Then, mounting his horse, he rode along the ranks, exclaiming, "My brothers dearly beloved; my faithful companions in arms: by your exploits this day you will live for ever in the memory of men; and those of you who fall will find, beyond the tomb, the crown of martyrs." The Tartar host approached upon the boundless plain slowly and cautiously, but in numbers even exceeding those of the Russians.
Notwithstanding the most earnest remonstrances of his generals, Dmitri led the charge, exposing himself to every peril which the humblest soldier was called to meet.
"It is not in me," said he, "to seek a place of safety while crying out to you, '_My brothers, let us die for our country!_' My actions shall correspond with my words.

I am your chief.

I will be your guide.
I will go in advance, and, if I die, it is for you to avenge me." Again ascending the mound, the king, with a loud voice, read the forty-sixth Psalm: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." The battle was immediately commenced, with ferocity on both sides which has probably never been surpassed.

For three hours the two armies were blended in a hand to hand fight, spreading over a space seven miles in length.