A PANEGYRIC OF The most Renowned and Serene Princess CHRISTINA, By the Grace of God, Queen of Swedland, Goths and Vandals.  
Written Originally in French, by the learned Pen of Mr. de Harst, And now Translated into English By W. L. Gent.  Si been, sat feci; si male, nimium. 
LONDON, Printed for Thomas Dring, and are to be sold at his Shop at the Sign of 〈◊〉 George in Fleetstreet, near Cliffords-Inne, 1656.   

For the Fair and honoured hands of M is R. G.  
Madam,  
YOu may well expect that I should appear in guilty colours, and even blush myself into blood at the thought of my temerity; You may justly condemn my presumption, and reproach my confidence, that durst attempt to dedicate these recreations to your reading, or think, that Ink and Paper could be a Present that might deserve your acceptance: No, Madam, though it were possible they could be writ with a quill plucked from the wing of an Angel, yet could they not deserve so great a blessing. What then can I hope for, who make my Addresses so poorly? Who is there that will not judge me to be so great an offendor, as to have soared above the reach of your pardon, and that you ought to invent new punishments, if you would have any that might ma●ch my crimes. But when I consider that variety of Ornaments wherewith Nature hath so plentifully enriched you, that had she made another like you, she had utterly undone the whole race of perfection, & no woman would hereafter have had the privilege to becalled handsome; when I consider in the shallowness of my fancy all that is excellent in you, I cannot but think that Charity hath a great share in your soul, and that you can pardon a person, whose ambition in sending these unrefined papers to kiss your fair hands, was not at all to disturb you in your higher and better employments, but only that in such small things I might explain the greatness of my Devotion. I confess that the largeness of gifts are generally powerful in the minds of the Receivers, & can either create merits where there are none, or set a lustre upon those that are but small: but I know, you have a soul of another composition, and can value the gift by the person, and not the person by the gift: and truly 'tis that which renders you most like yourself, and makes you approach nearest to Divinity; For, heaven receives a Prayer, or a grain of Incense, (if free from impurity and hypocrisy) with a greater relish and respect, then if they had sacrificed whole Hecatombs, or emptied Arabia of its Perfumes. I begin therefore to think it a crime of no small extent, to mistrust your favour, being I offer this with the same zeal and reverence, in which a Lover courts his Flame, or a Pilgrim his God. 'Tis true, Madam, when I casted my eyes upon you, and surveyed the height of your merit, and then turned them upon myself, and beheld the meanness of my own, the greatness of the disproportion made my duty struggle with my respects, and I doubted, whether I might write or no: But all oppositions were vain, and quickly vanished; for, were my Teeth a row of Thorns, yet my Tongue would through, when it is to make its addresses to such an Angel as your self, whose every look utters Captivity, and can turn Saints to Idolaters.  
When I first took notice of this Panegyric, as it appeared in the French its natural Language, and finding the Matter well and orderly disposed, the Sense persuasive and eloquent, the words high and significant, I judged it worthy to be translated for myself; but, when I considered the strangeness of the subject, that it was a Woman; and the dignity of the person, that it was a Queen, that had deserved all these Encomiums, I then began to think, (pardon the expression) that it was worthy to be translated for you: For, Lady, do but strip the great Christina, of her Majesty and manly Virtues, and I'll then say, I do but present you with those graces, which you represent, and, like a true Glass, only show you what you are.  
But, Madam, in the reading of these my Endeavours, if you find any thing to be well done, I must pay my thanks to you; for, 'tis from your fair eyes that I fetched my directions and influence. But, if any thing look with an unpleasant aspect, my unskilfulness in the language, and the fewness of my years, being yet arrived but at the age of twenty, may make up, if not a just reason, yet (at least) a prevailing excuse.  
It is not my ambition, nor was it ever my desire, to appear in Print, I always judged myself then most secure, when most private; nor had I now exposed my thoughts to the public view, had not the importunity of some friends, and a desire to serve you, and your fair sex, (like two persuading Orators) so wrought upon my resolutions, that they could no longer deny to pay obedience to such powerful reasons. Some persons there are, who strive to eclipse the glories of Women, and draw a cloud over that flowing lustre, that always attends their graces; but I have here discovered to the world and them, in the happy example of this great Queen, that Women, as well as Men, have Souls; that may not only be capable of great matters, but can also enjoy all those ornaments, which may make up a just accomplishment, and render persons both happy and admired.  
I will not say, that this Translation is exact, nor dare I say, 'tis acceptable; but, as to that part which belongs to my endeavours, I freely confess, it is not worth your perusal: Yet, Fair, do you but throw your eyes upon it, and it presently becomes precious, and may be fit for the Cabinets of Princes. So the daring Prometheus, wrought a Picture out of clay, deformed and cold in the touch; but it was the fire which he stole from heaven, that added life and motion to that imperfect Embryo.  
But, Madam, being 'tis to you that I writ, it might well be expected, that I should not so much strive, how to translate a Panegyric, as how to compose one: For, the world might count me an Infidel, one void of the light of Reason and Nature, if, having so fair an opportunity as this, presented to my acceptance, I should not glance upon the endowments of your person; Nay, I should think it a piece of justice, if heaven, because I would not praise you when I might, should strike me dumb, and not let me praise you when I would.  
But, Madam, your commendations are so copious a subject, that every thought of them, puts my fancy in a Labyrinth, where the greatest of inventions may for ever wander, and yet never find a thread to procure their liberties. The choice of Wits might here strike sail, and confess, that silence is their best Orator; and that a look from your face, can more explain your graces in one minute, than their tongues in a whole age. And therefore I shall only say, that heaven hath dealt with you, as the Geographers with the World, which though a vast Body in itself, they have contracted into the narrow compass of a Globe. So, all those graces that are scattered about the world, are united in your face; and while I contemplate you, I behold them all. Some Women, like the Panther, have fair and well-proportioned bodies, but are fain to obscure their faces in their silken clouds, fearing to betray the miserable ruins, either of time or diseases: Some are like Ermines, beautiful in nothing but their skins, and some are like rough Diamonds, whose outsides carry no enticeing charms, but look within, and you'll find souls full of brightness and action. But in you, Madam, as so many Lines running to one Centre, these several graces meet, and frame up an exact Harmony. You shine above others, as a Planet above a private Star: And if there be any yet, who dare over-value the excellency of a Lady, and call her a Star, I'll say, you are a Constellation: for 'tis but justice, that I should rank you with your deserts; and, as nature, so description, might make you exceed.  
Perhaps, Fair, you may say, that I flatter. But, Oh! don't brand my innocence with so great a sin. I confess, had I said this to another, I should have been my own Judge, and condemned myself, as a person guilty of that crime: Had I told another, that her eyes carried fire enough, to tempt the gods to invent new disguises, and visit the earth again. That Lilies and Roses enjoyed no Whites and Reds, till her Cheeks taught them their complexions, I should have thought, I lied; but when I speak the same things to you, that which before was false, is converted into truth, and that which was a sin before, is now become piety. And therefore don't think, that I writ this out custom, but devotion; not as though I use to speak so, but because you use to be so.  
But, Madam, I shall no longer suspend your judgement, or spin out time and my thoughts in a discourse, where my respects may prove as tedious, as your graces are alluring; I fear, lest while I strive to entertain the more pleasing subject, I keep you from the more pleasing matter; for, methinks I see your inclination more towards the Author, with a desire to hear him breathe, where you will find wit and invention run like parallels, exact and equal. As for the Language, so much as refers to the translation, I resign it to the justness of your censure. My thoughts are yet but Meteors, and maintain only a flattering and borrowed light; it rests only in the power of your creating smiles, to make them seem real Stars, and become fixed. In which blessing, though I claim nothing, yet I scarce doubt an interest. For it were a crime to think, that a Body, soft and melting, like yours, can be inhabited by a soul of a more stubborn constitution.  
If, Fair, you will now vouchsafe to pardon all those defects, which you find, either in my Pen or my Person; either in what I writ, or what I am, your goodness will multiply my debts, and add new chains to those fetters, wherein you have so bound me, that sooner can heaven want power to punish offenders, or your fair face to procure adorers, than I have a Being, and not be,  
The greatest of your Votaries, W. L.   

