{"schema_version":1,"access":"public","rights":"Public-domain or compatibly licensed source editions; provenance is retained per record.","work":{"slug":"polo","title":"The Description of the World: Marco Polo in China (Book Two)","author":"Marco Polo","tradition":"european","language":"frm","genre":"travel account","period":"c. 1300 (French text of 1556)","source_url":"https://fr.wikisource.org/wiki/La_description_géographique_des_provinces","original":{"text":"### Book Two, Chapters 1–7\n\nDe la puissance & magnificence de Cublaigrand Cham de Tartarie.Chapitre I.\n\nEn ce second livre j’ay determiné descrire la sumptueuse magnificence, singularitez, puissance & richesses, avec le gouvernement & administration de l’Empire du grand Cham, Empereur des Tartares, nommé Cublai à present regnant, Car en magnificence & ample domination il surpasse sans comparaison tous ses predecessurs, aussi il a tellement estendu les limites, & frontieres de son Empire, qu’il à presque reduict tout l’Orient en sa puissance & subjection. Ce grand seigneur Cublai est descendu de la lignée de Chinchis premier Empereur de Tartarie, & le sixiesme en ordre, qui commença à regner des l’an de l’incarnation de nostre Seigneur mil deux cens cinquante six, gouvernant son peuple avec grande sagesse & gravité. Il est bel homme, bien adextre & exercité aux armes, robuste & bien dispos de ses membres, avec promptitude d’esperit, pour entreprendre & executer grandes choses, toutesfois avec conseil, usant de grande\nprovidence & discretion au gouvernement de son peuple, car au paravant qu’il parvint à l’Empire, il s’est plusieurs fois porté vaillamment en guerre, ayant reputation de prompt & hardy capitaine, & en toutes autres choses s’estoit demonstré prudent & discret. Toutesfois depuis qu’il a eu le gouvernement de l’Empire, il ne s’est trouvé qu’une fois en bataille: car il y a tousjours commis son lieutenant, ou l’un de ses enfans, ou quelque autre grand seigneur de sa court.\n\nDe la rebellion que fist Naiam contre Cublai.Chapitre II.\n\nNous avons dict cy dessus que l’Empereur Cublai s’est trouvé seulement une fois en bataille pendant son regne, mais maintenant en dirons la cause. En l’an mil deux cens quatre vingtz & six, un de ses neveux nommé Naiam jeune homme de l’aage de trente ans, estant gouverneur en plusieurs provinces & sur divers peuples, esmeu par temerité & presumption, s’esleva contre son oncle & seigneur souverain l’Empereur Cublai, dressant & mettant sus alencontre de luy une grosse armée. Et afin de mieulx s’asseurer de la victoire pour estre le plus fort, trouva moyen d’associer en ceste rebellion un autre Roy nommé Caidu nepveu du grand Cham.Caydu, qui semblablement estoit nepveu de l’Empereur Cublai, mais avoit conceu alencontre de luy inimitié & malveillance mortelle. À quoy facilement s’accorda de luy donner confort & ayde en cest affaire, mesmes luy promist de s’y trouver en personne, & mener avec luy cent mil hommes en armes. Eulx donc suyvant leurs desseinctz, delibererent d’eulx assembler avec leurs forces en une certaine campaigne, pour de la entrer en pays, & courir sus à l’Empereur. Et deslors Naiam avoit en son camp environ Je croy que il y a icy faulte, & qu’on y a mis quadringenta pour quadraginta, c’est 400000 pour 40000.quatre cens mil hommes en armes.\n\nComment l’Empereur prevint & se fortifiacontre ses ennemis.Chap. III.\n\nCeste entreprinse fut incontinent descouverte à l’Empereur Cublai, & de quel couraige ses nepveuz de conspiration publique s’estoient eslevez contre luy. Au moyen dequoy il jura par son chef, & sa couronne Imperialle qu’il se defendroit d’eulx, & oultre se vengeroit de l’audace & temerité de ses ennemis. Et de faict en moins de vingtdeux jours il assembla tumultuairement & selon l’exigence de l’entreprinse une assez grosse armée, asçavoir de Not. qu’il y a 360000 pour 36000.trentesix mille chevaulx, & cent mille hommes de pied, & ce des environs de la cité de Cambalu seulement. Et combien qu’il eust peu assembler & mettre sus une plus grosse armée, eu esgard à sa puissance, & grandeur de son Empire. Toutesfois voulant surprendre & charger à l’improviste son ennemy, ne voulut s’arrester à faire plusgrand amas de gens, de peur que son entreprinse fust descouverte à ses ennemis, & que advertiz de ce, ilz prinssent la fuyte, ou se retirassent avec leur armée en quelque forteresse, en laquelle ilz ne peussent facilement estre rompuz & desconfictz, joinct aussi que l’Empereur Cublai avoit lors d’autres armées en campaigne, qu’il avoit envoyées en diverses provinces pour les subjuguer & conquester, lesquelles il ne voulut revoquer, & faire retourner, pour ne donner à congnoistre son intention, ains commanda Bons stratageme de guerre.d’observer soigneusement & prendre garde sur les chemins, passaiges, & frontieres, qu’aucun ne portast nouvelles à Naiam de son entreprise, & qu’il ne peust estre preadverty de sa venue, au moyen dequoy tous allans & venans estoient arrestez par les gardes à ce commises, de peur que Naiam en sceust seulement le bruit. Les choses ainsi disposées, l’Empereur Cublai demanda l’advis & conseil de ses astrologues sur l’evement de ceste guerre, & en quel temps & quelle heure il debvoit partir & marcher en bataille contre l’ennemy, pour selon les dispositions fatalles heureusement succeder, lesquelz luy predirent tous d’un commun accord l’heureux succes de la guerre & qu’il estoit temps de partir pour obtenir victoire de ses ennemis.\n\nDe la victoire de Cublai contre Naiam.Chap. IIII.\n\nDonc l’Empereur Cublai fist diligemment marcher son armée, tellement qu’il parvint en brief temps jusques aupres d’une grande plaine, en laquelle Naiam s’estoit campé, attendant le Roy Caydu, qui venoit à son secours. Or pour ceste nuict l’Empereur Cublai assist son camp, & le fist reposer sur un petit coustau assez pres des ennemis sans rien esmouvoir ne faire aucun bruit. Alors les gens d’armes & soldatz de Naiam, ne se doubtans de riens, comme ne sachans la venue de leur ennemy, vagoient ça & là desarmez par la campaigne, faisans grande chere sans soucy, ne craincte d’aucun. La nuict passée, & si tost que le jour commença à poindre l’Empereur Cublai à la descente du coustau, mist en ordre son armée, laquelle il divisa en douze bataillons en chacun desquelz il mist trois mille hommes de cheval. Et au regard des gens de pied, ilz estoient mis en tel ordre, qu’en plusieurs endroictz à chacun homme de cheval il y avoit deux hommes de pied de chacun costé, ayans lances, & bois long pour les servir. Quand à l’Empereur il estoit assis en un Chasteau de l’Empereur, porté par elephans.chasteau porté par quatre elephans (chose admirable) auquel estoit semblablement l’enseigne imperialle. Or quand ceulx de l’armée de Naiam eurent aperceu les enseignes desployées & l’Empereur Cublai & ses bataillons marchans contre eulx en bataille rangée, ilz furent grandement effrayez, car ilz attendoient encores le secours du Roy Caydu, auquel ilz avoient leur plusgrande fiance: & soubdainement coururent au pavillon de Naiam pour l’en advertir, lequel ilz trouverent couché avec une concubine qu’il avoit amenée avec luy. Lors Naiam promptement se resveille, & en la plus grande diligence qu’il peult, mist ses gens en ordre, & par bandes. Or tous les Tartares ont de coustume au paravant que d’entrer en bataille, de premierement sonner les trompettes, tabourins, phiffres, & autres instrumens de guerre, & oultre chanter à haulte voix, & jusques à ce que le Roy leur ayt baillé signe de marcher & courir sus à l’ennemy. Ainsi apres que les deux armées eurent finy leurs sons & clameurs, l’Empereur commanda sonner l’alarme & Bataille.donner dedans les ennemis: ce que promptement fut faict, & commencerent à tirer de leurs arcz de telle furie que les flesches & sagettes tumboient du ciel druz comme gresle. Et apres que le traict fut cessé, prindrent leurs lances & espées & vindrent à eulx joindre & approcher, recommençans la bataille plus furieusement que devant: & lors y eut grande occision & tuerie d’une part & d’autre. Or ce Naiam estoit Chrestien de nom, & profession, combien qu’il fust mauvais observateur de la foy Chrestienne, & en fist mal les œuvres, ce neantmoins avoit faict mettre en son principal guidon & enseigne, le signe de la croix & avoit grand nombre de Chrestiens en son camp. La bataille dura depuis le poinct du jour jusques à midy fort aspre & cruelle, & y fut tué grand nombre de gens d’une part & d’autre. Et jusques à ce que finablement Victoire de Cublai.l’armée de Naiam commença à decliner, se rompre, & mettre en route, l’Empereur Cublai estre superieur & victorieux. Entre ceulx qui se misrent en fuyte fut prins Naiam prisonnier, & grande multitude de ses gens occis en fuyant.\n\nComment Naiam fut faict mourir.Chapitre V.\n\nDonc le Roy Cublai ayant en ses mains son adversaire prisonnier, commanda incontinent qu’on le feist mourir, pour sa grande temerité d’avoir excité ceste rebellion, & prins les armes contre son seigneur. Mais pour autant qu’il estoit yssu de sa lignée, il ne voulut point que la terre fust arrousée du sang royal, ou que l’air & le soleil veissent aucun descendu de royalle lignée, ainsi malheureusement mourir. Nouvelle manière de mort.Au moyen de quoy il commanda qu’il fust lyé & enveloppé dedans un tapiz, & par tant de foys & si long temps secoux, remué, tourné & viré, que finalement à fault de reprendre halaine il fust estouffé & suffoqué. Apres la mort de Naiam, tous les principaux chefz & capitaines de son armée, ensemble les soldatz & gendarmes, qui s’estoient eschappez de la bataille, & saulvez à la fuyte, se vindrent rendre & submettre à la subjection & obeyssance de l’Empereur Cublai. Et deslors accreurent à sa seigneurie & Empire quatre provinces, assavoir Funoria, Cauli, Barscol, & Sinchintinguy.