would persuade Sweden to come to an understanding with Russia. Another
embassy went to James I of England, who was told that the Poles had
murdered British merchants and plundered their warehouses. This was a
falsehood, because the envoys knew that the outrage had been committed
by Cossacks and a Russian mob, but they hoped that the king would not
know it. James did not, and advanced 20,000 rubles. After this British
merchants demanded concessions and privileges in Russia, but as they
asked too much, they received nothing. Sweden, urged by England and
Holland, concluded with Russia the Peace of Stolbovo in 1617. Sweden
received an indemnity of 20,000 rubles, and surrendered Novgorod and
other towns.

The war with Poland was then continued more vigorously, and in 1618 a
truce of fourteen years and six months was arranged. It was understood
that this was temporary, because the King of Poland still claimed the
throne of Russia, and refused to recognize Michael. But the prisoners
were released and Philarete, the czar's father, returned to Moscow, where
his presence was soon felt by the nobles. The most independent (p. 140)
were arrested and sent into exile. So long as Philarete assisted his
son, there was no disorder.

[Illustration: Michael Feodorovitch]

In 1618, the great struggle between Protestant and Roman Catholic
Europe began and Sweden, which was to take such a glorious part in it,
sought Russia's aid. Gustavus wrote to Michael telling him that if the
Catholic league should prevail, the Greek Church would be in danger.
"When your neighbor's house is on fire," he wrote, "you must bring
water and try to extinguish it, to guarantee your own safety. May your
Czarian Majesty help your neighbors to protect yourself." Sound as the
advice was, Russia had enough to do at home. Sultan Osman of Turkey
offered an alliance against Poland, when Michael convoked the Estates.
The deputies beat their foreheads, and implored the czar "to hold
himself firm for the holy churches of God, for his czarian honor, and
for their own country against the enemy. The men-at-arms were ready to
fight, and the merchants to give money." The war was postponed when
news arrived that the Turks had been defeated.

Sigismund of Poland died in 1632, and his son Vladislas was elected.
The following year Philarete died, and the nobles, released from his
stern supervision, resumed their former behavior. The war between the
two neighbors recommence