(p. 032)
derivation is doubtful and is, besides, of no great importance. Oleg
ruled over Russia, that is, the plain extending from Kief to Novgorod.
There is a story that he was defeated by the Hungarians, who had
crossed the Dnieper, but it is doubtful, because in the year 907, we
find him preparing another expedition against Constantinople. On this
occasion the people of that capital forgot to bring out the robe, and
tried to poison the invaders, but their scheme was discovered in time;
they were forced to pay a heavy tribute and Oleg secured, besides, a
very advantageous commercial treaty.

One of the wizards at Oleg's court had warned him that his favorite
horse would be the cause of his death, and the animal was kept away
from him until it died. Oleg did not believe in wizards; he insisted
upon seeing the body and entered the stable. A snake came out of the
horse's skull and stung Oleg in the foot, and he died from the effect
of the poison.

Igor, Rurik's son, was the eldest, and succeeded his uncle. He led
another expedition against Constantinople, but it ended in disaster,
because the Russian fleet was destroyed by Greek fire. A large number
of Russians were captured but Igor escaped. This failure did not
prevent him from again attacking the Byzantine Empire, and this time
he was successful. The emperor agreed to pay tribute and signed
another commercial treaty.

Nestor, the Russian historian, tells us the story of Igor's death. "In
the year 945," he says, "the _drujina_" (that is, the body-guard,
composed of Norsemen or their descendants), "of Igor said to him, 'The
men of Sveneld are richly provided with weapons and garments, while
we go in rags; lead us, Prince, to collect the tribute so that (p. 033)
thou and we may become rich.' Igor consented, and conducted them to
the Drevlians to raise the tribute. He increased the first imposts,
and did them violence, he and his men; after having taken all he
wanted, he returned to his city. While on the road he bethought
himself and said to his drujina, 'Go on with the tribute; I will go
back and try to get some more out of them.' Leaving the greater part
of his men to go on their way, he returned with only a few, to the end
that he might increase his riches. The Drevlians, when they learnt
that Igor was coming back, held council with Nal, their prince. 'When
the wolf enters the sheepfold he slays the whole flock, if the
shepherd does not slay him. Thus it i