Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - VII. Reign of Gustavus Vasa, 1523–1560 - B. The Dacke Insurrection
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Gustavus to the Peasantry 121
and other payments, hoping thus to secure great free-
dom and well-being. When the peasantry thus wish to
reduce the income of the realm it will follow that the
defense of the kingdom will be neglected, and the ene-
mies will have a fair chance to possess the land again,
as lias been of old.
"We have instead taken to heart the great loss and
ruin which the land has suffered in plunder, murder,
and fire. And it has seemed to us advisable, as a good
new custom to strengthen the kingdom with strong,
good, able soldiers as well as by powerful and hand-
some war vessels, and by excellent guns and swords,
horses and armor, and various accouterments of war.
All of which has not been an old custom before our
time. And we hope that we may not have deserved
ingratitude for such new customs.
"What advantage the country derived from the old
customs we leave for you to consider. Merchants,
bringing into the country salt, hops, cloth, and other
necessaries, were robbed of ship and goods, and the
crews thrown overboard, and drowned like dogs. As all
old customs are to be counted as good, it still seems to
us, as we understand it, that these customs rendered
very little good. You all remember, too, how it was in
West Gothland an9 Uppland recently in old King Chris-
tian’s day, taxation by murder and fire that, too, is
an old custom. There lay many a poor man, food for
beasts and birds of prey, and not" even given a place in
the graveyard.
"So, my dear countrymen, will we answer for our
deeds not only before men, but also before God’s right-
eous judgment."
A History of Sweden. 9.
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