The Life and Deeds of the Ever-Remembered Despot Stefan

the children of Israel wept for Moses... thirty days,"¹⁴² saying: "Thou hast left us, O servant of God! Why hast thou left us, O chosen leader?!" (Thou too, O Despot,) hast left us, leader of the new Israel. (Likewise) Israel sent Daniel and the three youths off into captivity with unspeakable weeping and loud wailing. And not only did all over whom (Despot Stefan) had ruled mourn him, but still more Mount Athos, (and) at the same time Constantinople too and every city and region in which (the Despot's death) was heard of, (so) that even the Ishmaelites marveled. And truly many of them too wept for him.

90. When the most pious lord Đurađ came, him too they received with like (weeping), (which) filled the air, while the regiments (of the Serbian army) met and awaited him. Then, nevertheless, all seemed to feel a certain relief. (For) all had already been expecting death and plunder. Before him /lord Đurađ/ the inner tower too was opened at that moment, which the keeper had earlier refused to open. And in the church (Đurađ) did not go up to the covered (place as) the custom of rulers (required); when the service was ended, he did not allow (anything) to be said of the ruler's glory, but instead a cry (and) weeping were heard in the air. When (Đurađ) found himself with all (the others) in the imperial (palace), all whom the former ruler had appointed to some rank came up (to him), and each of them handed him the insignia of his authority. And he /Đurađ/, with great weeping, again confirmed each in his rank.

91. Sultan Murad, learning that all this was true, soon came with all (his) army, for he was near, and his son, who was with him, (he appointed) to watch over the (Stefan's?) army. Having come, he attacked Kruševac and took it in battle; (and) when the people who were in it rushed (to flee) from the city, other cities too surrendered. He came also beneath Novo Brdo, but did not succeed (in taking it), although he labored much. And he was willing to accept (the pleas) of the envoys who had come there and to return the land he had conquered. There came, however, a message from Jeremija, commander of the city of Golubac, that he would (surrender) the city to him. And these envoys failed (and) returned. Since winter had set in, Sultan Murad returned home. But he left (soldiers as) guards, who went and took Golubac, for that commander had let them in (to the city); they plundered the region around the city until the sultan's emissary came (with the news) that the sultan was desisting from further conquest; some (of the conquered regions) he even returned. Before this, lord Đurađ himself had come beneath Golubac; that commander came to him on good faith; (lord Đurađ counseled him) to bring him /Đurađ/ into the city and to surrender the city (to him). Certain lords came proposing (to Đurađ) that he seize (that commander). But he /Đurađ/ was of firm faith, like a diamond, and would not do this. He did not listen, like the most meek David, trusting in God who guards him, (that He might) make him ruler of the new Israel. When they had entered the city together, that commander barred the gate, took the city and raised his hand and weapon against the anointed (ruler). And (Đurađ) returned again to his own province.

92. Nor was there misfortune and ruin because of this alone, but the western king too came to the imperial city /Belgrade/, and took it, seemingly without a fight, from that most pious Lord (Đurađ), for (Đurađ) feared the Ishmaelites. And this was as it was with the prophet Zechariah, (who) addressed Jerusalem