cept the fortified castles, was in the patriots' hands. The
forces of Gustavus were growing stronger day by day, and in the
continued absence of Christiern the fortresses that still held out were
likely soon to yield for want of food and ammunition. In this state of
affairs Hans Brask made up his mind without delay. He granted the
interview with Gustavus, and was very easily persuaded to join the
Swedish cause. It now seemed best that the vague authority conferred
upon Gustavus by the different provinces should be defined, so that he
might as representative of the Swedish nation treat with foreign powers.
He therefore announced that a general diet would be held at Vadstena on
August 24, and all the chief men of different classes in the kingdom
were summoned to attend. By whom the delegates were selected we are not
told. Certainly they were not selected by Gustavus. At all events, they
came together in vast numbers, and, if we are to believe the chronicle,
urged Gustavus to accept the crown. This, however, he refused, but
accepted the title of Commander of the Swedish Army, at the same time
adding that after they had wholly freed themselves from Christiern, a
general diet might then be held to discuss the propriety of choosing
some man of their own nation king.[65]

While the patriots were occupied with their diet, the Danes in Stockholm
sent a force by water to the relief of Vesteras. The patriots, still in
possession of the town, sought by aid of their falconets to prevent a
landing, but without avail. The relief-party made its way into the
castle, replenished it with men and ammunition, and withdrew. Gustavus,
knowing that the Danes on their return to Stockholm must pass through a
narrow inlet some thirty yards in width, sent thither a force to throw
up earthworks on both sides of the passage and await the coming of the
enemy. The battle which ensued was fierce, and lasted two whole days;
but finally, having inflicted as well as suffered heavy loss, the Danish
fleet escaped. Shortly after, in September, Gustavus sent a force to
Finland. This force received large reinforcements from the people in
that province, and on the 24th of November, being furnished ammunition
by the bishop of Abo, laid siege to Abo Castle. On December 18 the
Castle of Stegeborg still besieged by Arvid Vestgoete, fell; and the
commandant, Berent von Mehlen, after two months in prison swore fealty
to Gustavus. Six days after the castle yielded, Nor