“Since for certain reasons her Majesty found it good and necessary to assemble the Estates of the Kingdom at this time, and that they have given testimony of their obedience in their coming together, her Majesty hath great cause to rejoice that the good God hath preserved our country from all apparent harms, and principally from the contagious sickness of the plague, which spread itself in divers places the last autumn, but at present is ceased, so that we may meet together in all safety.  Her Majesty rejoiceth in the good health of her faithful subjects; and this obligeth us not only to return humble thanks to our good God, but the more to supplicate Him for the future to avert his fatherly chastisements from us.

“Also her Majesty understands with great joy, that the scarcity and dearth in the late years is now changed into fruitfulness and abundance, so that the last year there was not only very great abundance of all things which the earth produceth, but further, thanks be to God, we have cause, according to appearances, to hope this year will be no less fruitful; the which great blessing of God to this country clearly shows us the great obligations which we have to Him.

“Also her Majesty calls to mind, that which she graciously mentions to her faithful subjects, how the country, within the limits thereof, is at present in a good and peaceable condition, and so hath been kept by Divine Providence, and the faithful care of her Majesty, in times of danger; and when war, and the imminent perils accompanying the same roundabout us, had the sway, yet we always continued in quiet without taking part in others’ quarrels, and for this end hath always endeavoured to entertain a sincere friendship and good correspondence with her neighbours and allies.

    “And as to the neighbourhood of Denmark, her Majesty hath nothing to
    fear, since she hath given no occasion in anything but of sincere
    friendship and firm peace.

“In like manner, with all possible care, by her Commissioners, hath composed the differences touching the limits between her and the Great Duke of Muscovy; and although the said Duke hath signified to her Majesty by divers envoys that he would justify the expedition of war newly made by him against the Polanders, with all the reasons thereof, yet since that is a business which can no way involve her Majesty and the Crown of Sweden, there is no cause to fear it; provided their actions be watched, and{7} that, by little and little, preparation be made, if there shall be cause to apply some remedies.

“With the King and Crown of Poland is continued the amnesty for twenty-six years, formerly accorded; and although her Majesty wisheth that this amnesty had been converted into a perpetual peace,—­and for this end she hath caused pains to be taken twice at Luebeck, by the mediators and her Commissioners, and although they are not