not one that loved thee? not one that frankly would reform thee? 
The Danes ●ēdrid more their king's favour, than his honour  not one among them all that tendered more thy honour, than thy favour? O pitiful case. Were they all as thyself minded, and thou as they determined? A meet king for such counsellors, & apt subjects for such a Prince.  
Now for this traitorous conspiracy against the Swecians, whose counsel was most worst, that was best allowed, & whose tale tended to most tyranny, that was best liked. For among all their devilish devices this damnable sentence chiefly pleased: That Christiern should appoint a general triumph & feast for his Coronation, 
The dellys● of their dyuclywe attempt.  whereunto all the Nobility & Gentlemen of Swecia would repair, with a great number of others. And having them once within the City, by the colour of friendly cheer & familiar countenance, he might the sooner & with less danger, overthrow & confound them. Then he might execute that which his beastly immoderate, & importunate nature did drive him to, when as no wisdom, no power, nor no policy should redress their woeful cause, so sudden a mischief coming unlooked for. The are should lie on their necks, before they should think to die. Their weapons warm in their blood, before they could judge any harm, and heaps should be murdered, before they should find the peril.  
This was thought by the whole consent & society of this facinorous assembly, to be the chief and perfect mean for the utter decay of the whole country. The King also greatly alloweth this practice, 
Christiern burneth for the sequel of his tyranny.  & burning with an incredible desire, to accomplish & bring to effect this horrible device: he commandeth the feast, he maketh great preparation, he appointeth the order of the triumph, he giveth honourable entertainment to all the Nobility, lodging most part of them in the castle, he provoketh a mirth, he seemeth to rejoice, he useth all men with a smiling countenance friendly. The Danes set out themselves in allthings merely, and the Swecians do the same, not knowing that their blood should pay for their banquet. Three days continued their good cheer, wherein there wanted nothing that might force a gladness. 
Three days continued they: good cheer.   
But now the doleful fate of the Swecians approaching, and their miserable & murdrish torments at hand: no one among them all could spy the imminent peril of their present destruction. No heart panted, no flesh trembled, nor no mind was moved with any motion of their present end. 
Christiern thirsteth for the attempt of his tyranny.  Christiern (whose cruel courage vehemently thirsted for the attempt of this tyranny) did send his Guard into the castle with strait commandment, violently to bind & spoil the Swecian Geastes (who were in the midst of their banqueting mirth, pleasantly passing the time, 
The Swecians in the midst of their banquet. The beginning of this devilish mirth.  more rejoicing in long life, then preparing for present death) & to cast them into Dungeons Now beginneth this fury to heap mischief upon mischief, now doth he repugn against humane nature, & with an incredible audacity surmounteth his hellish purpose. The day following the gates of the town werammed up, the Lieftenauntes were sent out to defend civil force, & the Trumpets were commanded early in the morning to sound their bloody & dreadful noises. All the mighty soldiers were appointed to be ready through the City in their armour, with terrible & cruel countenances, like wild and horrible Monsters. That what with the roaring noise of the enemy, & the fearful clashing of harnis, every one should more doubt his own death, then either the loss of the City, the resisting of the adversary, or the safeguard of his own family. It was also appointed, 
It was appointed that no place should be void of slaughter,  that what with spilling of blood & slaughter of Citizens, no place, no street, nor any way should be void of most damnable murder. And that from the castle to the Market place all should be overthrown, torn down, and ruined with the warm blood of the unfortunate Swecians. Then was there brought from the palace two Bishops, Scarencis, and Strengenencis, which were with pulling, haling, & terrible thrusting among a sort of tyrannical villains, brought to the place of execution. 
Two Bishops beheaded.  There stood an aultare before the counsel house: where they being cruelly thrown against the ground, lost their heads. After them the Rulers, chief Officers, & ancients, 
The ancients, Senate, & chief Officers, at tyrannously murdered.  with such as were known to have done any thing boldly in the defence of their Country, & also the Senate of Stockholme, men grave, witty, and wealthy: were all drawn from the Castle, & all together were most tirannouslye murdered. Then made they a prescript table, 
A Table made, wherein is written the names of them that should be killed.  wherein was written the names of those whom they would have slain. With this the Guard ran through the City, executing their detestable mischief upon all those whom they had marked. From the which no man could fly, nor hide himself, for all places of refuge was shut up. The Danes augmented their monstrous doings with a●lewd & ungracious acts, both of hands & body. For the Soldiers and common people being mingled together, was cause: 
A general slaughter.  that with vehement violence they did not only kill such as were appointed, but also others that were but lookers on of so cruel a spectacle. They spared none, they pitied none, nor they regarded none: but entering into their houses, did draw out their unarmed naked and yielding bodies to the slaughter. So much did the devilish desire of hellish madness conquer them, that they executed infinite, cursed, & wicked vengeance, as well against God as man. 
Some Citizens bid themselves  When as in this tumult & bloody broil, a great number of the Citizens had hidden themselves in dark & secret places: and Christiern perceiving a many that had not as yet tasted of his tyranny, 
A false proclamation.  he caused to be proclaimed from the counsel house, that all such as lived, & had escaped his terrible torments, should remain unpunished, & be free with their lines. The good fame and report of this most horrible deceit and false lie, so crept into the ears of the unhappy Citizens (whose hearts were wrapped in infinite miseries) that where as they luckily with some safety in obscure & unknown corners, they came abroad and opened themselves to their enemies, at whose hands they found neither favour, grace, nor mercy, but present death. For the example of their former tyrannies proceeded likewise upon these: The Garb was commanded to commit every one to the sword, whose bloody minds void of all pity did murder as many as they could find, & so continued till such time as all were killed. The loud clamour of the Danes, 
the ver●e co●●tenace of slaugham.  & the pitiful noise of the Matrons (plaining with shrieking cries, for the death of their husbands) mingled with the hideous groaning of the murdered Swecians, was horrible to hear. All places was filled with armour, carcases, blood, and lamentation.  
Because Christiern would have his tyranny the more to excel: 
〈◊〉 most crual & dete●●●● Uranay.  he did with great villainy & spite take a certain noble man, whose name was john, & cleave against all laws, both natural & humane, he spoiled him of his apparel, and (in contempt) naked, nailed him on a cross. Who long hanging there in great pain & penury, did commit the revenge of his innocency, to God: & with lamentable tears be wailed the miserable estate of the City. 
The Wane 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉.  The Dane overcomed with furious wrath, and wrapped in audible mischief: did cause the natural & secret members of the dead, to be cut of, & cast at the face of him that was on the cross. afterward they struck him through the side, 
〈◊〉 ●●●th his 〈◊〉.  where they took out his heart, & slonge it in his face. So great, so large, and so immoderate was his ireful mind, that he doubled his tyranny, with violent force.  

