Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - X. Reign of Christina, 1632–1654 - B. Personal Rule of Christina, 1644–1654
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Reign of Christina 177
B. PERSONAL RULE OP CHRISTINA, 1644WL654
A Picture of the Times. There is a holiday at the
little town of Grenna, The whole town stands rever-
ently waiting down at the bridge. All eyes are turned
to a little flotilla of boats, decorated with crimson dra-
peries, just ready to land. From the finest of them a
stately gentleman comes forth. With becoming dignity
he responds to the reverential bows of the mayor and
the council. The burghers on parade present arms.
Who is he on whom this princely homage is bestowed?
He is one of the five high officers of the realm, the
Count of Visingsborg, Per Brahe, who today vouch-
safes a visit to his town.
He is a mighty man, Count Per. By purchases from
the crown and private parties he has greatly extended
his domains. By grants of a generous queen they have
increased still more. He now owns all the lands about
the southern parts of Lake Vettern, except Jonkoping,
and has in addition considerable possessions in Finland
and Uppland. He is Sweden’s richest count. His proud
castle, Visingsborg, is strongly fortified with walls and
towers. It is beautifully furnished with costly tapes-
tries and hangings, paintings, and polished weapons.
From Visingsborg he rules over his subjects with
princely power (his own statement) . He collects taxes
from them. He is the chief judge in his domains, and
on Vising Isle he has the power of life and death over
his subjects. Yet no one ever hears any complaint that
the count abuses his power in extortions or unjust
decisions. No, a better lord there is none. He visits
the different parts of his vast domains to see that his
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