On his Ingenious friend, Mr W. L. his Translation of this PANEGYRIC.  

WHen that the warbling Echo doth sing o'er,  
Those pleasant Notes the voice had tuned before  
'Tis not an easy matter for to say,  
The Echo, or the Voice hath won the day:  
But when she sporteth, and resolves to show,  
How far her lesson is her skill below,  
Seven times you may her hear, your Note rehearse,  
Make Song, and Chorus of one single verse:  
Needs must you boast, that sweet your music's held,  
Seven times repeated, though as oft-exceled:  
So when this Princess fame, in heavenly tone,  
By the shrill Trumpet of your Author blown,  
You a more learned Echo, to us do  
Not only render, but interpret too.  
Where sits the Judge, that won't give you the Bays?  
You render us his Book, we you his praise:  
Yet shall the Author's name remain in brass,  
You him eternize, while you him surpass:  
You have confirmed, that music yieldeth sounds,  
More lofty, from the water when it bounds,  
Hence have these praises sweeter flown from thee,  
You brought them out of France, 've crossed the Sea:  
You'll have us understand, when you inten●  
For to Transtate, it signifies to mend.    

On his worthy friend Mr W. L. His Translation of the PANEGYRIC.  

NOt all the glory, not the Pompous Train,  
With which Romes-Bishop did her entertain  
Can countervail that honour, which hath been  
Rendered from your Translation, to the Queen:  
've placed her higher, than when she stood before,  
On the seven Hills, and to be seen to more,  
There too she's only seen, you are so good  
Unto her Virtues, here she's understood;  
You also have contrived your treatment so,  
She's th'entertained, and entertainment too.  
The state of France, which was before her laid,  
Th'address your Author made her, hath outweighed.  
You outdo both, each do confess and know,  
You only could her pay, what they did owe.   
Tho. Devorax.   

To his ever honoured Cousin Mr. W. L. Upon his Translation and Addition  

TO speak thy praise, were nothing but to hold  
A Candle to the Sun, or to enfold  
Light in a shadow; thy deserts are grown  
Greater than Language, nor can they be shown  
By any Quill, but what writes as Divine,  
And rich a Style as that which flows from thine.  
This piece had slept, had not thy quick'ning Pen  
Repaired the loss, and gave it life again.  
Thou well Translat'st, but there thou dost not dwell,  
Thou showest the world, that thou canst write as well.  
So that, of what is opened to the view,  
Thou art both Author and Translator too.  
In this, like to the Moon, thou seemest bright  
Under the beauties of another's light:  
In that, like the unborrowed beams o'th' Sun,  
Fancy and Wit from thy Invention run.  
thou'rt thy own Fountain, Tagus never wore  
A richer stream upon his yellow shore.  
If Jove (when love first pierced his wanton breast,  
And changed the amorous God) had but possested  
Thy Language, fair Danae in her Tower  
Had stooped, and he had saved his golden shower.   
G. L.   

To his much respected friend Mr. W. L. On his Ingenious Translation.  

IF from my untefined wits could run,  
As clear a stream as from thy Helicon,  
Can I but breathe thy fire, then might I be  
In hopes to speak my love, and merit thee,  
But now alas! Like to the morning Star,  
(Lights Herald, and the day's Ambassador)  
I only stand to prophesy thy fame,  
And tell the approaches, of a brighter flame:  
Hail happy thoughts, whose issues sweeter are  
Then Hybla's Hills: each line speaks softness, far  
Beyond the silk, and every Period shows  
More smoothness, than the face of Crystal does:  
All things fall so composed from thy Quill,  
We no more speak, but now admire thy skill:  
We wonder how thy Pen could build so clear  
And high a Style, and not forsake the sphere,  
Thy Author moves in: but we more admire,  
How such young years could breathe so bright a fire:  
Some empty heads love to use words that are  
Nothing but noise, and just like bubbles bear  
Only a bulk, but every word that flies  
From thy clear vein, both speaks and signifies:  
But since thy styl's so great, and mine so bad,  
That it will rather clip thy praise then add,  
To the prodigious lustre of thy fate,  
Ble only say, that while thou didst translate  
This curious Panegyric, and make known  
Another's praise, thou dost indite thine own.   
James Draiton.   

A PANEGYRIC To the most Renowned and Serene Princess CHRISTINA, By the Grace of God, Queen of Swedland, Goths, and Vandals.  
My Lords,  
WHen I consider this glorious Assembly, composed of so many honest men; when I behold the happy presence of such great worthies, illustrious by so many considerations; and lastly when I cast my eyes upon this fair and noble Princess, known to be the most warlike and the most generous in the world, who hath fixed her standards, wheresoever she directed her desires; I cannot but conceive, by a fair feeling of vanity, a good presage of that which I have purposed to speak: for such a value and so great a Generosity, which in you meet, so happily united, cannot but inspire me with resentments, as truly noble as sublime.  
But when I advance my ambitious eyes, and travelling above this middle Region of the Air, I lift them up to the firmament, there to contemplate the Sun; I would say, when I raise them up to your Sacred Majesty, that divine star, which there, by its reflection, shoots forth beams so magnificently, and with so great a spendor; I almost wonder in this dazzling, that my repentance don't arrest my design, and that my temerity by being forced into silence finds not out a punishment for its boldness. Be not astonished, my Lords, at my surprise, though I seem balanced between what I ought to say, and what I ought to do; and though you see my cheeks usurped by a redness, which the acknowledgement of my own disability to entertain this Assembly, hath invited thither. There is nothing so natural to men, as to disrelish their fortunes, though it be in the meanest concernments; nor are they less prone to nourish a facility to all those things which flatter them; and yet they do not know the dissiculty then, when the greatness of the subject doth oblige them to humble their vanities. You see an example in my person: and I ought not to hid from you any of that pompous and divine matter, wherein I had figured to myself this adorable Princess, the object of our admiration, and the subject of our discourse, though I confess I cannot represent her, but in an imperfect Idëa: and therefore it is that at this time considering the Career which I have purposed to accomplish, and viewing it in all its apprehensions, I acknowledge the weakness of my reason, that cannot dive into the difficult and counterfeit illusions of my senses, which, always like to themselves, and always deceivers, have, under vain apprehensions, shadowed forth to me their delightful Fables. And truly! consider with me that which I can tell you, of a person who hath no quality but what is divine, and who authoriseth the disproportion that she meets with among the vanities of Greece, the pride of Rome, and the transcending truths which we see with our eyes; all that the one and the other, ingenuous to deceive, would make us believe to be more admired and greater in their Heroïna's, who have drained the most delicate Rhetoric, to furnish their Nurslings: 'tis we only that can make Adorers and Mutes of their Panegyrists and Orators, to whom the respect to so happy a Majesty, and their inability to utter, what could neither be conceived nor expressed, would equally command a silence. In respect of this Lady, the purple of Tyre and Sidon have but a languishing splendour; and the flowers, the fairest and best cultivated, which art (to say truth) did ever produce, have but an earthy smell and feeble charms, since they cannot, unless by shameful Negations, say any thing of this miracle of Nature. And this talkative, I might say, this proud Eloquence, which hath formerly gloried to have been the bestower of Eternity, and the dispensatrice of the destiny of Kings, finds herself now punished with justice, to gaze upon a Queen, for whom she cannot find words, which may answer the dignity of the subject; for whom the world's brightest Luminaries, I mean persons of the greatest quality, have been either obliged to hold their peace, when they would undertake to speak worthily of her, or else contented with an imperfect Oration, and a true acknowledgement, that they can conceive more than they can utter: but yet neither their conceptions nor their imaginations, can, without a manifest in sufficiency, signify the smallest part of her perfections.  
So it is, Great Queen, that unless you please to condescend, and so obscure your person, we cannot, in that prodigious elevation, where you are fixed, take notice of you, but with that reverence, wherewith we apprehend the glorious Intelligences, who have no communication with mortals: The comparison holds well; for those celestial creatures are of a nature pure like yours; your virtues are great like theirs; and you as well as they do suffer, without indignation, men to speak of your Majesty in terms, that carry no proportion to your greatness. It is that resplendent goodness, which makes you proffer those illustrious hands (accustomed to carry Sceptres and sustain Crowns) to all those who have the honour to approach your sacred person. You can receive all favourably, though they should bring nothing but a little water in their hands, a present which a poor Persian once offered to his thankful Prince.  
