At last, when its destruction was at hand, thirty-six years after the invasion, Nevski had the heroism to submit to the inevitable.
He advised a surrender.

It needed a soul of iron to brave the indignation of the republic.

"He offers us servitude!" they cried.
The _Posadnik_ who conveyed the counsel to the _Vetche_ was murdered on the spot.

But Alexander persisted, and he prevailed.

His own son refused to share his father's disgrace, and left the state.