154 VISIT TO ARCHBISHOP ULFSON. 



to Gustavus, to reconcile him with the King, who had, they 

 said, already not only puhlicly proclaimed forgiveness to poli- 

 tical offenders, on their making submission, but a gracious 

 reception. So far, however, from accepting this well-meant 

 offer, the young knight warned Joakim of Christian's 

 treachery, and endeavoured to persuade him to assist in 

 throwing off the usurper's yoke. 



Poor Margareta, on hearing her brother thus express him- 

 self, was almost wild with grief. She threw herself weeping 

 on to his neck, and conjured him to desist from an enter- 

 prise that could not fail to overwhelm in misery and un- 

 happiness, not only himself, but his kindred. But Gustavus 

 had taken his resolution, and nothing could turn him from 

 his purpose, not even the tears and entreaties of his dearly- 

 beloved sister. 



After the lapse of some days, the credulous Joakim and 

 his wife set off for Stockholm, to assist in placing the crown 

 on the head of Christian. Gustavus, at the same time, 

 also took his departure from Tarno, but with an opposite 

 intent that of tearing the diadem from the Tyrant's brow ! , 



Gustavus proceeded, in the first instance, to Rafsnas, one 

 of his father's estates, near to the town of Mariefred, where 

 he remained in concealment for some time. On one occa- 

 sion, whilst in this retreat, he paid a visit in all privacy to 

 the Archbishop Jakob Ulfson, who resided at the Cloister of 

 Gripsholm, communicated to him the unhappy circumstances 

 in which he was placed, and prayed his fatherly counsel and 

 assistance. The prelate, who received the knight with much 

 kindness, pointed out to him that by the treaty of Stockholm, 

 he was certainly included in the amnesty ; as also, how gra- 



