Count Galleazzo Gualdo Priorato on Kristina's childhood, young adulthood, character, personality and reign (New Style dates used)

Sources:

Historia della Sacra Real Maestà di Cristina Alessandra Regina di Svetia, pages 5 to 11, by Count Galleazzo Gualdo Priorato, 1656

https://archive.org/details/historiadellasac00gual/page/n37/mode/2up

The history of the sacred and Royal Majesty of Christina Alessandra Queen of Swedland, &c., book 1, translated by John Burbury, 1658

https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A85757.0001.001/1:6?rgn=div1;view=fulltext

Above: Kristina.

The account:

... [Gustauo Adolfo] non lasciò altra prole, che Christina vnica sua figliuola, nata il dì 16. Decembre del 1626. Principessa ripiena di talenti così rari, e di spirito così eleuato, che non è dà marauigliàrsi, se ella, rappresentando in parte la viua imagine delle virtù del suo Gran Genitore, dia materia di credere, che Gustauo sia restato al Mondo nella spetie, se non vi si troua nell'indiuiduo.

Hor come la buona educatione di quelli, che deuono succedere ne' Regni, e ne Principati è il fondamento primario della felicità de Popoli, applicossi questa Prencipessa ad vna diligente coltura dell'animo suo, dandosi all'esercitio delle virtù, per poter poscia precorrere con gli anni il debito dell'età. Si è però osseruato, che quasi da' primi momenti del suo viuere, & intendimento, cominciò ancor bambina à procacciar lume all'intelletto, imperio alla ragione, termini alla volontà, freno à gli affetti, regola alle attioni e gagliardezza al corpo.

Non era vscita per anche dalla infantia, che si trouò instrutta de primi erudimenti della lingua, e della cognitione delle lettere latine, & hauendo già scoperto, quanto poteua promettersi ne' progressi de' studij, con la viuezza del suo spirito, e col singolarissimo suo giuditio, si pose à coltiuar l'animo con più alte scienze, come quelle, che somministrano i veri lumi, per non errare nel peregrinaggio del Mondo, e nell'acquisto del Cielo.

Nella minorità di lei il gouerno del Regno restò appoggiato à cinque de più cospicui Ministri, & Officiali della Corona, che furono. Il Grand'Ammiraglio, ch'era vn fratello bastardo del Rè Gustauo suo Padre, il Gran Cancelliere Axellio, Oxestern, il Gran Presidente Gabriel Oxestern, il Gran Contestabile Giacomo della Garda, & il Gran Tesoriere ch'era vn altro Gabriel Oxestern.

Ella in tanto all'altre sudette applicazioni, aggionse quella di ammaestrarsi nella cognitione di varie lingue, per poter rendersi tanto più habile, e disinuolta à maneggi del Regno, e vi fece progressi rileuantissimi. E come i libri più degni sono consiglieri incorrotti, & Oracoli, che senza alcuna richiesta rispondon anche a i pensieri, così impiegando essa le hore migliori nel leggerli, procurò di apprenderui gl'insegnamenti del buon gouerno.

Auuanzandosi dunque questa Prencipessa con gli anni nelle virtù, e nelle scienze, misuraua con la finezza del suo giuditio così bene l'habilità di ciascuno, ch'ancor fanciulla penetrò ne fini più reconditi de suoi principali Ministri, e se ne seppe valere, per tirar à se la total diretione de gli affari della Corona; onde acquistando grandissima veneratione, si liberò dalla soggettione, in cui pretendeuano alcuni di tenerla, e cominciando à gouernare, mostrò, che non haueua bisogno di appoggiar il peso di maneggi ad altri, che alla sua testa; quindi auenne, che nell'anno 17. della sua età cominciò ad assistere al consiglio di stato, e nel 18. vscita di minorità, prese il gouerno in quel giorno à punto, che la Corona di Suetia dichiarò la guerra al Rè di Danimarca, non ostante, che fosse nel suo maggior ardore quella di Germania contro l'Imperatore, & i di lui collegati.

Si seruiua sempre di persone intendenti, e capaci, e se tal vno s'arrogaua più auttorità, che non gli conueniua, trouaua modo di moderare le di lui animosità. Essa sola amministraua tutti gli affari publici, e li terminaua con molta facilità, e sodisfattione. Voleua, che gli Ambasciatori, e Ministri de' Prencipi con lei sola trattassero, e daua loro le audienze, senza che vi interuenissero i Secretarij di stato, nè alcun altro de' suoi Consiglieri. Rispondeua ella stessa alle propositioni, che gli veniuan fatte tanto da suoi sudditi, quanto dà Prencipi forastieri.

Questa Regina, ancor giouinetta, seppe in vn medesimo tempo farsi amare, e temere da suoi, e da stranieri. Ella scandagliando perfettamente il genio, & i pensieri di tutti, gli soggettò così bene al freno dell'obbedienza, e del rispetto, che vidde i suoi più formidabili Capitani, benche auezzi in testa de gli eserciti à spauentar il Mondo, nel cospetto della Maestà Sua, conseruar sempre vna riuerenza vestita di timoroso ossequio.

All'incontro con la nobiltà dell'animo versaua verso di loro con moto continuo officij ripieni di tanta amoreuolezza, e benignità, ch'animando gli affetti, accresceua sempre verso di se medesima più profitteuoli il rispetto, e la obedienza, vero sostegno del Principato.

Vedeua ogni scrittura, che gli era presentata, e velocemente, e con chiarezza di voce la recitaua in ciascuna di quelle lingue, ch'occorreua. Vsaua di scriuer di proprio pugno gli ordini importanti, & ere altre tanto scarsa, e guardinga nel conferire i secreti dell'animo suo, quanto curiosa, e scaltra nel penetrar ne gli arcani de gli altrui cuori.

Affettionaua vniuersalmente tutte le nationi, e la virtù sola era l'vnico oggetto de' suoi affetti. Cercaua con la seuerità di far emendar i tristi, con le gratie, e con premij di migliorare i buoni; onde non è dà stupirsi, se nella Reggia di lei si sian veduti fiorire più che in alcun'altra Corte del Mondo la bontà, la honoreuolezza, e le conditioni più rare, che si conuengono à gli huomini illustri.

Non trouasi alcun Prencipe, che più di lei habbia fauorito i soggetti virtuosi. Il sollieuo maggiore dell'animo grande di Sua Maestà era il discorrere con huomini saputi. Procurò d'hauer appresso di se i più eruditi ingegni d'ogni natione, i quali tratteneua con rileuanti premij.

