The Empire of Russia: From the Remotest Periods to the Present Time
Chapter 13
THE REIGN OF IVAN IV.
From 1546 to 1552.
The Title of Tzar.--Marriage of Ivan IV.--Virtues of His Bride.--Depraved Character of the Young Emperor.--Terrible Conflagrations.--Insurrections.--The Rebuke.--Wonderful Change in the Character of Ivan IV.--Confessions of Sin and Measures of Reform.--Sylvestre and Alexis Adachef.--The Code of Laws.--Reforms in the Church.--Encouragement To Men of Science and Letters.--The Embassage of Schlit.--War With Kezan.--Disasters and Disgrace.--Immense Preparation For the Chastisement of the Horde.--The March.--Repulse of the Tauredians.--Siege of Kezan.--Incidents of the Siege.