In the name of God, Amen. Be it known to all the faithful of Christ seeing these presents, that according to the charters possessed in time past by the merchants living among the Ruthenians at Novgorod, the following rights and privileges of theirs are known to have existed.... When the merchants of Germany or Gothland come to Birken Island in the realm of the King of Novgorod, they will be under the peace and protection of the King and citizens of Novgorod; and the citizens of Novgorod will be responsible for whatever injury is inflicted upon them in the dominion of Novgorod. And the said merchants will have the same peace and protection both in going to their homes, and in leaving them. Moreover, when the merchants come to the water which is called Nü, they will enjoy the same liberty which they have had in all things in time past.