Page:The Life and Mission of Emanuel Swedenborg.djvu/68

 longitude of Upsal is also obtained. If you would honor our little work with a life of Stiernhjelm, or with something else from the history of the learned, I know that thereby our publication would become more interesting; as in this case the heavy matter would be relieved by more pleasant subjects. I know also that this would gain us the favor and approbation of many, as the literary world acknowledges you as by far its best member; I hope, therefore, that this honor will not be refused. May God grant you a long life, although I am afraid that your many studies will deprive us of this benefit, by shortening your days: for I know no one who has more consideration for his various studies, and less for himself. All the learned and the Muses entreat you to spare yourself, and in you the Muses: it is worthy of all praise, indeed, to offer up one's self to the Muses, but not on the very altar; it is easy enough to become a premature victim. Pardon this admonition, my brother; your letter to my father is the cause of it. I hope that my little learning and my Dædalus will be long under your auspices. I think of inserting in the fourth number some Dædalian speculations about a flying machine, and to leave room for Dr. Bromell's curiosities, if he be pleased to insert them. Assessor Polhammar writes that in the following number he wishes to insert such matter as will be of use to the public,—such as water and wind machines, mills, etc.,—which I am very glad of. But let us quit these literary topics. Last Thursday night his Majesty travelled incognito through Skara and Skarke to Hjo, where he crossed over Lake Wetter to Wadstena, to call on the Princess. We had the lad with us who was his outrider, and who accompanied him from the monastery to Hjo. He reported many amusing questions and answers, of which I send you a specimen. His Majesty asked, 'Whether the King was not expected at Höjentorp.' 'Yes,' said the lad, 'I think so.' 'What should he do there?' 'That I do not know,' said the lad, 'but they say he will go hence to Stockholm.' He then said, smiling, 'Psha! to think he would go to Stockholm; they