Countess Christina Oxenstierna's letter to Princess Katarina of Pfalz-Zweibrücken, dated February 19, 1687

Source:

Historisk bibliotek, volume 3, page 150/34, Bidrag till Historien om Pfalzgreven Hertig Adolf Johans sista lefnadsår och familjeförhållanden, article written by O. v. Feilitzen, 1877

http://runeberg.org/histbib/3/0156.html

The letter:

Ma cher Prinses, iagh skulle önska att min correspondens deras nöigie kund[e] förorsaka och ded här å ortten berod[d]e, men iagh kan försäkra min Prinses, att ded wore lätt här att utträtta, om man hade bijstånd af dem, som högste skällen har till sökia des ly[c]ka, och som den wederwertigheten komer af en alt för sansibel ort, så will det wara kånst att well kuna bringa sigh igenom denna aferen och swårt till råda mina Prinseser helst emedan iagh förstår at fru mor inte synnerligh wiser sigh benegen; iagh will iu aldrig förmoda ded fru mor skulle wara så litte fundera[t] i sin tro att han skulle kuna eller will[i]a samtyka deruttij någon ändring; i ded falled kan man well resolvera sigh at mera lyda Gud än menniskor och ingalunda förbunden till sådan lydna. Ded iagh berätta Prinsen minss iagh nu inte ordesätet, allena meningen är denna af Änkedråningen, at om hertigen eller fru mor själfwe igenom bref bode Kongen derom och han wille bestå prinseserna pansion om åhred och så be hene ta en prinses och henes May:t unga Dråningen en, så torde ded lettia göra sig, eligess wiste hon ingen hjelp, ty, sa hon, om Kongen eller iagh wille göra och föräldrarna inte wille, huru kunde ded då leta göra sigh, ty föräldrarna har macht öfwer dem; så tallass der altijd och annat swar får man inte, dock är hon benegnere nu än först, alt derföre finner iagh nu wara nödigast att arbeta derpå till wina fru mor dertill att hon bringas till reson; jerteligh gerna wille iagh tiena Prinseserne deruthij och skriwa hwad megh tyker lender till des wellferd uttan fruchtan, men iagh fruchtar som wij äre i sama fördömelse att wij inte weta att wij ha haft mor, så torde min intercession mehra skada än gagna, emedan all godh tanka för oss är utte; uppå 3 mine bref är än intet swar földt. Om Prinsessan tyker iagh skall ännu skrifwa mehra och de sielf wil[i]a seta et bref ihop, som de tycker best kuna wina hene och för dem säkrast wara, så will iagh gerna låtta ded sama afgå, ner de sända megh ded att afskriwa, eligess wore well om iagh wiste den resulusion hertigen och fru mor hafwer och hwaruttij dherass största engslan består, ty för megh är onödigt at dölia ded hela stan wet af; ded är olyckeligt at ded är så wijda komit för oss at icke allena jertet är för oss sluttit uttan och porten, så man inte kan sökia i egen person at resa dit och wina dem på bätre tankar. Gud gifwe i min macht stoge till wijsa huru af alt iärta iagh är min h Prinsess

hörsama tienarinna

Christina Oxensti.

Prinses Mari finer heruttij en tienstl. helsningh.

Elsa Elisabeth Brahe's letter to her son Adolf Johan II of Kleeburg, written in the late 1680s

Source:

Historisk bibliotek, volume 3, page 12, Bidrag till Historien om Pfalzgreven Hertig Adolf Johans sista lefnadsår och familjeförhållanden, article written by O. v. Feilitzen, 1877

http://runeberg.org/histbib/3/0134.html

Elsa Elisabeth Brahe (born January 29, 1632, died February 24, 1689) was a Swedish countess and duchess, married to Adolf Johan I, Count Palatine of Kleeburg, Duke of Stegeborg, the brother of King Karl X Gustav of Sweden.

The letter:

Käre hiertans son, först för dän stora hiertans ängslan iagh för honom både för ett och annat hafwer kan iagh intte mädh dänna min pänna nogsampt tilkän[n]a gifwa, uttan iagh tager Gud till vittne där om, altså kan iagh intte längre afhålla migh därifrån att mäd desse få ord migh erkundiga om hans hälssa och goda tillstånd, som migh mäst angelegett att få förnimma; och såsom iagh af hans sista bref, som han sin her far tillskref gaf oss någorlunda däd håpet att willia koma till oss igen eftter princens begrafning, likawäll hafwa wij sedermera och nu fast i 6 weckor inga bref haft från honom eller någon efterrättelse, altså så kan iagh intte underlåtta min son till sinnes föra att han betänker sigh hwad han gör, att han så aldelles förgätter och öfvergifwer sina föräldrar, som mången trött stund och bekymer och arbette har haft för hans upkompst, och skulle wij nu för all däna wår möda, där wij nu skull[e] hafwa att förwänta gledje, af ett så kärt barn spöria contrariteten, så droge däd oss visserligen i grafwen, män iagh förmodar migh ett fast bättre i däd iagh giör migh fast försäkrat om hans inplantade dygdiga inföde dygd och ädla gemüth att han ähr sina föräldrar lydig i alt hwad honom kan lända till sin egen nytta och wälfärd, där före lätt sij att han och beger sig på wägen hitt ner till oss igen, ty Gudh wett mädh hwad nytta han håller sig uppe nu lenger i Stockholm efter Kongen intte vill acomoderan och icke heller kan lefva der mäd någon reputation eller eftter sitt stånd, som sig bör, som han nu lefwer; wore däd altså icke bättre att min son komer hitt ner så länge, att hans her far kunde få öfwerlägia mäd honom hwad som wore widare att giöra och att han sitt wessende på bätre maner kunde inrätta än som nu ähr, så frambt han skulle sigh lengre i Stockholm uppehålla; därföre käre son lätt ingen mäniskia öfwertalla sigh där ifrån att koma hitt, ty han bedröfwar oss alt för mycket och fruchtar att han i sådant fall skulle hafva att förvänta litten progres i sina desseiner af Gud, därföre kär[e] barn lätt migh intte (intte) länger bedröfwas, uttan hugna migh att iagh får sij honom snart och lätt migh wetta huru han mår altid, där han länge skulle blifwa bortta, så wore däd mig ändå en tröst i min ängslan. Nu Gud beware honom till lif och siell; iagh ähr altid hans trogne frumoder

Elissabet Pfaltzg.

Excerpt from Princess Katarina of Sweden's letter to her son Count Karl Gustav, year circa 1634

Source:

Karl X Gustaf före tronbestigningen: Pfalzgrefven intill tronföljarvalet 1649, page 4, Hilding Rosengren, 1913

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89097396550&view=1up&seq=28&skin=2021

The letter excerpt:

Fürchte Gott undt Ehre dein obrigkeit, studir auch fleissig, dass du ie mehr fort kommen magst, undt halte dich in allen sachen zutig undt fein, auff dass du Gott undt menschen gefallen mögest, wo du dass dust, so solt du alzeit mein libes kindt sein...

H. l. son, vergess nicht brott zu Essn, dass du gesundt bleyben machst.

With modernised spelling:

Fürchte Gott und ehre dein Obrigkeit, studier auch fleißig, dass du ie [?] mehr fortkommen magst, und halte dich in allen Sachen zutig und fein, auf dass du Gott und Menschen gefallen mögest, wo du das tust, so sollt du allzeit mein liebes Kind sein...

Herzlieber Sohn, vergess nicht Brot zu essen, dass du gesund bleiben magst.

English translation (my own):

Fear God and honour your authorities, study also diligently that you may succeed, and keep yourself right and fine in all things, so that you may please God and people, whenever you do that, you will always be my dear child...

Darling son, don't forget to eat your bread that you will stay healthy.

Princess Katarina of Sweden's letter to her husband Count Palatine Johan Kasimir on the baptism of their youngest son Adolf Johan, dated October 22, 1629

Source:

Historisk bibliotek, volume 3, page 366, Bidrag till Historien om Pfalzgreven Hertig Adolf Johans sista lefnadsår och familjeförhållanden, article written by O. v. Feilitzen, 1877

http://runeberg.org/histbib/3/0125.html

Utkast till en teckning af Carl X Gustafs uppfostran I, page 221, article written by Otto von Feilitzen for Paedagogisk Tidskrift, volume 7, H. F. Hult and Ernst G. F. Olbers, 1871

https://books.google.com/books?id=K2E_0aLzXG8C&dq=pfalzgrefvinnan+catharina+bref&source=gbs_book_similarbooks

Above: Princess Katarina of Sweden, Countess Palatine consort, painted by Jakob Heinrich Elbfas.

Above: Count Palatine Johan Kasimir of Palatinate-Zweibrücken, painted by David Beck.

