THE REIGN OF GUSTAVUS KING OF SUEDEN, Son of ERICUS.  
Collected out of the Histories of those times and offered to the service of these.  
LONDON, Printed by A. Maxey, and are to be sold by J. Rothwel at the Fountain in Cheapside, 1658.   

To the READER.  
IF you will cast in my way that of the Poet, Quis leget haec? and why must the name of Gustavus Ericson, now dead one hundred years be raled out of the dust?  
To the first of these yourselves will give the clearest answer. But as to the second, I shall give this account, The works of God recovered out of Oblivion are as new; and every man is bound to keep them in everlasting remembrance. Much more those that are most signal, such as these in this Kings Reign, which for number, variety and excellency, in so little room are not to be Parallelled in Story. Secondly, though the goods of outward Estates of men may be trusted to such Executors as the Testator shall appoint, yet of their good Names every man is by God made Executor to employ the same in Pious uses: And though in the Reign of this King, the acts of Charles the Emperor, Francis the French King, and Henry the 8th King of England, are the general subject of all Story, yet were my Pen as good as others, I should not doubt to leave this Gustavus equal with them if not above them all. He was the first King that rejected the Romish Religion, though Henry the 8th was the first that rejected the Popes power. He was a King not only above, but against Tyranny; ever under difficulty, yet ever successful: The root of the Royal stem of Sueden famous for Kings of renown in these later dayes.  
Lastly, the Course of Providence like the Circular motion hath its returns; and the hearts of men fashioned alike, do correspond as face to face by reflection; and that observation of the Wise man, That which hath been is, and that which is to come hath already been, 
Dion. hall. l. 10  hath occasioned such as would carry themselves prudently in presens affairs, to study the former, and thereby they become wise at other mens cost. An observing eye easily sees the posture of the present times, and an observing Reader may as easily conceive the posture of the former; and by comparing the Causes and Effects of mens counsils, and the condition of their persons and actions, may as easily conceive the probable posture of the future. How far the affairs of Sueden in this Kings time may match with those of our times, will in some measure herein appear, and what conclusions will be made thereupon for the future, I must leave to Gods direction and your prudence. I submit what is mine own herein wholly to your censure, for I neither fear evil, nor desire other good, then that these times may be bettered hereby.   

GUSTAVUS ERICSON KING OF SUEDEN.  
IN the Government of Nations these two principles of Lust and natural Reason strive even for supremacy, yet can never get higher then to be, as Deputies unto an other power that giveth a Law to them, both conducing to the good of the world, much more then Reason could project, or Lust would permit.  
A plentiful proof hereof we have in the Election of Governors of the people, wherein if private interest prevail, no good issue is expected; but if public interest sway, that peoples condition is accounted happy immediately, and yet how miserable the expectations of men are generally deluded herein, no Story of any nation but gives testimony herein. Vespasian the Emperor was Mutatus in melius, made more good by being great; and on the contrary, Galba the Emperor while he was a private person, 
Tacit. Hist. lib. 1.  was privato mayor accounted worthy of Government, and in all mens opinion capable of an Empire nisi imperasset, if he had not been Emperor. The excellency of a private person for a supreme jurisdiction is not known till he hath had trial by the temptations belonging to such high preferments. And the observation hereof hath disputed many States and States-men out of their Ideas of Election, and the people into an inclination unto a Rule for Successionary government, by degrees sliding from Association to a government by States; from thence to a government by Designation to one family; and lastly, arising to an Hereditary government, and there resting as in their Center; for the examples of relapse in that kind are very rare, and those nations that are not yet arrived at this pitch, though they, being of the northern Climate, may have long nights, yet take little rest themselves, and a low their Kings less.  
Denmark Sueden and other of those Eastern nations, though( as it was long ago noted of the Germans) they love change; yet having formerly gloried in their liberty to elect their Kings out of the wide world, are now come to a confinement of themselves to one particular Family, and most of them to a particular constitution with limitations leading their Elections according to a certain Rule. Only Poland remaineth a monument of an Elective government, to be a Caveat to all nations to beware of their condition; who, to avoid faction, that otherwise might arise by election from amongst themselves, have by a Law quiter excluded themselves from government, and given up their Crown unto Foreigners, and yet they account themselves well appayed if they can derive their Kings from the Jagellonian stem, though at never so remote a distance.  
Amongst the rest, if not above them all, Sueden may be looked upon as a generous and ingenious people, not soon sensible of oppression, yet impatient under it when they feel it, much resembling the English in their Laws, and the English them in their changes; and each other in special Providence appearing in all; upon which account only. I have desired to point at a parcel of Affairs befalling that Nation in the time of Gustavus the first, in relation to the change of their government, which also hath been the condition of this Nation in these latter daies.  
It is very difficult to discover what was the original government of Sueden, as of those other Northern Nations, they being in elder times more used to the Sword then the Pen.  
Only the Historians generally agree, That these North-Eastern Nations elected their Kings: And more particularly from the time of the government of St. Ericus King of Sueden, until the the time of Magnus Smeek, which was above two hundred years, the people of Sueden continually inclined to fasten the government in one family. But Magnus Smeek King of Sueden having a Son called Haquin made King of Norway, growing thereby more secure in the way of his own pleasure, mounted up into a height of oppression and preciousness, until he became unsupportable, and so was deposed by the people, and Albertus his sisters son Elected into the Throne; who also after some few years grew no less distasteful to his people then his predecessor had done: Haquin was then King also of Denmark by Marriage with Margaret the Queen, and having a Son by her, died. Margaret surviving, now Queen of Sueden and Norway, observing that Albertus King of Sueden, sate loose in the throne, in right of her son Olaus by Haquin( which Son also soon after died) invaded Albertus and took him prisoner, and after seven years imprisonment set him at liberty, providing that Stockholm should be surrendered to her, which being performed, she now becomes Queen of the three Northern Kingdoms; and thus the royal Stem of Sueden was laid aside.  
Nor was this difficult in the working; the Lords of Sueden being interested some in Denmark, some in Norway, some having favour with the Queen, some expecting it, and all weary of the disturbances between those bordering Kingdoms, they were easily persuaded to harken to the proposals made by the Queen, which not only corresponded with all their private concernments but promised a settlement of the liberties and laws of each nation, a probability of an eternal rest amongst themselves, and to be rendered formidable to other nations: Nor need the Suedes take prejudice at the point of succession; the Queen agreed that the Supreme over all these nations should be by election between the two nations of Sueden and Denmark by turns, and that Sueden should have the first election after the Queens death, only the Queen should have liberty to declare her next successor.  
These seemed equal unto the Lords of Sueden, especially because the proposed of this Conjunction was not new, but had often times been in discourse with them in the former troublesone times, and this present opportunity they looked upon but as the paleness of time for the accomplishing thereof. An union of two neighbouring nations rightly made upon principles of peace and mutual agreements, is blessed of all, but if imposed by supremacy of power may seem goodly, but is seldom durable: If there be a mixture or alteration of laws, making one government out of the ruins of two; the Prince may thereby make it as his own creature more absolutely depend, and he may thereby drive two flocks in one with more ease to himself, but he must expect from God the brand of the little Horn in Daniel; and from man the catching of the first opportunity forcibly to break their bonds, which many times like a clap of thunder overthrows High Towers. If neither laws nor customs be changed, both nations onely being under one head, by justice and prudence that Government may continue longer; yet neither one nor other can promise continuance beyond the life of one man: Especially where the government is elective and both nations put to their own choice upon every removal, as it was the condition of both these nations of Sueden and Denmark to be at this time in outward appearance, therefore this agreement was a fair medium to compose the long broils between these two nations. Nevertheless it was otherways decreed by Him, whose ways are not, as mans ways. By whose over-ruling order, also all this great building becomes a Babel in the conclusion to all these projects: For this annexation( I cannot call it Union) being thus agreed, the Queen bethinks her self of a successor; which to avoid faction she fetches from without doors, and left it( as may be supposed) as a rule for the future; for it was so observed during three succeeding kings. But in this the whole contrivement failed, that in these elections the Dane still lead the way, and the sued could never fasten upon any election at all, according to the agreement; for agreements between them that wait for place of authority, and these that watch for their liberty last no longer then necessity will bind. 
Dionys. hall. lib. 6.   
The first king after the Queens death was by adoption from her, who was Ericus Duke of Pomerane he, reigned fourteen years, and was deposed. The second was Christopher Duke of Bavaria, who came in upon the Danish interest and yet the sued submitted, he reigned seven years, and died. The third king was Christian the first who was son to the Earl of Oldenburgh, and was promoted by the Danes also, and submitted unto by the sued. But the Danes beginning to invade the liberties of Sueden, and by degrees growing upon them, the Suedes began their defection so far, as to elect governours of theit own, who should see to the maintenance of the Laws and liberties of their country; yet the first of these they crwoned king and thereby disclaimed the whole agreement, but his successors had onely the title of governours, as if they intended not an absolute breach, but only with a moderation for safeguard of their own laws and liberties.  
Now if any man shall be of opinion, that a people and their posterity may for ever lye bound under the will of any Prince and his successors, and so be in worse condition then any slave, who in all Christia● Governments ought to have the protection of the Law( For histories tell us that these elected kings brought their Law with them) such a man may call this course of Sueden, a Rebellion: But the Suedes are not of that mind; they mean not to dispute the point they had begun to appear for their freedom, and hold on they must, unless they will for ever lye at the discretion of the Danes for justice and mercy, of which they have had already two much experience to trust thereto: They therefore held on in their course of election of governours of their own nation for the space of sixty years yet could never settle them: The Danes( like the spider upon some burly Bee) touching upon them with parties, plots, and contrivances, whereof they had store, having many bosom friends even of the Suedes themselves, who more respected their own private interests, then the liberty of their own Country. A hard task it was for Sueden thus to fight against foreign enemies abroad and to watch against foreign friends at home, and speaks much of their courage, industry and faithfulness to their Country, and the good providence of God towards them therein. For they lay under this condition during the government of fewer governours, successively; amongst all whom, not one of them would promise further submission to the Danish kings then might consist with the articles of annexation of the three kingdoms, nor would perform more. And had not the Dane been intoxicated, they might have learned by experience during all that time to have been contented to be ordered according to the articles of Annexation, but being sick of ambition & covetousness, they vomited nothing but oppression till they had fully purged themselves of all their interest and claim to the government of Sueden; all which came to pass in the reign of Christian the second, king of Denmark, above one hundred years after the articles of Annexation agreed. In manner following.  
After the death of Swanto who had been the third governor of Sueden, the Lords of Sueden elected Steno stir to be their governor; wherein Gustavus arch-Bishop of Upsal stood in opposition as one that loved the place more then his country; for missing of his expectation he betakes himself to aid the interest of christian the second of that name king of Denmark. And to set forward his claim to the Crown of Sueden, who spent one year in pursuit thereof by force of arms, but effected little: Nor did the arch-Bishop of Upsal get ought thereby in Denmark because they saw he played his own game; nor could he escape seizure of his temporalties in Sueden for his treachery against his Country. The next year the arch-Bishop obtained the Popes sentence of excommunication against the governor of Sueden and all his partakers, for their invading the rights of the Church and Bishop of Upsal, and hereupon the king of Denmark takes courage to invade Sueden once more with an army under his general, who in a battle gained the day against the Suedes, wherein Steno the governor was wounded and retired to Stockholm, unto whom also repaired all such as intended the defence of their Country: The rest of the Suedes yielded to the General upon conditions, who marched to Stockholm, but meeting with difficulties in the march and coming nigh the City finding no hope of treaty, and considering his army much wasted, he sends into Denmark for dwelt. To whom the king comes in person, and so Stockholm is beleaguered and there the most of this army being wasted and the remainder being wind-bound almost famished; a peace is p opounded and accepted on both parts: but the King meaning nothing less pretends he may not come into Stockholm to finish the treaty till first pledges be given for the safeguard of his person; thereupon pledges are sent on board his ship, but his mind changing with the wind, he sails away to Denmark with the pledges, whom he committeth to safe custody. And after four years returns into Sueden with a great army, and gives a second overthrow to the Suedes in the field, wherein the governor Steno is slain, then marching towards Stockholm finds the City standing upon its defence under the government of Christina the wife of Steno.  
There must I have him in a long and tedious employment till I can bring in an account of affairs intervening elsewhere, conducing to the close of this discourse. For although the governor of Sueden was slain, yet the speech of Vespasian proves true; 
Sutton in vit. Vespasion.  no man can destroy his successor. Amongst the pledges imprisoned in Denmark by the King, one was Gustavus the son of Ericus, who was a noble Lord in Sueden, and now in Stockholm thus beleaguered by the King. This Gustavus, though but of a noble Family, yet( his Grandfather having married the Sister of Steno stir, the governor) became incorporated into the stem of the ancient Kings of Sueden. And in his young years was trained up in the Court under his Uncle Steno the First, who was no less valiant and wise for Command in the field, then for Government in peace. Under him did Gustavus learn the Principles of war, which afte●ward he began to practise after the Command of Swant● the next governor. For after the Death of Steno the First, the difference between the Danes and Suedes, concerning the Government growing so high as to come to battle, wherein the Suedes gain two victories, Gustavus carried the Royal standard of Sueden, although, as then, he was but eighteen years old; and being now about Six and twenty years old is committed by the King to the Castle of Callo in Jutland prisoner under the Custody of Sir Ericus Banner a Knight of Denmark, where he was watchfully kept, that he might suffer no wrong; but by the King himself; in which imprisonment he now had endured four years with patience; but having daily news brought him of the sad examples of the Danes cruelty to the Suedes his Country Men, he concludes his condition to be like that of Ulysses in the Den to be reserved, as a chiefdish for the Tyrants palate, when all the rest were devoured.  
Upon a day therefore having obtained liberty to ride a hunting and being eager in the chase, but minding another game, he road away, and having thus changed his course he changed his apparel and guise and passing through many unknown ways and dangers after three hundred miles chase he arrived at Lubeck, one of the Hanse Towns, and holding there correspondency with Sueden against Denmark, upon one and the same quarrel of oppression and wrong done to them by the Danes. Other friend or foe find I not in this Juncture that the Nation of Sueden had, which was an advantage to them, considering that as it were but yesterday they were so much in danger of the Muscovite, that they would have accounted it a mercy to have been joined with the Danes and Normans, though with disadvantage to themselves.  
No sooner was Gustavus arrived at Lubeck, but earnest pursuit is made after him by Sir Ericus Banner, his former Keeper, who was come to Lubeck and demanded of the Magistrates the delivery of his Prisoner: Gustavus contrariwise insisted, That he was no lawful prisoner to the King of Denmark, but was delivered by his Country amongst others in pledge for the safety of the Kings person during the Treaty between the King and his own Countrymen, and that the King, contrary to all Right and Faith, detained him and the other Pledges and carried them Captive into Denmark: that now he was under the protection of the public Faith of the state of Lubeck, to whom he was fled for refuge against oppression, and desired to have the benefit of the Law, and to have the matter tried. Divers of the Senate of Lubeck were of opinion that Gustavus ought to be returned to the King of Denmark as his prisoner; and that it concerned not them to try the lawfulness or unlawfulness of the imprisonment: But the Consul over-ruled the point, affirming, That though originally they had not power to determine the point, yet Gustavus being before them de facto a free-man, and as such had put himself into the protection of the City of Lubeck, and had appealed unto them for right, it becomes them to do herein according to Law, and that by the Law of God, the Law Civil and the Law of Nations, they ought to inquire into the true condition of Gustavus his Captivity, and determine the same upon grounds of Justice; otherwise they might make themselves parties to the King of Denmarks oppression( if the case so prove) before they understand what they do. The authority of the Consul and the weight of his reasons prevailed with the Senate, who passed their definitive sentence, That Gustavus shall be protected by the State of Lubeck till the cause be tried.  
