THE desire of glory did more and more encrease in the heart of Gustavus Adolphus King of Swethland , a Prince of a vast Spirit , after the many yeares Warre which by him was managed against the Crowne of Poland , in which he purchased great Fame unto himselfe amongst those People ; but if his body were then unexercised , his minde was not so , which busied about high Designes , did cheerefully covet to wage Warre against the House of Austria in Germany ; LIB. 1. 1629. a Kingdome not onely divided by the dissonancy of Religion , but exasperated by the new Government of the Austrian Officers of State ; who after the Peace made at Lubec , though they seemed to have received some sort of reliefe by the Disbanding of Eighteene Thousand of Walestein's Souldiers , which was done by the command of Caesar , and at the Peoples intreaties ; yet notwithstanding there being great store of Forces , remaining under the said Walestein , and those dispersed through every Province , with an unwonted forme of Government , though feare kept the hatred and suffering of the Subjects concealed , yet did not they , as likewise the Princes , cease to cast about how they might withdraw themselves from that yoake , the Cruelties whereof they could not endure .

But the greater their Conceptions were , the greater Consideration did they require , which made the King for the present forbeare to act his Resolves , and though by Walesteins ( aforesaid ) disbanding , and the Polachs alike disbanding the German Forces , he had furnish't himselfe with the best Souldiers of all those Troops ; and though he were fully informed of the condition , strengths , and inclinations of his neighbouring Potentates , having himselfe in Person not many yeares before gone unknowne to search out the estate of Germany and other Provinces , that he might discover how people stood affected , and of what strength the Princes and Haunce Townes were , yet he knew it was not yet time to take up those unripe resolutions , which being unadvisedly undertaken by the Prince Elector Palatine , by the King of Denmarke and others , had not brought forth that good effect , which doubtlesse was by many expected : being made more cautious by the said examples , ( though his desire painted forth these difficulties , as slight ones , and his hopes upheld by apparent grounds , egg'd him on to this enterprise , ) yet not suffering himselfe to be led by these affections out of the road of reason , but moderating the ardency of his Genius , by the remembrance of past errours , he kept his Name and Fame , as it were cancell'd out of the Germans memory . But if the Fire of this Princes desires lay for some time wrapt up under the ashes of patience and simulation , insomuch as there remained not the least suspition of him , it is no wonder if afterward unexpectedly breaking forth , and laying hold on the fittest occasions , it were able to rekindle the inconstancy of those Provinces , who under a feigned fidelity , lived ill satisfied with the Austrian government ; for most part of the people , remembring the liberty they had enjoyed , and not able to tollerate the command and subjection of Roman Catholiques , and more particularly of such as were strangers , coveted nothing more then such like novelties .

The King this meane while held good Intelligence with diverse Officers , and principall Protestants of Germany , by whom hee was not onely faithfully advertised of the chiefe proceedings of the Imperialists , but by frequent solicitations much importuned to the undertaking . The King was likewise much troubled at any longer delay : For his inclination leading him to Warre , he could not content himselfe with peace ; but well weighing afterwards , that to carrie his weake Forces into a Kingdome commanded by the Forces of Ferdinand the second , LIB. 1. 1630. which had been in so many actions victorious , and which were all united under the Command of Albertus Walestein , Duke of Fridland , a Subject of high esteem , beloved by the Souldiers , feared by all the States and Princes of the Empire , was almost an evident danger to give against the same Rocks , upon which those had suffered ship-wrack , which not long before contemning the Austrian Fortune had made the same Voyage , banishing therefore from his breast all the incitations of his owne beliefe , and laying aside the Cousnells and Invitations of those who were impatient of his delay , he forbore to declare himselfe as yet .