The letter:

— — danck E L für die gutte wünsch vndt dancksagung zu Gott, so E L vber mir vndt dass kindt tun; Gott der almechtige wolle ess gnedig erfüllen, den wir mehr als vil vrsach haben im zu dancken für alle seine erzeigte woltat in dissem vndt in alle andere guttat, so er uns reichlich erzeigt, sunderlich dass er mich so gnedig beygestanden ist vndt mich aber so wol geholffen hatt, dass wir erfrewdt worden seindt mitt ein wolgestaltes kindt; Gott lass vns nu die gnade haben dass er in die krishtliche kirge balt möge inge[p]flantzt werden, vndt er wie auch die andere vnssere kinder möge so aufferzogen werden, dass sie in der rechte wahre erkantnis in seinen wort kommen mögen, dan haben sie den besten schatz bekommen, welches kein rost oder mad verzeren wirdt; Gott vmb sein barmhertzigkeit lass inen vnd vns allen dass behalten biss in vnser letztes end, vndt erleuchte dero hertzen, die noch in missverstandt sein, sunsten H L herr sol E L mich sampt dass kindt nu zimlich wol wissen — — — — — — — — — — — — —

— sunsten H L herr bitt E L ich sie wollen doch balt kommen auff dass vnsser kindt möchte getaufft werden, mitt dem panckhet mach ess werden wie die zeit vordert, aber mitt der tauff so lang zu warten ist geferlich, E L können welche in die geuattern stet verordnen, vndt dar nach inen bitten zum kirg gang, welche nicht ehr 6 wochen ist, als den 22 november; dass E L vermeinen den könig vndt die königin zu bitten ist mir sehr lieb, die breut (!) sehns aber nicht gehrn; halt wol ir M werden nicht kommen, weil man sagt ir M seindt nach dem Kuper berg verreist; E L berichten mich wehr geuatter werden sol vndt wie E L meinen dass vnsser kindt heissen sol; wo E L ess gutt befünden, so düncht mich der nam wehr mir lieb Adloffus (!) Johann[e]s nach dem könig vndt E L, den die beyde nam lieb ich für alle andre, weil ich Gott lob Carl Gustaff schon hab; Gott bewahre sie alle beyde — — — — — — — — — — — — —

With modernised spelling:

— — [Ich] danke Eure Liebden für die gute Wünsch und Danksagung zu Gott, so Eure Liebden über mir und das Kind tun; Gott der Allmächtige wolle es gnädig erfüllen, denn wir mehr als viel Ursach haben Ihm zu danken für alle seine erzeigte Wohltat in diesem und in alle andere Guttat, so er uns reichlich erzeigt, sonderlich dass Er mich so gnädig beigestanden ist und mich aber so wohl geholfen hatt, dass wir erfreudt worden sein mit ein wohlgestaltetes Kind. Gott lasse uns nun die Gnade haben dass er in die christliche Kirche bald möge ingepflanzt werden, und er wie auch die andere unsere Kinder möge so auferzogen werden, dass sie in der rechte, wahre Erkanntnis in seinen Wort kommen mögen, dann haben sie den besten Schatz bekommen, welches kein Rost oder Made verzerren wirdt. Gott um sein Barmherzigkeit lasse ihnen und uns allen das behalten bis in unser letztes Ende, und erleuchte dero Herzen, die noch in Missverstand sein, sonsten, herzlieber Herr, soll Eure Liebden mich samt das Kind nun ziemlich wohl wissen. — — — — — — — — — — — — —

— Sonsten, herzlieber Herr, bitte Eure Liebden ich sie wollen doch bald kommen auf dass unser Kind möchte getauft werden, mit dem Bankett mach es werden wie die Zeit fordert, aber mit der Tauf so lang zu warten ist gefährlich. Eure Liebden können welche in die Gevattern Stätte verordnen, und darnach ihnen bitten zum Kirche gang, welche nicht er 6 Wochen ist, als den 22. November. Dass Eure Liebden vermeinen den König und die Königin zu bitten ist mir sehr lieb, die Braut sehns aber nicht gern; halt wohl Ihre Majestät werden nicht kommen, weil man sagt Ihre Majestät seint nach dem Kopparberg verreist. Eure Liebden berichten mich wäre Gevatter werden soll und wie Eure Liebden meinen dass unser Kind heißen soll. Wo Eure Liebden es gut befinden, so dünkt mich der Name wäre mir lieb Adolphus Johannes, nach dem König und Eure Liebden, denn die beide Namen liebe ich vor alle Andre, weil ich, gottlob, Karl Gustav schon hab; Gott bewahre sie alle beide! — — — — — — — — — — — — —

English translation (my own):

— — I thank Your Lovingness for the good wishes and thanksgiving to God, as Your Lovingness does about me and the child; may God Almighty fulfill it graciously, for we have more than many reasons to thank Him for all His benefit in this and in all other good deeds which He shows us abundantly, especially that He has so graciously assisted me and helped me so well that we be delighted with a well-formed child. May God let us now have the grace that he may soon be planted in the Christian Church, and he, like our other children, may be brought up so as that they may come to the right, true knowledge in His Word, then they will have the best treasure that no rust or moth can devour. May God in His mercy let them and all of us keep this until our last end, and enlighten the hearts that are still in misunderstanding, otherwise, my dear Lord, Your Lovingness should now know me and the child fairly well. — — — — — — — — — — — — —

— Otherwise, beloved sir, I beg Your Lovingness to come soon so that our child can be baptised, with the banquet it will be as the time demands, but waiting so long with the baptism is dangerous. Your Lovingness can put someone in the godfathers' place, and then ask them to go to church, which is not 6 weeks from November 22nd. That Your Lovingness thinks to invite the King and Queen is very dear to me, but the children do not want to see it; His Majesty will not come, because it is said that he is leaving for Kopparberget. Your Lovingness tells me you would be godfather and how you think our child should be called. If Your Lovingness finds it good, I think the name Adolf Johan would be dear to me, after the King and Your Lovingness, because I love both these names above all others because, thank God, I already have Karl Gustav; God keep them both! — — — — — — — — — — — — —

The letter in full:

Hochgeborner fürst freundtlicher hertz vil geliebter herr E L 2 schreiben, Eins von 8 vndt dass ander von 15 seindt mir wol zukommen, auss welchem ich mitt frewden vernomen dass E L noch bey gesundtheit seindt, gott Erhalte E L ferner vndt verley daß E L balt kommen möge, wolt E L gern auff dero brief andeworten, aber mein kop ist noch swach, tarf nicht vil schreiben. Danck E L für die gutte wünsch vndt dancksagung zu gott so E L vber mir vndt dass kindt tun, gott der almechtige wolle Ess gnedig Erfüllen, den wir mehr als vil vrsach haben im zu dancken für alle seine Erzeigte woltat in dissem vndt in alle andere guttat, so Er vns reichlich Erzeigt, sunderlich dass Er mich so gnedig beygestanden ist vndt mich aber so wol geholffen hatt, dass wir Erfrewdt worden seindt mitt Ein wolgestaltes kindt, gott lass vns nun die gnade haben dass Er in der krishtliche kirge balt möge inge[p]flantzt werden, vndt Er wie auch die ander vnsere kinder mögen so aufferzogen werden, dass sie in der rechte wahre Erkantnis in seinen wort kommen mögen, dan haben sie den besten schatz bekommen, welches kein rost oder mad verzeren wirdt, gott vmb sein barmhertzigkeit lass inen vndt vns allen dass behalten biss in vnser letztes End, undt Erleuchte dero hertzen, die noch in missverstandt sein, sunsten h l herr sol E L mich mitt sampt dass kindt nun zimlich wol wissen, ich hab bisser so Ein gros kopwehtum gehabt an lincke seite, wie auch an or, dass ich kein ruh schir gehabt hab, aber nun fengt dass or zu flissen, hoff Ess sol balt besser werden kan E L nicht verhalten vnsser klein mengen ist in al[l]em wol gestalt, allein in sein rechter aug, dass weise nebest dass swartz, so ist Ess wie ein breit strohalm rot, kan nicht wissen wo Ess im mag herkommen sein, gott lass Ess nur im nicht schade dass Ess grösser wirdt, bin sehr Engstig darumb, bitt E L wollen doch mitt dem stathalter davon rehden, den wo Er sein mutter nach schlegt so sol Er wol Etwass rath wissen, mitt marige will Ess sich auch nicht bessern, sie hatt nun in 14 dag 2 dag als noch Ein ander Ein anstos von fiber gehabt, doch den Einen dag merckt mans gar wenig, klagt nirgent nichts als im haubt, den Ersten dag ist Ess als gleich hart, gott weiss wass ich dun sol, gott der der bester artz ist helffe ir, sunsten h l herr bitt E L ich sie wollen doch balt kommen auff dass vnsser kindt möchte getaufft werden, mitt dem panckhet mach Ess werden wie die zeit vordert, aber mitt der tauff so lang zu warten ist geferlich, E L können welche in die gevattern stet verordnen, vndt darnach inen bitten zum kirg gang, welche nicht Ehr 6 wochen ist, als den 22 nowember, dass E L vermeinen den könig vndt die königin zu bitten ist mir sehr lieb, die breut sehns aber nicht gern, halt wol ir M werden nicht kommen, weil man sagt ir M seindt nach dem kuper berg verreist, E L berichten mich wehr gevatter werden sol vndt wie E L meinen dass, vnsser kindt heissen sol, wo E L Ess gutt befünden, so düncht mich der nam wehr mir lieb Adloffus iohann[e]s nach dem könig vndt E L, den die beyde nam lieb ich für al[l]e andre, weil ich gott lob Carl gustaff schon hab, gott bewahre sie alle beyde, wolte E L gern mehr schreiben, aber mein cop wil nicht mehr, sich E L nun die lengt dess vocht vndt schreibers, gott gebe Ess möchte nun richtig sein, ich hör hans casper ist kommen, aber die pest sol in sein wirdt haus gewessen sein, tarf nicht her kommen, verlangt mich zu hören wass Er verrichtet hatt, befelle nun hie mitt E L vndt vnss allen in gottes gnedliche schutz vndt schirm, der helffe vns mitt frewden zusammen wider, vndt wende allem vnfal, ich bin vndt verbleybe

