Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XVII. Reign of Gustavus IV Adolphus, 1792–1809 - A. Introduction
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Gustavus IV Adolphus 301
friends of Gustavus, the Gustavians, from all influence
in the government. In consequence, the regicides re-
ceived but mild punishment. Ancharstrom alone was
put to death.
Reuterholm was great, very great, in his own eyes.
Others have not succeeded in discovering his genius.
But orderly and industrious he was, and so did much
good for Sweden’s domestic development. His rigid
economy served the country well, industries began to
flourish once more, and general prosperity increased.
Character of the New King. In 1796 Gustavus IV
Adolphus assumed the reins of government himself.
He was the very incarnation of order and economy.
He resembled Charles XI much more than his hero
Charles XII. In love of truth, in morality, seriousness,
and piety he resembled them both. In obstinacy he
rivaled his hero, but completely lacked not only his
ability, but all that made Charles a hero. Gustavus III
did not entertain any high hopes for his son. He is said
to have remarked about him: "He will end unhappily,
for he is narrow-minded and obstinate."
The brilliant Gustavian court life had come to an
end. In the place of the royal charmer there was now
a stern, unyielding, serious prince, whose dignity for-
bade him to jest or smile. The royal residence in Stock-
holm had become *an enchanted palace of dullness and
ennui, where everything seemed to have congealed,
where at royal receptions one could neither sit down
for his royal majesty preferred to stand for hours in
the middle of the floor nor talk, scarcely whisper; to
laugh was an offense. For poets’ songs or artists’ crea-
tions there was no appreciation from the throne.
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