\n\nLa reprimende que feist Cublai aux Juifz & Sarrazins,qui blasmoient & mesprisoient le signe de la croix de Jesus Christ.Chapitre VI.\n\nOr les Juifz & Sarrazins qui estoient en l’armée de Cublai, soubz pretexte de telle victoire, commencerent à dire plusieurs injures & parolles oultrageuses aux Chrestiens, qui avoient esté au camp de Naiam, leur disant que le Christ duquel le signe estoit pourtraict au guidon de Naiam, n’avoit peu les ayder & secourir, & chacun jour leur en faisoient de grands reproches & contumelies, au grand scandale, mespris & derision de la puissance de Jesus Christ, qu’ilz disoient estre vaine & frivolle. Au moyen dequoy les Chrestiens qui s’estoient renduz à l’obeissance & subjection de l’Empereur Cublay, estimans estre chose indigne d’un Chrestien, de supporter & endurer un tel blaspheme, à la diminution de la gloire & honneur de Jesus Christ, en feirent leur plainctif à l’Empereur, luy remonstrans de quel poix & consequence leur estoient telles contumelies. Alors l’Empereur feit appeller & assembler devant luy les Juifz, Sarrazins & Chrestiens. Et premierement se tournant vers les Chrestiens leur dist: Harengue du grand Cham aux Chrestiens.Vostre Dieu par sa croix n’a pas voulu donner aucun support, n’ayde à Naiam, mais pour cela n’en debvez avoir honte ne fascherie: car le dieu bon & juste n’a pas voulu favoriser à une telle injustice & iniquité. Naiam a esté traistre & desloyal envers son seigneur, & contre tout droict & equité, luy à suscite guerre & rebellion, puis en sa meschanceté & felonnie à imploré l’ayde de vostre Dieu, mais luy comme bon Dieu, juste & droict, ne luy a voulu porter faveur en ses malversations. Et au regard des Juifz & Sarrazins qui ainsi detractoient & sugilloient l’honneur des Chrestiens, l’Empereur leur defendit expressement, que dela en avant aucun ne presumast blasphemer ne detracter contre le Dieu des Chrestiens, ne sa croix. Ainsi furent contrainctz eulx taire. Donc Cublai ayant appaisé & pacifié ceste dissension, s’en retourna victorieux & en grande joye en sa cité de Cambalu.\n\nEn quelle maniere le grand Cham recompenseses gensdarmes apres la victoire obtenue.Chapitre VII.\n\nQuand l’Empereur Cublai retourne victorieux de quelque guerre, il recongnoist & remunere ses Capitaines, chefz de bandes, & caporaulx en ceste maniere. Celuy qui au paravant n’estoit que centenier, l’eslevera en plus haut degré, & luy baillera charge de mil hommes, & ainsi par ordre & degrez il eslevera chacun des chefz, Ducz & capitaines en plus hault estat & dignité: leur faisant en oultre plusieurs presentz de vaisselle d’or & d’argent, & leur octroyant plusieurs privileges & immunitez, lesquelz privileges sont inscriptz & engravez en certaines tables, ou lames de cuyvre, d’un costé desquelles sont contenuz ces motz: Pour la vertu du grand dieu, & pour la grace indicible qu’il a conferée à l’Empereur, le nom du grand Cham soit beneist. De l’autre costé est engravée l’image d’un lyon, avec le soleil, & la lune, ou la figure d’un gerfault, ou de quelque autre beste. Enseigne de faveur. Et ceulx qui ont ces tablettes merquées du lyon avec le soleil & la lune, ilz les portent sur leurs vestemens quand ilz vont par la ville, & en lieu public, en signe de grande authorité. Mais celluy qui porte l’image du gerfault, peult d’un lieu en autre mener & conduyre toute l’armée de quelque Prince, ou Roy de Tartarie. Ainsi toutes choses sont distribuées selon leur ordre, & par ces tables est demonstré à qui on doibt porter reverence & obeyssance. Et s’il y a aucun qui soit refusant d’obeyr & faire son debvoir, selon la demonstrance qui luy est faicte par ces tables, & qu’il ne tienne compte de l’auctorité d’icelles, incontinent on le faict mourir comme rebelle à l’Empereur.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 8–15\n\nDescription de la forme & staturede l’Empereur Cublai,& de ses femmes & concubines.Chap. VIII.\n\nL’Empereur Cublai est fort bel homme, de mediocre stature, ne trop gras ne aussi trop meigre. Il a la face un peu rouge, entremeslée de blanc, les yeulx grandz, beau nez, & tous autres delineamentz de son corps bien & devëment proportionnez. Il a quatre femmes qu’il repute legitimes, de la premiere desquelles le filz aisné luy succede au royaulme. Et chascune de ces quatre femmes a son train apart, & tient maison comme Royne, au mesme Palays de l’Empereur, ayant chacune environ troys cens damoiselles d’eslite en son service, & plusieurs serviteurs qui sont chastrez, & grand nombre d’autres serviteurs domestiques. Oultre cela le Roy a plusieurs concubines: car entre les Tartares y a certaine nation particuliere qui est appellée Ungrac.Ungrac, en laquelle y a des femmes belles par excellence, de bonne grace, & bien apprises, entre lesquelles l’Empereur en faict prendre & choisir des plus belles, qu’il entretient ordinairement en son Palays, jusques au nombre de cent, & leur baille des gouvernantes, qui n’ont autre charge que de les traicter, & soigneusement prendre garde qu’elles ne tumbent malades, ou quelque tache leur survienne: car autrement elles n’oseroient coucher avec l’Empereur. De ces concubines on en prend six, qui sont deputées pour gardes de la chambre Imperialle par trois jours & trois nuyctz. Service de concubines.Et quand le Roy s’en va coucher, ou que au matin il se leve du lict, incontinent elles se presentent à luy comme servantes, & couchent en sa chambre. Le quatriesme jour, six autres succedent à ceste charge, & par trois autres jours & autant de nuictz font le service de la chambre. Et ainsi successivement les unes apres les autres, y sont commises, & continuent leur ordre jusques à ce que tout le nombre des cent concubines ayt esté employé au service de l’Empereur. Or des quatre femmes legitimes l’Empereur a eu vingtdeux enfans masles. Le filz aisné de la premiere d’icelles fut nommé Chinchis, & devoit succeder à l’Empire, mais il deceda au paravant son pere, toutesfois il delaissa un filz nommé Temir.Temir, qui est homme magnanime & prudent, & fort adextre aux armes: celuy doibt succeder a l’empire de son ayeul, par representation de son deffunct pere. Au surplus l’empereur Cublai a eu de ses concubines & chambrieres vingtsept enfans, qui sont tous grandz seigneurs & barons en sa court.\n\nDu palays & lieux de plaisancede la ville de Cambalu.Chap. IX.\n\nTrois mois de l’année, asçavoir Decembre, Janvier & Febvrier l’Empereur Cublai faict sa residence en sa ville royalle de Cambalu, ou il y a un palays sumptueux & basty de grand artifice. Il a de circuit environ deux lieues lieues, ayant mil pas de longueur en chascune quadrature, les murailles d’iceluy sont de grosse espesseur, ayans de haulteur cinq toises, les paremens desquelles par le dehors sont des couleurs blanc & rouge. En chacune encoigneure des quatre murailles, y a un palays beau & grand, enfermé de quatre tours pour servir de forteresses. Et au mylieu de chascune des quatre murailles y a semblablement un palays brave & sumptueux, tellement que ce sont en tout huict palays, esquelz on retire & garde les armes, artillerie, instrumens & munitions de guerre, comme arcs, flesches, trousses, esperons, freins, lances, massues, cordes darc & autres choses necessaires pour la guerre, & chascune espece d’armes sont divisement & par ordre en chascun palays. Or du costé du palays qui regarde vers midy, y a cinq portes & entrées, desquelles celle du mylieu est la plusgrande, & n’est jamais ouverte, sinon pour l’entrée de l’empereur. Car il n’est permis à aucun d’entrer par icelle, sinon à l’empereur, mais il y a de chascun costé deux autres portes, par lesquelles entrent tous ceulx qui suyvent l’empereur. Et au regard des autres trois pentes & costez de muraille, n’y a qu’une porte en chacune, par laquelle peult entrer au palays qui veult, mais entre ces premieres murailles, & au dedans d’icelles, y a un autre mur faict comme le premier, ayant en chascune encongneure & sur le mylieu de la muraille huict autres palais, esquelz on retire la vaisselle & joyaulx precieux de l’Empereur. Et sur le mylieu de ceste closture est le palais Royal, auquel l’Empereur faict sa demeure. En ce palais n’y a qu’un estage, car de plancher par dessus n’y en a point, mais aussi le paviment d’iceluy est eslevé, & plus hault de dix paulmes que l’ayre de la court. Le lambriz en est fort hault, enrichi de diverses painctures, les murailles & cloisons des chambres sont reluysantes de l’or & argent dont elles sont enrichies. En tous endroictz on y void de singulieres painctures, & histoires de guerres memorables, figurées de vive couleurs, enrichies d’or. En la Salle magnifique.grande salle se peuvent asseoir à table ensemblement, environ six mille hommes. Entre ces grandes & premieres murailles qui environnent tout le chasteau, y a plusieurs jardins, & preaux plantez de diverses sortes d’arbres fruictiers, esquelz semblablmeent on veoid courir infinies bestes sauvaiges, comme cerfz, les bestes qui portent le musc, chevreux, dains & autres especes de bestes. Sur la coste de Septentrion y a des viviers esquelz on nourrist des meilleurs poissons qui se puissent trouver, & pour les remplir d’eaua y passe un petit fleuve, l’entrée & sortie duquel sont garnies de grilles de fer pour empescher que le poisson ne sorte hors, & suyve le cours de l’eaue. Hors ce palais à distance environ d’une lieue, y a un Montaigne Royalle.coustau de haulteur de cent pas, qui a de tour & circonference environ mille pas, lequel est planté d’arbres en tout temps verdoyantz. En ceste motte l’Empereur faict apporter de toutes pars arbres exquis & singuliers, les faisans charger sur des elephans, & transporter de païs loingtain, avec les racines pour les y transplanter. Et pource que ce coustau est tousjours verd, on l’appelle La verde montaigne.la verde montaigne, au sommet duquel y a un beau palais, tout painct de verd, auquel le grand Cham va souvent prendre son plaisir. Aupres du palais dessusdict, y en a un autre magnifique & sumptueux, auquel demoure Temir le filz aisné, celuy qui doibt succeder à l’Empire, qui y tient son train, & vit royallement & magnifiquement avec ses gentilz hommes & ceulx de sa maison. Car il a tresgrande authorité & puissance, mesmes a le seau Imperial, toutesfois il est subject au grand Cham comme à son seigneur.