The family of Ribigu● cruelly persecuted.  They chiefly persecuted the whole house and family of Ribingus, towards whom they used such & so much cruelty, that when there was no more left of sufficient age for slaughter: they took the young children, 
A pitiful murder of Children.  & tying their tender hear in knots, hanged them on cages. Commanding his flagitious Tormentors to cut of their heads, and let the dead carcases to fall on the filthy ground. This done, be willed that all their bodies, with the rest of those that were murdered, should be brought into the Market place, where on with gazing & gaping like a fury of hell, he fed his wrathful eyes, satisfied his monstrous lust, 
A most horrile sight to look vy●̄.  & fulfilled the desire of his most horrible mind, with this his outtagious & fierce mischief.  
Three days did their dead bodies lie there in most loath some wise, wrapped & defiled all over in their own clottered and congealed blood. 
Three days did their dead bodies lie in the mas ket place.  Those that yet plunged in the pangs of painful death, aspiring with panting and feeble breath to their fatal end: did with trembling flesh (neither quick nor dead) dequeth their woeful spirits to God. What eye so merciless could stay from tears, to behold such torn bodies dismembered of their limbs, and to see such pale & wan visages (as dead carcases do represent) whose innocent ghosts (no doubt) the hoavens possessed. No heart but Christierns would have executed such dete●table tyrannies. 
Chri●●●●● hat wa● stony.  No men but Monsters could have been apt instruments for such a murder. As he was, such was his servants: For what he commanded, that they fulfilled in most extreme wise.  
After all this, Christiern (not yet fully satisfied, nor perfectly glutted in these facinorous facts) gave straight commandment, that their carcases should be cast into stinking sinks, 
●●●●k beab 〈◊〉 are ●●●yed in ●●yules.  filthy pits & privies, without the City. He drew the body of Steno out of his sepulture, so much did the rage of tyranny govern him: 
Stebi is ●●●●en out of his grave  that his desire of devouring, was like a greedy Hound. Who could be safe from his fury? or how was it possible for any to be free from his malicious deeds: when as the close and secret graves could not hide nor keep their dead from him.  
When he had on this manner depopulated and wasted the City of men (leaving not one that the biting edge of weapon might harm, nor sparing of any that the twined cord might strangle) he turned all to rapine & theft. 
The cruel countenance of homicidial.  The Wives were spoiled of their Husbands, the Infants & tender sucklings of their Parents, the Widows of those things they best loved, namely their Children, their Friends, their Kindred, and of all their goods. Virgins were deflowered, Maidens were ravished, their ancient Monuments were razed, their Temples ruined, no profane nor sacred thing was spared. Whilst the tyrant was executing of these detestable mischiefs with in, he kept fast the gates of the City, lest the horrible fame, & cruel cry of their evils, should have fled into the ears of the Country, whereby just wars might partly have revenged their most abominable doings. What studs of tears showered down from every man's eyes, 
The lamen Racid of the Country.  with dolorous sobs? What plunging sighs boiled out of every man's breast, with mazed minds? What thundering noise roared forth of every man's heart? What desperate musis, what terror, & with what inward fear every one was laden & clogged with all, through the whole Country (when the horror of this incredible news was perfectly reported unto them?) there is none, but may judge. Some Fathers lamented the loss of their Sons. Some Children bewailed the cruel end of their Fathers. Some Myves plained the woeful death of their Husbands, & some friends sorrowed for the terrible torments of their Familiars, but generally every one pitied the miserable slaughter of their country men, and with great despite envy the hellish doings of the Danes.  

