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300 A History of Sweden
a reconciliation between the king and the leading no-
bles was effected. They waited on the dying king and
avowed their sorrow and horror at the murderous
crime. The feeling that he was reconciled with all his
people spread a shimmer of joy over Gustavus’ last
moments.
"There lay a shimmer o’er the days of Gustav,
Fantastic, foreign, pompous if you will,
But there was sun within, and though you censure,
Where would we be if they had never been?"
CHAPTER XVII
REIGN OF GUSTAVUS IV ADOLPHUS, 1792-1809
A. INTRODUCTION
The Regency of Duke Charles. With Gustavus 111
an era passed away, an era of sunlight and shadows.
"There was sun within/’ These words could not be
said of the age that followed. It brought heavy, leaden
skies. "Gustavus was dead, and the age of genius past/’
Gustavus’ only heir, Gustavus IV Adolphus, was but
a child when his father passed away. According to
Gustavus’ will, his brother, Duke Charles, assumed the
regency.
The duke was a well-meaning man, but too indolent
and fond of pleasure to rule, except in name. The real
control of the government was in the hands of a
stronger character, Count Gustav Adolf Reuterholm,
a favorite of Duke Charles. He had been one of Gus-
tavus’ most bitter enemies and hence removed the
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