\n\nDescription de la ville de Cambalu.Chap. X.\n\nLa ville de Cambalu est située en la province de Cathay, aupres d’une grosse reiviere. De tout temps & ancienneté elle a esté ville royalle & fameuse, aussi le mot Cambalu signifie la cité du seigneur. Ceste ville a esté transferée par le grand Cham de l’autre costé de la riviere. Car il avoit entendu par ses astrologues & divinateurs, qu’elle devoit estre au temps à venir rebelle à l’empire. La ville est construicte en quadrature egalle, & a de circuit vingtquatre mille, qui peuvent estre huict lieues françoises: car en chascune quadrature elle à six mille. Les murailles en sont blanches, de la haulteur de dix toyses, & de largeur cinq, toutesfois ceste espesseur en montant est beaucoup diminuée & amoindrie. En chacun quarre y a trois portes principales, qui sont en nombre douze, chascune garnie de portaulx magnifiques, & sumptueux. Il y a aussi aux encoigneures des murailles, de beaux palais ou les armeures de la ville sont gardées. Les rues & places de la ville sont si droictes qu’on peult aisément, & sans aucun empeschement veoir d’une porte à l’autre opposite, aussi les maisons d’une part & d’autre y sont magnifiquement basties, & semble que ce soient petitz palais. Au mylieu de la ville y a une maison sumptueusement bastie, au feste de laquelle est pendue une grosse cloche, de laquelle sur le soir on sonne par trois fois: & apres le troisiesme coup sonné, il n’est permis à aucun sortir hors de sa maison jusques au lendemain, si ce n’estoit pour cause urgente comme pour malades ou proches parens: encores ceulx qui par telle necessité sont contrainctz aller par la ville, De n'aller de nuict sans lumiere.fault qu’ilz portent avec eulx de la lumiere. Chascune des portes de la ville à mille hommes commis pour la garde d’icelle, non point pour craincte qu’ilz ayent des ennemis, mais pour les larrons & volleurs, car sur tout le Roy veult donner ordre de chasser & punir les brigans & larrons, a ce que son pays n’en soit infecté.\n\nDes faulxbourgs de la ville de Cambalu,& marchans y demourans.Chap. XI.\n\nA l'entour de la ville de Cambalu y a douze grandz faulxbourgs, situez & joignans chacune des douze portes de la ville, esquelz y a grande affluence de marchands & autres gens estrangiers: Car tant à l’occasion de la court de l’Empereur, que pour les diverses traffiques de marchandises, une infinité de peuple y arrive, qui toutesfois s’arreste es faulxbourgs pour faire & expedier leurs traffiques. Aussi ne sont les faulxbourgs moindres en magnificence & sumptuosité de maisons, que la ville, hors mis le Palais royal. Au dedans de la ville jamais ne se faict sepulture ou funerailles d’aucun corps mort, mais hors les faulxbourgs, assavoir on fait brusler les corps de ceulx qui adorent les idoles, & des autres sectes, ilz sont inhumez & enterrez. Et pource qu’en tout temps en ce lieu y a grande affluence de gens estrangiers, y a aussi dedans les faulxbourgs ordinairement environ vingt mille putains, mais dedans l’enclos de la ville jamais on n’en souffre aucune. Il est impossible de declairer la quantité des marchandises & richesses qui de toutes partz sont apportées en ceste ville: Car on estimeroit y en avoir à suffire pour tout le monde. On y apporte des pierres precieuses, perles, soyes, & diverses espiceries des Indes, de Mangi, Cathay, & autres regions. Car ceste ville de Cambalu semble estre le centre & mylieu de toutes les regions & provinces circonvoisines. Et ne se passe jour en l’année qu’on n’y ameine par les marchans estrangers environ mille charrettes chargees de soyes, desquelles sont faictz par les ingenieux artizans de la ville de fort singuliers draps, & habillemens.\n\nDes gardes du corps du grand Chamqu’il a ordinairement en sa compaignie.Chapitre XII.\n\nLe grand Cham à en sa court douze mille chevaliers qui s’appellent Quesitan.Quesitan, c’est à dire Chevaliers fideles à leur seigneur, lesquelz sont commis à la garde de son corps: & ont quatre capitaines, chacun desquelz à la charge de trois mil chevaliers. Leur office est de suyvre la personne de l’Empereur, & estre subjectz de le garder jour & nuict, aussi ilz font à ses gaiges. Et divisent leur service en tel ordre, que quand un capitaine de trois mil chevaliers aura avec se acompaignie servy, & faict la Gardes du Grand Chamgarde dedans le Palais de l’empereur par trois jours entiers, les autres trois jours subsequentz un autre capitaine (qui ce pendant se sera reposé) luy succedera, & servira par mesme espace de temps avec trois mil autres chevaliers, puis trois jours apres un autre avec semblable nombre de chevaliers. Ainsi continuent leur service successivement par toute l’année, non point qu’il soit besoing à l’empereur de si grandes gardes, pour qu’il soit en danger de sa personne, mais affin que sa magnificence soit plus apparente et plus grande.\n\nDe l’excellence des bancquetz & festins dugrand Cham. Chap. XIII.\n\nLa magnificence qui est observée es banquetz de l’empereur, est en ceste maniere ordonnée. Quand l’empereur a l’occasion de quelque feste ou pour autre cause raisonnable, veult faire banquet en sa grande Salle, sa table sera eslevée par dessus toutes les autres, & assise en l’endroit de la salle le plus apparent, tirant vers Septentrion, en sorte que l’empereur estant assis à table aura la face tournée vers Midy, & pres de luy à main senestre sera asisse la principale & mieulx favorisée de ses femmes, & a la main dextre seront assis ses enfans, & nepveuz, & ceulx qui seront du sang royal: toutesfois leur table sera dressée plus bas, tellement que leur teste a peine pourra toucher aux piedz de l’Empereur. Les autres grandz seigneurs, barons & chevaliers, seront encores en une table plus basse, ayans chacun leurs femmes assises pres d’eulx a costé senestre, en maniere que chacun duc, chevalier ou gentilhomme, tient son ordre & degré, comme aussi sont leurs femmes. Car tous les gentilz hommes qui doivent assister au festin & banquet de l’Empereur, y ameinent avec eulx leurs femmes: & lors l’empereur estant assis au lieu plus eminent, peult regarder tous ceulx qui sont assis a table en la salle. Oultre ceste grande salle royalle, y a encores d’autres sallettes a costé d’icelles, esquelles en ces jours de feste on traicte quelquesfois bien quarante mil hommes, desquelz la pluspart sont gens de sa court, ou autres qui viennent renouveller leurs foy & hommaiges à l’empereur. OUltre y a une infinité de farseurs & bastelleurs, qui s’y trouvent. D’avantaige y a au milieu de la grande salle royalle un grand vase d’or, en forme de fontaine qui produict & distille incessament vin, ou autre breuvaige excellent, lequel tumbe, & est receu dedans quatre autres vaisseaux d’or, esquelz on l’espuise en grande abondance, pour servir & distribuer à ceulx qui sont assiz à table, lesquelz semblablement ne sont serviz, & ne boivent point en d’autres vaisseaulx que de fin or. Brief, il seroit impossible d’exprimer la grande magnificence & sumptuosité, soit en vaisselle ou autres meubles & utensilles, dont on use quand le grand Cham mange publiquement en sa salle royalle. Et au regard des escuyers qui servent l’empereur à table, ilz ont tous la bouche couverte d’un taffetas, ou linge delié, de peur de jecter leur halaine sur le boire & manger préparé pour la bouche de l’empereur. Et quand l’empereur prend sa couppe pour boire, tous les haulxbois & menestriers commencent à sonner de leurs instrumentz fort melodieusement: & ce pendant tous les autres serviteurs de salle se mettent à genoulx. Il n’est besoing au surplus de declairer la quantité de viandes qui sont portées & apposees à sa table, ne combien elles sont exquises & delicates, & de quelle pompe & magnificence elles luy font presentées. Le disner finy, viennent les musiciens & joueurs d’instrumentz harmonieux, semblablement les farceurs & nigromanciens, lesquelz tant par leurs chantz & sons melodieux, que par leurs gestes & bastelleries, qu’ilz font devant l’empereur, le resjouyssent merveilleusement, & luy donnent grand plaisir & passetemps.\n\nQuelle magnificence on observe au jour natal de l’Empereur.Chapitre XIIII.