A.D. 1682, in the month of April, I was sick and confined to my bed from a peculiar malady which had long troubled me—a stony matter had coagulated and had settled low down in my intestines. Doctor München used all available means to counteract this weakness; but he could not believe that it was of the nature I thought and informed him; for I was perfectly aware it was a stone which had settled in the duct of the intestines. He was of opinion, if it were so, that the medicaments which he used would remove it.[146] At this time the doctor was obliged to travel with his Majesty to Holstein. I used the remedies according to Doctor München’s directions, but things remained just as before. It was not till the following morning that the remedies produced their effect; and then, besides other matter, a large stone was evacuated, and I struck a piece out of it with a hammer in order to see what it was inside; I found it to be composed of a substance like rays, having the appearance of being gilded in some places and in others silvered. It is almost half a finger in length and full three fingers thick, and it is still in my possession. When Doctor München returned, I sent him word how it was with me. He was at the time with the governess of the royal children, F. Sitzele Grubbe. Doctor München desired Tötzlöff to request me to let him see the stone. I sent him word that if he would come to me, he should see it. I would not send it to him, for I well knew that I should never get it again.

A.D. 1682, June 11, I wrote the following spiritual song.

It can be sung to the melody, ‘Siunge wii af Hiærtens-Grund.’[E59]

I.

What is this our mortal life
Otherwise than daily strife?
What is all our labour here,
The servitude and yoke we bear?
Are they aught but vanity?
Art and learning what are ye?
Like a vapour all we see.

II.

Why, then, is thy anxious breast
Filled with trouble? Be at rest!
Why, then, dost thou boldly fight
The phantoms vain that mock thy sight?
Is there any, small or grand,
Who can payment duly hand
At the creditor’s demand?

III.

Naked to the world I came,
And I leave it just the same;
The Lord has given and He takes;
It is well whate’er He makes.
To the Lord all praises be;
I will trust Him heartily!
And my near deliverance see.

IV.