These are the glorious reasons, my Lords, which have put me in the way, from which I began to wander, and have throughly confirmed me in the design which I have taken, to give you a Character of that divine Princess, who puts a Confidence into all that approach her with fear, confirms them that tremble in their respects, and encourageth those, whose Modesty permits not their eyes to enjoy the freedom of Nature. Let us draw near therefore, but let us draw near with hearts sanctified, and with expressions not intending so much to be choice, as purified from all that, which might eclipse or diminish the lustre of a virtue so eminent. Let us approach with the same humility as men pay to the Deity, since we must come to a Queen, who is the most glorious Type and magnificent Copy of that invisible Original. But if our small merits, the great defects that are in us, and a thousand other considerations, be still our impediments, let us imagine that heaven takes a pleasure to hear her name sung, though from the mouths of Infancy and Ignorance; and lastly, consider, that we cannot speak of any thing that is great, when we begin to discourse of the Great Christina.  
Those who have a resolution to pronounce the Elegy of any illustrious person, after they have entreated their Auditors to afford them a  silence, and honour them with a calm attention, they are usually accustomed to cut off those things that are fare from their matter, and yet to speak not a little of the fathers of those upon whom they build their discourse. But I shall not tread in their steps, for it is impossible that any should live ignorant, that the father of our Princess, was the greatest King and the greatest Conqueror in the world. All mouths have said it; all tongues have pronounced it; all hearts have agreed to it; and all people have confirmed it: what then is it, that we can produce to entertain your ears, which hath not a thousand & a thousand times been spoken of that illustrious Monarch, whose actions and invincible courage attracted the admiration of all those, who were so happy as to see him fight. Nevertheless (by the way) we may glance upon that, which our Histories of France have gloriously preserved: It is recorded that this good King, a little before the pale hand of Death had seized upon his person, being inspired by some prophetic thoughts, told his people that they would be the cause of his death, being they put too great a confidence and security in his courage; for, they began to judge him immortal, by those immortal actions which they had seen him perform, and the perils to which with an incredible success, he had exposed his sacred person. This was a prophecy in its effects too true, and deplorable to as many as were Christians: and without doubt God to chastise our pride, and put us in mind of our brittle constitutions, summoned up to heaven that pure virtue, in the flower of his age, after he had plentifully adorned him with blessings here below, & had made him carry with him, the two glorious and deserved titles, of a King and Prophet.  
But let us travel no farther; let us not touch that Marble and that Jaspar, which have been fashioned by the most ingenuous workmen of our age; let us rest satisfied that we see him live in her, who so happily enjoys his Greatness; and, if by one excellent name we would eternize, and render him the Admiration of all the world, let us say he was the worthy Father of our Queen: But! when I say he was the father of our Queen, what can be said that hath not been already spoken, and drawn from him by an infallible consequence? since it is not possible, that the incomparable Christina, could have a father less heroic than Gustavus the Great, or that the Great Gustavus could have a daughter more excellent than Christina. Both of them are the miracles of their Sexes; both, the Terrors of their age; and both the Admiration and delights of their people. But there is this difference between them. That if Gustavus hath been the Model of the perfections of Kings, if he alone hath engrossed all those virtues which the greatest Princes of our age, could have wished to have enshrined in their own breasts; yet Christina enjoys the higher preferment, and hath not only been the Copy of that King, whose dignity she possesseth, but laso the illustrious Abridgement of all those virtues, that conduce to the accomplishment of Kings and Queens, Subjects and Sovereigns. This Throne could not be furnished with a more emient person, this fair Sceptre could not be managed by more glorious hands, and these Crowns could not be set upon a head more beautiful and more sufficient; for such a burden would have oppress't any person, that had been less resolved, or less discreet than you.  
It is not at all my endeavour to relate, how she hath attained to all those endowments, wherein her soul glitters with an extraordinary brightness; & though I ought (that so I might hinder persons from being surprised at the infinite greatness of her merit) to begin the History of her life from her Cradle: yet I will not say any thing of the Infancy of a Lady, whose age never found its parallel, who could reason as soon as speak, and whose virtues did not attend, but outstrip the course of her years: but seeing it is the Queen of Sweden of whom I speak, I will not set her forth to you but upon a Throne, nor will I say any thing of the Princess Christina; till her ability to govern hath adorned her with a Diadem.  
If I were to make an Oration before a strange Court, or if I were to speak to persons, who have not had the honour to see, and discourse of the natural Graces of this Princess; I might haply at this time have found an occasion to deliver the description and Idea of your beauty, while I explain that of your person: but it would argue me to be a man of a shallow Judgement, and so no consideration to draw a bad Copy in a place, where the Original can be its own Orator and appear with so much lustre. Let us only say, that she hath a Character of Greatness and Majesty stamped in her forehead, which communicates itself to her very pictures; and so reflects upon those, who regard them, that is imprints in them a Reverence, full of respect and fear. But it is not only the comeliness of her person that sets her forth with so much approbation, but also the Greatness of her Soul, the Nobleness of her inclinations, the Generosity of her heart, and the Sharpness of her wit. But let us take a view of that which falls into the apprehension of our senses: she delivers herself to all the Ambassadors that come to her Court in the language of their own Nation; but with such a facility, such an Eloquence, and such a grace; that it quickly calls up their admiration. Her knowledge is not limited only to the understanding of foreign Languages, which she speaks as fluent as her own, but there is no Science in which she is unlearned. She hath an unalterable Stability in her resolutions, a Faith inviolable to her Allies, and in a word, the whole stock of Royal virtues stand united together in her fair soul. This is she that hath lately chased the Imperial Eagles, and defeated so many Armies, to establish that Religion, which those furious persons endeavoured to suffocate: and this is she that hath given breath to those Princes, who had put themselves under her protection; that hath broken the forces, which that proud Family had prepared in Germany; and lastly, that hath restored that Country's liberty, which was so near threatened with a cruel servitude and slavery. Hear me, O Germany; I say, it is not to any but this blessed Queen, to whom thou standest indebted for all the joys, and all the delights of thy peace; it is she that hath stopped the course of thy blood; it is she that hath filleted up thy envenomed wounds with her own royal relief, which she never spared when thy safety begged it.  
So glorious a travail, so long a war, and so many advantageous victories, do well deserve, That repose and divertisements should follow, That magnificence should deck their palaces, and that Their warlike and tumultuous thoughts should be converted into peace and tranquillity. And now there cannot be but a great pleasure in the fruits of victory; To be attended by the blessings of the people, to receive the Homages of Princes restored to their liberties, and, in a word, to be courted by the acclamations of all Europe, and the whole world: This we have hitherto seen, upon the forcing of Cities, defeating of Armies, & conquering of Crowns. She hath inherited the Realms and provinces of the Great Gustavus: she hath enjoyed by a natural succession, the beauty of his spirit, and the Graces of his body: but above these qualities of succession, and hereditary Graces, she hath acquired a large addition of her own. She is both modest and magnanimous, eloquent and learned, gracious and Majestic, her beauty is also a beauty illustrious and full of splendour, a beauty of command, a beauty of action, and (which is more, a beauty courageous and masculine; but to add something that is greater than all this, it is the beauty of a Princess. Her proportion is perfect, her Countenance confident, her Decorum lofty and daring, her Eyes shining and full of fire, and all her exterior parts equal to those which painters give to virtue and victory. All which happy ornaments render her to the view full of Dignity, and an Authority no less agreeable than comely, which can persuade without speaking, and subdue souls with looks. Yet to increase your wonder, this body which is so perfect, is inhabited by a spirit that excels it, and which sits there, like a fair Intelligence in a beautiful Planet. She is expert in the Science of Princes, and therefore in her own: She is skilled in Politics, and the art Military: she equally enjoys the knowledge of all those things that are suitable and profitable. She is so well read in History, as well in the one as the other, as well in the Ancient as the Modern, as well in that of the Church, as that of the World, that she herself is the very Annals abridged: and in this she hath out-shone the glory of the most illustrious Conquerors that were as renowned by their pens as their swords, and who at night composed in their Tents, whatsoever in the day time they had performed in the field.  