This served Gustavus his turn for the present, but he knew not how long it would continue, he knew that interests of Nations are soon changed, and those of petty States sooner; besides Gustavus had too much work to do to continue long in one place, and thereupon secretly, and without notice to any but the good Consul, whose counsel he had in this case, he got aboard a Merchant ship and sailed into the Bay of Calmar, where landing at Stenso he footed it to Calmar, into which secretly entering, and finding the same standing upon their Guard against the Dane, he discovered himself to the La. Magnus that held the Castle, and acquainted her of the manner of his Captivity and escape; and taking advantage of the reports then coming of the sad examples of the Danish cruelty and oppression, endeavoured to persuade and encourage the Citizens to stand out in defence of the liberties of themselves, their wives and children, and not to trust to the fair words and promises of the Danes, but to endure rather a little hardship for at me, assuring them things would change their course very shortly. The Citizens hearkned to him, but mercenary souldiers mutined amongst themselves & sought to put Gustavus to death, but their plot discovered the mutiny was suppressed, and Gustavus advised for his safety to withdraw himself into his own country, and obscure himself until a more convenient time should appear for the work that he had in design.  
This journey he knew would be full of difficulty and danger, for his way must be through Smalland, where the Danish Emissaries were very busy to gain the Suedes to moderation and submission to the Danish yoke, yet he abides the adventure with grief of heart, to see the poor Country people deluded, insomuch that he could not forbear, but  told them, That they should consider the cases of many of their Country men, who had promises from the Danes, yet nothing performed but miserable bondage, that there is much less danger in standing the push of the Danish pike, then in committing themselves and all that is dear unto them, to such a broken reed as their fair words, which had not only failed but mortally wounded also the liberties of such of their fellow Country-men as had given credit unto them.  
Nevertheless divers of the Suedes of the greater rank in those parts being pre-ingaged, persuaded the people otherwise; affirming, That the Danes aimed only at the suppressing of such of the Lords of Sueden that combined themselves against the Kings government; but as touching the people the King was resolved to win their good opinion; and they should not need ever to fear want so long as salt and Herrings lasted: Contrarily, If they would not be persuaded, they are all but dead men if they do not speedily forsake their Country.  
Gustavus perceiving the people under a scar, and desiring rather to be quiet then put themselves to hazard, he finds it not convenient for him to stay any longer there, but forthwith secretly departs to Terno, amongst his own Tenants, whence also( having provided himself of necessaries) he departs to Ref●nass his fathers house, where he concealed himself for the most part of that summer, and at length adventured to discover himself to one that had been a faithful friend unto him, and once was Arch-Bishop of Upsall, but laid aside by the gusts of time, and now was retired to a monastery at Gripsholm. This man now aged, and fearful, and willing to be quiet,( though upon hard conditions) dissuaded Gustavus from stirring; alleging, The advantage that the King had, having an army in the Field, and the Towns generally under his command, and that the King desired nothing more then to consiliate the good opinion of the people; and for assurance had granted Letters of Grace, and general pardon particularly, therein mentioning Gustavus himself, and therefore he should do well to give credit to the King, and submit to his Government: and for my part( said the old man) I dare engage to procure from the King a special free and full pardon for yourself Gustavus, if you shall desire it. Gustavus heard all with silence, but liked not his undertaking, for ought he knew this old man might be, or desire to be the Kings Favourite; nor did Gustavus like to adventure himself upon the Kings promises, and thereupon resolves to wave this old mans counsel and betake himself back again to Refsnass.  
All this while was the King at the Siege before Stockholm, endeavouring partly by force, partly by messages of grace to get possession of the City, and to that end, first confirms the agreement made by his General with the Lords in the field, and then grants a general pardon and instrument of oblivion of all by-gon●s; then he sends his Commendations, and speaks fair to the people in the country by the Suedish Lords that were of his party, which in many places met with little or no respect at all. Nevertheless in continuance of time, by often droppings of good words, serious promises, protestations, execrations and Letters Patents, and declarations under the Kings hand and Seal, a hole is made into the hearts of the men at Stockholm, the Gates at length are opened, and the King admitted entrance, and acknowledged of all to be their lawful King, and is crwoned, and solemn feastings holder for all sorts of people both Suedes, Danes and Germans.  
A fair morning no doubt, but who knows what a day may bring forth? The King all this while retaineth a reserve for the ruin of the Nobility of Sueden; and now he hath them in one place within walls and under a sufficient Guard, but it must be done in the most comely manner that can be, because the thing itself was ugly and ill favoured. Therefore its first propounded that a Treason must be supposed to be plotted by the Suedes to raise the people to Massacre the Danes, and that the Danes, as in their own defence, should assassinate the Sueds; but this was thought dangerous & might possibly indeed turn to the destruction of the Dane●; for who knows what men in despair may bring to pa●s?  
Then another way is propounded, That the King must look upon the Suedish Lords as under the Popes Curse and sentence of Excommunication; and to Usher forth the Kings Justice with more colourable zeal, the Arch-Bishop of Upsal( by whose means the Popes thunderbolt was fallen upon Sueden) must openly accuse the Suedish Lords as Excommunicate persons, for Treason against their King, and robbery of the Church, and spoilers of the dignity and estate of the Arch-Bishop, and thereupon must demand judgement against them.  
And for the Juggling of these Suedish Lords together, a Feast is appointed upon the third day after the Coronation, whereat also the Germans and Danish party were assembled, and then in the presence of them all, the Arch-Bishop of Upsall( though unwillingly when he perceived the issue) steps forth before the King, and accuses the Sued●sh Lords of injury done by them to the Arch Bishop his person and estate and demanded recompense for his damages sustained. The King liked not this charge, telling the Arch Bishop, That he forgot the Popes sentence, the Crime of Treason, and his own place, who ought in zeal to the Church to have demanded also punishment of the persons of the ●ffend●rs. And forthwith commands the Guards to seize upon the Suedish Lords, and as some Writers say, Shewed so much mercy as to let them live till the next day, and in the interim set Guards upon all the avenues to the City, that none might be allowed to depart the City: And upon the next day, being the eighth day of Novem. 1520. not by Legal execution, but in a way of Butchery, put to death nigh an hundred of the Nobles and chief men of Sueden, and Citizens of Stockholm, and then let loose the Souldiers upon others of the City and Country, wherein al sorts of people Ecclesiastical, Civil Great, Mean, Man, woman and Child suffered all manner of violences and deaths that cruelty could device, not only to the living, but opprobries to the dead. The lively Character whereof, may better be described by some Dane or some other party in the Scicilian Vespers, Parisian Nuptials, then by any other at so great a distance.  
Then begins Covetousness to ascend the Stage, seizing upon all the Estates of the dead and living, and to make all sure, after the liberty of Sueden was thus brought into the condition of a dead man, they would bury it so as it might never rise more; and to that end set Guards upon all places, publish Edicts, and do not only deprive the Suedes of their armour, but also of their Arms and Legs; turning it into a proverb, That a sued could plough his ground well enough though with one arm and one wooden leg.  
The last and worst of all evils is hypocrisy: This Christian Kings conscience when all is done, is touched with so much compassion, as he said, He would not have done it, but his conscience tied him thereto in zeal to the Church, and obedience to the Roman sentence of Excommunication: So as Religion is made the Patron of all these evils. And yet the King is not so satisfied, he hastes out of Sueden, possibly fearing least the ground should swallow him up, or if the famed of his victory over Sueden should arrive in Denmark before him, that nation might be moved to vomit him out. Now were some persons of these daies then alive in Sueden, they would have concluded nothing but vengeance and Gods wrath against Sueden for their rebellion, witnessed by so notable example of Bloodshed. Such may remember the Tower of Syloam; but I must note that the immediate fruit hereof fell heavy upon the head of the King himself, who now is gone home King of the three Kingdoms of the baltic; and secured that of Sueden under Guards in every place, but cruelty never conquers the Spirits of men; he may be feared of all, but is hated of all, so his conscience tells him, and he is given up to a fearing heart, and a fainting mind, so as within three years he loseth all the three Kingdoms without adventuring one drop of blood, or striking one blow. The manner may be glanced upon hereafter; but how Sueden now under water gets above the Waves, I shall now proceed to show brie●●y.  
This sad news of Stockholm coming to the notice of Gustavus now at Refsnass, and in particular the murder of his own father Ericus, amongst the rest of the Nobles, he was no whit discouraged, but rather enraged with desire of revenge and rescue of his Country from under such Tyranny: yet what with grief and detestation of the execrable cruelty, and doubt that many would be scared thereby from appearing in their Countries Cause, his Spirit was troubled, and rendered less able at the present to determine upon any resolution of the manner of his proceeding, and therefore he gets him away in all hast to the mountain people with this news; but they scarce civilized are the less sensible of their Countries Cause: Gustavus therefore maketh no stay there, but gets him away to a Castle in those parts commanded by Aaron Peter a noble person, whom once he knew to be well affencted to the Liberties of his Country, and to him he declared his condition and intentions, and desired his Counsel, but found the man and others in those parts so amazed at the news of Stockholm, as they forgot the public and themselves, and were willing to stoop under any burden then to stir against it; and so fearful of being suspected by the Danes, as desiring rather to be reputed resolvedly at their service. And more especially Aaron Peter, who( though pretending pity and compassion of Gustavus his condition) promised not only security to his person if he would abide with him, but his best aid and assistance in compassing the ends propounded by him: Yet having gained full knowledge of Gustavus his mind, after a few daies( for the immediate actions of persons entrusted, after trust undertaken, are more subject to observation) he gets himself aboard and went to the Danish Lieutenant Bruno, and discovers to him the whole matter, as well touching the intentions of Gustavus, as his own counsel given to him. But Aaron forgot one point of policy in dissimulation which is to let none know his intention but his own heart. For either Aaron was so uxorious that there was but one heart between him and his wife; or otherwise so underneath( as some wise men are) that he cannot go out of doors but must give positive answers to the ordinary questions, Whether do you go? What is your business? When will you return? &c. And his wife being more true to her Country, or regardful of the laws of common honesty and hospitality then her Lord was, when he was gone,  told Gustavus, whither her Lord was gone, and to what purpose, and therefore advised him forthwith to shift for himself, and furnished him with her own horse and stead to carry him to Suertso, to one that had been Gustavus his Colleague at the University. The day following came Bruno the Dane with twenty souldiers to apprehended Gustavus at Aaron Peters house, but his Lady  told him that Gustavus was departed secretly the day foregoi●g; so the prey being lost, Bruno returns without sport. Thus God makes a woman a great instrument in the saving of the nation of Sueden from miserable ruin.  
Gustavus being arrived at Suertso had courteous entertainment; but consideration being had of the restless pursuit of the Danes after such a person of note as Gustavus was( for now his name was upon the Stage) all men observing his motion, some with desire, others with fear, it was thought convenient that he should not stay longer there( for now the enemy hunted upon the hot sent) and therefore he departs privately beyond the Valley of the Dallearles unto Rotwick. These Dallearles are a people of Sueden, strong and hardy, and men of resolution, and being bread in the hard labour of the mines, are for action, and in which regards( as some Writers note) they have their name Dallearles, or carls, or Robustous men of the Dales, having also by reason of their privileges, this advantage, That they are numerous and rich. To these Gustavus applies himself, and relates to them the particulars of the Massacre at Stockholm, whereby the Nation of Sueden had lost much of their best blood, and  told them also what further danger the nation was in, which he did to the life set forth in good Language( for Gustavus could no less skilfully manage his tongue then his arms) The Dallearles moved with compassion of their Country, and regard of themselves and friends,  told Gustavus, That they would adventure all that was dear to them to be revenged upon the Danes, and to vindicate their nation from bondage. Only they desired that Gustavus would endeavour to engage their brethren of the Eastern Dales with them; and Gustavus undertakes the work accordingly, forthwith departed to Mora, the chief City of those Dales, where arriving about the latter end of December obtained audience from them the next day after his arrival.  
He  told them, He should not need to make any proem to gain their attention, the matter of his discourse he was persuaded would ease him of that trouble; he therefore prayed them to take into consideration the perplexed condition of this Nation of Sueden, for these later years; That through their own distractions and civil, or rather uncivil discontentments, they have given up the flourishing estate of the Crown of Sueden into the hands of strangers, who in stead of seeking the welfare of the people, have wrought altogether for advancement of their own interest, whiles in the mean time the people have been glutted with misery, and drunk with tears; themselves, wives, children, estates prostituted to murders, Torments, rapine, and all manner of contempt. I appeal, saith he, to the old men, they know it, they cannot forget it; and the young men may know it if they will ask their elders: And shall there never be an end of these miseries? Are the Suedes become a people always to be trampled upon, and devoured, and made food for foreigners? Call to mind the government of the tyrant Ericus of Pomerland, his Cruelty, Oppression and Extortion; and remember that you, even you I say of the Dales, rose unanimously in defence of your Country against him, and therein hazarded all that was dear to you, even unto your own lives, and compelled him with shane to return to his own Country. And now look about you, and consider, are you in better condition under the enraged power of the Danes? a people of immortal hatred to our Nation, and themselves hated of all Nations but themselves. Can you expect better measure now from them then you have found hitherto after an hundred years experience? Hear the cries of the living at Stockholm, the fatherless and widows, the dying groans of so many brave men of this Nation, under the cruel torments, and unsatiable butcheries, the abhorred Massacre of all sorts, degrees, sexes and ages, contrary to all Faith of Promises, oaths, Execrations and engagements under Hand and Seal; And now they will promise you peace, and right, and what not? Did they not give all assurance hereof to our dead friends at Stockholm, that could be devised to bind rational men? and yet they broke all bonds and engagements: and will you now believe their words? No, no, the Danes are the same men, or rather inhuman monsters that ever they were, their hatred is now broken into a flamme, that will never go out so long as the riches, or any blood of the Nobility of Sueden lasteth, nor will ever rest till it hath run over all the Country. Do not you every day hear sad news of the approaching of this evil? Is it not almost come to your doors? and will you sit still till it hath seized upon your necks? Is it not better to die like Souldiers, if die we must, then to die like slaves? Are the Danes more then men, and you less then women? I am here before you this day, command my Estate and Fortune, my Person and Life, I will lay down all in this service if you will join with me in any way, though I be no other then a private soldier; for I had rather die a Free Noble man of Sueden, in the defence of my Country, then live to see my Country under perpetual vassalage.  
The Moreans much affencted herewith, professed themselves obliged to appear for the defence and relief of their dear friends and Country-men; in whose liberties and lives their own are wrapped up: yet they prayed him to retire himself to some place of privacy for his own safety, till their neighbours of the west n Dale might be in posture to join with them, assuring him they would not slacken their preparations.  
Gustavus took this answer courteously, and departed to the Western D●llearles bordering on the mountaines, to gain them into a posture; and there also meeting with fresh news of blood and cruelty of the Danish party, he passeth once more amongst the Mountainers, where having to do with sharp weather, rough and unknown ways, more used by wild beasts then men; yet indignation against the enemies, and zeal for his Country, adds continual courage and resolution against all difficulties and dangers he makes trial of the peoples minds again, but they scarce sensible of any thing but what was under ground, and knowing no happiness above mining, nor any misery worse; all is spoken to a deaf ear, till at length Gustavus comes to the house of Laurentius Ol●●, in those parts a Knight active and brave, who formerly had served Steno stir the governor with much valour and faithfulness; he joining with Gustavus  told the Mountainers that Gustavus had given them right intelligence concerning the miseries of Sueden under the Danish cruelty at Stockholm and other places, and further  told them, That he had received late information that the Danish King had determined a Royal Progress throughout the whole Country of Sueden to receive homage in all places of the people, and had by Proclamations commanded Gibbets to be erected in all places, and that Letters were coming down into the Country to provide quarter for the Danish Souldiers that were to be as a Guard to the King in his Progress.  
