“Now, Clement, you must render me a service,” he said.  “I have no time to talk more with you, but I will send you a book about Stockholm and you must read it from cover to cover.  I have, so to speak, laid the foundations of Stockholm for you.  Study the rest out for yourself and learn how the city has thrived and changed.  Read how the little, narrow, wall-enclosed city on the islands has spread into this great sea of houses below us.  Read how, on the spot where the dark tower Kaernan once stood, the beautiful, light castle below us was erected and how the Gray Friars’ church has been turned into the burial place of the Swedish kings; read how islet after islet was built up with factories; how the ridge was lowered and the sound filled in; how the truck gardens at the south and north ends of the city have been converted into beautiful parks or built-up quarters; how the King’s private deer park has become the people’s favourite pleasure resort.  You must make yourself at home here, Clement.  This city does not belong exclusively to the Stockholmers.  It belongs to you and to all Swedes.

“As you read about Stockholm, remember that I have spoken the truth, for the city has the power to draw every one to it.  First the King moved here, then the nobles built their palaces here, and then one after another was attracted to the place, so that now, as you see, Stockholm is not a city unto itself or for nearby districts; it has grown into a city for the whole kingdom.

“You know, Clement, that there are judicial courts in every parish throughout the land, but in Stockholm they have jurisdiction for the whole nation.  You know that there are judges in every district court in the country, but at Stockholm there is only one court, to which all the others are accountable.  You know that there are barracks and troops in every part of the land, but those at Stockholm command the whole army.  Everywhere in the country you will find railroads, but the whole great national system is controlled and managed at Stockholm; here you will find the governing boards for the clergy, for teachers, for physicians, for bailiffs and jurors.  This is the heart of your country, Clement.  All the change you have in your pocket is coined here, and the postage stamps you stick on your letters are made here.  There is something here for every Swede.  Here no one need feel homesick, for here all Swedes are at home.

“And when you read of all that has been brought here to Stockholm, think too of the latest that the city has attracted to itself:  these old-time peasant cottages here at Skansen; the old dances; the old costumes and house-furnishings; the musicians and story-tellers.  Everything good of the old times Stockholm has tempted here to Skansen to do it honour, that it may, in turn, stand before the people with renewed glory.

“But, first and last, remember as you read about Stockholm that you are to sit in this place.  You must see how the waves sparkle in joyous play and how the shores shimmer with beauty.  You will come under the spell of their witchery, Clement.”