IN MEMORIAM GUSTAVI ADOLPHI - MMXXIII

  To the memory of Gustavus Adolphus Karlsson of Vasa

*Nyköping, Sweden, 9th of December 1594 
 + Lützen, Saxony, 6th of November 1632

His spouse Mary Eleanor (next to the throne), their daughter Christina Augusta 
(in his arms), his right-hand man Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna (next to the throne),
 his courtiers and his people, his officers and soldiers, will always
 keep his memory alive, as long as Sweden and freedom exist.

Beloved ruler of nations and leader of armies,

consort, father, friend, and lover

We were lost when the dark descended 

and the light gathered into a storm 

You appeared like a sunlit morning 

at the winds of a world at war...

Inspired by thirst

for glory, on the field of battle quaffed

instead death's bitter draught.

The last word was missing in his epic song:

the word that crowns every achievement.

The mourners have done their duty, right or wrong:

they wrote it in blood and bereavement.

He left us when we (and he) expected it the least, 
in the prime of his life and at the climax of his career,
before he could be tarnished by the failing vigour of an older age
or by the corruption brought upon him by success. 
A single bullet, just like any other, 
suddenly struck his back and entered his noble chest, 
to quench a flame that never could or should have burned brighter.

Threnody for Gustavus Adolphus

Let the night never cease to call you 

Let the day nevermore be the same 

Though you've gone where we cannot find you 

in each heart you have set your name

Hero King, far you wander 

and long may your name be sung 

Through kingdoms of starlight 

and realms of the sun

Hero King, though you're hidden 

we're still guided by your light 

You're walking beside us 

a friend in the night

We were lost when the dark descended 

and the light gathered into a storm 

You appeared like a sunlit morning 

at the winds of a world at war

Hero King, far you wander 

and long may your name be sung 

Through kingdoms of starlight 

and realms of the sun

Hero King, though you're hidden 

we're still guided by your light

You're walking beside us 

a friend in the night

Hero King rising through the shadows 

like a star shining deep in its home 

You will dwell in our hearts forever 

Nevermore will we stand alone!!

With Christina and a board game of his conquests, 1632 in autumn, right before Lützen

Rida rida ranka! Letting Christina ride on his back, 

in happier days before the war

An acrylic painting of mine to commemorate the date