We dare to call ourselves Christians, and yet we live like idolaters.

Although multitudes throng every place of entertainment, although the sound of trumpets and harps resounds in our houses, and mountebanks exhibit their tricks and dances, the temples of God are empty, surrendered to solitude and silence." Bands of barbarians invaded Russia from the distant regions of the Caspian Sea, plundering, killing and burning.

They came suddenly, like the thunder-cloud in a summer's day, and as suddenly disappeared where no pursuit could find them.

Ambitious nobles, descendants of former kings, plied all the arts of perfidy and of assassination to get possession of different provinces of the empire, each hoping to make his province central and to extend his sway over all the rest of Russia.

The brothers of Ysiaslaf became embroiled, and drew the sword against each other.