Sigmund Augustus was a great admirer of female charms.No wonder he was not impressed with his wife Elizabeth, a woman suffering from epilepsy, and often sought solace in other women's arms. The most famous of his mistresses was Barbara Radziwill, a Lithuanian woman from aristocratic family, who returned his affection. It was for her that Sigmund Augustus brought to Poland a special kind of swans.
Elisabeth died at the age of 19 and Sigmund Augustus married Barbara, which was criticised by the aristocracy. Even the ing's parents (Sigmund I the Old and Bona Sforza d'Aragona) strongly opposed to their son's marriage. Augustus onsidered even abdication since the nobles would not allow Barbara's coronation. Even Polish subjects did not like her. Roumor has it that when the couple rode to the Wawel Castle, children on the street were reportedly shouting: "Down with the witch!".
Despite the difficulties the coronation of Barbara finally took place, but she died soon after in torment because of a tumor in the abdomen. Her husband was with her until the end and in accordance with her last will he buried her body in Lithuania.
Soon after the King, forced by the nobles, had to marry again. However, he still sought solace in the arms of a lover who resembled Barbara, and he wore mourning for the late Queen all his life.