Manteneua le Dame nella sua Corte per decoro, e per seruirsene ne' proprij bisogni, e trattenimenti; gli quali però non la distraeuano vn momento dà suoi virtuosi studi, & esercitij.

Non stimò mai ne il rigori delle staggioni, ne il calor del Sole, ne il freddo delle neui, non venti, non piogge, non tempeste, ne' altre ingiurie de tempi, ò accidenti per rendersi flessibile à riguardi douuti alla sua Regia conditione. Credeua le azzioni grandi non caminar bene con le delitie, e l'anima non hauer maggior impedimento all'acquisto delle virtù, ch'il proprio corpo alleuato, e nodrito in quelle; il trauaglio, l'esercitio, la sobrietà, e la vigilanza haueua per parti dell'animo suo forte, e vigoroso.

Le imprese gloriose, ch'hanno secondata la felicità delle armi inuitte di Sua Maestà, già sono eterne nelle Historie. Doppo otto mesi di acerba guerra, e di gloriosi successi alle sue armi, fece pace col Rè di Danimarca, riportandone molto profitto, e riputazione. Doppo questa stabilì quella di Germania non senza gran vantaggi della Suetia, & all'hora à punto, che la stimò conueniente à quei fini, à quali tendeua con l'animo suo.

Hà resa illustre, e famosa la Città di Stocholm, per la norma delle sue direttioni, e per la felice ricordanza del suo gouerno. Certo è, che non pensaua mai ad altro, che all'arricchire il suo Regno di buone arti, e di opulenze.

Il di lei trono era il teatro della gloria, e della Giustitia, non viddesi già mai Principessa d'animo si franco, e di cuore tanto intrepido, pensaua però in tanto alla sua gran ritirata verso il Cielo, perche non voleua pentirsi d'esser stata al Mondo. Come i di lei virtuosi, e valorosi talenti affascinauano i cuori d'ogn'vno, che trattaua seco, così la fama loro, trapassando ben presto alle nationi più remote, produsse in vn subito i soliti effetti della curiosità, chiamando dall'Italia, e dalla Francia molti di più curiosi, & intendenti ad ammirarla. Non si può esprimere à bastanza la humanità, e gentilezza, con la quale accoglieua ogn'vno, e quale particolarmente la di lei liberalità nel riconoscere, nell'accarrezzare, e nel premiare i Virtuosi.

Non si trouò Prencipe d'Europa, che sorpreso dalle celebri prerogatiue di questa mostruosa Virtù, non procurasse ossequiarla, e riuerirla, ò di presenza, ò almeno col mezo de suoi rappresentanti.

With modernised spelling:

... [Gustavo Adolfo] non lasciò altra prole che Cristina, unica sua figliuola, nata il dì 16 dicembre del 1626, principessa ripiena di talenti così rari e di spirito così elevato che non è da maravigliarsi se ella, rappresentando in parte la viva immagine delle virtù del suo gran genitore, dia materia di credere che Gustavo sia restato al mondo nella specie, se non vi si trova nell'individuo.

Or, come la buona educazione di quelli che devono succedere ne' regni e ne principati è il fondamento primario della felicità de popoli, applicossi questa principessa ad una diligente coltura dell'animo suo, dandosi all'esercizio delle virtù per poter poscia precorrere con gli anni il debito dell'età. Si è però osservato che quasi da' primi momenti del suo vivere ed intendimento, cominciò, ancor bambina, a procacciar lume all'intelletto, imperio alla ragione, termini alla volontà, freno agli affetti, regola alle azioni e gagliardezza al corpo.

Non era uscita per anche dalla infanzia che si trovò instrutta de primi erudimenti della lingua e della cognizione delle lettere latine, ed, avendo già scoperto quanto poteva promettersi ne' progressi de' studi, con la vivezza del suo spirito, e col singolarissimo suo giudizio, si pose a coltivar l'animo con più alte scienze, come quelle che somministrano i veri lumi, per non errare nel peregrinaggio del mondo e nell'acquisto del cielo.

Nella minorità di lei il governo del regno restò appoggiato a cinque de più cospicui ministri ed uffiziali della Corona, che furono il grand'ammiraglio, ch'era un fratello bastardo del re Gustavo suo padre; il gran cancelliere Axelio [Oxenstierna], il gran presidente Gabriel [Oxenstierna], il gran contestabile Giacomo [de la Gardie], ed il gran tesoriere, ch'era un altro Gabriel [Oxenstierna].

Ella in tanto all'altre sudette applicazioni, aggiunse quella di ammaestrarsi nella cognizione di varie lingue, per poter rendersi tanto più abile e disinvolta a maneggi del regno e vi fece progressi rilevantissimi. E come i libri più degni sono consiglieri incorrotti ed oracoli che senza alcuna richiesta rispondon anche a i pensieri, così impiegando essa le ore migliori nel leggerli, procurò di apprendervi gl'insegnamenti del buon governo.

Avvanzandosi dunque questa principessa con gli anni nelle virtù e nelle scienze, misurava con la finezza del suo giudizio così bene l'abilità di ciascuno ch'ancor fanciulla penetrò ne fini più reconditi de suoi principali ministri e se ne seppe valere per tirar a se la total direzione degli affari della Corona, onde acquistando grandissima venerazione, si liberò dalla soggezione, in cui pretendevano alcuni di tenerla; e, cominciando a governare, mostrò che non aveva bisogno di appoggiar il peso di maneggi ad altri che alla sua testa. Quindi avvenne che nell'anno 17 della sua età cominciò ad assistere al Consiglio di Stato, e nel 18 uscita di minorità, prese il governo in quel giorno, appunto che la Corona di Svezia dichiarò la guerra al re di Danimarca, nonostante che fosse nel suo maggior ardore quella di Germania contro l'imperatore ed i di lui collegati.

Si serviva sempre di persone intendenti e capaci, e se tal uno s'arrogava più autorità che non gli conveniva, trovava modo di moderare le di lui animosità. Essa sola amministrava tutti gli affari pubblici e li terminava con molta facilità e soddisfazione. Voleva che gli ambasciatori e ministri de' principi con lei sola trattassero, e dava loro le audienze senza che vi intervenissero i segretari di Stato, nè alcun altro de' suoi consiglieri. Rispondeva ella stessa alle proposizioni che gli venivan fatte tanto da suoi sudditi, quanto da principi forastieri.

