It was believed in Europe that he was dead; the Swedish senate implored his sister to accept the regency; she did so, and wrote to her brother that the councilors wished to make peace with their enemies who on every side overwhelmed them.
Karl sent an imperious and haughty reply, saying he would send one of his boots, if they wished for a master, and that they could take orders from that.
In this extremity the Princess sent Count Liewin to Demotica to argue with Karl.
This nobleman was conducted into the King’s presence by Count Poniatowski, who had lately come from Constantinople, where he was convinced he could do nothing more for the Swedish cause.
“You will find his Majesty changed—but not his inflexibility.”
To which Count Liewin made answer:
“If he does not return to Sweden, there is not one of us will answer for the crown.”
Karl was shut in his chamber, away from the watchful eyes of his Turkish guards that he found so hateful.
As he had now no domestics, Müllern and Grothusen waited on him, and amused his dreary leisure by the reading of French poems and plays and the tales from the sagas.
This life of confinement and idleness, together with the heart-sickness of disappointment and hope deferred, had at last told on Karl’s superb constitution as no fatigue or hardship had been able to; the sickness he had so long feigned had now become almost a reality; the glory of his strength had gone.