This news makes the people bestir themselves, and considering with themselves what to do, Messengers come from the Country of the Dallearles round about to seek after Gustavus, who was gone further out of reach, to Lima. The Mountain people likewise join therein to invite Gustavus his speedy return, assuring him of their joining with him, and that they would make him their Captain. Accordingly Gustavus returns with the messengers, and finding the people gathered, he is received with universal acclamations of the people great and small, and made governor and Captain of the Dallearles, and unto him they swear Fealty and Obedience, and assign him a lifeguard of chief young men for the honour and safety of hiis person  
Thus one great work is over: Gustavus had all this while to do with a people whose Principles were fixed in their manufactures, and though they had many eyes, and could discern well enough things nigh at hand, yet could they never discern the Times, nor make conclusions to themselves what they ought to do; nor is it their case alone if that be true that the Orator said of the people of Rome in his dayes. In the Common people( saith he) is neither Counsel, 
Cic. in Orat pro P●ane.  nor Reason, nor Discerning, nor judgement. For God never made all men for all things: Miners are no good States-men, so good States-men are no good Miners: and therefore it's the less marvel if Gustavus spent above a whole year in this painful Pilgramage, with continual labour and danger, and all to make his Country men sensible of their condition, and to appear in defence of their liberties before it was too late, and yet could prevail nothing till the Danish feast at Stockholm( not above two months past) roused them out of their dream: But now Gustavus is in posture for the field as a Captain for the Liberty of Sueden against a known enemy, or rather Tyrant, whose government was thought to be settled in Sueden both by Law and Power.  
Nor can this be looked upon otherwise then as an especial work of That invisible Power from that Suprme Compassion of, and Justice to an oppressed and( in common reason) undone people, that such a principle of Magnanimity, Zeal, Constancy and( as an Historian calls it) that strong Impulse or Enthusiasm should led one man thus in this Service through all opposition and danger. But these are but parts of his ways, there remaineth greater works behind.  
Gustavus thus engaged goes on to gather his army, and to him Laurentius Olai joins, and the servants and friends of the murdered Nobles of Sueden, and others dis-interested, and in danger of the Danish interdict, or who durst not otherwise appear, and with these he begins his first March on Candlemass day, 1520. first leading his men to the Copper Mountains and surprising the governor and other Officers of the Mines, seized all the Danish goods, the Kings Revenue, besides the Tenths, and returned back into the valley.  
And having thus in some measure gained a stock for encouragement to his Souldiers, his army swells daily, and faces about to the other mountains, where he is made by general consent their Lord and governor. Afterward dividing his army into two parts, he leaves one part in the Mountains under the command of Peter Sueno, a famous Commander; expecting them( if occasion required) as a reserve, with a considerable number of the inhabitants joined with him.  
And with the residue of his Army he marches into the Country of Helsing, bordering upon the Sea on the one side, and the Valley of the Dallearles on the other, as well to gain a passage by Sea, if occasion should serve, as to secure his party the more by good Neighbour-hood. During this march into Helsing, Letters are sent unto the Mountains from the Arch-Bishop of Upsall, the old enemy of the liberty of Sueden, the same being sighned by him and his father Ericus Trolle, and Bennet Canutus, styling themselves, The Council of the Kingdom of Sueden the purport whereof was to beseech the Mountainers to be mindful of their duty to their Sovereign King, and of the peace of the Kingdom of Sueden; with large promises of the Kings grace and favour towards them, and of safe conduct to Gustavus, if he would lay down Arms, and that so doing, affairs for the peoples good might be composed and settled; but these Letters met with no better entertainment then indignation and scorn.  
The Helsingers gave Gustavus no scornful entertainment, yet not very acceptable, they beseech him, That they might be spared from present engagement in Arms, in regard they were an exhausted Country, and much impoverished by the late troubles. This temper of theirs was not for Gustavus his turn, he must have men of resolution, he is therefore contented with their submissive answer, and leaves them to better consideration, and thence marches into Gestrict, who readily submit unto him, and then he returns unto the Dales again, having gained by his March a considerable increase unto his Army, now made 5000. men, old Souldiers, formerly hidden in several places, and no gathered to him.  
The Arch-Bishop of Upsal finding the little respect shown to his Letters by the Mountainers, he now resolves to do that with his teeth, which his tongue by fair Language could not; and commands Hen. de Milen with a party to march into the Dales and reduce them by force of arms, and crush those motions in the Egg.  
Gustavus hears of his coming and marches towards him; De Milen hearing of his approach retires from him, professing that Gustavus is not to be dealt with by parties. But a fainting spirit had possessed the Danes, or else being possessed of the field, as they were, they would never have suffered an enemy thus to gather under their noses, nor dallied with Gustavu●, with inconsiderable parties, when as they had a full army in readiness.  
Yet Gustavus is not so minded, he had begun and now he must go on, and let all men know that he so little fears the Danes, though bloody men they be, that he will adventure upon a long March to find them out and fight them within their Walls; and accordingly marches to Westerass, a City having a Castle, and being rich in trade by a continual market of Copper and Iron brought daily from the Mountains thither, and there the Danes had laid a garrison.  
Gustavus in his march having increased his Army by confluence of the Country to him, divided his army into three battels; the Van commanded by Laurentius Olai, the middle by Laurentius Ericus, whom he commanded to march through the Valley of Balingsass, and encamp near St. Olaies chapel, but not to attempt any thing till further order.  
But the enemy not minding to stay their leisure, and observing Laurentius his manner of approach, gave him a full Charge, especially with their Horse: Laurentius stood his ground, and gave the Dane such a rebound, that in disorder they turned head; their foot also giving ground, Laurentius pursues them: Gustavus hearing hereof, and fearing his mens forwardness in their heat might carry them beyond their Guard, hasted into Van, though with some danger to his person, and loss of some that were nigh unto him; And finding Laurentius engaged even unto the streets of the City in eager pursuit of the flying enemy; and that it was both difficult and dangerous to bring them to a stand, he gave them their liberty, and with them pursued the enemy through the streets. The Danes Rallying themselves in the Market place, made there a stand behind their Ordnance, ready planted to give the Suedes a salutation upon their first approach. But Laurentius Ericus with the middle battle found out a speedier way, and was already gotten into the City, and charged the Danes in the Market place in their Rear, and making them quit the place gained their Ordnance and thereby saved much blood that might have been  shed. The souldiers in the Castle seeing their fellows beaten and gone shot fiery bullets into the City, and fired the same in divers places, but the Suedish Souldiers quenched the fire and saved the City. The Danes now fled to their entrenchment, defended themselves for some time till they had settled a sufficient guard in the Castle, and then by boats get to Stockholm.  
This victory as it discouraged the public enemy, so it encouraged such as were secret friends to their Country, to forsake the Danish tents and take part with Gustavus. For the common sort are credulous and easy to be persuaded in prosperous events to expect still good success, 
Tacit. Hist. 2 & 4.  and in ill successses to call that fate, or Gods anger, which ordinarily they formerly call fortune or ill hap, and so they will own, or disown the cause, because they have no other principles to led their judgement in matters of public consideration. Now amongst those that thus changed their way, though they changed not their mind, was Arvidus a West Goth whom Gustavus knew so well, that he was forthwith sent with part of the army to besiege the Castle of Steckburrow, and to watch the motion of the people in those parts. Other Castles were also besieged; But Laurentius Ericus was sent to Upsal with his Brigade, and Laurentius Olui to second him with the Country people now gathered to him from all parts. In their march the Governours scouts of Upsal are intercepted; the next day Letters are sent from the governor and Magistrates of Upsall to the Commander in chief of the Suedes, to desire that they may have liberty according to their wonted manner every year upon St. Ericus day, to hold their Procession with the Shrine of St. Ericus, unto the Church of Old Upsall being half a mile without their City; but answer was returned, That the Solemnity was for Suedes to observe and not for Danes. The Governor, though missing the Procession, would not lose his Feast, he would therefore let the Suedes know, he can Feast though the Suedish army wait upon his Trenches; and accordingly held the Feast in the Arch-Bishops Garden. But the next morning before break of day the Suedish army came to the Walls, seized upon the Guards, entred the City: And the Danes half asleep, and as yet scarce sober, in amaze fled out of the City, firing the same as they went; but the Suedes appointing a party to see to the quenching of the fire, pursued the affrighted Danes till they passed the River, in the passing whereof the governor was shot with an arrow, whereof he died at Stockholm.  
About eight daies after comes Gustavus from Westerass, to Upsal, and calling the Canons of the College together, he asks them whether they are Suedes or Danes, charges them with the bood, spoil and misery of Sueden, and that they with their Arch-Bishop have nursed all the Rebellions in Sueden against their lawful Governours, and were betrayers of the Liberties of the●r Country into the hands of Foreigners: That the time will come when they must account for their actions, and in the mean time he requireth Fealty from them, and security in their station to maintain the liberty and peace of the Country. They humbly answer with Petition, That he would take into consideration their engagement to the Arch-Bishop, who was now at Stockholm, and that they might be permitted to carry their Archbishop along with them in this matter, if they could prevail with him, and to that end they would writ letters of advice to him to invite him thereunto. Gustavus was contented herewith, and wrote a Letter himself by the same messenger, but what other message the Canons sent privately, the issue renders somewhat doubtful; for the Letters were received with contempt, and the messenger detained: the Arch-Bishop saying, He would carry an answer in his own person, and immediately caused a Body of horse and foot to be drawn forth, and with them marched with that speed and secrecy, that they were within two miles of Upsal before Gustavus had notice of his coming.  
Gustavus now too late considers his own army now divided into several employments, the enemies( if spials say true) surmounting him in strength, that the truth can not be known, but he must put all to the hazard by his stay; That he is in a City unassured to him, if not assured against him; That he must either be said to flee from his enemies, or adventure all: He furthermore considers, that though his honour may suffer in a retreat, yet it may be repaired, but the loss of his party is irreparable, as well touching his own honour, as the liberty of Sueden, and ruin to his party.  
Hereupon with speed he withdraws his party out of the City, into a Wood not far off: The Arch-Bishop coming to the City, is soon informed hereof, and makes out after him into the wood, where the Suedes had made a stand, and stood their ground against the utmost shoot that the Danes could make: And Gustavus bestirring himself from place to place, fell with his horse into a Quagmire, where being espied by the Danes, he was knocked off his horse, and had been at their mercy had not a party of twenty of Suedes horse rescued him and horsed him anew, after which, returning to charge the enemy, they retired, and Gustavus perceiving their orderly retreat forsook not his ground, but let them go quietly to Upsal.  
Gustavus had now leisure to consider what to do, and finding by experience a double error in his March; one that he had divided his army into so many parts, that every one was by itself insufficient to subsist, in case the enemy should gat●er head; the other, that in the way of his March he had not reduced the enemies Castles, but left them as birds of prey to fall upon any of his parties when they shall be weak, 
Caes. come, 1 Gal.  which was contrary to Caesars Rule: and now if Gustavus would forsake the Wood, he sees the enemies Castles on every side, and the army of the enemies entire; what should he do? Men bring themselves into plunges, but God brings them out: Gustavus had a party that was before the Castle of Westerass, they hearing some news of the fight between the Arch-Bishop and Gustavus, do rise and join with him and being united, they turn to the left hand leaving Upsal on the right hand, and bend their March towards Stockholm, supposing they might meet with the Arch-Bishop before he could reach Stockholm; and herein their expectation was not altogether vain, for if Gustavus fell into two errors, the Arch-Bishop recompensed them with one which was worse then the other two; and that was, that being returned to Upsal, he considered not that he left Gustavus in a posture of defence, and might possibly recruit his Army, and meet with him in his return to Stockhelm, if he made not hast. And accordingly Gustavus enjoying his expectation and the Arch-Bishop frusterated of his, Gustavus meets with him before he could reach Stockholm with his army, and after an houres dispute Gustavus his Arguments were of that force, that the Arch-Bishop hardly escaped into the City with the sixth part of his army  
Gustavus follows him and entrencheth his Army n●gh the City; but considering the state thereof, now full of Danes( the Suedes after the Massacre generally forsaking their dwelling houses) and that it was like to hold out long, he bethinks himself of augmenting his A●●y, but was soon e●sed o● that care; the Helsingers that hitherto had concealed themselves, now come unanimously and offer him their service, and many old Souldiers of Germany likewise, so as he is now more troubled to find quarter then men.  
But is not the King of Denmark ready all this while to march with a complete army to save a Kingdom that thus is giving him the adieu? No, his posture is such as he may not stir from home, for as he went out of Sueden without one God-speed, so he comes into Denmark without a welcome: he is so died in blood that all are afraid of him, his Victory is Abominated, his Person odious, his Government grows unsupportable, he finds he can gather no army. If he should depart out of Denmark he might lose all at home, and peradventure get nothing abroad but knocks; he commands his Governor of the Isle of Gothland to relieve the Danes in Sueden as occasion will offer, and accordingly he after one repulse suffered, relieved the Castle of Steckburg besieged by Arvidus, and changing the garrison, committed the same to the Government of Barnard de Milen.  
Gustavus considering that the siege of that place would prove dangerous to Arvidus if the country and neighbourhood were not assured to them: he sends to the Bishop of Hincopen, and having gained him to join with him, by his advice he summons a meeting of all the States of East and West Gothland, Smalland, Vermeland, and the Dales, and praies them to take into consideration the condition of their country, that the misery thereof hath been occasioned onely through division and variety of interests: and the government, having of later daies been onely by foreigners, the Countreys cause hath been trodden under foot; the particular burdens he shall not need to enlarge upon, they feel them, and groan under them. The great difficulty which he propounds to their consideration is, To advice and conclude upon particular means of redress; and as for himself, he will deliver his opinion freely and clearly, that no means on earth can cure these evils, but a speedy and effectual unanimity and joint endeavour, to restore the old principles of government by a supreme Governor, and a free Parliament of the States, as formerly hath been used. If they have any further advice therein, he earnestly desireth to be informed by them, assuring them that whatsoever they shall conclude meet to be done, in order to a settlement, he will endeavour to accomplish the same to the sacrificing of his life, and all that is dear unto him. Hereunto an acclamation is made, and joint assurance manifested that they all freely and fully consent to his opinion, and are ready to assist him therein to their utmost and give great thanks to Gustavus for his enterprise and undertaking their rescue out of the tyrants hands, and earnestly request him to proceed to perfect the work, whereunto they will constantly contribute their prayers to God for his gracious help, and protection of his person: and for his further assurance, they do not onely aclowledge and promise submission to him as their lawful governor, but they pray that it may not seem grievous unto him to take upon him the place and title of their lawful Lord and King.  
Gustavus answered, That he took up arms against the common enemy of his country, he aimed not at nule, but at the liberty of his country, from the iron yoke of the Danish tyranny; under which the people, their wives, children and estates lay bound, day and night: that he called not himself to the work, though he offered his assistance thereunto. That he was invited to command by the transylvanian Suedes of the Dales: that his detestation of that abhorred butchery at Stockholm ( wherein not onely many personages fit to do their country service, but many of his own blood and friends lost their lives and estates) did enrage his spirit so, as he thought nothing dangerous for him, to adventure to be revenged; and therefore did yield to the invitation of the men of the Dales; and if you also( said he) will join your aid in this work and do like the cause, and can confided in my command, I shall not refuse to be your Captain and Governor, until the enemy be fully vanquished, and the nation cleared from them: But as touching the making of a king, take you that into consideration when the war shall be fully finished, for then whosoever the States of Sueden shall elect to be King or governor, his will I be to serve in any condition.  
His speech was concluded with an unanimous vote and great joy of the whole assembly, with acknowledgement of Gustavus to be their Lord and Governor, and all swore fealty and faithful obedience unto him next under God.  