Questa regina, ancor giovinetta, seppe in un medesimo tempo farsi amare e temere da suoi e da stranieri. Ella scandagliando perfettamente il genio ed i pensieri di tutti, gli soggettò così bene al freno, dell'ubbidienza e del rispetto che vide i suoi più formidabili capitani, benché avvezzi in testa de gli eserciti a spaventar il mondo, nel cospetto della Maestà Sua, conservar sempre una riverenza vestita di timoroso ossequio.

All'incontro con la nobiltà dell'animo versava verso di loro con moto continuo uffizi ripieni di tanta amorevolezza e benignità ch'animando gli affetti, accresceva sempre verso di se medesima più profittevoli il rispetto e la ubbidienza, vero sostegno del principato.

Vedeva ogni scrittura, che gli era presentata e velocemente, e con chiarezza di voce, la recitava in ciascuna di quelle lingue ch'occorreva. Usava di scriver di proprio pugno gli ordini importanti ed ere altretanto scarsa e guardinga nel conferire i segreti dell'animo suo, quanto curiosa e scaltra nel penetrar ne gli arcani de gli altrui cuori.

Affettionava universalmente tutte le nazioni, e la virtù sola era l'unico oggetto de' suoi affetti. Cercava con la severità di far emendar i tristi con le grazie, e con premi di migliorare i buoni, onde non è da stupirsi, se nella reggia di lei si sian veduti fiorire più che in alcun'altra corte del mondo la bontà, la onorevolezza e le condizioni più rare che si convengono a gli uomini illustri.

Non trovasi alcun principe che più di lei abbia favorito i soggetti virtuosi. Il sollievo maggiore dell'animo grande di Sua Maestà era il discorrere con uomini saputi. Procurò d'aver appresso di se i più eruditi ingegni d'ogni nazione, i quali tratteneva con rilevanti premi.

Manteneva le dame nella sua Corte per decoro e per servirsene ne' propri bisogni e trattenimenti, gli quali però non la distraevano un momento da suoi virtuosi studi ed eserciti.

Non stimò mai nè il rigori delle staggioni, nè il calor del sole, ne il freddo delle nevi, non venti, non piogge, non tempeste, nè' altre ingiurie de tempi o accidenti per rendersi flessibile a riguardi dovuti alla sua regia condizione. Credeva le azioni grandi non caminar bene con le delizie, e l'anima non aver maggior impedimento all'acquisto delle virtù ch'il proprio corpo allevato e nodrito in quelle; il travaglio, l'esercitio, la sobrietà e la vigilanza aveva per parti dell'animo suo forte e vigoroso.

Le imprese gloriose che hanno secondata la felicità delle armi invitte di Sua Maestà già sono eterne nelle istorie. Dopo otto mesi di acerba guerra e di gloriosi successi alle sue armi, fece pace col re di Danimarca, riportandone molto profitto e riputazione. Dopo questa stabilì, quella di Germania non senza gran vantaggi della Svezia, ed all'ora appunto che la stimò conveniente a quei fini, a quali tendeva con l'animo suo.

Ha resa illustre e famosa la città di Stoccolm[a], per la norma delle sue direzioni e per la felice ricordanza del suo governo. Certo è che non pensava mai ad altro che all'arricchire il suo regno di buone arti e di opulenze.

Il di lei trono era il teatro della gloria e della giustizia, non videsi già mai principessa d'animo si franco e di cuore tanto intrepido, pensava però intanto alla sua gran ritirata verso il cielo, perché non voleva pentirsi d'esser stata al mondo. Come i di lei virtuosi e valorosi talenti affascinavano i cuori d'ogn'uno che trattava seco così la fama loro, trapassando ben presto alle nazioni più remote, produsse in un subito i soliti effetti della curiosità, chiamando dall'Italia e dalla Francia molti di più curiosi ed intendenti ad ammirarla. Non si può esprimere abbastanza la umanità e gentilezza con la quale accoglieva ogn'uno, e quale particolarmente la di lei liberalità nel riconoscere, nell'accarrezzare e nel premiare i virtuosi.

Non si trovò principe d'Europa che, sorpreso dalle celebri prerogative di questa mostruosa virtù, non procurasse ossequiarla e riverirla, o di presenza, o almeno col mezzo de suoi rappresentanti.

French translation (my own):

... [Gustave-Adolphe] n'a laissé d'autre descendance que Christine, sa fille unique, née le 16 décembre 1626, princesse pleine de talents si rares et d'un esprit si élevé qu'il n'est pas surprenant qu'elle, représentant en partie l'image vivante des vertus de son grand parent, donne lieu de croire que Gustave est resté dans le monde in specie, s'il ne s'y retrouve pas in individuo.

Or, comme la bonne éducation de ceux qui doivent réussir dans les royaumes et les principautés est le premier fondement du bonheur des peuples, cette princesse s'appliqua à une culture assidue de son âme, se vouant à l'exercice des vertus pour ensuite être capable de précéder d'autres années la dette de l'âge. Cependant, on a observé que presque dès les premiers instants de sa vie et de sa compréhension, elle a commencé, alors qu'elle était encore enfant, à apporter de la lumière à son intellect, de la puissance à sa raison, des limites à sa volonté, une retenue à ses affections, une règle à ses actions et force à son corps.

Cependant, elle n'avait pas même quitté son enfance qu'elle se trouva instruite des premières éruditions de la langue et de la connaissance des lettres latines, et, ayant déjà découvert ce qu'elle pouvait promettre dans le progrès de ses études, avec la vivacité de son esprit et avec son jugement très singulier, elle commença à cultiver son esprit avec les sciences supérieures, telles que celles qui fournissent les véritables lumières, afin de ne pas se tromper dans le pèlerinage du monde et dans l'acquisition du ciel.

Dans sa minorité, le gouvernement du royaume restait soutenu par cinq des ministres et fonctionnaires les plus éminents de la Couronne, qui étaient le grand amiral, qui était un frère bâtard du roi Gustave, son père; le grand chancelier Axel Oxenstierna, le grand président Gabriel Oxenstierna, le grand connétable Jacques de la Gardie, et le grand trésorier, qui était un autre Gabriel Oxenstierna.

Cependant, aux autres applications mentionnées ci-dessus, elle ajouta celle de s'instruire dans la connaissance de diverses langues, afin de se rendre d'autant plus compétente et confiante dans la gestion du royaume, et elle fit des progrès très significatifs. Et comme les livres les plus dignes d'elle sont des conseillers incorruptibles et des oracles qui, sans aucune demande, répondent même à nos pensées, ainsi, en passant ses meilleures heures à les lire, elle essaya d'y tirer les leçons du bon gouvernement.