Datum steckborg den 22 october 1629

E L

im hertzen getrewe dinstwilige gemahlin biss in den tot

Catharina P. S.

hertzen herr ich Erfrewe mich dass vetter Carl ludwig kommen ist vndt dass Er so fein sich anlest, gott gebe im bey dem könig besser glück als der bruder, kan E L nicht verhalten dass stinicke madlen sich beklagt dass man E L bericht hatt dass sie solte betrübt sein wegen der bescherte bruder, sie hatt im gar lieb, Carl, hatt wol Erst geweindt, aber nun hatt Er in auch lieb, aber Jungfraw anna tepeln, die ist vrsach zu der betrübnis, den sie hatt geweindt, ist Ein[e] gro[f]e nerin, wan recht betenckt.

Swedish translation (from source 2, by von Feilitzen):

Högborne Furste, hjertans aller käraste herre. E. K:s 2 skrifvelser, den ena af den 8 och den andra af den 15 äro mig riktigt tillhandakomna, af hvilka jag med glädje erfarit att E. K. ännu är vid god helsa. Gud bevare E. K. allt framgent och förläne att E. K. snart återkommer. Jag skulle gerna velat svara E. K. på dess bref, men mitt hufvud är ännu svagt och jag törs ej skrifva mycket. Jag tackar E. K. för den goda välönskan och tacksägelse till Gud, som E. K. gör öfver mig och barnet. Måtte Gud den allsmäktige höra den, ty vi hafve mer än mycket orsak att tacka honom för all bevisad barmhertighet, så i denna som i alla andra välgerningar, som han oss rikligen bevisat, särdeles att han mig så nådeligen bistått och så väl hjelpt, att vi blifvit hugnade med ett välskapadt barn. Gud låte oss nu få den nåden att det snart blifver inplanteradt i den kristna kyrkan, och att det liksom ock de andra våra barn måtte blifva så uppfostrade att de måtte komma till den rätta, sanna kunskapen om hans ord, då hafva de den bästa skatt bekommit, som hvarken rost eller mal förtär. Måtte Gud för sin barmhertighets skull låta dem och oss alla behålla den till vår sista stund, och upplysa deras hjertan, som ej ännu förstå uppskatta den.

För öfrigt Kärälsklige Herre skall E. K. mig tillika med barnet nu veta temligen raska. Jag har allt hitintills haft en så svår hufvudvärk på venstra sidan liksom också i örat, att jag knappt haft någon ro, men nu börjar örat att flyta, och jag hoppas snart blifva bättre. Jag kan ej underlåta att berätta för E. K. att vår lille gosse är i allo välbildad, utom det att i det högra ögat, det hvita närmest det svarta är liksom ett halmstrå bredt rödt. Jag kan ej veta, hvarifrån det kommit. Gud låte det blott icke skada honom, då han blir större. Jag är ganska ängslig derföre, och beder E. K. dock ville tala med ståthållaren derom, ty brås han på sin mor, så skall han nog veta något råd. Med Marigen vill det icke blifva bättre; hon har nu i 14 dagar två dagar efter hvarandra haft liksom en anstöt af feber, den ena dagen märker man det dock ganska litet. Hon klagar icke öfver ondt annat än i hufvudet, men den första dagen är det ganska svårt.

Gud vet hvad jag skall göra. Måtte Gud, som är den bäste läkaren hjelpa henne.

För öfrigt Kärälsklige Herre beder jag, att E. K. snart ville återkomma, på det vårt barn måtte blifva döpt. Med banquetten må det blifva som omständigheterna medgifva, men att så länge vänta med dopet är förfärligt. E. K. kan förordna hvilka som skola vara faddrar och derefter bjuda dem till kyrkotagningen, som icke sker förrän om 6 veckor, såsom den 22 November. Att E. K. ämnar bjuda konungen och drottningen är mig ganska kärt, barnen (?) se det icke gerna. Jag tror likväl icke att Hans M:t skall komma, emedan man säger, att H. M:t rest till Kopparberget. Berätta mig, E. K., hvilka, som skola vara faddrar, och huru E. K. tycker att vårt barn skall heta. Om E. K. finner det för godt, så tyckes mig dessa namn vara mig kära, Adolf Johan efter konungen och E. K., ty de båda namnen älskar jag framför alla andra, emedan jag Gudi lofvad, redan har Carl Gustaf. Gud bevare dem båda. Jag ville gerna skrifva längre till E. K., men mitt hufvud vill ej tillåta mera.

Jag skickar E. K. nu fogdens och skrifvarens uppsats. Gifve Gud att den måtte vara riktig. Jag hör att Hans Casper är anländ, men pesten skall hafva varit i hans värdshus. Han törs derföre icke komma hit. Jag åstundar höra hvad han uträttat.

Befaller nu här med E. K. och oss alla i Guds nådiga beskydd och hägn. Måtte han föra oss åter med fröjd tillsamman och afvända all olyckshändelse. Jag är och förblifver

Datum Steckborg den 22 Oct. 1629.

E. K.

I hjertat trogna och intill döden tjenstvilliga gemål

Catharina P. S.

Hjertans Herre, jag fröjdar mig deröfver att kusin Carl Ludvig är kommen och att han skickar sig så väl. Gifve Gud honom bättre lycka hos konungen än brodern.

Jag kan ej underlåta att berätta E. K., att Stinicke Madlen beklagar sig deröfver att man skulle sagt E. K. att hon skulle vara bedröfvad för den beskärde broderns skull. Hon har honom ganska kär. Carl har väl i början gråtit, men nu är han honom också kär. Men jungfru Anna Tepeln, som är orsaken till bedröfvelsen, ty hon har gråtit, är, när man rätt betänker det, en stor toka.

English translation (my own; new and much better translation):

Well-born Prince, my beloved Lord,

Your Lovingness' two letters, one of the 8th and the other of the 15th, have come to me, from which I have happily learned that Your Lovingness is still in good health. May God preserve Your Lovingness all the time to come and grant that Your Lovingness will return soon. I should like to answer Your Lovingness on your letter, but my head is still weak and I dare not write much. I thank Your Lovingness for the good wishes and thanksgiving to God that Your Lovingness makes for me and the child. May God Almighty hear it, for we have more than enough reason to thank Him for all his shown mercy, so in this as in all other good deeds, which He has abundantly proved to us, especially that He has so graciously assisted and so well helped me, that we have been blessed with a perfect Child. May God now let us have the grace that he will soon be implanted in the Christian Church, and may he, like our other Children, be brought up so as that they may come to the right, true knowledge of His word, then they shall have obtained the best treasure, which neither rust nor moths can consume. May God, for the sake of His mercy, let them and all of us keep it until our last moment, and enlighten their hearts, who do not yet understand or appreciate it!

By the by, beloved Lord, Your Lovingness, together with the Child, should now know me rather quickly. I have so far had such an awful headache, on the left side as well as in the ear, that I have hardly had any peace, but now the ear is starting to have its flow, and I hope to get better soon. I cannot fail to tell Your Lovingness that our little Boy is on the whole well-formed, except that in the right eye, the white closest to the black is like a straw, wide and red. I do not know where it came from. But may God not let it hurt him when he is big. I am quite anxious about that, and ask Your Lovingness to speak to the governor about it, for he is angry with his mother, so he should probably know some advice. With Mariechen she does not seem to be getting better; she has now for 14 days — two days in a row — had an outburst of fever, one day one noticed it quite a bit. She does not complain of pain other than in her head, but on the first day it was quite difficult.

