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 181
The extravagance and love of splendor noted above
did not extend to the peasants. Among them the sim-
ple life prevailed, albeit with coarseness and supersti-
tion. Foreigners were surprised at their hospitality,
a primitive virtue in the North. To them it was the
most natural thing to receive wayfarers as many as
they could house. An English envoy, making the long
journey from Gothenburg to Stockholm, with a large
suite and baggage, tells with some surprise of another
trait of this people. On that long journey he had not
lost a single thing, not a penny’s worth.
The Queen and Her Court. Christina had a most re-
markable ability for acquiring knowledge. The learn-
ing of a new language, Greek for instance, she re-
garded as a pastime for spare moments. And this won-
der child had been crammed with all the learning of
the day. But in womanly employments she took no
interest whatever.
The young queen was determined to hold the reins
of government herself. No one was to help her, for
then the honor would not be hers. The great Axel
Oxenstiern was in her way. Away, therefore, with the
old, faithful servant. He was now for a season to ex-
perience the disfavor of his young ruler. Instead, she
gave her favor to young nobles, whose qualities con-
sisted in brilliant appearance. Foremost among them
was Count Magnus De la Gardie. On him the queen
showered undeserved distinctions, grants of land, and
gifts of money. At a little more than twenty he was
made a councilor, and shortly afterwards a high offi-
cer of the realm. He did, however, render service to
Swedish culture by the generous support he gave to
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