Cette princesse avançant donc au fil des années dans les vertus et les sciences, elle mesurait si bien l'habileté de chacun avec l'affinement de son jugement que, même jeune fille, elle pénétrait les fins les plus obscures de ses principaux ministres, et elle savait les utiliser pour acquérir la direction totale des affaires de la Couronne. Acquérant ainsi une grande vénération, elle s'affranchit de la sujétion dans laquelle certains prétendaient la maintenir; et en commençant à gouverner, elle montra qu'elle n'avait pas besoin de faire peser le fardeau de la gestion sur quelqu'un d'autre qu'elle-même à la tête. C'est ainsi qu'à l'âge de 17 ans, elle commença à siéger au Conseil d'État, et qu'à la 18e, ayant quitté sa minorité, elle prit la direction du gouvernement ce jour-là, précisément au moment où la couronne de Suède déclarait la guerre au roi du Danemark, malgré que celle de l'Allemagne contre l'empereur et ses associés était dans sa plus grande ardeur.

Elle faisait toujours appel à des personnes savantes et compétentes, et si quelqu'un revendiquait plus d'autorité que ce qui lui convenait, elle trouvait un moyen de modérer son animosité. Elle administrait seule toutes les affaires publiques et les concluait avec beaucoup de facilité et de satisfaction. Elle voulait que les ambassadeurs et les ministres des princes négociaient avec elle seule, et elle leur donnait audience sans l'intervention des secrétaires d'État ni d'aucun autre de ses conseillers. Elle répondait elle-même aux propositions qui lui étaient faites tant par ses sujets que par les princes étrangers.

Cette reine, bien qu'encore jeune, savait se faire aimer et craindre à la fois par elle et par ses étrangers. Elle, scrutant parfaitement le génie et les pensées de chacun, les soumettait si bien à la contrainte de l'obéissance et du respect qu'elle voyait ses plus redoutables capitaines, quoique habitués à la tête des armées à effrayer le monde, en présence de Sa Majesté, toujours maintenir une révérence habillée d'une obséquiosité effrayante.

En réponse à leur noblesse d'âme, elle déversait continuellement envers eux des devoirs remplis d'une telle bonté et d'une telle bienveillance qu'en animant leurs affections, elle augmentait toujours leur respect et leur obéissance, véritable soutien de la principauté, envers elle-même.

Elle voyait chaque écrit qui lui était présenté et rapidement et avec clarté de voix, l'a récité dans chacune de ces langues qui étaient nécessaires. Elle écrivait de sa propre main des ordres importants et était aussi rare et prudente dans la transmission des secrets de son âme que curieuse et astucieuse dans la pénétration des arcanes du cœur des autres.

Elle affectionnait universellement toutes les nations, et la vertu seule était l'unique objet de ses affections. Elle essaya avec sévérité de faire amender les mauvais hommes par des grâces et par des récompenses pour améliorer les bons; il n'est donc pas surprenant que dans son palais la bonté et l'honorabilité aient été vues fleurir plus que dans toute autre cour du monde et les conditions les plus rares qui conviennent à des hommes illustres.

Il n'y a pas de prince qui ait plus qu'elle favorisé les sujets vertueux. Le plus grand soulagement pour la grande âme de Sa Majesté était de parler avec des hommes savants. Elle s'est assurée d'avoir avec elle les esprits les plus érudits de chaque nation, qu'elle a retenus avec des prix pertinents.

Elle gardait ses dames dans sa Cour par souci de bienséance et pour les utiliser pour ses propres besoins et divertissements, ce qui ne la distrayait cependant pas un instant de ses études et pratiques vertueuses.

Elle n'a jamais estimé ni les rigueurs des saisons, ni la chaleur du soleil, ni le froid des neiges, ni les vents, ni les pluies, ni les tempêtes, ni autres injures du temps ou accidents pour se rendre souple aux égards en raison de sa condition royale. Elle croyait que les grandes actions ne vont pas bien avec les délices et que l'âme n'a pas de plus grand obstacle à l'acquisition des vertus que le corps qui y est élevé et nourri; son travail, son exercice, sa sobriété et sa vigilance faisaient partie de son âme forte et vigoureuse.

Les actes glorieux qui ont accompagné le bonheur des armes invaincues de Sa Majesté sont déjà éternels dans les histoires. Après huit mois de guerre acharnée et de glorieux succès dans ses armes, elle fit la paix avec le roi du Danemark, ramenant beaucoup de profit et de réputation. Après cela, elle établit celle de l'Allemagne, non sans de grands avantages sur la Suède, et précisément au moment où elle le jugeait opportun pour les fins auxquelles elle tendait de son âme.

Elle a rendu la ville de Stockholm illustre et célèbre par la norme de ses orientations et par l'heureux souvenir de son gouvernement. Ce qui est sûr, c'est qu'elle n'a jamais pensé à autre chose qu'à enrichir son royaume de bons arts et d'opulence.

Son trône était le théâtre de la gloire et de la justice. Jamais on n'avait vu une princesse avec un esprit aussi franc et un cœur aussi intrépide, mais en attendant elle pensait à sa grande retraite vers le ciel, car elle ne voulait pas regretter d'avoir été au monde. De même que ses talents vertueux et vaillants fascinaient le cœur de tous ceux qui traitaient avec elle, de même leur renommée, passant bientôt aux nations les plus reculées, produisit immédiatement les effets habituels de la curiosité, appelant beaucoup d'Italie et de France plus curieux et plus disposés à l'admirer. On ne saurait assez exprimer l'humanité et la gentillesse avec lesquelles elle accueillait chacun, et particulièrement sa libéralité à reconnaître, caresser et récompenser ses virtuoses.

Il n'y a pas eu de prince d'Europe qui, surpris par les fameuses prérogatives de cette monstrueuse vertu, n'ait essayé de lui rendre respect et révérence, soit en sa présence, soit du moins par l'intermédiaire de ses représentants.

Swedish translation (my own):

... [Gustav Adolf] lämnade inget annat barn än Kristina, hans enda dotter, född den 16 december 1626, en prinsessa full av så sällsynta talanger och en så upphöjd ande att det inte är förvånande om hon delvis representerar dygdernas levande bild av hennes store förälder, ger anledning att tro att Gustav blev kvar i världen in specie, om han inte finns där in individuo.

