ALl Europe (not to speak of the other parts of the earth) has doubtless heard of the Resignation of CHRI­STINA Queen of Sweden. The Ignorant, who are but little vers'd in Policie, have look'd on it, as a Prodigie of Vertue, and an action full of Generosity: but the Learned and Politick have taken it, as the highest Folly, which could ere fall into a womans head; and who is best inform'd of the affairs and state of the Kingdom of Swedland, doth publish it with a loud voice, for a famous Bankrupt, she would make to her Creditors. The less judicious have believ'd, that the Swedes being weary of her Government, for the most part disorderly, she hath been (as it were) secretly forc'd, to devest her self willingly of the Kingdom, to prevent with prudence what might befal some other way. But the wisest, who know the light and incon­stant humour of that Princess, say boldly, that she hath [Page 2] done it through levity, and out of a whimsey; having always been carryed thus, in whatsoever she hath done. I omit purposely many speeches, I have heard upon this subject, in Denmark, Germany, the Low-Countries, and even in Swedland; because I see no motives strong enough, to make me believe them.

That Princess was cry'd up, the first years of her Reign, amongst all Nations in Europe; and truely with reason: for in those days she might justly be call'd, The most Religious, Just, and Vertuous Princess in the world. She was familiar and beneficial to all, very charitable to the needy, and most officious to any, to whom she might either do, or procure any good. But a monster, France had brought forth 'gainst her custom, being gone to lurk in the Caves, Forests and Rocks, which the Goths left of old, to breathe the air of France and Italy, did so skilfully win her heart, yea possess'd it, that all the time he stay'd there, he handled her at his pleasure, and for his own profit; but to the grief and discontent of all the world, yea of the chief of the King­dom, who weary with the impertinencies of a man of nothing, did twice or thrice attempt upon his life. That man being without Religion and Piety, impress'd all his false opinions on the minde of the Queen, whom thus in a short time he did make like himself; and she was in a moment so strangely chang'd, that she was no more like herself. She did indeed bear still the name of Great CHRISTINA, but she had no more her vertues. She did before, eat for the most part in publike, where they us'd to discourse of some fine matters, wherein all her Court did with admiration partake of the knowledge and subtilty of that Princess's wit; who by those means was reverenc'd and cherish'd by all men. But this foolish States-man, quite contrary to that commendable [Page 3] practice, stole her from her Courtiers, to possess her a­lone, and entertain her Royal minde, with Jests and ri­diculous Sports; so that her Counsellors, and the great men of the Kingdom, could hardly see her, and seldom speak to her. By her privacie with that base fellow, she began to lose much of the good opinion, her Subjects had of her; and her assiduity with him did so eloign the most zealous of her Courtiers, that her Court did ap­pear like a Desert or Solitude, to what it was before.

The imprudence or impudence of that mercenary stranger, did not onely affront the chief of the Kingdom, and even those who were most in the Queens favour, but did also molest her domesticks; injuring them one after another, rather by Fancie then Reason. And this he did, to make ostentation of the power, he had ac­quir'd upon the minde of CHRISTINA, which he caused to act according to the strange motion of his ir­regular passions; and into which he might easily inspire love or hatred, with their effects, in the behalf, or to the prejudice of whom he pleas'd.

