At that epoch the influence of Poland had already begun to make itself felt upon the Russian nobility.

Many had adopted Polish customs, and began to display luxury in splendid staffs of servants, hawks, huntsmen, dinners, and palaces.

This was not to Taras's taste.

He liked the simple life of the Cossacks, and quarrelled with those of his comrades who were inclined to the Warsaw party, calling them serfs of the Polish nobles.

Ever on the alert, he regarded himself as the legal protector of the orthodox faith.