CHAPTER IX. 



GUSTAVUS VASA HIS BIRTH OMENS OF GREATNESS HIS EDUCATION 

 BEAUTY OF HIS PERSON CHRISTIAN THE TYRANT HIS DISSOLUTE 

 HABITS DUPLICITY HE FALLS IN LOVE HIS INAMORATA DIES HIS 

 CONTEMPT FOR LAW HIS ATROCITIES. 



WHILST pursuing the elk and the bear in the inter- 

 minable forests of Dalecarlia, so celebrated for the bravery 

 and loyalty of its inhabitants, I was frequently reminded of 

 the great Gustavus Vasa. When a price was put on his 

 head, and when beset on every hand by enemies, it was here 

 the hero found a refuge. As with Prince Charles Edward 

 in 1745, his perils and escapes whilst wandering in this 

 province were manifold and wonderful ; and as they may not 

 be generally known in England, I subjoin some account of 

 his adventures. 



To make my little narrative clear, however, it is needful 

 first to say a few words of the then state of political affairs in 

 the north, and of the early life of Gustavus ; as also to give 

 some account of more than one of his contemporaries, who 

 acted prominent parts in the same drama as himself. 



VOL. II. K 