\n\nTous les Tartares observent ceste coustume de celebrer en grand honneur & magnificence le Jour de la naissance du grand Cham.jour natal de leur seigneur. Or le jour de la nativité du grand Cham Cublay est le vingthuitiesme Septembre, & n’ont point de jour plus solennel & ferial en toute l’année, hors mis la solennité des Calendes de Febvrier, esquelles Commencement d’année des Tartares.ilz commencent leur année. Donc en ce jour de sa nativité l’empereur sera vestu d’une precieuse robe de fin drap d’or, & semblablement tous de sa court seront vestuz de leurs meilleurs & plus riches habillemens, & à chacun d’eulx l’empereur donne une ceinture d’or de grand prix & valeur, & des souliers faictz de chamoys, cousuz de fil d’argent, de sorte que chacun tasche de s’acoustrer & parer ce jour le plus bravement qu’il peult en l’honneur de leur prince, qu’il semble à les veoir que ce soient petitz Roys. Et non seulement au jour natal de l’Empereur ceste braveté est observée, mais aussi aux autres festes que les Tartares celebrent\npar chacun an, qui sont en nôbre treze, esquelles l’empereur faict present aux gentilz-hommes de sa court de robes precieuses enrichies d’or, de perles, & autres pierreries singulieres, auec leurs ceinctures & souliers telz que cy dessus auôs dict, & ne sont telles robes de couleur differête à celle de l’empereur. Oultre est obseruée vne autre coustume entre les Tartares, que au jour natal du grand Cham, tous les Roys, princes & seigneurs qui sont subiectz & tributaires à l’empereur, luy envoyent leurs presentz, enrecognoissance de sa maiesté imperialle. Et ceulx qui veulent impetrer de luy quelque charge, administration, ou offices, ilz presentent leurs requestes à douze Barôs, qui à cela sont cômis & deputès, & ce qui est par eulx ordonné & accordé, est valable comme si l’empereur de sa bouche l’auoit commâdé & ordonné. Semblablement sont contrainctz tous les peuples à luy subiectz de quelque sorte, foy ou nation qu’ils soient, Chrestiês, Juifz, Sarrazins, Tartares, & tous autres Payens, de inuoquer & de faire prieres solênelles à leurs dieux, chacun en son endroict, pour la vie, prosperité & santé du grand Cham.\n\nDe quelle solennité les Tartares celebrent le commencement de l’année. Chapitre XV.\n\nLe iour des Calendes de Feburier, qui est le premier iour du moys, & le cômencemêt de l’année en toute la Tartarie, le grand Cham, & tous les Tartares en quelque pays qu’ilz soient, celebrent vne grande feste & solennité, & tous vnanimemêt, tant hômes que femmes, curieusement s’estudient d’estre parez & vestus dacoustremens blancz, & appellent ce jour ferial la feste des Blancz: car ilz se persuadent le vestement blanc leur porter bon heur, & que toute l’année la fortune leur sera propice & favorable, si le commencement d’iclle ilz sont vestus d’habillements blancz. Or les Lieuxtenans & gouverneurs des villes & pruinces, pour le deu de leurs estatz & offices, envoyent ce jour ferial leurs presentz à l’empereur, comme d’or, d’argêt, perles, pierres precieuses, & draps excellens: & principalement des cheuaulx blancz auoir esté ce iour presentez, & offerts à l’Empereur. Semblablement les Tartares s’enuoyent des presens l’vun à l’autre au commencement de l’année. Oultre à ceste feste tous les elephans de l’Empereur (qui sont en nombre cinq mil) sont amenez à la court, couuertz de riches tapisseries, esquelles sont figurées & depainctes toutes sortes de bestes & oyseaulx, & sont ces elephans chargez sur le doz de grands bahuz pleins de la vaisselle d’or & d’argent, & autre vtensilles dont ilz ont afaire pour magnifiquement celebrer la feste des blancz. Aussi y sont amenez plusieurs chameaux couuertz d’excellentz tapiz, qui apportent les autres prouisiôs necessaires pour vn tel bâquet. Or des le poinct\n\n__\n\nManquent les feuillets 53 (verso) et 54 (recto) qui doivent comporter le titre du chapitre XV.\n\n___\n\ndu jour de la feste des blancz, tous les Roys, Ducz, Barons, Chevaliers, Medecins, Astrologues, les gouverneurs des provinces, capitaines & chefz de guerre, & autres officiers de l’Empereur, s’assemblent en la grande salle Royalle, & ceulx qui n’y peuvent entrer, à cause que le lieu n’est pas capable pour recepvoir si grande multitude, se retirent es autres salles qui sont à costé. Estans donc assis chacun en son ordre, & degré selon sa dignité, & office, quelqu’un se levera au mylieu d’entre eulx, qui dira à haulte voix: Enclinez vous & adorez. Et lors un chascun se levera soubdainement de son siege, se prosternant & baissant la face en terre, comme s’ilz adoroient Dieu, & font cela par quatre fois. L’adoration finie, ilz vont tous en leur ordre à l’autel, qui est préparé au mylieu de la salle, sur une grande table paincte de couleur rouge, en laquelle est escript le nom du grand Cham, & prenans l’encensier, qui est fort riche & sumptueux, ilz y mettent des gommes aromatiques & odoriferentes, dont avec grande reverence ilz perfument la table & l’autel en l’honneur du grand Cham, puis chacun s’en retourne en sa place. Ayans parachevé & finy leurs ceremonies, chacun se presente à l’Empereur, & luy offre son present, (comme cy dessus avons dict.) Puis apres que tout ce est faict & acomply, on dresse les tables, & lors se faict un banquet magnifique, auquel ilz sont traictez sumptueusement en grande joye, & au contentement de tous. Les tables levées, & le disner finy, viennent les chantres & haulxbois, ensemble les farceurs, lesquelz chacun en son regard, de leur harmonie & jeux resjouissent toute la compaignie. Oultre on ameine a l’Empereur un lyon privé, lequel se couche à ses piedz aussi doux & paisible qu’un petit chien, & le recongnoist comme son seigneur.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 16–24\n\nDes bestes sauvaiges qui de toutes pars sont envoyées au grand Cham. Chap. XVI.\n\nEn ces trois mois, pendant lesquelz l’Empereur (comme j’ay dict cy dessus) faict sa demeure & sejour en la ville de Cambalu, asçavoir Decembre, Janvier & Febvrier, tous les veneurs qu’il a en chacune des provinces voysines & adjacentes au royaume de Cathay, ne font autres chose que s’employer à la chasse, & toutes les grosses bestes rousses qu’ilz prennent, comme cerfz, ours, chevreux, sangliers, dains, & semblables bestes sauvaiges, ilz les presentent à leurs gouverneurs, & capitaines, lesquelz (s’ilz ne sont plus loing de trente journées de distance de la court de l’Empereur) envoyent les bestes prinses, ou par navires ou chariotz vers l’Empereur, apres toutesfois en avoir faict la curée. Mais s’il y a plus de trente journées de chemin jusques à la court, ilz envoyent seulement les peaulx, lesquelles servent, & sont propres pour faire armeures.\n\nComment le grand Cham prent les bestes sauvaiges, avec autres bestes sauvaiges apprivoysées.Chap. XVII.\n\nLe grand Cham faict nourrir à sa court diverses bestes sauvaiges, lesquelles apres qu’elles sont apprivoysées & domptées, il mene avec luy à la chasse, ou il prent grand plaisir & recreation, quand il voit la beste apprivoysée combatre la sauvaige: & principalement il a des leopardz qu’il a faict dompter, qui sont merveilleusement bons à la chasse, & prennent grand nombre de bestes. Il a aussi des onces, qui ne sont moins promptz, & habilles à la chasse. Semblablement il a de fort beaux & grans lyons, plus grans certainement que ceulx qui sont en Babylone, ilz ont en leur poil de petitz rayons de diverses couleurs, asçavoir de blanc, noir & rouge, & ceulx la sont aussi aprins à la chasse & vennerie, mesmement ilz sont grandement commodes & habilles à prendre les sangliers, les ours, cerfz, chevreux, asnes sauvaiges & buffles, ilz ont de coustume de mener deux lyons en une chariotte, quand ilz vont à la chasse & un petit chien qui les suyt. Oultre ce l’Empereur a plusieurs aigles privées, qui sont si aspres & ardentes au vol, qu’elles arrestent, & prennent les lievres, chevreux, dains, & renardz, mesmes y en a d’aucunes de si grande hardiesse & temerité, qu’elles osent bien assaillir & impetueusement se ruer sur le loup, auquel elles font tant de vexation & molestation, qu’il pourra estre pris facilement & sans grand labeur ne peril par les hommes.\n\nDe l’ordre que tient le grand Cham quand il chasse. Chap. XVIII.\n\nIl y a deux barons en la court de l’Empereur qui ont la charge & superintendence sur toute sa vennerie, chascun desquelz a soubz luy deux mil hommes qui donnent ordre à toutes choses necessaires pour la vennerie, & nourrissent de toutes sortes de chiens, lesquelz ilz dressent & façonnent pour la chasse. Et quand le grand Cham en veult avoir le plaisir, & demonstrer quelque spectacle singulier: ces deux barons cy dessus mentionnez amenent avec eulx leurs vingt mil hommes avec grande quantité de chiens qui sont le plus communement en nombre environ cinq mil, & se mettans avec l’Empereur aux champs es lieux ou ilz veulent chasser aux bestes, apres avoir tendu leurs cordes, ilz commencent leur chasse en ceste maniere: L’Empereur sera avec ses gentilzhommes au mylieu de la plaine estant costoyé d’une part & d’autre par ces deux capitaines de sa vennerie avec Forme estrange de chasser.leurs gens, dont les ungs seront vestuz d’acoustremens rouges, & les autres de couleur inde ou azuré. Or ilz sont tous arrengez comme dedans une ligne, estans l’un à costé de l’autre directement, en sorte qu’ilz occupent en ceste maniere si grande estendue de pays que d’un bout jusques à l’autre y auroit presque une journée de chemin ilz ont avec eulx tous les chiens dessusdictz, lesquelz apres s’estre ainsi rengez en bon ordre, ilz laschent & provoquent à la chasse, & neantmoins ilz cheminent tousjours tenans cest ordre, & occupans grand pays: en sorte qu’ilz prennent grand nombre de bestes sauvaiges, car il y en a grande quantité au pays qui ne peuvent pas facilement eschapper de leurs cordes, penthes, & chiens.\n\nDe la faulconnerie du grand Cham. Chap. XIX.