This was a small Parliament, of a part of the nation, and intended for little other ends, then to assure those places that were under the war, and unite them to a more vigorous prosecution thereof, the success was great, for many Towns and Castles of the Countreys of West-Gothland and Smalland readily surrender unto Gustavus; their Deputies sent to the Council, being convinced of the justness of the cause, and they obliged in their judgments to agree to what their Deputies had concluded; so as these Counties there assembled by their Deputies, are now firm to their Countreys cause, and Gustavus finding less need of employment of so many soldiers in these neighbouring parts, sends a party further off into Finnland, to whom many of the people joined: Amongst whom, one Grabb a valiant man, and expert at sea, who having armed a few ships, assailed such places upon the cost as held for the Dane sometimes in one part, sometimes in another; surprising towns, slaying multitudes, all done by night and he gone before the next morrow, no man knew whither, nor wh ch way: This divided the enemies power to watch the several coasts, and in the mean time the Suedes greatest power sate down before Abbo although they were there hardly matched by the Danes and sometimes overmatched; for as yet that part of the country had not felt the cruelty, yet the Danish Councils although they were determined for that place as well as for other parts of Sueden.  
The Castle of Stockburgh at length after more then half a years siege is taken by Arvidus, the governor committed to prison, but after two moneths submitted to Gustavus and swore fealty to him: The governor of the Isle of Gothland ignorant hereof, came with a fleet well provided to relieve the Castle, but arriving at the Promontary was suddenly assailed by the Suedish ships that lay behind the same: and after the loss of six hundred of his men betook him to his wings. Arvidus afterward is sent to block up Calmar with part of his army, t●e residue being sent to the camp at Stockholme. for the Danish Admiral after his defeat before Stockburgh having repaired his loss with new supplies of men and shipping came to relieve the Danes in Stockholm; and by his aid the Danes issued out of the City, and beat up one of the Suedes quarters, so as for a moneths space, the City remained disengaged.  
Gustavus finding by experience that Stockholme was a morsel too big for him to swallow, till he had further supply, he bends his principal industry for recovering of other places garrisoned by the Danes; and amongst others, the City of Nicopen, which is at length yielded to him by the governor Henry Kanzow, with whom the Danish Tyrants Letters were found enjoining him to put to death all the Suedes coming within his power, especially not to spare the Nobility: and as this man was more a man then himself to become a butcher of men at the Tyrants command; he liked it not in others, and therfore he  told Gustavus that Letters of the same sense were sent into other places; and he believed they would be put in execution; which fell out accordingly in Finland; for the Governor of Abbo( now visited by the Suedish forces that lay before the City, though not formally besieging the same) caused divers of the chief men of Finnland to be assassinated. But Ericus Fleming being warned beforehand, and now in the Governors power; offered his service with so many Suedes as adhered to the Danes, to adventure their lives to beat the Suedes before the City out of their quarters the night following: which the Governor liking well assigned unto him such men as he desired. And the same night they entred the Suedish quarters but liked their entertainment so well, that they returned not again, but held ever after true to their own Countreys cause; so escaped Ericus Fleming by the favour of the Danish letters, which divers of the country found to their smart soon after.  
Gustavus having gained Nicopen, soon after the Castles of Tineslor and Westerass are also delivered up to him, the latter having endured nine moneths Siege. But finding all his labour at Stockholm lost unless he be stronger at Sea, he sends to Lubeck for men of War and Munition, they readily condescend thereto, in requital of the Danish oppression of them in their course of Trade: Nine ships within a few moneths are sent to Gustavus with Munition and Souldiers who had a great desire to see Gustavus before they would engage, and upon sight of him they all swore to be faithful to him. Part of these Gustavus appointed to the siege at Calmar, the other part he carried along with him to the Siege at Stockholm( as it was the policy of war amongst the Romans to divide their subsidiaries) and discharged the Countrymen to their several dwellings. Within a few dayes after eight ships of war more from Lubeck arrive at Stockholm: and thus being more secured at sea, Gustavus reinforces the siege in a more regular way then formerly.  
The Suedes before Abbo finding the work too heavy for them, withdrew their forces, and the governor now at liberty by order from the Danish Admiral, prepared a ship of war with munition and souldiers, for the relief of Stockholm, and upon a day early in the morning Coming to the foreland, sent out a skiff for discovery, which was intercepted by Ericus Fleming, now the Admiral of the Suedish; and he having cleared the men out of the skiff, and manned the same with Suedes in the same fashion; sent the same back, into which when the governor of Abbo entred to inquire news, he was apprehended before he was ware; and carried away, and being hardly chased by the Danish Ships, they suddenly fall amongst the Suedish Ships; and were charged by them, and some were taken, others escaped. But the governor of Abbo was brought prisoner to Gustavus; who hanged him on a three for his cruel assassination of the nobility of Finland.  
Within a few weeks after, the Danish Admiral came with five Ships for the relief of Stockholm, but being within view, and not liking the cost he returned. And Gustavus now finding the Sea safely guarded, he more earnestly proceeds in the siege, making his approaches to the Suburbs, and by bridges closing his quarters. The City begins to feel distress and many escaping out of the same submit to Gustavus: And amongst the rest a spy is sent out under colour of submission, to make discovery, and according as occasion served either to return to the City or to speed over into Denmark to inform the King of the State of affairs; but this discoverer was discovered and preached and letters being found about him sown up in his apparel, was convicted and executed, this being supposed to be through information from some in Stockholm; holding correspondency with the Suedes; all are ordered to depart the City, but such as will take up arms for the defence thereof. On the other side, Gustavus upon intelligence of preparations, intended for relief of the Danish parties in Sueden; sends a party into Norway to begin a War there, which without any considerable opposition possessed themselves of the Province of Wicken and the Castle of Charlsburgh; the Dane being in no posture of making war or defence, as his condition then stood.  
For christian the Second, then King of Denmark by Title of his unjustice and oppressions of his own people, invading the lives, liberties and estates of all sorts, his execrable murders, and spoils, committed upon all sorts of the people in Sueden; his Contumelious courage towards strangers; and his uncivil behaviour towards his own Queen sister to Charles the Fifth; having provoked all men, but more especially the Duke of Holst: He proclaimed war against the King. And the nobility of Denmark perceiving themselves disinherited by the King: And that he relied upon strangers intending to bring them into Government in Denmark; and rule the nation by force or rigor: join with the Duke and invite him into Jutland where all men join with him also, christian now to have, though too soon concluding the Duke to be King, leaves his place and the throne and provides himself elsewhere, shipping himself, his Queen and children and all his goods and treasure that he could scrape together, he failes into Germany; first going to the Duke of Randenburgh, then to the Elector of Saxony: After some time he found means of raising an army for the recovering of his kingdom, but by not keeping touch with them, he lost both the army and kingdom the second time, and despairing of good issue goes into Flanders where he lost his Queen the greatest comfort that he had left in the world; not only in regard of her relation to the Emperour but in regard of her virtues, whereby she became so beloved of the Danes; that they offered to submit to her as their lawful Queen and governor if she would stay in Denmark; but she like her self choose rather to be exiled with her husband then without him to reign  
This condition of affairs soon was known in Sueden and coming to the siege of Calmar and to them in the Castle, they were ordered to hold out as long as they could, and then to fire the City, and Ship themselves for the Ile of Gothland, but the Citizens informed hereof in the night time, opened their gates to the Suedes, who in a short time possessed the Castle, and soon after the Isle of Oland, and tidings hereof coming to Stockholm they offered conditions of surrender, but they were such as Gustavus would not harken to them.  
Now did the affairs in Sueden begin to promise a calm night at hand: and Gustavus thinks it convenient to entertain the occasion with a settled form of Government; and to this end summons a general meeting of all the States at Str●gness: To them he propounds the consideration of the present condition of Sueden now inclining to a quiet consistence, and how necessary it will be for the public peace and justice of the nation, that the ancient form of government should be revived. That for the present they see the Nation without a supreme Magistrate and without a Senate; That the former hath murdered the later, and the people ejected the former: That he hopeth in a short time to render an account of the Nation re-united in a peaceable condition, which is the end of war; but some person must be elected to govern them in a peaceable condition, and a Senate must be constituted, that may according, to the ancient custom of Sueden, elect the supreme Governor. That they the States of Sueden, are the onely first movers in this work, and have power to constitute this Senate anew and therefore he prayeth them to proceed according to their discretions for the settlement of the government, and such instruments as are necessary and conducing thereto.  
The States seeing their way clear before them, without any demur proceed in the election of a Senate of some of those of the former Senate which had escaped the enemies fury, and continued faithful; unto these they added others of the great men: and having constituted the Senate, they grant them the same powers and privileges, that the Senate in former times had; and particularly to elect one such person as they should think meet to be their lawful King or Governor.  
Against all this might the Archbishop of Upsal and other Suedes of the Danish party except, as illegal in many particulars; What authority hath Gustavus to summon a Convention of States? or if he hath authority, yet it ought to be a Convention of all the Estates of the whole Nation: But as yet the whole country of Finland, the Northern people, the Dukedom of Bleking, and Stockholm the chief City of the Nation, none of these are summoned nor subdued: and for a Convention of Estates of part of the Nation to undertake such works as the instituting of a Senate, and giving them such powers which must entrench upon the whole nation, and settling a form of Government upon all, is wholly against the laws and liberty of Sueden.  
If all the premises be granted, yet is the conclusion, that they are against the laws and liberty of Sueden precarious: for a Council may be called by an extraordinary power, it may be imperfect in the members; and they may determine matters in manner disaccording to the ancient custom and law, and yet in matter not contrary to any law or custom, but tending to the settlement and restoring thereof. For an Historian saith well, that sometimes the Magistracy and power are disjoined, and it is harder to govern a Citizen, then conquer an enemy, and then is the Common-wealth in that condition that it neither ought, nor can be governed by ordinary councils, but more especially in the case of Sueden, where not onely power is disjoined from the Magistracy, but the Magistracy of Sueden quiter taken away; there being de facto neither lawful Supreme, nor Senate, nor Convention of States, that can be called by any lawful power according to the ancient ordinary rule( so as the government of Sueden is to be born anew) it cannot be the birth of any legal power; because legal power is the fruit of a legal government, and not the cause: and a legal government must be first settled by a power above, or without law, though not against law; because no legal Government can be before that, which is first settled.  
The Senate being chosen and thus empowered by the convention of the States of Sueden, and having understood their opinions, they do unanimously elect Gustavus their Governor, to be King of Sueden, and sent a message thereof to him, with their humble request that he would not refuse to take care of the entire Government of the Kingdom, and to perfect the work of restoring the liberty to the Nation, and vindicating the same from all tyranny.  
Gustavus having heard the message, answered, That the burden of Government of a Kingdom, was too heavy for him to bear; That it is one thing to be a governor in war, wherein he was trained, and another thing to be a King wherein he had no skill; That he was well wearied with the dangers, cares, and labours of the war; That having brought the Nation into a posture of subsistence in peace, he hath his ends, and prayed them to rest contented therewith: and that they would bethink themselves on some other person of the Nobility of Sueden, and elect him to be their King; assuring them that himself would gladly serve in any posture under him whom they should choose, and so thanking the Convention of States and the Senate, for their good opinion, he dismissed the Messengers.  
The States and Senate having heard the answer to their message, are in no wise satisfied therewith, they therefore renew their requests, the Popes Legate also joining with them, and they tell Gustavus plainly, they will not receive any negative nor can he so evade if he regard the Senate or Convention of the States, or the good of the people.  
Gustavus is at length overswaied to accept of the place; and yet abhorring all unworthy ends of self-seeking, he professeth his acceptance onely upon the same grounds and ends that moved them in their election; yet he is convinced that the work is of that nature, that he is not able to go through therewith, but he must cast himself, and rest upon the God of Sabbath for his assistance and protection, and next under him upon the assistance of the Lords of Sueden, the aid of whose wisdom, care and industry, and especially of the daily prayers of all the people, he earnestly beseecheth, and upon this account he submitteth to their desires. And so according to the ancient custom with mutual obligements upon Oath, Gustavus is solemnly declared, and proclaimed King of Sueden, yet refused to be crwoned by the space of five years following.  
The demur of Gustavus was not without cause, he was a single person and had no Family to raise, there were Presidents before him of Governours that refused the title and were commended for it, and commonly where that Title goes, it carries more envy at it then there is cause; and besides, wisely foresaw, that it was harder to govern as a King in Peace, then as a governor in War; for itis observed by the Civilians. That a King hath a double work, and must have a double skill, one in the feats of arms, another in the feats of Judicature. A governor in Sueden might have the power to defend the Laws and Liberties, but not to Regulate unless specially authorised. Like as a Protector in England, 
Rot. Parliam. 31 H. 6. Tit. 46  in the time of Hen. 6. by the Parliaments Declaration had a power to defend the Laws and Liberties, but not to meddle with authority in Jurisdiction, but the Parliament lately granted the whole. Lastly, it is one thing for Gustavus to serve his Country as a General at a dead lift, and another thing to engage himself in a harder work during his life. In all which regards it may be conjectured, that Gustavus had cause to give a stop to their earnest desires. Nevertheless the convention of States, and the Senate had more cause to insist on what they had begun. There was a King already above board: Christiern● called in Sueden, the Tyrant, is called King amongst foreign Nations, and as a Governor formerly did consist with a King, and so might it now; and so foreign nations had been concluded to treat with Gustavus( being but Governor) as supreme Magistrate, so long as Christiern was King. But more particularly for the peoples sake; for though Gustavus might have cause to refuse that honourable title, and yet accept of the burden of the service under another title; yet it must be acknowledged that the people have a right in the Title of their Supreme Magistrate, because the more noble the Head is, the more is the body honoured; and therefore in Justice Gustavus could not deny the people their right to continue a Kingdom as anciently they had done, if he would govern according to Justice: And if he would govern as a governor of Sueden, he must follow the advice of the Convention of States, and the Senate; or else prefer his own wisdom beyond all theirs. And thus although the people for many years took touch at the name and Title of a King, as if it evermore carried Magnetical power to draw on Tyranny along therewith, and therefore gave their Supreme the Title of governor: yet did they not hold that Title of governor so sacred, as not to alter it when they saw cause; nor the Title of King so destructive, as for ever to abominate the same, especially when they are well persuaded of the wisdom and moderation of the person that is crwoned therewith.  
But I cannot let pass one thing in the summoning of this Convention of States; that it was promiscuously into all the Counties and places lately conquered without exception of persons, and not enquiring whether well affencted ●r disaffected; certainly, either Gustavus was of a cand●d disposition and not given to surmises; or if otherwise he advisedly laid them aside( as well he might, having an Army that commanded the field) knowing that jealousies are mutual, and are repaid in the same coin that they bring and so like to maintain perpetual distance between him and the people; according to the opinion of Claudius the Emperor unto the Senate of Rome upon the like occasion of admitting the Gauls to be Senators of Rome; the people of Rome, saith he, in the daies of Romulus, 
Tacit. Annal. 〈…〉  consist of divers peoples that in one and the same day were enemies and Citizens: and nothing was more destructive to the Lacedemonian and Athenian Government, then this, They ever held such as they Conquered under the condition of Aliens. Now whether it was out of principles of good nature, or council that Gustavus took this care, all is one, the success was happy, all are unanimous for making of him King.  
The first thing that was done after the election of the King, was the requital of the Lubeckers for the adventure of their men, ships, and estates, jointly with, and for the Suedes in this dangerons work against the King of Denmark; and in recompense thereof, the Suedes granted that they would never make peace with the Danes without the consent of the Lubeckers. That upon the surrender of Stockholm, such wears, goods and debts therein, as the Lubeckers and daunt sickers should own upon Oath, shall be secured and returned to them; That the Lubeckers shall be paid for their service. That the Sea should be free for them, and that they should have a Free-trade in the Country of Sueden. That only they amongst foreign nations should have Free trade in the Ports of Stockholm, Calmar, Surcopen, and Abbo. That the King shall do them right. That the King shall never set prizes of any of their Merchandise, or compel them to sell, or leave their goods against their wills. That the goods and estates wrecked, shal be restored to their owners without loss. That their goods sold in Sueden by mariners or servants without order, shall be restored to their owners, and the offenders punished. That the King of Sueden shall not harbour any of the enemies of Lubeck. That if any difference shall arise between the Suedes and Lubeckers, the same shall be ordered by four Lords of Sueden, sent to Lubeck, and so many Citizens of Lubeck joining with them. These amongst other agreements were registered and made instrumental under the hands and Seals of the King, and Lords of Sueden, and Commissiones of Lubeck. A full recompense to the City of Lubeck in matter of Trade, although no other payment had been agreed, had the Citizens of Lubeck been so happy as to have been as careful to keep touch with the Suedes as they did with them.  
