A RELATION, Of the LIFE OF CHRISTINA Queen of Sweden: WITH Her 

Resignation of the Crown,  
Voyage to Brussels, and  
Journey to Rome.    
Whereunto is added, Her Genius.  
Translated out of French, by I. H.  
LONDON, Printed by J. C. for Henry Fletcher, at the three Gilt Cups; and Nath. Heathcoate, at the acorn, near the West-end of Paul's. 1656.   

To the Reader.  
STrange have been the Revolutions produced in our Age; and so frequent, as may beget admiration in the most Grave and Wise. But amongst others, this of Christina of Sweden is transcendent. That great Queen had worthily obtained the repute of being not so great and glorious, as wise and virtuous: the rays of her glory were so resplendent upon her People, at her first appearing, that the loss of her renowned father Gustavus, that bright Star, was little perceived, by reason of the sweet influences cast from the more refulgent brightness of this rising Sun. But a Sunshine-morning proves not always a fair day: nor did this Luminary long continue her lustre, but became obscured and darkened by certain foggy vapours exhaled by herself. To speak plainly, Pigmentelli and others frequenting that Court, insinuated themselves into the Queen's favour and familiarity, whereby they got opportunity to instil into her such counsels as were the natural products of their own base hearts; which she embracing became quite changed; and her Court, which was formerly a School of Virtue, was now a Nursery of Vice, which having once found an inlet, rushed in like an overflowing Inundation, drowning the plants, and even washing away the seeds of Virtue, that had been sowed and sprung therein. In a word, Vice, that had been rarely seen in that Court, became now a constant guest, and found entertainment both at bed and board.  
The ensuing Discourse gives you an ample account of this Princess, both while in her glory, and after her eclipse; being written by one of her Domestics, who was privy to her most secret practices, both in Sweden, and also thorough Germany to Hamburgh, where she gave him and the rest that accompanied her (except some few) the go-by, leaving them to shift for themselves in a strange Country, (for so it was to most of them) without any consideration or provision on her part.  
Never was the World so gulled in their opinions of any one person, as of this Princess, who whilst she was esteemed the Phoenix of the Age, became insensibly a prodigious monster; and from a Lady of great renown, she is become a Lady Errand, seeking Adventures in strange Lands.   

A brief RELATION of the Life of CHRISTINA Queen of Sweden.  
ALl Europe (not to speak of the other parts of the earth) has doubtless heard of the Resignation of CHRISTINA Queen of Sweden. The Ignorant, who are but little versed in Policy, have looked on it, as a Prodigy of Virtue, and an action full of Generosity: but the Learned and Politic have taken it, as the highest Folly, which could ere fall into a woman's head; and who is best informed of the affairs and state of the Kingdom of Swedland, doth publish it with a loud voice, for a famous Bankrupt, she would make to her Creditors. The less judicious have believed, that the Swedes being weary of her Government, for the most part disorderly, she hath been (as it were) secretly forced, to divest herself willingly of the Kingdom, to prevent with prudence what might befall some other way. But the wisest, who know the light and inconstant humour of that Princess, say boldly, that she hath done it through levity, and out of a whimsy; having always been carried thus, in whatsoever she hath done. I omit purposely many speeches, I have heard upon this subject, in Denmark, Germany, the Low-Countries, and even in Swedland; because I see no motives strong enough, to make me believe them.  
That Princess was cried up, the first years of her Reign, amongst all Nations in Europe; and truly with reason: for in those days she might justly be called, The most Religious, Just, and Virtuous Princess in the world. She was familiar and beneficial to all, very charitable to the needy, and most officious to any, to whom she might either do, or procure any good. But a monster, France had brought forth 'gainst her custom, being gone to lurk in the Caves, Forests and Rocks, which the Goths left of old, to breathe the air of France and Italy, did so skilfully win her heart, yea possessed it, that all the time he stayed there, he handled her at his pleasure, and for his own profit; but to the grief and discontent of all the world, yea of the chief of the Kingdom, who weary with the impertinencies of a man of nothing, did twice or thrice attempt upon his life. That man being without Religion and Piety, impressed all his false opinions on the mind of the Queen, whom thus in a short time he did make like himself; and she was in a moment so strangely changed, that she was no more like herself. She did indeed bear still the name of Great CHRISTINA, but she had no more her virtues. She did before, eat for the most part in public, where they used to discourse of some fine matters, wherein all her Court did with admiration partake of the knowledge and subtlety of that Princess' wit; who by those means was reverenced and cherished by all men. But this foolish Statesman, quite contrary to that commendable practice, stole her from her Courtiers, to possess her alone, and entertain her Royal mind, with Jests and ridiculous Sports; so that her Counsellors, and the great men of the Kingdom, could hardly see her, and seldom speak to her. By her privacy with that base fellow, she began to lose much of the good opinion, her Subjects had of her; and her assiduity with him did so eloign the most zealous of her Courtiers, that her Court did appear like a Desert or Solitude, to what it was before.  
The imprudence or impudence of that mercenary stranger, did not only affront the chief of the Kingdom, and even those who were most in the Queen's favour, but did also molest her domestics; injuring them one after another, rather by Fancy then Reason. And this he did, to make ostentation of the power, he had acquired upon the mind of CHRISTINA, which he caused to act according to the strange motion of his irregular passions; and into which he might easily inspire love or hatred, with their effects, in the behalf, or to the prejudice of whom he pleased.  
That Imprudence and Impudence grew at last to that height, that being judged intolerable, some did resolve and endeavour to murder him. This will appear somewhat violent and bloody, to calm or still humours: but it is fit, one man should die for all: and when all such wicked and abominable persons should be cut off, the rest would far better, and live with more content. This base and fearful heart, which hath never done any thing which either were generous, or appeared as such, seeing himself pursued in good earnest, was forced to think on his retreat, for which he made an advantageous provision; carrying out of the Kingdom, whether in Coin or Plate, to the value of an hundred thousand Crowns, and more. And it is a strange thing, that stout Nation had not a man, who would pursue this infamous Fugitive, to wash in his foul blood so many crimes, wherewith he had defiled that Court. Providence would not have it so. His absence did indeed give some respite to many men, and did sweeten their bitterness: but he had spread too violent a Poison in the Queen's mind, and had left there too strong impressions of evil, to permit that the Court should recover its former state; it being the nature of that Princess, never to be constant, but in those things, which have blasted her fame. Doubtless many of those, who saw those disorders, will easily imagine, of whom I speak: But to satisfy all the world, and that no man persuade himself, I have invented this, I do ingenuously confess, that the Picture I have now drawn of a Monster, of a mercenary and impudent fellow, of a man of nothing, of a base heart, and, in a word, of an Atheist, is that of Bourdelot, who, like a great Mastiff, eats this day the bread of the poor, and sucks the blood of the Crucifix; having obtained an Abbey of the King of France, by the urgent intercession of CHRISTINA, who took so much to heart the getting of that Benefice, (which Rome, informed of Bourdelot's ill qualities, had refused him) that she ceased not her importunities to the Court of France, till she saw her Dagon sit in the Temple of God. This Monster then being shamefully expelled out of Swedland, the Queen hath since constantly showed herself such, as he did leave her, that is, a Lady without Religion, Piety, Virtue, and Fidelity; dissolute in her life, and libertine in her speeches; a cheat, slanderer, and jeerer; and of whom one might truly say, She had nothing Royal, but the Kingdom. Who will not wonder at so strange and prodigious a change? Who will not say, That Queen is fallen from an eminent state to a low condition? But you, brave Swedes, will you not weep, to see the flower of your Kingdom so much withered, your Amarantha so much changed; and your Princess, who has been long the wonder of this Age, the glory of her Sex, and the subject of the whole world's admiration, be now the May-game of all Nations? To see your Queen, who heretofore was cherished and esteemed by all in general, now become their byword and laughingstock? Yes, all your eyes should now be turned into as many springs of tears, to weep perpetually such a fatal downfall, if divine providence, which would not forsake your Kingdom, had not raised you a religious, wise, virtuous, valiant, and all-generous King, who may worthily govern you all his life, as you may in reason expect from his fair beginnings. And you, ingenious French, will you not sigh and groan, that your Benefactrix has her hands shut to do you good, and can no more bestow her Bounties upon you: that she who has so dearly cherished your Nation, for your Poets, Musicians and Dancers, and chief for your Gallantry, is now seeking her best delights amongst your most cruel enemies: and finally, that she, who did formerly protect you, hath now forsaken you? Yet I persuade myself, that being of late accustomed to be ill used by that Princess, you will soon dry your tears, and it will better become you to leave the Gothish Land for yours: you are not welcome there, but much envied; quit it then with, or after me: I left there many of my friends and acquaintance in that resolution.  