That Imprudence and Impudence grew at last to that height, that being judg'd intolerable, some did resolve and endeavour to murther him. This will appear som­what violent and bloody, to calm or still humours: but it is fit, one man should die for all: and when all such wicked and abominable persons should be cut off, the rest would fare better, and live with more content. This base and fearful heart, which hath never done any thing which either were generous, or appear'd as such, seeing himself pursu'd in good earnest, was forc'd to think on his retreat, for which he made an advantageous provi­sion; carrying out of the Kingdom, whether in Coyn or Plate, to the value of an hundred thousand Crowns, and more. And it is a strange thing, that stout Nation [Page 4] had not a man, who would pursue this infamous Fugi­tive, to wash in his foul blood so many crimes, where­with he had defil'd that Court. Providence would not have it so. His absence did indeed give some respite to many men, and did sweeten their bitterness: but he had spread too violent a Poyson in the Queens minde, and had left there too strong impressions of evil, to per­mit that the Court should recover its former state; it being the nature of that Princess, never to be constant, but in those things, which have blasted her fame. Doubt­less many of those, who saw those disorders, will easily imagine, of whom I speak: But to satisfie all the world, and that no man perswade himself, I have invented this, I do ingenuously confess, that the Picture I have now drawn of a Monster, of a mercenary and impudent fel­low, of a man of nothing, of a base heart, and, in a word, of an Atheist, is that of Bourdelot, who, like a great Mastiff, eats this day the bread of the poor, and sucks the blood of the Crucifix; having obtain'd an Abbey of the King of France, by the urgent intercession of CHRISTINA, who took so much to heart the get­ting of that Benefice, (which Rome, inform'd of Bour­delot's ill qualities, had refus'd him) that she ceas'd not her importunities to the Court of France, till she saw her Dagon sit in the Temple of God. This Monster then being shamefully expell'd out of Swedland, the Queen hath since constantly shew'd her self such, as he did leave her, that is, a Lady without Religion, Piety, Vertue, and Fidelity; dissolute in her life, and libertine in her speeches; a cheat, slanderer, and jeerer; and of whom one might truly say, She had nothing Royal, but the Kingdom. Who will not wonder at so strange and prodigious a change? Who will not say, That Queen is fallen from an eminent state to a lowe condi­tion? [Page 5] But you, brave Sweds, will you not weep, to see the flow'r of your Kingdom so much wither'd, your Amarantha so much chang'd; and your Princess, who has been long the wonder of this Age, the glory of her Sex, and the subject of the whole worlds admiration, be now the May-game of all Nations? To see your Queen, who heretofore was cherish'd and esteem'd by all in general, now become their by-word and laughing-stock? Yes, all your eyes should now be turn'd into as many springs of tears, to weep perpetually such a fa­tal downfal, if divine providence, which would not for­sake your Kingdom, had not rais'd you a religious, wise, vertuous, valiant, and all-generous King, who may worthily govern you all his life, as you may in reason expect from his fair beginnings. And you, ingenious French, will you not sigh and groan, that your Benefa­ctrix has her hands shut to do you good, and can no more bestow her Bounties upon you: that she who has so dearly cherish'd your Nation, for your Poets, Musicians and Dancers, and chiefly for your Gallantry, is now seeking her best delights amongst your most cruel ene­mies: and finally, that she, who did formerly protect you, hath now forsaken you? Yet I perswade my self, that being of late accustom'd to be ill us'd by that Prin­cess, you will soon dry your tears, and it will better be­come you to leave the Gothish Land for yours: you are not welcom there, but much envied; quit it then with, or after me: I left there many of my friends and ac­quaintance in that resolution.

But let's return to our Princess, who in truth was for a long time, as I have said, very pious and religious: but since, she hath been seen doubting, whether there be a God and a Providence, and denying Heaven and Hell, Saints and Devils, Judgement and Resurrection, and so [Page 6] consequently the Souls Immortalitie. Concerning Christs Incarnation, 'tis but a Fiction in her opini­on. Who has not frequented her Court, will hardly believe this: but who has been there during her Reign, will not give me the lye. She hath often made Speeches in full Assemblies, which sufficiently shew'd her sence. I am witness of it, and can pass for an irrefragable one before those who know me. A man of probity, and whose profession permits him not to lye, chiefly in such an occasion, hath told me in private, that he had divers times entertain'd the Queen three or four hours, about the existence of a Deitie, and concerning a Providence, which governs all things in the world; wherein he had found her very wavering, and making use of all the strongest Arguments which Libertines have forg'd, to oppose those Truths. Yet there is some probabilitie, that what that Princess did in those strange Disputes, was rather to shew her fine wit, then out of a designe to overthrow those Truths so well establish'd in the world, that none but Fools will oppose them; since na­tural lights are sufficient in those, who have the right use of Reason, to give them the knowledge thereof. Hers are too bright and great, to permit her to doubt of those high Mysteries: and I am charitably perswaded, that 'twas rather to exercise her wit and rare know­ledge, as School-men put theirs forth, in the very begin­ning of their Theologie, disputing whether there be a God, who is the object of that noble Science; then by any belief or opinion, which be criminal before God, or injurious unto his existence. Yet it must be confess'd, that our Princess hath been obsetv'd, to call so often those high things in question, so ready to speak against them, and so loose in all such discourses, that thence many did suspect her to be ill grounded in her Religion: [Page 7] and she was often heard say after a Sermon, that she did know less then before: and where her Priests or Mi­nisters took exception at her, yea preach'd against her, chiefly because there was a room full of naked Pictures appointed to pray, praise, reade, preach, (they were Pictures representing the Creation of our first parents, a little too much to the life) she did reply, that they shew'd well their ignorance thereby, not to know that Adam and Eve were both created stark naked; and that it was lawful, to make their pictures in the same fashion, as they came out of the hands of God; and that the Idea's of a Painter were not more criminal then his. 'Tis ve­ry true, she hath lost much of her good name, in th' opi­nion of all pious and modest souls, since Bourdelot's in­fernal acquaintance with her, by her licentious liberty, in making her most delightful and familiar conferences of lascivious speeches, tales or stories full of obscenity, in whose relation she takes most pleasure, and will ab­solutely that ev'ry thing be call'd by its own name, with­out any disguise, or that seasoning and grain of salt, which modestie inspires to all its professors, and per­sons well educated.