Eftersom den goda utbildningen för dem som skall lyckas i kungadömen och furstendömen är den primära grunden för folkens lycka, ägnade sig denna prinsessa åt en flitig kultivering av sin själ och ägnade sig åt att utöva dygder för att sedan bli kunna föregå med andra år ålderns skuld. Det har dock observerats att nästan från de första ögonblicken av hennes liv och hennes förståelse började hon, medan den fortfarande var barn, att ge ljus åt sitt ingenium, kraft åt sitt förnuft, gränser för sin vilja, återhållsamhet mot sina känslor, en styr över hennes handlingar och styrka till hennes kropp.

Men hon hade inte ens lämnat sin barndom förrän hon fann sig undervisad i språkets första lärdomar och kunskaper om latinska bokstäver, och, sedan hon redan upptäckt vad hon kunde lova under sina studiers framsteg, med sin andes livlighet och med sitt mycket enastående omdöme började hon odla sitt sinne med de högre vetenskaperna, såsom de som ger sann upplysning, för att inte ta fel i världens pilgrimsfärd och i förvärvet av Himlen.

I hennes omyndiga år förblev rikets regering understödd av fem av Kronans mest iögonfallande ministrar och ämbetsmän, som var riksamiralen, som var en bastardbror till konung Gustav, hennes far; rikskanslern Axel Oxenstierna, riksdrotset Gabriel Oxenstierna, riksmarsken Jakob de la Gardie och riksskattmästare, som var en annan Gabriel Oxenstierna.

Emellertid, till de andra förutnämnda ansökningarna, lade hon till att instruera sig i kunskaper i olika språk, för att göra sig desto skickligare och säkrare i att förvalta riket, och hon gjorde mycket betydande framsteg. Och eftersom de böcker som är mest värda henne är inkorrupta rådgivare och orakel som utan någon begäran svarar till och med på ens tankar, så genom att spendera sina bästa timmar på att läsa dem, försökte hon lära sig läxorna av god regering i dem.

Denna prinsessa som därför utvecklades under åren i dygderna och vetenskaperna, mätte varje persons förmåga så väl med förfining av sitt omdöme att hon, även som en ung flicka, trängde igenom de mest fördomsfulla målen av sina främsta ministrar, och hon visste hur hon skulle använda dem för att få hennes totala ledning av kronans angelägenheter. På så sätt förvärvade hon stor vördnad och befriade sig från den underdånighet, i vilken några påstod sig behålla henne; och genom att börja regera visade hon att hon inte behövde lägga ledningens börda på någon annan än sig själv i spetsen. Så hände det sig att hon på 17:e året av sin ålder började gå i Riksrådet och den 18:e, efter att ha lämnat sin minoritet, övertog regeringen den dagen, just då Sveriges Krona förklarade krig mot konungen av Danmark, trots att Tysklands mot kejsaren och hans medarbetare var i sin största glöd.

Hon använde sig alltid av kunniga och duktiga människor, och om någon gjorde anspråk på mer auktoritet än vad som var lämpligt för honom, fann hon ett sätt att dämpa hans fiendskap. Hon ensam administrerade alla offentliga angelägenheter och avslutade dem med stor lätthet och tillfredsställelse. Hon ville att furstarnas ambassadörer och ministrar skulle förhandla med henne ensamma, och hon gav dem audienser utan inblandning av statssekreterarna eller någon annan av hennes rådgivare. Hon svarade själv på de förslag som framfördes till henne både av hennes undersåtar och av utländska furstar.

Denna drottning, medan den fortfarande var ung, visste hur hon skulle göra sig älskad och fruktad på samma gång av henne och av hennes utlänningar. Hon, som perfekt skannade allas genialitet och tankar, utsatte dem så väl för lydnadens och respektens återhållsamhet att hon såg sina mest formidabla kaptener, fastän de var vana i spetsen för arméer att skrämma världen, i Hennes Majestäts närvaro, alltid upprätthålla en vördnad klädd i rädda underdånighet.

Som svar på deras själsädla ädla, hällde hon ständigt ut mot dem plikter fyllda med sådan kärleksfull vänlighet och godhet att hon, genom att liva upp deras tillgivenhet, alltid ökade deras respekt och lydnad, furstendömets sanna stöd mot sig själv.

Hon såg varje skrift som presenterades för henne och reciterade snabbt och med klarhet i rösten på vart och ett av de språk som behövdes. Hon brukade skriva viktiga order i sin egen hand och var lika knapp och försiktig med att förmedla sin själs hemligheter som hon var nyfiken och klok på att tränga in i andra människors hjärtan.

Hon påverkade allmänt alla nationer, och bara dygden var det enda föremålet för hennes tillgivenhet. Hon försökte med stränghet få de onda männen att gottgöra sig med nåder och med belöningar att förbättra de goda, så det är inte förvånande att vänlighet och hederlighet har setts frodas mer än i något annat hov i världen i hennes palats och de mest sällsynta förhållanden som anstår illustra män.

Det finns ingen prins som har gynnat dygdiga undersåtar mer än henne. Den största lättnaden för Hennes Majestäts stora själ var att tala med kunniga män. Hon såg till att ha med sig de mest lärda sinnena av varje nation, som hon behöll med relevanta priser.

Hon förvarade sina damer i sitt hov för dekorum och för att använda dem för sina egna behov och underhållning, vilket dock inte för ett ögonblick distraherade henne från hennes dygdiga studier och övningar.

Hon uppskattade varken årstidernas påfrestningar, eller solens hetta, eller snöns kyla, eller vindar, eller regn, eller stormar, eller andra skador från vädret eller olyckor för att göra sig flexibel med hälsningarna på grund av hennes kungliga tillstånd. Hon ansåg att stora handlingar inte går bra med njutningar och att själen inte har något större hinder för att förvärva dygder än att ens kropp höjs och närs i dem; hennes arbete, hennes träning, hennes nykterhet och hennes vaksamhet var delar av hennes starka och livskraftiga själ.

De härliga gärningar som har åtföljt lyckan i Hennes Majestäts obesegrade armar är redan eviga i historierna. Efter åtta månader av bittert krig och härliga framgångar vid hennes vapen slöt hon fred med konungen av Danmark, vilket gav tillbaka mycket vinst och rykte. Efter detta etablerade hon Tysklands, inte utan stora fördelar gentemot Sverige, och just på den tid hon ansåg det lämpligt för de mål, mot vilka hon med sin själ siktade.

