Kristina's open letter approving André Mollet's publication of his book "Le jardin de plaisir", dated March 12/22 (Old Style), 1651

Sources:

Riksarkivet, image 40/page 472 in Mars-April 1651; Riksregistraturet

https://sok.riksarkivet.se/nad/?postid=Arkis+8cb4d140-9b89-11d5-a701-0002440207bb&s=Balder

Le jardin de plaisir, by André Mollet, 1651; original at the Oak Spring Garden Library

https://archive.org/details/Mollet1788/page/n7/mode/2up

The letter:

Christina etc. Giöre Witterligen att aldenstundh Wår Trägårdz Mestare Erligh[e] och Konstrijke Andreas Mollet, Hafwer achtadt att låta een book oppå trenne tungomåhl, dett Swenska tÿska och Fransöska språket, med der till tiänlige Kopperstÿcken, af trÿcket Vtgå HWar Vthinnan om trägårdarnas Cultur till nÿtta lust och Heder skall blifwa tracteradt och Handladt, Så emedan den booken lärer twijfwels Vthan länder mongom dem Konstens Elskarom, så wëll som dett gemene besta, till rettelße, gagn och nöije, HWarföre Hafwe Wij Nådigast Welat effter låta Honom Andreas Mollet oppå samme book, Kalladt le Jardin de plaisir, att sådant Privilegium, Giöre thett och Her medh och i detta Wårt öpne brefs Krafft, således att ingen af Wåre Vndersåthare, ehoo Han och Helst Wara Kan, må eller skall Hafwa tillståndh, mindre fördrista sig innan tijo åhrs tijdh, effter dato Hon Publiceradt blifwer den Her Vthj rijket eller på fremmande Orther trÿckia låtha, och sedan Hijt införa och försällia Vthan förbe:de Andreas Molletz eller Hans Erfwingars Consens och samtÿcke Wijd förlust af alle exemplarer och fÿrahundrade dlr SölfwerMÿntz straff, så offta någon der med betredder Warder Helfften att betalas i Wår Konungslige Rente: Cammer och Helfften till be:te Andreas Mollet finnes och någon fremmande, som Vthan Anders Molletz, eller Hans Erfwingars Willie och tillstånd, merbe:te book Vthrijkes efftertrÿcker och Exemplaren Hijt införer, försällier och förskingrar, och der med blifwer beslagen, då skola i lijka motto alle Exemplaren, Confiscerade wara, och den samma böta der ofwan oppå 400 Dr SölfrM:tt, Halffparten i Wår RenteCammer, och den andre HelParten till be:te Anders Mollet. Her alle etc.

With modernised spelling:

Kristina, etc.

Göre veterligen att alldenstund Vår trägårdsmästare, ärlig[e] och konstrike Andreas Mollet, haver aktat att låta en bok uppå trenne tungomål — det svenska, tyska och fransyska språket — med därtill tjänliga kopparstycken av trycket utgå, varutinnan om trägårdarnas kultur till nytta, lust och heder skall bliva trakterat och handlat, så emedan den boken lär tvivels utan länder mångom dem konstens älskarom såväl som det gemena bästa till rättelse, gagn och nöje; varföre have Vi nådigast velat efterlåta honom Andreas Mollet uppå samma bok, kallad Le jardin de plaisir, att sådant privilegium, göre det ock härmed och i detta Vårt öppna brevs kraft således att ingen av Våra undersåtare, eho han ock helst vara kan, må eller skall hava tillstånd, mindre fördrista sig, innan tio års tid efter dato hon publicerad bliver den här uti riket eller på främmande orter trycka låta och sedan hit införa och försälja utan förberörda Andreas Mollets eller hans ärvingars konsens och samtycke, vid förlust av alla exemplarer och fyrahundrade daler silvermynts straff, så ofta någon därmed beträdder varder hälften att betalas i Vår Konungsliga Räntekammare och hälften till bemälde Andreas Mollet. Finnes ock någon främmande som utan Anders Mollets eller hans ärvingars vilje och tillstånd merbemälda bok utrikes eftertrycker och exemplaren hit inför, försäljer och förskingrar och därmed bliver beslagen, då skola i lika måtto alla exemplaren konfiskerade vara och densamma böta därovan uppå 400 daler silvermynt, halvparten i Vår Räntekammare och den andra helparten till bemälde Anders Mollet. Här alla, etc.

French translation (by Mollet):

EXTRAICT DU PRIVILEGE.

