Announcement of Kristina's conversion to Catholicism, signed by herself along with Archduke Ferdinand Karl of Austria, Archduke Sigismund Franz of Austria (Bishop of Augsburg), Antonio Pimentel, Lucas Holstenius, the public notary Nikolaus Zerzer, and the archducal officials, dated October 29/November 8 (New Style), 1655

Sources:

Historia della Sacra Real Maestà di Cristina Alessandra Regina di Svetia, pages 108 to 110, by Count Galeazzo Gualdo Priorato, 1656; original at the Getty Research Institute

https://archive.org/details/historiadellasac00gual/page/n141/mode/2up

The history of the sacred and Royal Majesty of Christina Alessandra Queen of Swedland, &c., book 3, translated by John Burbury, 1658; original at the University of Michigan Library

https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A85757.0001.001/1:9?rgn=div1;view=fulltext

Lettere memorabili istoriche, politiche ed erudite, volume 2, page 300, published by Antonio Bulifon, 1698; original at the National Library of Naples (Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III)

https://books.google.com/books?id=LSMmZmfZXsQC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=fiorniceto+carini&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The 5,100th post to this blog!

The announcement:

Christina. Ferdinandus Carolus Archidux Austriæ testis adfui, & subscripsi. Sigismundus Franciscus Archidux Austriæ Episcopus Augustanus, & Gorcensis testis adfui, & subscripsi. Don Antonius Pimentel de Prado Catholici Regis Legatus testis fui, & subscripsi. Lucas Holstenius Basilicæ Sancti Petri Canonicus hanc professionem excepi, & subscripsi: ... In Christi nomine Amen. Anno ab eiusdem salutifera Incarnatione millesimo sexcentesimo quinquagesimo quinto, Indictione vero octaua, die tertia mensis Nouembris, Pontificatus autem Sanctissimi in Christo Patris, ac Domini Nostri Domini Alexandri Diuina Prouidentia Papæ Septimi anno primo. Oeniponte, vulgò Inspruch, Diœcesis Brixinensis, circa meridiem, in Ecclesia Archiducali Sanctæ Crucis, ante Altare maius, Ibidem personaliter constituta Serenissima D. D. Christina nata Regina Sueciæ &c. hanc subscriptam Catholicæ Fidei professionem spontè, & animo benè deliberato, genuflexa, claraque voce, coram suprascriptis testibus ad præmissa rogatis in facie Ecclesiæ, tactis sacrosanctis Euangelijs emisit. Qua professione Fidei peracta, prælaudata Serenissima D. D. Regina, & Illustrissimus, ac Reuerendissimus D. Lucas Holstenius Canonicus Basilicæ Principis Apostolorum de Vrbe, & Sanctissimi D. D. nostri familiaris, & continuus Commensalis, me Notarium infrascriptum gratiosissimè requisiuerunt, vt vnum, vel plura Instrumenta publica ad perpetuam rei memoriam desuper conficerem. Et quia ego infranominatus Notarius publicus Fidei Catholicæ professioni à Serenissima D. D. Christina &c. ad manus præfati Illustrissimi, & Reuerendissimi D. Holstenij, nomine, & vice Romanæ Sedis Apostolicæ, secundùm præscriptum ritum Sacri Concilij Tridentini, vigore Delegationis Apostolicæ recipientis, palam emissæ, vna cum testibus interfui, eamque simul, atque subscriptiones ità fieri vidi, & audiui. Ideò in fidem hoc præsens instrumentum publicum exindè confeci, scripsi, propria manu subscripsi, publicaui, & notariatus signo meo solito requisitus corroboraui. Actum vt supra. Nicolaus Zerzer Archiducalis Consiliarius, Secretarius, & auctoritate Pontificia, atque Imperiali Notarius publicus.

Nos N. N. Serenissimi Principis Ferdinandi Caroli Archiducis Austriæ &c. Præses, Cancellarius, Regentes, & Consiliarij Superioris Austriæ Prouinciarum attestamur, supranominatum Nicolaum Zerzer, tam Archiducalem Consiliarium, quàm Regiminis Superioris Austriæ Prouinciarum Secretarium, ac legalem, & authenticum esse Notarium, vti præmissum, ac proindè illius scripturis, & instrumentis publicis in Indicijs, & extra, hic, & vbique plenam, & indubitatam adhiberi posse, ac debere fidem. In cuius rei testimonium præsentes sigillo Archiducali communiri iussimus. Actum Oeniponti die octaua mensis Nouembris anno 1655. Ioannes Christophorus Castner de Castenstein Archiducalis Consiliarius, & Archiuij Præpositus.

With modernised spelling:

Christina.

Ferdinandus Carolus, archidux Austriæ testis adfui, et subscripsi.

Sigismundus Franciscus archidux Austriæ, episcopus Augustanus, et Gorcensis testis adfui, et subscripsi.

Don Antonius Pimentel de Prado, catholici regis legatus testis fui, et subscripsi.

Lucas Holstenius, Basilicæ Sancti Petri Canonicus hanc professionem excepi, et subscripsi.

... In Christi nomine amen. Anno ab ejusdem salutifera Incarnatione millesimo sexcentesimo quinquagesimo quinto, indictione vero octava, die tertia mensis novembris, pontificatus autem sanctissimi in Christo Patris, ac domini nostri domini Alexandri, divina providentia papæ septimi, anno primo. Œniponte, vulgo Innsbruck, diœcesis Brixenensis, circa meridiem, in ecclesia archiducali Sanctæ Crucis, ante altare majus, ibidem personaliter constituta serenissima domina Christina, nata regina Sueciæ etc., hanc subscriptam catholicæ fidei professionem sponte, et animo bene deliberato, genuflexa, claraque voce, coram suprascriptis testibus ad præmissa rogatis in facie Ecclesiæ, tactis sacrosanctis Evangeliis emisit.

Qua professione fidei peracta, prælaudata serenissima domina regina, et illustrissimus, ac reverendissimus dominus Lucas Holstenius, canonicus Basilicæ, principis apostolorum de Urbe, et sanctissimi Domini Nostri familiaris, et continuus commensalis, me notarium infrascriptum gratiosissime requisiverunt, ut unum, vel plura instrumenta publica ad perpetuam rei memoriam desuper conficerem.

Et quia ego infranominatus notarius publicus fidei catholicæ professioni a serenissima domina Christina, etc., ad manus præfati illustrissimi et reverendissimi domini Holstenii, nomine et vice Romanæ Sedis Apostolicæ, secundum præscriptum ritum Sacri Concilii Tridentini, vigore delegationis apostolicæ recipientis, palam emissæ, una cum testibus interfui, eamque simul, atque subscriptiones ita fieri vidi et audivi.

Ideo in fidem hoc præsens instrumentum publicum exinde confeci, scripsi, propria manu subscripsi, publicavi et notariatus signo meo solito requisitus corroboravi. Actum ut supra.

Nicolaus Zerzer, archiducalis consiliarius, secretarius et auctoritate pontificia, atque imperiali notarius publicus.

Nos N. N., serenissimi principis Ferdinandi Caroli archiducis Austriæ etc. præses, cancellarius, regentes et consiliarii superioris Austriæ Provinciarum attestamur, supranominatum Nicolaum Zerzer, tam archiducalem consiliarium, quam regiminis superioris Austriæ Provinciarum secretarium, ac legalem et authenticum esse notarium, uti præmissum, ac proinde illius scripturis, et instrumentis publicis in indiciis et extra, hic et ubique plenam, et indubitatam adhiberi posse, ac debere fidem. In cuius rei testimonium præsentes Sigillo Archiducali communiri jussimus. Actum Œniponti, die octava mensis novembris anno 1655.

Johannes Christophorus Kastner de Kastenstein, archiducalis consiliarius et archivii præpositus.

French translation (my own; I cannot tag it as such due to character limits in the tags):

Christine.

Moi Ferdinand-Charles, archiduc d'Autriche, j'étais présent comme témoin et j'ai souscrit.

Moi Sigismond-François, archiduc d'Autriche, évêque d'Augsbourg et de Gurk, j'étais présent comme témoin et j'ai souscrit.

