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Chap. VIII.
TOMB OF QUEEN MARGARET.
115
was, by order of her successor, removed to Roeskilde.
Still there was for some time a feeling in favour of St.
Knud on the part of the monarchs, and Valdemar
himself bequeathed a sum of ten marks in white metal to
say a daily mass and to keep his annual festival, on
which day the monks of the cloister were to be regaled
with a tun of German (Rostock) beer and three “ strong
flesh repasts.”
The whole length of the building is uninterrupted,
except by the altar which stands under the centre
of the further transept, which adds much to the
general effect; carved stalls of great originality and
quaintness, put up by Queen Margaret, on each side of
the choir, displaying the proportions of the cathedral to
the greatest advantage.
Passing behind the altar of rich Dutch workmanship,
we come to a marble sarcophagus, on which lies
extended the effigy of the great Queen Margaret, who
first united under one sceptre the three Scandinavian
kingdoms: the most interesting monument of the royal
series, erected to her memory by her nephew and
successor Erik.* Over the tomb of Queen Margaret hangs
the hook from which was suspended the stone sent
by Albert King of Swedén to that Queen to sharpen
her scissors. This was removed by the Swedes in 1659.
Margaret lies extended on her back, her hands meekly
folded across her bosom. At her feet are placed a skull
and cross-bones. Her features are regular and of great
beauty; the compressed lip expressive of determina-
* Erik’s real name was Henry. Queen Margaret caused it to be
changed to Erik from policy, as more agreeable to Norwegian and
Danish ears.
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