Hon gjorde Stockholms stad berömd och berömd för normen för sina riktningar och för det glada minnet av hennes regering. Säkert är att hon aldrig tänkt på något annat än att berika sitt rike med goda konster och överflöd.

Hennes tron var teatern för ära och rättvisa. Aldrig tidigare hade en furstinna setts med en så uppriktig ande och ett så oförskräckt hjärta, men under tiden tänkte hon på sin stora reträtt mot himlen, eftersom hon inte ville ångra att hon varit i världen. Precis som hennes dygdiga och tappra talanger fascinerade hjärtat hos alla som behandlade henne, så framkallade deras berömmelse, som snart gick till de mest avlägsna nationerna, omedelbart de vanliga effekterna av nyfikenhet, och kallade många från Italien och Frankrike som var mer nyfikna och villiga att beundra henne. Man kan inte tillräckligt uttrycka den mänsklighet och vänlighet med vilken hon välkomnade alla, och särskilt hennes frikostighet när det gäller att erkänna, smeka och belöna sina virtuoser.

Det fanns ingen furste av Europa som, förvånad över de berömda privilegierna för denna monstruösa dygd och inte försökte visa respekt och vördnad för henne, varken i hennes närvaro eller åtminstone genom hennes företrädare.

English translation (by Burbury; with some typos corrected):

... [Gustavus Adolphus] left no other Progeny, than Christina his only Daughter, born on the 16. of December, in the year 1626, a Princesse of so noble endowments, and so elevated a spirit, that 'tis not any wonder, if she representing in part, the living image of her great Fathers vertues, give cause to believe; Gustavus yet remaines to the world in his specie, although not in his individuo.

Now as their good education, who are to have succession in Kingdoms, and principalities, is the chiefest foundation of the peoples felicity, this Princesse us'd a diligent manuring of her mind, bequeathing her self to the exercises of vertue, to be afterwards able, to outstrip with her years, the duty of age. 'Twas therefore observ'd, that from the first moments, as it were, of her life, and understanding, she began, though a child, to procure the enlightning of her intellect, a command ore her reason, limits to her will, a curb to her affections, a rule to her actions, and strength to her body.

She was not seven years old, when instructed in the elements of the Latin tongue, and letters, and having now discover'd, what promise she could make to her self, in the Progresses of her studies, by the quicknesse of her spirit, and most singular judgement, she fell to the cultivating [of] her mind, with the most sublime sciences, as those, which administer the true lights, not to erre in the Pilgrimage of the world, and the gaining of Heaven.

In her minority, five Ministers and Officers of the Crown, which were the most conspicuous, had the government of the Kingdom, to wit, the great Admirall, bastar'd Brother to Gustavus her Father, the great Chancellour Axellius Oxestern, the great President Gabriel Oxestern, the great Constable James of the Garde, and the great Treasurer, another Gabriel Oxestern.

In the mean time, to her other applications aforesaid, she added the instructing of her self, in the knowledge of different tongues, to make her self the fitter, and more capable, for the management of the Kingdom, in which she made most eminent Progresses. And as the best books are incorrupt Counsellours, and Oracles, which, without the least request, even answer to our thoughts, so she in reading there, employing her best hours, endeavour'd to learn there, the way to govern well.

This Princesse advancing with her years, in Vertues and Sciences, measur'd every ones ability so well, with the subtlety of her judgement, that though a girle, she penetrated the hidden designes of her principall Ministers, of whom she made use, to draw to her self, the totall direction of the affairs of the Kingdom, so as she gain'd great veneration, free'd her self from the subjection, in which some pretended to hold her, and beginning to rule, shew'd she had not any need, to lay the Kingdoms weight on any others head, than her own, insomuch that she began, when seventeen years old, to assist at the Council of the State, and in the eighteenth year, being out of her minority, took upon her the Government, on the very same day, the War against Denmark, was by the Crown of Sweden declar'd, notwithstanding that against the Emperour, together with his confederates, was most vigorously prosecuted.

She alwaies made use of knowing and able persons, and when any one assum'd to himself, more authority, than was fitting; she found out a way to moderate his animosity.

She alone did administer all the publique affairs, and determin'd them with much ease, and satisfaction: She alone would treat with Ambassadours, and the Ministers of Princes, giving audience without the Secretaries of State, or any of her Councellors, she her self giving answer, to the propositions made her, as well by her subjects, as forraign Princes.

This Queen, though young, knew at the same time, how to make her self feared, and belov'd, by her people, and strangers. She secretly sounding the genius, and thoughts of every one, so us'd them to the bridle of obedience, and respect, that she saw her most formidable Commanders, though accustom'd at the head of their Armies, to make the world affraid, to conserve still in her presence, a reverence accompany'd with a fearfull obsequiou[s]ness.

On the other side, with the nobleness of her mind, she still so oblig'd them, with offices of such love and affability, that she animating their affections, encreas'd still towards her self their respect and obedience, the true props of a Kingdom.

She beheld every writing presented her, and quickly, and with a clear voice, recited it in it's language, and with her own hand wrote usually the Orders of importance, being as shy and heedy, in imparting the secrets of her mind, as curious and cunning in penetrating those of others.

She generally affected all Nations, vertue alone being only the object of her love. She sought to mend the bad with severity, and make the good better with favours and rewards; so as 'tis no wonder, that honour, and rarest conditions that sute with worthy men, were seen to flourish more in her Palace, than in any other Court.

No Prince ever favour'd more lovers of vertue, than this Queen; her Majesty taking very great delight, to discourse with knowing Persons, and endeavouring to have near her, the learnedst of each Nation, whom she highly rewarded.

She had her maids of honour in the Court for decorum, and her own entertainment; but they never withdrew her from her studies, and exercises of vertue.

No extreamity of weather, nor heat of the Sun, nor Snow, Wind, Tempests, and Rains, nor any other injuries of the season, or accidents, could induce her to that care of her self, which was due to her royal condition. She supposed great actions walk'd not well with delights, and the Soul had no greater impediment, in the gaining of vertues, than the body bred up and foster'd in them, labour, exercise, sobriety, and vigilance, she counting as parts, of her strong and vigorous mind.

The glorious enterprizes, which seconded the felicity of her Majesties invincible arms, are already eternall in Histories. After eight months cruell War, and the famous success of her arms; she concluded a peace with his Majestie of Denmark, to her great gain, and honour, and afterwards establisht that of Germany, not without great advantages to Swedland, and then too; when she thought it convenient for the ends, which she aim'd at in her mind.