Moi don Antoine Pimentel de Prado, légat du roi catholique, j'étais témoin et j'y ai souscrit.

Moi Luc Holstenius, chanoine de la basilique Saint-Pierre, j'ai accepté cette profession et j'y ai souscrit.

... Au nom du Christ, amen. En l'an 1655 après la même salutaire Incarnation, en vérité le huitième trimestre, le troisième jour de novembre, pendant la première année du pontificat du Très Saint Père en Jésus-Christ, Notre Seigneur Alexandre VII, par la divine Providence, Pape; à Innsbruck, dans le diocèse de Bressanone, vers midi, dans l'église archiducale de la Sainte-Croix, devant le maître-autel, la sérénissime dame Christine, née reine de Suède, etc., y ayant été personnellement désignée, a fait cette profession souscrite de la foi catholique volontairement et d'un esprit bien délibéré, à genoux et d'une voix claire, et en présence des témoins ci-dessus mentionnés aux lieux requis d'être présents en face de l'Église, elle a prononcé et touché les sacro-saints Évangiles.

Ladite profession de foi ayant été faite, la prélouée très sérénissime dame et reine, et le très illustre et très révérend seigneur Luc Holstenius, chanoine de la basilique, prince des apôtres de la ville, et familier et constant commensal de Notre très saint Seigneur, m'ont très gracieusement prié, notaire soussigné, de dresser un ou plusieurs actes publics pour la mémoire perpétuelle de celui-ci.

Et parce que moi, notaire public sous-nommé, j'étais présent avec les témoins à la profession de foi catholique par la sérénissime dame Christine, etc., des mains du susdit très illustre et très révérend seigneur Holstenius, au nom et pour le compte du Siège Apostolique Romain, selon le rite prescrit du Sacré Concile de Trente, en vertu de la délégation apostolique qui la reçoit, j'ai vu et entendu la profession et les souscriptions ainsi faites.

En foi de quoi, j'ai rédigé le présent acte public, je l'ai rédigé, signé de ma main, publié et, si nécessaire, confirmé par mon sceau notarié habituel. Daté comme ci-dessus.

Nicolas Zerzer, conseiller archiducal, secrétaire et notaire public par l'autorité pontificale et impériale.

Nous N. N., président, chancelier, régents et conseillers du prince sérénissime Ferdinand-Charles, archiduc d'Autriche, etc., et des provinces de Haute-Autriche, attestons que le susnommé Nicolas Zerzer, conseiller archiducal et secrétaire du gouvernement des provinces de Haute-Autriche, est notaire légal et authentique, comme indiqué ci-dessus, et que, par conséquent, ses écrits et actes publics, tant en preuve qu'en preuve, ici et partout, peuvent et doivent être considérés comme dignes de foi. En foi de quoi, nous avons ordonné que les présentes soient communiquées sous le sceau archiducal. Fait à Innsbruck, le 8 novembre 1655.

Jean-Christophe Kastner de Kastenstein, conseiller archiducal et conservateur des archives.

Swedish translation (my own; I cannot tag it as such due to character limits in the tags):

Kristina.

Jag Ferdinand Karl, ärkehertig av Österrike, var närvarande som vittne, och jag skrev under.

Jag Sigismund Franz, ärkehertig av Österrike, biskop av Augsburg och Gurk, var närvarande som vittne, och jag skrev under.

Jag don Antonio Pimentel de Prado, den katolske konungens legat, var ett vittne och skrev under den.

Jag Lucas Holstenius, kanon vid Peterskyrkan, accepterade detta bekännelse och skrev under den.

... I Kristi namn, amen. Under 1655:e året efter samma välgörande inkarnation, i sanning åttonde kvartalet, den tredje dagen i november, under det första året av den Heligaste Faderns pontifikat i Kristus, Vår Herre Alexander VII, av gudomlig försyn, påve; i Innsbruck, i Brixens stift, omkring middagstid, i Heliga Korsets ärkekyrka, före högaltaret, gjorde den durchlauchtigste frun Kristina, född Sveriges drottning osv, efter att där personligen utnämnts, gjorde denna tecknad bekännelse av den katolska tron frivilligt och med ett välöverlagt sinne, knästående och med en klar röst, och i närvaro av de ovannämnda vittnen till lokalerna som bads om att vara närvarande inför kyrkan, yttrade hon och rörde vid de heliga evangelierna.

Efter att ha avlagt vilken trosbekännelse den förr lovade durchlauchtigaste fru drottning, och den durchlauchtigaste och vördigaste herr Lucas Holstenius, basilikanik, prins av Stadens apostlar, och förtrolig och ständig kommensal av Vår Allraheligaste Herre, har nådigast bett mig, undertecknade notarie, att upprätta ett eller flera offentliga dokument till det eviga minnet av ovanstående.

Och eftersom jag, den nedan nämnde publike notarien, var närvarande tillsammans med vittnena vid den katolska trons bekännelse av den durchlauchtigaste fru Kristina osv., utförd av den tidigare nämnda, durchlauchtigaste och vördigaste herr Holstenius, i den romerska Apostoliska Stolens namn och för dess räkning, i enlighet med den föreskrivna riten vid det Heliga Konciliet i Trient, i kraft av den apostoliska delegationen som mottagit den, har jag sett och hört bekännelsen och de sålunda gjorda underskrifterna.

I tro härpå har jag upprättat detta offentliga dokument, skrivit det, undertecknat det med min egen hand, publicerat det och, om det krävdes, bekräftat det med min vanliga notarieunderteckning. Daterad enligt ovan.

Nikolaus Zerzer, ärkehertiglig rådsherre, sekreterare och notarie med påvlig och kejserlig auktoritet.

Vi N. N., president, kansler, regenter och rådsherrar till den durchlauchtigaste furste Ferdinand Karl, ärkehertig av Österrike osv., och av de övre österrikiska provinserna, intygar att ovannämnde Nikolaus Zerzer, både ärkehertiglig rådsherre och sekreterare för regeringen i de övre österrikiska provinserna, är en laglig och autentisk notarie, som tidigare nämnts, och att hans skrifter och offentliga instrumenten, både i bevis och ute, här och överallt, därför kan och måste ges full och otvivelaktig tro. Till bevis härpå har vi beordrat att denna handling skall meddelas med det ärkehertigliga sigillet. Utfärdat i Innsbruck, den åttonde november år 1655.

Johannes Christoph Kastner av Kastenstein, ärkehertiglig rådsherre och arkivansvarig.

English translation (by Burbury):

Christina.

I Ferdinand Charles Arch-Duke of Austria, have been a witnesse and subscribed.

I Sigismond Francis Arch-Duke of Austria, Bishop of Auspurge, &c. have been a witnesse and subscribed.

I Don Antonio Pimentel de Prado Embassador of the Catholick King, have been a witnesse and subscribed.

I Luke Holstenius Canon of Saint Peters in Rome, have received this Profession and subscribed.

In the name of Christ Amen. In the year of our Lord 1655. and the eighth indiction, on the third of November, in the first year of the Papacie of our most holy Father in Christ, Alexander the seventh, at Inspruch in the Dioces of Brixia, about noone, in the Arch-Dukes Church of the holy Crosse, before the high Altar, the most noble Lady Christina Queen of Swedland personally there present, freely and deliberately on her knees, with a clear voice, before the above-written witnesses required thereunto in the face of the Church and touching the holy Gospells, pronounced this subscribed profession of the Catholick faith. Which Profession of faith being ended, the most illustrious Queen, and Right Honourable and most reverend Lord Luke Holstenius, Canon of Saint Peters in Rome, and one of the houshold and continual attendance at the table of our most holy Father in Christ, very favourably required of me the Notary under-written, that in order to this businesse, I would make one, or more publick instruments, in perpetual remembrance of the thing. And because I [the] undernamed Publick Notary, was present with the witnesses, at the publick profession of the most illustrious Queen Christina, &c. and received by the most Reverend Lord Holstenius, in the name and stead of the Roman Apostolical Sea, according to the order appointed by the holy Council of Trent, by vertue of his Apostolical delegation, both it and the subscriptions to set down, I have both seen and heard. In testimony therefore of this, I have made this present publick instrument, have written it with my own hand, subscribed and published it, and with the usual seal of my Office of Notary, being thereunto required, have confirmed it. Dated as above. Nicholas Zerzer the Arch-Dukes Counsellor, Secretary, and publick Notary, by Papal and Imperial authority.

