THROUGH SWEDEN. 
37 
Sweden fell under the fway of the renowned Semiramis of the 
North, Margaret of Norway.* 0. Ladugradilandet, or the land 
of Farms, which was formerly, but is no longer, an ifland. 
7 . Konungaholmen, or King’s Ifland. 8. Longholmen, or Long 
Ifland. 
There is a great variety of Rations in this infulated and penin- 
* In 1365, Magnus, king of Sweden, had formed the defign of abolishing the 
fenate, and humbling the pretentions of the Swedifh nobles and prelates, who 
were in fa£l fo many petty fovereigns. But fo bold a fcheme it was not in the 
power of Magnus to accomplith, though fupported by an alliance with Denmark, 
The Swedifh arms, in the caufe of liberty, have always been invincible. Magnus, 
with his hated adherents, after a feries of bloody battles, was driven out of the king¬ 
dom, and his nephew, Albert of Mecklenburg, was proclaimed king of Sweden in 
his Head. Albert, inftead of profiting by the difatlers of his predeceffor, followed his 
example, and thared his fate. He began his reign with taking pofielfion of all the 
caftles and ftrong holds of the principal nobility, and re-united to the royal do¬ 
mains more than a third of the fiefs that had for a long time been in the hands 
of the gentlemen, or inferior nobility, and the clergy. In order farther to profe- 
cute his plans, he introduced into all parts of the kingdom military corps of 
foreigners; and for their maintenance levied heavy contributions, and feized, 
without fcruple or ceremony, the property of rich individuals, whether of laymen 
or of the clergy. The Swedilh nobles, fired with indignation and refentment, 
declared to the king, that they no longer owned him for their fovereign, and 
offered the crown and fceptre to Margaret, queen of Norway. The ambitious 
Margaret did not hefitate to embrace fo inviting an opportunity for annexing 
Sweden to her dominions. She railed an army, and at its head marched againft 
Albert. This prince fancying that he had nothing to fear from a woman, amufed 
himfelf with various railleries at the expence of the queen. Among other jokes 
he fent her a large {lone, which he defired her to ufe for the purpofe of fharpen- 
ing her fciffars and needles. Similar defiances, embittered by coarfe farcafms, 
we find common to all rude nations. The defeat of Albert in 1388 put an end 
to his jells. He was taken captive, carried before the queen, and by her thrown 
into prifon; from which he was not liberated until he had renounced all claims 
and pretentions to the Crown of Sweden. 
fulated 