But let's return to our Princess, who in truth was for a long time, as I have said, very pious and religious: but since, she hath been seen doubting, whether there be a God and a Providence, and denying Heaven and Hell, Saints and Devils, Judgement and Resurrection, and so consequently the Souls Immortality. Concerning Christ's Incarnation, 'tis but a Fiction in her opinion. Who has not frequented her Court, will hardly believe this: but who has been there during her Reign, will not give me the lie. She hath often made Speeches in full Assemblies, which sufficiently showed her sense. I am witness of it, and can pass for an irrefragable one before those who know me. A man of probity, and whose profession permits him not to lie, chief in such an occasion, hath told me in private, that he had divers times entertained the Queen three or four hours, about the existence of a Deity, and concerning a Providence, which governs all things in the world; wherein he had found her very wavering, and making use of all the strongest Arguments which Libertines have forged, to oppose those Truths. Yet there is some probability, that what that Princess did in those strange Disputes, was rather to show her fine wit, than out of a design to overthrow those Truths so well established in the world, that none but Fools will oppose them; since natural lights are sufficient in those, who have the right use of Reason, to give them the knowledge thereof. Hers are too bright and great, to permit her to doubt of those high Mysteries: and I am charitably persuaded, that 'twas rather to exercise her wit and rare knowledge, as Schoolmen put theirs forth, in the very beginning of their Theology, disputing whether there be a God, who is the object of that noble Science; then by any belief or opinion, which be criminal before God, or injurious unto his existence. Yet it must be confessed, that our Princess hath been obsetved, to call so often those high things in question, so ready to speak against them, and so lose in all such discourses, that thence many did suspect her to be ill grounded in her Religion: and she was often heard say after a Sermon, that she did know less than before: and where her Priests or Ministers took exception at her, yea preached against her, chief because there was a room full of naked Pictures appointed to pray, praise, read, preach, (they were Pictures representing the Creation of our first parents, a little too much to the life) she did reply, that they showed well their ignorance thereby, not to know that Adam and Eve were both created stark naked; and that it was lawful, to make their pictures in the same fashion, as they came out of the hands of God; and that the Ideas of a Painter were not more criminal than his. 'Tis very true, she hath lost much of her good name, in th' opinion of all pious and modest souls, since Bourdelot's infernal acquaintance with her, by her licentious liberty, in making her most delightful and familiar conferences of lascivious speeches, tales or stories full of obscenity, in whose relation she takes most pleasure, and will absolutely that every thing be called by its own name, without any disguise, or that seasoning and grain of salt, which modesty inspires to all its professors, and persons well educated.  
One of my friends, who upon his admission into her Service, was used to entertain her both often and long, observing that her mind was delighted with such kind of tales, did abundantly furnish her with them: yet because there were some of his narrations, which did sometimes require more modest expressions, than the genuine or natural, chief before a Royal Majesty, and in a maid's presence; as she saw him going about his circumlocutions, and seeking civil terms, she would boldly speak out the words, though they were never so filthy; many of which he hath specified to me, which modesty forbids me to write here. Judge of her Religion, by her ranging up and down the world without a Minister; preferring her health, (for whose preservation she hath a Physician) to her souls salvation, for which those Ministers are instruments, appointed by God. She made a show to retain one, who did wait on her as far as Halmstat, upon the frontiers of Denmark, where she did dismiss him. Another was offered her at Hamburgh, whom she made a show to accept, though the event declared, she had no mind to him. And indeed, such persons had been but as thorns in her feet: for, having a design to profess Popery, the Ministers of the Gospel were no fit attendants on her. 'Tis evident, that long before, she took no delight in all their Functions: for, as many persons can testify, as well as I, she had at Church so little Religion and Zeal, that her countenance showed enough, what spirit possessed her. She used to sit in a Chair of Purple Velvet, and lean her head and arms on another; questionless building (after the Proverb) fine Castles in the air: and if the Minister, through his zeal to his Charge, or for the merit of his Theme or Subject, did preach and pray a little too long, for the devotion of the Queen and all such lukewarm souls, her custom was, to recreate her weary attention, (if yet she had any at all) in playing with two little Spaniels, which are always with her; or prattling with some of her creatures, if any was then near. I have sometimes seen her make such a noise with her Fan on her Chair, that if the Priest had had respect and complaisance enough, to give something to her humour, he had taken those signs of impatience, as silent commands to make a quick end: but he was no whit the shorter; either because he kept his old custom, or that he would break or bend her impatient disposition, and use her to more piety, attention, modesty, in the celebration of Divine Mysteries, and so in the sweet exercise of Christian Religion: which yet could take no effect on her Mind, so strong and lasting are Bourdelot's impressions on her, and so deep all the roots, which the seed of Impiety and Dissolution, he sowed in her heart, hath taken there, that no amendment can be expected from her.  
That inconstant Humour has continued with her, even in strange Countries, & namely at Hamburgh, where we saw her at Church, hearing the Word of God, with so little reverence & attention, & so much impatience, that thereby many men, who went to see her through curiosity, were confirmed in the ill Opinion, they had before conceived of her, by divers Reports made of her, before her Arrival. Even some of her Swedish Priests, having Observed so little Zeal in their Princess, told me before my departure, out of that cold Country, That they feared very much, she would fond embrace the Superstitions of Papists, since she slighted so visibly the Religion she was bred in, and loved not the other, which is known by the name of the Reformed Churches, having frequently said, She had rather become a Papist, than of the Reformed Religion; meaning by this, those of Geneva's Confession, from whom she had a mighty Aversion; either because she was not well informed of her Doctrine and Purity, or that the Lutheran, in which she has been bred, comes somewhat nearer the Roman, chief in Ceremonies.  