But let as passe-by these ambiguous Eulogies and these equivocal Titles, we have some that are proper and particular. Let us not only say that Christina is descended from a long succession of Kings, that Crowns and Sceptres have been for many ages the portion of those her Ancestors, who have been enrowled in the throng of that illustrious Family; this is a praise in which she shares with other Princes, and in which other Kings may have a propriety as well as she. There is none but would perceive a vanity in such strange commendations. Let us not seek any thing of that nature for our Queen, who hath them as her proper and natural endowments: let us not throw away our praises upon glass and a counterfeit brightness, where we can entertain our eyes with so many Diamonds and so much lustre. Let us rather say that she hath a heart more high, a soul more Royal, and a Reason more sovereign, than all those Kings and Queens, from whom she draws the greatness of her Original. Let us not esteem of that beauty, which is as well common to the Poppy as the Rose, as well to the unruly as the chaste, as well to the luxurious as the modest; but of that, which is virtuous and well disciplined, of a good report and a fair example. Let us not praise her Graces, nor her Judgement; but let us extol the modesty and continency of her Graces; let us commend the greatness and equality of her Judgement. Let us not speak of her Liberalities, since there be persons both liberal and unjust together; or else let us say that they are in her choice, and done with method. In fine, let us admire the veneration, which she continually hath for all persons, that have made any progress in knowledge or virtue: witness, those harmless Intelligencers, which she hath in all places of the world, to take notice of those, who are enriched with any extraordinary merit: these are they whom she truly looks upon, as subjects worthy her Liberality: and I am sure there was never any person that did not respect her as much, as if she had been his lawful Queen: Also the Muses, especially those in the French language, have not been wanting to extol the greatness of that virtue, which hath so well rewarded them; And certainly they would be very ingrateful, if they should not commend, or if they should deny such just acknowledgements to her, who is so favourable to them, and who hath prevented their wants, by a supply from her own benefits: This Princess is the cause why they are altogether so triumphant, for she entertains them as her familiars and companions, she sport's with them in prose and verse, but the pastime never concludes without some present, which produceth a smoothness in their periods, and puts life into their stanzas,  
But let us traverse her Royal virtues only, & seek those which altogether compose the Abridgement, and frame up the Idea of an accomplished Queen: for we would not have our Reason stick in one place, or employ all its endeavours about one thing, where she may elect so many, that are equally worthy to be chosen. It is impossible that we should praise all the virtues of our Princess in singulars, because our eyes cannot so well distinguish them among so great a multitude. But she hath some that are reserved and particular, which are therefore the more considerable, because they are less common, and because they are such that when we once know them, our eyes are too feeble to look upon them with a fixed aspect, or to see them in all their dimensions there are constantly some of divers orders and divers degrees, some of all Sexes, as well as of all Ages, of all conditions and of all times, of Majesty and humility, and lastly, the ornaments both of Princes and subjects. These which are of the latter and nobler rank disperse their blessings about the Nation, and are of four sorts; Justice, Prudence, true-Glory, and Piety: These are the four wheels that guide the revolutions of Empires, and constitute the destiny of Monarchies. The first maintains peace in the Nation, renders to every one his own, and secures the poor from oppression. The second dives into, and dissipates the Counsels of enemies, prepares them for ruin, and assures a quietness in the State, as well by the strength of the mind as the courage of the hand. The third draws a reputation from all things. And the last crowns the endeavours of all the rest. Our Queen enjoys them all, but not after that rate, as they are possess't by the world's greatest Princes, who preserve them only as servants to their passions; They make their Cruelty to pass currently for the effects of Justice; they imagine their breach of faith and subtleties, to be a weighty argument of Prudence; their pride and disdain, to be the materials of a true Glory; and lastly, their infamous Superstition and shameful Idolatry, to constitute the exactest and best ordered Piety. But our Christina is ignorant of these adulterate virtues, and counterfeit vices: Disguise and Dissimulation are the two evils which she principally hates and derides: and yet when those appear in another, she hath so great a reach that she can unveil and unmask their darkness. In this manner she hath reclaimed those fair, though straggling virtues, which had been long banished from the Courts of Kings and Princes, and which at last have attained an Asylum, under the protection of this adorable Queen, who hath extended her welcomes to relieve those amiable prostrates. This is she who is the true Pole of the Christian world, whereon the whole Catalogue of beauties are displayed; it is she that hath such an attractive virtue, as can allure to her obedience, the most stubborn and rebellious souls, if they be but once touched with that divine Load stone.  
That Justice which is only moral, is (to say truth) nothing else but an authorised opinion; it is a cruel and unmerciful Tradition; it is a lawful offendor and in the scrupulous observation of Mine and Thine, suffers with unrelenting thoughts the dearest persons to be despised and ruined. But that of our Queen is of another constitution it is an upright, an allseeing, and a gentle Justice, but yet a Justice that was always absolutely perfect. And we can resolutely say, she is so just as to shake off all her choicest Inclinations, rather than to do the least wrong to the meanest of her Subjects: and if this virtue which is the foundation of all the rest, finds at any time any resistance to hinder the carrying on of its resolutions, it is only her Clemency, that inclines her pardon to reach some notorious Malefactor. In a word, all her actions are so curiously cemented to the high severity of Justice, and the calm sweetness of Mercy, that a thousand happy results spring from these two Virtues, and make her equally feared and loved by her people.  
That prudence which the world breathes, and the Kings of the earth put in practice, is usually no other than an instructed and disciplined Malice; it is nothing but a virtue tempered with phlegm, and managed with artificial motions. But that of Christina is so purified as well within as without, that it expels all Forgery and Deceit, and knows not what is meant by being captious or doubleminded: One may rely upon her word with more assurance then upon the oaths of others Her Lights cannot be false, being derived from so much Nobleness, and an Original so pure and clear: they cannot be erroneous, being sprung from so much Justice, and aiming at a conclusion so right and so honourable. She with her own person is assisting to all her Counsels, she is throughly instructed in all her affairs, and understands them so admirably, that there is not a person can tax her proceed; nor can any one reproach her, that by any neglect or slackness she hath withheld any thing for base ends, or that she ever sought to secure her actions by an artificial prudence. And though she alone supports the burden of her estate, yet her ingenuity is so quick and piercing, that she is not at all entangled in the greatness of her employments: her vast Genius, which might govern the whole world, and her able Prudence to which all the kings of the earth might confidently and with great assurance, deliver up the conduct of their whole Estates, finds not any thing in the largeness of her dominions, that can be altogether her employment. What is there then that can be compared to the situation of a soul, and the ability of a wit, that can dive into the bottom of all things: for prudence hath given her a look beyond others, hath fixed her in a seat that over-awes fortune, and is of such force that we may well say Agamemnon had reason in his ordinary wishes, to desire rather ten men as circumspect as Nestor, then as valiant as Achilles: for in effect that petty Prince of a poor Island, having attained the favour and gifts of the prudent Minerva, was the principal author of the surprising one of the greatest Cities, that the world ever knew.  
The love of glory suits well with those virtues, which are in heroic persons; it breathes spirit into their actions, and spurs them forward to perform great things, for no other consideration, then, That they do them. This is that only virtue which is not at all mercenary, and scorns to demand any thing for recompense of service done to the Republic, unless, the glory to have served her freely and without reward. Those glorious Romans, whom History makes us (as'twere) to see to this day, were all possessed by this humour, when they enterprised those famous actions, of which yet the very memory affrights us. They would attempt & bring to pass, things that were apparently impossible, and whose only mention would strike terror into the greatest Princes of our age. Ancient men would appear in the Armies, they'd seek out a multitude of Combats, so to draw on the occasion of a battle, and, among a thousand dangers, they'd still labour how to be employed in the greatest.  
