Ivan the Terrible:

Why do you write to me? You are a traitor and a runaway, and I am a sovereign ruler.

— Ivan the Terrible Early Modern

First Tsar of Russia

From his first letter to Prince Andrei Kurbsky, expressing his anger and asserting his divine right.

c. 1564

Verification

Unverifiable

Found in 1 providers: gemini

Cross Reference

1 source

"The blood of traitors will water the earth."

"The tears of a Tsar are the rain that waters the earth."

"The more blood, the more glory."

"Woe to him who trusts in words more than deeds!"

"I am a just ruler, even if my methods are harsh."