Gustavus Adolphus: an historical poem, and romance of the Thirty Years' War ... With illustrations

Front matter

And so they listen, standing there entranced Ey such a lovely scene and such sweet tones : lhe leaping Rhine in sunlit wavelets danced, And ever murmur'd still the ripple's moan?. [Frontispiece. GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS: &n historical J3o«n AND ROMANCE OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR. BY FREDERICK PFANDER SWINBORNE. " Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And. departing, leave behind us Foot-prints on the sands of time."— Longfellow. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. LONDON : WYMAN & SONS, 74-76, GREAT QUEEN STREET, lincoln's-inn fields. IS84.

Preface

. HE following pages owe their inspiration to hero worship — to a sincere and even enthusiastic admiration for the gallant King of Sweden, whose glorious achievements they record, and whose noble character and generous sentiments they seek to illustrate. The Author, fully sensible of the inadequacy of his powers to do justice to the theme, still feels that no worthier subject could fill the pagesof poet or historian. Among modern heroes the great Gustavus Adolphus stands forth, conspicuous no less for his moral excellence than for his soldierly qualities, his dauntless courage, stubborn perseverance, fertility of resource, and consummate skill. His life and actions are well known, and will not soon be forgotten either by Protestants or Catholics. Not only in works devoted to his personal biography, but also in those treating of the Thirty Years' War, he has received that abundant eulogy he so well merited.

The greatest Genius of his age, his failings were more venial, his errors fewer and slighter, than those usually incidental to men of heroic mould ; neither con temporary jealousy nor envious time, which has sapped so many reputations, has cast a doubt on the purity of his motives or the honesty of his purposes. Falling on the battle-field, a brave soldier's fittest death scene, he was fortunate in dying in the bright meridian of his powers and success : his sun went down in the very noon-tide of VI his glory, before his brilliant career was obscured by fail ing vigour, or could be tarnished by possible lapses of treachery or excess. Ever occupying a foremost place among the champions of Faith and Freedom, during the latter portion of his life he assumes a yet higher position, and becomes the recognised soldier-hero of the Reformation, the military Luther of Protestantism, a warrior who fought for peace, and vvas forced even fanatically to oppose fanaticism.

With the serious history of Gustavus Adolphus and " the big wars that make ambition virtue " is interwoven, in ac cordance with the best precedents, the love-story of Eric and Hilda, the lighter interest of which the Author hopes may serve to agreeably relieve the monotony of a descrip tion of forced marches, sieges, and battles, even though the horrors of these be thereby heightened. The introduction of twelve original illustrations, depict ing some of the scenes and incidents described in the poem, may also, it is thought, increase the interest and attrac tiveness of the work.

Introduction

. Religion ! in thy name what dire distress, Through the long centuries — what wretchedness — The nations suffer : all for thee ! Alas ! this nineteenth even cannot claim Immunity from having stain'd thy name With blood. Despots and Kings we see, And Priests, who scruple not their ends to gain ; Statesmen and Soldiers, too, with lips profane Invoke thy name and Liberty's. These sacred names they utter while they forge Fresh fetters for mankind and fiercer scourge, More hateful weave anew their ties ; — Caring, it seems, for nought, if but success Their means may sanctify. So on they press Through blood, through misery, to their end : Their tottering thrones they must secure, of cost Regardless. Are their haughty wills but cross'd, Their subjects' treasure straight they spend. Oh, were it treasure mere ! — had they no power To sacrifice to need of passing hour Their subjects' lives, nor blood to spill, Nor millions arm'd on millions hurl, nor war's Fierce flame to kindle for unrighteous cause !

Must this still be? Must all this ill Be heap'd on Man by Man ? Is there no cure ? Must Europe yet for centuries endure ? B 2 * •_ Or dare she hope her chains to burst ? What then would happen ? — Can it never be ? Must thy roots strike for ages, Liberty, Ere they can brave the storm accurst — The withering blasts of Riot and Excess ? — Thy tender plant again to earth they press, And yield the pretext that his band The Despot tighter rivets. Thus the round Goes on — one tyrant falls, another's found. Mob Violence next stalks the land, Whose will is law, whose terrible decrees Fulfill'd, the world in awe and wonder sees, — Fulfill'd in flame, and lust, and blood. In Reign of Terror wild the Spectre Red Consumed itself — to death its votaries led. The torrent burst in mighty flood, O'erswept the ancient landmarks, in its course All ranks commingling as with whirlpool force.