NOus Christine par la grace de Dieu Reine de Suede &c. A tous ceux qui ces presentes lettres verront salut. Honorable & industrieuse personne André Mollet Maistre de nos Jardins s'estant proposé de faire imprimer vn traicté qu'il a faict en trois langves, sçavoir Suedoise, Allemande & Françoise de la culture, vtilité, plaisir & ornement des Jardins, intitulé le Jardin de plaisir, & desirant sur ce nos lettres necessaires. Nous avons permis, & permettons par ces presentes signées de nostre main, qu'il puisse faire, & fasse imprimer, vendre, & distribuer led.t livre appellé le Jardin de plaisir, cependant & durant le terme de dix ans a conter du Jour & datte que led.t livre sera achevé d'imprimer; faisant pour cet effect tresexpresses Inhibitions & deffences a tous Libraires & Imprimeurs ou autres de quelle qualité & condition qu'ils soyent de nostre Royaume, pays & terres de nostre obeyssance d'imprimer ou faire imprimer led.t livre, ou d'en apporter ou faire amener de dehors soubs noms interposéz pour les vendre & debiter en nos Royaumes sans la permission dud.t Mollet ou de ses heritiers, sur peine de 400. Dal. d'argent d'amende, applicable moitiè a nostre chambre de Contes, & moitiè aud.t suppliant, sans aucune diminution, & despens, dommages, & Interests, & de Confiscation de tous les Exemplaires, qui se trouverent estre mis en vente, ou autrement contre la teneur de ces presentes. Car tel est nostre plaisir. Donné a Stokholme le 12 Mars 1651.

With modernised spelling:

Extrait du privilège.

Nous Christine, par la grâce de Dieu, reine de Suède, etc. A tous ceux qui ces présentes lettres verront, salut. Honorable et industrieuse personne André Mollet, maître de Nos jardins, s'étant proposé de faire imprimer un traité qu'il a fait en trois langues — savoir, suédoise, allemande et française — de la culture, utilité, plaisir et ornement des jardins, intitulé Le jardin de plaisir, et désirant sur ce Nos lettres nécessaires, Nous avons permis et permettons par ces présentes, signées de Notre main, qu'il puisse faire et fasse imprimer, vendre et distribuer ledit livre, appelé Le jardin de plaisir, cependant et durant le terme de dix ans à compter du jour et date que ledit livre sera achevé d'imprimer; faisant pour cet effet très expresses inhibitions et défenses à tous libraires et imprimeurs ou autres, de quelle qualité et condition qu'ils soient, de Notre royaume, pays et terres de Notre obéissance, d'imprimer ou faire imprimer ledit livre, ou d'en apporter ou faire amener de dehors sous noms interposés pour les vendre et débiter en Nos royaumes sans la permission dudit Mollet ou de ses héritiers, sur peine de 400 dalers d'argent d'amende, applicable moitié à Notre Chambre de Comptes, et moitié audit suppliant, sans aucune diminution, et dépens, dommages et intérêts, et de confiscation de tous les exemplaires qui se trouvèrent être mis en vente, ou autrement contre la teneur de ces présentes. Car tel est Notre plaisir. Donné à Stockholm, le 12 mars 1651.

French translation (my own):

Christine, etc.

Nous faisons savoir que, Notre maître jardinier, l'honnête et artistique André Mollet, ayant toujours eu l'intention de faire publier un ouvrage en trois langues — le suédois, l'allemand et le français — avec des gravures sur cuivre appropriées, traitant de l'art des jardins pour le profit, le plaisir et l'honneur des jardiniers, et cet ouvrage contribuant sans aucun doute à l'amélioration, au profit et au plaisir de nombreux amateurs d'art ainsi que du commun des hommes; Nous avons donc voulu, par pure grâce, accorder à André Mollet un privilège exclusif concernant ledit ouvrage, intitulé Le jardin de plaisir. Par la présente et en vertu de cette Notre lettre ouverte, Nous interdisons à tous Nos sujets, quels qu'ils soient, d'imprimer, de faire imprimer, d'importer ou de vendre cet ouvrage dans Notre royaume ou à l'étranger, sans le consentement d'André Mollet ou de ses héritiers, pendant une période de dix ans à compter de la date de sa publication, sous peine de confiscation de tous les exemplaires et d'une amende de quatre cents dalers d'argent. La moitié de cette amende sera versée à Notre Chambre des Comptes et l'autre moitié à André Mollet. Si un étranger, sans l'autorisation d'André Mollet ou de ses héritiers, réimprime ledit ouvrage à l'étranger et en importe, vend ou distribue des exemplaires dans Notre royaume, tous les exemplaires seront confisqués et l'auteur de l'infraction sera condamné à une amende pouvant aller jusqu'à quatre cents dalers d'argent, dont la moitié sera versée à Notre Chambre des Comptes et l'autre moitié à André Mollet. Que chacun s'y conforme, etc.