God knows what I shall do. May God, who is the best doctor, help her!

By the by, beloved Lord, I pray that Your Lovingness will come back soon so that our Child might be baptised. With the banquet, it may be as the circumstances allow, but to wait so long with the baptism is awful. Your Lovingness can appoint who should be sponsors and then invite them to the church service, which does not take place until in 6 weeks, such as November 22nd. That Your Lovingness intends to invite the King and Queen means a great deal to me, the children do not want to see it. I still do not believe that His Majesty will come, because it is said that His Majesty has traveled to Kopparberget. Tell me, Your Lovingness, who should be the sponsors, and what Your Lovingness thinks our Child's name should be. If Your Lovingness finds it good, then these names seem to me to be dearest to me: Adolf Johan, after the King and Your Lovingness, for I love both names above all others, as, thank God, I already have Karl Gustav. God preserve them both. I wanted to write longer to Your Lovingness, but my head does not allow more.

I am now sending Your Lovingness the essay of the bailiff and the clerk. God grant it may be right. I hear that Hans Casper has arrived, but the plague must have been at his inn. He therefore dares not come here. I do wish to hear what he has accomplished.

I now hereby commend Your Lovingness and all of us in God's gracious protection. May He bring us joyfully together again and avert all misfortune! I am and remain

Your Lovingness'

Faithful with all my heart and dutiful wife unto death

Katarina, Princess of Sweden.

Stegeborg, October 22, 1629.

Beloved Lord, I am glad that cousin Karl Ludwig has arrived and that he is doing so well. May God give him better luck with the King than his brother.

I cannot fail to tell Your Lovingness that Stinicke Madlen regrets that Your Lovingness was told that she would be upset because of her new brother. She quite loves him. Karl did cry at first, but now he loves him too. But Miss Anna Tepeln, who is the cause of the grief, for she has cried, is, when one thinks about it, a great fool.

Notes: schlegt = schlecht.

Marigen (Mariechen) = Katarina's daughter Marie Euphrosyne.

dero = derer.

Stätte = Statt (stead, place).

darnach = danach (thereafter).

Stinicke Madlen = Christina Magdalena, Katarina's eldest child and eldest daughter.

Anne Pecke's letter to her brother Sir Julius Caesar, dated October 13, 1629

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 3, volume 4, page 201, edited by Henry Ellis, 1846

https://archive.org/details/originallettersn3s04elliuoft/page/200/mode/2up

The letter:

RIGHT HONNORABLE,

And my moste louing deare Brother, I beseech you be not angry with me, but help me now, for I ame much greued and trowbled in my mind. I did giue my bonnd for one of my sonnes, which is now with the Lorde; the dett was twenty pound, but I haue, I thanke God, so much prevalled with Mistres Downes, to whom the monny is dow, that shee is contynted to take eyght pound and delyver me my bonnd, and if it maye pleas your Honnor to paye this eyght pound I shallbe euer bound to you, as alwayes I haue binn, to praye contynually to God for you and yours. I doo assure you vppon my fayth and creadet I neuer ded the lick in my life, nor neuer will agayne; sweete Brother, now help me, and I vowe to God I will neuer trooble you to pay eny dette for me so long as I leve agayne, so resting vppon your loue and fauour, I caese; with my prayrs to God for your Honnor, and your vertues ladye, and all yours.

Your Honnor's pour sister,

ANNE PECKE.

This messinger is my land lord

wher i ly, Mr. Stryckher.

To the right honn:able Sir Julys Cæsar,

Master of the Roulles.

With modernised spelling:

RIGHT HONOURABLE,

And my most loving dear brother, I beseech you be not angry with me, but help me now, for I am much grieved and troubled in my mind. I did give my bond for one of my sons, which is now with the Lord; the debt was twenty pound, but I have, I thank God, so much prevailed with Mistress Downes, to whom the money is due, that she is contented to take eight pound and deliver me my bond, and if it may please Your Honour to pay this eight pound I shall be ever bound to you, as always I have been, to pray continually to God for you and yours. I do assure you upon my faith and credit I never did the like in my life, nor never will again; sweet brother, now help me, and I vow to God I will never trouble you to pay any debt for me so long as I live again, so resting upon your love and favour, I cease; with my prayers to God for Your Honour, and Your Virtue's lady, and all yours.

Your Honour's poor sister,

ANNE PECKE.

This messenger is my landlord

wher I lie, Mr. Strycker.

To the right honourable Sir Julius Caesar,

Master of the Rolls.

Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia's letter to her father King James VI of Scotland and I of England, dated November 13/23, 1620

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 1, volume 3, page 112, edited by Henry Ellis, 1825

https://archive.org/details/2edoriginallettersi03elliuoft/page/112/mode/2up

Above: Elizabeth Stuart, princess of England, queen consort of Bohemia and electress of the Palatinate, painted by an artist of the workshop of Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt.

Above: Friedrich V, king of Bohemia and elector of the Palatinate, artist unknown.

Above: King James I and VI, painted by Sir Anthony van Dyck.

The letter:

SIRE

Je ne veux importuner V. M. d'un trop longue Lettre. Le Baron de Dona ne faudra d'informer V. M. du malheur qui nous est arrivé, et nous a contraint de quitter Prague et venir en ce lieu icy, ou Dieu sait combien nous y demeureronts. Je supplie donc tres-humblement V. M. d'avoir soing du Roy et de moy en nous envoyant du secours, autrement, nous serons du tout ruinez. Il ny a que V. M. apres Dieu de qui nous attendons ayde. Je la remercie treshumblement de la favorable declaration qu'il luy a pleu faire pour la conservation du Palatinat. Je la supplie treshumblement de faire le mesme pour nous icy, et nous envoyer un bon secours pour nous defendre contre nos ennemis; autrement je ne say se que nous deviendrons. Je la supplie donc encore d'avoir pitie de nous et de n'abandoner le Roy a cest heur qu'il en a si grand besoing. Pour mois, je suis resolue de ne le quitter, car si il perit je periroy aussy avec luy: mais quoy qu'il m'arrive je ne seray jamais jamais autre que

Sire

de V. M.

la treshumble et tres obeissante

fille et servante

ELIZABETH.

Bresla ce 23/13 de Novembre.

Au Roy.

With modernised spelling:

SIRE,

Je ne veux importuner Votre Majesté d'un trop longue lettre. Le baron de Dohna ne faudra d'informer Votre Majesté du malheur qui nous est arrivé, et nous a contraint de quitter Prague et venir en ce lieu ici, ou Dieu sait combien nous y demeurerons. Je supplie donc très humblement Votre Majesté d'avoir soin du Roi et de moi en nous envoyant du secours, autrement, nous serons du tout ruinés. Il n'y a que Votre Majesté après Dieu de qui nous attendons aide. Je la remercie très humblement de la favorable declaration qu'il lui a plu faire pour la conservation du Palatinat. Je la supplie très humblement de faire le même pour nous ici, et nous envoyer un bon secours pour nous défendre contre nos ennemis; autrement je ne sais ce que nous deviendrons. Je la supplie donc encore d'avoir pitié de nous et de n'abandonner le Roi à cette heure qu'il en a si grand besoin. Pour moi, je suis résolue de ne le quitter, car si il périt, je périrais aussi avec lui: mais quoiqu'il m'arrive, je ne serai jamais, jamais autre que

Sire

de Votre Majesté

la très humble et très obéissante

fille et servante

ELIZABETH.

Breslau ce 23/13 de novembre.

Au Roi.

English translation:

SIRE

I do not wish to importune your Majesty with a very long Letter. The Baron De Dona will not fail to inform your Majesty of the misfortune that has befallen us, and which has compelled us to leave Prague, and to come to this place, where God knows how long we shall be able to remain. I, therefore, most humbly entreat your Majesty to protect the King and myself by sending us succour; otherwise we shall be brought to utter ruin. It is your Majesty alone, next to Almighty God, from whom we expect assistance. I most humbly thank your Majesty for the favorable declaration you have been pleased to make respecting the preservation of the Palatinate. I most humbly entreat you to do the same for us here, and to send is sufficient succour to defend ourselves against our enemies: otherwise I do not know what will become of us. I, therefore, again entreat your Majesty to have compassion on us, and not to abandon the King at this hour, when he is in such great need. As to myself, I am resolved not to leave him: for if he should perish, I will perish also, with him. But whatever may happen, never, never shall I be other than,

Sire,

Your Majesty's

Most humble and most obedient

daughter and Servant

ELIZABETH.

Breslaw

23/13 November.

To the King.

