The grand prince, Andre himself, was far advanced in years, opposed to war, and had probably been pushed on in his enterprises by the ambition of his son, who was also named Mstislaf.

This young prince was impetuous and fiery, greedy for military glory, and restless in his graspings for power.

The Novgorodians were also warlike and indomitable.

The conflict between two such powers arrested the attention of all Russia.
Mstislaf made the most extensive preparations for the attack upon the Novgorodians, and they, in their turn, were equally energetic in preparations for the defense.

The army marched from Moscow, and following the valley of the Masta, entered the spacious province of Novgorod.