Equal in misery at last. Ye struggling nations ! never hope to rear In such a manner Freedom's tree ; but fear To loose, ere yet the bounds are past, The pent-up flood of passion, nor desire To fan the flames of Revolution's fire, And class with class in strife to see ! Excess can never flourish ! Let your end Be less new laws to frame than bad to mend : Thus shall ye rear Fair Freedom's tree ; — Rememb'ring ever, if it be to stand, Religion, — Freedom, — must go hand in hand ! Religion, — Freedom, — holy battle cr)- ! For you the Patriot feareth not to die, But thinketh ever death is gain ; But war he doth not seek, nor doth pursue

INTRODUCTION.

. 5 Fame's fleeting shadow. No, his heart is true,— Your sacred names he would not stain ! How then, proud Despot of the North, dar'st thou Their holy titles grave upon thy brow, — Thyself their champion constitute ? How dar'st thou claim from galling foreign yoke To free thy brethren with heroic stroke, When Freedom in thy land 's no root ?" How dar'st thou wage in True Religion's name Offensive, not defensive war ? — Thy claim Religion,— Freedom, — will not own !— Dar'st thou in such a fight to fall ? Thy horde Of armed hosts thyself to lead,— and sword To sword with foe to close ? — Be 't known To thee, the world thy hollow pretext sees, Thy lust of empire, and thy love of ease : 'Tis not Religion mans thine arm, But Russian thirst for conquest, and the fear Lest quiet times should let Rebellion rear Its head — and thou shouldst come to harm!* A Hero of far different mould I sing : All lands to him shall willing tribute bring; His fame can not resound too far !

Gustavus, King of Sweden, who his life Gave free for Freedom, in defensive strife, The Hero of Religion's war. He sought not selfish empire to extend, Nor dared he Sweden's blood and treasure spend For glory or for fleeting fame ; — Far less lest quiet should rebellion breed : Such coward fears a hero scorns to heed. He gain'd an everlasting name ! No lord of armed millions he— his land * Written In 1S80. Among the poorest — yet he stretch'd his hand To succour at his brethren's call. No holy championship he claim'd ; his best He did, — secure to Heaven he left the rest, And Heaven in answer gave him all. In Victory he fell ; in two short years He banish'd Freedom's and Religion's fears And Europe freed from her alarms. The world no conqueror has ever seen Like him ; and tyrants there had never been Had Gustave's spirit sway'd their arms

Book I

Jtjtstorital anlr Jntrotnutorn Five years had lasted now the war, And Germany had suffer'd sore, But was to suffer far, far more! Mansfeld to Holland had been driven, Brunswick in vain 'gainst Tilly striven ; The Elector Frederick under ban Exiled, and Maximilian, Bavaria's Duke, received commands To seize upon and hold his lands. And now to those who freely bled For Luther's Cause, vvas left no Head ; And had for peace the Kaiser cared, His peoples' plaints had only heard, What misery Europe had been spared ! It vvas not so to be ! The brand That they had kindled in his land Should not die out in compromise ; With victory his terms must rise ! Rome's priests all peaceful counsels spurn'd, The Kaiser still from mercy turn'd ; Thc League to Tilly gave command That he throughout the northern land Still greater musters yet should raise ; And horror-struck in dread amaze The world look'd on while thus the blaze, When nearly spent, they fann'd anew, And fuel on the embers threw.

Soon Mecklenburg and Brunswick arm'd, And Magdeburg, at length alarm'd, Her weapons seized in self-defence, Not war to wage their present sense ; But Faith and Liberty secure They could not feel, nor were they sure Where next the threatening armament With fire and sword might not be sent, They justly fear'd dread Rome's intent. And Denmark's King, as Holstein's lord, Threw in with them his lot and sword. The Kaiser, as their sovereign liege, Swore then their towns he would besiege, Their farms lay waste with flaming brand, Ravage and plunder all the land, Unless their weapons they laid down And sued for pardon from the Crown. They answer'd, — They did not rebel, But for their Faith their lives would sell If need be; Rome they knew too well; They could not trust the Catholic League ; They fear'd the Jesuit's dark intrigue.

