But so wise had been the administration of affairs by the astute Regent that a change was dreaded.

A council offered him the crown, which he feigned a reluctance to accept, preferring that the invitation should come from a source which would admit of no question as to his rights in the future.

Accordingly, the States-General or _Sobor_ was convened, and Boris Godunof was chosen by acclamation.
The work of three reigns was undone.

A _boyar_ was Tsar of Russia--and a _boyar_ not in the line of Rurik and with Tatar blood in his veins! But this bold and unscrupulous man had performed a service to the state.

The work of the Muscovite Princes was finished, and the extinction of the line was the next necessary event in the path of progress.
Boris had large and comprehensive views and proceeded upon new lines of policy to reconstruct the state.