But it is enough of her Religion, (which is now lost, if ever she had sincerely any) let's a little Examine her Carriage, in her Wander, or Voyages. It was thought convenient, That after she had waited on the Queen her Mother, whose ordinary abode is at Niukupin, she should go to Oeland, which is a very pleasant Isle, that she had reserved for herself, and did before belong to his Royal Highness, who doth now Reign over the Swedes, a Nation (though glorious) yet too little for his Merits and aspiring Valour. Thence she was to pass by Sea into Pomerania, to see the Lands and Goods, which were Assigned for her Appannage or Provision, by her own Agreement: The King gave Order that Seven Great Ships should be prepared for her Transportation, under the Command of Marshal Wrangle; and that the Governor of Oeland should have in readiness whatsoever was fit to entertain her Royally, as it became his and her Majesty: But having made a show to go thither, yea, being gone that way a whole day, she did resolve to go by Land, and to cross all Denmark, which she did, habited like a Cavalier, with a red Scarf after the Spanish mode, and thus entered Hamburgh incognito, and went to Lodge in the House of a Jew, a Physician by Profession, slighting that which the Magistrates had designed for her. That Action much amazed both the Senate, whose Honourable Reception and Entertainment she refused; and the Priests of the Town, who inflamed with the Zeal of God's House, could not forbear to speak in Public against her, for her Ridiculous and Scandalous Choice of the House of a man, who is by Profession, a sworn Enemy of jesus Christ. Yet this Meeting, for all that, appeared to be somewhat too hard; and the wiser sort thought, That something should have been allowed to the condition of a Queen, and that Excuses should be made for her. But she replied for herself, That Jesus Christ had all his life-time conversed with the Jews; That himself was come of their Seed; and that he had preferred their Company to the Company of all other Nations. Now judge ye yourselves of this Answer. When she went out of Hamburgh, it was at an unseasonable hour, to wit, at 4 or 5 a Clock in the Morning, at the out-going of a Feast, whereat the Land-grave of Hesse had Royally entertained her, without taking her leave either of the Senate, or of the Magistrates: whereat every one was extremely surprised. In her Train she being Fifth, or Sixth herself, followed on her Voyage towards the United Provinces, without being accompanied with any Woman, or Maidservant: having left her two Hollands-Women (that had served her a long enough time, and which she had brought from Sweden with her) at Hamburgh, without giving them any Recompense, as she had likewise done to her Footmen and Coachmen: committing herself wholly to the guidance of Seigneur Esteenberg, of whom she made choice above all in her Court, as of the most brutish and irrational man; and having given the Charge of the Master of her Household, or Steward, to Silver-Crona, whose name full of Silver, smells rankly of her Goldsmith.  
She continued her manner of acting in the United Provinces, as she had begun it in Denmark, and Hamburgh. She entered these Countries also, without making herself known, slighting the Preparations that the Lords the States-General of the United Provinces, had made for an Honourable Reception of her: and in such manner passed through their Towns, until she came to give herself up into the hands of the Spaniards.  
But her contentment here could not be full, since her good friend Pigmentelli is not here, who is the man, that hath taken the place of Bourdelot, and who did entirely possess her, all the time of his Negotiation in Sweden: for whom she made Feasts, Balls, Walks, and public rejoicings. And it is not without Reason, that many persons suspected, That it was this man, that made her aborse that monstrous Design, to quit the Crown; which she says she had conceived a long enough time before, in her Letter that she wrote to Monsieur Chanut, Ambassador for the King of France, towards the States-General of the Low-Countries. It was he only, that did eat oft'nest with her, that accompanied her in all her Walks, that entertained her at night until 3 or 4 a Clock after midnight; and lastly, who was her Achates, or inseparable Companion, and who did no less all her business, than his Predecessor Bourdelot. It is a great change, To come out of the hands of a Frenchman, to fall into the arms of a Spaniard, that hath had so great a power over her mind, as to oblige her, and make her say to the Ambassador of Portugal, That she acknowledged not his Master, as King of that Country, but only as Duke of Bregance. Other Ministers of State have been little better used of her. For there is none of them all, from one end to the other, that hath not been neglected: which also made them take that resolution, to banish themselves from the Court, whither they went no more, than their Master's Affairs called them to it. I must not forget that famous Ball, which the Queen made Dance for the farewell to her dearest Confident; whereof she would bear a part, and represent therein the person of the Woman-Fool, or Pratling-Houswise. Whilst she was Apparelling herself, she took a fair Diamond from off her finger, and gave it to Pigmentelli to keep it for her: which, so soon as she had on her Apparel, he offered to render her again. But she replied, That she had never used to take that again, which she had once given. The Stone was esteemed at 30 or 40 thousand Livers. But what shall we say of that Embassage Extraordinary, which she sent to his Catholic Majesty, only to thank him, that he had sent her so gallant a man, as Pigmentelli?  
If these great Persons, which she hath called to her at divers times, had been somewhat others than they were, without doubt they had been both better received, and more honourably used. Monsieur Naudeus, not being able longer to suffer the Disorders and Looseness of that Court, wherein the Muses were no more honoured, saw himself constrained to banish himself from it, of his own accord; and did prefer a voluntary Exile, to an abode so little favourable to men of Learning, whom that Princess had loved for some time; but after that Bourdelot had put that high gallantry into her head, there was no more to do for them: And all the fair appearances, that she had shown them, were nothing but made countenances, or rather a remainder as it were of her first Opinions. I call them all to witness, if there be found any one of them, that hath been either fully, or reasonably satisfied, except one, or two, who knew well how to take their time.  
Monsieur Bouchard, whose Virtue and Knowledge render him worthy of eternal Memory, was used like a Pedant in that Court. The Queen often complained, That he had but very little gallantry in him: and when some represented to her, That gallantry agreed not well with the Profession he made; she answered, that she made but very little esteem of a man, that knew nothing but how to read on a Book; and that for being informed in some words of Arabic, her approbation was not thereby to be gained: As if Monsieur Bouchard had ever cared much for it. This he well witnessed, When the Queen advertising him of the Design she had to quit the Crown, and demise the Administration of the Kingdom, to retire herself into a Solitude, in the company of some knowing men, of the Number of whom she wished, That he would be one: He did not so much as once to Answer her Letter. And his silence ought not to be reputed other than very reasonable; since he did well in it; and the issue hath made it be seen, that she was full of Hypocrisy, and that what the Queen was doing in the Business, was nothing but Deceit, for disguising the Design she had, of running a course of Light-houswifery. But let us suppose that the thing was, as she described it; yet Monsieur Bouchard had Reason to be silent, having been worse used, than can be well imagined; in that they left him to a lodging for the space of six weeks, before they made so much as a show to visit him: And that he was very ill rewarded, after the pains he had taken to come to Sweden, only to satisfy the Queen's desire.  
The good Counsels that this Princess gave, and the lesson that she taught to the deceased Monsieur de Saumaise his little Son, is a thing very pleasant to hear. Most people know, That after the death of this great man, whose Memory the Queen honoured with a Funeral-Oration, which she made a Professor of the University of Vpsal make; she wrote a fine Letter to the Lady, his Widow, wherein she set forth her purpose of Educating her Son, that was the only Child, of all that Monsieur de Saumaise had, appointed to Studies. The Mother, to discharge herself of this, as well as of her elder Sons, sent him into Sweden: to whom this Princess, when he came to do his Reverence unto her, and to Kiss her Hand, represented, that she would not that he were only knowing, as was his Father; but that she moreover desired, that he were a very gallant spirit, and learned with much care the Fashion, wherewith to govern himself at Court: that a Gentleman ought to make as much Profession of Gallantry at the least, as of Letters. This fine Lesson read unto a young Boy, subject as yet unto the Rod, and to Correction, made so great an impression in his mind, that after that, he was heard to speak of little else, but of going to visit the Ladies of the Court, and of Vaulting and Dancing. This good Princess did take so great a care of him, that she suffered him to stay all the time he was in Sweden, in a Victualling-house, so ill appointed, that he looked rather like a Beggar, than a Gentleman's Son of good Birth. And to ascend back again from the Son to the Father, it is true, that this Personage seems to have been better used, than any other man of Letters: and yet for all that, he departed out of Sweden discontented enough; whereof I profess that I knew not the Reasons. Yet I have seen of his Letters in Sweden, written to some of his Friends, which said, That he repent him in some sort, that he had deserved the approbation of the Queen, seeing she was so easy to give it to Persons, that were altogether unworthy. But I know well, that so he hath been spoken of in that Court, for a Sir john, whose Wife wore the Breeches.  
