When Michael IV heard of the Bulgarian revolt, he immediately decided to wage war on them and himself lead the whole army, despite his illness and his failing body. He had added nothing to the Roman empire and now part of it had been removed: he thought he had a terrible responsibility before men and God if he willingly conceded to the Bulgarians defection from Rome. The senate was absolutely opposed to his plans and the exhortations of his family demanded that he stay in the City, but he was despondent and obsessed with war against the Bulgarians. He set his objective, followed through his plan and raised a large army