English translation (my own):

Kristina, etc.

We make known that whereas Our garden master, the honest and artful André Mollet, has always intended to have a book published in three languages — the Swedish, German and French languages — with suitable copperplates, in which the culture of gardens will be treated for the benefit, pleasure and honour of the culture of gardeners, and because that book undoubtedly will contribute to the improvement, benefit and pleasure of many art-lovers as well as of the common man; We have therefore most graciously wanted to leave such a privilege to André Mollet touching the same book, called Le jardin de plaisir. We also, hereby and by the power of this Our open letter, make it so that none of Our subjects, whoever he may be, may or shall have permission, much less dare, before ten years after the date of its publication, to have it printed in this realm or in foreign places and then to import and sell it here without the consent of André Mollet or his heirs, on pain of loss of all copies and a penalty of four hundred dalers of silver coins, in general if anyone is caught with it. Half of it is to be paid to Our Royal Chamber of Accounts, and half to the said André Mollet. If there is also any foreigner who, without the will and permission of André Mollet or his heirs, reprints the aforementioned book abroad and imports, sells and distributes the copies here and thereby is seized, then all the copies shall be confiscated in equal measure, and the same shall be fined up to 400 dalers of silver coins and pay half to Our Chamber of Accounts, and the other whole part to the said André Mollet. May everyone herein [act in accordance herewith], etc.

Above: Kristina.

"New" Kristina book!

New Kristina book addition: "The Outrageous Queen" (1956), by Barbara Cartland.

New books!

Just came home to these books!: "Från stoicism till mystik: Studier i drottning Kristinas maximer" (1959) by Sven Stolpe, "Drottning Christinas tronavsägelse och trosförändring" (1953) by Sven Ingemar Olofsson, "Historiska handlingar del 37:1: Don Antonio Pimentels depescher från drottning Christinas hov 1652-1656, jämte svarsskrivelser och spanska statsrådsprotokoll" (1961), by Nils Berencreutz, and "Vi Christina med Guds nåde" (1942) by Py Sörman.

More new books!

A book about Maria Eleonora for my collection!

Just got this book: "Maria Eleonora: Drottningen som sa nej", by Moa Matthis. It is so wonderful that Maria is being done some justice and her reputation is being restored!

New Kristina book arrivals!

Just got these — "Drottning Christina och Sverige, 1646-1651: En fransk diplomat berättar" (1970) and "Drottning Christina: Studier och forskningar" (1931; 1966 edition), both by Curt Weibull.

New addition to my Kristina book collection!

New additions to my Kristina collection!

These three new additions to my Kristina collection have really cheered me up: "Abdikationen" by Marita Jonsson, "Bilder av Kristina" by Livrustkammaren, and "Brev från sex decennier" by Sven Stolpe. Really made my day!

New addition to my Kristina book collection!

New additions to my Kristina book collection!

Kristina's letter to Otto von Guericke the Younger, dated July 9/19 (Old Style), 1672

Sources:

Johann Kanolds Museographia oder Anleitung zum rechten Begriff und nützlicher Anlegung der Raritäten-Kammern, volume 3, page 307, Johann Kanold, 1727

https://books.google.com/books?id=wW9UAAAAcAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=Johan+Kanolds+Museographia+oder+Anleitung+zur+Anlegung+der+Rariteten+Cammern&source=gbs_navlinks_s

Universal Register über die sechs Theile der Westphälischen Friedens-Handlungen und Geschichte, page 100, Johann Ludolph Walther, 1740

https://books.google.com/books?id=M_lLAAAAcAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=Acta+Pacis+Westphalica+Publica&source=gbs_navlinks_s

Mémoires concernant Christine, volume 2, page 135, Johan Arckenholtz, 1751

https://books.google.com/books?id=Fef0dKNmyggC&dq=reine%20christine%20de%20suède%20ferrario%20savant%20d%27italie%201653%20lettre&source=gbs_book_other_versions

Christine de Suède: Un roi exceptionnel, pages 286 to 287, by Bernard Quilliet, 1982

The book Kristina is referring to is Otto's father Otto von Guericke the Elder's 1672 book Experimenta Nova (ut vocantur) Magdeburgica de Vacuo Spatio and can be read here:

https://books.google.com/books?id=Giy3q1opAmIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Experimenta+Nova+(ut+vocantur)+Magdeburgica+de+Vacuo+Spatio&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjNx8n94ffyAhUUFzQIHZLjBU8QuwV6BAgHEAk#v=onepage&q=Experimenta%20Nova%20(ut%20vocantur)%20Magdeburgica%20de%20Vacuo%20Spatio&f=false

The letter:

Monsieur de Guericke!

