he South and
the Protestant powers of the North had become very hostile, and war
between them seemed impending. In this crisis the Protestant leaders
looked to Gustavus Adolphus as the champion of their cause.

In 1630 Gustavus called a Diet in Stockholm, and reported the danger
that was threatening the Protestant states of Germany, and which
would involve Sweden unless checked. He announced that he had
decided to espouse the cause of the German princes, and to enter the
field. He took his little daughter in his arms, and commended her to
the Diet as the heir to the crown.

He landed in Germany on Midsummer's day in 1630. He had an army of
fifteen thousand men. It was a small army indeed for so perilous an
undertaking. "_Cum Deo et victricibus armis_ is my motto," he
declared, and trusting in this watchword he advanced on his
dangerous course.

The Imperialists, as the foes of the Reformed Faith were called,
were led by Wallenstein. They were greatly superior in numbers to
the Swedes and their allies.

At Lutzen the great battle of Protestantism was fought, Nov. 6,
1632.

"I truly believe that the Lord has given my enemies into my hands,"
said Gustavus, just before the battle.

The morning dawned gray and gloomy. A heavy mist hung over the two
armies.

The Swedish and German army united in singing Luther's hymn,--

"Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott."

Then Gustavus said,--

"Let us sing 'Christ our Salvation.'"

[Illustration: DEATH OF GUSTAVUS AND HIS PAGE.]

"Be not dismayed, thou little flock,
Although the foe's fierce battle-shock,
Loud on all sides, assail thee.
Though o'er thy fall they laugh secure,
Their triumph cannot long endure;
Let not thy courage fail thee.

"Thy cause is God's,--go at his call,
And to his hand commit thy all;
Fear thou no ill impending:
His Gideon shall arise for thee,
God's Word and people manfully,
In God's own time, defending.

"Our hope is sure in Jesus' might;
Against themselves the godless fight,
Themselves, not us, distressing;
Shame and contempt their lot shall be;
God is with us, with him are we:
To us belongs his blessing."

Clad in his overcoat without armor, he mounted his horse and rode
along the lines.

"The enemy is within your reach," he said to the allies.

"Swedes," he said to his ol