In the just Cause their fathers bled, They were prepared their blood to shed ; War to provoke they had no thought, To hold their rights they only sought ; Gladly indeed they would disarm, Were Faith and life secure from harm. A curt reply made Ferdinand, And Tilly then received command To overrun and waste the land : By his advisers he was told The northern States this force enroll'd The banish'd Frederick's cause to aid ; The Jesuits also were afraid Such opportunity once lost Might not recur, and thus they forced The issue on : and Denmark's King Push'd forward, to their aid to bring An army sixty thousand strong ; Thinking to him 'twould now belong To uphold their right 'gainst Jesuit wrong, As Lutheran champion to pose Victorious over Freedom's foes. He fondly hoped by one campaign Undying laurels thus to gain ; But still, it seem'd, he stood in awe Of Tilly's veterans used to war, For keeping still the foe in sight He carefully avoided fight.

Thus far the Kaiser Ferdinand Had overrun the German land With armies ready to his hand Those of the League — yet scarce could call His victories his own at all. The Grand-duke Maximilian Held chief command, and he began To fear Bavaria's rising day Would e'en eclipse his paling ray. On Tilly, who throughout the war The palm of victory ever bore, He had no claim as subject born ; G US TA I 'US ADOLPHUS, 10 With anxious doubts his mind was torn, It seem'd the laurels he had worn, His empire schemes all suffering wreck, Would other brows than his bedeck. E'er since the tide of war had turn'd For universal rule he burn'd ; But, as he lack'd the power thereto, His Austrian regiments being few, No armies standing in his pay, He could not hope to make his way- Secure with Maximilian's force ; — Nor dared to venture on such course Unless he were himself the source Of all the German power enroll'd ; And then he lack'd the needful gold.

Though he could count on Rome's intrigue, Too powerful was this Catholic League : He clearly saw alike would turn Catholics and Protestants to spurn His high pretensions, when they knew The purposes he had in view. While still the Kaiser counsel sought, To him in evil hour was brought A scheme which full solution wrought. This scheme was Wallenstein's, a name For years to come wide known to fame, Resounding far through Europe's land, — A hated name ! and cursed his hand, Which on his suffering country laid The Kaiser's trust so ill repaid ! His fathers were of gentle birth, And he himself had proved his worth i In many a hard contested fight: He promised now that Austria's might Supreme should soar, grant him the right Armies to raise on German land, Himself to wield supreme command. The Kaiser need not count the cost, Exactions from his foes enforced Should aye the Austrian power maintain, The proud supremacy retain Which Hapsburg hitherto had held, And Germany together weld.

This offer seem'd but poor advice : The Council smiled, but still the price Was harmless, so, on thinking twice, The Kaiser said that Wallenstein Might, if he chose, try his design. And gave him powers to marshal all Whom to his banners he could call, — A force of twenty thousand men, All at his own expense, — and then He should command, bearing in mind Nor arms nor pay would Austria find. Said Wallenstein, " No, — such array, Though much too small, I could not pay But I with fifty thousand may Be strong enough to keep thc field, — The powers entrusted me to wield With credit at the foe's expense. Ye soon shall own mine offer's sense — The army I'll equip and arm, And how to pay will not alarm But fifty thousand are the least With which I'll venture. — Them I'll fea.st GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS. 12 Upon the best, with them I'll carve My way. — This force I cannot halve — For twenty thousand would but starve, Powerless to tax the burgher's gold, Much more one single State to hold."

The Kaiser and the Council thought An army that would cost them nought Was not to be refused, and gave The General all he dared to crave, But named the towns — and not too near — His mustering banners where to rear. With glad surprise full soon they found Adventurers had flock'd around His standards, and on German ground, For first time in this awful war Europe Imperial forces saw. With Wallenstein well pleased, they made Him Duke of Friedland, and they bade Him march to stem invasion's tide, And break, with Tilly, Denmark's pride. They little thought in that proud hour He would abuse the Kaiser's power. In boyhood he could brook no rule, — At Goldberg, where he went to school, He made each playmate soon his tool, And led the Rector such a dance That they nicknamed him the " Free-lance At Altdorf, where he next vvas sent, Within the Career he was pent But foremost still in every riot, He caused such outbreak and disquiet, The learned Doctors council held, And sent him home disgraced, expell'd- The Margrave's page at Burgau's court He then became, and there vvas wrought A miracle.

