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James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.

December 8

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.