Humane Resolutions varying with the times , hee had afterwards this into particular consideration ; that not onely the Protestant Princes and people , but the very Roman Catholiques were exasperated and fill'd with jealousie of the Emperours excessive greatnesse , occasioned through Walesteines haughtinesse , who thought by the Command at that time of more then a hundred Thousand foot , and thirty Thousand Horse , of divers Nations , dispersed over all Germany , he kept the Majesty of Caesar in reverence , his Subjects in their obedience , his Tributaries in their devotion , and Strangers in feare , yet treated he the Princes of Germany indifferently , not as free Princes but as Subjects ; whereupon , for that the excessive authority of private men , and over-much greatnesse of Neighbouring Potentates is never liked by great ones , the Electors which pretend to keep the Imperiall Condition within its limits , could not suffer either the burthen they lay under upon this so just an occasion , nor that so many souldiers should be maintained in Germany in the time of peace , to the peoples so great grievance , nor that the Throne of Caesar should be raised so high , they therefore privately sought out all opportune meanes , how they might unarme him , & take from the Empire such a support , which if it had been made good , many are of an opinion the King had come no further then Pomerania . Walestein certified of these grievances , and incens'd thereat , gave not over his Imperious manner of treating and threatning : But crying out the Emperour was betrayd , and that the chiefest Jewell in Caesars Crowne was taken away onely to put him downe , he justly fore-told the succeeding Calamities . By this meanes discovery was made , that this Commander was highly distasted , and it was further foreseen that the reputation which those Forces had acquired by the Valour of Walestein being lessened , notable prejudice was thereby betokened to the Caesarian Crowne . The King likewise saw that by the Counsells of some Italian and Spanish Ministers of State , chiefely by the advice of Caesar Duke of Vastella , then Embassadour from the King of Spaine to the Emperour , assisted to that purpose by Villany the Spanish Resident , sent thither to moderate the greatnesse of Walesteines expeditions , the Forces were divided , part of them being sent into Lombardy , under the Command of Count Rambaldo de Colalto , who being desirous of such an employment , was a meanes to Caesar that Walestein formerly declared Generall in Italy , should be invested with the Dukedom of Mechelburg , for that if that , could be effected , Walesteine had promised him , hee would refuse the Command in Italy , and procure the imployment for him . So Walestein as well to acquit himselfe of the favour received , as likewise that his intention was not to stirre out of Germany , that he might not grow lesse in authorities , and for the feare hee had le●t his Corrivalls might in his absence plot somewhat to his prejudice , procured that imployment for the said Colalto , to which the Emperour easily condiscended ; not so much out of the affection which hee bore to Walestein and Colalto , as to satisfie the Spaniards ; who liked better of Colalto ( as one lesse haughty , and who depended more upon them ) and set themselves close to this Warre , for that the liberty of Italy consisting in the Counterpoising of the Forces of France , alwayes desiring to assist that side where they would get footing , if they should have wonne Casall , ( a place of Retreat for the French Forces , and a Fortresse able to keep the State of Millan in continuall Motion , and the Common-wealth of Venice being weakned by the losse of Mantua , which Common-wealth of Venice , as Arbitrator of all actions in Italy , by piously backing Justice , is alwayes a helpe to the weakest , and doth in part keep the Subjects of Italy alive ) they did not onely hope to secure the Millanneses , but thereby to open the way for their Conquering the remainder of that Kingdome : a Designe of all others alwaies most studied of the Spaniards . He moreover knew that those of the Nation were ill-apaid that imployments should be conferred upon Strangers : that the Haunce Towns & Princes of the Empire , little affected with the Austrian Government , were jealous of the greatnes of the House of Austria , and did mainly endeavour the weakning of it , which hee observed might easily be effected ; for that the Emperour , in likelihood , would be contented to give way to the disbanding of the supernumerarie Forces , or else to the sending of them out of the Empire upon some other employment , thereby to make Electors at the Election of the King of the Romans , willingly adhere to favour the King of Hungary , and not more to exasperate those Princes .

Hee was likewise certifi'd that such Princes of Italy as the Emperour might hope for helpe from against the Protestants , were not well contented to see the Imperiall power screwed up so high , and were much troubled at the comming of the Army to Reine in Lombardy . He hoped well in assistance , and diversions from France , which by the victories of Lewis the Thirteenth , was brought into a peacefull and triumphant condition . He hoped likewise for helpe from the King of England , who was not well satisfied with the Austrian party for their usurping of the states of the Count Palatins his Nephewes . He was no lesse confident of Holland , a growing Common-wealth , enricht by many Forces both by Sea and Land . Hee then saw the occasion was fitting , which he knew was not to be neglected ; but that he was to reassume that Warre , which being with little successe begun by others had no other hopes but from his try'd valour . To the effecting of these Designes of the yeare 1629. Many Commanders were well received in Swethland , who had been returned from the Caesarian Army , and from that Army which was sent to assist the King of Polonia under the Conduct of Harnem , which was given out to be done by the good will of Walestein , who intirely hating every one that did but speak of Reformation , desired such Innovations as might make the Emperor know how ill he was advised in lissening to those who by a peacefull way did cunningly lead him to a more dangerous Warre . Having received good Intelligence by these , and giving them speedy Commissions to raise Forces ; and on the other side , having gathered together the remainder of the Army which was brought back from the Warres of Livonia , and having taking such order as was requisite for the Souldiers pay in Gothland , Finland , and Smoland , hee in a few Moneths space found himselfe ready to bee served and obeyed by a strength of old Souldiers to the number of above twelve Thousand Foot and Horse . And now hee thought himselfe to bee in a good posture , to have ground enough to raise his plotted Designes upon , and to hoise Saile for Pomerania .