Christiern departeth from Stock holm.  When Christiern had thus finished the end of all his murdrish facts: he departed the City, and in his journey went to an Abbey, called the New valley. Where of the Abbot and Monks, he was honourably received, friendly entertained, and gently used: having all things ministered to him & his at their desire. 
Christiern cometh to an Abbey, called the New valley where he executeth a crucls tyranny  The tyrant did feign a great love towards them, taking very thankfully, their diligent courtesy. And being there on Candelmas day, he went to their Church, and heard service: never offering nor showing any sign of mischief, till such time as their ceremonies were done. The unquenchable slain of his ripe evils & pestilent doings, would not be by any means repressed nor extincted: 
Tirani wa● rooted in 〈◊〉 heart of Christiern.  for the bloody seed of murder was so rooted in his tyrannous heart, that the hurl wind of mischief, & renting breath of vices, had ship wracked in him all princely virtues. For after he had received such honourable cheer, with an adiniration of the Abbot's provision: 
A cruel account.  Immediately when their sacred service was ended, he belched out his poisoned nature, calling the Monks to account for his good entertainment, rewarded them with binding, beating, and drowning. The Abbot by fortune escaped their hands, and proving to save his lice by swimming, the cruel and most parnicious company of the Sailors, did so wound him, that losing his strength, he was likewise drowned.  
Thus this Christiern full gorged with the blood of the Swecians, 
〈…〉 with ●●●dy sp●ll, ●●●urns in●● Denark  and laden with riches, slaughter, and spoil, leaving a garrison of Danes in the castle of Stockholme: sailed with his horrible pray into Denmark. He scourged Swecia with the plagues of battle, theft, murder, & all other kind of mischievous evils.  

The devilish fury of ●ostaue the counterfeit Bishop.  Gostave the false and counterfeit Bishop, desiring (contrary to his sacred profession) to excel in the bloody fury of a soldier, and delighting in the dangerous broils of battle, did thrust out irradical, and violently pull up by the roots all such as against his mind possessed any spiritual possessions, or enjoyed any ecclesiastical dignities.   

