Russia was soon alarmed by the rumor that Mamai, a Tartar chieftain, was approaching the frontiers of Russia with one of the largest armies the Mogols had ever raised.

This intelligence roused the Russians to the highest pitch of energy to meet their foes in a decisive battle.

An immense force was soon assembled at Moscow from all parts of the kingdom.

After having completed all his arrangements, Dmitri, with his chief captains, repaired to the church of the Trinity to receive the benediction of the metropolitan bishop.
"You will triumph," said the venerable ecclesiastic, "but only after terrible carnage.

You will vanquish the enemy, but your laurels will be sprinkled with the blood of a vast number of Christian heroes." The troops, accompanied by ecclesiastics who bore the banners of the cross, passed out at the gate of the Kremlin.