She hath made renoun'd and famous, the City of Stockholm, with the rule of her directions, and the happy remembrance of her government; she having nothing more in her thoughts, than the causing her Kingdom to abound with arts, and wealth.

Her Throne was the Theater of Glory, and Justice; no Princess being ever beheld of so free a mind, and a courage so undaunted. But she thought in the mean time, of her great retreat towards Heaven, that she might not repent, she had been in the World. As her great and noble parts did charm the hearts of all, that treated with her, to the fame of them flying with speed, to the most remote Nations; produc'd soon the usuall effects of curiosity, calling many of the curious, and most knowing, out of Italy and France, to admire her. 'Tis impossible to express the Civility, and Courtesie, with which she received every one, and particularly, her great liberality, in gratifying, caressing, and rewarding the vertuous.

All the Princes in Europe amaz'd at her famous prerogatives, either in their own Persons, or else by their Agents, endeavour'd to reverence, and serve her.

With modernised spelling:

... [Gustavus Adolphus] left no other progeny than Kristina, his only daughter, born on the 16 of December in the year 1626, a princess of so noble endowments and so elevated a spirit that 'tis not any wonder if she, representing in part the living image of her great father's virtues, give cause to believe Gustavus yet remains to the world in his specie, although not in his individuo.

Now, as their good education, who are to have succession in kingdoms and principalities, is the chiefest foundation of the people's felicity, this princess used a diligent manuring of her mind, bequeathing herself to the exercises of virtue, to be afterwards able to outstrip with her years the duty of age. 'Twas therefore observed that from the first moments, as it were, of her life and understanding, she began, though a child, to procure the enlightning of her intellect, a command o'er her reason, limits to her will, a curb to her affections, a rule to her actions, and strength to her body.

She was not seven years old when instructed in the elements of the Latin tongue and letters, and having now discovered what promise she could make to herself in the progresses of her studies by the quickness of her spirit and most singular judgement, she fell to the cultivating [of] her mind with the most sublime sciences as those which administer the true lights, not to err in the pilgrimage of the world and the gaining of Heaven.

In her minority, five ministers and officers of the Crown, which were the most conspicuous, had the government of the kingdom, to wit: the Great Admiral, bastard brother to Gustavus, her father; the Great Chancelor Axelius Oxenstiern; the Great President Gabriel Oxenstiern; the Great Constable James of the Garde, and the Great Treasurer, another Gabriel Oxenstiern.

In the meantime, to her other applications aforesaid, she added the instructing of herself in the knowledge of different tongues to make herself the fitter and more capable for the management of the kingdom, in which she made most eminent progresses. And as the best books are incorrupt counselors and oracles which, without the least request, even answer to our thoughts, so she in reading there, employing her best hours, endeavoured to learn there the way to govern well.

This princess, advancing with her years in virtues and sciences, measured everyone's ability so well with the subtlety of her judgement that, though a girl, she penetrated the hidden designs of her principal ministers, of whom she made use, to draw to herself the total direction of the affairs of the kingdom, so as she gained great veneration, freed herself from the subjection in which some pretended to hold her, and, beginning to rule, shewed she had not any need to lay the kingdom's weight on any other's head, than her own, insomuch that she began, when seventeen years old, to assist at the Council of the State, and in the eighteenth year, being out of her minority, took upon her the government on the very same day the war against Denmark was by the Crown of Sweden declared, notwithstanding that against the Emperor, together with his confederates, was most vigorously prosecuted.

She always made use of knowing and able persons, and when anyone assumed to himself more authority than was fitting, she found out a way to moderate his animosity.

She alone did administer all the public affairs and determined them with much ease and satisfaction. She alone would treat with ambassadors and the ministers of princes, giving audience without the secretaries of State or any of her counselors, she herself giving answer to the propositions made her, as well by her subjects as foreign princes.

This queen, though young, knew at the same time how to make herself feared and beloved, by her people and strangers. She secretly sounding the genius and thoughts of everyone so used them to the bridle of obedience and respect, that she saw her most formidable commanders, though accustomed at the head of their armies to make the world afraid, to conserve still in her presence a reverence accompanied with a fearful obsequiousness.

On the other side, with the nobleness of her mind, she still so obliged them with offices of such love and affability that she, animating their affections, increased still towards herself their respect and obedience, the true props of a kingdom.

She beheld every writing presented her and quickly, and with a clear voice, recited it in its language, and with her own hand wrote usually the orders of importance, being as shy and heedy in imparting the secrets of her mind as curious and cunning in penetrating those of others.

She generally affected all nations, virtue alone being only the object of her love. She sought to mend the bad with severity and make the good better with favours and rewards, so as 'tis no wonder that honour and rarest conditions that suit with worthy men were seen to flourish more in her palace than in any other court.

No prince ever favoured more lovers of virtue than this queen, Her Majesty taking very great delight to discourse with knowing persons and endeavouring to have near her the learnedst of each nation, whom she highly rewarded.

She had her maids of honour in the Court for decorum, and her own entertainment; but they never withdrew her from her studies, and exercises of vertue.

No extremity of weather, nor heat of the sun, nor snow, wind, tempests and rains, nor any other injuries of the season or accidents, could induce her to that care of herself which was due to her royal condition. She supposed great actions walked not well with delights, and the soul had no greater impediment in the gaining of virtues than the body bred up and fostered in them, labour, exercise, sobriety and vigilance, she counting as parts of her strong and vigorous mind.

The glorious enterprises which seconded the felicity of Her Majesty's invincible arms are already eternal in histories. After eight months' cruel war and the famous success of her arms, she concluded a peace with His Majesty of Denmark, to her great gain and honour, and afterwards established that of Germany, not without great advantages to Swedeland, and then too when she thought it convenient for the ends which she aimed at in her mind.

She hath made renouned and famous the city of Stockholm with the rule of her directions and the happy remembrance of her government, she having nothing more in her thoughts than the causing her kingdom to abound with arts and wealth.

Her throne was the theater of glory and justice, no princess being ever beheld of so free a mind and a courage so undaunted. But she thought in the meantime of her great retreat towards Heaven, that she might not repent she had been in the world. As her great and noble parts did charm the hearts of all that treated with her, to the fame of them flying with speed, to the most remote nations, produced soon the usual effects of curiosity, calling many of the curious and most knowing out of Italy and France to admire her. 'Tis impossible to express the civility and courtesy with which she received everyone, and particularly her great liberality in gratifying, caressing and rewarding the virtuous.

