f a great part of the modern Livonia.

Originally a devout pagan.

His conduct after these successes by no means pro- nounced his future zeal for the Christian religion. None of the Russian monarchs appear to have been more devout in the adoration of their heathen deities than Vladimir. It was usual for him to return thanks to the gods for the success which they had granted to his arms; and to show his gratitude by offering on their altars a part of the prisoners he had taken in war. On one occasion his piety extended so far, that he resolved on selecting one of his own subjects as the object of his