My brother Constantin will be obedient to your wishes." The unhappy prince was sent into exile.

Embarking, with his wife and children, and a few faithful followers, in barges, at the head waters of the Volga, he floated down the stream towards the Caspian Sea, and disappeared for ever from the observation of history.
Constantin was now raised to the imperial throne through the energies of Mstislaf.

This latter prince returned to his domains in Novgorod, and under the protection of the throne he rivaled the monarch in splendor and power.

Constantin established his capital at Vladimir, about one hundred and fifty miles west of Moscow.

The warlike Mstislaf, greedy of renown, with the chivalry of a knight-errant, sought to have a hand in every quarrel then raging far or near.
Southern Russia continued in a state of incessant embroilments; and the princes of the provinces, but nominally in subjection to the crown, lived in a state of interminable war.