All the princes in Europe amazed at her famous prerogatives, either in their own persons, or else by their agents, endeavoured to reverence and serve her.

English translation (my own):

... [Gustav Adolf] left no other offspring than Kristina, his only daughter, born on 16 December 1626, a princess full of such rare talents and such an elevated spirit that it is not surprising if she, in part representing the living image of the virtues of her great parent, gives reason to believe that Gustav remained in the world in specie, if he is not found there in individuo.

Now, as the good education of those who are to succeed in kingdoms and principalities is the primary foundation of the happiness of peoples, this princess applied herself to a diligent cultivation of her soul, dedicating herself to the exercise of virtues in order to then be able to precede with other years the debt of age. However, it has been observed that almost from the first moments of her life and her understanding, she began, while still a child, to provide light to her intellect, power to her reason, limits to her will, restraint to her affections, a rule to her actions and strength to her body.

However, she had not even left her childhood before she found herself instructed in the first eruditions of the language and the knowledge of Latin letters, and, having already discovered what she could promise in the progress of her studies, with the liveliness of her spirit and with her very singular judgment, she began to cultivate her mind with the higher sciences, such as those that provide true enlightenment, so as not to err in the pilgrimage of the world and in the acquisition of Heaven.

In her minority the government of the kingdom remained supported by five of the most conspicuous ministers and officials of the Crown, who were the Grand Admiral, who was a bastard brother of King Gustav, her father; the Grand Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna, the Grand President Gabriel Oxenstierna, the Grand Constable Jakob de la Gardie, and the Grand Treasurer, who was another Gabriel Oxenstierna.

In the meantime, to the other aforementioned applications, she added that of instructing herself in the knowledge of various languages, in order to make herself all the more skilled and confident in managing the kingdom, and she made very significant progress. And as the books most worthy of her are incorrupt counselors and oracles which without any request respond even to one's thoughts, so by spending her best hours in reading them, she tried to learn the lessons of good government in them.

This princess therefore advancing over the years in the virtues and the sciences, she measured the ability of each person so well with the refinement of her judgment that, even as a young girl, she penetrated the most recondite ends of her principal ministers, and she knew how to use them to gain her total direction of the affairs of the Crown. Thus acquiring great veneration, she freed herself from the subjection in which some claimed to keep her; and by beginning to govern, she showed that she had no need to place the burden of management on anyone other than herself at the head. So it happened that in the 17th year of her age she began to attend the Council of State, and in the 18th, having left her minority, she took over the government on that day, precisely when the Crown of Sweden declared war on the King of Denmark, despite the fact that that of Germany against the Emperor and his associates was in its greatest ardour.

She always made use of knowledgeable and capable people, and if someone claimed more authority than was appropriate for him, she found a way to moderate his animosity. She alone administered all public affairs and concluded them with great ease and satisfaction. She wanted the ambassadors and ministers of the princes to negotiate with her alone, and she gave them audiences without the intervention of the secretaries of State or any other of her advisors. She herself responded to the propositions that were made to her both by her subjects and by foreign princes.

This queen, while still young, knew how to make herself loved and feared at the same time by her and by foreigners of hers. She, perfectly scanning the genius and thoughts of everyone, subjected them so well to the restraint of obedience and respect that she saw her most formidable captains, although accustomed at the head of armies to frighten the world, in the presence of Her Majesty, always maintain a reverence dressed in fearful obsequiousness.

In response to their nobility of soul, she continuously poured out towards them duties filled with such loving kindness and benignity that by animating their affections, she always increased their respect and obedience, the true support of the principality, towards herself.

She saw each writing that was presented to her and quickly, and with clarity of voice, recited it in each of those languages that were needed. She used to write important orders in her own hand and was as scarce and cautious in imparting the secrets of her soul as she was curious and astute in penetrating the arcana of other people's hearts.

She universally affected all nations, and virtue alone was the sole object of her affections. She tried with severity to make the bad men amend with graces, and with rewards to improve the good ones, so it is not surprising that in her palace kindness and honourability have been seen to flourish more than in any other court in the world. and the rarest conditions befitting illustrious men.

There is no prince who has favoured virtuous subjects more than her. The greatest relief for Her Majesty's great soul was talking with knowing men. She ensured that she had with her the most erudite minds of every nation, whom she retained with relevant prizes.

She kept her ladies in her court for decorum and to use them for her own needs and entertainment, which, however, did not distract her for a moment from her virtuous studies and practices.

She never esteemed either the rigours of the seasons, or the heat of the sun, or the cold of the snows, or winds, or rains, or storms, or other injuries of the weather or accidents in order to make herself flexible with the regards due to her royal condition. She believed that great actions do not walk well with delights and that the soul has no greater impediment to the acquisition of virtues than one's body being raised and nourished in them; her labour, her exercise, her sobriety and her vigilance were parts of her strong and vigorous soul.

The glorious deeds that have accompanied the happiness of the undefeated arms of Her Majesty are already eternal in the histories. After eight months of bitter war and glorious successes at her arms, she made peace with the King of Denmark, bringing back much profit and reputation. After this she established that of Germany, not without great advantages over Sweden, and precisely at the time that she considered it convenient for those ends towards which she was aiming with her soul.

She made the city of Stockholm illustrious and famous for the norm of her directions and for the happy memory of her government. What is certain is that she never thought of anything other than enriching her kingdom with good arts and opulence.

Her throne was the theater of glory and justice. Never before had a princess been seen with such a frank spirit and such an intrepid heart, but in the meantime she was thinking of her great retreat towards Heaven, because she did not want to regret having been in the world. Just as her virtuous and valiant talents fascinated the hearts of everyone who treated with her, so their fame, soon passing to the most remote nations, immediately produced the usual effects of curiosity, calling many from Italy and France who were more curious and willing to admire her. One cannot express enough the humanity and kindness with which she welcomed everyone, and particularly her liberality in recognising, caressing and rewarding her virtuosi.

There was no prince of Europe who, surprised by the famous prerogatives of this monstrous virtue and did not try to pay respect and reverence to her, either in her presence or at least through her representatives.

Notes: Kristina was born on December 8/18, 1626 and knew and acknowledged her/his/their date of birth as such, although some sources give her/his/their date of birth as December 7/17 or even 6/16.

Kristina was admitted into a council meeting for the first time on May 12/22 (Old Style), 1643, five months after her/his/their sixteenth birthday.

The word "monstrous" is used here in its archaic meaning of "marvellous, wonderful".