\n\nAdvnant le mois de Mars le grand Cham desloge, & part de la ville de Cambalu, pour se retirer es campaignes, qui sont à la coste de la mer Occeane, menant avec luy ses faulconniers, qui sont quelquefois en nombre dix mil, ayans faulcons, espreviers, gerfaulx & autres oyseaulx de proye, fort legiers & bien adextres à la vollerie.Ces faulconniers s’escartent par le pays, & ayans trouvé leur gibier, laschent leurs oyseaulx apres la proye, dont il y a grande quantité au pays, & de ce qui est prins la plusgrand part est portée à l’Empereur, lequel ce pendant est assis sur un Tabernacle de l’empereur.Tabernacle faict de boys, porté par quatre elephantz, & couvert de peaulx de lyon & par le dedans doré & paré richement, ayant avec luy pour l’accompaigner & donner plaisir & recreation aucuns Ducz ou Barons, & douze oyseaulx de proye d’eslite les plus singuliers, & à l’entour des elephans qui portent le tabernacle ou l’Empereur est assis, sont plusieurs gentilz hommes & chevaliers montez sur leurs chevaulx, qui tousjours costoient l’Empereur, lesquelz quand ilz apperçoivent quelques grues, phaisans ou autres oyseaulx volans en l’air, incontinent les demonstrent aux faulconniers qui sont pres l’Empereur, qui semblablement l’en advertissent & descouvrent son tabernacle, puis laschent leurs faulcons & oyseaulx de proye, desquelz l’EMpereur assis en sa lictiere regarde le combat & passetemps. Oultre ce y a autres dix mil hommes qui pendant ceste volerie courent ça & la par les champs pour prendre garde quelle part vollent les faulcons & autres oyseaulx, & si besoing estoit pour les secourir, lesquelz s’appellent en langue Tartarique Toscaor.Toscaor, c’est a dire gardes, qui sçavent par un certain sifflement qu’ilz font, appeller les oyseaulx qu’on a laschez apres la proye. Et n’est point de besoing que le faulconnier qui a lasché son oyseau le suyve: car ces Toscaors dessus mentionnez prennent soigneusement garde de les poursuyvre, pour obvier qu’ilz ne soient perduz, ou blessez, & les reprennent incontinent: & ceulx qui se trouvent les premiers a la rencontre de l’oyseau qui est en dangier, sont tenuz de le secourir promptement. Or chascun oyseau de proye porte en l’un de ses piedz une petite tablette, ou vervelles d’argent aux armoiries & enseignes du seigneur, ou de son faulconnier, affin que s’il est esgaré, on le puisse rendre a qui il appartient. Et si la merque & enseigne ne se peult congnoistre es vervelles, on baillera l’oyseau a Bularguci.un certain baron a ce deputé, & qui pour ceste cause est appellé Bularguci, cest a dire Conservateur des choses esgarées.conservateur des oyseaulx esgarez:car il est commis pour garder tous les oyseaulx de proye qui luy sont apportez, jusques a ce qu’ilz soient recongneuz & demandez par leurs maistres. AUtant en faict des chevaulx & autres choses qui sont perdues ou adirées à la chasse. Et s’il advient que quelcun ayt trouvé aucune chose allant a la chasse, & ne l’apporte incontinent a ce conservateur, mais la retienne quelque temps, il sera reputé & puny comme larron. Au moyen de quoy ce Prevost ou commissaire des choses perdues, pendant les chasses & venneries se tient en lieu assez eminen, tau quel il a son enseigne desployée, affin d’estre recongneu en si grande quantité de peuple, & que plus aysement les choses trouvées luy soient apportées, ou de luy repetées, par ceulx qui les ont perduës.\n\nDe la magnificence des tentes & pavillons dugrand Cham. Chap. XX.\n\nEn chassant, & prenant ainsi le plaisir du vol des oyseaulx, on vient jusques a la grande plaine de Caciamordim.Caciamordim, ou sont tenduz & preparez bravement environ dix mil tentes & pavillons pour le grand Cham, & tous les gentilzhommes de sa court, lesquelz pavillons sont dressez & disposez en l’ordre que sensuyt. Le premier & plus apparent est fort grand & spacieux, soubz lequel peuvent commodement loger mil hommes, ayant son ouverture & entrée vers Midy. En iceluy logent les barons, chevaliers & gentilzhommes, pres duquel sur la coste d’Occident y a un pavillon assez ample qui sert de Pavillon de l’empereur.salle pour l’Empereur, quand il veult parler a ceulx qui ont affaire a luy, & jouxte laquelle est dressée une autre tente ou l’Empereur couche & repose. Et a l’entour de ces troy stentes y a d’autres sallettes & chambres joignantes & contigues pour entrer de l’une en l’autre. Mais les tentes ordonnées pour la personne de l’Empereur, ensemble ce grand pavillon pour ses nobles, sont dressez & disposez en ceste façon. Elles sont eslevées sur trois colonnes faictes de boys fort odoriferant, & taillées a lentour de divers & magnifiques ouvraiges. Oultre sont couvertes de peaulx de lyons rouges, & noires: car on trouve au pays grande quantité de lyons de diverses couleurs, & ne peuvent les tentes ainsi couvertes estre aucunement endommagées par pluyes, ne par ventz: Car le cuyr de telles peaulx est si fort & dur, qu’il ne peult estre facilement percé ne entamé. Et le dedans des tentes est tout doublé de belles & riches peaulx d’armynes, & Martes soubelines cheres en Tartarie.martes souz belines, combien que mesmes en ce pays elles soient fort requises & precieuses, & que la fourrure d’une robe de telles peaulx coustera bien quelquefois deux mil florins. Et au regard des cordages qui soustiennent ces troys tentes, ilz sont de fine soye. Il y a plusieurs autres pavillons dressez a l’entour de ces troys, esquelz sont logez les femmes, enfans & damoyselles du grand Cham. En apres y a d’autres pavillons, qui ne sont destinez que pour les faulcons, espreviers, aultours, tierceletz, gerfaultz, & autres oyseaulx de proye. Brief il y a si grande quantité de tentes & pavillons, qu’a les veoir de loing on jugeroit en ceste plaine estre assise une grosse ville, joinct que oultre les serviteurs domestiques, & la suytte de l’Empereur, y a grand nombre de gens oyseux, qui pour leur plaisir suyvent la court affin d’avoir le passetemps de la chasse, lesquelz font dresser leurs tentes, & y sont habituez, & appropriez aussi bien, que s’ilz estoient dedans la ville de Cambalu, mesmes y a grand nombre de medecins, astrologues & philosophes. En ceste belle campaigne l’Empereur sejourne tout le moys de Mars, & ce pendant prend a la chasse & au vol, infinies bestes & oyseaulx. AUssi n’est permis ne loysible a aucun, pendant ce moys d’aller a la chasse en toute ceste province, au moins au dedans de vingt journées a lentour: & mesmes de nourrir & avoir en sa maison aucun chien de chasse, ne oyseau de proye, & principalement depuis le commencement du moys de Mars, jusques au moys d’Octobre, cela leur est interdict & deffendu, & n’oseroient en quelque maniere que ce soit prendre cerfz, dains, chevreulx, lievres & semblables bestes de chasse. De la vient que le pays est si abondant & plein de bestes rousses, qu’elles sont si privées, que pour estre rencontrées par les hommes, elles ne daigneroient fuyr, ne se destourner. Apres avoir finy ceste chasse, l’Empereur se retire en son Palais, ou par trois jours entiers il tient maison ouverte a tous, mesmes a ceulx qu’il avoit appellez pour luy faire compaignie a la chasse, ausquelz en apres il donne congé d’eulx retirer en leurs maisons.\n\nDe la monnoye & grandes richesses du grand Cham.Chapitre XXI.\n\nLa monnoye du grand Cham n’est faicte d’or, d’argent, ne autre metal: mais ilz prennent Monnoy d’escorce de Meurier.l’escorce du mylieu de l’arbre appellé meurieur, laquelle ilz assemblent & conjoignent puis la divisent & taillent en diverses pieces rondes, les unes grandes, autres petites: puis en icelles impriment les characteres & armoyries de l’empire. La moindre piece vault un petit tournois, les autres un peu plus grandes valent deux gros de Venise, autres cinq, autres dix: il y en a qui valent un escu, autres deux, autres cinq. Au moyen dequoy l’Empereur faict monnoyer en sa ville de Cambalu si grande quantité de pecune de ceste matiere vile, qu’il y en à a suffire pour tout son empire. Et n’est loysible a aucun en tous ses royaumes, pays, terres & seigneuries, sur peine de la vie, de fabriquer ne employer autre monnoye, ne aussi la refuser aucunement. Et si quelqu’un vient d’autre pays, ou royaume qui n’est subject au grand Cham, il n’oseroit en tout l’empire mettre ne employer autre monnoye: en sorte que bien souvent les marchandz venans de pays loingtain & regions estranges, en la ville de Cambalu, combien qu’ilz ayent grande quantité d’or, d’argent, perles, & autres pierreries, sont contrainctz neantmoins les bailler, & prendre pour iceulx en payement de la monnoye dessusdicte. Et pour autant qu’ilz n’en pourroient faire leur proffit en leur pays, quand ilz s’en veullent retourner, sont encore contrainctz la changer ou en achepter de la marchandise, qu’ilz emportent avec eulx en leur pays: mesmes quelquefois l’Empereur mande aux habitans de Cambalu que ceulx qui ont de l’or, de l’argent ou pierres precieuses, qu’ilz ayent incontinent a les porter & bailler a ses officiers, pour en avoir & retirer d’eulx de la monnoye Imperialle jusques a la concurrence de la valeur & estimation d’icelles. Par ces moyens advient que les bourgeois & marchandz ne souffrent aucune perte de dommaige, & neantmoins l’Empereur tire a soy tout l’or & l’argent de son pays, qui luy cause un tresor inestimable. De celle mesmes monnoye il paye les gaiges de ses officiers, la soulte de ses gensdarmes & soldatz, & pour toutes choses qu’il a besoing pour sa court, il n’employe que ceste monnoye. Veu donc que de neant & matiere vile il faict monnoyer si grande quantité de pecune, par le moyen de laquelle il retire une infinité d’or & d’argent de ses pays terres & seigneuries, & oultre n’employe autre chose pour les provisions de sa court, payement d’officiers, & soulte de gendarmes, il est facile a conjecturer qu’il n’y a Prince ne Roy en tout le monde qui le surmonte en richesse & opulence.\n\nDes douze gouverneurs des provinces de l’empire, & de leur charge & office. Chap. XXII.