Moreover, should I escape, that would save _me_ only, not my country.

God's will be done." The horde was now encamped among the mountains of Circassia.

It was the 22d of November, 1319, when, just after morning prayers, which were conducted by an abbe and two priests, who accompanied the Russian prince, Michel was informed that Usbeck had sentenced him to death.

He immediately called his young son Constantin, a lad twelve years of age, into his presence, and gave his last directions to his wife and children.
"Say to them," enjoined this Christian prince, "that I go down into the tomb cherishing for them the most ardent affection.

I recommend to their care the generous nobles, the faithful servants who have manifested so much zeal for their sovereign, both when he was upon the throne and when in chains." These thoughts of home overwhelmed him, and, for a moment losing his fortitude, he burst into tears.