But why do you think they hunted after so many perils and Combats? would you have me tell you the reason? It was to obtain a Triumph, to behold their Statues fixed in the public view, and to purchase to themselves a new and honourable Name. But yet this Statue served for no more than an unprofitable Marble, and this name augmented not their fortunes, but only in the addition of three or four Syllables. After the same manner were those Recompenses that were bestowed upon the Illyrians, Macedonians, Numantines, Achaians, Africans, and many others, who for these things only, have willingly been prodigal, both of their pains and blood, to promote the credit of their Countries. But our Queen limits her glory by a conclusion fare more illustrious: Vanity swells not her soul; but Generosity only, makes her the performer of so many noble actions: It is not at all to get a fresh addition of Titles, or procure herself a new name, for she can not pitch upon a choice more fair or more famous than her own; but it is for the only reputation, To have done nobly: There never appeared a glory comparable to here's. The envious and the mistrustful would make us believe that the Graces could not well be linked with the Virtues, and that the fair and the knowing, proved very seldom to be the chaste and the modest. But she hath given the lie to those mutinous and suspicious persons; and those who have talked much of Elizabeth of England, Marguerite of France, Eleanor of Spain, Beatrice of Portugal, have not adventured to compare them to so clear a reputation. Virtues used in their Mediocrity, are usually the subjects of Envy: men impute crimes to them, of which they are altogether Innocent, or at least slenderly culpable: the smallest blemish, and the smallest irregularity, doth ordinarily procure some advantageous colour for a reproach. But! that of Christina is of another degree, and of another composition; she sits enthroned above the reach of Calumny, in a word she is all celestial, all pure, and all divine. Who can then find fault with her, who is more illustrious than Augustus or Livy, more wise than Cornelia, more fair than Helen or Cleopatra, and in fine, more chaste and more pure, than all the Sibyls of Greece, or the Vestals of Rome. She hath in herself the true resemblance of Zenobia, Eudoxia, Amalazonta, and all those things, that even to these happy days the world hath seen to proceed from the most illustrious and greatest Hero's.  
But let us discourse a while of that reigning and Victorious piety, and of that Christian devotion, which the fair name of Christina defines so perfectly. 'tis without doubt a proud and profane piety, which the great ones practice; they make it only serve their affairs, and use it no farther than their interest obligeth them. But Her's bears no likeness to these ordinary pieties, nor to those devotions which are only for show, and consist altogether in appearance: Her's are of a higher elevation, and warmed by a zeal, much differing from those, who limit their meditations to a seeming modesty, and signify them in three or four tears, squeezed from their eyes by force. Her Religion is not a precise, nor conceited Religion, it is neither scrupulous nor profane. But fare otherwise is that of those artificial and disguised penitents, who compose their motions, and proportion their Gestures, to the eyes and observation of others, who have their Countenances musing, their faces moist with tears, and pray only because it is a custom; and in fine, who mock themselves in private, for that which they had done in public, and laugh at those persons in their Closets, before whom they had played the Counterfeit in the Church. But Christina, totally averse from this Hypocrisy, draws from the bottom of her heart, the fire, the Incense, and the victim of those sacrifices, which she offers: and, which is more agreeable to the Infinite Majesty, than all the Gums of the earth and sea, and which pleaseth his palate more, than the fat and blood of murdered flocks; she always presents him with the contrition of a heart that is sovereign, with the humility of a head that is crowned, with thoughts humble and full of worship, and with an Authority, not only submissive but also religious. Her goodness yet passeth farther, and her aim is much more excellent than report proclaims it; her care and endeavours move strongly for the propagation of the faith, for the defence of God's name, for the surety of his people, for the peace and quietness of her estate, and for the tranquillity of the whole Christian world.  
We may also say that this is the common good of her Realms, that it is her piety, which is the Tutoress of her dignities, the Directress of her actions, and the Overseer of her policies. It is this, from whose advice, all her virtues of war and peace, as well the rumultuary as the pacificke, as well the outrageous as the calm, receive their directions and conduct; and in a word, this is that virtue to which our Princess is so much devoted, that we may call it her commanding virtue. Is it not this piety, and this love of God, O you Swedes, that hath chained Fortune to your party, when the death of your late king, seemed to set her at liberty? Is it not this that hath established your reputation, which was very likely to follow the recoil of that wavering Goddess? Was it not she that crowned the ashes of that good Prince, who led victory to his funerals, who gave resolution and courage to the fainting Swedes, and who made them look upon their enemies with courageous and terrible tears, and fight with a sadness resolute and triumphant, in a time when the miserable assaults of a matchless sorrow, did scarce give her eye the power to distinguish her own party.  
O with what astonishment and admiration together, did the wisest of the earth, and the most sharp witted of that age, look upon this marvellous Spectacle, when they began to examine, whether their prudence could have been so capable, and whether their imginations could have mounted so high! when, I say, they considered a young Queen, struggling all alone against so great and dangerous a tempest; when they saw how she had overthrown her enemies, as young and tender as she was. She made a sure conquest, and brought all things to a fair issue, after an infinite number of victories and Combats. Thus after the revolution of many years, she returned safe to her harbours in spite of wind and seas, loaded with the Colours and Ensigns of the conquered, stuffed with their pillage, and adorned with a thousand other marks of victory. God relieves those that are his, he distributes his assistance to those that fear him, and he hath made us all see in this example, those illustrious marks of his goodness, which he hath always communicated to those creatures, in whom he finds the true Symptoms of a sincere piety and a real devotion. O who of our posterity will believe, that in our time there should be a Queen, such a one as the great Solomon could never find in his? who will think, that he could breathe out his wishes and descriptions for a woman, and yet we to enjoy his desires, and her! Solomon that pompous and magnificent king, did never, in all his glory, see any thing like to our Queen: and he is obliged to content himself, to have drawn twenty six ages passed, a fair picture, or rather a fair imperfection of her, since that all that he hath said in his time of a powerful woman, was not accomplished but in ours. Behold here then this renowned Queen, whom posterity though never so indulgent to antiquity, will scarce ever take the pains to believe; but she will stagger in her faith, when she understands, that her very infancy had the prudence of old men, the justice of the most just, the glory of souls advanced, and the piety of Souls sanctified; Will she not rather believe, judging by the actions of her life, which appear like so many prodigies, that she came into the world, high, great, fair, and ready armed, as once Poetical inventions feigned of the wise Minerva? That Alexander, who is known by the name of Great, finds much incredulity among us, when we read the History of his life; how at the age of nineteen years being then an Orphan, he by his prosperous valour overcame all difficulties, and scattered all those obstacles, that had interposed and hindered him, from ascending the throne of his Father; and how at those youthful years, he assured the possession of his tottering estate, so divided at home, and in confusion with his Neighbours. But what will posterity say, when in a sex less vigorous by nature, and in an age less advanced by time, she shall see that which surpasseth those wonders, which sprang up in the reign of Alexander. If the first found these divisions at home; Christina finds herself grappling with one of the most puissant families of Europe: If Alexander encountered many difficulties, to establish his dignity, Christiana hath beheld herself embarked in a holy, yet a bloody, War, as soon as ever she attained the Throne: The first had nothing to do, but to quell Mutinies; but Christina was entangled in hereditary broils.  
Magnificence is yet a virtue of the greatest Souls, and the highest fortunes, and is not banished from her Court: There one sees nothing, but costly Feasts, one sees nothing there, but innocent Recreations and spiritual Pleasures; and if any one desires a liberality that should be pompous and heroic, all the world knows, and many by their own experience can testify, that this great Queen delivers out her bounties so freely, as if God had established her in his room, to deal out his blessings, and enrich those that are his. She doth not only extend her charity to those that ask it, but to those also, who neither pretend nor expect any thing: she gives much, and delays not; she gives cheerfully, and reputes not; and, in fine, Liberality is a virtue, which she practiseth after so noble and generous a manner, that she stretcheth it so far, as it may be called liberality; and she cannot extend it farther, without making it cease to be a virtue. She doth not at all counterfeit the liberal or the magnificent, for it would be a hard matter for her, to keep herself from not being so: Therefore she need not struggle for a disguise, or labour to seem that which she is. While she permits herself to follow the stream of her own inclinations, she can never fall into any thing, but what is just and virtuous; and therefore her good actions flowing from their Original, and not being drawn out by violence, as those of many Heroes have been, nor overflowing their banks, as those of some Prodigals, are not less admired for their easiness and continuance, than for their lustre and magnificence. Thus she is the honour of her age, and the general benefit of the world; the Sun may sooner wrap his flames in eternal darkness, and hastening Rivers stop their motions, than Christina cease to exercise her goodness. A renowned person in the time of Augustus, addressing himself to Maecenas in a Poem, cries out, Maecenas, you have given me too much, I am weary with receiving. And truly we may say, that it is only the discretion of those, to whom she distributes her benefits, that can put a stop to her magnificence.  