One day he sought The castle's giddy topmost height, Whence, waking up from sleep in fright, Down to the ground he headlong fell, Yet rose unhurt, most strange to tell. Being so wonderfully spared Convinced him great things were prepared For him in future. Thence he went To Holland, was to England sent ; France, Italy, in turn he saw, And studied still the art of war : At Padua next he stay'd, the lore To learn for which the place vvas famed ; And there it chanced one Seni claim'd The favour of his patronage : " For I have read," so said the Sage, " The stars, and in them traced the course Which thou must follow, yea, perforce." And ever since that fateful day Seni retain'd he in his pay, And ventured on no enterprise Without consulting first the skies, And to the setting and the rise Of stars, whose courses for him ran, Had alter'd more than once his plan.

Astronomy became his passion, Seni his sole friend in this fashion ; For ever still the artful Sage Hail'd him the greatest of his age, Assured him, pointing to his star, His might would stretch through Europe far, The Austrian service next he took, But soon the camp for love forsook, — G US TA VUS A D OLPHUS. 14 Upon a widow rich his look Was cast. He married, she was old (In fewest words the tale is told) As well as rich, — ere long she died, Then to the camp again he hied. Bohemia's wealthiest lord was he, — He fought full well in Hungary, 'Gainst Venice, Turkey, in the riot, Which in Bohemia broke the quiet Of Europe, now five years ago, And was the cause of all the woe, — ■ Of pent-up hatred loosed the flow, Which through all Germany the lands O'ervvhelm'd with savage, lawless bands. A thriving country, desolate, Then yielded, such its awful fate, Instead of vines' rich clusters red, And the fat corn's low-bending head, But widows' and the orphans' tears, — For the war lasted thirty years.

From this time forth his constant care Was ever best how tq prepare His future glory, how best bear Himself to win applause. His tables To friends were free, free too his stables, — At their command his choicest wine Flow'd fast like water ; all, in fine, Treasure and goods, on them he spent ; To every borrower he lent The sums that he required, if he A future tool in him could see. He gain'd fresh wealth in each campaign, Heaven seem'd on him its gifts to rain, Of Wallenstein men could not fain But talk, for if he only could Excite their wonder all vvas good. At Prague his daring to such height He carried, reckless in the fight, Careless of life, his soldiers all Stood still amazed. — Now at his call, As soon as e'er he beats the drum, From every land adventurers come ; Even reigning princes feel no shame With him to serve and share his fame, So world-wide known is Friedland's name Lavish of promises and gold, Full soon an army he enroll'd ; And, heading twenty thousand men, Broke up his rallying camps, and then To Mecklenburg he took the road, Towards Magdeburg his forces flow'd ; And ever to his standards more Adventurers flock'd to join the war.

On Saxon ground he held review, His might now multiplied by two, For day by day his forces grew : Feeling he now could take. the field, With power sufficient him to shield, He dared to turn the army's course To Dessau, and encamp'd his force ; And ravaged all the fertile lands Along the Elbe with plundering bands ; From friend or foe with fire and sword He forced subsistence for his horde. In league with Tilly; but alone, The war he meant to carry on, He never would superior own. And if he join'd his new raised force With Tilly's, he had there no source Of revenue to feed his power ; His might would dwindle from the hour That he should ask the League for aid : Far deeper he his plans had laid, — His power he, himself, would wield And in his own way take the field ; Would even risk the Kaiser's blame, Far rather than his rising name Should be eclipsed by Tilly's fame.

Secure in camp where here he stood He held command of Elbe's vast flood, His plunderers here could lay their hands Upon the wealth of fertile lands ; And forage to his camp and corn Upon the Elbe was easy borne : While for himself he need not fear, He ever threaten'd Denmark's rear. Beleaguer'd thus on left and right King Christian vvas in awkward plight, So he again equipp'd for fight The veteran Mansfeld, who alone Gave Friedland work to hold his own. For not content the road to bar, Eager as ever for the war, To take the field he did not fear, And soon to Dessau Bridge drew near, Entrench'd his troops within the sight Of Friedland's camp, and offer'd fight. Although the battle Mansfeld lost Which there upon the Duke he forced, He, quickly rallying, swiftly coursed With marvellous rapidity, Silesia through to Hungary, With Bethlen Gabor to combine, Escaping thus from Wallenstein.