We N. N. President, Chancellor, Regents, and Counsellors of the Provinces of the upper Austria, belonging to the most Illustrious Prince Ferdinand Charles Arch-Duke of Austria, &c. do witnesse, the above named Nicholas Zerzer, the Arch-Dukes Counsellor, and also Secretary of the Provinces of the higher Austria, is a legal and authentical Notary, as abovesaid, and therefore to his writings, and publick instruments, in judgments, and out, here, and every where, a full and undoubted faith may and ought to be given. In testimony whereof, we here present have confirmed it with the Arch-Dukes Seale.

Dated at Inspruch the 8th day of November, 1655.

John Christopher Castner of Castenstein, Counsellor to the Arch-Duke, and President of the Arches.

With modernised spelling for easier reading:

Kristina.

I Ferdinand Charles, Archduke of Austria, have been a witness and subscribed.

I Sigismund Francis, Archduke of Austria, Bishop of Augsburg, etc., have been a witness and subscribed.

I Don Antonio Pimentel de Prado, ambassador of the Catholic King, have been a witness and subscribed.

I Luke Holstenius, Canon of Saint Peter's in Rome, have received this profession and subscribed.

In the name of Christ, Amen. In the year of Our Lord 1655 and the eighth indiction, on the third of November, in the first year of the papacy of Our Most Holy Father in Christ, Alexander the Seventh, at Innsbruck in the diocese of Brixia, about noon, in the Archduke's Church of the Holy Cross, before the high altar, the Most Noble Lady Kristina, Queen of Swedeland, personally there present, freely and deliberately on her knees, with a clear voice, before the above-written witnesses required thereunto, in the face of the Church and touching the Holy Gospels, pronounced this subscribed profession of the Catholic faith.

Which profession of faith being ended, the Most Illustrious Queen and Right Honourable and Most Reverend Lord Luke Holstenius, Canon of Saint Peter's in Rome, and one of the household and continual attendance at the table of Our Most Holy Father in Christ, very favourably required of me, the notary underwritten, that in order to this business I would make one or more public instruments in perpetual remembrance of the thing.

And because I, [the] undernamed public notary, was present with the witnesses, at the public profession of the Most Illustrious Queen Kristina, etc. and received by the Most Reverend Lord Holstenius, in the name and stead of the Roman Apostolical See, according to the order appointed by the Holy Council of Trent, by virtue of his apostolical delegation, both it and the subscriptions to set down, I have both seen and heard.

In testimony therefore of this, I have made this present public instrument, have written it with my own hand, subscribed and published it, and with the usual seal of my office of notary, being thereunto required, have confirmed it. Dated as above.

Nicholas Zerzer, the Archduke's counsellor, secretary and public notary by Papal and Imperial authority.

We N. N., President, Chancellor, regents and counsellors of the Provinces of the Upper Austria, belonging to the Most Illustrious Prince Ferdinand Charles, Archduke of Austria, etc. do witness the above-named Nicholas Zerzer, the Archduke's counsellor and also secretary of the Provinces of the Higher Austria, is a legal and authentical notary, as above-said, and therefore to his writings and public instruments, in judgements and out, here and everywhere, a full and undoubted faith may and ought to be given. In testimony whereof, we here present have confirmed it with the Archduke's Seal. Dated at Innsbruck, the 8th day of November 1655.

John Christopher Kastner of Kastenstein, counsellor to the Archduke and President of the Arches.

English translation (my own):

Kristina.

I Ferdinand Karl, Archduke of Austria, was present as a witness, and I subscribed.

I Sigismund Franz, Archduke of Austria, Bishop of Augsburg and Gurk, was present as a witness, and I subscribed.

I Don Antonio Pimentel de Prado, the legate of the Catholic King, was a witness and subscribed it.

Lucas Holstenius, Canon of St. Peter's Basilica, accepted this profession and subscribed it.

... In the name of Christ, amen. In the 1655th year after the same salutary Incarnation, in truth the eighth quarter, on the third day of November, during the first year of the pontificate of the Most Holy Father in Christ, our Lord Alexander VII, by Divine Providence, Pope; at Innsbruck, in the diocese of Brixen, at about noon, in the archducal Church of the Holy Cross, before the high altar, the Most Serene Lady Kristina, born Queen of Sweden, etc., having been personally appointed there, made this subscribed profession of the Catholic faith voluntarily, and with a well-deliberated mind, kneeling, and with a clear voice, and in the presence of the above-mentioned witnesses to the premises requested to be present in the face of the Church, she uttered and touched the sacrosanct Gospels.

The which profession of faith having been made, the prelauded most serene Lady Queen, and the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord Lucas Holstenius, Canon of the Basilica, Prince of the Apostles of the City, and familiar and constant Commensal of Our Most Holy Lord, have most graciously requested me, the undersigned notary, to draw up one or more public instruments for the perpetual memory of the above.

And because I, the undernamed public notary, was present together with the witnesses at the profession of the Catholic faith by the Most Serene Lady Kristina, etc., at the hands of the aforementioned most illustrious and most reverend Lord Holstenius, in the name of and on behalf of the Roman Apostolic See, according to the prescribed rite of the Sacred Council of Trent, by virtue of the apostolic delegation receiving it, I have seen and heard the profession and the subscriptions thus made.

In faith thereof, I have drawn up this present public instrument, written it, signed it with my own hand, published it, and, it being required, confirmed it with my usual notarial sign. Dated as above.

Nikolaus Zerzer, archducal councilman, secretary and by pontifical authority, and public notary by Papal and Imperial authority.

We N. N., President, Chancellor, regents and councilmen to the Most Serene Prince Ferdinand Karl, Archduke of Austria, etc., and of the Upper Austrian Provinces, do attest that the above-named Nikolaus Zerzer, both archducal councilman and secretary of the government of the Upper Austrian Provinces, is a legal and authentic notary, as aforesaid, and that therefore his writings and public instruments, both in evidence and out, here and everywhere, can and must be given full and undoubted faith. In witness whereof we have ordered the present to be communicated with the Archducal Seal. Done at Innsbruck, the eighth day of November in the year 1655.

Johannes Christoph Kastner of Kastenstein, archducal councilman and keeper of the Archives.

Above: Kristina.

Arthur Henry Hardinge's essay on Kristina, year 1880, part 6

Source:

Queen Christina of Sweden: Lothian Prize Essay for 1880, pages 52 to 54, by Arthur Henry Hardinge, 1880; original at the University of Michigan

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015012302041&seq=58

The essay:

Meanwhile she began to think of leaving Belgium, and proceeding to Italy, whither her thoughts had long tended. Early in 1655, Innocent X. died, and Cardinal Chigi ascended the Papal throne as Alexander VII. The new Pope was a good but weak-minded man, whose chief fault, perhaps, was an overweening and almost ridiculous vanity. He was so delighted at the idea of so brilliant a conversion as Christina's having occurred during his pontificate, that he seems to have persuaded himself, and at last actually seems to have believed, that it had been entirely his own work. He went so far, in fact, as to declare, in a pompous speech which he made on the subject to the Consistory, that he himself had been the special instrument chosen by God to bring the queen of Sweden to a knowledge of the truth. "He used every endeavour", says Cardinal de Retz, "to impress this fact clearly on our minds, although everybody was perfectly aware that he had had absolutely nothing to do with it." He was therefore naturally pleased at the idea of receiving Christina at Rome, and prepared to do so with every honour. As soon as the needful arrangements had been made, she left Brussels in the autumn, (Sept. 25 [sic], 1655), accompanied by Piementelle, and an escort of about 200 persons.