\n\nLe grand Cham a en sa court Douze barons gouverneurs en Tartarie.douze barons, qui sont ses lieuxtenans sur trantequatre provinces, l’estat & office desquelz est de commettre en chascune province deux gouverneurs pour donner ordre & pourveoir de toutes choses necessaires aux armées, bandes & garnisons es lieux & endroictz ou elles sont arrestées, & de ce qu’ilz ordonnent, ilz advertissent l’empereur, qui de son auctorité & majesté Imperialle confirme ce que par eulx à esté determiné & ordonné. Ces douze barons peuvent donner & ottroyer beaucoup de privileges, franchises & immunitez, au moyen dequoy le peuple leur porte grand honneur & reverence, & capte leur faveur & bonne grace. Ilz font leur demeure & residence en un grand palais, assis dedans la ville de Cambalu, qui pour le regard de l’office leur est deputé & affecté, & en iceluy ont plusieurs salles & chambres, pour eulx & leur train & serviteurs. Il zont avec eulx des lieuxtenans & assesseurs, pour servir de conseil & des secrétaires pourc songneusement rediger par escript, ce qui est par eulx faict & ordonné.\n\nDes postes & courriers du grand Cham, & de leur demeure & assiette.Chap. XXIII.\n\nHors la cité de Cambalu y a plusieurs voyes & chemins tendans aux provinces circonvoysines, en chascun desquelz a huict lieues ou environ de distance de la ville de Cambalu, sont assises les postes, qui sont petitz chasteaulx ou maisons magnifiquement basties, esquelles se retirent & logent les heraulx & courriers en passant, & sont appellées en leur langue Janli.Janli, c’est a dire la demeure des chevaulx: car en chascune d’icelles y à trois ou quatre cens chevaulx tousjours prestz, attendans les courriers. De là passant oultre a huict lieues, on trouve l’autre poste, qui n’est en rien differente a la premiere, & consecutivement & en pareille distance se continuent les autres postes, jusques aux frontieres & limites de l’empire, en sorte qu’en tout l’empire sur les grandz chemins publicqs se trouvent environ dix mil postes assisses. Et au regard du nombre des chevaulx qui sont esdictes postes entretenuz & destinez pour les courriers, y en a environ deus cens mil, mesmes dans les forestz & lieux desertz ou n’y à aucune demeure ne habitation humaine, se trouveront neantmoins de semblables postes: toutesfois a distance de dix ou douze lieues l’une de l’autre. Et fault que les villes circonvoysines & habitans du pays, au dedans duquel les postes sont assises, fournissent et administrent le fourraige pour les chevaulx, & les vivres pour ceulx qui les gardent. Mais a celles qui sont assises dedans les bois & desertz, toutes choses necessaires leur sont administrées par les officiers de l’Empereur, lequel par ce moyen quand il velt sçavoir & entendre quelques nouvelles faictes en pays loingtain, incontinent faict depescher les courriers qui en grande diligence executans son mandement feront en un jour quatre vingtz ou cent lieues, tellement qu’en bien peu de temps ilz expedieront un grand païs. Ce qui se faict en Maniere d’aller en poste.ceste maniere: On envoye deux courriers, lesquelz ne cesseront de picquer tant qu’a grande course de cheval ilz soient arrivez a la premiere poste, a laquelle ilz lairront leurs chevaulx las & en prendront deux autres frais & reposez, sur lesquelz en pareille course & diligence, ilz?endront a l’autre poste, & continuent ainsi leurs courses, allans & venans, sans intermission ne demeure, portans les pacquetz & mandemens de l’Empereur en peu de jours jusques aux limites de l’Empire. Et par mesme moyen en rapportent response, ou autres nouvelles certaines a l’Empereur. Oultre ce y a encores entre les susdictes postes, d’autre maisons & hostelleries d’une ou deux lieues de distance l’une de l’autre, esquelles se retirent & logent les Postes a pied.messagiers de pied, chascun desquelz a une ceinture garnie de ssonnettes, & sont tousjours pretz, pour quand quelques pacquetz ou lettres de l’Empereur leurs sont presentées, de les porter en toute diligence a la premiere hostellerie. Et devant qu’ilz y arrivent on entend de loing le bruit des sonnettes du messagier, au moyen dequoy les autres se tiennent prestz, attendant sa venue. Et le pacquet receu, incontinent le portent a l’autre hostellerie, ainsi le pacquet est porté de main en main, sans aucune retardation jusques au lieu ou ile est envoyé: dont souventesfois advient qu’en moins de trois jours l’Empereur sçaura des nouvelles, ou recevra quelque nouveauté de fruictz d’un lieu qui sera distant de dix grandes journées de sa court. Or tous ces courriers & messagers tant de pied que de cheval, sont exemptz de tous tributz, tailles & subsides, & oultre reçoyvent gros gaiges & sallaires par les tresoriers des finances de l’Empereur.\n\nDe la providence de l’Empereur au temps de cherté.Chapitre XXIIII.\n\nTous les ans le grand Cham a de coustume envoyer ses courriers en diverses provinces subjectes a son empire, pour s’enquerir si les bledz ont esté gastez, ou aucunement endommagez, par les saultereaux ou autre vermine, ou si quelque pestilence, ou autre injure de temps auroit causé au pays sterilité. Et quand il est certioré que quelque ville ou province en souffre frande disette ou famine, Remission de tailles.il remet au peuple les tailles & tributz pour ceste année, & leur envoye grande quantité de bledz tant pour leur vivre, que pour ensemencer la terre. Car au temps de fertilité & abondance de bledz, l’Empereur en faict faire grand amas & provision, qu’il faict soigneusement garder par trois ou quatre années en ses greniers, affin que s’il en advient disette au pays, il y puisse subvenir, & supplier le deffault par telles provisions. Et lors ilfaict vendre son bled a petit & vil pris, en sorte que le muyd sera vendu des quatre partz moins que si on l’acheptoit d’un autre. Semblablement si quelque peste ou maladie contagieuse est tumbée sur le bestail, il remet pour ceste année son tribut ordinaire, & leur faict vendre & delivrer d’autre bestail. D’avantaige pour obvier a ce que les courriers ou autres passans par la province de Cathay ne s’esgarent ou fourvoient de leur chemin, ce saige & prudent Empereur y à pourveu en ceste maniere: Par les grandz chemins il à fait planter grande quantité d’arbres, bien peu distans & eslongnez l’un de l’autre, & rengez de tel ordre, qu’ilz demonstrent comme au doigt, le vray & droict chemin par lequel il faut aller ou lon pretend. Au reste quant au grand nombre de pauvres, qui sont par luy nourriz toute l’année, & quelles aumosnes il faict ordinairement en pain, bledz & froment on le reputeroit incroyable, si je m’arrestois a le declairer, mais je peuz bien asseurer pour verité, que par chacun jour de l’année il nourrist de pain environ trente mille pauvres, & ne veult souffrir son pain estre denyé a quelque personne que ce soit, au moyen de quoy ses subjectz l’estiment & reputent comme Dieu.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 25–37\n\nDe quelz breuvages usent ceulx de Cathay au lieu de vin. Chap. XXV.\n\nLes habitans de la province de Cathay ont une maniere de breuvage faict de riz, avec diverses espiceries, qui a le goust & saveur plus excellent & delicieux que le vin: & ceulx qui en boivent oultre mesure, & plus que leur naturel ne peult porter, & qu’ilz en ont besoing, en seront plustost enyvrez, que s’ilz avoient beu du vin.\n\nDes pierres qui bruslent comme boys.Chapitre XXVI.\n\nPar toute la province de Cathay es montaignes d’icelle se tirent certaines pierres noires, lesquelles mises au feu bruslent comme boys, & conservent le feu assez long temps: en sorte que si au soir elles sont embrasées, elles retiendront toute la nuict leur feu & brasier vif. Et pource qu’en plusieurs endroictz ilz ont faulte de boys, la pluspart des habitans d’icelle province se servent & usent de ces pierres pour leur chauffaige au lieu de boys.\n\nDe la riviere de Pulisachniz, & d’un pont magnifique qui est sur icelle.Chap. XXVII.\n\nJusques icy en ce second livre nous avons descript l’assiette, grandeur & trafficque de la cité de Cambalu, ensemble avons incidemment & en passant, quelque peu traicté de la magnificence, pompe & opulence, du grand Cham. Maintenant l’ordre des choses requiert que nous declairions l’estat des regions circonvoysines, affin de descouvrir en peu de parolles les choses memorables d’icelles, & ce qui y est faict & trouvé. Or ainsi que moy Marc Paule estois par le commandement & commission du grand Cham, envoyé pour aucuns affaires concernans l’Empire, en certaines parties loingtaines, ou je fuz detenu par les chemins l’espace de quatre mois, en allant & venant j’ay curieusement recherché, Sollicitude de l’autheur. consideré & noté ce que je rencontrois par les chemins digne de memoire: & mesmement depuis mon partement de la ville de Cambalu a trois ou quatre lieues pres d’icelle, je trouvay un beau grand fleuve appellé Pulisachniz, qui se desgorgeLe fleuve de Pulisachnitz en la grand mer Occeane, & par la bouche d’iceluy plusieurs navires chargées de marchandises montent a mont, & entrent dedans le pays.\nPont magnifique Aussi y trouvay un beau & sumptueux pont faict de marbre, de la longueur de trois cent pas, & huict de large, assis sur vingtquatre belles grandes arches bien voultées, & le dessus aorné & enrichy d’ouvraiges, mesmes de grans lyonseslevez en bosse d’une part & d’autre.\n\nDes places situées oultre la riviere de Pulisachniz.Chapitre XXVIII.