Excess and Vanity may imitate Christina, simple natural Goodness may proceed as far as she; but they must remember, that this greatness of courage is not solitary, and without company; all the Virtues do march either before or after, and the very same Fountain, from whence the particular ones draw forth their favours and graces, doth furnish the Commonwealth with benefits and rewards, with counsels and resolutions, with mirth and recreations. But, if we would see where She surpasseth herself, and how She is altogether inimitable, let us speak of her Spirit; let us say, that among all the passions of her soul, Love is the most powerful; but it is the love of Sciences. She is all just, all prudent, all glorious, and all magnificent; but there is something that appears with a presence, greater than all this, she's all-knowing too, and one may pronounce her to be as well the Queen of the Muses, as the Queen of the Swedes. Her Jurisdiction is as general and as large over good Spirits, as her Sovereignty is absolute over her People. ●here is not a Person who is ignorant, of those admirable and clear lights, wherewith the study of Learning hath enriched her; nor is there any, that hath arrived to so great a perfection, as that we should appeal to him from any of her Judgements. She hath so great an insight into the merit of every one, that it would be a very difficult thing for her, to mistake or deceive herself.  
It is no more a new thing to Swedland to have learned people, and persons capable of great matters, since she hath a Queen who alone possesseth whatsoever the Sciences contain, that is either obscure or much sought after; who can dive into the very centre of things supernatural, so that nothing that savours of goodness can be shut up in darkness or kept from the reach of her piercing soul. She is a Queen, who cuts off time from her own divertisments, and shakes off all imaginable pleasures, to divert her soul after this admirable fashion. We need no more wonder, how this State prospers so well, or by what means it is so marvellously governed, since we in our days enjoy that, which Cato wished for with so much passion, in his imaginary Republic; He desired, as a chief means to make States happy, that they might either be governed by Kings that were Philosophers, or by Philosophers that were Kings.  
But she that holds the Government, is she not yet more than all this, seeing she is not only a Queen and a Philosopher together, but she riseth higher still, and is the Queen of Sages and Philosophers. Lie still then, and sleep in security, for it is she that is your conduct: You need not fear any shipwreck of your happiness, so long as she sits at the Helm: You may deride the fury of Storms and Rocks, for it is not possible that you should miscarry. Christina watcheth for you, her Genius guides you, and her prudence is answerable for your safety. Who would then think, that this great Queen should disrelish her fortunes, who nourisheth so just designs, and who, besides so many great men now living, to whom she communicates her intentions, and admits into her counsels, she yet bestows her hours, and the dearest of her life, upon the hearing of so many dead Counsellors, I would say, so many good Books, which instruct her with liberty, and teach her all that, which may render Queen's illustrious and commendable to posterity; she also understands them, in whatsoever language they speak to her: so that there is nothing considerable, of which this apprehensive Princess hath not an exact knowledge, or utters not with a good grace.  
But who is there, that will not above all things admire those complete and learned Letters, which she is so generous, as to write to Persons, eminent by their fortunes and virtues. May not one say of her, with more reason than of chrysostom, That a stream of gold flows from her tongue and her mouth, and that she takes a special care to polish that gold, and adorn it with a pleasing lustre. We may say this, and (without mentioning here, those who have rejoiced in so precious a benefit, and been possessors of so admirable a treasure) we may maintain with astonishment, that she alone can comprehend whole Volumes in a few Lines, and contract great Books into small Papers. Her words are so pure, so exact, and so delicious; her sentences so choice, and so ponderous, her expressions so full of familiarity and freedom, and all the flowers of Rhetoric so curiously dispersed through them all, that it may with the same confidence be said of her, as of Saint Ambrose, That the honey sucking Bees were her Nurses; for, she is enriched both with understanding and discourse, and hath an Eloquence sweeter, than the treasures of Hybla. Her Secretaries in effect are rather Officers in show then of necessity: She herself composeth the most difficult, and the most important Dispatches; and when she would explain herself in commanding terms, and a style full of Majesty; or, when she would apply the characters of her favour, and use expressions civil and obliging, she never usurps borrowed thoughts, nor picks words out of another's fancy; her own ingenuity presents her with variety of excellent matter, that may either allure affections by courtesy, or compel them by violence. And truly, if there is a place, where Learning is disintangled and methodical; where Eloquence is orderly disposed, and vigorous; where Zeal is pleasing and powerful; where the Graces are instructive and edifying, we may securely say, it is in this great Queen. She cannot content herself only with the depth and solidity of her opinion, but she adds also the dignity of expression, and the magnificence of words. She gives a splendour and acuteness to her sentences, a smoothness and lustre to her periods; and the mixtures which she makes of things, profitable and suitable, is so just, and tempered so to the purpose, that she seems only to please and divert, when she speaks with sovereignty and command. There is as much of greatness as Majesty, in all her actions, but this Greatness is polished and well managed, and this Majesty is pleasing and full of charms.  
I do not here intent to give you an Analysis, nor to comprise as 'twere in an inventory, all the virtues of this glorious Princess; and though I should be so daring as to take it in hand, yet my endeavours could never be successful; for, in the performing of such an enterprise, the eloquence of Greece and Rome would find an apparent impossibility; since the powerful Genius of Demosthenes, and the flowery Rhetoric of Crassus, never possessed any term or figure, which could represent what that age was never blest with. But if those great Orators, whose persuading tongues, did, in their times, entice away hearts, commit violence upon the will, and make souls Prisoners by the ear, could never arrive at any but shallow expressions, and thoughts altogether unfit to set forth our Princess: What censure will you pass upon my temerity, who have undertaken that, of which I acknowledge them to have been uncapable: I, to whom age hath denied the experience of those great men: I, who have never approached the Sanctuary of Kings: I, to whom Nature hath refused all those Graces, which are necessary to this illustrious Matter: And I, who in literature have had but a common and ordinary education. Yet I dare say, and my Vanity hath a very plausible foundation, that of all those mouths, which have had the happiness to praise our Queen, I am he, who will bear her Elegy the highest, and approach nearest to a complete description. I know well, Gentlemen, that your attention is awakened, and that you long to understand the effect of my boasting promises, which seem to you to be no less a paradox, than the saying of an ancient Philosopher of Greece, who vaunted, That he could drink up all the Water in the Sea. But I will not hold you any longer in suspense, I will not make you linger any more, in expectation of a thing, which I perceive you wish for with so much ardency. Yet, if you think, that when I intent to speak worthily of Christina, I ought to produce large Eulogies of her beauty, you very much deceive yourselves; if you imagine, that I must praise her prudence, you are still wide from my aim; or if you think, that I must make long Commentaries upon her virtues, you do not at all comprehend the excellency of her merit. See, see, after what manner it is, that I ought to speak worthily of her: When you meet with any deserving person, who shall discourse to you of the Virtues and the Graces, who shall make an illustrious comparison of the beauties of the Body with those of the Soul, and who in fine shall introduce Justice, Temperance, Prudence, and greatness of Courage, in an elevation so high, as was never yet attained by any: say only one word, and that shall be of greater efficacy than whatsoever we have yet expressed: say only, That our Queen enjoys all these fair virtues, in a degree more eminent and more illustrious than he hath yet spoken of. But proceed no farther; take not to yourself the liberty to say that which you believe should be added to make the Elegy more complete, and more accomplished: for, if there should come a third that should say to you, Our Princess exceeds whatsoever you say; This last is he that would merit the Palm.  
When you perceive any of those famous Orators, who, to render the vices odious, endeavour by plausible Invectives and eloquent Declamations to represent to you, how disgraceful they are in their nature, how deplorable in the use, and how dangerous in the issue; say, that our Queen hath not one of all these Defects: and you shall comprise more in that apt Negation, then if you had called to your aid all the precepts of the most knowing Rhetoric. Let us content ourselves therefore to acknowledge the extent of that which rejects all measures; let us rest satisfied with the admiration of that which we cannot comprehend: let us follow her only by the view, since no swiftness can overtake her; let us see her at a distance and contracted, since we cannot approach so near to her, as to behold her in all her Dimensions. What man is there, that is not transported with amazement and admiration to this Maiden Queen, who in the first flower of her youth was the general astonishment of the Universe? who is mounted upon a Throne, whose Majesty the greatest Princes cannot parallel, who bears sway over the most Martial Nation of the whole World? who alone carries the burden of her affairs? who is learned, who is knowing, who is just and merciful to all alike? O what an adoreable person is this, who can sustain upon her shoulders a burden so ponderous, as would make the rest of the world sink under the weight! O the vastness of her Genius, that can comprehend all that the world knows powerful! O the Divinity of that soul, which animates so glorious a substance.  
