I have left the capital of Russia to defend you.

Do you wish to prosecute the war?
The sword is in my hands.

Do you desire peace?
I will open negotiations." "War, war," the multitude shouted.

"You are our monarch, and we will all follow you, from the youngest to the oldest." A vast army was immediately assembled on the shores of the lake of Ilmen, near the city of Novgorod, which commenced its march of three hundred miles, to the remote realms of Souzdal.

Georges was unprepared to meet them.