One of my friends, who upon his admission into her Service, was us'd to entertain her both often and long, observing that her minde was delighted with such kinde of tales, did abundantly furnish her with them: yet be­cause there were some of his narrations, which did som­times require more modest expressions, then the genuine or natural, chiefly before a Royal Majestie, and in a maids presence; as she saw him going about his cir­cumlocutions, and seeking civil terms, she would boldly speak out the words, though they were never so filthy; many of which he hath specified to me, which modestie forbids me to write here. Judge of her Religion, by [Page 8] her ranging up and down the world without a Minister; preferring her health, (for whose preservation she hath a Physician) to her souls salvation, for which those Mi­nisters are instruments, appointed by God. She made a shew to retain one, who did wait on her as far as Halmstat, upon the frontiers of Denmark, where she did dismiss him. Another was offered her at Ham­burgh, whom she made a shew to accept, though the event declar'd, she had no minde to him. And indeed, such persons had been but as thorns in her feet: for, having a designe to profess Popery, the Ministers of the Gospel were no fit attendants on her. 'Tis evident, that long before, she took no delight in all their Functions: for, as many persons can testifie, as well as I, she had at Church so little Religion and Zeal, that her countenance shew'd enough, what spirit possess'd her. She us'd to sit in a Chair of Purple Velvet, and lean her head and arms on another; questionless building (after the Pro­verb) fine Castles in the air: and if the Minister, through his zeal to his Charge, or for the merit of his Theme or Subject, did preach and pray a little too long, for the de­votion of the Queen and all such luke-warm souls, her custom was, to recreate her weary attention, (if yet she had any at all) in playing with two little Spaniels, which are always with her; or pratling with some of her crea­tures, if any was then neer. I have sometimes seen her make such a noise with her Fan on her Chair, that if the Priest had had respect and complaisance enough, to give somthing to her humour, he had taken those signes of impatience, as silent commands to make a quick end: but he was no whit the shorter; either because he kept his old custom, or that he would break or bend her im­patient disposition, and use her to more pietie, attention, modestie, in the celebration of Divine Mysteries, and [Page 9] so in the sweet exercise of Christian Religion: which yet could take no effect on her Mind, so strong and lasting are Bourdelot's impressions on her, and so deep all the roots, which the seed of Impiety and Dissolution, he sow'd in her heart, hath taken there, that no amend­ment can be expected from her.

That inconstant Humor has continu'd with her, even in strange Countries, & namely at Hamburgh, where we saw her at Church, hearing the Word of God, with so little reverence & attention, & so much impatience, that thereby many men, who went to see her through curio­sity, were confirm'd in the ill Opinion, they had before conceiv'd of her, by divers Reports made of her, before her Arrival. Even some of her Swedish Priests, having Observ'd so little Zeal in their Princess, told me before my departure, out of that cold Country, That they fear'd very much, she would fondly embrace the Super­stitions of Papists, since she slighted so visibly the Re­ligion she was bred in, and lov'd not the other, which is known by the name of the Reformed Churches, ha­ving frequently said, She had rather become a Papist, than of the Reform'd Religion; meaning by this, those of Gene­va's Confession, from whom she had a mighty Aversi­on; either because she was not well inform'd of her Doctrine and Purity, or that the Lutheran, in which she has been bred, comes somwhat neerer the Roman, chiefly in Ceremonies.

