The Empire of Russia: From the Remotest Periods to the Present Time
Chapter 15
THE ABDICATION OF IVAN IV.
From 1557 to 1582.
Terror of the Horde in Tauride.--War with Gustavus Vasa of Sweden.--Political Punctilios.--The Kingdom of Livonia Annexed to Sweden.--Death of Anastasia.--Conspiracy Against Ivan.--His Abdication.--His Resumption of the Crown.--Invasion of Russia by the Tartars and Turks.--Heroism of Zerebrinow.--Utter Discomfiture of the Tartars.--Relations Between Queen Elizabeth of England, and Russia.--Intrepid Embassage.--New War with Poland.--Disasters of Russia.--The Emperor Kills His Own Son.--Anguish of Ivan IV.