Soon after this agreement is Stockholm surrendered into the Kings hands, who entred the same in the month of June; after well nigh three years siege, time enough for the Danes to have relieved it, if they had been convinced of any right, that they had to the Kingdom of Sueden. Upon the Kings entry he is proclaimed therein King of Sueden and Gothland; with great applause and joy of all sorts. This brings forth divers surrend●rs of towns and Castles; and in the rear of the dukedom of Bleking and the Town and Castle of Elsburgh, the only Commodious port that the Suedes have into the Western Sea. Yet the great dukedom of Finland, and the adjacent Countries are out of the Kings possession: And therefore beginning now to study good Husbandry in the war for the profit of his people whom now he must own; he dismisseth the foreign forces; and the residue of his Army he sends into Finland under the Command of Ivar and Ericus Fleming, who reduced all that Country into obedience within the space of one year, but the Northern people submitted upon the credit of their neighbours; and thus the whole Kingdom is embodied under the Kings Command: now nothing remaineth for him, but to study peace and justice; and first he makes peace with the Muscovites, for other Nation he need not fear having none to border upon him, but the Muscovite on the East, and the Dane of the West, and as touching the Dane, their condition was this.  
Frederick Duke of Holst as hath been mentioned coming to Denmark, by the Lords of Denmark is elected King and crwoned divers years before Gustavus was crwoned King of Sueden; although Gustavus was in arms divers years before him. Both these in the conclusion coming to the throne upon one title of the peoples liberty and well knowing how necessary peace with one another would be: A mutual treaty is propounded by the King of Denmark, and in order thereunto, an interview is propounded by the King of Sueden; wherein he stood not upon punctilios, but offered to come unto the King of Denmark, in some convenient place upon security of safe conduct: and the King of Denmark is not more nice in tendering such security as shall be demanded: The place of meeting is at Ancona in the confines of Scania, where in the presence of the Lords of both Nations, an interview is had between both Kings, and after mutual salutations and observances: The King of Denmark begins with a Commemoration of the miseries and calamities befallen both Nations for divers years last past; and mention of the present d●ngers, incumbent upon them by the continual contrivances of christian the late King, and that the same will be much more heightened by continuing the discord of the two neighbouring Nations, therefore he was for his part desirous of peace and concord with the King of Sueden upon just and honourable terms: Gustavus answered that to the proposal of peace between the Nations; he held it not only convenie●t but commendable, and he was very willing to harken thereunto upon equal conditions.  
The King of Denmark begins with a proposal of the continuing of the union of the three Northern kingdoms, according to the Articles of Calmar; which he said was established by oath of the deputies of all the said Nations, yet he said he desired not any change in the present Government of Sueden; only he would that Gustavus should acknowledge him superior: Gustavus secretly disliking the beginning, Modestly answered, that for his part he was unwillingly drawn to enter into the Suedish Throne: That he could wish the flourishing condition of both Nations could be under one head; but the agreement of Calmar was desolved by the misgovernment of the former Kings and Governours of Denmark: And if the Danes could not all this while gain their expectations by force of arms, much less can they think it rational for the Suedes to yield up by entreaty the liberties of their Country, which are dearer to them( as these late wars can testify) then their own lives. Neither can himself who is sworn to maintain the liberties of his Country of Sueden allow of such terms, much less advice his people to consent thereto. Yet for this part though he would not be a subject, yet desired to be a friend faithful and true to the King of Denmark; and to be ready to gratify him in all things agreeable to equity.  
The King of Denmark perceiving that himself was not in the right way, falls flat upon another point, and in plain terms tells the King of Sueden, That himself was desirous of a firm league and peace with him, if Sueden would be contented with its ancient limits, and would yield up what they in these wars had encroached upon, and gained from the Danes, especially the Dukedom of Bleking.  
The King of Sueden answered, That himself valued the peace of both Nations beyond that petty duchy, and therefore would consult with his Lords touching it. And accordingly afterward it was accorded.  
But as to the proposal concerning the Ile of Gothland, the matter proved full of difficulty; it was i● the possession of the Danes, but claimed as belonging to the crown of Sueden: yet after many words they come to agreement by consent to lay that debate aside till a more convenient time. And thus the Peace was concluded between both these kingdoms, as well for themselves as the Hanse towns against Christiern the deposed: and all the Suedish Captives in Denmark are now set at liberty, and such of the Suedes as formerly had any particular interest in Denmark are restored to their right.  
This questionless was wisely done of these two Kings thus to seek for mutual peace each with other, and for the particular peace of their several Nations within themselves. But if the wisdom of God consent not to all, the wisdoms of men are vain. A spiritual disease was then newly breeding in Germany, that soon grew to be almost epidemical in those eastern parts. Gospel light was newly sprung out of Popish darkness, discovering the very bowels of the Romish Religion to be a mere garbage of pride and covetousness. The devil espying the danger, raises up another light, or a thing as like to light, as himself is, when he is transformed into an Angel of Light; He saw the people inclining much to seek their Civil liberty, as well as their Christian liberty from the slavery under the Romish yoke of spiritual tyranny: This he colourably helps on by a company of Professors pretending a light of a more perfect way of holinesse by a second baptism, abolishing Idolatrous worship, much tenderness of conscience, and making conclusions thereupon, That men of light must walk according to their light, and therefore not bound by other Law, and so no need of magistracy or Ministry; nay, those Ordinances savour of Antichristian Tyranny. Those outsides are lovely in the eyes of the multitude, they also can profess such things, and be of that gang, why may they also then not enjoy their liberty? Then they rise and run up and down Germany, and like the sea waves, swallow up, or bear all down before them till they dash against some Rock, and thereon break themselves.  
But before this storm, two drops fall upon Sueden by the coming over of two men with the Holland Merchants during the interview of these two Kings, these two were Melchior Rincus and Knopper Dolling, who arriving at Stockholm instill new Principles into the people; afterward they enter into the Church and down with Images and Organs, and all such as they will call tokens of Idolatry; and make invectives against public Worship and the Clergy as Antichristian, and that it were much better to have none at all.  
Gustavus the King returning to Stockholm from concluding a foreign peace, finds now more need to look homeward, and finding the tumultuous Reformation, and the sad principles taken up, he commits the two Evangelists to prison, and afterwards banished them; but yet the waves are not so quieted.  
The news of this reformation at Stockholm spreads far and wide over the Nation, and liberty i● so welcome to all, being newly come from under a tyranny, that even good Government is brought into question, and the King sees no way to pacification, but to cast overboard to the people somewhat to keep the Whale from overturning the ship: and finding that he must adventure a breach with the Pope, who had lately sent a special Legate, the Cardinal De Potentia, with authority to inquire of the bloody massacre made by Christiern at Stockholm, thereby to vindicate him from all imputation of so horrible a crime, 
Cypr. An. Eust. Selwic. fol. 408.  and that the Legate upon examination had judicially pronounced sentence, that nothing was done therein by Christiern but what was just and right.  
He tells the people he will visit all the Churches in his own person and will see to a reformation by advice of learned men, and accordingly a visitation of the Churches throughout the nation is made by the King in person, to inform himself in the state of them, and coming to Upsal he finds opposition from the Archbishop and the Canons there; hereupon a disputation is ordered wherein the King himself is President. And after he summons all the States of Sueden to meet: to whom he relates what he found in his visitation, and propounds to their consideration to di●ect in some moderation in the point of reformation, in the doctrine and worship of God, and in calming the violence of the catholic Clergy, which drive so strong against the work of Reformation: as also in regulating their abuse of the Church-maintenance, spent in pride and luxury, that ought to be employed for the saving of the peoples souls.  
If the matter be made to appear upon enquiry, the Lords are of opinion that the temporalties belonging to the Clergy may and ought to be seized, and the Church maintenance also secured for the right uses and ends that they were appointed for.  
The ecclesiastics declaim against this, affirming, That the church-privileges and revenues, were granted and confirmed to the Church Kings and Emperors, and ought not to be invaded under peril of damnation: Whereunto was replied, That the true Elders are worthy of double honour, both of Reverence and maintenance: But such as are slowbellies, neither serving God nor man, ought not to have the Church-maintenance, and if some Kings have against all equity permitted the same, other succeeding Kings may, and ought, reform the same. That there is not one period in all the Scriptures, that warranteth such power in Churchmen, or countenanceth such mens manner of living, especially in an unlawful way of opposing the civil Magistrate as hath been used in Sueden by the space of these hundred years last past.  
The States hereupon determine, That the Church Revenues are in the power of the King according to the condition of times to increase, maintain, or diminish, as may best conduce to the safety of true Religion in doctrine, and establishment of the pure worship of God, and holiness of life.  
Now comes a storm of imputations, and execrations, and what not? foreign Nations are made to believe that the King is an Atheist, and the common people in Sueden, that they obey a devil in the shape of a man. The King sleights these scar crows as all Princes that fix their Councils upon good foundations must resolve to do; 
Dion Hist. lib. 38. & 53.  Caesar himself was convitiated by Cicero ( no mean person) and yet he endured it patiently: And the advice of maecenas and Livia to Augustus was not to pardon offences against the Common-wealth, but to pass by railing imputations against his person in regard they cannot hurt a Prince crwoned with honourable deserts, and guarded by an army of soldiers.  
Nevertheless the common people in Sueden are enraged hereby, and amongst these the Dallcarles that were the first in vindicating the peoples liberty, are now the first that appear to maintain themselves and the people in bondage: The common people for want of understanding, are many times like froward children, pleased with nothing, they can neither be contented with perfect liberty, 
Tacit. Hist. l. 1.  nor endure perfect bondage; they know not what to desire, and yet like not to be as they are.  
Nevertheless the Dallcarles being now in their motion, hold on, but who shall be their leader, they know not, at length one is discovered that is called Nicholas stir, and called the son of Steno stir the late Governor of Sueden. This Nicholas stir, whether so easily, or onely in fancy intimated by the vogue of the people, the issue must clear forth; but the rumour once raised, though but of allays birth, takes with the people who are ready to believe new and strange things; and thereupon he ascends the stage in West-Gothland, to act for the old Church-government; where also the people, lead by the greatness of the name( as was was said concerning Drusus, 
Tacit. Annal. 5.  voiced to be alive) joined with him and so the war is now become the Bishops war.  
The King hears and sees all, the hatred and practices of these men move him not; Plutarchs observation fits this occasion: He that falls into a Throne by hap, is as one that falls suddenly into a pit, and is surprised with fear, and repentance; but he that descends thereinto by degrees, is prepared to endure with moderation what befalls, and resolved against all opposition that shall occur. This was the King of Suedens case, he shewed magnanimity in the field, but never more then in this case; he is but newly a King, and contrary to all principles of policy he is put upon a hard task( to change Ecclesiastical government, and to trench upon the formerly received Religion) for he that will contend about Religion, according as the cause is, must resolve to sail against wind and tide, either from heaven or hell, or else must not that man launch into the deep: and therefore although the King was very courageous, yet this daring adventure I must attribute to his faith, rather then his valour. And he met with success accordingly; for the Dallcarles not finding that bravery of spirit in their new governor, that might become a son of that famous Steno, begin to suspect themselves to be in danger of a cheat( for the common people do fancy that a spirit for Government goes along in the blood, and that the son of an honourable or Princely person hath somewhat born in him, that qualifies him for command above other men) and therefore they secretly sand to Steno stirs widow for enquiry, who tells the messengers plainly that they were deceived, and that her son Nicholas was long since dead. This message returned, caused the Dallcarles to withdraw their assistance, fearing that the cause of Religion will not bear them out, unless patronized by one of the Royal bloo● of Sueden. The Dallcarles now gone, the wright vanishes, and is to be found no where, until he makes an apparition at Rostock and there at the instance of the King of Sueden is put to death, and also some others of his party in Sueden served in like manner, and so the storm is appeased.  
Yet the people are like the sea still; a famine comes upon the land, and the Churchmen tell the people that this is the fruit of their innovation in matters of Religion( that is now Gods anger which at other times is attributed to second causes) the people are again angry, & refuse to pay the Kings tribute. The King tells them, that few of them understand Gods word, and fewer of them can rightly determine of his works. That their stop of his tribute shall not stop him, he soon gathers an army and marches to Westerass, and sends a message to them of the Dales forewarning them of his coming, requiring them to meet with him at Terna, ready either to fight for their cause, or otherwise to submit themselves and beg his pardon for their enterprise.  
The Dallcarles like not the choice, yet must do somewhat; fain they would hold their old way of the Churchmens interest, yet choose rather to submit and hazard their opinion then their lives. The issue is, some of them are corporally punished, others rebuked and sent home giving security for their good behaviour, and in like manner others in other places are served. Only the Arch-Bishop of Upsal, being one of the Popes sons in Sueden is permitted as a male content to banish himself from his native Country.  
The King returned to Westerass, and considering with himself the danger of the Nation, by the bad lives of the Church-men, and their neglect of the peoples Souls, and their unweariable endeavour to bring his Government into dislike with the people, and his person into contempt by imputations of scandal, of heresy and Blasphemy; and that some issue must be speedily brought hereof, or all would come to confusion; he calls a Convention of the States of Sueden, and propounds to them, To take into consideration the state of the Nation, that they all knew That he neither sought, nor willingly undertook the Government of the same; That they all promised to be assistant unto him therein, without which it is impossible for him to go through therewith; That he now, contrary to expectation, findeth the people much dissatisfied through the instigation of the Church-men, whose Lordship and power amongst them, you all know to be such as is now put into the Balance with the Kings, and their luxury, pride and idleness, all the world knows to be such as is inconsistent with the duty of their places, the good of the people, and righteous Government; That their Castles and temporal revenues are obstructed from the service and safeguard of the Nation, to maintain dissensions, mutinies and rebellions; That for his part, he must rather cease to be a King, then to see all things in confusion under his Government; and therefore I require, saith he, some order to be taken by the Convention of States for regulating hereof, or else I am resolved to lay down my Government and leave it to them that can manage it to better purpose; and hereof I desire a positive, speedy answer from you the Bishops and other States of this Nation.  
But the Bishops ears are deaf as to those things, their Authority and Revenues were dearer to them then to part with them for words; They thought they had the King at an advantage, and they would hold it; and the mayor part of the other States overswayed by the Bishops, did not so readily and resolvedly appear for the King as they ought to have done, fearing the Popes thunderbolt more then the Kings displeasure.  
The King hereat displeased, said, He would never adventure one drop of Suedish blood more to maintain his Government by a Civil War, wherein the vanquished must be miserable, the vanquisher unjust, and friends must destroy one another: 
Dion. Hall. lib. 6  and forthwith entering into the Convention of States resigned up his Kingdom and Government, asking nothing but a recompense for his service, and that they would take his inheritance at a moderate value, and so he departed into the Castle. 
Dion. Hist. l. 51 Sucton. in vit. octav.  Octavius only debated with the Senate about laying down his Government, but did it not; Gustavus did it, and debated not. They that make Government their work, will be glad of Rest; but they that make it their sport, the people will be sooner weary of them, then they of it. It was it seems Gustavus his lot to miss of those encouragements of assistance from the Convention of States which was promised when he undertook the Government, and for him to persist in Governing without them, in order to the maintaining of the peoples liberties, was vain, and therefore if herein he imitated some examples of his Ancestors he may be the rather excused, although thereby the Nation be now under a condition of confusion.  
