DEDICATION

ΤΟ

HIS MAJESTY,

GUSTAVUS THE FOURTH,

King of Sweden.

SIRE!

TO set forth a just model of a King and Hero, these pictures of the noble heart of Sir Philip Sidney were collected. He shone throughout Europe as a statesman, a man of letters, and a hero, during his short but brilliant life; and had he accepted the crown of Po

land, which was offered to him, the whole of his character testifies that he would have done equal honour to the sceptre as to the sword.

It is not conquest that proclaims the warrior to be a hero, but the goodness of his cause, and the use he makes of victory: it is not the unction of a king, but his virtues, that declare him to be the Lord's Anointed; it is not power, nor triumphs, nor extended empire, that entitle him to the name of Great; but the moderation, magnanimity, and justice of his reign. The sway of such a king, is not confined to one nation; he rules in the hearts of all good men, whether they be of his own proper realm, or the subjects of virtue abiding in any other country: and such a king,

every honest man must acknowledge in the King of Sweden!

At a moment when the proudest potentates of the world lie at the feet of the universal ravager; when the kingdoms of the earth are torn from their centre, and new monarchies burst forth, like burning mountains from the eruptions of Etna; at this crisis, when men only look to tremble, and their spirits are conquered, even by the breath of the enemy, how must all who detest tyranny and revere the just, venerate the King of Sweden! How must they exult in the heroism that carries him to the front of such a formidable foe! how must they confide in him who arms himself with the mightiness of a just cause, and a power, more prevailing

than a thousand legions, an Invincible Spirit!

To so true a king, to so true a hero, to the most worthy successor of the glorious monarchs of his name, and to the champion of Honour, Virtue, Liberty and Man, this sketch of the noble citadel he defends, is inscribed, by

His Majesty's

Most Respectful, Humble,

And Devoted Servant,

JANE PORTER.

PREFACE.

SIR Philip Sidney became conspicuous in society when in years he was little more than a boy. But the early maturity of his mind, the power of his genius, the extent of his knowledge, the virtues of his heart, the accomplishments of his manners, and the graces of his person, gave him the consequence of a man while he was yet a youth. He lived the admiration of the wise, and the wonder of the ignorant. A favourite at court, and popular with the people; all ranks regarded him with respect, and wherever he moved acclamations followed him. Though praised beyond all