Vossius and Heinsius, if they will tell the truth, have no great cause, to be the best contented with her, of the world. Vossius hath had all the pains, that can be imagined, to make himself to be paid off that which he had laid out for the Queen, in buying of divers Books, which he had done for her. And Heinsius is yet to sue for what is due to him, for the like cause, and moreover for the Services that he did her Majesty. Judge by this, if men of Learning be in any great real esteem with her. Without doubt, had they been less knowing, and more gallant, that their business had been better carried through, according to the Example of Bourdelot, whom the Queen hath given her Pass to, as the excellentest and first amongst men in the world. And I can assure you thus much, that he could not speak congruous Latin. I have seen a Note written with his own hand, to a Bishop that had been chased out of his Country for Religion, and that did implore her Majesty's assistance by his intercession: In which Note, within the compass of 4 or 5 lines, which it did contain, I found Three or Four Soloecisms and Barbarisms: And the sense of the whole so confused, that there was need to go to a Wizard, for to have it made plain. This Note is yet in the hands of a man unblamable, that is in Sweden; at least, if he be not come out of it since myself: the which without doubt he keeps, to put it in the Vatican, or in the King's Library at Paris, for an Authentic Witness of the profound knowledge of Bourdelot, who to the Queen of Sweden vaunted, and chanted so much, because he could make some sorry rhyming French verses, though neither that, but imperfectly enough. If it be possible for me to get a Copy of this Note, I shall impart it to the Public, with some other Memorials, that I expect from Sweden; whereby you shall know, whether Bourdelot be so great a man, as the Queen hath made him pass for; and whether he had reason to censure all the great men that went to Sweden, and the Latin Poesies of Monsieur Maurus (whose knowledge is known, chief in all the Countries of the Lords the Estates General of the United Provinces) wherein he found, that the word Posteri, was not good Latin, but that he should have said, Posteritas; whereunto the Queen applauded, because Bourdelot had said it. It is surely a matter of Astonishment, why a Princess so well furnished with Light of Knowledge, suffered herself so strongly to be blinded by this infamous fellow: which even the meanest of the Commons in Sweden having observed, they persuaded themselves that he had a familiar Spirit; and that he used Charms to bewitch her Mind: I have heard it said by many, whilst I was in Sweden. And when I attempted to put this conceit out of their heads, as being a Flout, or as a Dull conceit; I found them so deeply persuaded of it, that my attempt was without effect.  
But what shall we say of the horrible injustice that this Princess hath done to her Creditors? When I look upon it, I tremble; and think that those, who have taken her demising the Crown as a famous playing the Bankrupt, had some reason for it. It is seen, (I am a witness of it) that there be some Merchants of Jewels, from whom she had taken up Goods, from some for Ten, from others for Twenty, and from some for Thirty thousand Livres, to whom she hath delayed payment to be made, for Six, for Ten, and for Fifteen months beyond the time, yea, two years, and in the end went her way, leaving Tickets, that will be paid ad Calendas Graecas, that is, never. Is it not a matter of astonishment, and which cryeth for vengeance to God, that these poor people have been forced to leave off their lawful occasions and business, and to consume their Livelihood, in attendance for their own in a strange Country, where the expenses are great; and, at last, to see themselves left empty handed? But be not at all astonished at this: Bourdelot's Maxim, which the Queen hath exactly followed, was this: That Kings might dispose of the goods of private men, as they pleased. But whence hath he drawn this false doctrine? Without doubt, from the bottom of his black and base soul. I have seen some of these Merchants with all possible earnestness desire their Jewels back again, since they saw themselves out of hope to be paid: but they were in the hands of a Princess, that had a heart rather to give them away to others, than ever to render them to their right owners. This was not for want of information of the wrong was done these men: for she was sufficiently advertised thereof, by Petitions and Requests which they presented to her; all which she received from them, and read them upon her pierced Chair, and then wiped her hinder parts with them.  
But what Justice can be expected from that person, that doth not right to herself? Look a little on her carriage in the Oeconomy of her house. Her Intendant, to whom she sent all her Creditors, was a man that could neither read, nor write, except only his name, which he learned to scribble a little time since. He was a Tailor by trade, and was called Master john; whose Needle & Shears this Princess hath changed to a Sword, he being made a Nobleman; and hath given him the name of Lion Crona: but truly he carries the likeness of a Monkey, rather than of a Lion. This illustrious Blade knew so well how to govern the Queen's mind, that she committed to him the Intendancie and Oeconomy of her whole house: who following his Mistress' Genius, he studied, in the midst of his Ignorance, to deceive the world; and made himself so knowing in that Art, that there was none, but such as had no business with him, that have escaped his Knaveries. He began to enrich himself, by the Voyage he made into France, for the provisions of the Queen's Coronation; from whence having brought an heap of the worst Stuffs, he made Merchandise of them in Sweden after this manner: When the Queen gave commission to her domestics, or others, to make them , Mr. john directed them to the Merchant with whom he had entrusted his Magazine; so a● by this means they were constrained at last to go to him, who gave them wares of the value of 50 Crowns, for 100; which they entered into Recognizance to pay him for: which change was not over disadvantageous to him.  
To pass from the Intendant, to the Valets of; her Chamber, who in in their own kind governed also the Queen: they were personages worthy to be known. One of them was called du Piquet, a Frenchman by Nation, who was the most infamous Pimp in the world; and his wife had been kept in prison at Brussels or Antwerp, for her infamous tricks. The other of them was called Alexander, an Italian born, who they say drew his illustrious extraction from a very renowned Cobbler. And both these were called, The Queen's Pigs; whom she made Noblemen, though they had never been remarkable for any thing, but Infamy and Baseness. If it was, because they had served her, there were an hundred others, who have had that honour, and who did it more honourably, and with more faithfulness, and more glory. See here how this Princess kept the laws of Justice in all her carriage.  
Ask, if you please, the Gentlemen of her Chamber, and her Maids of Honour; you shall find, that in a moment she quitted herself of them all, and of her Pages also, without so much as paying them their allowances; to say nothing of Recompense, which is no more to be found near her.  
Speak but a little to the Secretary of her Commands, who served her eighteen months with an incredible diligence and fidelity, and who caused more to be writ in his time to the Queen, and to Kings, and to all the Princes of Europe, than all his predecessors had done: He will tell you, that she was ingrate to him, in this, that she left him not a sous, although he made all the petty expenses of the Cabinet, himself.  
It is not long time since she had made a Neapolitan Gentleman come from Rome, and had written to Madam the Duchess of Aiguillon, that he should not repent for having come to her service; because she knew not only how to acknowledge the services that any did her, but also to recompense them, even to their good wills that they should testify to have for her. But all these fair words were without any real effect, and were but wind, that is dissipated; or as smoke, that vanisheth: and they left this poor Gentleman (though he was of very good birth) amongst the troop of those that were miserable.  
But what ridiculous entertainment did she give that French Gentleman, that brought to her the little young Monsieur de Saumaize, who for some reason, that I will not here mention, voluntarily banished himself out of France, and from his own house; and who had undertaken that sorry condition, either to acknowledge the obligations that he had to the deceased Monsieur de Saumaize, or that he was persuaded, that this Princess, being a great Queen, he might hope to receive from her all manner of satisfaction, when she should be informed of his worth and valour? we saw him neglected in Sweden, as much, or more than any other; and she suffered him to go his way, without giving him any thing at all, as an acknowledgement of the pains he had taken for her, and the care he had taken of that little child. Is not here a brave way of knowing how to recompense so far, as to reach even the good will that any had towards her?  
I cannot omit the mentioning of the injustice that was done to a Valet of the Barderob, called by the name of du Plessis, a Frenchman by Nation; who for having made himself too watchful towards his Mistress' service (who thereby perhaps was hindered of her night-practices with Pigmentelli) caused him one evening to be beaten by her Footmen, disguised in grey : which he got of her, in recompense of all his services done her, and his great diligence. A brave fashion, surely, of acknowledging her servants!  