J'ay receu le livre de vôtre Pere, que vous m'avez envoyé, dont je vous remercie de tout mon coeur, & vous dis en reponse, que je l'ay leu de son commencement jusques à la fin avec une attention & un plaisir inconcevable, d'autres que moy seront capables de mieux juger du prix & de l'admirer, mais toute mon ignorance n'empeche pas que je n'estime cett ouvrage un de plus dignes & admirables, qui soit produit en notre Siecle: Ses experiences toutes belles, & quelles sont ont esté faites par d'autres a Paris, à Londre, à Florence & icy à Rome même, mais les consequences & nouvelles opinions, ou plûtost conjectures, q'il en tire, luy sont particulieres a ce qu'il me semble au moins n'ay je rien leu de semblable, si l'Astronomie Britannique, que je n'ay pas encore eu loisir d'examiner ne me produit quelque chose de pareil, à ces mesmes opinions, quoy qu'il en soit, il me semble, que nul autre ne nous a donné une idée de cett' univers si digne de son adorable Auteur, que celle de vôtre Pere, je laisse aux Mathematiciens & Astronomes à disputer avec luy son sisteme, pur moy je soucris volontiers a la plus part de ses belles conjectures, toutes fois autant qu'il m'est permis par l'autorité de l'Eglise Romaine; & cependant je vous remercie toute deux de vôtre present, & du plaisir que la lecture d'un si beau livre m'a donné & Dieu vous prospere,

Rome ce 9. Juilet 1672.

Christine Alexandra.

With modernised spelling:

Monsieur de Guericke,

J'ai reçu le livre de votre père que vous m'avez envoyé, dont je vous remercie de tout mon cœur, et [je] vous dis en réponse que je l'ai lu de son commencement jusqu'à la fin avec une attention et un plaisir inconcevable. D'autres que moi seront capables de mieux juger du prix et de l'admirer, mais toute mon ignorance n'empêche pas que je n'estime cet ouvrage un de plus dignes et admirables qui soit produit en notre siècle. Ses experiences, toutes belles et qu'elles sont, ont été faites par d'autres a Paris, à Londres, à Florence et ici à Rome-même, mais les conséquences et nouvelles opinions, ou plutôt conjectures, qu'il en tire, lui sont particulières à ce qu'il me semble; au moins n'ai-je rien leu de semblable si l'astronomie britannique, que je n'ai pas encore eu loisir d'examiner, ne me produit quelque chose de pareil à ces mêmes opinions. Quoiqu'il en soit, il me semble, que nul autre ne nous a donné une idée de cet univers si digne de son adorable auteur que celle de votre père. Je laisse aux mathématiciens et astronomes à disputer avec lui son système. Pour moi, je souscris volontiers à la plupart de ses belles conjectures, toutefois autant qu'il m'est permis par l'autorité de l'Église romaine; et cependant je vous remercie toute deux de votre présent et du plaisir que la lecture d'un si beau livre m'a donné, et Dieu vous prospère.

Rome, ce 9 juillet 1672.

Christine Alexandra.

Walther's transcript of the letter:

Monsieur de Guericke. I'ay reçu le livre de vôtre Pere, que vous m'avez envoié, dont je vous remercie de tout mon cœur, & vous dis en response, que ie l'ai lû de son commencement jusques à la fin avec une attention & un plaisir inconcevable. D'autres que moi seront capables de mieux iuger du prix & de l'admirer; Mais toute mon ignorance n'empêche pas, que ie n'estime cet ouvrage un de plus dignes & admirables, qui soit produit en nôtre siecle. Ses experiences toutes belles, quelles sont, ont eté faites par d'autres à Paris, à Londres, à Florence & icy à Rome même, mais les consequences & nouvelles opinions, ou plûtot conjectures, qu'il en tire, lui sont particulières à ce qu'il me semble, au moins n'ay je rien leu de semblable, si l'Astronomie Britannique, que je n'ay pas encore eu loisir d'examiner, ne me produit quelque chose de pareil, à ces memes opinions. Quoyqu'il en soit, il me semble, que nul autre ne nous a donné une Idée de cet univers si digne de son adorable Auteur, que celle de votre Pere. Ie laisse aux Mathematiciens & Astronomes à disputer avec lui son sisteme, pour moy je souscris volontiers à la plus part de ses belles conjectures toutes fois autant d'il m'est permis par l'authorité de l'Eglise Romaine. Cependant je vous remercie plus qu' de vôtre present & du plaisir que la lecture d'un si beau livre m'a donné, & Dieu vous prospére, Rome ce 9. Iuillet 1672.

