Whenever he embarked upon any important expedition, he took an ecclesiastic to the tomb of Saint Theodosius, there to implore the blessing of Heaven.

If successful in the enterprise, he returned to the tomb to give thanks.

This was the beginning and the end of his piety.

Without any scruple he violated the most sacred laws of morality.

The marriage vow was entirely disregarded, and he was ever ready to commit any crime which would afford gratification to his passions, or which would advance his interests.
The death of Sviatopolk occurred in a season of general anarchy, and it was uncertain who would seize the throne.