Pomerania extends it selfe along the Shore of the Baltique Sea , it is bounded on the East by Poland , and on the West by the Dukedome of Mechelberg , inlarged afterwards by fruitfull Territories even to the Confines of the Marquisate of Brandemburg : She receives into her selfe the Noble Oder , one of the famous Rivers of Germany , which falling from the utmost parts of Moravia upon the Confines of Silicia , runnes into the Lake called Grosse Haffe . The King having to this purpose called all his Captaines and Officers together , and the greatest part of the chiefe of his Kingdomes , ( out of the which the King by a Fundamentall Law , cannot upon what pretence soever goe without the consent of all the Orders ) at S●ocholme the City of his Residence , placed right over against Pomerania , looking on the South side upon the Sea , by two great Armes whereof it is girt about , would in publike make knowne what his Designes were .

Thus being all in the great Hall of his Court , hee demonstrated unto them with valid reasons the necessity of this Warre , as well for the preservation of his owne Kingdome in quiet , as for the maintenance of their Faith , and in a very feeling manner enlarged himselfe to this effect : That the Empire was now growne to that height , as that the thirsty ambition of the greatest therein , exceeding their owne limits , would spread their Resolutions , even over his State , since it was evidently seen how he was injur'd by the Imperialists , who never having had any thing to doe with the Baltick Sea , had now declared Walestein to be Admirall thereof ; an Usurpation not to be endured by a couragious King ; that the Princely name of Swethland , had in their Imperiall Diets beene villified with scurrilous Writings and Hostill Edicts ; that he suffered in his Honour by the Austrian Ministers of State ; that his vast mind cryed for revenge ; that the occasion of enlarging , and securing their Dominions ought not to be let slip by Princes , who had their wits about them ; that Honour , Religion , and Greatnesse were the things now in question ; that his Forces did not now differ from them of former times , so much dreaded , which had brought under the fairest Nation of Europe ; that the World would say the same of times past ; that the like Fortune , as Alexander , Caesar , and Achilles had , would not be wanting to one of as undaunted a Courage ; that it did not misbecome a King to quit his owne Countrey , whose minde being bent upon Glory , Greatnesse , and his Subjects Happinesse , should not bee imbased by the leasure of Courts ; that to spend his Talent in the Luxuries and Pleasures of Peace , did not become a Prince who had been brought up in Martiall Exercises ; and lastly , hee with a loud voyce said , that he would either Sacrifice himselfe to the Negligence of his Fortune , or else returne unto his Kingdome loaded with Glory and Triumphes , having made himselfe knowne to be a King worthy of so valiant a People . Then making a little pause ▪ and finding the affection of all the standers by , by the cheerefulnesse of their Aspect , for as if they had been immoveable , they could not sufficiently shew their approbabation of what he had so well said , hee invited them to follow him , promising that he would not onely be their Lord and King , but their Brother and Companion .

Dismissing the Councell , he employed the ensuing days in hastening the provisions of Victualls , Munition , and Artillerie : till such time as answer being returned from my Lords the States of Holland , by whose Intelligence all these Machinations were made and encouraged every day more , by that Common-wealth , which of all other Principalities , as well in respect of the Interest of State as also of Religion , was desirous of this noveltie , and invited thereunto , and heartned therein , by Letters from France and England , having recommended the leavying of eight thousand other Souldiers to Auxilius Oxasterne Lord Chancellour of that Kingdome , and taken order for all things that concerned the good government of the Kingdome , which in his absence he left under the protection of the Queen his Wife , with the unspeakable applause of all the Nobility and People , who in great numbers floct to bid him farewell , He imbarqued himselfe , and all his Army on the thirteenth of June , Iune 13. 1630. in 70 Men of Warre , and 200 lesser Barques ; and directing his course Southward , he sailed toward Rugen , with intention to surprize it . Rugen is an Island in the Baltique Sea , bounding upon Pomerania , from which it is divided by a Gulfe some few miles broad , and is seated just over against Stralshond , a Haunce Towne situated upon the Sea side , which hath in it a good and much frequented Haven , and is environed with strong Rampards and Bulwarks ; with the chief Magistrates whereof ( though surrounded with Austrians ) the King held good Intelligence .