She passed rapidly by way of Cologne and the Rhine to Frankfort, where she received the Elector of Mayence, and a number of German princes; and after a short stay, pushed on into Bavaria. She was now in a land where every step must have recalled to her some of the most famous events in the history of her country's greatness, and of the Protestant religion, with which that greatness was so closely bound up. She passed near the battle-fields where her father, the great Gustavus, and after him her own generals, Baner, Wrangel, and Torstenson, had won some of their most brilliant victories over the Bavarian and Imperial armies. She stopped at Augsburg, the city where Luther and Melancthon had drawn up the first authoritative statement of the Protestant beliefs, that Confession of Augsburg which was still the official catechism of her native Church. She crossed the Austrian frontier into the dominions of that House of Hapsburg which had been the implacable enemy of her country and its religion, but to whose creed she had now become a convert, and whose European policy she was doing all in her power to support, in its struggle against the old traditional ally of Sweden.

On the 26th of October she entered Inspruck, accompanied by several archdukes; and about a week afterwards was publicly and solemnly received into the Roman Catholic Church in the cathedral of that city. The service was performed by Lucas Holstenius, Canon of St. Peter's, Rome, and especially chosen for this purpose, as being both a literary man and himself a convert from Lutheranism. In addition to the regular profession of faith, Christina promised to use every effort to bring her subjects, or those over whom she possessed influence, to the knowledge of the true religion. A German Jesuit then preached a sermon, from the text: "Hearken, O daughter; consider and incline thine ear: forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;" after which there was a Te Deum, much triumphant firing of cannon, and a comedy in the evening. It is on this occasion that Christina is reported to have said, "It is only fair that you should treat me to a comedy this evening, as I have treated you this morning to a farce." The story, however, rests only on the authority of Chevreau, to whom most of the irreverent remarks of Christina can be traced. It is not, indeed, likely that, with all her love for sharp sayings, she would have gone out of her way to shock, by so profane a sentiment, the members of the solemn and bigotedly orthodox court of Austria; but the story gained general credence at the time, and, together with the report of Christina's careless behaviour during the service of admission, helped to acquire for her a reputation for complete irreligion.

From Inspruck she wrote two important letters, to the Pope and to the King of Sweden, informing them of her conversion. That to the Pope is couched in a spirit of effusive devotion. To the king she writes more shortly, and with greater independence, to express a hope that he will respect the motives for her change of faith — a change which will in no way alter the love she has always felt for Sweden. She now resumed her journey through the Venetian and Mantuan territories; but it is hardly necessary to enter into the details of her progress, or to recount the honours and ceremonies which awaited her on the frontiers of the Papal states, and at Bologna, Ancona, Turin, and other towns through which she passed on her way to Rome. She entered the Eternal City in a hunting-costume, with a feathered hat, and riding in man's fashion astride upon a white horse, to the great surprise of the Italian ladies. The Farnese Palace was assigned to her as a residence; every possible honour was shewn her by the Pope; and innumerable Latin sonnets and epigrams were written — some clever, others wretchedly bad — on the subject of her "sublime and glorious conversion."

Above: Kristina.

Faith Compton Mackenzie on Kristina's journey to Rome, her public conversion in Innsbruck, and her arrival in Rome

Source:

The Sibyl of the North: The Tale of Christina, Queen of Sweden, pages 124 to 136, by Faith Compton Mackenzie, 1931; original scan at the Universal Digital Library

https://archive.org/details/sibylofthenortht008021mbp/page/n133/mode/2up

Kristina's letter of October 25/November 4 (New Style), 1655 to Karl Gustav is here:

https://kingkristina.blogspot.com/2020/03/kristinas-letter-to-karl-gustav-dated.html

The account:

CHAPTER VIII

THE ROAD TO ROME

CHARLES GUSTAVUS had not only sent Count Tott to Brussels, but he had given him letters addressed to numerous kings and princes for Christina to present as she passed through their domains. In this he showed that he was not confident of her reception in her altered circumstances. It was a decent but tactless action, and Christina spurned these letters of introduction. Her own glory and fame were passports to the whole world, even, surely she was convinced, to heaven itself when the time came. Montecuculi was sent on ahead with a letter to the Archduke of Innsbrück announcing her intention of staying in that town on her way to Rome.

There was little incident on the journey from Brussels, except a visit from King Charles II of England and the Duke of Gloucester at Königstein. Christina was one of the many ladies Charles had wanted to marry. Whitelock had been shocked to hear herself confirm the rumour of his proposals, but until this moment she had not seen the exiled King. It was observed that when they conversed he uncovered, and remained so throughout the interview, "with great reverence." They talked for two hours.

Through historic Nördlingen she went, and would not stay for banquets offered her, but pressed on, through Frankfurt, Rottenburg, over the Danube to Augsburg. Here she was shown a table at which her father had dined after one of his victories. She shed a few tears for the memory of the great Gustavus Adolphus. But the Alps were in sight, and every day the call of the South became more insistent.

On the 26th of October the ascent of the mountains began, and at Zirla, a little village, she was met in state by the Archduke and Archduchess[,] who conducted her to Innsbrück. Here Monsignor Holstenius had everything prepared for the public reception of Christina into the Church. With him had come Père Malines, who had been one of the disguised visitors to the Court of Stockholm. He was sent to meet the Queen, and explain to her the details of the ceremony as desired by the Pope, and she expressed herself ready to obey the orders of His Holiness with great humility.

On the 3rd of November Innsbrück was en fête for one of the most remarkable ceremonies it had ever seen. Christina, clad in a severe black silk gown with no ornament save a wonderful cross composed of five large diamonds, walked through the carpeted streets to the Cathedral, where she renounced the faith of her fathers. She read her long profession in a clear, deep, emotional voice, kneeling, with the Archduke and Pimentelli beside her, and at the end a Jesuit preached a sermon on the text: "Hearken, O daughter, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people and thy father's house."

Great rejoicings followed this ceremony, and in the evening an Italian musical comedy was played before the Queen. This was considered inappropriate to the solemn occasion, and a sort of apology was offered to Christina for the want of taste of the organizer of the entertainment. Christina, who had thoroughly enjoyed it, replied:

"Gentlemen, it is most appropriate that you should entertain me with a comedy after the farce I played for you this morning."

This remark, so typical of Christina, was seized upon by her enemies and indignantly repudiated by her admirers. No doubt the atmosphere, in spite of the Italian comedy, was hanging rather heavily about her, and it was her pleasure to lighten it. She enjoyed a pageant while it lasted and her profession was sincere, but now that it was over[,] her spirits began to bubble over again. She could not be serious for long, and her reactions were swift, her temperament resilient.

Next day she wrote this letter to Charles Gustavus:

"SIR AND BROTHER, — I have arrived here safely, and I have received the permission and orders of His Holiness to declare myself what I have long been. It is a great happiness to me to obey him; and I prefer the glory of obeying him to ruling over the dominions which are now yours. You should be pleased with this resolution of mine, even though you disapprove of it, because it is so much to your advantage. I assure you that it does not alter my affection for you, nor the love I have for Sweden, which will never change.

Your affectionate sister and friend,

CHRISTINA.

November, 1655."

While the four replicas of her profession were being made, the days were spent in "virtuous recreations", according to her historian Gualdo. The documents were signed by Christina; one she kept herself, one was sent to the Pope, and the other two were placed in the archives of Innsbrück and the Vatican.

And now at last — Italy!

Perhaps the journey from Innsbrück to Rome was the happiest and least troubled period of Christina's life. There was all the joy of anticipation; there was the glorious satisfaction of being the most discussed figure in Europe — a crescendo of gossip was almost audible even as she crossed the Alps. What would the errant Queen do next? Anything was possible. The world was watching for new developments. And a soothing fact was the momentary absence of financial cares. A handsome present from Charles Gustavus towards the expenses of her journey and a huge loan effected in Antwerp solved all present problems. On the 8th of November the company set out, escorted for a few miles by the Archduke and all the nobles of Innsbrück. Over the Brenner pass to Stenzing [sic]; over the clear Adige river to Trent, where the Prince of Trent entertained her with great pomp. The Venetian Republic, having no wish to waste money on useless entertainments, and being engaged on its fifth war against the infidel Turk, had forbidden her and her company to enter the State of Venice, on the pretext of plague in the country they had passed through. They contented themselves with a present of fish, plenty of compliments and good wishes for her journey.