I omit many others; as, the Governor of her Pages, called Lafoy Selle, who having a twofold charge in the Queen's house, carried himself therein with a behaviour so wise, and so discreet, that herself confessed, that she had nothing to say against him; whose merit therefore made him be chosen for his Highness the Prince Atolf, to accompany him in his travels: who yet was no better used by her, than others. He is come out of Sweden, full of Honours indeed, but very empty of money, at least, for any that he had from the Queen. A great Princess indeed, and worthy that persons of honour and quality should serve her!  
But before we lay aside the Pen, for a farewell, let us speak a little to our French Musicians. When the Count Magnus de la Garde was sent Ambassador to the most Christian King of France, by her Majesty of Sweden; he gave commandment for the choice of a Company or Set of Violins or Musicians; to whom, by contract signed with his hand, he promised conditions very reasonable. These poor people engaged themselves for their voyage into Sweden, where at the beginning they were used favourably enough; whether it was, that the Queen is much pleased with new things; or, that she found the harmony of the French Violins was better and more charming than that of Viels, or Swedish Timbrels: But that lasted no long time; and at this day they are in such misery, that there be some of them, who are indebted for all their expenses since their wages dried up, so that it was not possible for them, by any solicitations or pursuits they made, to get any part of that which was so authentically promised them. The Queen danced in the Balls and Ballets, to the cadence of their Violins, until she withdrew behind the Theatre; from whence none of them could see her return, to furnish them with Strings; so that I think they may now hang up their Instruments on a hook. But why did not you, as those gelded Italians did, who desired leave to be gone, as soon as they wanted money; and were stuffed up with Rheums and Flegms, when their purses were empty? Your gentleness hath marred you; and you have seen, that for having too much slackened of that which was your due, your Instruments are unset.  
Doubtless, those that read what I writ, will hardly believe it. But let him believe it that will, I am fully assured, that such as have seen the estate of the Court of Sweden, or have been truly informed thereof, will know I speak less thereof than what may be said: and I would bring nothing hither, I have not seen myself. When I shall have received the Memorials that I am promised out of Sweden, I shall impart them to the Public, to undeceive it in many things. I hope to receive them by some Frenchman, of whom that Country now disburdens herself by little and little, and who were well shaken when I came away. You may have patience, if you please, till that time; when you may know something more private and particular of Queen Christina: or if not, take this further account at present. She going towards Brussels, was met on her way four miles from that City, by the Archduke Leopoldus, and many Gallants of his Court; by whom she was conducted to the said Duke's Palace, where she was entertained with Plays, Balls, Feasts, and all Gallantry imaginable. She was Royally feasted by the Earl of Fuensaldagne, who (for that end) sent Letters to several Cities and Towns in the Low-Countries, for Rarity and Variety: to the City of Gant, for Veal; to Bruges, for Capons; to Antwerp, for Fish; to Mons, for Mutton; to Ardine, for Venison; to Lille and Torney, for Poultry of all sorts. These presented themselves by troops, to welcome her to Brussels. But nothing could be more pleasing to her, than the sweet company of Pigmentelli; who was complacent not only in respect of his person, but also in regard of the stately presents sent from his Master the King of Spain, who conceived no small joy at the reception of that Royal Convert into his Dominions. Thus she deluded Time with variety of Delights, until the Duke's departure to the Army; whom she presented with a Gallant Horse, sumptuously accoutred with Gold and Diamonds to a very great value. In September she departed thence, bending her course for Italy, with a very numerous Train; posting it thorough the Country after her wont manner; having also a long Tail of Jesuits and Friars, which she trailed after her to Inspruck in Tirol, the residence of the Grand Duke of that Country; where her entertainment was extraordinary, and where all the Nobility and Gentry in the Country were by the Duke summoned to appear, in all their Pomp, to attend the solemn and actual Apostatization of this wretched Queen; which was performed thus: She was led by the Archduke to the Franciscan Church, (attended by a numerous company) where she was seated under a Canopy on the left hand, before the high Altar: below her, toward the right hand, were the Archduke and his Lady: over against them, Pigmentelli the Spanish Ambassador, in a Chair by himself. The Choir was hung with Crimson-Velvet, and the ground covered with Red Serge. Holsteinus the Pope's Nuntio stood on the right side of the Altar, and spoke thus: That Pope Alexander the Seventh having understood that Christina Queen of Sweden had an intent to put herself into the bosom of the Church, had sent his Letters to testify his approbation of her desires, and his readiness to receive her with his Apostolical benediction: therefore he was there to know whether it was true or no. To which she answered in the Affirmative, Then Holsteinus desired, That in testimony of the truth thereof, she would make profession of the Roman Faith, and swear to keep it, on the holy Evangelists: which she did, and kissed the Book. Immediately on this, a Chair was set for Holsteinus to sit in, and a Cushion laid at his feet, on which the Queen kneeled: and then he making the sign of the Cross over her head, and embracing her shoulders, gave her Absolution from all the sins she had committed. Then were certain short Prayers said (or rather sung) in Latin, for her: after which, high Mass was sung; and then a Priest made a Sermon in Dutch, wherein he exhorted her to forget her People, Country, and Father's house, and to stick close to that profession she had taken up. Afterwards, Te Deum was sung with excellent Voices, and Instruments of all sorts, and Drums, (which I never saw before in a Church.) All was concluded with the discharge of Ordnance, and other demonstrations of great joy. At night, the Archduke entertained her with a Mask, and Dancing. Here she tarried not long, but departed towards Italy. In her way she took Bologne, where she was met by the Pope's Legate, who was sent to congratulate her arrival. From thence she went to Lauretto, where she offered up a Crown and Sceptre to the Idol of the place. Here she shown great external devotion, which she performed with many Ceremonies. Nothing remained now, but that she cast herself into the Arms of the Pope; to which purpose, she addressed herself towards Rome, where great preparation was made for her reception: but she, to show her great humility, sent a Letter beforehand to that holy Father, praying that all such Preparations might be moderated. At her arrival, she was admitted on her knees to kiss the hands and feet of the Pope. Having now lodged her at Rome, I leave her there; wishing she would seriously ruminate on those words of our Saviour, He (or she) that denies me before men, him (or her) will I deny before my Father which is in heaven; whereby she might become sensible of her follies, and find favour at last with that God, whom she hath greatly offended by this her abominable Apostasy and Backsliding.   

The GENIUS of CHRISTINA Queen of Sweden.  