The next day the States met again, and in cool blood  told the Bishops That the kingdom must not ruin to satisfy their Lusts; that if the Bishops will not be equal judges between themselves and the people, others must: Nevertheless they shall once more be heard what they can say in their own behalf, and thereupon a Conference is appointed, wherein Dr. Olaus appeared for the King, and Dr. galen for the Bishops, and the point concerning Ecclesiastical power and privileges is debated at large; which Conference the longer it lasted, the more it touched the quick, and many of the hearers altered their opinions as touching the Prelacy; so as upon the third day the voters for the people undertake the cause, and urge it positively upon the Bishops to submit to the King, but if they meaned otherwise to expose the Country to extremity, and harm come thereby, they vowed to be revenged upon the authors thereof, and thereunto the greatest part of the Nobles accord. At length the majority of Votes prevailed, and a message is sent into the Castle to Gustavus by a person of quality, to beseech him to return to the Convention of Estates, but it prevailed not, and a second message prevailed as little; but the third message by persons of nigh relation to him, was so effectually presented, that he yielded to come to the Convention, and was received by all the States with the greatest observance that could be. All saying in one humble request, That he would not reject the Government in such doubtful condition of affairs, promising him also their utmost faithful assistance. The King considered with himself; that though it was an ill condition for him to be always working and never do the work; yet it was much worse to forbear, and be weary before he attained the shore, for that is the next door to drowning; and therefore he takes up resolution not to pass for mens opinions or censure, but to go on and to see what issue he can br ng to the Councils of the Convention of Estates.  
At last the conclusion is, That the Bishops shall surrender up their Castles and Temporalties unto the Kings disposal, and submit to live upon such pensions, as shall be allowed them by the States, saving evermore the titles, interests and rights of the Nobility and others, to any part of the said Temporalties, as by the distemper of the times had been encroached upon. But in the executing hereof some time was spent, many being loathe to disrobe themselves before they went to bed.  
Those that were worst affencted were soonest at the issue, as desperate persons through conscience of their guilt conclude no mercy to be had, as good pass the Pike at the first, as at last.  
Only the Bishop of Hincopen was loathe to part with his Castle of Monkbed, and held some debate, but in conclusion was ordered to give possession at a day prefixed, and in the mean time security to perform the same, and maintain the public peace. The King would not discharge his Army, till all was done, and therewith marched at the day appointed to the Castle at Monkhed, and was sumptuously feasted by the Bishop, who gave that content to the King, that he discharged the Bishops sureties, and at his request allowed him to visit the Churches in Gothland, wherein having gained much treasure without taking leave of the King he took shipping, sailed to Dantzick, where after some years he dyed. And thus did Sueden led an example to the Eastern nations for regulating the Church Revenues to the right ends for which they were intended.  
Gustavus having now been King above five years since his Election, and having thus far prevailed to pare the narils and clip the wings of the Lordly Clergy, thinks he may more safely give himself up to the importunate advice of the States, and give them more assurance of his settling upon Government by becoming a crwoned King, and thereupon he appoints a day of Solemnization of his Coronation at Upsal, which was accomplished accordingly, after the King had served at the helm of Government seven years.  
Tiberius the Emperour( speaking for the advantage of Silanus who had not gained any great esteem for his carriin a private life) said that some mens spirits by great employments, are ennobled to greater undertakings, others are dulled: Gustavus his spirit always daring grew more brave by occasion he is not now contented with reducing the Prelacy, his aims are yet higher at reformation in Doctrine, in Worship, and holiness of life. And herein he first places in all the Cathedrals, men eminent for holiness, learning, and eloquence to preach the word of God, and enjoined the Bishops to provide out of the Church-maintenance pensions, such as might encourage them in their work: The King observed likewise set times weekly to hear in his own person the gifts of those men, before he sent them forth as well to satisfy his own conscience in sending them, as to give encouragement to others to attend upon public Ordinances. Love of emulation herein by imitation, being more prevalent with people, then penalty of Law and fear. But now comes the pinch, 
Tac. An. 3.  The States had agreed and the Prelates in show submitted as touching their temporalities; but as to reformation in Doctrine, Worship and Conversation; the devil is not so easily ejected out of the whole Nation of Sueden at once: The Minister that was sent to Scaren to preach, had such a scar by the Bishop and his party, that he was enforced to get away to Upland to save his life; and the Rector of the college undertaking to expound Saint Mathews Gospel, was in danger of being stoned by the scholars, encouraged thereto by the Lords and great men, who became joint-partners with the Bishops in this adventure. Some of the great men and common people also of West-Gothland hearing hereof bestir themselves, not for the Bishops sake say they, but for this religion now invaded by the new German Doctrine of Luther; and upon this account they sand letters to Smalland to stir them up to arms, who are readily induced thereto, and seize upon the persons of such as will not join with them; and amongst the rest upon the Countess of Hoy the Kings own Sister; they also sand letters to the Dales & other neighbouring provinces to sand their deputies to a meeting by them appointed at Larva, so short and unhappy is the love of the people: Thus the scene of the war is changed; and though tyranny was in the ●ann and Prelacy in the main battle, yet Popery brought up the rear, all tending in the conclusion to reduce the Nation into its old condition, rather then endure such change. So unsensible are men of their present happiness: For peace and concord to the conquered brings profit, to the conqueror onely pleasure.  
This storm the King might rationally have expected by him what he found in the case of Prelacy; yet his courage leads on even to wonderment having nothing to back him herein, but Gods cause and a good conscience. That advantage hath the change of Religion above a Toleration, that the one may be more safely undertaken, and may be according to Gods will revealed: The other supposing Toleration of error can never be safe, because it can not be according to Gods revealed will which is but one, 
Cic. de Leg.  as the truth is but one: There is somewhat also in natural reason that crosseth it, else had not the laws of the twelve Tables provided against it; nor the old Romans insisted, 
Liv. Lib. 20.  that none but the Roman Gods should be worshipped in Rome; and that only after their own Country manner. And the Emperors in after-ages decried it, as an inlet to profanness, as they call it.  
Nevertheless how ever the censure of politicians might pass upon the Kings wisdom in this matter; yet the issue justifies him: for the inhabitants of West-Gothland observing that the generally of the people, who had sworn allegiance to the King made demur upon the matter, and reflected upon their engagements; the Kings merits, their present peace and enjoyment of their liberties, and Laws, and that as to the point of Heresy objected against the King, it was without the compass of their knowledge and( considering the Kings piety it was more then they would believe to be true, but rather to be looked upon, as a false scandal raised by his enemies: Hereupon the Lords of the confederacy grew into difference amongst themselves; and the Bishop and one other of them fled into Denmark, where being sometime entertained, the Kings letters pursued them, alleging that it was contrary to their agreement, that neither King should harbour the enemies of other, and so they fled to Mecklerburgh, but the other Lords of the confederacy( forgetting what they had done) stood upon their justification without any conditions, alleging that they were enforced to do what they had done by the heads that were absent in foreign parts. And that they never promoted nor encouraged the defection of any by advice, letters or instructions; but only for sometime intended connivance for the Kings service, and upon this account would stand to their trial at law. The King and Council wondered at their confidence, and advised them to submit to the Kings mercy and crave pardon: but they refused favour, other then what the law would allow. The King at length produced to them their own letters to stir up the Provinces to arms; and so being self-condemned two of them suffered death, one was ransomed, and the rest begging pardon, were received to mercy. 
Tacit. Ann. l. 5. Hist. 4.  An excellent temperature in execution of Justice commends the King in his new begun Kingdom, making the people both to fear and love him; Not as Pompey, of whom it was said that his punishments were too great for the crime: Nor as Civilis carried away with an opinion of courting the people by clemency. The one works in the people fear with hatred, the other presumption and boldness to offend. And thus was this stir, for) war I cannot call it) about Popish religion laid asleep and mastered, not with sweat or labour of the King, but by God alone whose cause it was.  
The King saw somewhat in the King of Denmark's carriage in this matter, that suited not with the former agreement made between them, and not liking that the same should remain blurred in the least point( as it is the wisdom of men that will preserve friendship, to stop the breach whiles it is small) he prevailed for another interview to understand the mindes of each other more fully, and by this last interview the former agreement is explained, enlarged, and confirmed and parting in love they return with joy.  
The King of Sueden, now after so many storms, hopes for peace, and a settled Government, and after three years crwoned King, bethinks himself of building up his own family by marriage, and thereof solemnizeth the accomplishment with the Lady Katharine the Duke of Saxony's daughter at Stockholm: so as the King that heretofore was a soldier of fortune, hath now given pledges to fortune: he now must abide the issues and events of the affairs of the Nation to be theirs for the better or worse; and what he was formerly bound to do merely for the Nations sake, he must now do for the sake of his own family and relations: and having thus laid the foundation of his own house, he further proceeds in the building up of the house of God, for although he had seized the temporalties of the Prelates, yet their places, so far as conduced to the Church-government, he took not away, nor that maintenance which was appointed for the ministry: and besides, the States did settle pensions upon such as should be appointed to be Over-seers or Bishops, to have care of the Churches: and unto these places the King had, as formerly was mentioned, sent choice men for gravity, learning, and holy life: and now he advanced two brethren, Dr. Laurentius and Dr. Olaus; the one to be Archbishop of Upsal, the other to be Bishop of Stockholm. Through whose vigilancy and industry, especially amongst other reformed Bishops, the reformation of Religion proceeded successfully in the Nation during their lives, which was for the space of about thirty years, and through their care and study principally, the Translation of the Bible into the Suedish language, was published and dispersed into every Town in the Nation.  
But the time of rest is not yet come, a strange apparition from the belgic shore ascendeth upon the cost of Norwey: christian the former King I mean, now long since reputed as butted in Brabant, in privacy had now at the charge of the Emperor and some adventurers in Holland and other places of that neighbourhood, hoping for large immunities from Denmark or Norwey( in case it could be regained) gathered soldiers and munition, and with five and twenty ships, sailed from Encusen to the cost of Norwey, but through storms having lost ten of their ships, onely with the rest arriveth there; where not being ware they are surprised and imprisoned by the Ice all that winter. Yet Christiern was at liberty all that while to work his designs upon that country of Norwey, the season being such as the Danes despaired of any possibility to march for their relief: So many therefore of the great men of Norwey, as pleased; came and corresponded with christian, without control, Only the governor of Agger-house Castle dealt subtly declining to surrender to christian otherwise then might he be in the most honourable way. Saying that he acknowledged christian to be King of the three Northern Nations; yet for the Honour of the Governours Family, he desired of christian that he might have liberty to writ to Frederick the now King of D●nmark for present relief( which in common considerat on could not be had during winter) otherwise he must surrender the Castle to King Christiern, & by this means said the governor your majesty can be no loser, and my honour is saved. christian was contented therewith and the governor dispatched a messenger into Denmark; and notwithstanding Ice and could, had such supply, as he thereby is fortified, and stands upon his own defence. And christian prepares for a siege: During this time as the besieged had been relieved by the Danes; so the besiegers were relieved not only by the Normans but by many runnegadoes out of Sueden; such was their old love to christian & hatred to Gustavus, & these flocked to christian from all parts, and solicited the Dallcarles( who were in displeasure of the King upon an occasion then emergent) to revolt with them to their old King: Who, they were assured through afflictions was become quiter another man changed into a meek and compassionate nature and gracious carriage, & would doubtless embrace them kindly and give them all assurance, they  told the Dalcarles also that foreign Princes would assist him, for that they like not such examples of subjects deposing their Kings: And above all the rest they might rest assured, they should be received again into th bosom of the Church and favour of the Pope: They and many other such good things the Dallcarles heard, but as old birds not so easily catched few of them give any credit at all, & many deride them, they know well that nature is no changeling unless by supernatural grounds overpowered, that the manner of Christierns ●oming shewed little repentance other then for his departure with the Crown upon so easy terms, that a King rejected by his people, it as a wound in the head, for which a plaster is hard to be found; That in such cases a good report is easily made, but the truth must appear upon trial; That before trial there is no trusting, that after trial there is no remedy; That the differences between them and Gustavus their King are but in the inception, and may soon be composed, but between them & christian, are beyond all ending. The revolting Suedes hereupon disappear, and the winter now wasted, and christian finding his party discouraged, and the stream still after six years expectation so strong against him, and weary of living upon the German courtesy, chooseth now rather to cast himself upon a treaty with his Uncle the King of Denmark, and receives conditions from the Danish admiral of his safe conduct to him upon terms of treaty with his Uncle, or otherwise to have liberty to go at large.  
Thus christian overcome, either by necessity or want of advice, not inquiring whether the admiral was empowered to grant such conditions or not, committed himself to the Admiral, sails into Denmark, and before he is ware becomes in state of a prisoner during life, gaining only this advantage, that he was now maintained honourably upon the public faith of the nation, as one that formerly had been King thereof, which otherwise being at large, must have been upon the courtesy of such as meaned to be courteous. And yet it is observable that the Danish Admiral had no thanks for this piece of service; And many thought that it would have been more advantageous for Denmark if the Prisoner had been at large in any Foreign Nation. For though it be true that deposing of Kings by their subjects is sadly reflected upon by Princes; yet it is only where the sore is green, and the flesh tender, and then it may occasion some anger from abroad for the present, but after trial once made, and no gain thereby gotten: Foreign Princes love their own interest by a quiet and peaceable Government, so well, as by continuance the wound breeds stupefaction, and they will engage no more.  
Now as touching Sueden who was not meanly concerned in this affair at Norwey, it is observable how the wound between the King and the Dallcarles was first made, for though the occasion was small, the mischief might have been exceeding great.  
The matter was briefly thus, The Kings debts to the Lubeckers, for their service in the wars, were not yet fully paid, and now payment is required with some earnestness; but how the same should be satisfied, or how to be levied, is the question that endured much debate: some were of opinion for a tax, but this was thought would go hardly down with a people exhausted with a ten years war; others are of opinion, that the profits of the Mines might be assigned to the Lubeckers for certain years, but they cannot find a way to maintain the Government in the mean time without them. At length a project is propounded, to give the King the biggest Bell save one out of all the Churches of his Dominion: this was alleged would do the work, and be no particular prejudice to any man, nor loss to the public. A great mistake this was, as things then stood, for the Merchants had engrossed much copper, and if this proceeded, they are undone, they can get no market: but this was no good reason, being of a too private natures to balance against the public good. Then the quarrel is at the condition of these Bells, it is said they are anointed and consecrated to a holy use, and ought not to be wasted for profane uses: but this also is of little force, the opinion being grounded on superstitious principles, as was then conceived: and be it granted that the manner of appointment of them to their uses there, was superstition, by anointing and consecrating, and that the first uses intended, might be superstiuious, yet if any property at all be in such devoted things in any that properly remaineth, until it be legally destroyed, and until then the seizing of such things into any other hands will fall under the notion of sacrilege in the common opinion, which always hath been abominable, even to the heathens, though done in the wild warres, and therefore when Caesar would make Pompey odious, and advance his own merit, he charges against Pompey, that he had pillaged Hercules his Temple, and carried many of the spoils to Gades, 
Caes: come. l. 1. de bello civil.  which Caesar caused to be restored to the Temple again, and the townclerk of Ephesus intimates no less, when in staying the uproar, he tells them, the Apostles had not been robbers of their Churches: or if it comes not under that notion, then it must be in nature of a gift to the people of the Parish, either for their pleasure, or other conveniency of calling them to the public duties; in both which cases the unlawful seizure of them is looked upon, as a common plunder and invasion of the goods of the whole body of the people at once; and as a sad presage that no mans particular estate is his own any longer under such a Government. And it seems the people in Sueden had such apprehensions of this President, for after it was concluded and begun to be put in execution, an insurrection is made and the people stand up in defence of their Bells, so as some cannot be removed, others that are removed, and carrying away, are pursued and rescued, and the officers employed, are beaten for their pains. Hereupon the K●ng calls a convention of Estates which might have been more seasonable to have determined the gift of the Bells, before they had jangled such an unruly peal. The convention of Estates meet at Upsal, the Dallcarles the chief in defence of their Bells summon another convention of the people at Arbogg, so as here is also one Parliament against another. The people( saith the Historian) are commonly of that temper, that they will either serve humbly, or govern proudly. True liberty which is the golden mean they neither know how to want, nor how to use, especially a people( such as the Suedes) trained up in war, now( like the romans ex brevi otio multiplex bellum) grown wanton, choose rather to lose their peace then their bells. But the Parliament at Arbog thrives not, few harken to their summons, yet they set a good face upon the matter: they sand messengers to the King protesting their fidelity, yet they desire his answer to two requests, one that the King will not sand more forces within the borders of the Dallcarles, then they shall deem convenient for them to quarter: the other, not to set any governor over them then such a one as is of their own country or neigborhood. The kings spirit was too great to like conditions from his subjects, yet his wisdom prevailed to take into consideration the condition of his affairs at the present. That Christiern was now in Norwey, the winter newly entred, the Normans enlining to advance, his designs if the Dallcarles should be driven into a further distance, the issue might be doubtful. He therefore dissembles his displeasure, and sends them a Governor according to their desire, but after three years gathers an army and seizes the chief authors of this rebellion and puts them to death, and brought down the pride of the Dallcarles into a lower Orb, by seizure of their liberties, and so made them more level with the rest of the people.  