Christina Alexandra.

With modernised spelling:

Monsieur de Guericke,

J'ai reçu le livre de votre père que vous m'avez envoyé, dont je vous remercie de tout mon cœur, et [je] vous dis en réponse que je l'ai lu de son commencement jusqu'à la fin avec une attention et un plaisir inconcevable. D'autres que moi seront capables de mieux juger du prix et de l'admirer, mais toute mon ignorance n'empêche pas que je n'estime cet ouvrage un de plus dignes et admirables qui soit produit en notre siècle. Ses expériences, toutes belles qu'elles sont, ont été faites par d'autres à Paris, à Londres, à Florence et ici à Rome-même, mais les conséquences et nouvelles opinions, ou plutôt conjectures, qu'il en tire, lui sont particulières à ce qu'il me semble; au moins n'ai-je rien leu de semblable si l'astronomie britannique, que je n'ai pas encore eu loisir d'examiner, ne me produit quelque chose de pareil à ces mêmes opinions. Quoiqu'il en soit, il me semble que nul autre ne nous a donné une idée de cet univers si digne de son adorable auteur que celle de votre père. Je laisse aux mathématiciens et astronomes à disputer avec lui son système; pour moi je souscris volontiers à la plupart de ses belles conjectures, toutefois autant d'il m'est permis par l'autorité de l'Église romaine. Cependant, je vous remercie plus que de votre présent et du plaisir que la lecture d'un si beau livre m'a donné, et Dieu vous prospère. Rome, ce 9 juillet 1672.

Christine Alexandra.

Arckenholtz's transcript of the letter (he corrected Kristina's grammar and spelling):

Monsieur de Guericke. J'ai reçu le livre de votre Père, que vous m'avez envoîé, dont je vous remercie de tout mon cœur, & vous dîs en réponse, que je l'ai lû dès le commencement jusqu'à la fin avec une attention & un plaisir inconcevable. D'autres que moi seront capables de mieux juger de son prix & de l'admirer: mais toute mon ignorance n'empêche pas, que je n'estime cet ouvrage un des plus dignes & admirables, qui soit produit en notre siècle. Ses expériences toutes belles qu'elles sont ont été faites par d'autres à Paris, à Londres, à Florence & ici à Rome même, mais les conséquences & les nouvelles opinions, ou plûtôt conjectures, qu'il en tire, lui sont particulières, à ce qu'il me semble; au moins n'ai-je lû rien de semblable: si l'Astronomie Britannique, que je n'ai pas encore eu le loisir d'éxaminer, ne me fait voir quelque chose de pareil, à ces mêmes opinions. Quoiqu'il en soit, il me semble que nul autre ne nous a donné une idée de cet Univers si digne de son adorable Auteur, que celle de votre Père. Je laisse aux Mathématiciens & Astronomes à disputer avec lui sur son Systéme, pour moi je souscris volontiers à la plûpart de ses belles conjectures, toute fois autant qu'il m'est permis par l'autorité de l'Eglise Romaine. Cependant je vous remercie plus qu'aucun autre de votre présent & du plaisir que la lecture d'un si beau livre m'a donné, & Dieu vous fasse prospérer. Rome ce 9 Juillet 1672.

CHRISTINE ALEXANDRA.

English translation (my own):

Mr. von Guericke,

I have received your father's book which you sent me, for which I thank you with all my heart, and I tell you in response that I read it from beginning to end with care and an inconceivable pleasure. Others than me will be able to better judge its price and to admire it, but all my ignorance does not prevent me from considering this work one of the most worthy and admirable which has been produced in our century. His experiences, beautiful as they are, have been had by others in Paris, London, Florence and here in Rome herself, but the consequences and the new opinions, or rather conjectures, that he draws from them are peculiar to him, it seems to me; at least I haven't read anything like it, if British astronomy, which I have not yet had time to examine, does not show me something similar, to these same opinions. Anyway, it seems to me that no one else has given us an idea of ​​this universe so worthy of its adorable author than that of your father. I leave it to mathematicians and astronomers to argue with him about his system, for myself I readily subscribe to most of his fine conjectures, however much as I am allowed by the authority of the Roman Church. However, I thank you more than any other for your present and for the pleasure that reading such a beautiful book has given me, and may God grant you prosperity. Rome, July 9, 1672.

Kristina Alexandra.

Above: Kristina.

Above: Otto von Guericke the Elder.