Then across the river Po to Rovere, where the Duke and Duchess of Mantua came to greet her; and here, it is sad to relate, she was also greeted by rain, which fell with tropical violence for two days. In spite of the mud, the usual ceremoney [sic] of descending from their coaches for a formal greeting was observed, the Duke standing bare-headed, and both parties entreating one another to get in out of the rain and mud.

A gorgeous banquet was held in Christina's honour at the Ducal Palace, from which Pimentelli was absent on account of ill-health, and then in pouring rain she set out across the fens for Ferrara. Half-way there she was met by the four nuncios sent from Rome with a Papal brief for her, and a special carriage and travelling-bed to bring her to Rome. Though she had renounced for the moment travelling en cavalier and went in her coach and six English black horses, she was dressed on this occasion in a black velvet cape of masculine cut, with wide collar and grey trimmings.

But what pleased her more than the Papal brief or the travelling-bed was the sight of the Marchese Girolamo Rossetti's wonderful bridge over the Po at Ponte del Largo. It was wide enough for four carriages to pass abreast, rested on forty-six great barcone, and was one of the most beautiful constructions in Europe. A luxurious barge decorated with the arms of the Pope and Christina had been prepared to take her across the river at this point, but she insisted upon going by the bridge, which was immediately lined with soldiery not only to salute the royal party, but to demonstrate the solidity of the structure.

Two days festa for Ferrara! Christina was now in the Papal State, and she sent Montecuculi to Rome with letters of humble thanks to the Pope for his graciousness. Don Luigi Pio di Savoia, brother of one of the nuncios, gave a great banquet for her at Ferrara. Music and painting were discussed. Music, she said, was the ornament of princes, and her favourite artists were Bernini and Pietro di Cortona. On the subject of architecture she declared that St. Peter's in Rome, the Duomo in Milan, and St. Paul's in London were surely the greatest cathedrals, but the latter had, alas, become a stable.

Another glass of wine!

Never had she drunk so much wine as since she came into Italy, but then, never had it tasted so good.

At this there was some respectful drollery. Cardinal Vescovo ventured that in his opinion she drank nothing but water. Two glasses of wine were nothing but due sorsi.

A really amusing banquet, and her first intimate encounter with members of the Sacred College.

Everywhere the same ceremonies greeted Christina. Salvos, fanfares, triumphal arches and fireworks — banquets and special Masses in all the churches. In deference to the great learning of the royal traveller, academies were organized for her amusement, long panegyrics were read by the leading local intellectual lights, and many ladies, no doubt radiant stars in their own ambient, were moved to recite poems in her honour. At Bologna there was a magnificent tournament by the principle nobles and gentlemen of the city in which more than a hundred and fifty lances were broken. This kind of entertainment Christina preferred to second-rate academies. At Faenza specially elaborate preparations had been made for a display of local talent. No fewer than thirty compositions, ecclesiastical and secular, in several languages, were to be recited as spiritual food for Her Majesty after the usual banquet. But no sooner was the banquet finished than Christina rose hurriedly, announcing that she was obliged to continue the journey immediately, though it was late in the evening and no preparations had been made. She had most decidedly not come to Italy to be bored. Whatever her taste may have been in human beings, in intellectual matters she was fastidious.

At Forli she had to endure an academy, but was consoled by the present of a wonderful white horse which she had admired. She set off in full panoply again, astride her horse, and was met by the Governor of Rimini, and it was twilight when the cavalcade entered the Piazza, which was gaily illuminated, and at the doors of the Palazzo Pubblico nobly dressed pages held torches as she passed. On the stairs she found a large company of ladies quaintly attired, who performed solemn and well-rehearsed dances for her before the inevitable academy began.

The next important place was Pesaro, and to Christina it was more important than she guessed. A great company came out to meet her, including the very eminent Cardinal Homodei, Legate of Urbino, with fifty of his Swiss Guards. But more notable even than Cardinal Homodei were two young gentlemen of what Gualdo calls nobiltà conspicua, the Counts Francesco and Ludovico Santinelli, sons of Count Alfonso Santinelli, the first knight of Pesaro.

This fascinating pair of brothers, if not conspicuous for their nobility, were conspicuous in the entertainments arranged for Christina. They first attracted her attention at the festa held in her apartments on the night of her arrival. They opened with a gagliarda, and because they were dancing with capes and swords, Christina begged them to remove both, so that she could see them better. They then danced another gagliarda, which so delighted Christina that she called for a canario. They executed this with delightful grace. Francesco Maria counted among his many accomplishments the making of a verse, and Christina had already been presented with a finely bound volume of his poems, consisting chiefly of praise of herself. After the dancing[,] she supped privately to the music of a violin and lute.

Next day, after hearing Mass in the monastery of St. Catherine, and spending some time with the nuns who were famous for their singing, she lunched publicly with the Cardinal. Here Francesco Santinelli had the honour of serving her. After lunch the Queen was again enchanted by the Santinelli dancing. This time it was a Spanish Cachuca and Ludovico[,] the agile performer. The academy which followed was naturally more sophisticated and amusing than those of the less important cities, the more so as the talents of the Santinellis were again in evidence; for Francesco was responsible for the whole programme, which Christina later declared to be the most diverting entertainment of all her travels. She cannot be blamed for falling a little bit in love with the Santinellis.

At the next point in her journey, Sinigaglia, a ridiculous comedietta[,] was performed by the brothers, which had been written by Francesco in a single night for her amusement.

And this was not the end of the table of their accomplishments. After the comedietta she was curious to see how these two young men sat a horse. There followed a splendid exhibition of horsemanship and swordsmanship before which all her defences fell, and they were, with very few formalities, attached to her suite as gentlemen of the chamber, which is no doubt what they had been playing for.

At Loreto, as soon as Christina saw the cupola of the sanctuary in the distance, she descended from her horse and knelt reverently. Later, she laid at the feet of Our Lady of Loreto a beautiful sceptre and crown set with diamonds and pearls, on one of which the face of the Virgin was clearly visible. This was obviously a symbolical act of homage, but next day when she was asked if she would like to see where the precious objects had been put, she said:

"No, such bagatelles aren't worth looking at."

The gesture was done and finished with.

The rest of the journey was a crescendo of fireworks, rejoicings, rain, mud, and sometimes snow. At Storta, a few miles out of Rome, two cardinals of royal blood headed a great procession that came out to greet her in the name of the Pope. One of the cardinals was Frederick of Hesse, whom Christina had tried to dissuade from joining the Church a few years ago. Though her entrance into Rome was strictly incognito, she was accompanied by an imposing company of cardinals, noblemen, coaches and cavaliers and Pope's Guard. She rode in a state coach and wore her usual grey dress, black cape and no jewellery[,] but a single ring. Rome was reached late in the evening. In spite of the hour[,] a huge crowd waited in the Vatican gardens, and had no compunction in following her into the Vatican itself.

"Is this how one enters Rome incognito?" she asked, laughing.

But the Pope was waiting for her, and soon she was walking between two cardinals through the vast torch-lit galleries of the Vatican, eager to see the only being on earth whom she considered worthy of her homage.

With her hands crossed on her breast[,] she knelt at his feet. For the first time in her life[,] she humbled herself — a new sensation, and for that not to be despised. The Pope, as enthusiastic as she at the meeting and all it implied, raised her and set her beside him under his canopy, a place of honour conceded to few. Thus they conversed for half an hour. This interview, and all subsequent private audiences, were conducted with open doors; Alexander was not going to risk a repetition of the scandal regarding the sainted Gregory VII and Mathilda of Tuscany.

Courtesy seemed to demand that Christina should be invited to spend at least her first night at the Vatican, as her arrival was so untimely and the weather so unpleasant. Fortunately there were the apartments built by Innocent VIII, so far away from His Holiness's own quarters that there was no fear of the slightest embarrassment. Alexander himself had supervised the preparation of the Queen's retreat, which looked upon the magnificent Belvedere gardens. With exquisite sensibility he ordered an inscription under the figure of Tramontano (North wind) to be erased from the Torre de' Venti, for fear she or her people should take it amiss. It was "Omne malum ab aquilone" ["All evil comes from the north."].