¶ How Prince Gostave escaped out of captivity, and after delivered his Country.  
THe most noble Prince Gostave Erichson, son to Eric, near of blood to Charles Canutus, the last king of Swecia, & Nephew to Steno Stir the Elder: 
〈◊〉 Gostave prisoner in Denmark.  being yet a hostage (or rather a prisoner) in Denmark, & hearing of so many evils & calamities of his Country, going a hunting with other noble men of the Danes, he began to excogitate in his princely mind, how and by what means he might best escape & steal away. Occasion offered, 
He 〈◊〉 his apparel with 〈◊〉 ●●●ourer.  & sequestering himself from the fellowship of the Hunters: he declined his natural nobility, to the course countenance of a country man, & aparaled with the robes of a common laborour, he joined himself to a Merchant, and feigned to be a Muleteer or a keeper of cattle, till such time as he was escaped out of the country Lubee, and from thence was transported into Swecia. Where he did openly boldly and frankly declare, that he would revenge the injuries & losses of his country, & restore them again to their ancient liberty, an enterprite more than his youthful years could compass, but that the stoutness of his mind did answer to his boldness. Moreover, he was decked with such temperance, 
The virtues of Gostave.  honesty, and manly prudence, as was rare to be found in any of so green and tender age. Therefore the fourth year after the beginning of the bloody wars of Christiern, Prince Gostave changed his apparel, & having on the rusty garments of a ragged country man: went about Swecia, declaring unto them in how many manifold, cursed, and wicked evils they were wrapped in, plainly painting forth the wretched estate of them all, leaving nor omitting any thing that might kindle or encourage the Country & Citizens to battle. 
The persuasions of Gostave.  He did not forget to tell them, that they were not borne for themselves, but for their Country, to whose aid & succour they were bound of duty to forsake no peril, no danger, nor any travel, being then at point to perish without present help. He remembered them of all the facinorous facts that Christiern had committed, & also of the most great and grievous wickedness that his flagitious company had executed, both against God & man without any renenge, which he to accomplish with them, would hazard his life, no whit regarding it, in respect of the earnest zeal he had to the common utility of his country men. 
The come●●e grace of Prince Gostave.  Moreover the comeliness of his parson did represent such a Majesty: that it declared his magnanimity to be adorned with a singular valiant & stout courage.  