But it is enough of her Religion, (which is now lost, if ever she had sincerely any) let's a little Examine her Carriage, in her Wandrings, or Voyages. It was thought convenient, That after she had waited on the Queen her Mother, whose ordinary abode is at Niuku­pin, she should go to Oeland, which is a very pleasant Isle, that she had reserv'd for her self, and did before [Page 10] belong to his Royal Highness, who doth now Reign o­ver the Sweds, a Nation (though glorious) yet too little for his Merits and aspiring Valour. Thence she was to pass by Sea into Pomerania, to see the Lands and Goods, which were Assign'd for her Appannage or Pro­vision, by her own Agreement: The King gave Order that Seven Great Ships should be prepar'd for her Transportation, under the Command of Marshal Wrangle; and that the Governor of Oeland should have in readiness whatsoever was fit to entertain her Royal­ly, as it became his and her Majesty: But having made a shew to go thither, yea, being gone that way a whole day, she did resolve to go by Land, and to cross all Denmark, which she did, habited like a Cavalier, with a red Scarf after the Spanish mode, and thus entred Hamburgh incognito, and went to Lodge in the House of a Jew, a Physitian by Profession, slighting that which the Magistrates had designed for her. That Action much amaz'd both the Senate, whose Honourable Re­ception and Entertainment she refus'd; and the Priests of the Town, who enflam'd with the Zeal of God's House, could not forbear to speak in Publick against her, for her Ridiculous and Scandalous Choice of the House of a man, who is by Profession, a sworn Enemy of Iesus Christ. Yet this Meting, for all that, appeared to be somwhat too hard; and the wiser sort thought, That somthing should have been allowed to the condition of a Queen, and that Excuses should be made for her. But she replied for her self, That Jesus Christ had all his life-time conversed with the Jews; That himself was come of their Seed; and that he had preferred their Company to the Company of all other Nations. Now judge ye your selves of this Answer. When she went out of Hamburgh, it was at an unseasonable hour, to [Page 11] wit, at 4 or 5 a Clock in the Morning, at the out­going of a Feast, whereat the Land-grave of Hesse had Royally entertain'd her, without taking her leave ei­ther of the Senate, or of the Magistrates: whereat e­very one was extremely surprised. In her Train she be­ing Fifth, or Sixth her self, followed on her Voyage to­wards the United Provinces, without being accompa­nied with any Woman, or Maid-servant: having left her two Hollands-Women (that had served her a long enough time, and which she had brought from Sweden with her) at Hamburgh, without giving them any Recompence, as she had likewise done to her Foot-men and Coach-men: committing her self wholly to the guidance of Seigneur Esteenberg, of whom she made choice above all in her Court, as of the most brutish and irrational man; and having given the Charge of the Master of her Houshold, or Steward, to Silver-Crona, whose name full of Silver, smells rankly of her Gold­smith.

She continued her manner of acting in the Vnited Provinces, as she had begun it in Denmark, and Ham­burgh. She entred these Countries also, without making her self known, sleighting the Preparations that the Lords the States-General of the Vnited Provinces, had made for an Honourable Reception of her: and in such manner passed through their Towns, until she came to give her self up into the hands of the Spaniards.

But her contentment here could not be full, since her good friend Pigmentelli is not here, who is the man, that hath taken the place of Bourdelot, and who did entirely possess her, all the time of his Negotiation in Sweden: for whom she made Feasts, Balles, Walks, and pub­lick Rejoycings. And it is not without Reason, that many persons suspected, That it was this man, that [Page 12] made her aborse that monstrous Design, to quit the Crown; which she sayes she had conceived a long e­nough time before, in her Letter that she wrote to Monsieur Chanut, Ambassador for the King of France, to­wards the States-General of the Low-Countries. It was he only, that did eat oft'nest with her, that accom­panied her in all her Walks, that entertain'd her at night until 3 or 4 a Clock after mid-night; and lastly, who was her Achates, or inseparable Companion, and who did no less all her business, than his Predecessor Bourdelot. It is a great change, To come out of the hands of a Frenchman, to fall into the arms of a Spaniard, that hath had so great a power over her minde, as to obliege her, and make her say to the Ambassador of Portugal, That she acknowledged not his Master, as King of that Country, but only as Duke of Bregance. Other Ministers of State have been little better used of her. For there is none of them all, from one end to the other, that hath not been neglected: which also made them take that resolution, to banish themselves from the Court, whither they went no more, than their Master's Affairs call'd them to it. I must not forget that famous Ball, which the Queen made Dance for the farewel to her deerest Con­fident; whereof she would bear a part, and represent therein the person of the Woman-Fool, or Pratling-Houswise. Whilst she was Apparelling her self, she took a fair Diamond from off her finger, and gave it to Pigmentelli to keep it for her: which, so soon as she had on her Apparel, he offered to render her again. But she replied, That she had never used to take that again, which she had once given. The Stone was esteem'd at 30 or 40 thousand Livers. But what shall we say of that Em­bassage Extraordinary, which she sent to his Catholick Majesty, only to thank him, that he had sent her so gal­lant a man, as Pigmentelli?

[Page 13]If these great Persons, which she hath called to her at divers times, had been somwhat others than they were, without doubt they had been both better received, and more honourably used. Monsieur Naudeus, not be­ing able longer to suffer the Disorders and Looseness of that Court, wherein the Muses were no more hono­red, saw himself constrained to banish himself from it, of his own accord; and did prefer a voluntary Exile, to an abode so little favourable to men of Learning, whom that Princess had loved for some time; but af­ter that Bourdelot had put that high gallantry into her head, there was no more to do for them: And all the fair appearances, that she had shewn them, were nothing but made countenances, or rather a remainder as it were of her first Opinions. I call them all to witness, if there be found any one of them, that hath been either fully, or reasonably satisfied, except one, or two, who knew well how to take their time.