Kristina's personal Bible, given to her in 1631

Source:

Kungliga Biblioteket

https://www.facebook.com/kungligabiblioteket/posts/10164442562395182

"At Queen Kristina's time, it was a given that royals had a personal Bible. This small volume, only 15 cm high, is from 1631 and is supposed to have been given to the princess at a young age. The band is adorned by hinges and portrait medallions in silver showing Kristina's parents — Gustav II Adolf on the front and Maria Eleonora on the back.

The book was bound in green velvet, but today there is only a little of the velvet left. The text is in German, in Martin Luther's translation. This was long before Kristina converted to Catholicism.

Kristina's Bible is now in the Royal Library's possession, and is kept in one of the underground magazines under Humlegården in Stockholm."

Kristina's schoolbook, "En nyttigh Bok om Konnunga Styrilse och Höfdinga", year 1634

Sources:

https://litteraturbanken.se/författare/BureusJ/titlar/EnNyttighBok/sida/III/faksimil

Christina, Queen of Sweden (1966), published by Nationalmuseum Stockholm

This book, "En nyttigh Bok om Konnunga Styrilse och Höfdinga", or, "A Useful Book on the Rule of Kings and Chieftains", was published by the court librarian Johannes Bureus in 1634, and although this is probably not the copy that Kristina owned, it is known that she read the book for learning about politics and governing, all in preparation for her eighteenth birthday when she would be declared an adult and ready to rule in fact as well as in name. The book was produced from a now lost manuscript discovered by Johan Skytte and which probably originated from the Vadstena nunnery. Kristina's father Gustav Adolf took a great interest in the discovery, and sometime before 1621 he commissioned Bureus to arrange the text and publish it as a book and later instructed Johannes Matthiæ to use this book in Kristina's lessons. The book was published in Old Swedish, so the language would already have been a little bit archaic by Kristina's time, but not very much; and a Latin translation was published in 1669 by Johannes Schefferus.

The book includes this dedication to Kristina:

Den Stormächtigeste Högborne Förstinna och Fröken / Fröken Christina medh Gudz Nådhe / Sweriges / Göthes och Wendes vtkoradhe Drottning och Arfförstinna / Storförstinna til Finland / Hertighinna vthi Estland och Carelen / Fröken vtöfuer Jngermanland / etc.

Mijn alrenådigheste Drottning och Fröken /

På thet vnderdånigeste och ödmiukligheste

Dedicerat och offererat.

Stormächtigeste Höghborne Förstinna och Fröken / alrenådigeste Drottning.

Edhers Majestet gifver iagh vti vnderdånigheet på thet ödhmiukelighaste tilkänna / at dädh första sinne som E. M. salige älskelige Herfadher / den Store Konung Gustaf Adolf / höglofligh i åminnelse / min alernådigeste Herre etc. hadhe igenomläset denna närwarande Boken om Styrelse Konnunga och Höffdinga / nögdes hon H. K. M. strax / och så wäl behaghadhes / at H. K. M. henne då och sedhan som oftast / för sijne fultrogne Män Rijksens Herrar och andra / icke vtan merkeligh berömelse och loford nämna kunde etc. Och vtlofvade några resor / At där H. K. M. kunde komma til roligheet / wille H. K. M. medh Gudz nådige bistånd och tilhielp / ibland annat / så låta skipa och ordna om Skolorne vti hela Rijket / at denne Boken / och särdeles den Andra Balken / som här börias på 13 Bladhet och lyktas på dädh 40de skulle medh flijt Barnomen föreläsen warda / i den stadhen de nu lära den Latinska Terentium och andra Hedniska Böker / af hvilka slätt ingen vti sin Christendom / och få vthi loflige bokelige konster förbättradhe blifva etc. De andre Balkarne / kunde då dem som til större ålder och wettskap komne woro / nytteligen förehaldne warde. Befalte mig för den skuld henne pränta och publicera låta / at hon framledes skulle wara icke allenest för siälwa Höfdingarna och Konnungarna som til ålders komne och vti wäldet stadde woro / til rättelse och vnderwisning / såsom siälwa Bokennes korta och gambla Titel och öfverskrift lydher: Vtan och jämwäl för deras Barn och vngdom / huru den rätteligen strax i bardomen sampt medh modermålet och fostringen lätteligere än här til skedt är / blifva vptuchtade och lärde vti en saligh Gudz fruchtan / prydhelige dygder och dugelige konster / at de framledes kunde skickelige warda / at trädha vti sine föräldrars stadh / ämbete / myndigheet och Majestät / etc. Och medhan E. M. mijn alernådigeste Drottning / är den förnämligeste ibland all Swensk vngdom / och den alle Rijksens Ständer hafva ett godt hopp och förtröstning om / som i framtijdhen kan wara Rijkena till bijstånd och hugnat / Ja den samma som högstbemelte H. K. M. denna Boken synnerligen ärnade och alrahälst vnte: Derföre / såsom hon vtaf E. Mtz älskelige salige käre Herfadher / för en Fadherligh skänk och gåwa / vtfången och åstadh send är: Så är iagh / E. Mtz ringe tiänare / som henne i all vnderdånigheet frambär / och E. M. ödhmiukeligest præsenterar / i den hugneliga och wissa tilförsicht / at E. M. warder henne i lijka måtto / icke allenast medh ett Dotterligit fägnande vptagandes / vtan och framdeles / efter högstbe:te K. Mtz faderliga wilie och wäntan / henne flijteligen brukandes och nytsamligen efterföliandes / Gudhi til behagh och äro / sitt bedröwade Fädernesland til hugnad och långwarigt bistånd / och sigh til ewigt beröm och oändeligh saligheet. Gudh den alrahöghste som allas faderlösas fadher är / han werdes där gifva sijn kraftiga och rijka wälsignelse til af högdenne / Amen. Önskad af