I know well, that the Jews have had women for their Judges, Prophetesses, and Generals of their Armies: The Romans and Greeks have had some, who knew how to Conquer, and bring home Triumph and Victory. All the world will witness, that they have been adored both with wisdom and knowledge, and many States cannot without ingratitude deny them to have been the Redeemers of their Country's Liberty: in fine, the virtue of this Sex is as ancient as the world, and hath produced many fair examples in all Times and Ages. Women have publicly taught Philosophy and Rhetoric at Athens. It was a Woman that succeeded in the School and reputation of Plotinus of Alexandria. The Universities of Milan and Bolognia, have had some of that Sex Graduates and Regent's. Holland hath lost one lately, whom they did esteem to be their tenth Muse: and to say nothing of those whom Orators & Poets have had for Competitors and Rivals; there is not a Nation who hath not embalmed in History, some female Hero's, or warlike Amazons: But I am fully assured, that all those things which can be said of the fair qualities of this Sex, meet happily assembled in our Queen. She hath the admirable Justice and Piety of those illustrious Jews, who were both Warriors and Prophetesses; She hath the courage of those victorious Greeks; and the power of those conquering Romans; She hath all those affections for her people, that those generous Mothers of their Countries could be capable of: In fine, She enjoys all that large capacity and profound learning, which added splendour to those wise and knowing Women, who with honour supplied the places of learned men and Philosophers. But if she alone hath all the virtues of all the others together, don't think, O men, that she can have the least defect in any of them in particular! nothing less than that; every thing shines in her with an unspotted flame; but let me only say, that she is good naturally, that she is also good by industry, and it will suffice to stifle all those thoughts, which may hinder you from rendering justice to her glory.  
It is certain, Great Queen, that all that which we are about to say, cannot be suspected for flattery, none can ever reproach the excess or swelling of our words, they may blame rather our sterility then our abundance, seeing that at this day the eyes of all Europe are fixed upon you, and there is not a mouth, if it have but the smallest relish of Christianity, which makes not you the object of its blessings. You are the Model of Kings, but it must be meant of good Kings, and not of Tyrants, not of those who lay oppressions upon their people, and enforce them to stifle their Religion, but of those only who establish it by their example, and whose moderation renders them the delights of their people; these last are they to whom you are the ordinary entertainment; and it cannot be but a sweet satisfaction, that so many Sovereigns, and so many illustrious Princes, should descend from their Thrones to become your Spectators, and (I may resolutely say, for 'tis no more than truth) to become your Adorers: That Consort cannot but be harmonious, which springs from the noise and acclamations of so many victorious persons, who applaud you with their Palms, which though peaceable and clear from blood, are as worthy as those stained and tumultuary ones, which you have gained in the common dissension of Europe. And truly 'tis no small glory for you to have outgone whatever Histories and Annals have for six thousand years produced, fullest of renown and astonishment; for in all those acclamations which your Armies afford you, your reputation gains a greater height and lustre, from your virtue, which is so victorious over hearts, than from that fortune of yours, which hath been glorious by so many Armies defeated, by so many Journeys and Battles obtained, and by so many Towns assaulted.  
And you, Noble Princess, the illustrious Pillar that sustains the welfare of this Monarchy: You, my Lords, who have gloriously Conquered & triumphed over your enemies: You, who under the Great Gustavus Adolphus, have been always Invincible, and always Victorious under your illustrious Queen: You, (I say) who have so often besprinkled her glorious Palms with your blood, who have made them thrive in the shade of your victorious Arms, and who have engrafted her Trophies upon your sweat, and painful Travels: nay farther, You whom she calls with Justice her Right hand: It is a glorious thing for you to have brought into subjection, so many people both within and without Germany, both upon Sea and upon Land, to have forced all those either to bend or break, who would have resisted your valour, to have cleared your Frontiers, and added whole Provinces to the flourishing Empire of your Queen; to have made him tremble, to whom a spiritual Tyranny allows the vanity of wearing a Triple-Crown, and to compel souls to the Chains and Shackles of a miserable servitude: And in fine, to have humbled that proud Family, who had for a long time forecast the foundations of an Universal Monarchy, which you have brought down to the language of Petitions, and have constrained them to ask that peace which they denied to others with abundance of rigour.  
And you, my Lords, who have interposed with your weighty Counsels, who have marked out the delineaments of those glorious enterprises, and have cartied away the praise of beginning that with your Brains, which others have executed with their Courage. It is no small glory for you to make an equal division of your Palms and Laurels, since that you have all consorted and conspired so advantageously for the welfare of your Country. But after all, when you, illustrious Warriors, shall have carried away more Victories, than you have yet done; when you shall have overthrown all the Empires, which you have yet but shaken, and then triumph over all the world; when you shall have charged with Chains so many Kings, whom you shall make your Prisoners, and lead them to the feet of your Queen: And you! when you shall have given Counsels yet better, if it were possible, than those you have hitherto given, when they shall be put in practice; and (to carry the ma●ter a little farther) when all events shall be submitted to the prudence of your reasonings; you shall then have a glory more magnificent and significant than all that; which is, the glory to see Christina. O happy people! O happy Nation, that can enjoy such a Queen! happy is that Generosity, which can be sacrificed to her service! happy Lords! happy Commons, that can live under so delicious a Government, and behold in their days so many successive wonders! happy Earth, that can be the supporter of a burden so worthy, and a weight so well balanced! happy Pole, which disperses from above, such sweet and delightful influences! happy Stars, which have been the Ascendants of a Constellation so blessed, and a birth so favourable! but more happy yet is Heaven, from whence all blessings fall upon your heads in so plentiful a shower. As for me, I confess, that after so many learned men, who have composed the Elegy of the most Renowned Queen in the World, I ought to have taken it into my Consideration, either to have held my peace, or to have spoken something that might have answered the merit of my Subject, and to have recompensed you for that calm and continued patience, wherein you have wrapped your attention. I had also been in doubt whether I should have obeyed my first resolutions, and so slept in silence; but a glorious Emulation, and a lawful Envy, confirmed my thoughts in this liberty. It grieved me much, when I perceived how the praises of this adoreable Princess, was promoted among all people and Nations, and Celebrated in all sorts of Languages, and that the French only, the French I say, which is so much obliged to her, and which this Princess hath cherished as her own, should be altogether silent in this matter. Truly 'tis this reason which makes me choose rather to speak to you in French, then in any other language; it is this which hath emboldened me to ascend into this place, and given protection to my weakness. It is true, that this most illustrious Lord, whom the Commonwealth of England hath sent hither, and that train of Nobility which attends him, have much contributed to the natural disposition which I always nourished, to admire the actions of this incomparable Queen. The Benedictions of so many religious vows, which all of them in particular have made for her prosperity, are manifest by experience: Also it would not have been possible for me to have confined within myself, those happy acclamations and wishes, which all England breathe forth for her advantage. Do not suspect that my words are couched in a disguise, they are neither dissembling nor servile: they carry the hearts of persons that are truly free, and from whom Tyranny can force up nothing of unworthy flattery. This puissant Republic, which makes a world by itself, and which with the help of Swedland, might give Laws to the whole Earth, produceth nothing, but what is of desert and value. If she knows how to chastise those, who raise themselves against the glory of God, who pervert his service, and oppress their people: She also knows how to heap her Benedictions and Praises upon good Kings: With these she endeavours to conserve a real alliance; with them, she intends nothing but an eternal War: In a word, She admires the one sort, as much as she detests the other You ought not any more to doubt of this after so glorious a Testimony, explained in this Ambassage, which she hath sent to you, and by the worthy choice which she made of one of her most illustrious Lords. If that wise Common wealth had not with much affection, wished for a good correspondence with you, for the advancement of God's honour, and if she had not regarded with admiration the merits of Christina, she would not have chosen out the most illustrious Person, among the most illustrious, or the most capable among the most capable of all that great Island, which is accustomed to produce so many gallant men: and to speak all in one word, she could not have chosen a person more noble, or more worthy of Christina.  