Elizabeth Stuart, Princess Palatine's letter to Sir Julius Caesar, dated January 6, 1615

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 3, volume 4, page 182, edited by Henry Ellis, 1846

https://archive.org/details/originallettersn3s04elliuoft/page/182/mode/2up

Above: Elizabeth Stuart, princess of England, queen consort of Bohemia and electress of the Palatinate, painted by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger.

The letter:

Good Sir Julius Cæsar, I have a requeast vnto you in the behalfe of one of my seruants, her name is Sandill, whome I employ about my litle sonne, and have found her cairfull and dilligent attendance such as I must acknowledge. She hath a yong sonne in England, to whom by the death of his grandfather is fallen some inheritance, which by reason of his yong yeares, and his mothers absence, is lyke to be impaired by his vnkynd vncles, who also may most probably be thought to shew a Will for their owne aduantage, and not that which was last made by the deceased. There are many reasons wherby this may seruants sonne semeth to be ill vsed, and his grandfather, to whom he is heire, dying so wealthy as I vnderstand, my thinke there is no reason but he should have better then this Will is shewed doeth afford him. I do therefore most earnestly entreat you for my sake that if the bussines doeth come before you, as you shall be informed therein by them who shal come vnto you, that this lad may have his right, and what fauour as you can afford. I ame so fully persuaded of your affection and am so ressented the effects of it, that I do vndoubtedly assure my selfe of your fauourable assistance herein. I shal see in the good successe of this busines your desyre to second my suite, and my seruants good, wherin you shal oblige me infinitly, and shal acknowledge it amonst your other courtesies, amonst which I giue you most kynd thanks for your caire and good meanes as true affection to testifie my gratitude, as by al occasions you shal knowe that I am and shal constantly remaine

Your most affectionate frend,

ELIZABETH.

To Sir Julius Cæsar.

With modernised spelling:

Good Sir Julius Caesar, I have a request unto you in the behalf of one of my servants, her name is Sandill, whom I employ about my little son, and have found her careful and diligent attendance such as I must acknowledge. She hath a young son in England, to whom by the death of his grandfather is fallen some inheritance, which by reason of his young years, and his mother's absence, is like to be impaired by his unkind uncles, who also may most probably be thought to shew a will for their own advantage, and not that which was last made by the deceased. There are many reasons whereby this my servant's son seemeth to be ill-used, and his grandfather, to whom he is heir, dying so wealthy as I understand, methinks there is no reason but he should have better than this will is shewed doth afford him. I do therefore most earnestly entreat you for my sake that if the business doth come before you, as you shall be informed therein by them who shall come unto you, that this lad may have his right, and what favour as you can afford. I am so fully persuaded of your affection and am so resented the effects of it, that I do undoubtedly assure myself of your favourable assistance herein. I shall see in the good success of this business your desire to second my suite, and my servant's good, wherein you shall oblige me infinitely, and shall acknowledge it amongst your other courtesies, amongst which I give you most kind thanks for your care and good means as true affection to testify my gratitude, as by all occasions you shall know that I am and shall constantly remain

Your most affectionate friend

ELIZABETH.

To Sir Julius Caesar.

Notes: shew = to show.

resent = to feel.

Elizabeth Stuart, Princess Palatine's letter to Sir Julius Caesar, dated August 20, 1613

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 3, volume 4, page 180, edited by Henry Ellis, 1846

https://archive.org/details/originallettersn3s04elliuoft/page/180/mode/2up

Above: Elizabeth Stuart, princess of England, future queen consort of Bohemia and electress of the Palatinate, painted by Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt.

The letter:

Good Sir Julius Ceaser, if you bee remembred, I did send you a note signed with my owne hand the 10th of this present moneth, containinge the number and prises of rings which, as tokens of my affection, I have bestowed vppon my frends. Now doe I send you an other bill which shall shewe you the number and prices of rings distributed amongst those who takinge theare leave did require som token, which I could not denie, and havinge nothinge to confer, was constrained to make Jacob Hardret my Jeweller furnish me with these rings, which I do acknowledg by my signe apposed to this last bill, to have receaved and given awaie. You doe know that it is fitting for my quallitie at the time of my partinge from my naturall countrie to leave som small remembrance of me amongst my affectionate frends, but that any thinge employed for my vse should not rest vnpaied doeth not well becom my quallitie, and thearfore beinge fullie perswaded of your affection towards mee, in such sort that you will never suffer my name to come in question for anie debt contracted by me, I do earnestlie intreate you to cause see these billes payed and discharged so sone as may bee for my respect, because all these tokens have bin given with mine owne hand, I am assured his Ma:tie shall allow you in soe doinge. This messenger expecteth yor answere, which I pray you lett be sent me with all expedition, and in recompence you shall ever find me redie to prove

Yor good frend,

ELIZABETH.

From Canterburey,

the 20th of August, 1613.

To her honourable frend, Sr Julius Cesar, knt, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

With modernised spelling:

Good Sir Julius Caesar, if you be remembered, I did send you a note signed with my own hand the 10th of this present month, containing the number and prices of rings which, as tokens of my affection, I have bestowed upon my friends. Now do I send you another bill which shall shew you the number and prices of rings distributed amongst those who taking their leave did require some token, which I could not deny, and having nothing to confer, was constrained to make Jacob Hardret my Jeweller furnish me with these rings, which I do acknowledge by my sign apposed to this last bill, to have received and given away. You do know that it is fitting for my quality at the time of my parting from my natural country to leave some small remembrance of me amongst my affectionate friends, but that anything employed for my use should not rest unpaid doth not well become my quality and therefore being fully persuaded of your affection towards me, in such sort that you will never suffer my name to come in question for any debt contracted by me, I do earnestly entreat you to cause see these bills paid and discharged so soon as may be for my respect, because all these tokens have been given with mine own hand, I am assured His Majesty shall allow you in so doing. This messenger expecteth your answer, which I pray you let be sent me with all expedition, and in recompence you shall ever find me ready to prove

Your good friend,

ELIZABETH.

From Canterbury,

the 20th of August, 1613.

To her honourable friend, Sir Julius Caesar, knight, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Note: shew = to show.

sort = way, manner.

suffer = to allow.

Princess Elizabeth Stuart's letter to her brother Prince Henry Stuart after finding out about the Gunpowder Plot to assassinate her father and his council and put her on the throne as a Catholic puppet queen under the regency of the conspirators, dated November 1605

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 1, volume 3, page 91, edited by Henry Ellis, 1825

https://archive.org/details/2edoriginallettersi03elliuoft/page/90/mode/2up

Above: Elizabeth Stuart, princess of England and future queen of Bohemia, painted by Robert Peake the Elder.

Above: Henry, Prince of Wales, painted by Robert Peake the Elder.

The letter:

MONSIEUR MON CHER FRERE

Je ne doubte pas que vous n'ayez rendu graces a nostre bon Dieu, de la delivrance qu'il nous a donneé comme jay aussy fait et fais en mon particulier, mais je veux joindre mes voeuz auls vostre, et dire avec vous. Si le Seigneur est pour nous, qui sera contre nous, en sa garde je ne craindray cien que l'homme puisse faire. C'est de vous mon cher frere de qui j'attends des nouvelles. Les miennes sont fort bonnes. Graces a Dieu, fort desireuse de vous faire agreable service, et d'estre si heureuse d'avoir voz boonnes graces, comme estant

Monsieur mon cher frere

Vostre humble sœur a

vous servir

ELIZABETH.

A Monsieur

Monsieur le Princè.

With modernised spelling:

MONSIEUR MON CHER FRÈRE,

Je ne doute pas que vous n'ayez rendu grâces à notre bon Dieu de la délivrance qu'il nous a donnée, comme j'ai aussi fait et fais en mon particulier, mais je veux joindre mes vœux aux vôtres et dire avec vous. Si le Seigneur est pour nous, qui sera contre nous? En sa garde je ne craindrai rien que l'homme puisse faire. C'est de vous, mon cher frère, de qui j'attends des nouvelles. Les miennes sont fort bonnes. Grâces à Dieu, fort désireuse de vous faire agréable service, et d'être si heureuse d'avoir vos bonnes grâces, comme étant,

Monsieur mon cher frère,

Votre humble sœur à

vous servir

ELIZABETH.

A Monsieur

Monsieur le Prince.

English translation (my own):

Sir my dear brother,

I have no doubt that you have given thanks to our good Lord for the deliverance He has given us, as I have also done and do in my particular, but I want to join my wishes to yours and say with you. If the Lord is for us, who will be against us? In His care I will not fear anything that man may do. It is from you, my dear brother, from whom I am awaiting news. Mine is very good. Thanks be to God, eager to do you an agreeable service, and to be so happy to have your good graces, I am,

Sir my dear brother,

Your humble sister to

serve you

Elizabeth.