Christina was guest at the Vatican for a few days, and the first morning she was up at an early hour — she must have had no more than her usual allowance of three hours' sleep in spite of the physical and mental strain of yesterday. She wandered in the Belvedere gardens with Montecuculi and Monsignore Acarigi, Cup-bearer to His Holiness, conversing in French, and no doubt admiring with interest the incomparable statuary therein. The Rhodian Laocoon had pride of place in those gardens, and in niches to protect them from the weather were many of the glorious statues which are now to be seen only in museums. Fountains were playing[,] and perhaps the sun was shining while Christina walked in the Belvedere gardens with her companions. The "bel vedere" was of Rome, and her short-sighted eyes gazed out with wonder at the city of her desire.

The silver coach, litter and sedan chair designed for her state entry into Rome by Cavaliere Bernini — where could they be seen?

Her curiosity was immediately satisfied. Bernini was sent for. He was probably only just round the corner superintending the great work of his life, St. Peter's Colonnade. He was at any rate at hand, and took Christina to see the Pope's gifts, which were wonderfully designed with elaborate figures and many inventions of the great sculptor. Sky blue velvet and silver galloon were used for the hangings and upholstery, and for the six pure white Neapolitan horses that were to draw the coach there were draperies of the same and silver harness. Christina examined every detail with enthusiasm.

"Whatever is bad about it is my work", said Bernini with affected modesty.

"Then none of it can be yours", she declared.

Now she must see the white saddle-horse the Pope was also giving her. The beautiful animal was led out, and Christina mounted it at once. She proceeded to give a remarkable display of horsemanship, performing some feats bareback[,] to the amazement of the onlookers. A yearly tribute from Naples to the Pope was a chinea — a pure white horse, probably a small breed with an Arab strain, and it was one of these that Christina was finding so responsive, so quick to turn, so lively and mettlesome.

Silver coaches were all very well — anyone could ride in them....

The Vatican library was then explored, and Holstenius, who was librarian, must have shown her treasures she envied, most of all two parchment Virgils of a thousand years ago. Holstenius himself had a collection of rareties, one of the finest in Europe. So Christina's first day in Rome was after her own heart. Her public entry into the city was supposed to take place three days after her arrival, but the preparations were so vast that it had to be postponed. Instead, His Holiness visited Christina in her apartments, and they walked up and down conversing (with curtains and doors wide) in her private room. When he left her, it was observed that she accompanied him to his chair and shut the door of it with her own hands, with many other pretty acts of reverence.

The day of the State entry was a Roman holiday. Bombs and guns resounded from daybreak. But again the weather threatened to spoil everything. In a deluge Christina set out from the courtyard of the Belvedere in the Pope's carriage with her huge following, through the Porta Angelica and outside the gates to the villa built by Giulio III, and there for several hours the vast company waited for the rain to stop. Just when it had been decided to abandon the procession[,] the clouds broke, the sun burst through, everybody cheered up[,] and the great cavalcade started. At the Porta Flaminia, now the Porta del Popolo, the immense procession was met by the College of Cardinals on horseback, and here Cardinal Barberini welcomed her in the name of the community. The gate had been completed by Bernini in her honour after Michael Angelo's original design, to which had been added an inscription commemorating the "happy and joyous entry of Queen Christina" (Felici faustoque ingressi Christina Suecorum Reginæ) A. D. 1655. Over the gate the Papal arms, six hills surmounted by a star, were united with the Vasa sheaf of corn, which was not unlike the fascia of modern Italy.

Bernini's silver coach and litter were notable features of the procession, but they were empty. At the last moment Christina had decided to enter Rome on her white chinea. Bernini's own sentiments on the occasion are not recorded, but Rome was amazed to see the regal convert astride her steed, booted and spurred, as though for the chase instead of her solemn reception into the Catholic fold.

Alexander had impressed upon his cardinals and those about the Vatican that this Queen from the North was not likely to understand Latin ways. Decorum must be strictly observed. No chattering or spitting. Let them beware; the honour of the Church depended greatly upon their behaviour. The steps of St. Peter were lined with cardinals when Christina dismounted in the Piazza and strode up the steps to be received by them. She wore a mantle of black over her grey and gold just-au-corps, grey and gold breeches (some say white) and a huge cavalier's hat[,] heavily plumed.

Whatever the cardinals may have thought about decorum, whatever they may have expected to see, they did not flinch, not even the ancient Gian Carlo and Sforza, who[,] by reason of their years and position[,] were detailed to lead her to the Pope who stood at the High Altar. Here she was received, and the Piazza of St. Peter resounded with the deafening explosions of bombs great and small, while she kissed the toe of His Holiness, and he declared that her conversion was so precious that heaven itself must be en fête.

Two days later, on Christmas Day, she was confirmed, taking the name of Maria Alexander [sic], the latter in deference to the Pope and because Alexander the Great was one of her heroes. Her last day at the Vatican was signalized by an invitation to dine with His Holiness. As the rule forbade his eating at the same board as a woman, they had separate tables, the Pope's being a few inches higher than hers. Likewise[,] his chair of red velvet was slightly more exalted. But she had a royal seat specially made for her, surmounted by a canopy. Don Antonio de la Cueva, her Grand Equerry, and Francesco Santinelli were in attendance on her. Conversation was not necessary, because a sermon was preached by the Jesuit Father Oliva throughout the lengthy repast, during which Christina interpolated a few observations which everyone found brilliant and to the point, but which were not recorded. After dinner they were again in private conversation, and the evening concluded in Christina's apartments with a musical and dramatic entertainment.

Next day, with many regrets expressed on both sides, Christina exchanged the hospitality of the Vatican for Palazzo Farnese.

Life in Rome had begun at last.

Above: Kristina.

Above: Karl Gustav.

Above: Pope Alexander VII.

Gaudenzio Claretta on Kristina and Lucas Holstenius

Source:

La regina Cristina di Svezia in Italia (1655-1689): Memorie storiche ed aneddotiche con documenti, pages 12 to 14, published by Gaudenzio Claretta, 1892

https://books.google.com/books?id=FVw5CkhVMLMC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The account:

V. — Ma, in mezzo alle cose accessorie, la Corte di Roma non trascurava le principali. Ed Alessandro in quei giorni si faceva a rimettere a Luca Olstenio, già luterano d'Amburgo, canonico della basilica vaticana e primo custode di quella biblioteca, un'istruzione la quale avesse per mira: 1° di esprimere il giubilo della Chiesa trionfante, il contento dei cattolici e la confusione degli eretici per la determinazione che aveva presa la regina; 2° il desiderio che, nell'intento di far partecipare alla Chiesa militante gli stessi sentimenti, ella si risolvesse a rinnovare nelle mani di un vescovo (a cui erasi consegnato un Breve in bianco a tale scopo), ovvero in quelle dell'Olstenio, la pubblica abiura, o nella cattedrale, o nell'oratorio dell'arciduca Leopoldo fratello dell'imperatore e governatore delle Fiandre; 3° che tale abiura dovesse seguire stando la regina prostrata ai piedi del ricevente, vestito coll'abito di protonotario apostolico; 4° che con quell'atto la regina dovesse promettere alla Chiesa, alla presenza di tre cavalieri ragguardevoli, quanto contenevasi nella formola prescritta da Pio IV, e coll'indicazione degli errori del calvinismo, quale essa regina dovesse firmare, per consegnarne poi altrettante copie al papa, alla Curia ed al Sant'Ufficio.

L'istruzione, oltre a questi punti principali, ne conteneva molti altri ancora. Infatti, essa inculcava all'Olstenio di dover tener lontani dalla regina, non solamente i suoi famigliari eretici, ma quegli altri ancora che, col serbare i costumi della Corte svedese, avrebbero potuto intiepidirla. Quindi egli doveva impiegare ogni cura, ogni studio ad abbreviare la dimora di lei nei luoghi del suo passaggio, limitandola alla necessità e alla convenienza del riposo. Suo studio doveva essere pure di allontanarla cautamente dal desiderio di visitare le città segnalate d'Italia, e specialmente Venezia, facile esca alla dissipazione, procurando di insinuarle di recarsi addirittura a Roma.

