He failed in everything, except in making
enemies by his disregard of law. He was murdered in 1174 in his
favorite palace at Bogolioubovo, by his own _boyards_ or nobles.

VI--TROUBLOUS TIMES. (p. 057)

The death of Andrew was a welcome relief for the people of Novgorod.
They celebrated it by attacking the houses of the rich, and committed
so many excesses that the priests made a procession with the eikons.
In Souzdal there was trouble about the succession. Two of Andrew's
brothers returned from exile, and claimed the dukedom, and the city of
Vladimir gave them its support. That was enough for Souzdal and Rostof
to recognize another claimant, one of Andrew's nephews. Vladimir was
victorious in the contest, and Andrew's brother, Michael, became Grand
Duke of Souzdal. He died two years afterwards, and the people of
Souzdal once more refused to recognize Vladimir's candidate, Andrew's
other brother Vsevolod, surnamed the Big Nest on account of his
numerous family. Vladimir defeated Souzdal and Vsevolod was its grand
duke from 1176 to 1212. The people of Novgorod thought best to pacify
him. They sent a deputation to Vladimir, to tell Vsevolod, "Lord and
Grand Duke, our country is your patrimony; we entreat you to send us
the grandson of George Dolgorouki, the great-grandson of Monomachus,
to govern us." The request was granted, and Vsevolod's eldest son
Constantine came to Novgorod. The grand duke, however, was soon (p. 058)
displeased with him and displaced him by a younger son, Iaroslaf. Soon
there were quarrels between him and the people, whereupon Iaroslaf
moved to Torjok, a town within Novgorod territory, and from there
stopped all supplies. Famine appeared in the city, and at last envoys
were sent to the duke, who had them arrested. Nothing except absolute
submission would satisfy him. In this dire need help came from an
unexpected quarter. Mstislaf the Bold, son of Mstislaf the Brave, Duke
of Smolensk, heard of Novgorod's plight and sent word to the city,
"Torjok shall not hold itself higher than Novgorod. I will deliver
your lands and citizens, or leave my bones among you." He was as good
as his word. There was a great war between Souzdal and Smolensk; no
quarter was asked or given. In 1216, Vsevolod's sons were attacked at
Lipetsk by the troops of Novgorod and Smolensk, with such fury that
they were routed, and 9,000 were killed whereas only 60 were taken
pr