(p. 055)
After the death of George Dolgorouki, Andrew first made a successful
campaign against the Bulgarians, and then, after sacking Kief, he
turned his attention toward Novgorod, where he had established one of
his nephews. The cause of the quarrel is not known, but Andrew began
by compelling the neighboring dukes to join him, and overran the
territory of the republic with fire and sword. The people of Novgorod,
remembering the fate of Kief, were prepared to die in the defense of
the city. The siege commenced. One day the Archbishop took the
eikon--image--of the Virgin, which was carried around in solemn
procession. It was struck by an arrow shot by a Souzdalian soldier,
when miraculous tears appeared upon its face. The besiegers were
struck by a panic, and the people of Novgorod sallied out, killed a
number of the enemy, and took so many prisoners that "you could get
six Souzdalians for a grivna." Whatever may have been the value of
that coin, the market was evidently overstocked with Souzdalians.

Foiled in this attempt, Andrew tried other means. He prohibited the
sale of grain to the people of Novgorod, who were thereby compelled to
make peace. They did not surrender any of their privileges but
accepted as their duke the prince selected by Andrew.

His next war was with Mstislaf the Brave, Duke of Smolensk, who, aided
by his brothers, had taken Kief. Andrew sent a herald to him demanding
the evacuation of Kief, and imposing a fine upon each brother.
Mstislaf who, the Russians say, "feared none but God," gave orders to
have the herald's head and beard shaved,--a gross insult at that (p. 056)
time,--and then dismissed him, saying: "Go and repeat these words unto
your master,--'Up to this time we have respected you like a father,
but since you do not blush to treat us as your vassals and common
people, since you have forgotten that you speak to princes, we laugh
at your threats. Execute them!--we appeal to the judgment of God.'"
The challenge was accepted, and Andrew was defeated.

The Duke of Souzdal did not relax in his attempts to established
absolute government. It was with this purpose in view that he expelled
his three brothers, and made friends of the priests. Kief was still
the residence of the _Metropolitan_ or head of the Greek Church in
Russia, and Andrew was anxious that he should transfer his residence
to Vladimir so as to make that city the religious center of Russia.
His wish was not gratified.