which the different
classes of delegates presented. The Cabinet and nobility began by
promising that, if the rebellion in Dalarne were not already quelled,
they would use every measure in their power to attain that end. They
were satisfied with the monarch's seizure of Gripsholm. They deemed it
proper, since the royal rents were small, that Gustavus be at liberty
to grant the monasteries of the land as fiefs, but not, however, to
expel the monks. In order to increase the wealth of the nobility, they
advocated that all property granted by former noblemen to churches or
monasteries since 1454 revert to the donors' heirs, though not until
such heirs should prove their title. To augment the crown's resources,
they believed the bishops, chapters, and cathedrals should surrender to
the king all that portion of their income which they did not absolutely
need. No one should be permitted to preach falsehood or anything beyond
the simple Word of God, and old Church customs ought to be
maintained.[162]

The burghers and mountaineers gave their answer in a similar vein. They
begged Gustavus to remain their king, and promised to defend him with
their blood. They would express no opinion concerning Dalarne till the
Dalesmen who were going thither should bring back their report. Since
the monks were clearly at the bottom of the trouble, no monk should be
permitted to leave his monastery more than twice a year. Gustavus should
be given the right of billeting whenever it were necessary. Before
deciding about the new beliefs they wished to hear a disputation on the
subject. As the rents of the nobility and crown had been diminished by
the Church, the Church ought certainly to restore them; and the mode of
restoration should be determined by Gustavus and his Cabinet. The royal
castles having been demolished, the prelates should surrender theirs
until the castles belonging to the crown could be rebuilt. Finally, from
that day forth no bishop ought to send to Rome for confirmation.[163]

The answer of the common people began with a promise that they would go
to Dalarne and inflict punishment upon the traitors; and since many
monks were in the habit of inciting the people to rebel, it seemed
desirable that they be permitted to leave their monasteries only twice
each year. Gustavus might quarter his soldiers in the monasteries
whenever it was necessary. The churches and monasteries near Stockholm,
having in times past given shelter to the en