To Christina of Sweden

By William Cowper, trans. (1731–1800)

From the Latin and Italian poems of Milton

Supposed to be written by Cromwell and sent with his picture. Christina was born on Dec. 8, 1626.

CHRISTINA, maiden of heroic mien!

Star of the North! of northern stars the queen!

Behold what wrinkles I have earned, and how

The iron casque still chafes my veteran brow,

While, following Fate’s dark footsteps, I fulfil

The dictates of a hardy people’s will.

But softened in thy sight my looks appear,

Not to all queens or kings alike severe.