The Dalekarlions ●e y● 〈◊〉 wa●●yks people ●●ll Swe●●●.  Wherefore he took upon him by their election, both to revenge their wrongs, & also to set them at liberty. For the accomplishment whereof, he levied soldiers of Dalckarly, the most warlike people of all Swecia. They dwell about the mountains that divideth Swecia from Norway, where there be mines of Silver & of Brass. Which metal places doth quickly move them, 
●y●●s e● Silver and ●rasse  & chiefly stir them above all things to be fierce in resisting their enemies. Gostave using the service of these men, went against the Danes, that lay in Garrison in the City of Aorosie, 
The Danes lie in garrison at the city of Aoros●y. The sudayn 〈◊〉 of Gostave the byssop.  where they did much harm with violating, vexing, and troubling of the whole country. Now Gostave (the Bishop only in name) & Traitor to his country, driven into a great fear with this sudden & new danger, sought all the ways he could how he might overthrow this begun enterprise of revenge. But the noble, valiant, 
The gentle nature of Prince Gostave.  and princely young Gostave Erichson, perceiving his intent, did send a Messenger to the bishop, friendly exhorting him to leave of & return from his old errors and treasons. Considering that his country men (not long time passed) had tasted the fruits of sufficient, detestable, & abominable mischiefs. The Bishop received this gentle admonition with such arogancye, 
The arogancy 〈◊〉 ●●dain full pride of the bishop.  & pride: that reading his honourable & courteous letters did spitefully cast them down, and unreverently trod them under his feet. The magnificent Gostave (having intelligence thereof) being of the blood royal, 
〈…〉 of the blood royal  & Nephew to them who had worn the crowns of Swecia: now demanding his rightful inheritance of those that spoilt it: was the more grieved with the despite of the Bishop, which caused him to do that by the force of his regal avetority: that other wise he would have redressed by his clemency. He led a band of trusty & chosen soldiers of the Dalekarlions against him & his company, who with small power did overcome him. 
The Bishop our●throwe doth fly to Stockeholm  The Bishop being thus subdued, with speedy flight went to Stockeholm, where the rest of the Danes lay in Garrison. But they considering the might of the Swecians daily to increase: did determine with this Traitor, 
Gostave the Bishop saileth into Denmark. The unstidly discurtest of Christiern  to send for a new army into the Country. With which promise he sailed to his tyrannical companion into Denmark. Where he was (as well worthy) neither friendly received, nor gently entertained, nor after that was ever of any authority or estimation with Christiern. By what reason could he leave, forsake, or shake of, the fellowship & society of him, who had communicated their tyrannies, and joined their mysthevous minds so often in one, being confederates together in all their damnable deeds. The king of Denmark was nothing inferior to him in all falsehood & untruth, not only to his enemies abroad, but also to his subjects at home. A busy troubler of his country, where in he was accordingly regarded: for within a while after his return, he was deposed from his kingdom. 
The Bishop wandereth like an abject, a just remark of trasen.   
The crown thus taken from the king, and he being thrust out of the regal seat, Gostave the Bishop without any glory or reverence, like an abject wandered through the country, 
Christiern 〈…〉 p●ye 〈…〉 lick d●e 〈…〉 sa●●●.  & so continued in Denmark till his dying day. Christiern also poor & needy, for certain years had no place to abide in, but destitute of all kingly furniture, was compelied to place his feet under other mean ●●bles, & glad to banquet with other men's dainties, only necessity and want driving him there unto.  
Leaving Christiern thus a Straggle▪ the most puissant Gostave did levy a meet and convenient army of the Dalekariens, 
Pr●●●● Go●●au● g●the ●●●h an ho●●  the Swecians, and the Goths, & followed the rest of the Danes that were fled into Scondia. He also besieged Stockholme, wherein there was no men left, 
Prince Go●●●ue bes●●●●●h Sto●k●o●●.  but only the Garrison of Christiern. The winning of this City was very dangerous to be attempted by assault: the place, the situation, & artificial strength of the town resisting them. Notwithstanding the virtue, might and policy of the Captain was such, that they forcibly won it, & by assault did enter into it. The City thus taken, the valiant Prince Gostave did prudently consider that all things was at a good point, the wars in every place ended, & the whole Realm (void of their enemies) to be at quiet: therefore he did very honourably & worthily reward his soldiers, 
The wars ended, Gostave magnificently rewardeth his Soldiers.  every one with ample & large gifts according to his good service. This done, he opened the seas again & made safe and sure navigation for all Sailors.   

