CHAPTER 40
She was intelligent and strong-willed, always happy to engage in political intrigue, a learned woman, fluent in Greek and Latin, studying philosophy, political science, mathematics, and astronomy.
Alchemy fascinated her. Both a fine shot and a fine horsewoman, she particularly enjoyed winter sports.
She was known for her maxims of wisdom. Fools are more to be feared than villains.
Knowledge of the past is of great help for the future.
It is good to remember that vain people can never be trusted.
She eventually acquired the nickname Minerva of the North, referring to the Roman goddess of the arts, and Stockholm became known as the Athens of the North.
History noted her as one of Sweden’s great rulers.
Lysa admired the canvas hanging in the bedroom.
It had stimulated her mind.
A wonderful collage with intermediate shades of warm orange-yellow, pale red, brown, and purple.
Cooler tints came from green and shades of blue.
A large, expansive scene from the seventeenth century where Queen Christina was signing a request for the privilege of opening a new silver mine.
She sat at a long table decked with a dark-blue cloth, richly illuminated by candles.
Before her stood a bowing mountain-captain.
Behind her, mine employees, pressed against a wall, gazed on in awe.
In the foreground work proceeded as usual with ore carts, horses, and men bearing torches.
Most likely there to be an effective dramatic contrast to the grandeur behind them.
A saying occurred to her. Ars sina scienta nihil est. Art without knowledge is nothing.
How true.
Sadly, there were no more monarchs granting mineral rights.
The mine owners no longer strutted about dressed in black coats, knee breeches, and round hats leaning upon artistically decorated hatchet-canes.
Mountain regiments fired no more cannon or musket shots.
But for her that specially laden atmosphere, that rarefied air of the past, reminiscent of Sweden’s former glory, would never fade.
Christina had meant so much to the country.
Her contributions should never be forgotten.
But sadly, few now knew her name, and even fewer appreciated her greatness.
Perhaps it was her end that made her less memorable.
Inexplicably she converted to Catholicism and knew she could no longer rule a Protestant country.
So she abdicated in 1654 and left Sweden.
People should be mindful of Psalm 145:4.
One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. But that was not always the case.
Far from it, in fact.
A knock broke the silence.
The bedchamber door opened and Monica walked inside. “You are up late.”
“I never retire before midnight. John is the opposite. A devout morning person.”
“Good news. Mr. Westlake is on his way here.”
She smiled. “I am glad. I miss him.”
“As I am sure he misses you.”
“I heard some activity outside a short while ago,” Lysa said.
“It was me, returning. I had to go out.”
“Is John’s business proceeding along?”
“It is. We should definitely be done by tomorrow afternoon.”
“When will John arrive?”
“I would say within the hour.”
She nodded. “That is good to hear.”
“I will leave you now. I just wanted to make sure you were okay and knew that your husband was on the way.”
“How thoughtful. I appreciate the gesture.”
“Might I suggest you enjoy a warm bath while you wait,” Monica said. “There is a wonderful Roman tub in your bathroom. Perhaps a little relaxation after an unusual day.”
“What a lovely idea. I might just do that.”
Monica excused herself and left.
The room around her was dignified with paneled walls painted a sage green. The house oozed an Old World atmosphere with warm parquet flooring, oil paintings, and tasteful furniture.
All of it quiet and calming.
On arrival she’d surmised that the house had been built in the mid–eighteenth century, its handsome exterior stained green with lichens.
She assumed the location had been selected for its isolation, about eighty kilometers northwest of Stockholm, on a small island in Lake M?laren, engulfed by forest. Surely a former hunting lodge of sorts.
A snug, safe place resting from its labors.
Outside the windows the woods were black and silent.
Filled with threats? Doubtful. John would never allow anything to happen to her.
She stared again at the painting.
Christina had been one of the most erudite women of the seventeenth century, transforming both Sweden and Stockholm.
She lived an unconventional lifestyle by her own rules.
But her lavish spending and irresponsibility pushed Sweden toward bankruptcy, sparking domestic unrest. Pope Alexander VII described her as a queen without a realm, a Christian without faith, and a woman without shame.
She eventually lived out her life in Rome, one of only a few women buried in the Vatican Grottoes. Proverbs 3:35 came to mind.
The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.
So true.
She walked to the bathroom door. Monica was right. There was a spectacular marble tub. She decided a warm bath would be a wonderful way to draw the day to a close.
John would be here soon.
Within the hour.
So why not.