Two letters from King Christian IV
concerning his oldest daughter, Sophie Elisabeth

4 Nov.1631 To Karen Sehested

Kerre karren Seehsted, Ieg kommer udi Erfahring, hvorlediss der er nogen, Som sig beflyter at føre undt ymellem myn datter Soffi Eliisabet Och Christian Penes 1) So endog Ieg inted Wiist derom haffuet, saa skaldtu dog udi weenuaare Siige til forbenente myn datter, At safremt hun laader sig sliigdt yndbilde, Daa skall Ieg saa Sette hinder med hinderss Raadgiiffuer til rette, Saat alle dy, som leffuer udi danmarck Skall Spørre, huorledis ded bekommer dem, Som achter att gørre myne Ord tiil ynted. Befahlendist dig hermed gud y himmelen. Aff worenborrig den 4 Novem: Anno 1631.

1) Havde allerede i nogen tid vaeret forlovede.

---ooo---

10 Oct.1634 To Karen Sehested
Udskrift: Karren Sested tiill hande.

Naar klocken Er ymod Ett, daa skall frøcken Soffii 1) gaa hen ad brudehussid ygennem løngangen, hvor dy fruer som hinder Smycke skall, Skall møde. Imod thu Slect skall førstin leene 2) komme ind till frøcken Soffii med derris fruentømmer.
Naar Nu tiid Er, at Brudden skall Paa Sallen, da ud Ieg med Prindtzen, Om gud uyll, komme Och tee Bruden hen, dersom hun skall staa 3).
Rosenborre den 10 Octobris
Anno 1634 Christian

1) Sophie Elisabeth, 2) Magdalena Sibylla?, 3) Bruden ledet af Kongen og den polske gesandt.

---ooo---

Translations:

4 Nov.1631 To Karen Sehested

Dear Karen Sehested. I have learned that there are some people who are trying to create bad feelings between my daughter Sophie Elisabeth and Christian Pentz 1) although I have been unaware of this; and so you shall tell this daughter of mine, that if she believes in these lies then I shall correct both her and her counsellor in such a way that everyone who lives in Denmark shall talk about what happens to those who are trying to make light out of my words. Commending you herewith to God in Heaven. From Vordingborg (Castle) November 4, A.D.1631
1) Sophie and Christian Pentz had already been engaged to be married for some time. (Karen Sehested was the royal governess of 12-year-old Sophie Elisabeth and her younger siblings.)

---ooo---

10 Oct.1634 To Karen Sehested (on Sophie Elisabeth's wedding day)

When the time is about one o'clock then Miss Sophie shall walk through the hidden passageway to the bridal chamber where the ladies who shall adorn her will be waiting. On behalf of the family, Princess Magdalena Sibylla shall then come in to Miss Sophie with her ladies in waiting.
By the time the bride is to enter the Big Hall, then will I and the prince 3), if God will, enter to join the bride.
Rosenborg, October 10, 1634, Christian (Rex)
3) The (15-year-old) bride entered with the king and the Polish ambassador.

---ooo---