¶ The most noble/ magnificent, and virtuous Prince Gostave, the only deliverer of his Country from all cruel bondage, vile servitude and misery: is worthily elected King.  
FOr the great goodness that the most valiant, 
By Prince Gostaves virtue, he li●ected his Country.  victorious, & unchangeable Gostave Erichson did, by incredible travail (with great trouble of mind, and painful labour of body) bring to his country: and because he valiantly had revenged the cruel wrongs and horrible injuries, where in his Country men were most miserably wrapped: The Rulers of the kingdom, that yet remained, whose happy lives had not tasted the terrible torments & vehement furies of Christiern: 
Gostave is crowned King of Swedland, Gothlande, & Fynland. He is king by succession 〈◊〉 election. By right he is horn to the crown.  and all the whole countries of Swecia & Gothland, with one voice & one consent, both by right & desert, did crown him king. And generally with glad minds & joyful hearts they gave him the Imperial sword: as one whose noble acts had worthily merited (both by succession & election) the regal place of his predecessors. By right he was lawful king: no less nobly borne in birth, then valiant & magnificent in deed. Of no base blood, than his haught attempts witnessed. Of no meaner parentage, than his honourable doings declared, & of no lower race, than his princely virtues showed. 
By deserts be boughty the crown.  By desert he dearly bought the kingdom: For he delivered them from the most bitter bondage, & vile thraldom of their cruel enemies, he assured their lives from those that would have murdered them. He restored their ancient fame, from those that had disfamed them. He liberted their Cities, 
The pleasures he did to his country  from those that had disfraunched them. He guarded their goods from those that would have spoiled them, and finally he saved them from domestical peril and also defended them from outward danger.  
This prudent Prince by his wisdom, power & policy, with an invincible mind, for the revenge & restoring of his Country, 
Nature made him, his virtues called him▪ & fortune pl●●ed him in ●●e regal estate.  passed through a thousand perils (sometimes on the rough & ragged rocks of the Danes tyranny, & sometimes almost swaloed up with the devouring sands of envy) before he could attain to the royal tip of his appointed estate. For the which Nature at the first had made him, virtue had called him, & fortune had in the end brought him. Now all those that willed well to their Country, preferring honourable concord, before civil dissension, regarding public utility more than common spoil, 
The description of hop● losts & overthrowers of Common wealths.  and, unless it were such that were enemies to rest & quietness, foes to the good, & friends to the evil, greedy catchers of other men's livings, & prodigal wasters of their own, sowers of sedition, & reapers of dissension, stirrers and movers to all strife & mischief (as no common wealth is clear without some of them) except these hope-losts, not one but greatly did rejoice, & made their humble prayers to God: 
They pray for the continuance of his reign.  That his Majesty might long reign among them at home with everlasting peace and tranquislity, & abroad against his & their enemies with great conquest & victory: & chief that his princely person might be sure in both. wishing his life so to shine in prudent virtue, that he might be a mirror & lively example to all mighty Kings & rulers, whereby he should for ever be worthily saluted (& with the swift thundering trump of fame reported) for the best & happiest  
After this triumphant manner, the noble king Gostave received the crown of Swetheland, Gothland, & Finland. 
With what p●●●●●ce Gost●ue ●u●e●d his country  Which Regiments he did govern by such politic wisdom, and princely providence, that joining with his regal authority great and laudable virtues, he ever maintained and nourished above all things, peace, love and concord. 
●●s sedition ●●●●●ly p●●●●●●.  Not withstanding the Sucalandes a few years past did a little trouble & vex the country. Which sedition was by his prudent wisdom so provided for, and by his diligent industry so pecified, that they flourished with happy peace & desired tr●nquisity. 
The joineth godly, wise 〈◊〉 learned 〈◊〉 to him  To the confirming and luculently estably King whereof, was chosen certain men, both godly, wise and worthy, whose grave councils the King did call to his kingdom with great love and favour: Namely George Norman, 
George nor man, Oliver Holmens.  and Oliver Holmens, both singularly well learned. The first for his noble gifts of the mind, wherein he did excel, and also for his godly knowledge in the scriptures: he was made Tutor and schoolmaster to the most princely and valiant Eric now King of Swecia, 
George Nor man Tutor to prince Eric, ●owe king of swedia, and to Duke john his brother.  & to Duke john his Brother. And moreover, for his great experience and excellency of wit was elected one of King Gostaves privy counsel. The other named Oliver Holmens, beside his sincere and perfect understanding of the sacred scriptures, and also his knowledge of other notable histories, was an expert and rhetorical Preacher.  
These two with others their like, did the King chose to be the principal members of his kingdom. 
Gostave did prosper with glorious fame.  Whose reign could not by any means decay, but prosper with glorious fame, having such grave Counsellors to instruct his doings, and preparing such instruments for the maintenance of his regal estate. What expectation was to be looked for in those tender and youthful years of the most noble Eric (that yet were unperfect) not only his princely and virtuous readiness (which as then by report began to bud out) but also the good education and learned instruction of his Tutor, 
Occasion why there was good & greet hope of the noble Prince E●●●  he being endued and brought up in like condition and like inclination with him, might bring this doubt in question: Whether the King or his Country had most cause to rejoice. The Father for that he had gotten such a Child to rule after him: or the Country for that they should have such a Prince, both learned & wise to reign over them, he declared being young, what fruits he would yield in age. notwithstanding, because Princes do often degenerate from perfect nobility, and altering their noble nature from the beginning, do incur into a thousand evils in the end (though his virtuous doings hitherto have yet set forth no such likelihood) I leave his present praises to the good or evil deserts of his acts here after. Not doubting or it be long, to see the valiant and prosperous reign of his Father in public print, who ruled the Swedians, the Goths and the Vandoles the space of .38. years. Yielding nature her due, the year of Christ .1560. and left the crown to his Son Eric, the 14. king of that name.   

