History of the Russian State, Vol. 9

A.D. 1560 — 1561.of them, in family matters, and in the very manner of life; daring to instruct him on how to behave with his spouse, how much to drink and eat in moderation (6)?" For Sylvester, the mentor of Ivan's conscience, always demanded from him abstinence and moderation in physical pleasures, to which the young Monarch had a strong inclination. Ivan did not quell this slander, for he was already tired of the overly strict moralizing of his favorites and desired freedom. He did not think of abandoning virtue; he simply wished to get rid of his teachers and prove that he could manage without them. There were moments when his natural impetuosity spilled over into intemperate words and threats. It is written that soon after the conquest of Kazan, in anger at one Voivode military commander/governor, he said to the grandees: "I am no longer afraid of you (7)!" But the magnanimity he showed after his illness completely calmed their hearts. Thirteen blooming years of life, spent in the zealous fulfillment of holy Royal duties, seemed to testify to an unchanging fidelity in the love of the common good. Although the Sovereign had already changed in his feelings toward his favorites, he had not yet noticeably changed in his principles. Propriety reigned in the Kremlin palace, and zeal and bold frankness reigned in the Duma council of state. Only in ambiguous matters, where truth or goodness were not self-evident, did Ivan like to contradict his advisors.