MARS, whom the common opinion makes the Craftsmaster of Gallant Spirits, and whom Astrologians openly proclaim to preside at the births of great men, having adopted for his son the Illustrious Gustavus of Sweden; in consideration of his extraordinary generosity of mind, Resolved that the adoption he had made of this great King, should be ratified in the Common-Councel of the gods, that it might be the more authentic: and at the same time obtained of that Supreme Senate, that deliberation might be had about a Successor to him, that might not degenerate from him in any of his high qualities. The terms made use of by Mars, to oblige the first of all the gods to convocate this Assembly of deities, were uttered thus:  
Greatest of the gods, you that are the dispenser of happiness and of misfortune in humane affairs; you, that establish Thrones, and overturn them when you please; Vouchsafe to cast your eyes upon the happiness of Sweden, unto which I have given one of the greatest Monarches that this day reigns over men, and whose Generosity constrains me to avouch him for my Son: Do me the favour, that the choice I have made of so great a King, may be accepted of by the whole Court of heaven. The gods are too just, not to second so equitable a purpose. It will be enough, that you, from your Sovereign Authority, call together the Assembly; in which I would wish, that moreover deliberation be had for a Successor to Grand Gustavus, that may be a perfect imitator of his rare Virtues.  
jupiter having approved of the two Heads of Mars his request, dispatched Mercury presently, to call together the Assembly of all the principal gods; to every one of whom he went, in their several quarters, and intimated to them the Orders of jupiter; which imported, That every one of them should be present in the place of their extraordinary Assemblies, within eight days; there to deliberate of a business of great importance, that concerned the happiness of one of the greatest Kingdoms in Europe. The time that jupiter gave for the assembling of the gods, served Mars to assure himself of some of the most powerful of them, whom he solicited with so much favour, that, in the end, he brought to his devotion all whom he believed could be most useful to him in this business. The time being expired, such gods as had no lawful impediment, obeyed the Orders without failing, that Mercury had imparted unto them from jupiter: and the Assembly was found to consist of Saturn, Minerva, Venus, Mercury, and jupiter himself, who was the precedent thereof. He having declared the reasons of this their extraordinary convocating, ordered Mars to utter what he had to say: who spoke after this manner:  
Ye just gods, that watch incessantly over the government of mortal men; you, who are always equally ready to recompense virtue, and to punish vice: Give, of your good favour, attention to one of the justest requests that can ever be presented to you. Sweden (which at this day contains three of the most ancient Kingdoms of Europe) is in possession of one of the greatest Princes of the world: His high virtues, without contradiction, cast more lustre abroad, than the flowers of his Crown: His courage equals that of Caesar, and of Alexander: His designs are full of Generosity, that make him to be admired of all Europe, and render him formidable to all the Nations that it contains; and are irreproveable witnesses, that he is the bravest Spirit that can be found. Since therefore, by the irrevocable disposal of the Destinies, I exercise the dominion over all great Courages; and that never any hath been seen, that surpassed this of Gustavus the Great; I make authentic declaration, in presence of all your Deities, that I have adopted him for my son; desiring further from your justice, that ye will be pleased to confirm the election that I have made. And because the condition of mortal men permits them not always to live upon earth, I supplicate this august Assembly, that here it may be deliberated, how to give him such a Successor, as may make him live again amongst men, (when himself shall be placed amongst the gods) by an express imitation of all his rare perfections, which render him the object of admiration to all the world. All heads fit to bear Crowns, are in truth productions that come immediately from heaven: they bear on their brow the character of Divinity; they are our Images upon earth, and our Lieutenants, by whom we reign visibly over men. But great Kings, such as Gustavus, are Demigods amongst men, who want nothing but Immortality, to be perfect Deities. And our glory is interested to perpetuate the seed of these great Heroes on the earth, that men may adore our power in him, that we give to them; that they may be constrained to confess, that the gods are just and bountiful, to set over them such powers, as are so accomplished; and that they may be in a continual posture of sending up the veneration that they have to their Masters, so as it redound to the adoration they own unto the gods.  
The whole Assembly touched with the discourse that Mars made thereto, and chief with the favourable Memorials that he gave them of the illustrious qualities of the Great Gustavus; all the gods interessed themselves with some heat, in a business that they judged very important, and whereof everyone by himself alone desired to carry away the honour. There was not one, that approved not of the election which he had made, and did not subscribe it with joy: which having taken back again from the hands of the gods, he put it in his pocket. jupiter thanked him for the care he had taken to cultivate great personages; and exhorted him to continue the same, that so the authority of the gods might always flourish upon earth: and lastly, he prayed the Assembly, that they would deliberate upon the second point declared in the request of Mars. Here Saturn, with his wrinkled brow, and gravity that looked towards the grave, in quality of the ancientest of the company, took upon him to speak, and represented to the Assembly, That it was he that had the dominion over all cold Climates; and that Reason required, that he alone, with Mars, should take the care to give Sweden a Successor after Gustavus, which was one of the principal Countries upon which he had influence. But this Proposal was found so ridiculous, that all the Assembly opposed it openly: and Minerva not being able longer to keep silence, spoke after this manner:  
It is not possible that the heaven should form a production resembling the Great Gustavus, if but only one deity should be employed in the bringing forth thereof. Saturn, that would have the glory of it to himself alone, hath not activity enough to do it. And no one of us, that have our different and distinct perfections, can collect all those excellent qualities that are requisite to one that should succeed Gustavus. Therefore I think it very equitable, that some number of this Assembly, and no one alone, be deputed to take pains in this business. And to prevent all contestations that may ensue upon this Deputation, it were necessary that the Lot should decide it; or else, that each of us submit himself to the determination of jupiter herein. But jupiter excused himself very discreetly, fearing that he might procure the indignation of some of the gods against himself, should he prefer either of them before others: so that the Assembly resolved with one accord to use the first Expedient. So the Lot being cast, it fell upon Minerva, Venus, Mars, and Mercury: of whom jupiter and Saturn having taken their leave, they withdrew themselves to their own places, to give way to the other to use their endeavours peaceably in an affair of so great importance.  
The first point that was agitated amongst them, was, to determine of what sex the Successor of Gustavus should be, seeing the number of gods and goddesses deputed to the work, was equal. After some dispute on both sides, Minerva and Venus carried it, rather by a benevolent concession of the two gods, than by strength of reason; because Minerva had done Mercury some pleasure but few days before; and Venus also had done Mars a secret favour, during the eight days of respite before the coming together of the Assembly. This being concluded, it was readily agreed further, That Venus should fashion her body at her discretion; Minerva should give her an inclination to the Sciences; Mars, an humour Generous and Martial; and Mercury should endue her with his lightness and inconstancy of nature. And of the mixture of the influences of these four deities, as of the concourse of the four Elements, it was, that Christina the Great, the daughter of Gustavus the Great, was made up.  
And in truth, he that will reflect upon the most remarkable passages of her life, shall see in her a marvellous disposition to the knowledge of all things worthy; much of Generosity, and a Lightness incredible. Minerva had the first years of her life; Venus drew her off at last from her profound meditations and studies, and set her on a height of Gallantry: Mercury taking his turn, to show his power, made her cast herself down from a Throne, to take her walks about the world. But Mars hath always had the Ascendent during the whole course of her life, to this present: for it must be confessed, that whether she gave herself to study, or to Divertisements, or to Walks, that in all things she shown herself a very generous Queen. During her underage, she was observed to take pleasure in all the Exercises that might beseem the perfection of a Princess: and that with such towardliness, that thereby she gave ground of very great and extraordinary hopes concerning her. So soon as her Wit was somewhat ripened, that she saw herself capable of the knowledge of gallant things, she ceased not to take pains for the acquiring a perfect knowledge therein. She sought out for the greatest men in Europe, to satisfy this her natural greediness that she had after all kind of Knowledge. This Princess hath been seen, in the coldest days of Winter, in that cold Country, to rise by four of the clock in the morning, to have communion with the Muses in her Cabinet; where she stayed commonly until nine, when she was to prepare for her appearing in public, and to the Council of her Kingdom, where she shown an admirable depth of wit, by the ready and subtle resolutions that she gave upon all sorts of affairs that were there proposed. The Divertisements that she loved best, were, to be conversant with knowing personages, and with them to commune about some point of learning. Her ordinary Entertainments were very different from such as for the most part are used in Courts, especially in any Court whereof a woman is the head. Her poorest entertainment was as good, as the profoundest studies of the greatest Doctor of the Sorbonne could have given: and one would easily have believed, to hear this Princess utter so many excellent things, that she had had secret communication with some Goddess, that inspired her with such high knowledge: yea, I persuade myself, that she might easily have gained the same opinion of herself, amongst that gross-witted people of Sweden, as the Ceremonious Pompilius had amongst the people of Rome, before they were polished, & whilst they yet slept in the rudeness of such persons as inhabit Forests and Mountains. The extraordinary assiduity, wherewith she gave herself to the reading of all books of greatest worth, so replenished her mind with sparkling light, that in one hour she uttered more choice & rare say, then is ordinarily done in a whole year, in the most famous University of Europe; and one moment of her discourse gave more instruction, than an hundred lessons taken from the greatest Doctor of Salamanca. Hath any ever seen a Princess possess the knowledge of nine or ten Tongues, as she doth? If History vaunteth of Queen Elizabeth so much, that she could hold discourse in good French with the French Ambassador, in perfect Castilian with the Ambassador of Spain, and in very refined Tuscan with the Princes of Italy: what praises shall be recorded in favour of the Great Christina, who can hold discourse almost with all the Nations in Europe, in their own Languages? History can never speak so well of this Princess, as she speaks of it; whereof she hath an admirable knowledge. She hath learned all the Sciences that are called Humane, with so much perfection, that there is no Author, Greek or Latin, yea even the most difficult Poets, which she doth not expound with a marvellous facility. The Mathematics, Philosophy Natural and Moral, have not escaped her knowledge; which she hath carried along even unto Theology, whereof I have heard her discourse with an incredible subtlety. Behold, what the Genius of the Great Christina hath been, under the Empire of Minerva! to whom Venus succeeded.  
