ch proceeded to the Great Church to be crowned. The huge edifice
was filled to overflowing. From north and south, from mountain and
valley, all of note in the three kingdoms had flocked thither on this
day to behold the imposing spectacle. Gustaf Trolle, now once more
archbishop, stood at the high altar, lined on either side by the six
Swedish bishops and the Upsala Chapter. The whole chancel was one blaze
of gold and silver; and as the king marched through the main aisle with
his splendid retinue, every eye was bent upon him and every whisper
hushed. Proceeding straight up to the high altar, he bent his knee
before the God whose name he was now so soon to desecrate. Then the
archbishop raised from the altar a crown of gold glittering with
precious jewels, and placed it reverently upon the monarch's brow. The
sacred rite of consecration over, the monarch rose and turning was met
by a herald of Charles V., who came from his master bringing a fleece
which he attached with chains of gold around the monarch's neck, thus
receiving him into the great Burgundian League. After this, a throne was
placed before the altar, and Christiern conferred the order of
knighthood on Krumpen and some of his other officers. It was observed,
however, that all thus honored were of Danish birth. With this the
ceremony of consecration closed, and the whole concourse poured forth
once more from the house of God.[51]

During three days the whole town now was given over to mirth and
merrymaking. These days seem like the lull that goes before a storm. All
strife was ended, all past injuries forgotten. The future seemed full of
promise, and the Swedish peasants went hurrying back to their firesides
to tell their wives and children of the peace and blessings promised
them by Christiern. But it was not yet. Scarce had the echo of warfare
died upon the wind when a frightful tragedy took place in Stockholm
which sent a thrill of horror to the heart of Europe. At noon on the
Wednesday following the coronation all the Swedish magnates with the
authorities of Stockholm were summoned to the citadel and ushered into
the august presence of their king. As they ranged themselves about the
great hall, the nobles and their wives, all wondering what this dismal
summons meant, they heard the castle gates grate upon their hinges, and
a cold shudder gradually spread among them, as the thought now flashed
upon them for the first time that they were no longer free. They