Monsieur Bouchard, whose Vertue and Knowledge render him worthy of eternal Memory, was used like a Pedant in that Court. The Queen often complained, That he had but very little gallantry in him: and when some represented to her, That gallantry agreed not well with the Profession he made; she answer'd, that she made but very little esteem of a man, that knew nothing but how to read on a Book; and that for being informed in some words of Arabick, her approbation was not there­by to be gained: As if Monsieur Bouchard had ever cared much for it. This he well witnessed, When the Queen advertising him of the Design she had to quit the Crown, and demise the Administration of the King­dom, to retire her self into a Solitude, in the company of some knowing men, of the Number of whom she wished, That he would be one: He did not so much as once to Answer her Letter. And his silence ought [Page 14] not to be reputed other than very reasonable; since he did well in it; and the issue hath made it be seen, that she was full of Hypocrisie, and that what the Queen was doing in the Business, was nothing but Deceit, for disguising the Design she had, of running a course of Light-houswifery. But let us suppose that the thing was, as she described it; yet Monsieur Bouchard had Reason to be silent, having been worse used, than can be well imagined; in that they left him to a lodging for the space of six weeks, before they made so much as a shew to visit him: And that he was very ill rewarded, after the pains he had taken to come to Sweden, only to satis­fie the Queens desire.

The good Counsels that this Princess gave, and the lesson that she taught to the deceased Monsieur de Saumaise his little Son, is a thing very pleasant to hear. Most people know, That after the death of this great man, whose Memory the Queen honoured with a Fu­neral-Oration, which she made a Professor of the U­niversity of Vpsal make; she wrote a fine Letter to the Lady, his Widow, wherein she set forth her purpose of Educating her Son, that was the only Child, of all that Monsieur de Saumaise had, appointed to Studies. The Mother, to discharge her self of this, as well as of her elder Sons, sent him into Sweden: to whom this Princess, when he came to do his Reverence unto her, and to Kiss her Hand, represented, that she would not that he were only knowing, as was his Father; but that she moreover desired, that he were a very gallant spirit, and learned with much care the Fashion, wherewith to govern himself at Court: that a Gentleman ought to make as much Profession of Gallantry at the least, as of Letters. This fine Lesson read unto a yong Boy, subject as yet unto the Rod, and to Correction, made so great [Page 15] an impression in his minde, that after that, he was heard to speak of little else, but of going to visit the Ladies of the Court, and of Vaulting and Dancing. This good Princess did take so great a care of him, that she suffer­ed him to stay all the time he was in Sweden, in a Victu­alling-house, so ill appointed, that he looked rather like a Beggar, than a Gentleman's Son of good Birth. And to ascend back again from the Son to the Father, it is true, that this Personage seems to have been better used, than any other man of Letters: and yet for all that, he departed out of Sweden discontented enough; whereof I profess that I knew not the Reasons. Yet I have seen of his Letters in Sweden, written to some of his Friends, which said, That he repented him in some sort, that he had deserved the approbation of the Queen, seeing she was so easie to give it to Persons, that were altogether unworthy. But I know well, that so he hath been spoken of in that Court, for a Sir Iohn, whose Wife wore the Breeches.

