She could disarm Gustavus of his sword, which was so terrible to the princes of Europe.
But, alas! the king was not long permitted to enjoy Christina's society.
When she was four years old Gustavus was summoned to take command of the allied armies of Germany, which were fighting against the emperor.

His greatest affliction was the necessity of parting with his child; but people in such high stations have but little opportunity for domestic happiness.

He called an assembly of the senators of Sweden and confided Christina to their care, saying, that each one of them must be a father to her if he himself should fall in battle.
At the moment of his departure Christina ran towards him and began to address him with a speech which somebody had taught her for the occasion.

Gustavus was busied with thoughts about the affairs of the kingdom, so that he did not immediately attend to the childish voice of his little girl.

Christina, who did not love to be unnoticed, immediately stopped short and pulled him by the coat.
"Father," said she, "why do not you listen to my speech ?" In a moment the king forgot everything except that, he was parting with what he loved best in all the world.