easant, instead
of the contemptuous term moujik.

Whatever Asiatic characteristics were grafted upon the Russians, came
to them through their kniazes and boyards. The dukes soon showed that
all they cared for, was to hold their positions. After Alexander
Nevski, there is not a single instance of a desire to relieve the
people; and the victors on their part never interfered so long as (p. 073)
the tribute was paid regularly. The descendants of Andrew Bogolioubski
were not disturbed in Souzdal; those of Roman continued to hold
Galitch and Volhynia, and Oleg's house remained in possession of
Tchernigof. The dukes might fight about Kief; Novgorod might appoint
or expel its dukes,--the Tartars did not mind. But the khan did insist
that the dukes should visit him and pay him homage. He also reserved
the right of approving the succession of a duke, who was compelled to
apply for a written consent, called an _iarlikh_. On one occasion when
the people of Novgorod elected Duke Michael, they afterwards refused
to recognize him, asserting that "it is true we have chosen Michael,
but on condition that he should show us the iarlikh."

The dukes, holding their possessions by favor of the khan, tried to
gain his good-will and favor. Gleb, duke of Bielozersk married in the
khan's family about 1272; Feodor of Riazan was the son-in-law of the
khan of the Nogais. In 1318, the Grand Duke George married Kontchaka,
sister of the Khan Uzbeck. It was the rulers, and not the people of
Russia, that quietly submitted to the _Tartartchina_ or Mongol yoke.

The khans, while they did not care about the people took care that the
dukes should show them slavish respect. In 1303, the dukes were
convoked, and when they were assembled a letter from the khan was
read, in which they were commanded to stop fighting because the great
khan desired to see peace established. Whenever such a letter was
brought, the dukes were directed to meet the envoys on foot, prostrate
themselves, spread fine carpets under their feet, present them (p. 074)
with a cup filled with gold pieces, and listen, kneeling, while the
letter was read.

Children of the prairie and the desert, the Tartars had neither a
religion nor a civilization to impose upon the Russian people. The
khans were tolerant because they did not care. Koiyuk had a Christian
chapel near his residence. In 1261, the Khan of Sarai gave permission
for the erection of a Greek church in his capital, and he all