To the Prince.

Princess Elizabeth Stuart's letter to her brother Prince Henry Stuart, year 1605

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 1, volume 3, page 90, edited by Henry Ellis, 1825

https://archive.org/details/2edoriginallettersi03elliuoft/page/90/mode/2up

Above: Elizabeth Stuart, princess of England and future queen of Bohemia, painted by Robert Peake the Elder.

Above: Henry, Prince of Wales, painted by Robert Peake the Elder.

The letter:

WORTHY PRINCE AND MY DEAREST BROTHER:

I received your most welcom Letter and kynd token by M.r Hopkins, highly esteeming them as delightfull memorialls of your brotherly love. In which assuredly (whatsoever ells may fayle) I will ever endevor to equall you, esteeming that time happiest when I enjoyed your company, and desiring nothing more than the fruition of it again: that as nature hath made us neerest in our love together, so accident might not separate us from living together. Neither do I account yt the leste part of my present comfort, that though I am deprived of your happy presence, yet I can make these lines deliver this true message, that I will ever bee during my lyfe

Your most kinde

and loving syster

ELIZABETH.

To my most dear

brother the Prince.

With modernised spelling:

WORTHY PRINCE AND MY DEAREST BROTHER:

I received your most welcome letter and kind token by Mr. Hopkins, highly esteeming them as delightful memorials of your brotherly love. In which assuredly (whatsoever else may fail) I will ever endeavour to equal you, esteeming that time happiest when I enjoyed your company, and desiring nothing more than the fruition of it again: that as nature hath made us nearest in our love together, so accident might not separate us from living together. Neither do I account it the least part of my present comfort, that though I am deprived of your happy presence, yet I can make these lines deliver this true message, that I will ever be during my life

Your most kind

and loving sister

ELIZABETH.

To my most dear

brother the Prince.

Princess Elizabeth Stuart's letter to her brother Prince Henry Stuart, year circa 1605

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 1, volume 3, page 89, edited by Henry Ellis, 1825

https://archive.org/details/2edoriginallettersi03elliuoft/page/88/mode/2up

Above: Elizabeth Stuart, princess of England and future queen of Bohemia, painted by Robert Peake the Elder.

Above: Henry, Prince of Wales, painted by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger.

The letter:

My most worthy and dearest Brother: I geve you a million of thankes for the servant you sent mee, but more for your kinde Letter, takyng few thinges so joyfully as to hear of your health, and though I cannot requite you with so pleasant a token, yet are these few lines a testymony of the affection of her whome you shall ever constantly finde

Yor most loving sister

ELIZABETH.

To my good brother

the Prince.

With modernised spelling:

My most worthy and dearest Brother: I give you a million of thanks for the servant you sent me, but more for your kind letter, taking few things so joyfully as to hear of your health, and though I cannot requite you with so pleasant a token, yet are these few lines a testimony of the affection of her whom you shall ever constantly find

Your most loving sister

ELIZABETH.

To my good brother

the Prince.

Princess Elizabeth Stuart's letter to her father King James VI of Scotland and I of England, year circa 1605

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 1, volume 3, page 89, edited by Henry Ellis, 1825

https://archive.org/details/2edoriginallettersi03elliuoft/page/88/mode/2up

Above: Elizabeth Stuart, princess of England and future queen of Bohemia, painted by Robert Peake the Elder.

Above: King James IV of Scotland and I of England, painted by a follower of John de Critz.

The letter:

SIRE

L'esperance que jay de vous voir bien tost et d'avoir l'honneur de recepvoir voz commandemens m'empeschera de vous faire ma lettre plus longue que pour baiser tres humblement les mains de vostre Majeste en quallite

Sire

de

Vostre treshumble

fille a vous servir

ELIZABETH.

With modernised spelling:

SIRE,

L'espérance que j'ai de vous voir bientôt et d'avoir l'honneur de recevoir vos commandements m'empêchera de vous faire ma lettre plus longue que pour baiser très humblement les mains de Votre Majesté en qualité,

Sire,

de

Votre très humble

fille à vous servir

ELIZABETH.

English translation (my own):

Sire,

The hope that I have to see you soon and to have the honour of receiving your commandments will prevent me from writing my letter to you any longer than to very humbly kiss the hands of Your Majesty in quality,

Sire,

of

Your most humble

daughter to serve you

Elizabeth.

Countess Lettice Knollys of Essex's letter to Secretary Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury to join the Lords of the Council in petitioning Queen Elizabeth I not to sign the warrant for her son Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex's execution, dated February 1601

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 1, volume 3, page 55, edited by Henry Ellis, 1825

https://archive.org/details/2edoriginallettersi03elliuoft/page/54/mode/2up

Above: Lettice Knollys, Countess of Essex, painted by George Gower.

Above: Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, painted by unknown artist after John de Critz the Elder.

Above: Queen Elizabeth I of England, artist unknown.

Above: Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, painted by a member of the studio of Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger.

The letter:

SIR,

Although the awnswere I receved from you two daies since gave mee small incouragement to flatter my self that anie importunity I could make should bee able to appease the scandall you had conceaved to bee geven you by my unfortunat husband: yet hade it not pleased God to powre uppon mee one affliction after an other, and to add to the immesurable sorrowes of my harte so violent a sicknes as I am not able of my self to stur out of my bed, I had presented unto your vew the image of the importunate Widow mentioned in the Scriptur, and had never ceased to pester you with my complaines till you had afforded me some assurance that, whatsoever respects might dehorte you from so much as wishinge my husband's good, yet that an afflicted and wofull lady should not wholly loose her labor, or returne desperate of such comforts at the last yeare you so honorably ministred unto mee in a great affliction though differinge from this in qualitie. As I receaved then such noble curtesies from you as must never bee forgotten; so bee perswaded, I beseech you, that whatsoever new favor you shall now be pleased to add to the old, shall so binde mee to reverence of your vertues as I will resolve to recken my self a bankcrout till I have yeelddid some demonstrative testimonie of the best thankfullnes that the honestest harte can expresse for the worthest benefitt. Honorable Sir, I know there bee private causes to discourage mee from movinge you heerin: yet, seeinge the highest providence hath placed you in a callinge most propper to bee a mene for my comforte, and that former experiance hath tought me that you are rather inclyned to doe good then to looke allway to private interest, I beseech you, even for your vertues sake, performe this noble office for mee as to joyne with the rest of your LL.ps of the Councell in presentinge my humblest supplicacion to her Majestie. Bere Sir, I pray you, with theise tedious blotts from her feeble hand and sad sick harte that is stored with much thankfullnes and infinite best wishes unto you, who will ever rest

Your most beeholdinge poore

distressed frend

FRA: ESSEX.

And Mr Secretary even as you desire of God that your owne sonne never bee made orphane by the untimely or unnaturall death of his deere father, vouchsafe a relentinge to the not urginge if you may not to the hindringe of that fatell warrant for Execution, which if it bee once signed I shall never wish to breath one howre after.

To the right honorable

Mr. Secretary Cecil.

With modernised spelling:

SIR,

Although the answer I received from you two days since gave me small encouragement to flatter myself that any importunity I could make should be able to appease the scandal you had conceived to be given you by my unfortunate husband: yet had it not pleased God to pour upon me one affliction after another, and to add to the immeasurable sorrows of my heart so violent a sickness as I am not able of myself to stir out of my bed, I had presented unto your view the image of the importunate widow mentioned in the Scripture, and had never ceased to pester you with my complain[t]s till you had afforded me some assurance that, whatsoever respects might dehort you from so much as wishing my husband's good, yet that an afflicted and woeful lady should not wholly lose her labour, or return desperate of such comforts at the last year you so honourably ministered unto me in a great affliction, though differing from this in quality. As I received then such noble courtesies from you as must never be forgotten; so be persuaded, I beseech you, that whatsoever new favour you shall now be pleased to add to the old, shall so bind me to reverence of your virtues as I will resolve to reckon myself a bankrupt till I have yielded some demonstrative testimony of the best thankfulness that the honestest heart can express for the worthiest benefit. Honourable Sir, I know there be private causes to discourage me from moving you herein: yet, seeing the highest Providence hath placed you in a calling most proper to be a mean[s] for my comfort, and that former experience hath taught me that you are rather inclined to do good then to look always to private interest, I beseech you, even for your virtue's sake, perform this noble office for me as to join with the rest of your LL.ps (?) of the Council in presenting my humblest supplication to Her Majesty. Bear, Sir, I pray you, with these tedious blots from her feeble hand and sad, sick heart that is stored with much thankfulness and infinite best wishes unto you, who will ever rest

Your most beholding, poor,

distressed friend

FRA: ESSEX.

