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Gustavus Vasa in Old Age 123
C. GUSTAVUS VASA, His FAMILY AND OLD AGE
His Personality. The king’s nephew, Per Brahe, has
given us a picture of Gustavus Vasa as he himself saw
him. He was of average height; he had light golden
hair, a handsome full beard, keen eyes, a small straight
nose, a well-formed mouth, rosy cheeks, and his body
was so well proportioned that no artist could have
painted a more perfect model.
He had a wonderfully good memory. What he had
heard once or twice he never forgot. Wherever he had
passed once or twice or stayed a while, he never lost
his way. If he had a good look at any one, he would
recognize him at once though he had not seen him for
ten or twenty years. He was a charming and cheerful
person to meet both in small talk and serious conver-
sation.
He loved music, both vocal and instrumental, and was
himself a fine singer and player. Of all instruments
he liked the lute the best, and there was no evening,
when alone, that he did not play it
His Family. Gustavus was thrice married. His first
marriage, with a German princess, was not happy, as
the queen was of a queer disposition. She was the
mother of the nearest heir to the throne, Eric. After
her death, Gustavus married Margareta Lejonhufvud,
and was most happy in his family life with his "heart’s
dearest Margareta/’ as he called her. She was the
mother of several children, among them the two sons,
John and Charles. As a husband and father Gustavus
was a model for his people, so also in his unfeigned
religion and pure morals.
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