This was the first design resting barely upon the point of malignancy against this government of Gustav. in favour of the cause of the deposed King, but like a granado firing in the air, spent itself before it fell, yet it was not the last. For the K. of Denmark dies soon after, leaving Christiern a prisoner to the Lords of Denmark; who differing in their opinions as to the election of a King, spent two years in an interregnum, during which time some acted for the son of the deceased King, being a child and more capable of counsel, and herein the Bishops joined: others acted for the Duke of Holst, and some were for restoring Christiern( then a prisoner) to the throne again. This was one summons to the King of Sueden to look about him, and kept him off from requiting to the Dallcarles their courtesy in the matter of the Bells. But there was another that appeared no less dangerous, though not so sudden in effect: and this was the change in the government of Lubeck from the Popish to the Lutheran way, which although, in itself, suited well with the K. of Suedens mind, yet, in such alterations there is commonly one man more-active then the rest & he becomes an instrument in altering the government upon such alterations in religion; even so the Lubeckers had one for the purpose called Woolweaver; a man by education as his name, whom they make Consul of the City; and he being gotten up, is blown up higher with affection of popularity, and undertaking to be a patron to the poor, now much increased in the City, principally as he saith by the neglect of their privileges by the King of Sueden; who contrary to agreement made with the Lubeckers for their service in assisting the King of Sueden, hath countenanced trade from and with the Hollanders, and other Nations: And for ● remedy hereof, Woolweavers counsel is to endeavour to draw the Dane to join with the Lubeckers; against all trading with Sueden from without the baltic Sea.  
But the Dane  told them that they thought not meet for them to come to conclusion in things of that nature, till they were better settled in their Government, & were agreed concerning the party that should be their King. And finding it more necessary to maintain correspondency with Sueden( in regard of the endeavours of a party amongst them to advance christian to the Throne again) they acquainted the King of Sueden with the designs of the Lubeckers. Woolweaver is angry hereat, and without blushing face about and propoundeth to the King of Sueden to join with them against the Hollanders. But Gustavus his counsel was rather to manage well the matter concerning Denmark, then to enter upon new engagements; they see the Danish affairs is as a Sea of many currents, wherein if they steer not an even course, and keep not constant watch, themselves may be in danger of shipwreck, and therefore as embarked in one and the same Ship with Denmark, they bend their whole counsel in the speedy settlement of the Government thereof; as may best conduce to the concurrent interest of both Nations.  
Woolweaver finding his labour lost, grows angry, and like one lifted up from below, lifts up his thoughts higher then his wit served him, and in his career vanteth, that as he had advanced Gustavus into the throne, so he would turn him out again, and thereupon entertains correspondency with the Runnagadoes of Sueden. Gustavus espying this, seizeth upon the persons, goods and privileges of the Lubeckers in Sueden; the Lubeckers also dealing in like manner with the Suedes at Lubeck.  
And Woolweaver aiming at nothing less then the crown of Sueden, by entertaining private intelligence in Sueden, gains designs of civil broils to be set on foot to busy the King at his own home. And first prevaileth with the Earl of Hoy, who married the Kings own sister, and being a person of great interest, by his means prevailed with the people, especially of Smalland, to bring them also into disaffection. And that done, the Earl withdraws himself, his wife and children, unto Lubeck, under pretence for his healths sake; but being arrived, is made Commander in chief of all the disaffected Suedes who repair to him. It is a fate of great men, seldom to be contented with, or continue long in their greatness: either their own merits are not rewarded enough, or their inferiors too much, and so being malcontented, striving to be higher, they fall lower.  
It was not enough for the Earl of Hoy to be the Kings brother by marriage of his sister, nor to be Lord Lieutenant for Gustavus in his own country of Sueden, but he must become General of a party of malcontents under Woolweaver, against his Brother, his King, his Kindred and country, and what was gained hereby, will appear afterward.  
In the mean time time, many retire to him out of Sueden by reason principally of the disturbances of Smalland which begun by the earls instigation before his departure out of Sueden, but are fomented by a company of lawless persons in the country, which combined themselves against the Kings Justices; and that with so high a hand, as it came to blood, even to the slaughter of the Kings Lieutenant in that country; and they being suppressed by the King with force of arms, they nevertheless maintained a kind of thievish war till they wasted by flight to the Earl of Hoy, whose party thus increased, waited upon all advantages, and occasioned the King of Sueden to stand rather upon his watch then his defence; for they did him no harm, God having provided other means to pare their nailes without the King of Suedens help.  
For Woolweaver having gained this access of aid for his designs, soon employed it upon his principal work, which was to settle his neighbours the Danes in a posture fitting to his purpose; for the condition of Denmark being now, as touching the Election of a King( as formerly I mentioned) divers of the Lords of Denmark joined with John, the son of the former King( though he were a minor) principally upon the account of Religion, which was changed by his father into the Lutheran way, and they hoped the son would therefore the rather uphold it. This the Bishops espied, and wheeled about for the interest of the Roman way, and therefore would have the Government managed by Administratorship, and published injunctions in their own name for the departure of all the Lutheran Preachers out of the Country by a day prefixed. This being like to fall heavy upon the Cities of Hafnia, and Malmogia, and they being loathe to make a breach, they prevail for concurrence in the Government by administratorship, and invite Christian Duke of Holst, to be administrator in the name of John the former Kings son; but he disclaimed that work. Then they prevailed with the Duke of Aldenburgh( who professed the Doctrine of Luther) to accept thereof, and thereupon he came to Hafnia with a party, but finding many whisperings in behalf of christian the deposed King; the Duke to gain the greatest party, declared his willingness for the resettlement of him, and thereby indeed gained a strong party amongst the people; for christian had practised the sam● trade in Denmark that he had done in Sueden, flattering th● common people into a party from the Lords, which an Historian notes, 
Dion. hall. l. 6  is the ready way to a Tyranny. Woolweav● though he was more fierce then wise, takes this opportunity, sides also with the Duke of Aldenburgh, and prevails with him to engage against the Duke of Holst, who stood in his way, having divers of the Lords of Denmark joining with him to make him King; but in this the Duke of Aldenburghs expectation was deceived, for he lost the day, and was beaten out of the Field by the Duke of Holst.  
And now is the Duke of Holst brought upon the Stage to act his part for the Crown of Denmak, to purchase his own rest and safety; and observing that the King of Sueden was left out of the Play, he invites the King to bear a part in the Game for Woolweavers sake; and the King of Sueden well knowing wherein he was most concerned, made less difficulty in the matter, and therefore although Woolweaver endeavoured to stop that muse by fair words, yet the King would not so be persuaded, but minding the messengers of the entertainment of the Suedish runnegadoes by their Master, he dismissed them. And having intelligence that the people in Denmark sided with the Duke of Aldenburgh, for their deposed Kings sake, he saw it was no time to dally any longer, but forthwith falleth with an army into the Danish Territories, and possesseth several places to the use of the Duke of Holst. The Danish Lords espying which way the Current passed, and seeing themselves deserted by the people, joined also with the Duke of Holst, and engaged him for the Crown in good earnest.  
The Duke of Aldenburgh finding his interest amongst the common people of Denmark according to his de●ire thinks all safe, takes his ease, and injoies his pleasure. But the Duke of Holst not so, he sends the Danish Lords into Jutland with an army, who soon brought the people into order, and thence march into Fionia, where in one battle all the hopes of the Duke of Aldenburgh are lost, and a sacrifice made to the King of Sueden of the Earl of Hoy, the Arch-Bishop of Upsal( who it seems had not his desire to die at Rome) and others of the disaffected Suedes slain in the battle.  
The news hereof coming to Lubeck, makes Woolweaver tack about for another adventure, and observing that Suanto, son of Steno stir, formerly governor of Sueden, was now in the Duke of Saxonies Court, he subornes a message unto Suanto as from his mother to meet her at Malla, where itis said she waited with conveniences for him, who thereupon repairs to Malla, but in stead of meeting with his mother, he is met with by a Troop of horse from Lubeck, who offer him in the name of the City great honours if he will be advised by them, and so by surprisal they convey him to Lubeck, where he is saluted by Woolweaver the Consul, with expressions of joy at his coming, and minding him of the unsettled condition of the Northern Kingdoms, the private dissatisfactions in Sueden, he tells him that now a fair opportunity is offered him to recover the Government of Sueden, a place so famously managed by his Ancestors; That the City had an army in readiness, wanting only his assent to be their leader; That it will be expected that he should now show himself worthy of such a lineage. And so he did: The false son of Steno would gain a Kingdom, and could not: the true son will not, though proffered with exhortations and large promises; for he had sworn Fealty to Gustavus, and he would observe it, and therefore demanded to be at liberty to depart, or that Woolweaver would show cause why he was detained prisoner. Woolweaver seeing no good to be done,  told him he was no prisoner, and that it was free for him to go, when, and whither he pleased, but where ever he should be his favourable opinion of the City was earnestly desired.  
The King of Sueden was informed hereof, and is thereby sharpened in the pursuit of the Duke of Holsts interests upon the main land of Scania, and in a short time brought all the Country to submit to him; Only the City of Malmogia, and some other neighbouring Castles hold out for the Duke of Aldenburgh whom they had invited, and they hoped for rescue from him. The Duke accordingly with the Duke of Aldenburgh and the Duke of Mecklenburgh join their strength together, and resolve to adventure all upon one cast of a Die, as it were; and in one battle with the King of Sueden( whether by strength or policy of War, called by some treachery, the History speaks not out) but the Dukes army is utterly and irrecoverably overthrown. And within a few dayes all the Country is fully for the Duke of Holst, that within one week before was of a quiter contrary temper.  
Haffnia had now been besieged above half a year by the Duke of Holst, that City only being left as the gleaning of the War, and in which the last strength of the Dukes of Aldenburgh, Oldenburgh, and Mecklenburgh, and Lubeck was now Contracted. This was time enough for christian the deposed King to try the courtesy of the house of Burgundy; but none of that house will stir in his behalf; and( which was more unhappy for the besieged) the affairs at Lubeck do face about to the rear. The Hanse Towns in their general meeting, perceiving that the affairs at Luceck had for these five years last past been under the sway of Woolweaver carried on by design under colour of Religion, and that the City was by that means brought under such difficulties that they knew not how to come off either with repute or safety; They thereupon conclude( according to the Emperors Council sent to the City) that the former government at Lubeck should be restored, not intermeddling with the change of Religion at all; and because they would salue the credit of Woolweaver, they commend him to the Government of Bergeridorffe. Woolweaver is not herewith satisfied, but at his departure vowed to be revenged; and the Senate at Lubeck now changed, considering his restless Spirit, are no less satisfied then he, and thereupon sending messengers after him found him in his journey in the territories of a Prince that owed him no good, and there they procured him to be imprisoned and charged with treason against the state of Lubeck, and so he was put to death and quartered. And thus Lubeck settled upon its old basis, and flourished again leaving this lesson to such as would be States-men: That miscarriages in Government are not reformed by altering the Government, but by establishing it.  
Haffnia, now after a years siege wearied with the miseries of war is surrendered upon terms, not altogether so honourable for the Duke of Holst as might expected. The King of Sueden telling the Duke that being privy to his own engagements in the Dukes behalf, he did persuade himself that no such agreement should ever have been made by the Duke without the Kings knowledge; and in one thing, not without his consent: for why should the King be excluded out of this agreement, and the Duke engage himself thereby not to aid the King of Sueden in case he would not agree with the Lubeckers upon just terms. The Duke pleaded his own necessity of the present surrender of the City, and the importunity of the Lords and his neighbour-princes lead him thereto; nevertheless he assured the King, if he would sand his ambassadors, they should find that the King should not receive damage in any thing thereby. And the King did accordingly sand ambassadors; but the Lubeckers could never prevail to have a re-settlement of their former privileges of trade and traffic in Sueden as they desired, and so the conclusion was upon a bare truce between the Lubeckers and the King for five years.  
Thus are the three Northern Kingdoms brought into a condition of quiet consistence once more, and Turbulent Lubeck into a calm; and the captived King in a manner twice captived, now if not hopeless, yet less hopeful then ever formerly. England was allied, and had done what what it thought meet, and possibly more then was meet: They sent ambassadors to draw the Lords to a treaty, but they liked not to adventure their necks upon promises and purposes: The Emperor did less, either judging his person despicable for his carriage to his Queen and the Lords: or the Lords more wise and weary then to adventure upon a second trial of their late Kings Courtesy, unless they were thereto compelled by force; for which the Emperor had neither money nor time to spare; although the opportunity did lye, as faire for him to do his brother a good turn as he could desire, if he desired it: And lastly though the Common people entred upon an adventure in his behalf, yet they effected nothing. If joined with the great men they add both to the number and value; but in opposition to them they( for the most part) are as cyphers, that fill room but signify nothing; being neither sensible of approaching good or evil, nor speedy and advised in concluding of a remedy, but as a body without a soul, without reason discerning activity if the orator maybe believed; 
Cic. 2. Orat. Plan.  or as the sea, immovably in their own natural disp●si●ion, otherwise then as the wind or air is either quiet or tempestuous, for such is the Historians opinion: Its many times seen that providence doth advance some particular persons of the meanest rank, 
Liv. lib. 28  and make them instrumental in public Government; but never puts the Government into the power of the lowest rank of men, for that is the speedy way to confusion, as may evidently appear by the Earthquakes in Government raised from below by the Anabaptists in Germany in these very times wherein the present story lies; wherein though the issue was abortive, yet it came to that growth as it made the greater powers to tremble.  
And now comes the time of rest in Sueden from toilsome civil war, and both King and people may have liberty to enjoy their own several lots. The King had hitherto acted the soldier wondrous well, and now must he try his skill in a peaceable Government, wherein I shall not enter into particulars( the same relating only to that nation and not so imitable by other) but shall satisfy myself with some brief contents of many laws and Acts of State, showing rather the disposition of the Government, then the several actions thereof. The King taking into consideration, that the fuel that maintained the civil war was now spent and the people hitherto trained up in the toil of war; he judged it more safe to find them still negotium quam otiam, as was said of the people of Rome, rather labour then leisure; 
Val. M●r. l. 7. c. 2  and considering also, that a time must come when a Commonwealth reduced by war, must be Governed and maintained by peace; he now acquaints his people with matters of profit and gained them thereby to the employments in mining, husbandry, fishing, and Sea-trade, all of them advanced by the Kings own ingenuous contrivances; and encouraging Labour, banishing idleness, punishing wanderers, and vagabonds, he found a way, thus, to make the Sea to serve the land, the land to serve men, men to serve their Nation, the Nation to observe their Kings, and both Nation and King to ferve God, and thereby laid a foundation of a far better building of Sueden, then Augustus did of Rome, of whom it was said that he found it of Earth, and left it of ston.  