¶ The description of Finland, after the authority of Seba. Monster.  
FInlande is called a fair Country, because it is more plesaunter than Swecia. Plini seemeth to name it Finnonia, of the bowing arm or bosom of the sea Finnonicus. It is so large a Country, that it once was called a kingdom, but now it hath only the title of a Dukedom. The Sclavous in this passed age did inhabit there, which nation used the Grecian language, so long as Moschus was Lord over them. But now it is under the crown of Swecia, and doth use the rites and ceremonies of the Western Church. Much wine is transported thither, out of Spain, by the sea Balthic, which the people of the Country much desireth, only to exhillerat their minds. The inhabitants professed Christ after the Swecians, under Eric then king of Swecia. This Country doth excel Swedia, in corn and grain, both for plenty and goodness, because it is for the most part plain, and not so fenny nor hilly as Swecia is. There be trim towns in Finland, as Gusta, a town fortified for the wars, Abo their bishops sea, Rasbing, Viburg, Karelia a Dukedom. Abo is not far distant from Vplandia, Viburg is situated at the extreme borders and farthest bounds of all Fynlande, towards and against the Russes and Muschovites. It is the chief and principal place where their Soldiers and Garisous do lie, that defends and keeps those people from invading the Country. It is also a Mart town of great traffic, whereunto the Ruthines do often frequent. They say that the north pole doth rise over this town, above the horisont .61. degrees and a half, and they number the length to be .78. They account the degrees of Stockeholme to be in breadth .61. and in length .64. The Finnons have continual wars with the Muscovites in the arm or bosom of the sea Finnonicus: using in Summer the aid of ships, and in Mynter they combat upon the Ice. How populous was this Country and others lying about it, many great and wise men do witness, as Methodius, Martyr, jordanus, Gothus, and Paulus Diaconus, the which Authors do write that this people did swarm out like Bees. And they call these north Regions the Store house or Garnar of Nations, and chiefly of them are proceeded these names following.  

The Goths.  
The Ostrogothes  
The Vestrogoths  
The Gepides.  
The Samogets.  
The Massagets.  
The Hunes.  
The Amazons.  
The Cimbrians.   

The Parthians.  
The Swedians.  
The Longobardians  
The Turcilingians.  
The Auarians.  
The Herulians.  
The Winulians.  
The suevians.  
The Bulgarians.   

The Suicers.  
The Taliphalians.  
The Danes.  
The slavons.  
The Rugians.  
The Alanians.  
The Burgundians  
The Sembrians.  
The livonians.   

The Scirians.  
The Nortmanians.  
The Pictians.  
The Carpians.  
The Caibians.  
The Cimmerians.  
The Daciaus:   
The Inhabitants of Fynland do speak two sundry languages. From Viburg to Berga or Sibb●na, they do for the most part speak the Slavon tongue, but near the Sea coasts they use at this present the Swecian language, and in the midst of the Country, their proper speech. And on the lymeth and borders, they occupy both. Wherefore in many places their Preachers do preach and interpretate the Scriptures in both tongues. The Swedian language, and the same that the Goths, the Danes, & the Norway's do use, is one, but that they have sundry pronouncings, and propes accents in voice. They do also agree much with the Germans, as for example such as can speak or understand the  tongue, may here read the lords prayer in the Swecian language, whereby they may judge the difference of their speeches.   

¶ The Lords prayerin the Swecian Language.  
father vuar some somer i himulum, heiligat vuar de dit namen, tilkomen tit rike, sckedin vuillige some i himulum so opo iordene, vuar taglig brodh give os itag verlath os vuaren should some uni verlatten vuare sckuldiger, och inledhos icke i frestilse, ut an lo●ss i froonda. Amen.    

¶ Imprinted at London by john Awdely, dwelling in little Britain Street, by great S. Bartelmew's. Anno .1561. The .28. of October.