Così del pari l'Olstenio aveva per obbietto della sua istruzione di far sentire alla regina qual desiderio avrebbe avuto il papa ch'essa si disponesse a far palese all'orbe intiero la sua risoluzione col seguire l'esempio di altri principi che, per mezzo di procuratori, nel portico di San Pietro, al cospetto del sommo pontefice e del Sacro Collegio, avevano fatto la loro abiura. Si avvertiva, che omai avrebbero dovuto cessare i motivi che potevano aver consigliato alla regina di compiere quell'atto con tutta segretezza, mentre in quel momento ella doveva deporre ogni timore, e col pubblico esempio suggellare quella imponente e grave risoluzione.

Codeste erano senza dubbio avvertenze belle e buone, atte a coronare l'opera di fresco compiuta, e che denotano la previsione e sagacia di coloro i quali le suggerivano, ma lasciano anco un tantino supporre che si concepisse un certo presentimento che la regina potesse essere stata alquanto corriva nel compiere quell'atto, e fosse quindi non impossibile che n'avesse poi ad avere pentimento.

English translation (my own):

V. — But, among the accessory matters, the court of Rome did not neglect the principal ones. And Alexander in those days was sending to Lucas Holstenius, formerly a Lutheran of Hamburg, canon of the Vatican Basilica and first custodian of that Library, an instruction which had as its aim: 1. to express the jubilation of the triumphant Church, the contentment of the Catholics and the confusion of the heretics for the decision the Queen had taken; 2. the desire that, with the intention of making the Church militant share the same sentiments, she should resolve to renew in the hands of a bishop (to whom a blank brief had been delivered for this purpose), or in those of Holstenius, the public abjuration, either in the cathedral, or in the oratory of the Archduke Leopold, brother of the emperor and governor of Flanders; 3. that this abjuration should be carried out with the Queen prostrate at the feet of the recipient, who would be dressed in the habit of a protonotary apostolic; 4. that with that act the Queen should promise the Church, in the presence of three notable cavaliers, what was contained in the formula prescribed by Pius IV, and with the indication of the errors of Calvinism, which the Queen herself should sign, to then deliver as many copies to the Pope, to the Curia and to the Holy Office.

The instruction, in addition to these main points, contained many others. In fact, it inculcated in Holstenius that he must keep away from the Queen not only her heretical relatives, but also those others who, by maintaining the customs of the Swedish court, could have made her lukewarm. Therefore he must employ every care, every study to shorten her stay in the places of her passage, limiting it to the necessity and convenience of rest. His study must also be to cautiously distance her from the desire to visit the noted cities of Italy, and especially Venice, an easy lure to dissipation, trying to insinuate to her the idea of going straight to Rome.

Likewise, Holstenius had as his object of his instructions to make the Queen understand how the Pope would desire her to make her resolution known to the whole world by following the example of other princes who, through proxies, in the portico of St. Peter's, in the presence of the Supreme Pontiff and the Sacred College, had made their abjuration. It was felt that now the motives which could have advised the Queen to carry out that act with complete secrecy should cease, while at that moment she must lay aside all fear and, by public example, seal that imposing and grave resolution.

These were undoubtedly good and proper warnings, designed to crown the work recently completed, and which denote the foresight and sagacity of those who suggested them, but they also leave us to suppose a little that a certain presentiment was conceived that the Queen might have been rather hasty in carrying out that act, and therefore it was not impossible that she would later regret it.

Above: Kristina.

Above: Lucas Holstenius.

Lucas Holstenius's diary entry, dated December 5/15 (New Style), 1655

Source:

Revue des langues romanes: quatrième série, tome cinquième, page 546, published by the Society for the Study of the Romance Languages, 1891

https://books.google.com/books?id=DLNJAAAAYAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=pierre+bourdelot+lettre+christine&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The diary entry:

15. Regina Spoleti substitit, drama musicale post prandium spectatura; quum ab ea proficiscendi commeatum petiissem discessi, et tempestive Interammum perveni; hospitium habui in episcopeo, bene exceptus ab ill:mo gubernatore Bonfiolo; quem in Reginæ hospitio apparando adjuvi. ...

French translation (my own):

15. La reine s'est arrêtée à Spolète, regardant un drame musical après le dîner; après lui avoir demandé des provisions pour partir, je partis et gagnai Terni par beau temps. J'ai eu des logements dans l'épiscopat, bien accueilli par l'illustrissime gouverneur Bonfiolo, que j'ai aidé à préparer les logements de la reine. ...

Swedish translation (my own):

15. Drottningen stannade till i Spoleto och såg ett musikaldrama efter middagen; efter att jag hade bett henne om proviant så att jag kunde gå, gav jag mig av och anlände till Terni i fint väder. Jag hade logi i biskopdömet, väl mottagen av den illustraste guvernör Bonfiolo, som jag hjälpte till att förbereda drottningens logi. ...

English translation (my own):

15. The Queen stopped at Spoleto, watching a musical drama after dinner; after I had asked her for provisions so I could go, I left and reached Terni in good weather. I had lodgings in the episcopate, well-received by the most illustrious governor Bonfiolo, whom I assisted in preparing the Queen's lodgings. ...

Above: Kristina.

Above: Lucas Holstenius.

Lucas Holstenius's diary entry, dated December 4/14 (New Style), 1655

Source:

Revue des langues romanes: quatrième série, tome cinquième, page 546, published by the Society for the Study of the Romance Languages, 1891

https://books.google.com/books?id=DLNJAAAAYAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=pierre+bourdelot+lettre+christine&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The diary entry:

14. Fulgineo Spoletum pervenimus satis tempestive. Regina splendide excepta a card. Facchinetto episcopo...

French translation (my own):

14. De Foligno nous sommes arrivés à Spolète par beau temps. La reine fut magnifiquement reçue par le cardinal-évêque Facchinetti...

Swedish translation (my own):

14. Från Foligno anlände vi till Spoleto i fint väder. Drottningen mottogs fantastiskt av kardinal-biskop Facchinetti...

English translation (my own):

14. From Foligno we arrived at Spoleto in good weather. The Queen was received splendidly by Cardinal-Bishop Facchinetti...

Above: Kristina.

Above: Lucas Holstenius.

Lucas Holstenius's diary entry, dated December 3/13 (New Style), 1655

Source:

Revue des langues romanes: quatrième série, tome cinquième, page 546, published by the Society for the Study of the Romance Languages, 1891

https://books.google.com/books?id=DLNJAAAAYAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=pierre+bourdelot+lettre+christine&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The diary entry:

13. Assisium perlustravi mane ante Reginæ adventum; inde lautissimo prandio Regina cum toto comitatu excepta a card. Rondanino visitatis locis sacris sub multam noctem Fulgineum rediit.

French translation (my own):

13. J'ai exploré Assise le matin avant l'arrivée de la reine; la reine et toute sa suite, à l'exception du cardinal Rondanini, après avoir visité les lieux sacrés, revinrent tard dans la nuit de là à Foligno.

Swedish translation (my own):

13. Jag utforskade Assisi på morgonen före drottningens ankomst; drottningen och hela hennes följe, med undantag för kardinal Rondanini, återvände efter att ha besökt de heliga platserna sent på natten därifrån till Foligno.

English translation (my own):

13. I explored Assisi in the morning before the Queen's arrival; the Queen and all her retinue, with the exception of Cardinal Rondanini, after having visited the sacred places, returned late at night from thence to Foligno.

Above: Kristina.

Above: Lucas Holstenius.

Lucas Holstenius's diary entry, dated December 2/12 (New Style), 1655

Source:

Revue des langues romanes: quatrième série, tome cinquième, page 546, published by the Society for the Study of the Romance Languages, 1891

https://books.google.com/books?id=DLNJAAAAYAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=pierre+bourdelot+lettre+christine&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The diary entry:

12 Dominica. Summo mane sacris adfuimus; inde Apennini jugum superavimus spissa nive et intenso frigore. Regina cum familia ad Casas novas tentaculum sumpsit; inde fœda tempestate Fulgineum sub nocte pervenimus. ...