And Mr. Secretary, even as you desire of God that your own son never be made orphan by the untimely or unnatural death of his dear father, vouchsafe a relenting to the not urging, if you may not to the hindering of that fatal warrant for execution, which if it be once signed I shall never wish to breathe one hour after.

To the right honourable

Mr. Secretary Cecil.

Notes: dehort = to dissuade.

office = service.

rest = to remain.

beholding = beholden, obligated.

Anne of Denmark's letter to her husband King James VI of Scotland and I of England's favourite and possible lover Sir George Villiers, undated

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 1, volume 3, page 100, edited by Henry Ellis, 1825

https://archive.org/details/2edoriginallettersi03elliuoft/page/100/mode/2up

Above: Anne of Denmark, painted by Paul van Somer I.

Above: Sir George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, painted by Michiel J. van Miereveld.

The letter:

MY KIND DOG

Your Letter hath bin acceptable to me; I rest alreadie assured of your carefulnesse. Yow maye tell your Maister that the King of Dennemarke hath sent me tuelf faire mares, and as the bringer of them assures me, all great with foles, which I intend to put into Byfield Parke, where being the other daye a hunting I could find but verie few deare, but greate store of other cattle as I shall tell your Maister my self when I see him. I hope to meete you all at Woodstock at the time appointed, till when I wish you all happines and contentment.

ANNA R.

I thank yow for your paines taken in remembring the King for the pailing of me parke. I will doe you anie service I can.

To

Sir George Villiers.

With modernised spelling:

MY KIND DOG,

Your letter hath been acceptable to me; I rest already assured of your carefulness. You may tell your Master that the King of Denmark hath sent me twelve fair mares, and as the bringer of them assures me, all great with foals, which I intend to put into Byfield Park, where being the other day a-hunting I could find but very few deer, but great store of other cattle as I shall tell your Master myself when I see him. I hope to meet you all at Woodstock at the time appointed, till when I wish you all happiness and contentment.

ANNA R.

I thank you for your pains taken in remembering the King for the pailing of my park. I will do you any service I can.

To

Sir George Villiers.

Anne of Denmark's letter to her husband King James VI of Scotland and I of England, undated

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 1, volume 3, page 97, edited by Henry Ellis, 1825

https://archive.org/details/2edoriginallettersi03elliuoft/page/96/mode/2up

Above: Anne of Denmark, painted by John de Critz the Elder.

Above: King James VI and I, painted by John de Critz the Elder.

The letter:

SIR

As nothing is more wellcom to me then your Letters (for which I thank yow) so can they bring me no better tidings then of your good health (of me much desired) for I cease not to praye for the encrease and continuance of your good both of mynde and bodie, and thereof rest assured. So kissing your handes I remaine she that will ever love

Yow best

ANNE R.

With modernised spelling:

SIR,

As nothing is more welcome to me than your letters (for which I thank you), so can they bring me no better tidings than of your good health (of me much desired); for I cease not to pray for the increase and continuance of your good both of mind and body, and thereof rest assured. So, kissing your hands, I remain she that will ever love

You best,

ANNE R.

Danish translation (my own):

Herre,

Da intet er mere kærkomment for mig end Deres breve (som jeg takker Dem for), så kan de ikke bringe mig en bedre tidende end om Deres gode helbred (meget ønsket af mig); thi jeg holder ikke op med at bede om forøgelsen og fortsættelsen af Deres gode helbred både hos sindet og kroppen, og vær dog forsikret deraf. Så, kyssende Deres hænder, er jeg den, der altid vil elske Dem bedst,

Anne, Dronningen.

Esperanza Malchi's letter to Queen Elizabeth I of England, accompanying a present of certain articles of dress from Safiye, Valide Sultan of the Ottoman Empire at Constantinople, dated November 16, 1599

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 1, volume 3, page 52, edited by Henry Ellis, 1825

https://archive.org/details/2edoriginallettersi03elliuoft/page/52/mode/2up

The letter:

Alla serenissima Reggina de Ingelterra, Francia, et Iberna.

Como il Solle alumina con soi raggi sopra la terra, la virtu et grandeza di sua maesta si stende per tutto el universo, sin tanto che quelli que sonno di differente nacioni et legge desidreno servir sua maesta. Questo dico io per me, che essendo io Hebrea di legge et nacione diferente di sua maesta, da la prima hora che piache el Sr Iddio di mettere nel cuore di questa nostra serenissima Reggi[n]a Madre servirse di me, sempre sonno state desiderosa che me venisse hocasion di poter mustrar a sua Maesta questa mia vullunta. Fora che S. M. à mandato questo ill.mo Imbasiator in questo Regno con un presente per questa serenissima Reggina mia s.a in quanto si â volluto servir di me mi â trovato prôta. Et hora alla dispidicione di esso ill.mo Inbasiator la serenissima Reggina vullendo mustrar a sua maesta el amor che gliâ, manda a sua maesta con questo ill.mo Imbasiatore una veste, et une cintura, et doi faeiolli lavorati de horo, et tre lavorati di seta al uzanza di questo Regno, et un collar di perle et rubini; il tutto manda la ser.ma Reggina all ill.mo Sr. Imbasiator per mano del Sr Bostanggi Basi e' per mia mano gli ho consignato al ill.mo Sr. Imbasiator una corona di diamante gioia di sua ser.ta qualli dice piaæra â sua maesta portar per amor di lei et de la receputa dar aviso. Et per esser sua Maesta donna senza vergogna alcuna la posio hocupar con questo aviso il qual ê che trovandosi nel suo regno aque destillati fini de hogne sorte per la facia et hogli hodoriffere per le mani sua Maesta mi favorira mandarne per mia mano per il medesimo se si trovano nel suo Regno panini di seta ho di lana cosse stravaganti et convenienti per una tanta alta Reggina come lei sua Maesta potra mandarli che piu avera lei caro questo che qual si voglia gioia che sua Maesta gli posia mandar non altro sollo pregar il Sr Iddio gli dia vitoria di soi nemici et sempre sia S. M. prospera et fellice. Amen. Di Constantinopolli 16 Nov. 1599.

Umilissima di S. M.

ESPERANZA MALCHI.

English translation:

To the most serene Queen of England, France, and Ireland.

As the Sun with his rays shines upon the Earth, so the virtue and greatness of your Majesty extend over the whole Universe, so much so that those who are of different nations and laws desire to serve your Majesty. This I say as to myself, who being a Hebrew by law and nation, have, from the first hour that it pleased the Lord God to put into the heart of this our most serene Queen Mother to make use of my services, ever been desirous that an occasion might arise on which I might show that disposition which I cherish. Besides your Majesty having sent a distinguished Ambassador into this Kingdom, with a present for this most serene Queen my mistress, in as much as she has been willing to make use of my services, she has found me ready. And now at the departure of the noble Ambassador alluded to, the most serene Queen, wishing to prove to your Majesty the love she bears you, sends to your Majesty by the same illustrious Ambassador a robe and a girdle, and to kerchiefs wrought in gold, and three wrought in silk, after the fashion of this Kingdom, and a necklace of pearls and rubies; the whole the most serene Queen sends to the illustrious Ambassador by the hand of the Sieur Bostanggi Basi; and by my own hand I have delivered to the illustrious Ambassador a wreath of diamonds from the jewels of her Highness, which she says, your Majesty will be pleased to wear for the love of her, and give information of the receipt. And your Majesty being a Lady full of condescension, I venture to prefer the following request; namely that, since there are to be met with in your Kingdom distilled waters of every description for the face, and odiferous oils for the hands, your Majesty would favor me by transmitting some by my hand for this most serene Queen; by my hand, as, being articles for ladies, she does not wish them to pass through other hands. Likewise if there are to be had in your Kingdom cloths of silk or wool, articles of fancy suited for so high a Queen as my Mistress, your Majesty may be pleased to send them, as she will be more gratified by such objects than any valuable your Majesty could send her. I have nothing further to add, but to pray the Lord God that he may give your Majesty the victory over your enemies: and that your Majesty may ever be prosperous and happy. Amen. From Constantinople the 16th. November 1599.

Your Majesty's most humble

ESPERANZA MALCHI.

Elizabeth Russell's letter to her nephew Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, year 1594

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 1, volume 3, page 40, edited by Henry Ellis, 1825

https://archive.org/details/2edoriginallettersi03elliuoft/page/40/mode/2up

Above: Lady Elizabeth Russell, née Cooke, formerly Hoby, artist unknown.

Above: Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, painted by unknown artist after John de Critz the Elder.

