150 HIS APPEAL TO THE LUBECKERS. 



cherous way in which he had been seized by Christian, his 

 confinement in Denmark, and the manner in which his 

 escape had been effected. And he pleaded his cause so 

 well, that they not only gave him permission to remain in 

 the town, but promised him protection during his stay 

 amongst them. 



Shortly afterwards, however, his relative, Baner, learning 

 where he had taken refuge, came also to Lubeck, and com- 

 plained to the Council, " of Gustavus' perfidy and ingratitude 

 towards himself, in return for the great kindness and gene- 

 rosity shown to him ;" and threatened them besides with 

 the Tyrant's enmity, if they protected his declared adversary. 

 But the knight, who was present, boldly replied : " He was 

 no lawful prisoner; that, on the contrary, he had been 

 entrapped by fraud and treachery, and that therefore he had 

 a perfect right to escape from thraldom when opportunity 

 offered. That as regarded the six thousand rix- dollars, for 

 which his kinsman had so generously given security on his 

 behalf, he would thankfully repay them on his return home. 

 I am amongst free-men," said he, moreover, " and rely with 

 every confidence on the promises which have been made to 

 me of protection." 



This address had such an effect on the Town Council, that 

 all Baner 's endeavours to get the young knight once more 

 into his power, proved unavailing. 



Though it was the earnest desire of Gustavus to return 

 forthwith to his father-land, circumstances for a time ren- 

 dered this impossible. For eight whole months, indeed, he 

 was detained in Lubeck. In that time intelligence arrived 

 of the landing of Christian in Sweden, with an immense 

 armament, partjy composed of his own people, and partly of 



