Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XII. Reign of Charles XI, 1660–1697 - B. Personal Rule of Charles XI, 1672–1697
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Reign of Charles XI 203
"He is a hero in war as in peace," said Charles of him.
Nothing seemed too difficult for this strong giant, who
with his powerful hands could straighten out a horse-
shoe.
That members of his class hated him for his recom-
mendations to the king and called him Stor-Jon (Big
John) he cared not; for he saw what the country
needed for its salvation. He advised the king to have
the absolutism which he had assumed during the war
confirmed by an act of the Riksdag, and carry through
a thorough resumption. Only through such means
could the strength of Sweden be restored. But he was
not to live to see his plans carried out. Shortly after
the peace, he was carried off by a sudden fever in the
full strength of his manhood. He is said to have ut-
tered on his deathbed, "I die content, for I know that
Sweden will for many years be governed on my prin-
ciples."
Inquiry into the Affairs of the Regency. The king
placed his hopes on the Riksdag summoned in 1680.
It was felt throughout the kingdom that important
matters would be decided at this Riksdag, and that the
hostility among the classes would here come to an issue.
After vehement discussion, it was decided that the
king’s guardians should be held accountable for their
mismanagement and should reimburse the state for
the losses it had sustained. The inquiry was to be
conducted by a high commission. Not only the regents,
but all the members of the council as well were made
amenable to this commission. The inquiry fell heavily
on the great lords or their heirs, who were sentenced
to pay large sums into the treasury. This inquiry was
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