E. M:tz

Vnderdånige troplichtige ringa tienare

Johan Thomesson Bure.

20 Junij åhr 1634.

Above: Kristina.

Above: Johannes Bureus.

"Hortus Regius" or Kristina’s Genealogical Tree with Political Emblems, given to her in 1645

Source:

https://www.wdl.org/en/item/17187/#q=Queen+Christina&qla=en

"Hortus Regius (The royal garden) was given to the Swedish queen Christina about 1645 by its creator, the diplomat Shering Rosenhane (1609‒63). With this elegant manuscript, Rosenhane wanted to celebrate the first year of the queen’s reign. The volume is introduced by a full-length portrait of Queen Christina. Hortus Regius is an emblem book, in which each emblem consists of textual and pictorial elements. Elements from classical, medieval, and contemporary literature of a sententious character useful to a queen are combined with illustrations by the Dutch painter Pieter Holsteyn the Younger (circa 1614–73). The Hortus Regius is intended as a kind of mirror for princes—a book of instruction for a sovereign, in which the tone is set by virtue and where the essential principles are patience and prudence. Whereas the manuscript is largely based on other international emblem books, the illustrations are to some extent adapted to a Swedish context. The subtitle of the work, “Queen Christina’s Genealogical Tree with Political Emblems,” indicates the importance of genealogy in the emblematic genre. The manuscript is bound in red morocco and consists of two main parts, of which the first contains many illustrations alternating with genealogical trees and emblems. The emblems are accompanied by quotations in Latin, Italian, French, and Spanish. The second part of the volume is a list of contemporary princely houses in Europe. The manuscript was later in the possession of J. Alströmer, who in 1769 presented it as a gift to the future King Gustav III of Sweden. It was acquired by the National Library of Sweden at the end of the 18th century, along with the rest of the king’s library."

Above: Kristina's portrait and ode to her in the book.

My "new" Kristina book

Queen Christina of Sweden: Documents and Studies.
Edited by Magnus von Platen, year 1966.

Excerpts from "The History of Her Sacred Royal Majesty Christina Alessandra of Swedland"

The following book was written about Kristina in Italian in 1656, by one Gualdo Priorato, Conte Galeazzo. An English translation was made in 1658. For this part I will only show the parts dealing with Kristina's childhood and coming of age.

Sources:

Historia della Sacra Real Maestà di Christina Alessandra Regina di Svetia, by Galeazzo Gualdo Priorato, 1656

https://it.wikisource.org/wiki/Historia_della_Sacra_Real_Maest%C3%A0_di_Christina_Alessandra_Regina_di_Svetia

The history of the sacred and Royal Majesty of Christina Alessandra Queen of Swedland, &c. English translation, 1658.

https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A85757.0001.001?view=toc

Passages (in the original Italian):

Non lasciò altre prole, che Christina unica sua figliuola, nata il di 16 Decembre 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 imagine delle vertù del suo Gran Genitore, dia materia di credere, che Gustavo sia restato al Mondo nella spetie, se non vi si trova nell'individuo.

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

Non era uscita per anche dalla infantia, che si trovò instrutta de primi erudimenti della lingua, e della cognitione delle lettere latine, & havendo già scoperto, quanto poteva promettersi ne' progressi de' studj, con la vivezza del suo spirito, e col singolarissimo suo giuditio, 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, & Officiali della Corona, che furono. Il Grand'Ammiraglio, ch'era un fratello bastardo del Re Gustavo suo Padre, il Gran Cancelliere Axellio, Oxestern, il Gran Presidente Gabriel Oxestern, il Gran Contestabile Giacomo della Garda, & il Gran Tesoriere ch'era un 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 disinvolta a' maneggi del Regno, e vi fece progressi rilevantissimi. 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 apprendervi gl'insegnamenti del buon governo.