French translation (my own):

12, dimanche. Nous sommes arrivés tôt le matin après l'église; de là nous avons passé le sommet des Apennins dans une neige épaisse et un froid intense. La reine, avec la famille, s'installa à Casenuove; de là, nous avons atteint Foligno dans la nuit lors d'un gros orage. ...

Swedish translation (my own):

12, söndag. Vi anlände tidigt på morgonen efter kyrkan; därifrån passerade vi Apenninernas topp i tjock snö och stor kyla. Drottningen, tillsammans med familjen, tog upp logi i Casenuove; därifrån nådde vi Foligno på natten under en hård storm. ...

English translation (my own):

12, Sunday. We arrived early in the morning after church; from there we passed the summit of the Apennines in thick snow and intense cold. The Queen, along with the family, took up lodgings at Casenuove; from there we reached Foligno in the night during a bad storm. ...

Above: Kristina.

Above: Lucas Holstenius.

Lucas Holstenius's diary entry, dated December 1/11 (New Style), 1655

Source:

Revue des langues romanes: quatrième série, tome cinquième, page 546, published by the Society for the Study of the Romance Languages, 1891

https://books.google.com/books?id=DLNJAAAAYAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=pierre+bourdelot+lettre+christine&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The diary entry:

11. Cælo pluvioso inde ninguido, Regina Camerinum profecta, maxima familiæ pars cum sarcinis et impedimentis Muccium præmissa ubi et ego noctu substiti; sub mediam noctem victualia Camerino submissa.

French translation (my own):

11. Sous un ciel pluvieux et neigeux, la reine partit de Camerino, la plus grande partie de la famille avec leurs bagages et bagages, et elle les laissa à Muccia, où je m'arrêtai également pour la nuit; à minuit, les vivres étaient apportés à Camerino.

Swedish translation (my own):

11. Under en regnig och snöig himmel begav sig drottningen från Camerino, den största delen av familjen med deras bagage och bagage, och hon lämnade dem i Muccia, där jag också stannade för natten; vid midnatt fördes proviant till Camerino.

English translation (my own):

11. Under a rainy and snowy sky, the Queen set out from Camerino, the greatest part of the family with their baggage and luggage, and she left them at Muccia, where I also stopped for the night; at midnight the victuals were brought to Camerino.

Above: Kristina.

Above: Lucas Holstenius.

Lucas Holstenius's diary entry, dated November 30/December 10 (New Style), 1655

Source:

Revue des langues romanes: quatrième série, tome cinquième, page 546, published by the Society for the Study of the Romance Languages, 1891

https://books.google.com/books?id=DLNJAAAAYAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=pierre+bourdelot+lettre+christine&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The diary entry:

10. Macerata pransi profecti sumus Tollentinum, fœda cœli tempestate. Regina oppidum ingressa recte sese rexit ad venerandas reliquias S. Nicolai...

French translation (my own):

10. Nous sommes partis de Macerata pour Tolentino après le déjeuner, avec un mauvais orage dans le ciel. La reine, étant entrée dans la ville, fut convenablement amenée à vénérer les reliques de St. Nicolas...

Swedish translation (my own):

10. Vi begav oss från Macerata till Tolentino efter middag, med en rejäl storm på himlen. Drottningen, efter att ha kommit in i staden, togs på rätt sätt för att vörda relikerna av Helige Nicholas...

English translation (my own):

10. We set out from Macerata for Tolentino after luncheon, with a bad storm in the sky. The Queen, having entered the town, was properly taken to venerate the relics of St. Nicholas...

Above: Kristina.

Above: Lucas Holstenius.

Lucas Holstenius's diary entry, dated November 29/December 9 (New Style), 1655

Source:

Revue des langues romanes: quatrième série, tome cinquième, page 546, published by the Society for the Study of the Romance Languages, 1891

https://books.google.com/books?id=DLNJAAAAYAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=pierre+bourdelot+lettre+christine&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The diary entry:

9. Regina responsas mihi dedit ad literas card. Barberini. Inde vasa manu Raphaelis Urbinatis depicta in Pharmacopæa inspexit. Inde audito sacro sumptoque prandio discessimus imbre profuso viaque pessima et lutosa. Maceratam sub noctem ingressi sumus; hospitium habui in ædibus thesaurarii Piccæi.

French translation (my own):

9. La Reine m'a donné des réponses aux lettres du Cardinal Barberini. Puis elle regarda les vases peints de la main de Raphaël d'Urbin dans la Pharmacopée. Après avoir entendu la Parole sacrée et mangé le déjeuner, nous sommes partis sous une pluie battante et sur une route très mauvaise et boueuse. Nous sommes entrés dans Macerata la nuit et trempés; j'étais logé dans les chambres du trésorier Picca.

Swedish translation (my own):

9. Drottningen gav mig svar på kardinal Barberinis brev. Sedan tittade hon på kärlen målade av Rafael da Urbinos hand i Farmakopén. Efter att ha hört det heliga Ordet och ätit middag gav vi oss iväg i ösregnet och på en mycket dålig och lerig väg. Vi gick in i Macerata på natten och dränkte; jag hade logi i skattmästaren Piccas rum.

English translation (my own):

9. The Queen gave me responses to Cardinal Barberini's letters. Then she looked at the vessels painted by the hand of Raphael da Urbino in the Pharmacopoeia. After hearing the sacred Word and having eaten luncheon, we set off in the pouring rain and on a very bad and muddy road. We entered Macerata at night and drenched; I had lodgings in the rooms of the treasurer Picca.

Above: Kristina.

Above: Lucas Holstenius.

Lucas Holstenius's diary entry, dated November 28/December 8 (New Style), 1655

Source:

Revue des langues romanes: quatrième série, tome cinquième, page 545, published by the Society for the Study of the Romance Languages, 1891

https://books.google.com/books?id=DLNJAAAAYAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=pierre+bourdelot+lettre+christine&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The diary entry:

8. Festum conceptionis B. Virg. Loreti substitimus. Regina, sacro audito, secreto in interiori parte ædis sacram communionem devote accepit, sic et tota familia ejusdem jussu; postea vidit cimelia et donaria sacra. Fœda admodum tempestas eo die fuit. Sub noctem accepi litteras Roma de adventu comitis Montecuculi, et negotio ex mente pontificis bene peracto.

French translation (my own):

8. Nous nous sommes arrêtés à la Fête de la Conception de la Sainte Vierge de Lorette. La reine, ayant entendu la parole sacrée, reçut pieusement la Sainte Communion secrètement dans la partie intérieure du temple, ainsi que toute la famille par le même ordre; ensuite elle regarda les reliques et les dons sacrés. Le temps était terrible ce jour-là. Vers la nuit, je reçus une lettre de Rome m'annonçant l'arrivée du comte Montecuccoli, et que l'affaire des intentions du pontife était bien faite.

Swedish translation (my own):

8. Vi stannade till vid festen för Befruktningen av den heliga Jungfrun av Loreto. Drottningen, efter att ha hört det heliga Ordet, mottog andäktigt Nattvarden i hemlighet i den inre delen av templet, och det gjorde hela familjen enligt samma ordning; efteråt såg hon på relikerna och de heliga gåvorna. Vädret var hemskt den dagen. Mot natten fick jag ett brev från Rom om greve Montecuccolis ankomst och att affären om påvens avsikter var väl genomförd.

English translation (my own):

8. We stopped at the Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin of Loreto. The Queen, having heard the sacred Word, devoutly received Holy Communion secretly in the inner part of the temple, and so did the whole family by the same order; afterwards she looked at the relics and sacred gifts. The weather was terrible that day. Towards night I received a letter from Rome about the arrival of Count Montecuccoli, and that the affair of the Pontiff's intentions was well done.

Above: Kristina.

Above: Raimondo Montecuccoli.

Above: Lucas Holstenius.