ABSTRACT
HOW careful the kings and princes of the Gotar once were to perpetuate their celebrated renown and fame in war is clearly shown by the weapons, standards, and shields of theirs which have been carved in conspicuous places and left for posterity to see. This is especially so in Östergötland, Västergötland, and in southern Finland at the splendid port called Hangö, which is so pleasant and safe that, in the whole Baltic Sea, and perhaps in all the wide Ocean, it has none equal or worthy of comparison. All mariners, wherever they are sailing from, are received without hindrance into the bosom of its bay, and, when they are safely within, it protects them by its natural defences and keeps them from both storms and hostile fleets (provided they are not lax in looking after themselves). 1 For this harbour is attractively situated, just like a magnificent castle, in the midst of mountains and valleys. It bears on its rocks, in a continuous line, the extremely ancient badges of Gothic and Swedish heroes, engraved with the simplicity of older times. 2 They serve chiefly to demonstrate to men of later ages that a fleet once kept its station there in permanent readiness to defend the kingdoms against any assaults by an enemy, and as often as was necessary set out from this port to make open war.
Weapons and shields attest the race’s excellence
Hangö, a very safe harbour
The port is a sort of castle