Avvanzandosi dunque questa Prencipessa con gli anni nelle virtù, e nelle scienze, misurava 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 a sé la total diretione de gli affari della Corona; onde acquistando grandissima veneratione, si liberò dalla soggettione, in cui pretendevano alcuni di tenerla, e cominciando a governare, mostrò, che non haveva bisogno di appoggiar il peso de maneggi ad altri, che alla sua testa; quindi avenne, 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 a punto, che la Corona di Svetia dichiarò la guerra al Re di Danimarca, non ostante, che fosse nel suo maggior ardore quella di Germania contro l’Imperatore, & i di lui collegati.

Si serviva sempre di persone intendenti, e capaci, e se tal uno s’arrogava più auttorità, che non gli conveniva, trovava modo di moderare le di lui animosità. Essa sola amministrava tutti gli affari publici, e li terminava con molta facilità, e sodisfattione. Voleva, che gli Ambasciatori, e Ministri de’ Prencipi con lei sola trattassero, e dava loro le audienze, senza che vi Historia della Sacra Real Maestà di Christina Alessandra Regina di Svetia intervenissero i Secretarij di stato, né alcun altro de’ suoi Consiglieri. Rispondeva ella stessa alle propositioni, che gli venivan fatte tanto da suoi sudditi, quanto da’ Prencipi forastieri.

Questa Regina, ancor giovinetta, seppe in un 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’obedienza, e del rispetto, che vidde i suoi più formidabili Capitani, benché avezzi 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 officij ripieni di tanta amorevolezza, e benignità, ch’animando gli affetti, accresceva sempre verso di sé medesima più profittevoli il rispetto, e la obedienza, 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, & era 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.

Affettionava universalmente tutte le nationi, e la virtù sola era l’unico oggetto de’ suoi affetti. Cercava con la severità di far emendar i tristi, con le gratie, e con premij 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 honorevolezza, e le conditioni più rare, che si convengono a gli huomini illustri.

Non trovasi alcun Prencipe, che più di lei habbia favorito i soggetti virtuosi. Il sollievo maggiore dell’animo grande di Sua Maestà era il discorrere con huomini saputi. Procurò d’haver appresso di sé i più eruditi ingegni d’ogni natione, i quali tratteneva con rilevanti premij.

Manteneva le Dame nella sua Corte per decoro, e per servirsene ne’ proprij bisogni, e trattenimenti, gli quali però non la distraevano un momento da’ suoi virtuosi studj, & esercitij.

Non stimò mai né il rigore delle staggioni, né il calor del Sole, né il freddo delle nevi, non venti, non piogge, non tempeste, né altre ingiurie de tempi, o accidenti per rendersi flessibile a’ riguardi dovuti alla sua Regia conditione. Credeva le azzioni grandi non caminar bene con le delitie, e l’anima non haver maggior impedimento all’acquisto delle virtù, ch’il proprio corpo allevato, e nodrito in quelle; il travaglio, l’esercitio, la sobrietà, e la vigilanza haveva per parti dell’animo suo forte, e vigoroso.

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

Ha resa illustre, e famosa la Città di Stocholm, per la norma delle sue direttioni, 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 Giustitia; non viddesi già mai Principessa d’animo sì franco, e di cuore tanto intrepido, pensava però in tanto 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 nationi più remote, produsse in un subito i soliti effetti della curiosità, chiamando dall’Italia, e dalla Francia molti de più curiosi, & intendenti ad ammirarla. Non si può esprimere a bastanza la humanità, e gentilezza, con la quale accoglieva ogn’uno, e quale particolarmente la di lei liberalità nel riconoscere, nell’accarezzare, e nel premiare i Virtuosi.

Non si trovò Prencipe d’Europa, che sorpreso dalle celebri prerogative di questa mostruosa Virtù, non procurasse ossequiarla, e riverirla, o di presenza, o almeno col mezo de suoi rappresentanti.

The same passages from the English translation:

He [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.

Above: Kristina at age six.

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 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 co 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.

Above: Kristina, late 1630s.

Above: Kristina at age eleven.

Above: Kristina at age twelve or sixteen.

Above: Kristina at about the same age/s.

Above: Kristina as a young teenager.

Above: Kristina as a teenager.

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 hy the Crown of Swedland declar'd, notwithstanding that against the Emperour, together with his confederates, was most vigorously prosecuted.

Above: Kristina, year 1649.

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 Councellours, 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 obsequiouness.

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 the 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.

Above: Kristina, year 1649 or 1650.

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.