Greatly alarm'd the Kaiser saw That Mansfeld threaten'd now the war Ev'n into Austria to carry, And order'd Friedland not to tarry, But march at once with utmost speed Upon his track, and nought to heed But his and Austria's pressing need. The King of Denmark was repaid By this diversion Mansfeld made For all his outlay. It vvas clear, That since he had secured his rear, Tilly could not alone oppose The united war that now arose; Brunswick and Hesse once combined More than its match the League would find But versed in battle-chance's laws, A thorough soldier, in these wars Tilly too oft had desperate cause Retrieved to hesitate, he fell, Handling his troops throughout so well, Back from the Weser, that his force Could sorely harass Denmark's course, Should he attempt to make his way Into the heart of Germany.

Christian, the King of Denmark, thought He saw the opening that he sought; That Tilly now was forced to stand At bay upon the Hessian land ; c And march'd with part of his command : Defenceless lands before him lay, No Catholic army barr'd his way ; At last he now would gain the fame For which he forth from Denmark came. But Tilly vvas of different mind ; For leaving garrisons behind, The Hessian lands to hold in awe, He march'd his troops, inured to war, Much faster than the Danish force ; And concentrating without loss Upon his hurried onward course The Imperial troops, which Friedland's haste Had left behind, when round he faced To follow Mansfeld's desperate raid, He press'd the King, who more afraid Than ever with inferior might The Catholic General now to fight, Retraced his march, but all in vain Safety in Brunswick yet to gain ; But Tilly hung upon the rear, Pursued him still, until in fear Of his manœuvres, Lutter near, King Christian turn'd at bay, and sought, Since now a battle must be fought, With headlong courage to oppose The veteran regiments of his foes.

Bravely he fought, but Tilly's skill And greater numbers press'd him still, And told at length ; wearied, and spent, In narrowing circle ever pent, Their efforts useless, then at last The Danes saw hope of victory past : In vain the King charged furious, fast In vain his horsemen bravely led, In vain his nobles round him bled ; Hopeless and lost appear'd the day, Even pursuit he could not stay : Some sixty flags, the baggage all, The cannon, to the conqueror fall, And Dmmirk's pride is forced to yield ; Four thousand dead bestrew the field. Meanwhile Count Mansfeld had attain'd The hills where Bethlen Gabor reign'd ; But met reception that had pain'd Him sore. For Gabor had been told That Danish power and English gold Would make diversion in the north, While he himself should sally forth Upon the helpless Austrian lands, And with their wealth enrich his bands.

No English gold had Mansfeld brought, But, on the other hand, he sought Money from Gabor, and he drew Down on his country Friedland too. Not long thought Gabor what to do : Short time in consultation spent, To Austria messengers he sent To make his peace as best he might, He meant to raid, but not to fight ; To Mansfeld gave his best advice To sell his guns at any price, Disband his men, and, ere too late, Seek safety in a neutral State. Such counsel gave brave Mansfeld pain But there was nothing more to gain From Gabor, so he could not fain -. But take it, and forthwith he sought With gold his scant equipments brought, Join'd by a small and faithful band, To reach the sea at Venice' strand. But seized with sickness on the way, His leech at last was forced to say He could not now live many hours ; Then Mansfeld rallied all his powers, And to his sorrowing followers said : " A life adventurous I have led, Let me not, trusted friends, in bed Like craven lie.