\n\nAyans passé ceste riviere oultre le pont de marbre, on trouve continuellement jusques a dix lieuës en avant, de beaulx chasteaulx & maisons de plaisance, ensemble des vignes & terres labourables, & jusques a ce qu’on vient a la ville de Geoguy, qui est une belle & grande ville, en laquelle y a plusieurs monasteres dediez aux idoles. On y faict d’excellens draps d’or & de soye, & des linges deliez fort exquis. Oultre en ceste ville y a plusieurs hostelleries publiques pour recevoir les estrangers & passans. Les habitans sont marchadz & artizans. Hors de la ville on trouve un carrefour ou le chemin est separé en deux, l’un tirant vers la province de Cathay, l’autre vers le pays de Mangy sur la coste de la mer. Au chemin qui tend en la province de Cathay on trouve plusieurs villes, chasteaux, jardins & bonnes terres bien fertiles, desquelles la pluspart des habitans sont marchandz & ingenieux artizans, oultre qu’ilz sont fort humains & affables aux estrangers, ne se ressentans aucunement de la ferité des autres Tartares.\n\nDu royaulme de Tainfu. Chap. XXIX.\n\nApres avoir cheminé par dix journées depuis la ville de Geoguy, on entre au royaume de Tainfu, lequel est grand, bien peuplé & cultivé, & y a grande quantité de vignes: combien qugen la province de Cathay ne croist aucun vin, mais on y en mene & transporte du royaume de Tainfu: auquel s’exercent plusieurs autres traffiques, mesmement y a de bons artisans & armeuriers, & toutes les armeures & instrumentz de guerre dont use le grand Cham en ses batailles y sont faictes & fabriquées. De la passans oultre, & tirans vers occident, on vient en une province plaisante & delectable, en laquelle y a plusieurs villes & chasteaux, ou lon faict de grandes traffiques de marchandise. Encores tirans oultre apres avoir cheminé sept journées, on vient en une belle grande cité appellée Pianfu.Pianfu, en laquelle y a grande abondance de soyes.\n\nDu chasteau de Chincuy, & de la prinse du Roy d’iceluy. Chapitre XXX.\n\nDe la ville de Pianfu y a deux journées jusques a un beau & brave chasteau appellé Chincuy, lequel a esté construict & basty par un nommé Darius.Darius, qui estoit ennemy de ce grand seigneur qu’on appelle Prestejehan. Ce chasteau est si bien fortifié par art & par nature, que Darius estant dedans ne craignoit aucun, quelque puissant Roy ou seigneur que ce fust: dont Histoire. plusieurs grandz seigneurs & gouverneurs des provinces voisines se complaignoient, qu’il ne se trouvoit aucun qui le peult vaincre & surmonter. Or ce grand Roy Prestejehan avoit en sa court sept jeunes gentilz hommes vaillantz & hardiz a tout faire, lesquelz par serment solennel luy promisrent de luy livrer en ses mains ce Roy Darius, lequel semblablement leur promist de grandz biens en recompense, s’ilz accomplissoient leur promesse. Ce faict ilz partent & viennent a la court du Roy Darius, & luy presentent leur service, dissimulans leur malicieuse affection: lequel ne se donnant garde de leur cautelle & meschanceté, les receut en son service comme bons & fideles serviteurs, & toutesfois par deux ans entiers ne sceurent executer ce que de si long temps ilz avoient entreprins & deliberé. Or ce Roy desja se confiant en eulx, comme les ayant esprouvé fideles par le temps de deux ans, voulut aller s’esbatre & resjouyr aux champs, & sortit de son chasteau jusques à demie lieuë pres, ayant en sa compaignie seulement les sept jeunes hommes avec quelque petit nombre d’autres soldatz. Lors eulx voyans l’heure commode & opportune pour descouvrir leur trahison de long temps excogitée, desgainerent leurs espées sur luy, & finablement le prindrent captif, & l’amenerent à Prestejehan pour satisfaire a leur promesse, lequel en fut merveilleusement joyeulx, & le commist pour estre berger & gardien des bestes, & pour l’y contraindre, luy bailla bonnes gardes. Ayant ce Roy vescu l’espace de deux ans entre les bergers & pasteurs, Prestejehan commanda qu’on l’habillast de vestementz royaulx, & qu’en tel accoustrement il fust amené devant luy, auquel il dist: Harengue de Prestejehan.je cognois maintenant par experience combien est petite ta puissance, veu que je t’ay faict prendre en ton royaulme, & par deux ans faict vivre entre le bestail comme berger, & maintenant si je veulx je te puis faire mourir, & n’y a homme vivant qui te peust saulver de mes mains. A quoy il respondit qu’il disoit verité, & que ainsi estoit. Lors Prestejehan luy dict: Pource que t’es tant humilié que ne t’estimes rien au regard de moy, je veulx d’oresenavant te recognoistre pour amy: & pour toute victoire il me suffist d’avoir eu la puissance de te faire mourir si j’eusse voulu: & lors luy feit delivrer chevaulx & compaignie honorable pour le mener & conduire jusques en son chasteau. Et deslors ce Roy Darius tant qu’il à vescu à tousjours porté honneur & reverence a Prestejehan, & obey a tout ce qu’il luy à voulu commander.\n\nDu grand fleuve de Caromoran & pays circonvoisin. Chapitre XXXI.\n\nOultre le chasteau de Chincuy a sept ou huict lieuës on trouve le fleuve de Caromoram, lequel pour sa grande largeur & profondité n’a aucuns pontz, & vient tumber dedans la grande mer Occeane. Sur les rivages d’iceluy sont basties & edifiées plusieurs belles villes & chasteaulx, esquelles s’exercent de grandes traffiques de marchandise: car le pays est fertil & abondant en gingembres, soyes & oyseaulx, mesmement de phaisans. Ce fleuve passé (apres avoir cheminé deux journées) on vient en la ville de Cianfu.Cianfu, qui est belle & gentille, & ou lon faict d’excellens draps d’or & de soye. Tous les habitans de la ville (comme semblablement de toute la province de Cathay) sont idolatres.\n\nDe la cité de Quenquinafu. Chap. XXXII.\n\nTirans oultre par dix journées, on trouve par les chemins plusieurs villes & bourgades, belles campaignes & jardins de plaisir. La region est abondante & copieuse en soyes: aussi y a de belles chasses pour les bestes & oyseaux. Et si tu passe oultre par huict journées tu parviendras a une grande cité appellée Quenquinafu.Quenquinafu, qui est la principale & capitale ville du Royaume, lequel du nom de ceste ville prend sa denomination, ayant esté anciennement fort riche & opulent, & de grand renom: à present le filz du grand Cham nommé Mangala en est roy & gouverneur. Ceste region produict grande quantité de soye, & toutes choses necessaires pour la conservation de la vie humaine. Il s’y faict plusieurs traffiques de marchandises: les habitans sont idolatres. Hors la cité en une belle plaine est situé le Palais Royal, ouquel Mangala avec ses gens & courtisans faict sa demourance. Semblablement au mylieu de la ville y a un autre beau & sumptueux palais, duquel les murailles & cloisons par dedans sont toutes dorées. Le Roy s’exerce ordinairement a la chasse & vennerie des bestes rousses, & au vol des oyseaulx, par ce qu’il y en a grande abondance au pays.\n\nDe la province de Cunchy. Chap. XXXIII.\n\nSortant de ceste ville & palays d’icelle, apres avoir cheminé par trois journées, on trouve une belle grande campaigne, en laquelle y a plusieurs villes & chasteaux, & grand abondance de soyes. Ceste campaigne à son estendue jusques on soit venu a un pays montueux, Pays bien peuplé.tellement peuplé que non seulement sur les coustaux on y trouve situées de belles villes & chasteaux, mais aussi es vallées & fondrieres d’icelle, & sont de la province de Cunchy. Les habitans sont idolatres & bons laboureurs. Il y a aussi en ce pays des chasses aux bestes saulvages, comme lyons, ours, cerfz, chevreux, dains & semblables bestes. Ceste province a d’estendue vingt journées, tant montaignes que vallées, & plusieurs forestz, toutesfois en tous endroictz se treuvent hostelleries pour recevoir & loger les passans, en sorte que par le chemin ilz ne seuffrent aucune incommodité de vivres.\n\nDe la province Achalechmangi. Chap. XXXIIII.\n\nA Cunchy est contigue & joignante une autre province appellée Achalechmangi, qui est sur la coste d’Occident, & contient plusieurs citez, villes & chasteaux, mais la capitale est appellée Achalechmangi, pour ce qu’elle est limitrophe de la province de Mangi. Ceste province à une grande plaine, contenant troys journées de chemin, apres laquelle on trouve plusieurs montaignes & vallées, ensemble quelques forestz: & contient vingt journées d’estendue, assez bien peuplée de villes & chasteaux. Au demourant n’est en rien differente a l’autre province de Cunchi: car il y a aussi des marchands, artisans, laboureurs, & des venneurs aux bestes sauvages. Oultre y a des bestes qui portent le musq: d’avantage le gingembre y croist en aussi grande abondance comme le bled & le riz.\n\nDe la province de Cindinfu. Chap. XXXV.\n\nSemblablement à ceste derniere province est voisine & contigue la province de Sindinfu qui aussi est limitrophe à la province de Mangi. La ville capitale d’icelle s’appelle Sindinfu, laquelle autres fois a esté grande & opulente, ayant six lieuës de tour. Aussi avoit un Roy fort riche & puissant, lequel de laissa trois enfans ses heritiers & successeurs en son royaulme, qui diviserent en trois parties ceste ville de Sindinfu, faisans clorre de haultes murailles chascune portion de la ville, combien que le tout fust dedans l’enclos des premiers murailles: mais le grand Cham à depuis reduict & assubjecty a son empire & la ville & le royaulme. Au travers de la ville passe un Le fleuve Quianfu.fleuve appellé Quianfu, qui a de largeur environ un quart de lieuë, & est fort profond & de bonne pescherie. Sur les rivages d’iceluy sont assiz plusieurs villes & chasteaux. La bouche de ce fleuve des l’endroict ou il se desgorge en la mer est a distance de la ville de Sindinfu de quatre vingtz dix journées: au moyen de quoy par iceluy grande quantité de navires chargées de marchandises sont conduictes à mont. Aussi y à sur iceluy en la ville de Sindinfu un pont de pierre, ayant de longueur un grand quart de lieuë & plus, & de largeur quatre toises: sur lequel au matin les artisans dressent plusieurs estaux & boutiques, lesquelles sur le soir ilz ostent & transportent. Bien y à sur iceluy une maison bastie, en laquelle demeurent les officiers de l’Empereur qui reçoivent des passans les portz & peages. En passant oultre par cinq journées on trouve une belle grand plaine, en laquelle il y à plusieurs villes chasteaux & villaiges, dont les habitans font trafique de grande quantité de linges deliez: on y veoit aussi grand nombre de bestes sauvages.