152 HIS ARRIVAL AT CALMAR. 



fortresses that remained in the hands of the Swedes ; and, 

 singularly enough, both were defended by heroic women: 

 the former by Kristina Gyllenstjerna, widow of the late 

 Regent ; the latter by Anna Bjelke, relict of Johan Mansson, 

 the late Governor of the place. 



Gustavus would at once have proceeded to Stockholm ; 

 but as the seas thereabouts swarmed with the enemy's 

 cruisers, he dared not make the venture, and therefore 

 directed his course to Calmar. As, however, the cele- 

 brated Danish Admiral, Severin Norrby, was lying near to 

 that town with the fleet, he was compelled to land privately 

 at a spot some little distance from thence, called Stenso, 

 since looked upon as classic ground. This was on the 

 31st of May, 1520. He was quite alone; but trusting in 

 Providence and his good sword, he determined either to free 

 his beloved country from thraldom, or to leave his bones on 

 her soil. 



Gustavus was very joyfully received by Anna Bjelke, who 

 so gallantly held the town against the Danes. But when 

 haranguing and encouraging the citizens, to make a resolute 

 defence, he found them faint-hearted and lukewarm in the 

 cause. With the garrison, which consisted principally of 

 German mercenaries, it was still worse; for being tired of 

 the war, they were ready, rather than it should continue, to 

 give themselves up to the Danish Admiral. This being the 

 state of things, the knight was looked upon as an obstacle to 

 peace, and he was received in consequence with such evident 

 marks of ill-will, that for his personal security, his kind 

 protectress was obliged to have him conveyed to a place of 

 concealment. 



