The King's Ring. Zacharias Topelius
touch the selected objects. Providence had not yet rung the death-knell of Gustaf Adolf, and Pehr Brahe it wished to spare for the sake of Finland. Who can estimate what would have succeeded Sweden's victories, and Finland's learning, if the Jesuit's shots had reached their mark?
Father Hieronymus fumed. Once more he resolved to try with twelve paters and twelve aves, when someone touched him on the back; he turned round and saw an old soldier, who had been exchanged with Count Lichtenstein.
"Cease your efforts," said the veteran in a firm tone, "it is a needless waste of powder; you are trying to kill a man with a charmed life; he is invulnerable."
The superstitious Jesuit muttered something with a low breath.
"I should have divined as much. But how do you know this, my son?" he added.
"I was told of it in the Swedish camp. On the forefinger of his right hand the king wears a little copper ring, inscribed all over with magical signs. This was given to him in his youth by a Finnish witch, and as long as he wears this ring, neither fire, water, iron, or lead can injure him."
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