Let us draw to a Conclusion therefore: my Lords, seeing that all the virtues of this glorious Queen are truly Royal; and that inferior and private persons, cannot arrive at any that may be comparable to those; since then, they cannot be communicated to any but herself, let us admire them as we ought: and if for the better fixing in your memory, what hath been already said, we are obliged to repeat all again: I'll say, we cannot deliver to your eye a perspective to make you behold those things, than which the Sun sees none more marvellous: for, if you consider her Infancy, you'll find it full of admiration and wonders; if her life, you'll see it replenished with Prodigies and extraordinary actions. The first is one Series of continued miracles; and that little time which hath been drawn from her precious life, hath it not been crowned with a perpetual interlacing of Victories? And hath she not now undertook to settle your Repose? May she receive along benefit from that sweet peace which she hath procured you: May she rejoice a whole age in that felicity which she hath purchased for you. May she also render to Christianity, those years which were due, and which Death ravished from her Father, and your King: and, to shut up all, Let us earnestly beseech the great King of Heaven, that, whatsoever he hath deprived us of in the renowned Gustavus, he would add it to the prosperity, to the glory, and to the long and continued Reign of Christina.   

To the Fair, Virtuous, and nobly honoured Lady Mrs R. G. Upon this Panegyric.  
Madam,  

WHen this blessed Panegyric, which hath been  
Embalmed by th'Name and virtues of a Queen,  
Shall court th'expense of a few idle hours,  
From others eyes, as now it has done from yours,  
The curious Reader may perchance mistake  
Our Author's mind, & think, while he did make  
Her Elegy, he strove not how to fit  
His matter to her worth, but his own wit..  
(Yet we may think her merits stretch so far,  
Both are defective and come short of her.)  
But would I trace your virtues, there doth lie  
Subject enough to draw the Muse's dry:  
When I'd explain one Grace, another then,  
And then another, checks my daring pen,  
Till in such happy s●ms they do appear,  
Arithmetic might lose its Numbers there.  
So, fling a Stone into a Pond, it hurls  
The willing Waters into wanton curls,  
One Ring creates a second, that doth make  
A third, the third a fourth, until they shake  
The Circles into more, and so they grow  
To multitudes as your fair Virtues do.  
You sit like her enthroned in such a Sphere,  
Envy or Flattery can't reach you there;  
And what is said of her, if said of you,  
Would be thought little, rather than untrue,  
For you so much excel, are so complete,  
You need no Titles for to make you Great.  
The Queen of Sweden we allow to be  
Majestical, but you are Majesty:  
She's good, you goodness are; each King  
And Queen may have the Name, you are the Thing.  
And the same Princess (such is your renown,  
Your head is wreathed with such a glorious Crown  
Of worth) would take it as a favour done her,  
To be accepted as your Maid of Honour.  
Imperious Pharaoh, and the tawny crew  
Of his dark subjects, when old Nile withdrew  
His watery blessings from that fruitful land,  
Were kept from Famine by the thrifty hand  
Of saving joseph, in that fatal dearth,  
Had he not fed them, they'd been food for earth.  
So did not you distribute Virtue here  
And there, to some few Ladies; where, O where  
Should we then find it? You from heaven were sent  
As th'only proper and fit instrument  
To convey goodness: Though the multitude  
May make us more, yet you must make us good.  
Thus, thus, your growing Virtue doth dispense,  
And (like the Seas unbounded influence)  
Supplies the lesser Rivers, till their sides  
Grow big, yet feels no want in its full rides.  
You other souls make rich, and yet are grown,  
Not one small grace the poorer in your own.  
Strange operations, noble Fair! when you  
Can be alone both Stream and Fountain too.  
When I behold some fair illustrious Grace,  
Or Virtue, revel in the soul or face  
Of some bright beauty, straight my Fancy flies  
To you, to know what that Grace signifies:  
For whatsoever's Good or Great, 'tis all  
Copied from you the true Original.  
The greatest souls are in your colours shown,  
You are their Light, they your Reflection:  
They, but like shadows which the Sun hath drawn,  
Are only dark resemblances of you;  
And as dark shadows set fair pictures forth,  
So their defects add lustre to your worth,  
Whose conquering brightness is now grown so high  
The Persians had forsaken their Deity,  
Had they known you; their old superstition  
Had changed its course, and in new channels run,  
You could have shot into their breasts a higher  
And warmer zeal, than his neglected fire.  
Your soul is so well breathed, from spots so free,  
Angels might there a purer substance see  
Then themselves are: Divines may learn from thence  
How Adam's soul looked in its Innocence.  
Thus is your inside framed; yet you can show  
A face, which doth as much perfection own  
As that draws wonder, each of them must pass  
Unmatched, unless each be the others Glass.  
Let daring Monarches follow warlike sounds,  
Delight in death, revel in dismal wounds,  
Let them their louder Conquests boast, & build  
Their idle Trophies up, yet must they yield  
Blood for this purchase; blood, whose drops may rise  
To greater value, than their Victories.  
You need not this, for you more deaths can deal  
By looks, than Armies by their fatal steel:  
There's not a half born smile, that sallis from  
Your noble face, but brings a prisoner home:  
Not one glance falls from you, but what doth fly  
Tiped with the powers of Love and Victory.  
Here lies a Captive (in's chains fortunate)  
Who speaks your praise, though thence he drew his Fate.  
Another there, proud of his fetters, cries,  
His heart is fetched from your triumphant EYES.  
There, there's the cause of all, thence 'tis that thus  
You always do become Victorious.  
Their Globes are with such forcing fires possessed,  
They can dart flames into the frozen breast  
Of a cold Hermit, and with little pains,  
Make wanton blood trace in a Cynicks veins:  
That which we falsely call a Wart, doth prove  
To be the very Magazine of Love,  
The strongest Tower of warlike Cupid, whence  
He flings his fires, had but the Giants thence  
Fought against heaven, they quickly might invade  
Th'opposing Gods, & heaven their Throne have made  
All the Artillery of Cupid lies  
Couched in the piercing lustre of your eyes:  
They like sure Agents set his plots on foot,  
'Tis he may speak, 'tis they must execute:  
They're two great theatres, Beauty and Love  
There act their parts, & in just Triumphs move.  
Do you but frown, the stoutest souls are slain,  
Do you but smile they all revive again:  
Such power lies in your eyes, that you alone  
Can antedate the Resurrection.  
The Poets (men, who in their brains comprise  
A Mint, where Fancy can coin Histories,  
And feign Creations) have so loudly praised  
The beauties of a Venus, that they raised  
Her person up to heaven, and gave her there  
The glories of a Goddess, and a Star:  
But there was no one such, nor could she ever  
Attain those beauties which the Poets give her  
There's but one way to make their praises true,  
To say, They are a prophecy of you,  
And then they're all fulfilled: you only are  
The Goddess that deserves the name of Fair:  
You are the rule of beauty, she alone  
That is like you, hath gained perfection.  
Sheba's great Queen, travelled to gaze upon home  
The glories of the prudent Solomon:  
Had you then lived, you might have stayed at  
And seen as much: he would to you have come.  
He'd have despised his Buildings, and made you  
His only Temple and Devotion too.  
'Mong'st all the Beauties of the loudest Fame,  
Your body's built in the exactest frame:  
O happy 'bove the joys of gods, is he,  
Whose Stars shall so plo● his felicity,  
As to give him a Gem of such high price,  
And let him ransack that soft Paradise.  
But, stay fond thoughts, where doth your fancy run?  
Had you first learned to unstrip the Sun,  
And count his Atoms, than perhaps you might  
Number those Graces that are infinite.  
While I thus strive to set your wonders forth  
At full, I drop far short of your great worth:  
Ixion so in his ambition proud,  
Looked for a Goddess and embraced a cloud.  
Smile on the Sacrifice that here I bring,  
And your acceptance makes it meriting:  
Altars of Goddesses bestow a share  
Of worth, on th'Incense that is offered there.   
Your most Devoted W. L.  
FINIS.