Oft, in my race, I 've met before Death face to face : 'Tis well nigh run, — I would not yield, — Equip me now as for the field ! And let me grasp my sword once more, That sword, which all my life I bore In battle van, gird on my thigh, — Support me, I would standing die ! " Thus the great soldier pass'd away, — Death Brunswick claim'd before his prey Both left their mark upon their day. Of their two leaders now bereft, Powerless the Protestants were left ; Tilly in check they could not hold, The Danish arms were backward roll'd : The foe no longer could they face, Christian surrenders place by place, Until, ere long, his own defeat On German soil was all complete. And then, with horror, too, he learn'd That Friedland also was return'd, All overtures of peace were spurn'd ; For entering from the other side Into his lands, in raging tide Of wrathful conquest, Wallenstein Pour'd o'er the Danish frontier line, Burning some laurels yet to gain, Chagrin 'd to find the whole campaign Was nearly ended, while in chase Of Mansfeld he was forced to race ; Back to his islands drove the King, And in his headlong wrath did fling (Though too ridiculous the thing) Red hot balls in the sea in rage, Such acts abound on History's page, And Wallenstein was anger'd sore At such an ending to the war, To think his prey he must forsake, The King whom he had thought to take To crown his triumph, and to swell With ransom rich his purse as well.

There now remained to the sword Nought more to do ; his savage horde Of fierce adventurers he pour'd All over fertile Mecklenburg, And further into Brandenburg : Thc Lutheran North he overran, And in dread earnest thus began The black and terrible career That made his name a standing fear : Throughout all time will Germans heap Upon his memory curses deep. From Mansfeld he had learn'd his part How war to wage within the heart Of hostile country— but the art His might in peace to rear was new, And Wallenstein must have his due ; 'Tis even to the devil given.— All through his life had Mansfeld striven From the rich towns to wring support For soldiers who their battles fought. What Mansfeld did by sudden raid Friedland a perfect system made : A robber, in the Kaiser's name Empower'd to plunder, forth he came, And no authority dared blame The lord of thousands, who could show The Imperial warrant to the foe.

Unhappy were indeed the lands On which he quarter'd his vile bands ; With friend and foe alike they speed, All must contribute to their need, Their wants supply at any cost, No matter what thereby they lost. To Court the plunder'd burghers went, But Wallenstein before them sent Vast sums, which he with judgment spent, To stop the Austrian Councillors' ears ; The Kaiser therefore nothing hears, Or, if he hears, 'tis rebels' plaint Who seek his General to attaint. When even Catholic distress, The League's and Tilly's grumblings, press, The Council calls it jealous fear Of Austria's might, and gives no ear : And ever more does Wallenstein Force contributions still and fine, And ever sets more troops in line : Still from the towns more gold he takes His power he ever greater makes, And still, as loud he beats the drum, To share his spoils more ruffians come.

At last, although there was no foe To conquer, and the country's woe Shriek'd loud to Heaven, the Austrian force Number'd, on counting foot and horse, Full eight score thousand armed men : Had Friedland chose, a stroke of pen Of colonels and of captains then Regiments of officers had made, So many such he always paid ; And such the mighty sums he raised From German lands, that 'twas appraised, In this his seven years' first command Hundreds of millions came to hand: Vast was the treasure he received If chronicles can be believed. He held, himself, a monarch's state, And lavish'd gold at royal rate On those who pleased him ; quick the fate Of him who sail'd to do off-hand Whate'er his humour might command. " Let the beast hang ! " was all he said, And with short shrift he soon was sped. While he would be obey'd outright, The discipline in camp was slight, And he allow'd his raiding bands To ravage and to waste the lands, To give the reins to savage lust, To level homesteads in the dust, Proclaiming martial law, unjust.

If peasant, bolder than the rest, Dared against outrage to protest, They scrupled not to take his life, To turn his children and his wife Naked and homeless out at night To live or die, as best they might. Both friends and foes were served the same, And all, too, in the Kaiser's name. Savage and wild was Friedland's mien, Fiery his glance, eyes small but keen, In figure he was tall and lean ; Suspicious, secret, never still, Dark were his looks, of iron will, Brave e'en to rashness, in his star Confiding, fairly versed in war, His talents never fully tried, Haughty in overweening pride ; Human one scarcely could him call, Who loved by none vvas fear'd by all. In dress he made a strange display, His the buff jerkin of the day, But all the rest of his array Was scarlet, sash and cloak and hose ; Above his close-cropp'd head there rose, Adorn'd with scarlet drooping feather, A tall round hat, boots of brown leather Came more than half way up his thighs : Stalking the ranks, his piercing eyes Spied out at once the least mischance.