Vossius and Heinsius, if they will tell the truth, have no great cause, to be the best contented with her, of the world. Vossius hath had all the pains, that can be imagined, to make himself to be paid off that which he had laid out for the Queen, in buying of divers Books, which he had done for her. And Heinsius is yet to sue for what is due to him, for the like cause, and moreover for the Services that he did her Majesty. Judge by this, if men of Learning be in any great real esteem with her. Without doubt, had they been less knowing, and more gallant, that their business had been better carried through, according to the Example of Bourdelot, whom the Queen hath given her Pass to, as the excellentest and first amongst men in the world. And I can assure you thus much, that he could not speak congruous Latin. [Page 16] I have seen a Note written with his own hand, to a Bi­shop that had been chased out of his Country for Re­ligion, and that did implore her Majesties assistance by his intercession: In which Note, within the compass of 4 or 5 lines, which it did contain, I found Three or Four Soloecisms and Barbarisms: And the sense of the whole so confused, that there was need to go to a Wizard, for to have it made plain. This Note is yet in the hands of a man unblamable, that is in Sweden; at least, if he be not come out of it since my self: the which without doubt he keeps, to put it in the Vatican, or in the Kings Library at Paris, for an Authentick Wit­ness of the profound knowledge of Bourdelot, who to the Queen of Sweden vaunted, and chanted so much, because he could make some sorry ryming French verses, though neither that, but imperfectly enough. If it be possible for me to get a Copy of this Note, I shall impart it to the Publick, with some other Memorials, that I expect from Sweden; whereby you shall know, whether Bour­delot be so great a man, as the Queen hath made him pass for; and whether he had reason to censure all the great men that went to Sweden, and the Latine Poesies of Monsieur Maurus (whose knowledge is known, chiefly in all the Countries of the Lords the Estates General of the United Provinces) wherein he found, that the word Posteri, was not good Latine, but that he should have said, Posteritas; whereunto the Queen applauded, be­cause Bourdelot had said it. It is surely a matter of Astonishment, why a Princess so well furnished with Light of Knowledge, suffered her self so strongly to be blinded by this infamous fellow: which even the meanest of the Commons in Sweden having observed, they perswaded themselves that he had a familiar Spi­rit; and that he used Charms to bewitch her Minde: [Page 17] I have heard it said by many, whilst I was in Sweden. And when I attempted to put this conceit out of their heads, as being a Flout, or as a Dull conceit; I found them so deeply perswaded of it, that my attempt was without effect.

But what shall we say of the horrible injustice that this Princess hath done to her Creditors? When I look upon it, I tremble; and think that those, who have ta­ken her demising the Crown as a famous playing the Bankrupt, had some reason for it. It is seen, (I am a wit­ness of it) that there be some Merchants of Jewels, from whom she had taken up Goods, from some for Ten, from others for Twenty, and from some for Thirty thousand Livres, to whom she hath delay'd payment to be made, for Six, for Ten, and for Fifteen months beyond the time, yea, two yeers, and in the end went her way, leaving Tickets, that will be paid ad Calendas Graecas, that is, ne­ver. Is it not a matter of astonishment, and which cry­eth for vengeance to God, that these poor people have been forced to leave off their lawful occasions and busi­ness, and to consume their Livelihood, in attendance for their own in a strange Country, where the expences are great; and, at last, to see themselves left empty handed? But be not at all astonished at this: Bourdelot's Maxime, which the Queen hath exactly followed, was this: That Kings might dispose of the goods of private men, as they pleased. But whence hath he drawn this false doctrine? With­out doubt, from the bottom of his black and base soul. I have seen some of these Merchants with all possible earnestness desire their Jewels back again, since they saw themselves out of hope to be paid: but they were in the hands of a Princess, that had a heart rather to give them away to others, then ever to render them to their right owners. This was not for want of information of the [Page 18] wrong was done these men: for she was sufficiently ad­vertised thereof, by Petitions and Requests which they presented to her; all which she received from them, and read them upon her pierced Chair, and then wip'd her hinder parts with them.

But what Justice can be expected from that person, that doth not right to her self? Look a little on her car­riage in the Oeconomy of her house. Her Intendant, to whom she sent all her Creditors, was a man that could neither reade, nor write, except onely his name, which he learn'd to scribble a little time since. He was a Taylor by trade, and was called Master Iohn; whose Needle & Shears this Princess hath changed to a Sword, he being made a Noble-man; and hath given him the name of Lyon Crona: but truly he carries the likeness of a Monkey, rather then of a Lion. This illustrious Blade knew so well how to govern the Queens minde, that she committed to him the Intendancie and Oeconomy of her whole house: who following his Mistress's Genius, he studied, in the midst of his Ignorance, to deceive the world; and made himself so knowing in that Art, that there was none, but such as had no business with him, that have escaped his Knaveries. He began to enrich himself, by the Voyage he made into France, for the provisions of the Queens Coronation; from whence having brought an heap of the worst Stuffs, he made Merchandise of them in Sweden after this manner: When the Queen gave commission to her domesticks, or others, to make them Cloaths, Mr. Iohn directed them to the Merchant with whom he had intrusted his Magazine; so a [...] by this means they were constrained at last to go to him, who gave them wares of the value of 50 Crowns, for 100; which they entered into Recognizance to pay him for: which change was not over disadvantageous to him.

[Page 19]To pass from the Intendant, to the Vallets of; her Cham­ber, who in in their own kinde governed also the Queen: they were personages worthy to be known. One of them was called du Piquet, a French-man by Nation, who was the most infamous Pimp in the world; and his wife had been kept in prison at Bruxels or Antwerp, for her in­famous tricks. The other of them was call'd Alexander, an Italian born, who they say drew his illustrious extra­ction from a very renowned Cobler. And both these were cal­led, The Queens Piggs; whom she made Noble-men, though they had never been remarkable for any thing, but Infamy and Baseness. If it was, because they had served her, there were an hundred others, who have had that honour, and who did it more honourably, and with more faithfulness, and more glory. See here how this Princess kept the laws of Justice in all her carriage.