The letter:

God comfort you, my Lord, when you woold as it pleased your Lordship to comfort my daunted spiritts which were so changed therby and sturred upp by your Lordships so honorable most kynde and unloked for visitacion, as turned melancoly into a sanguin. My Lord in trawth I am weak. Heat in the forpart of my hed unfaynedly, with shooting payen, and swimming brayne, maketh me, on my fayth, to feare a sodayne death, like to the Erle Dorset. Suer I am that I slepe litle, eate less, nor drank a draught of ale, bere, or wyne sins my comming to Windsor, but water and limmons, by phisitions advise. But in trawth I had clymed up and stoode from your Lordship's comming in, to your going owt, which made me faynt and sweat truly. Thus muche have I troubled your Lordship becawse I would not willingly deserve to be thought a dissembler or ipperitt. Becawse I here your Lordship meaneth to be gon early in the morning, I am bowld to send your pale thin cheecks a comfortable litle breckfast agaynst the contagion of this tyme. God bless yow, with the continuance of all helth and happiness as I woold to myself unfaynedly.

Your Lordships owld Awnt, of compleate

lxviij yeres, that will pray for your long lyfe

ELIZABETH RUSSELL douager.

With modernised spelling:

God comfort you, my Lord, when you would as it pleased Your Lordship to comfort my daunted spirits which were so changed thereby and stirred up by Your Lordship's so honourable most kind and unlocked for visitation, as turned melancholy into a sanguine. My Lord, in truth I am weak. Heat in the forepart of my head unfainedly, with shooting pain, and swimming brain maketh me, on my faith, to fear a sudden death, like to the Earl Dorset. Sure I am that I sleep little, eat less, nor drank a draught of ale, beer, or wine since my coming to Windsor, but water and lemons, by physician's advice. But in truth I had climbed up and stood from Your Lordship's coming in to your going out, which made me faint and sweat truly. Thus much have I troubled Your Lordship because I would not willingly deserve to be thought a dissembler or hypocrite. Because I hear Your Lordship meaneth to be gone early in the morning, I am bold to send your pale, thin cheeks a comfortable little breakfast against the contagion of this time. God bless you, with the continuance of all health and happiness as I would to myself unfainedly.

Your Lordship's old Aunt, of complete

LXVIII years, that will pray for your long life

ELIZABETH RUSSELL dowager.

Frances Cooke's letter to her brother-in-law William Cecil, 1st Lord Burghley complaining about Lady Frances Cheke taking precedence over her at court despite her being the younger daughter of a viscount, dated February 3, 1591

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 3, volume 4, page 95, edited by Henry Ellis, 1846

https://archive.org/details/originallettersn3s04elliuoft/page/94/mode/2up

The letter:

Righte honourable my very good Lorde, vnderstandinge that your Lordshipe hathe nowe the office of Lo. Marshall of Englande, I am moste humbly to beseche your Lo. that as you are honourabell your selfe, so it may please your Lo. to vouchsaffe your honourabell fauoure towardes my poore brother, and the howse we are come of, whiche as your Lo. best knowes, was once not lest honourabell, thought by misfortune nowe brought lowe, wherof it semeth by Lady Cheke, to whome I neuer gaue cause of just offence, takethe great aduantage, for she dothe not only offer me all the wronge and disgrace that she can in Courte, in takinge place a fore me, wher it becometh not me in modesty to striue for it, but she oppenly publisheth to euery body that I haue no place at all. Truly, my Lorde, I shoulde thinke my fortune hard and my deserts ill, if my hape fall out to be put doune by a woman of no greater byrthe, then I take my La. Cheke to be. I hope her Magesty and your Lordeshipe will make some deference betwixt our too byrthes, and I trust neuer hauinge offended her Magesty, that I shall receaue that gracious fauoure from her, as that I may stille posses the place I did in my Lorde my fathers life time, and euer scence his death, till of late, whiche place I touke was as a younger Vicounts daughter; wherin most humbly entreatinge your Lo. honourabell fauoure, withe my moste humbell dewty I take my leaue; hartely desiringe Allmighty God to geue your Lo. longe life and mutche happines. From my poore hous, nere Charing Crose, the iij. of February, 1591.

Your Lordshipes most humbell poore Sister in lawe,

FRANCES COOKE.

To the righte honourabull my especiall good Lorde, the Lorde H. Tresurer of Englande, geve this.

With modernised spelling:

Right honourable my very good Lord, understanding that Your Lordship hath now the office of Lord Marshal of England, I am most humbly to beseech Your Lordship that as you are honourable your self, so it may please Your Lordship to vouchsafe your honourable favour towards my poor brother, and the house we are come of, which as Your Lordship best knows, was once not less honourable, though by misfortune now brought low, whereof it seemeth by Lady Cheke, to whom I never gave cause of just offence, taketh great advantage, for she doth not only offer me all the wrong and disgrace that she can in Court, in taking place afore me, where it becometh not me in modesty to strive for it, but she openly publisheth to everybody that I have no place at all. Truly, my Lord, I should think my fortune hard and my desserts ill, if my hap fall out to be put down by a woman of no greater birth than I take my Lady Cheke to be. I hope Her Majesty and Your Lordship will make some deference betwixt our two births, and I trust never having offended Her Majesty, that I shall receive that gracious favour from her, as that I may still possess the place I did in my Lord my father's lifetime, and ever since his death, till of late, which place I took was as a younger Viscount's daughter; wherein most humbly entreating Your Lordship's honourable favour, with my most humble duty I take my leave; heartily desiring Almighty God to give Your Lordship long life and much happiness. From my poor house, near Charing Cross, the III. of February, 1591.

Your Lordship's most humble poor sister-in-law,

FRANCES COOKE.

To the right honourable my especial good Lord, the Lord H. Treasurer of England, give this.

Queen Elizabeth I of England's letter to her cousin King James VI of Scotland disavowing her having caused the execution of his mother Mary, Queen of Scots, dated February 14, 1586

Source:

Original letters illustrative of English history, series 1, volume 3, page 22, edited by Henry Ellis, 1825

https://archive.org/details/2edoriginallettersi03elliuoft/page/22/mode/2up

Above: Queen Elizabeth I of England, artist unknown.

Above: King James VI of Scotland, painted by either Adrian Vanson or Arnold Bronckorst.

Above: Mary, Queen of Scots, artist unknown.

The letter:

My deare Brother, I would you knewe (though not felt) the extreme dolor that overwhelms my mind, for that miserable accident which (far contrary to my meaninge) hath befalen. I have now sent this kinsman of mine whom ere now yt hath pleased yow to favor, to instruct yow trewly of that which ys to yerksom for my penne to tell yow. I beseche yow that as God and many moe knowe, how innocent I am in this case: so you will believe me, that yf I had bid ought I owld have bid by yt. I am not so bace minded that feare of any livinge creature or prince should make me afrayde to do that were just, or don to denye the same. I am not of so base a linage, nor cary so vile a minde. But, as not to disguise, fits not a Kinge, so will I never dissemble my actions, but cawse them shewe even as I ment them. Thus assuringe yourself of me, that as I knowe this was deserved, yet yf I had ment yt I would never laye yt on others shoulders; no more will I not damnifie my selfe, that thought yt not.

The circumstance yt may please yow to have of this bearer. And for your part, thincke yow have not in the World a more lovinge kinswoman, nor a more deare frend then my selfe; nor any that will watch more carefully to preserve yow and your estate. And who shall otherwise perswade you, judge them more partiall to others then yow. And thus in hast I leave to troble yow: besechinge God to send yow a longe Reign. The 14th of Feb. 1586.

Your most assured lovinge sister

and cosin

ELIZAB. R.

With modernised spelling:

My dear Brother, I would you knew (though not felt) the extreme dolour that overwhelms my mind, for that miserable accident which (far contrary to my meaning) hath befallen. I have now sent this kinsman of mine whom ere now it hath pleased you to favour, to instruct you truly of that which is too irksome for my pen to tell you. I beseech you that as God and many more know, how innocent I am in this case: so you will believe me, that if I had bid ought I would have bid by it. I am not so base-minded that fear of any living creature or prince should make me afraid to do that were just, or done to deny the same. I am not of so base a lineage, nor carry so vile a mind. But, as not to disguise fits not a King, so will I never dissemble my actions, but cause them shew even as I meant them. Thus assuring yourself of me, that as I know this was deserved, yet if I had meant it I would never lay it on others' shoulders; no more will I not damnify myself, that thought it not.

The circumstance it may please you to have of this bearer. And for your part, think you have not in the world a more loving kinswoman, nor a more dear friend than myself; nor any that will watch more carefully to preserve you and your estate. And who shall otherwise persuade you, judge them more partial to others than you. And thus in haste I leave to trouble you: beseeching God to send you a long reign. The 14th of February 1586.

Your most assured loving sister

and cousin

ELIZABETH R.

Notes: In accordance with the nobility's ideals in the early modern era, kings and queens considered themselves siblings; when talking to someone of a lower rank than their own, they would refer to that person as "my cousin", regardless of whether or not they were related.

dolour = pain.

bid = directed.

would have bid by it = would have abided by it.