“Let God be glorified,” cried Ivan, raising his eyes and his hands to heaven.  Then taking the sacred standard in his own hands, he entered the city, planted the banner in one of the principal squares, ordered a Te Deum there to be chanted, and then directed that upon that spot the foundation should be laid of the first Christian temple.  All the booty Ivan surrendered to the army, saying,

“The only riches I desire, are the repose and the honor of Russia.”

Then assembling his troops around him, he thus addressed them: 

“Valiant lords, generals, officers, all of you who in this solemn day have suffered for the glory of God, for religion, your country and your emperor, you have acquired immortal glory.  Never before did a people develop such bravery; never before was so signal a victory gained.  How can I suitably reward your glorious actions?

“And you who repose on the field of honor, noble children of Russia, you are already in the celestial realms, in the midst of Christian martyrs and all resplendent with glory.  This is the recompense with which God has rewarded you.  But as for us, it is our duty to transmit your names to future ages, and the sacred list in which they shall be enrolled shall be placed in the temple of the Lord, that they may ever live in the memory of men.

“You, who bathed in your blood, still live to experience the effects of my love and my gratitude; all of you brave warriors now before me, listen attentively to my words, and repose perfect confidence in the promises I make to you this day, that I will cherish you and protect you to the end of my life.”

These were not idle words.  Ivan personally visited the wounded, cheered them with his sympathy, and ever after watched over them with parental care.  His brother-in-law, Daniel, was immediately sent an envoy to the empress and to the metropolitan bishop, to inform them of the victory.  The day was closed by a festival, in a gorgeous tent, where all the principal officers and lords were invited to dine with the tzar.  A proclamation was addressed to all the tribes and nations of the conquered region.

“Come,” said the Russian tzar, “without fear to me.  The past is forgotten; for perfidy has received its reward.  I shall require of you only the tribute which you have heretofore paid to the tzars of Kezan.”

On the 3d of October the dead were buried and the whole city was cleansed.  The next day, Ivan, accompanied by his clergy, his council and the chiefs of his army, made his triumphal entrance, and laid, on the designated spot, the corner-stone of the cathedral church of the Visitation.  He also made the tour of the city, bearing the sacred banner, and consecrating Kezan to the true God.  The clergy sprinkled holy water upon the streets and upon the walls of the houses, imploring the benediction of Heaven upon this new rampart of Christianity.  They prayed that the inhabitants