A controversy, which has never been cleared up, has long raged as to the death of Gustavus of Sweden; but the weight of evidence is strongly in favour of those who affirm that he received his fatal wound, that in the back, at the hand of Franz Albert of Lauenburg.

The circumstantial evidence is, indeed, almost overwhelming.

By birth the duke was the youngest of four sons of Franz II, Duke of Lauenburg.

On his mother's side he was related to the Swedish royal family, and in his youth lived for some time at the court of Stockholm.
Owing to some impertinent remarks in reference to Gustavus he fell into disfavour with the queen, and had to leave Sweden.

On attaining manhood he professed the Catholic faith, entered the Imperial army, obtained the command of a regiment, attached himself with much devotion to Wallenstein, and gained the confidence of that general.