This gentle Goddess, that had but sorrily acted her part in the formation of the body of this Princess, she being but poorly furnished with those accommodations requisite to the beauty of a woman, (for she is little, and crooked, having a hollow bending on one side, that spoils the grace of her walking) would yet have it to be seen, that this body, so poorly fashioned, was sufficiently capable of the highest sort of Gallantries: and after Christina had abandoned the Muses, she was observed to delight herself in Dancing and Balls, wherein she had always the better. Such discourses as were most dissolute, pleased her best; and wanton postures liked her better by far, than a modest behaviour. Great men for Learning (as Bouchard and Naudaeus) were in no more esteem with her, because they were not more gallant than became them; and their demeanour was accounted by her ridiculous, because they were too serious, and too modest. I have heard her tell such tales, as modesty will not permit me to commit to writing: and I know an Ecclesiastical person of high degree, with whom I had contracted a very strict amity in Sweden, that hath recreated her an hundred times, by telling her such stories as the most dissolute woman would hardly have born. Out of this high strain of Gallantry, or rather Dissoluteness, whereof she made a public profession, she stepped into impiety; and those fair lights that she had acquired by study, and which before had served to regulate her manners, furnished her now with reasons and arguments to fight against the sacred Mysteries of Christian Religion. She hath not only been seen to doubt of that sacred Mystery of the Incarnation, but even also to mock at it; and to say, in imitation of Leo the tenth of the House of Medici, That Fable of Christ is very profitable for the Roman Kitchin. She spoke not of Divine Providence, but under the term of Destiny, after the manner of Profane Authors.  
Her chief Maxims were, 

1. That we ought to love God, as the fountain of all good; but that we should not fear him at all: because it were a ridiculous thing, to fear a Being that is essentially good, and is incapable of evil. But that we ought to fear evil men, that can hurt us a thousand ways, and which are the only devils, whereof the common people have so strong a belief.  
2. That a right-set mind should never either repent, or pardon; because repentance and pardon are always accompanied with unmanliness, or base-mindedness. That indeed a person ought always to consult upon that which he takes in hand; but that he should take an irrevocable resolution to follow it, and never change.  
3. That the most particular and selfended opinions, are the best, and soundest; and that that which men at this day call Religion, is nothing but a poor illusion of men, wherewith the most part are pleased to deceive themselves. For what likelihood is there, that a Belief that blindeth a man, and forbids all reasoning against it, should be true? What reason is there to believe that, which one cannot comprehend; yea, and to impose an obligation on us to believe it? This is all one, as to desire a man to put out his eyes, that he may see the better; and to put him in such a condition, as that thereby ye may be able to persuade him to the greatest absurdities in the world. And that from hence, the many Sects are found scattered over the earth, are but so many pure dotages, and fond imaginations of some men, who have been desirous to make themselves famous, in declaring themselves the heads of some parties: whereat she wondered nothing, because there is no conceit or opinion so ridiculous, that hath not its followers.  
4. That the Doctrine of Plato of the universal soul of the world, could not be confuted, but with false Reasons: and that she could not persuade herself of the immortality of the soul, but by making it go and return into its own principle again; which is this universal soul, whereof our soul makes a part.  
5. That Moses hath been as great an Impostor, as he was a good Wit. For she could convince of falsehood the pretended Miraculous passage of the Israelites thorough the Red-sea: forasmuch as Numenius, Praefect of Antiochus, making War against the Persians, had got a famous Victory over those Persians in the same place, at such a time, and in the same manner as Moses did over Pharaoh; to wit, by observation of the flux and reflux of the Arabian Gulf.    
I could say more, if herself did not publish it by all her thoughts, which are now known to the greater part of Europe; and if I had not some horror to set them down in writing.  
Mercury seeing that this libertine humour, and with such a bent carried to all Gallantry, was too deeply rooted in her heart, and that she as easily followed it to Recreations, as she had done before to Studies; thought it to his purpose, to associate himself with Venus; who was very well pleased with his company. So they strove each with other, which of them should make her the most Prattling Light-houswife, or most inconstant. But notwithstanding this, Queen Christina hath been noted for a long time, even from her Cradle, to be naturally of a very wavering mind; and that Mercury also had the dominion over her humour from her very infancy: But only I begin to show his Kingdom (to keep my order in what I writ) since that change (almost unheardof) that hath been made in the person of Christina, when of a Sovereign she made herself a Subject; and preferred a vagabond and wandering life, to the glory and magnificence of a Throne. To say the truth, this thought had possessed her mind more than four or five years, before she put it in execution; and it had been blamed by some great men, that had used their endeavour to dissuade her from it. Monsieur Chanut Ambassador of France, Monsieur Saumaize, and Monsieur Spanheim, did their endeavour to divert her from this purpose, which they judged would turn to her disadvantage. But it was in vain. For the desire she had to see foreign Countries, and the new world, carried her away from the wise counsels of those persons of quality. And so much power had Novelty and Change over her spirits, that she turned herself to all sorts of objects, just as a Weathercock is turned about at the pleasure of every wind. The last that came to her Court, were always most welcome, and most made of for a time, and received all imaginable testimonies of Amity; but yet without any effect, for the most part. For this lightness of mind in her, caused her to follow a kind of Deceitfulness, of so fine a thread, that one could hardly take it up, or perceive it, but in a long process of time, and after one had taken a great deal of pains in her service, and expended much money, and then found himself far from being recompensed for his service, or satisfied for his disbursements. The neediness of a thousand persons, that she hath employed, to satisfy her fantastical humours, cries with a loud voice for vengeance in the presence of God, who, one may judge, according to appearance, hath left this Princess to a Reprobate-sense; and given her goodly lights, that she should not see at all; and exposed her to the laughter of all Europe, to satisfy, in part, his own justice. Since her fall, from which it is too probable she will never rise again, she hath committed so many kinds of Extravagancies, that she hath made herself the Fable of all the world. A little written Piece, which one of my friends communicated to me, and which I believe to be common, describes them well enough; which may suffice to give any one an account of them, that desire to be informed concerning them. It is said, that even at this day, amidst the Spanish Gravity, she shows so much levity, that the Venerable Fathers of the Society of jesus, have much ado, with all their wit, to know the temper of so Motley a Genius, that assumes more shapes and postures, than ever Proteus himself did: They have so much ado, to know of what Religion she is, that they that make it their only business to decide the points of Faith, cannot tell what to make of hers: They are in doubt also, what to think of her Sex, because sometimes they see her in men's apparel, and sometimes in women's; and for the most part, they see her in such a fashion as partakes of both, as if she were an Hermaphrodite. These great men (the Jesuits) that at this day have the ascendent over the minds of so many Princes, have not been able as yet to discover, with what Bias this Princess must be handled. They find her discourse admirable; and so it is indeed; and beyond whatsoever one can imagine. Her cogitations are exceedingly raised above what is common; she hath a fountain of Wit inexhaustible; a strong Reason, a charming Discourse; a deportment as familiar as sweet: but