Whether this stayed the plague is not known, but many who after night pass the hill, hear, it is said, a voice as if from a dying child, crying, “Buried alive! buried alive!” [[141]]
[1] As late as 1875 a farmer near Mariestad, during an epidemic among his cattle, buried alive a cow in the ground. Whether this cruel expedient was effective the author is not informed. [↑]
Jonas Spits.[1]
At Helgy, in the parish of Sunne, lived a warrior, by name Jonas Spits, who, in wars against the Russians [[142]]and others, had gained for himself the reputation of a brave man.
It so happened that there was a revolt in the land, and the king sent a message to Spits, commanding his services in battle. One Sunday morning, after the troops had assembled in the field, Spits was engaged in grinding his sword.
“This is right!” said the king. “There will be fighting to-morrow; let me see that you make good use of your weapon then.”
“I shall not fail you,” answered Spits, and continued his grinding.