Ask, if you please, the Gentlemen of her Chamber, and her Maids of Honour; you shall finde, that in a moment she quitted her self of them all, and of her Pages also, without so much as paying them their allowances; to say nothing of Recompence, which is no more to be found neer her.

Speak but a little to the Secretary of her Commands, who served her eighteen months with an incredible diligence and fidelity, and who caused more to be writ in his time to the Queen, and to Kings, and to all the Princes of Eu­rope, than all his predecessors had done: He will tell you, that she was ingrate to him, in this, that she left him not a sous, although he made all the petty expences of the Cabinet, himself.

It is not long time since she had made a Neapolitan Gentleman come from Rome, and had written to Madam the Dutchess of Aiguillon, that he should not repent for having come to her service; because she knew not onely how [Page 20] to acknowledge the services that any did her, but also to recom­pense them, even to their good wills that they should testifie to have for her. But all these fair words were without any real effect, and were but winde, that is dissipated; or as smoak, that vanisheth: and they left this poor Gentle­man (though he was of very good birth) amongst the troop of those that were miserable.

But what ridiculous entertainment did she give that French Gentleman, that brought to her the little young Mon­sieur de Saumaize, who for some reason, that I will not here mention, voluntarily banished himself out of France, and from his own house; and who had undertaken that sorry condition, either to acknowledge the obligations that he had to the deceased Monsieur de Saumaize, or that he was perswaded, that this Princess, being a great Queen, he might hope to receive from her all manner of satisfaction, when she should be informed of his worth and valour? we saw him neglected in Sweden, as much, or more then any other; and she suffered him to go his way, without giving him any thing at all, as an acknow­ledgement of the pains he had taken for her, and the care he had taken of that little childe. Is not here a brave way of knowing how to recompense so far, as to reach even the good will that any had towards her?

I cannot omit the mentioning of the injustice that was done to a Valet of the Barderob, called by the name of du Plessis, a French-man by Nation; who for having made himself too watchful towards his Mistresses service (who thereby perhaps was hindered of her night-practices with Pigmentelli) caused him one evening to be beaten by her Foot-men, disguised in gray cloaths: which he got of her, in recompense of all his services done her, and his great diligence. A brave fashion, surely, of ac­knowledging her servants!

[Page 21]I omit many others; as, the Governour of her Pages, called La Selle, who having a twofold charge in the Queens house, carryed himself therein with a behaviour so wise, and so discreet, that her self confessed, that she had nothing to say against him; whose merit therefore made him be chosen for his Highness the Prince Atolf, to accompany him in his travels: who yet was no better used by her, than others. He is come out of Sweden, full of Honours indeed, but very empty of money, at least, for any that he had from the Queen. A great Princess indeed, and worthy that persons of honour and quality should serve her!

But before we lay aside the Pen, for a farewel, let us speak a little to our French Musicians. When the Count Magnus de la Garde was sent Ambassadour to the most Christian King of France, by her Majestie of Sweden; he gave commandment for the choice of a Company or Set of Violins or Musicians; to whom, by contract sign­ed with his hand, he promised conditions very reason­able. These poor people engaged themselves for their voyage into Sweden, where at the beginning they were used favourably enough; whether it was, that the Queen is much pleased with new things; or, that she found the harmony of the French Violins was better and more charming than that of Viels, or Swedish Timbrels: But that lasted no long time; and at this day they are in such misery, that there be some of them, who are indebted for all their expences since their wages dried up, so that it was not possible for them, by any sollicitations or pur­suits they made, to get any part of that which was so authentically promised them. The Queen danced in the Balls and Ballets, to the cadence of their Violins, un­til she withdrew behinde the Theatre; from whence none of them could see her return, to furnish them with [Page 22] Strings; so that I think they may now hang up their In­struments on a hook. But why did not you, as those gel­ded Italians did, who desired leave to be gone, as soon as they wanted money; and were stuffed up with Rheums and Flegms, when their purses were empty? Your gen­tleness hath marred you; and you have seen, that for having too much slackned of that which was your due, your Instruments are unset.

