In 1714 Ziegenbalg returned to his native land for a little rest, freely forgiving his old foe the Governor, who trembled for the consequences if the King heard of his shameful conduct. Bövingh, full of fault-finding, was already on his way back to Germany, scarcely on friendly terms with his old leader and comrade. Ziegenbalg reached the camp when the King was engaged in the siege of Stralsund and his reception was a remarkable tribute to his character. “One evening there was evidently a profound movement among the Danish troops. A stranger of note had had an audience with the King, who had shown him singular favour, and for hours, it was said, they had been closeted together. The soldiers who had gathered round may have been disappointed when they saw he was only a clergyman, a man indeed of commanding presence, of a wonderful dignity and fire, resolute and calm, with a keen eye, a bronzed and almost swarthy face seamed with deep lines of care, and a winning courtesy and lovableness of manner. But when he opened his lips and preached to them and they heard it was Ziegenbalg, the missionary from Tranquebar, there were some at least who ceased to wonder at his welcome from the King. To the camp Ziegenbalg had hurried with all speed. Letters had given no warning of his journey and he seemed to have dropped out of the clouds. He was accustomed to rapid movements, and he had no time to spare, but he got his story told to the King and was content. Some days were snatched from war for this work of peace, changes and arrangements were proposed in the management of the mission, Ziegenbalg was informed that his patent of superintendent had already been sent out to India, and for details he was referred to Copenhagen. Thither he journeyed with restless speed, and then into Germany to Francke at Halle, halting little at any place and preaching to vast crowds who filled the churches and swayed out into the street, ‘very weak,’ we are told, ‘yet kindling by his presence the zeal of all the mission friends and moving his audience as he would by his glowing appeals.’”[6]