History of the Russian State, Vol. 9

A.D. 1560 — 1561.

by the properties of men, and secondly by circumstances or the impressions of objects acting upon the soul. Ivan was born with fervent passions, with a powerful imagination, and with a mind that was sharper than it was steady or sound. A poor upbringing corrupted his natural inclinations, leaving him only one path for correction: Faith original: "Вѣра". At that time, even the most audacious corrupters of Tsars did not dare to touch this sacred feeling. Friends of the fatherland and of the common good knew how to use its saving terrors to touch and strike his heart during extraordinary circumstances. They snatched the youth from the snares of luxury and, with the help of the pious and gentle Anastasia, led him onto the path of virtue. The unfortunate consequences of Ivan's illness shattered this beautiful union, weakened the power of friendship, and prepared for change. The Sovereign reached maturity. Passions ripen alongside the mind, and self-love original: "самолюбіе" acts even more strongly in mature years. While Ivan's trust in the reason of his former mentors did not diminish, his trust in himself increased. Grateful to them for their wise advice, the Sovereign ceased to feel the need for further guidance, and felt the burden of coercion all the more when they, without changing their old habits, spoke boldly and decisively on all occasions, never thinking to flatter—