with all this, they are constrained to confess, that they do not yet know Christina, that changes her Affections as often as she changes her Smock, and that loves and hates almost both at one instant. When I look upon the disgrace sustained by Count Magnus de la Garde, wherein he fell with her, at that time when one would have thought that all should have smiled upon him, and when there was neither appearance, nor reason, that he should have been removed from the Court, I flatter myself, that I know the Genius of the Queen somewhat near, after a particular study of her, and the most serious reflections that I made upon so many several matters that came to pass during the time of my sojourning at Vpsal. And this hath encouraged me to set down my thoughts, concerning which, I can answer any with truth, that they are free from passion, however they may seem not to be very favourable to this Princess: But yet they are more favourable than they may seem to be: for I proclaim with a loud voice, that I hold Christina for the most extraordinary person of the world; for the clearest-sighted and most knowing Queen, that hath ever appeared upon the earth: That her Discourse is adorable, answerable to her Wit; That she understands herself well enough, to take up and know great spirits, and great men; and last, That she is capable of the fairest and most extraordinary achievements, that ever have been done by any Heroical spirits in Antiquity. But if I say, that she makes but little account of Christian Religion; that she hath a Faith very particular to herself; that she is a Deceiver, and inconstant: there's none of those, that ever had the honour to have frequented her Court, that doth not fully accord with me, and is not constrained to confess, that my conceptions of her do her no wrong. But if any accuse me of too little respect to a head that wore a Crown, to speak thereof with such liberty; I answer, that I own her no such respect; but, to follow her own Maxims, I own her rather the contrary, (although in truth I dare say, that I bear her no hatred) than any such respect: I was neither born her Subject, nor her Slave; she never did me any good, although she was bound to have done it: And all the obligation that ever I had to her, that I remember, was, that she received me favourably, when I had first the honour to kiss her hand; and that I deserved to obtain her approbation, if I may believe the report that one made to me thereof, that had ordinary communication with her. But I have learned, long since, to slight the approbation of four sorts of persons: that is to say, Of an Ignorant, because he is uncapable of understanding the value of a thing; Of a Flatterer, because he applaudeth for his own ends; Of a Deceiver, because ordinarily his thoughts are disguised; and, Of a light and unconstant person, because the esteem that such a one makes of any thing, is bred rather by Fancy and Humour, than from Reason.  
To say that Christina is either ignorant, or a Flatterer, it cannot perhaps be affirmed with truth: but to believe that she is a Deceiver, and Inconstant, one will thereby do her no wrong. It must be confessed, for all this, that this Princess, amidst all her capricious and fantastical humours, and amidst her Gallantries, when she gave greatest attendance on her books, hath been carried all along with an humour extraordinarily Martial, and full of Bravery.  
Minerva had sometime the command of her mind: Venus possessed it afterwards; and some do affirm, that she possesses it as yet. Mercury, that had possessed himself of her from her Cradle, yet made no such great show of his power, as since he made her throw herself down from a Throne. But Mars hath at all times governed the humour of Christina, which hath not failed to drain all Sweden, to furnish the inbred greediness that she hath, to give to others.  
Indeed, under the Reign of Minerva, she hath expressed such Liberalities, as were worthy of a Queen; and that to all great Personages that were sent for by her, or that came to Sweden otherwise, upon particular occasions of their own. Monsieur de la Tuillerie, Chanut, and Saumaize, may inform you of this.  
Under the Reign of Venus, he Largesses were not lessened; whereof Bourdelot and Pigmentelli can tell you.  
And under Mercury, she gave the rarest Present that can be given from one to another. Speak but to the King of Sweden that reigns at this day, and he will confess, that it is by the Grace of God, and the Liberality of Christina, that he sits upon the Throne. The Medals coined at the time of his Coronation, speak it publicly: on the one side whereof, there is an arm holding a Crown, with this Inscription under it; [FROM GOD, AND FROM CHRISTINA.] And even yet, now she hath devested herself of her Kingdom, she useth such profuseness, as cannot but be the effects of a generous mind.  
Such persons as have had experience of her all her life-time, report that she shown this liberal nature in a remarkable manner, even from her Cradle: and I believe with some reason, that it will continue with her to her Tomb.  
The Badge and Motto of that Order of Knighthood that she instituted, sets forth unto us a great bravery of her Spirit, which makes her even pretend to qualities that she possesses not at all. She gave it the name of the Order of the Amaranth, or Flower-Gentle, with this Device or Motto, [Semper idem.] All men know, that this Flower fades not at all; and accordingly the Device abovesaid doth perfectly well express its immortal nature: and this is the Badge of her Order of Knighthood. But all men know as well, that know her, that there is nothing so changeable as Christina; and that this invention doth very little resemble her humour; the which notwithstanding she would thereby have had to pass currant, for the most equitable and constant that ever was seen. She borrowed this Device from the now-deceased Cardinal Richlieu, in whom every thing was splendid and illustrious: but the application that she made of it, was her own invention: not intending thereby to blaze abroad the virtues of the Amaranth, but the constancy of her own spirit, which she would have had to be believed thereby, more  than a Rock: but it was far otherwise, as hath been said.  
Man's apparel that she now wears, and which she had before used sometime in Sweden, where she went clothed almost like a Cavalier, are the tokens of an inclination that she hath, to change her sex into a more perfect: and although she be in truth a woman, and so known to the world; yet she useth the postures and fashions of men, and will be fingering her Moustaches, as though she had some, when indeed she hath none: thus desiring to express her strong ambition to be what she is not, and to be believed to be indeed so.  
And though all these conceits be but ridiculous, yet they represent to us some traces of a gallant soul, and a brave spirit, that would rather have been the inhabitant of a man's body, than of a woman's, because that sex is much raised above the other, and more proper for brave undertake: that other having been, as it seems, designed by Nature to more low employments, and such as are meanest in humane society. But Great Christina raising herself above her female condition, puts herself into such postures and garbs, as may imitate and resemble such actions as are proper to men.  
She can ride admirably, and spur an horse with such dexterity, as if she had been therein exercised some whole years in an Academy. She travels with a man's Periwig; her Hat garnished with a great Plume of Feathers, a Red Scarf, after the Spanish Fashion; and they write from Brussels, that she hath ordered Arms to be made her, wherewith she will head the Catholic Army, and go and confront the Marshal de Turenne.  
Must we not confess, that amidst all these Follies, there is a great deal of Bravery? Since this Genius of hers, ceases not in them all, to form designs to itself, that are above and beyond it.  
If this Portrait that I have made, seems to any to be too severe, let them pardon my disposition, which is always to speak the truth, where I think it is to the purpose. But to prevent all censures that more quicksighted persons than myself may give upon this Piece, I here submit to them with all my heart: and when they shall give reasons strong enough, to inspire me with other thoughts than those which I have concerning the Genius of Christina; I shall embrace them very willingly. It is not (as I have already confessed) that I have not a greater esteem of her, than one can well imagine: but forasmuch as I have spoken both evil and good of her, I think I have spoken nothing but truth, throughout: and the place wherein I writ it, is such, that it permits me to speak the truth.  
FINIS.