MEETING WITH HIS SISTER. 153 



Finding that nothing was to be effected in Calmar, Gustavus 

 took his departure privately, and directed his steps into the 

 interior of the country. Whilst wandering alone and dis- 

 guised, through the dense forests of Smaland, he had the 

 mortification to hear in all quarters how, from jealousy, pri- 

 vate pique, and lucre, his countrymen betrayed one another. 

 When he found the inhabitants congregated, at churches and 

 elsewhere, he exhorted them to unanimity, and resistance to 

 the Tyrant warning them, at the same time, against his 

 perfidy and cruelty. But his endeavours to cause a rising 

 were ineffectual; for the people were not only tired of the 

 war, but favourable to Christian, who, said they, " always 

 treats us well and kindly, so long as we are faithful and 

 obedient." At times, therefore, not only threats and scoffs, 

 but even missiles, were the returns for his appeals, so that he 

 was forced to make a hurried retreat. 



Continuing his way through the wilds of Soderman- 

 land, Gustavus at length came to the Castle of Tarno, 

 the residence of his sister Margareta and her husband, 

 Joakim Brahe, who was a member of the Privy Council, 

 and one of the most considerable men in Sweden. Not 

 having seen each other for a long period, the meeting was a 

 most joyful and affectionate one on both sides ; though, on 

 the part of the knight's relatives, mingled with much sorrow, 

 when they learned that it was his full purpose to raise an 

 insurrection against Christian. 



By special invitation, Joakim and his wife were just on 

 the point of proceeding to Stockholm, which had recently 

 fallen into the Tyrant's power, to be present at the approach- 

 ing coronation. They therefore proffered their best services 



