A cry of agony and terror ran through all Germany. The Emperor's own brother wrote: "Your Majesty cannot form any idea of the conduct of the troops. I have myself waged war for a few years, and I know that it can seldom be carried on without leaving traces of violence. But to break windows, to overthrow walls, to commit arson, to cut off noses and ears, to torment, to commit rape, to murder for amusement's sake, are disorders which field officers can and ought to oppose. I know there are people who endeavor to persuade your Majesty that these accusations are unfounded, but I hope that your Majesty will place at least as much reliance on me as on such gentlemen who fill their purses with the blood and toil of poor people. I could name you many officers who, a short time ago, had scarcely the means to clothe themselves, who to-day possess three or four hundred thousand florins in specie. Discontent increases threateningly, and my conscience does not allow me to conceal from your Majesty the true state of affairs."
The Catholic princes and Duke Maximilian of Bavaria entreated that Wallenstein should be dismissed. This was done, and he went back to his duchy in Bohemia. Some few of his worst officers were sent away. But Tilly and Pappenheim, whose names have ever since been the synonym of pillage and devastation, were now placed in command.
The princes of Germany began to look with one accord toward Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden. The truce between Poland and Gustavus was concluded August 26th, 1629, the very year of the Edict of Restitution, and the Swedish king began to shape affairs in his own kingdom to help his brethren of the Protestant faith in Germany.
His own door to the sea, the Baltic, even the security of his own State was threatened, but above all, he saw Protestantism in danger of being as much extinguished as it had been in Spain and Portugal. It is possible that he had some hopes of securing territory from Germany, while the war was on between Poland and Russia on one side and Gustavus on the other, the Emperor Ferdinand II. had declared Gustavus under the ban, and, no doubt, he was glad, as a man, to measure swords with the tyrant of Germany.
CHAPTER VIII.
CONDITIONS IN SWEDEN.
When Gustavus was only twenty-six years of age, in the midst of wars and struggles, he was laying the foundations for a greater Sweden. In 1620 he inquired of the bishops how knowledge could be disseminated among the people. He claimed that he had a greater want than that of money, namely, competent persons for civil and military positions.
He inquired what schools for the common people, what seminaries, what colleges were necessary to educate the people. He inquired where good teachers could be obtained from foreign countries, and required that they should be brought to Sweden. He said, "The instruction in religion may be passable, but as the clergy do not understand matters of government and of civic life, they cannot be expected to prepare men for the State." So men of affairs were now secured to assist in teaching.
In 1625 he granted to the Upsala Academy, as he called what is now the great University, from his own hereditary estates, three hundred and fifty manors, besides the crown tithes in several parishes, a stipend for many professors, and $3,250.00 yearly for the community or student house, with $2,500.00 yearly for maintenance, besides setting apart money for prizes.
He transferred to the Library at Upsala his printing plant, and began the library by presenting his own books. He erected a library building, and arranged for its endowment. He established four gymnasiums, or, as we would call them, colleges, and laid the foundation for that general course of schools, colleges and universities which has made Sweden one of the best educated nations on earth.
From 1627 Sweden had by letters patent opened the doors to Protestant exiles. The Dukes of Mecklenburg had there found asylum and honorable occupation for their sons.