"Oblige! and who, Sir Chancellor,
upon earth shall OBLIGE me to do so, if I do it not of mine own
will? Say not OBLIGE to me."
This was vigorous language for a girl of scarce fourteen; but it
was "Christina's way," one with which both the Council and the
people soon grew familiar. It was the Vasa[1] nature in her, and
it was always prominent in this spirited young girl--the last
descendant of that masterful house.
[1] Vasa was the family name of her father and the ancient king
of Sweden.
But now the young Prince Karl Gustavus had something to say.
"Ah, cousin mine," and he laid a strong though boyish hand upon
the young girl's arm. "What need for couriers or dispatches that
speak of suitors for your hand? Am not I to be your husband? From
babyhood you have so promised me."
Christina again broke into a loud and merry laugh.
"Hark to the little burgomaster,"[1] she cried; "much travel hath
made him, I do fear me, soft in heart and head. Childish
promises, Karl. Let such things be forgotten now. You are to be a
soldier--I, a queen."
[1] Prince Charles Gustavus, afterward Charles XI., King of
Sweden, and father of the famous Charles XII.
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