Dmitri was now forty years of age.

He was a man of colossal stature, and of vigorous health.

His hair and beard were black as the raven's wing, and his ruddy cheek and piercing eye seemed to give promise of a long life.
But suddenly he was seized with a fatal disease, and it was soon evident that death was near.

The intellect of the dying prince was unclouded, and, with much fortitude, in a long interview, he bade adieu to his wife and his children.

He designated his son Vassali, then but seventeen years of age, as his successor, and then, after offering a touching prayer, folded his hands across his breast, in the form of a cross, and died without a struggle.