Doubtless, those that reade what I write, will hardly believe it. But let him believe it that will, I am fully assured, that such as have seen the estate of the Court of Sweden, or have been truly informed thereof, will know I speak less thereof than what may be said: and I would bring nothing hither, I have not seen my self. When I shall have received the Memorials that I am promised out of Sweden, I shall impart them to the Publike, to un­deceive it in many things. I hope to receive them by some French-man, of whom that Country now disbur­dens her self by little and little, and who were well shaken when I came away. You may have patience, if you please, till that time; when you may know some­thing more private and particular of Queen Christina: or if not, take this further account at present. She go­ing towards Bruxels, was met on her way four miles from that City, by the Archduke Leopoldus, and many Gallants of his Court; by whom she was conducted to the said Duke's Palace, where she was entertained with Plays, Balls, Feasts, and all Gallantry imaginable. She was Royally feasted by the Earl of Fuensaldagne, who (for that end) sent Letters to several Cities and Towns in the Low-Countries, for Rarity and Variety: to the Citie of Gant, for Veal; to Bruges, for Capons; to Antwerp, for Fish; to Mons, for Mutton; to Ardine, for Venison; to Lille and Torney, for Poultry of all sorts. These presented [Page 23] themselves by troops, to welcom her to Bruxels. But no­thing could be more pleasing to her, then the sweet com­pany of Pigmentelli; who was complacent not only in re­spect of his person, but also in regard of the stately pre­sents sent from his Master the King of Spain, who con­ceived no small joy at the reception of that Royal Con­vert into his Dominions. Thus she deluded Time with variety of Delights, until the Duke's departure to the Army; whom she presented with a Gallant Horse, sumptuously accoutred with Gold and Diamonds to a very great value. In September she departed thence, bending her course for Italy, with a very numerous Train; posting it thorow the Country after her wonted man­ner; having also a long Tail of Jesuites and Friers, which she trailed after her to Inspruck in Tirol, the resi­dence of the Grand Duke of that Country; where her entertainment was extraordinary, and where all the Nobility and Gentry in the Country were by the Duke summoned to appear, in all their Pomp, to attend the solemn and actual Apostatization of this wretched Queen; which was performed thus: She was led by the Archduke to the Franciscan Church, (attended by a numerous company) where she was seated under a Canopie on the left hand, before the high Altar: below her, toward the right hand, were the Archduke and his Lady: over against them, Pigmentelli the Spanish Am­bassadour, in a Chair by himself. The Quire was hung with Crimson-Velvet, and the ground covered with Red Serge. Holsteinus the Popes Nuntio stood on the right side of the Altar, and spake thus: That Pope Alex­ander the Seventh having understood that Christina Queen of Sweden had an intent to put her self into the bosome of the Church, had sent his Letters to testifie his approbation of her desires, and his readiness to receive her with his Apostolical [Page 24] benediction: therefore he was there to know whether it was true or no. To which she answered in the Affirmative, Then Holsteinus desired, That in testimony of the truth thereof, she would make profession of the Romane Faith, and swear to keep it, on the holy Evangelists: which she did, and kiss'd the Book. Immediately on this, a Chair was set for Hol­steinus to sit in, and a Cushion laid at his feet, on which the Queen kneeled: and then he making the signe of the Cross over her head, and embracing her shoulders, gave her Absolution from all the sins she had committed. Then were certain short Prayers said (or rather sung) in Latine, for her: after which, high Mass was sung; and then a Priest made a Sermon in Dutch, wherein he exhorted her to forget her People, Country, and Fathers house, and to stick close to that profession she had taken up. Afterwards, Te Deum was sung with excellent Voi­ces, and Instruments of all sorts, and Drums, (which I never saw before in a Church.) All was concluded with the discharge of Ordnance, and other demonstrations of great joy. At night, the Archduke entertained her with a Mask, and Dancing. Here she tarried not long, but departed towards Italy. In her way she took Bologne, where she was met by the Popes Legat, who was sent to congratulate her arrival. From thence she went to Lau­retto, where she offered up a Crown and Scepter to the Idol of the place. Here she shewed great external de­votion, which she performed with many Ceremonies. Nothing remained now, but that she cast her self into the Arms of the Pope; to which purpose, she addres­sed her self towards Rome, where great preparation was made for her reception: but she, to shew her great hu­mility, sent a Letter beforehand to that holy Father, praying that all such Preparations might be moderated. At her arrival, she was admitted on her knees to kiss the [Page 25] hands and feet of the Pope. Having now lodg'd her at Rome, I leave her there; wishing she would seriously ruminate on those words of our Saviour, He (or she) that denies me before men, him (or her) will I deny before my Father which is in heaven; whereby she might become sensible of her follies, and finde favour at last with that God, whom she hath greatly offended by this her abo­minable Apostacie and Backsliding.