He sayled from the said thirteenth of June , till the foure and twentieth of the same , Iune 24. and being happily come to Stralshond , hee and his Army came to shore at Rugen ; they set upon the Imperialists , who were placed there , in certaine little Forts rather for Guard then for Defence ; they soon made themselves Masters of it , sacking it , and plundring it , which much pleased the Souldiers ; as if this so happy a beginning did presage their greater Conquests .

The King leaving 500 Foot in this Island ▪ and two men of War for the safeguard of the Passage , and having made it a Store house for his owne Militarie Provisions , he took Ship againe on St. Peters day , the 29. of the same Moneth , and with a good Winde came to Vsedon , an Island dis-joyned from the firme Land of Pomerania , by two Armes of a Lake or Moorish ground called Frish Haffe , into which the Odor bisburthens it selfe , where there not being Foot able to withstand the on-set of a strong and fresh Enemy , the Imperialists who were there in Garrison resolved to abandon it , that they might not come to triall with the Swedish Forces ; leaving onely two hundred Foot for the defence of certaine Sconces . They got to Wolghast , a City not contemptible for its situation and fortifications , standing upon that Arme of the Channell which divides the said City or Island on the West side from Pomerania , called the River Pene , by the making good whereof , it had been no hard matter to have driven away the Swedes from Vsedon , and the adjacent Sconces weakly situated , and not well fortified . But the King let slip no time , wherein the Roman Catholiques found themselves much straightned , and by consequence their Forces were weak , and their Counsells confused , their hope of succour uncertaine , and the effects of so suddaine an Incursion full of fears and frights . For at this very time , at the Diet which was held at Ratisbone , for the affaires of the Empire , instead of providing for this new Warre with the King of Swethland , whom they esteemed a petty Prince , the aime of all the Electors tended onely to the disarming of the Emperour , and the putting the hatefull and insufferable Walestein out of his charge ; which they did effect . For about this very time the Emperour was unadvisedly perswaded to write to Walestein , that having considered that the Generall was in the power of the Souldier , and that he himself was in the power of the Generall , his pleasure was that he should 〈◊〉 himselfe into his owne Countrey . Walesteine being thus dismiss'd , readyly laid aside his staffe of Command , and writ back a respectfull Letter to the Emperour , wherein hee told him that his Imperiall Majestie was not in the power of his Generall , but in the hands of his treacherous Ministers of State ; and so foretelling all the ruine just as it fell out , he betook himselfe to a private life in Bohemia .

The King being minded to make himselfe Master of some Fort , which might serve for a Retreat for his Army in case of need , before Resolutions and Counsells should bee taken for the defence of their Provinces by fresh Forces , having advanced some of his Forces towards Vsedon , he without any manner of contestation took almost all the Townes thereof , which were plundered by the souldiers ; and the people that were therein , were without respect put to the sword . The King at the beginning used much severity to his Enemies ; for that well knowing of what force punishment is with those that are unable to defend themselves , it was not to bee doubted , but that the souldiers despairing of all hope of succour , and affrighted by their owne danger , would lay aside all stubbornnesse , which flattered by good usage , doth oft-times grow the greater . Leaving a thousand Foot there for a Guard , and for the recruiting of some weakned places , he forth-with re-imbarqued , and came into the River of Pand , where unshipping his Armie , he instantly sate downe before the Walls of Wolghast , against the which he planted foure Batteries , hee invested it on three sides , by speedy Approaches , and caus'd so much feare in the Defendants , as forsaking the City at the first on-set ( which being full of Protestants , made the Imperialists jealous of the defence thereof ) and retiring themselves into the Castle , wherein for six dayes they resisted the Swedes Assaults , at last despairing of succour , they yeelded upon Condition of comming forth with their Armes and Baggadge ; these souldiers were so well pleased with the Kings dealing with them , who used much Clemency towards them , that as benefits where unexpected are most welcome , they thought they got more by losing then they did by overcomming , and therefore resolved rather to try the acts of Clemency then blowes of Adversity ; many of them invited by the Kings new fortune , forsook the Imperiall Banners , and listed themselves under the Swedish .