Dion. l. 56  The people likewise soon found the sweetness of this Government and are not far behind in requital of the Kings influence upon them. They had now spent twenty years under the Kings Government, and in a good measure found the benefit of peace though bought with the sweat and blood of the people in a long war, but how sad will it be, if one last breath of the King do put an end to all. The Council therefore at their meeting, taking into consideration the experience had formerly by Sueden that Governments, by election are always uncertain, and seldom accomplished without deceit and discord and oftentimes at the cost of the peoples blood; 
Bodin de Rep.  that they are of short continuance, and therefore ill for the people. For that in such cases; Governours, like some birds will plume others to feather their own nests to keep their young ones warm, 
Sue. In vit. Tib.  when themselves are gone; and that it s much better for the people to be sucked with one leech, which in continuance may be satisfied, and give the people rest; then by change of many which would increase pain, and suck without satiety; That the advancement of one Family to the throne is a salue to all this, and is a preparative of a winning aspect from it upon the people, and of a due respect from them to it; and so of a kind of conjugal affection between both against the marriage-day. That it suppresseth the turbulent aims of ambitious men that crowd into the throne, and yet of all men are most unworthy. And secureth the present Government in the peaceable possession of him that hath it: That upon such grounds as these Augustus, and other Roman Emperours who left no inheritors to the imperial Crown used in their life-time to adopt and declare their successors in the Goveanment, and trained them up for their service; nor did they find it dangerous for themselves or their successors so to do; That the people at the siege of Stockholm offered to settle the Government upon the King and his children, when as yet he neither had any, nor was married, nor was resolved upon that course of life. But now is married, and hath children; and hath given such plentiful testimony of his love, industry and faithfulness, in adventuring all that he hath even to his own life to vindicate the honour of his Country. What acknowledgement can be sufficient for so great a merit, less then the resignation of the Crown of Sueden to him and his posterity for ever.  
This is the sum, and thus it is unanimously concluded at the Council holden at Orebrogia, and that it shall be propounded to the Convention of States to be by them established for future ages; all which by their instrument in writing profess to be done by them freely and of their own accord, and without any Constraint. Its needless to trouble the reader with the many scoffs of the Kings enemies hereat, as if he suffered a Crown to be forced upon his family against his own will: It hath ever been the lot of brave men for brave actions to meet with imputations from some that are envious, and against such there is no remedy, but to allow them time to grow stale, 
Tac Anol. 2 Suet. in vit. Tiberii.  and run themselves out of breath, and neglect them as Tiberius did with a compliment, That in a Free-state mens minds and tongues in such cases ought to be free. And some did set the dint of Religion against it, as if God liked not that men should contrive perpetuities. Its true, yet he loves that men should be provident for establishment of justice●, truth and peace in a Nation; and to that end, himself did set the Crown upon the Family of David, and hath blessed the same Rule in the Government of most of the Nations with prosperous success; although not always precisely fixing upon the particular person that men design thereto. However imputations were, as if the King designed all, and itis not much material, yet it is less evident, that the Kings desire was not very eager thereupon, for he summoned not a convention of States till four years after, and then at Westerass the point was debated anew, and notwithstanding it might be said that the establishing the Government upon one family might prove the espousing of a quarrel, and setting up of a family in Sueden against a family, or it may be the whole body of the people of Denmark, yet it is enacted and declared. That after the death of Gustavus Ericson, his son shall succeed in the Government and his eldest son, and the heirs-males of his body; and for want of such, his next brother and his heirs males of his body shall succeed therein; and for want of such, John the second son of Gustavus and the heirs-male of his body shall succeed, and so the rest of the sons of Gustavus and the heirs males of their body shall succeed in case of failing of heirs-males, and in case of want of heirs males of the son of Gustavus, the eldest of the blood and family of Gustavus shall succeed and his issue male, and for want of such, then shall such person succeed as the Council of the kingdom of Sueden shall elect provided he be no foreigner, and that he shall provide portions for the issue female of Gustavus. This is the sum of the settlement of the Crown of Sueden upon the King and his family, and yet the right of election is still saved to the people, not only by special limitation but by qualifying the power of the Council and excluding foreigners as if they would ever keep in memorial that the great sore in the government of that Nation, was rather from without then within. The convention of States herein, doing as wise men that bend their course by rule still leaving to God tht supreme control who also even in this case over-ruled their rule, as to the succession of the Posterity in Ericus his Line, which was afterward laid aside by the people,( Ericus being found false to the principles of Government established by his father and the Convention of States of Sueden) and yet owned Gustavus his family so far as to build him a sure house( who had builded Gods house) by raising from thence many men of famed both for peace and war; and made it the most illustrious constellation of all the Northern Hemisphere for influence, not only within the Kingdom of Sueden but into the general affairs of Europe.  
As Gustavus his house groweth in their hopes Christiern the deposed King daily looseth in his. The Emperour being intended for war against France, finds it necessary for him to quiet his affairs in Germany: And amongst the rest at the convention at Spiers, the difference between him and Christiern the third of that name, King of Denmark comes to debate and is settled; and Christiern the second the Emperours brother, a deposed King and prisoner, is after fourteen years of imprisonment, left still to be a prisoner, who seeing himself now quiter laid aside by his chief friends, bethinks himself to make his captivity( seeing it must be his condition) as delightsome as he can, and thereupon surrendreth actually all his right and the right of his posterity in the Crown of Denmark, and the dukedoms of Holst and Sleswick in as ample manner as should be devised, and thereby obtained though not a release from, yet more elbow-room in prison. And had the title of Sueden been also remembered, it had become the strict league made between the two Nations, but the Suedes regarded not any resignation nor would acknowledge any ●●●le, now for ought doth occur did any of the friends 〈◇〉 the captive King, at any time reflect against Sueden:  
The Emperor nevertheless was, it seems, willing enough to countenance any quarrel, picked against the King of Sueden by any other person, more particularly that by the Elector Palatine and the Duke of lorraine touching their Nieces dowry( which they pretended the Kingdom of Sueden ought to take care of) but the matter went no further then words: the claim was published in print, and the King of Suedens answer also, denying the matter in fact: and alleging that if any thing had been formerly due, it was made voided by that inhuman tyranny, whereby the Tyrant forfeited all his Rights in Sueden for himself and his posterity. And declaring also, that now the public revenues of the Crown of Sueden were otherwise settled and cannot be altered.  
After all this, the Kings second wife dies, leaving three sons and four daughters: her eldest son name John was afterward King of Sueden, after that the people had deposed Ericus the Kings eldest son for misgovernment: her second son Magnus, Duke of East-Gothland: her third son Charles Duke of Sudermania, who also was King upon the deposing of his Nephew sigismond King of Poland, and after crwoned also King of Sueden, but was after ejected by the people, because he would not maintain the liberties of Sueden, but advanced the Polish interest. And after Charles his death, his son Gustavus Adolphus succeeded in the Kingdom: and after him, his daughter Christina, who resigning the Government, Charles Gustavus son of Katharine, daughter to Charles, and half sister to Gustavus Adolphus married to one of the house of Casimire, now reigneth. A brave posterity doubtless yet the King, though now strike in years, cannot live unmarried but takes a third wife, Katharine daughter to Gustavus Governor of West-Gothland.  
The wisdom, courage, and fortunate success of the King, now made famous amongst other nations, caused divers applications to him from them for assistance; but he was ever wary of going beyond his own Orb.  
It is an excellent point of skill in a Commander to know, when his strength hath attained its just bounds of conquest, and there stoping his desires of g●in●ng more, to fix upon the good government of what he hath gotten. And it was one of the last advices given by Augustus to Tiberius, 
Dion. lib. 56:  That he should not endeavour to augment the bounds of the Empire, lest he should find more difficulty in keeping, and less in losing what was gained. For the larger the borders are, the more opportunity is given to invasion from abroad, and rebellion at home. The conspiracy of Catiline will witness that, if Florus saith true. The wisdom and moderation of Gustavus is therefore worthy of observation, for though he wanted not men of war nor hope of success in further undertakings, having notwithstanding adventu●ed for the delivery of his country from tyranny, and accomplished it, he desireth no further happiness on earth, then to maintain what was done: Yet he was once overreached by the Livonians, who would once have committed themselves to his protection, but he refused, nevertheless being much endangered by the Muscovite, he sent aid to the Livonians, which engaging too forward, and the Livonians hanging behind, left the whole burden upon the Suedes, who finding the Muscovite too heavy for them, and the Livonians heartless, or faithless, betimes withdrew their assistance, and made their own peace.  
The rest of his dayes the King spends at home, and calling to mind the settlement of the Government upon his son Ericus, thinks it convenient to acquaint him with the manner of Government in his own life time, and thereupon though late it was, viz. about sixteen years after the settlement, and Ericus now nigh five and twenty years old he is made governor of Calmar and Oland and the country adjoining.  
It hath been a policy in many Princes to be slow in advancing their eldest sons( that are designed to succeed them in government) into places of government. And it is not without cause, for in such cases especially in times and places of darkness: for designed successors, if well gifted by nature or education may prove heads of parties and factions, and put the present Governors into much trouble; the one being looked upon as the rising Sun, and the other going down: and therefore such Successors are not usually very pleasing to Governors, who are guilty to themselves of miscarriages in government: they like not Civilia filiorum ingenia the politic or ingenious carriage of their successors, 
Tacit. An. lib. 2.  as was said of Drusus. Yet it seemeth less beneficial to the people to be tried with a raw and unexperienced Governor, who in such case is also generally young and cannot govern himself: furthermore in all conscientious Governments, there will be less fear of factions considering that it is irrational, causelessly to quarrel at such a present Government, to set up another, whereof no experience at all is had. And therefore had Ericus been with longer experience in government, he might have either proved more advised by the over-ruling direction of his father; or discovered such a temper, as he might never have been trusted, and so many troubles might have been prevented that ensued afterward.  
But it is in vain to call back things that are past away, time now draws on apace that must determine the work of this great King: he had now governed the Nation of Sueden long, and seen many changes in other Nations, as well as in his own, and yet he must out-sit one more in Denmark before he leaves this world; and this was a second vacancy of the throne of Denmark, by the decease of Christian the third, and the Kingdom put to the hazard of another election, which concerned Sueden not a little, for still Christiern the captived King, was alive, and had another fair opportunity to try the courtesy of the Lords of Denmark: nevertheless the Danes being unanimous for the election of another Frederick son of the Duke of Holst, him they crown, and Christiern is still set aside. Unhappy man, that having lived as a prisoner seven and twenty years in his own Nation, could not in all this time, by his carriage, gain no better opinion amongst the Nobility of Denmark, then still to remain under the note of an impenitent and obstinate Tyrant.  
It is the opinion of wise men, that the breach between the King and people, is like the divorce between man and wife, never to be made up again: and yet the difficulty lieth not in any determinate judgement, or rule upon the Case, as in that of Divorce( and therefore cometh not within the compass of impossibility) but in the distemper of the parties by ambition on the one side, and jealousy on the other; both hard to be cured: yet the first leading the way to the second, if that be first allayed the second may be cured: and this Christiern might have observed if he had looked upon the example of Carolus Canutus his corrival in the Suedish throne; who being crwoned King, and having fought against the Danes and Norwegians with great success, ruled somewhat too imperiously, and was ejected out of the Throne, yet afterward was re-admitted again, and ruled in that manner, that he died, as the Story saith, 
Soter●●.  satisfied with honor and love of the people. But Christiern's temper was not so, he would fain come again into the Government, yet not under correction nor with submission, nor by leave, nor with love of his Nation, but depending still upon a foreign interest and power of the Emperor, who then was a true soldier in the Roman cause, is looked upon as an enemy, and his return as that of the unclean spirit, that will render the later condition of the Nation seven-fold worse then the former. For he that is a King indeed, though wrongfully rejected, will still bear the mind of a King, to desire the peoples good, and endeavour to deserve their love: but he that dependeth upon the foreign interest of such as are enemies to the peoples liberty and religion professedly, disowneth interest in his people, and in that condition cannot rationally expect any re-acceptance( if that Nations religion be right) either by the leave of God or liking of the people.  
Now whether Christiern took conceit at this election as seeing all hope quiter gone of ever regaining any better condition then what he was in, Writers do not mention, but he died soon after the election, and within one month after the death of Christiern the third, and in the seventy eighth year of his age. And Gustavus King of Sueden outlives him, and all these changes two years well nigh, sees his people in a settled condition for justice, religion, and peace, amongst themselves and with all their neighbors: thriving in trade, industrious in agriculture, and skilful in improving the benefit of their Mines, potent both at sea and land: himself blessed with repute, and honor from his own people and strangers, success in all his affairs, and a numerous off-spring. And having lived seventy years, and thereof passed thirty and eight years in Government, gives in charge to his children to endeavour the peace and maintaining of the liberties of their country, but especially the purity of religion free from human traditions: and to live as brethren in unity each with other, all which also as a memorial he left sealed up in his last will.  
So lived Gustavus or Augustus, for the name is one, that possibly minding him of imitation, made him exceed his pattern. His aims outreached the Roman Emp●re, and were higher then the world; his difficulties and dangers greater; his enemies more desperate by conjuncture of Divels; his labour and industry not unsuitable; his success beyond all even to wonderment. If he came short of Augustus in time of Government, 
Dion lib. 56. ( the difference was not much) yet he exceeded him in the manner: It being with such an excellent temper of Monarchy and popularity( as is said of Augustus) that he preserved the peoples liberty consistent with the honour of a King, and common security without pride of tyranny. The people living as well under the King without servitude as in a popular estate without sedition, and yet attempted all unto just liberty of conscience and unto the true worship and service of God; which he owned as the chief flower of his crown, and conveyed all unto his Successors by a better and more enduring settlement then Augustus did, or could attain unto. Yet is Augustus Deified by Historians, 
Eutrop. l. 7.  some of whom conceal all faults, and make him Deo similis: Others note but one 'vice in him, that he was too familiar with his Senators wives, yet excuse him in that also, that it was not ex libidine from lust, but ex ratione from reason of State, 
Sueton. in vit. Aug.  to gain intelligence from the wives of their husbands designs. I dare not extol Gustavus to so high a pitch as the first, nor will I match him with the later. His worst enemies did never tax him in public with any crime but covetousness: and Thuanus a Writer of credit in those times( that noteth the same) gives no coun●tenance thereto; nor did the patrimony left by the King, to his children speak forth any such thing, and therefore if any such thing were, I may also upon better grounds say it was ex ratione for the service of the State of Sueden; wherein if he spared not others, it is confessed of all that he spared not his own estate: his infirmities are common to other men, and must be acknowledged vitia naturae, non animi; as infirmities of nature, 
Sueton. in vit. Tiberii.  not of purpose of mind. Now if his famed rather did mount upward then spread wide: Thank the wil●ss of those times who liked not that the splendour of his religion should dazzle their own, and pity the distempers of those dawnings, that knew not how to value that Morning●at till it was set. It was Augustus his lot, after a long ●●ign and honourable, to die, and yet Tum quidem pauci luxerunt, postea temporis omnes; 
Dion. lib. 5.6.  for Tiberius succeeded him who was as wicked, as Augustus was good: and what ever the people thought of Gustavus while he lived, they afterward when Ericus came to reign, soon knew what it was to want their Gustavus: of whom I must conclude notwithstanding all that hath been or can be said that he died a King, a Patriot, a Knight, a Christian, true and unconquered, and now lives a monument of the truth of that golden sentence determined by the God of truth, Him that honour, them, I will honour.  
FINIS.