\n\nDe la province de Thebeth. Chap. XXXVI.\n\nApres ceste grande plaine dont j’ay parlé, icelle passée on vient en la province de Thebeth, province destruicte.Thebeth, laquelle le grand Cham a gastée & destruicte, car il y a plusieurs villes ruynées & chasteaulx rasez. Elle contient en longueur l’espace de vingt journées de chemin. Et pource que maintenant a cause de ces ruynes elles est totalement deserte & non habitée, il est necessaire à ceulx qui y passent de porter avec eulx des vivres à suffire pour vingt journées de chemin. Oultre ce que depuis qu’elle a esté delaissée & abandonnée des hommes, les bestes sauvaiges s’y sont retirées & y repairent à present en si grande quantité qu’elles rendent le chemin fort perilleux & dangereux aux passans, mesmement de nuict. Toutefois pour remedier a ce danger les marchandz & autres viateurs ont inventé ceste Cautelle des marchandz.cautelle. En ce pays croissent de grandz rouseaux qui ont sept ou huict toyses de longueur, & de grosseur tant qu’on peult circuir de trois empans, & ont trois autres empans de distance entre les deux neudz. Donc quand les marchandz & autres se veulent reposer de nuict, ilz font de gros fagotz de ces rouseaux qu’ilz assemblent en un tas, ou apres ilz mettent le feu: & si tost qu’ilz viennent à sentir le feu ilz commencent à peter & faire si grand bruit qu’on le peult entendre d’une grande demye lieuë alentour: tellement que les bestes sauvaiges oyans ce bruit en sont si espouventées, qu’elles ne cessent de fuir tant qu’elles ne l’oyent plus: par ce moyen les marchandz & viateurs ayans ainsi abusé les bestes, peuvent en seureté reposer & passer toute ceste province: mesmes les chevaux & autres bestes dont s’aydent les marchandz en leur voyage s’effrayent merveilleusement de ce bruit: dont est advenu que aucunes se sont mises en fuitte & ont esté perdues: mais les prudens viateurs sçavent bien a cela remedier en mettant des entraves es jambes de leurs bestes affin de les retenir par force, & empescher qu’elles ne s’enfuyent.\n\nD’une region qu’on trouve oultre Thebeth, &des villaines coustumes d’icelle.Chap. XXXVII.\n\nAyans cheminé par vingt journées, & passé ceste province de Thebeth, on trouve plusieurs villes & villages: esquelz à l’occasion de leur grande idolatrie est observée une tresvillaine & meschante coustume: car il n’y a homme au pays qui jamais espouse & prenne à femme une Filles prostituées au paravant qu’estre mariées.fille pucelle: mais s’il se veult marier à quelqu’une, il fault premierement qu’elle ayt esté violée par plusieurs hommes: car ilz disent qu’une fille n’est bonne à marier si premierement elle n’a esté despucellée: pour ceste cause quand a quelques marchandz ou gens estrangers leur chemin s’adonne a passer & loger en ceste contrée, les femmes du pays qui ont des filles à marier, Prostitution de filles.les amenent à ces hostes estrangers, aucunesfois vingt, quelques fois trente ou plus, selon le nombre des hostes: lesquelz elles prient affectueusement que chascun d’eulx prenne une de leurs filles, & de coucher avec elles, & en faire a leur plaisir tant qu’ilz delibereront sejourner au pays. A quoy les hostes vaincuz par les prieres de ces honnestes matrones, facilement obtemperent, & choisissent chascun une jeune fille à leur gré, quilz rendent apte & idoine pour estre mariée: & quand ilz s’en veullent aller on ne leur permet jamais d’en emmener aucune, mais fidelement les fault rendre à leurs parens. Bien prendra la fille quelque petit don ou joyau de celuy qui l’aura despucellée pour luy servir d’enseigne & indice à monstrer qu’elle n’est plus vierge. Et celle qui aura esté aymée & violée par plus grand nombre d’amoureux, & qui pourra monstrer à ceulx qui la demandent en mariage plus grand nombre de telz joyaux, sera estimée la plus noble, & en sera plus haultement & honorablement mariée. Et si une fille se veult bravement parer pour se monstrer en compaignie, elle pendra a son col tous les presens & joyaulx que luy ont donnés ses amoureux: & d’autant qu’elle a esté agreable & aymée de plusieurs personnes, d’autant sera jugée de plus grand honneur & louenge. Mais aussi depuis qu’elles sont entrées au lien de mariage, il ne leur est plus permis d’avoir aucune communication ne accointance avec les estrangers, mais sont contrainctes garder leur foy inviolable à leurs mariz. Et sur toutes choses les hommes du pays se donnent garde de se faire tort en cela l’un a l’autre. Ce sont gens idolatres & fort cruelz, qui n’estiment faire peché ne offence s’ilz pillent & desrobent. Ilz vivent des chasses & des fruictz de la terre. Ilz ont en leur pays grande quantité de bestes qui portent le musc, qu’ilz appellent Gadderi bestes portans musc.Gadderi. Ilz chassent souvent a ces bestes & les prennent avec leurs chiens, au moyen de quoy ilz ont grand abondance de musc. Ilz ont langaige propre & distinct des autres, & leur monnoye particuliere, & sont habillez de peaulx de bestes ou de gros chanvre rude. Ceste contrée est de la province de Thebeth, qui est une ample province & de grand estendue, divisée en huict royaulmes assez bien peuplez de villes & bourgades. Le pays est bossu & montueux. On y trouve de l’or en quelques endroictz, mesmes en certaines rivieres. Ilz usent pour leur Monnoye de coural.monnoye de certaines pieces de coral, qui est une pierre fort exquise & de grand pris entre eulx: mesmes les femmes en sont des chesnes & carquans alentour de leur col, & en parent leurs idoles comme de chose singuliere & precieuse. En ce païs y a des chiens aussi grans que asnes, & servent a la chasse des bestes sauvages: aussi y à grand nombre de faulcons & autres oyseaulx de proye. Il y croist grande quantité de canelle & autres espiceries aromatiques. Ceste province est subjecte & tributaire au grand Cham.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 38–41\n\nDe la province de Caniclu, & de la coustume infame des habitans d’icelle.Chap. XXXVIII.\n\nA la province de Thebeth sur la coste d’Occident est voisine & contigue la province de Caniclu, qui a son Roy particulier, lequel toutesfois est tributaire au grand Cham. En icelle y a un Lac ou lon trouve des perles.lac, auquel on trouve si grande quantité de perles, que s’il estoit permis a un chacun les transporter a son plaisir, on n’en tiendroit plus aucun compte. A ceste cause il est deffendu sur peine de la vie, que aucun ne pesche en ce lac, & en tire des perles sans l’expres vouloir & permission du grand Cham. Il y a aussi en ceste province des bestes appellées Gadderi, qui portent le musc en grande abondance, Oultre ce lac auquel on trouve si grande quantité de perles est fort peuplé de poissons, & la region pleine de bestes sauvages, comme lyons, ours, cerfz, dains, onces, chevreux, & de diverses sortes d’oyseaux. Il n’y croist aucun vin, mais au lieu de vin ilz font de tres-bonnes boitures de froment, riz & autres diverses espiceries. On y trouve le Clou de girofle.clou de girofle en grande abondance, lequel est recueilly de certains arbres qui ont petites branches, & portent fleur blanche qui produict un fruit, dedans lequel est encloz comme petitz grains le clou de girofle. Semblablement y croist le gingembre en grande quantité, la canelle & autres espiceries, qui ne sont point transportées jusques en nostre pays d’Occident. Encores on trouve es montaignes de ceste contrée des pierres precieuses appellées Turquoyses.Turquoises qui sont fort belles, mais on n’en ose transporter hors du pays sans le congé & permission du grand Cham. Les habitans du pays adorent les idoles, par lesquelz ilz font tellement abusez, qu’ilz pensent leur faire chose agreable & digne de remuneration, de prostituer & abandonner leurs femmes & filles à tous venans pour en faire leur plaisir. Coustume impudique.Car si quelques estrangers en passant vont loger en leurs maisons, incontinent le chef du logis appellera sa femme, ses filles, & autres femmes & chamberieres qu’il aura en sa maison, & leur commandera d’obeyr en toutes choses à ses hostes: & quant a luy s’en yra dehors, laissant en sa maison ses hostes & leurs compaignons, & n’y retournera jusques a ce qu’ilz en soient partiz. Et ce pendant le principal hoste estranger qui loge en ceste maison estendra son manteau ou autre enseigne devant la porte du logis: & quand le maistre de la maison retourne, & il cognoist par ce signe que ses hostes ne sont encores partiz, il n’entrera point en sa maison, mais retournera aux champs en attendant qu’ilz soient deslogez: par ce moyen l’estranger peult sejourner en une maison par deux ou trois jours. Telles coustume (encores qu’elle soit infame) est observée par toute la province de Caniclu, & n’y a aucun qui impute à deshonneur d’abandonner sa femme ou sa fille à un estranger passant par le pays, ains estiment le faire pour la gloire de leurs dieux, lesquelz par ce moyen ilz esperent leur estre plus propices & favorables. Pour leur monnoye ilz ont de petites vergettes d’or pour monnoye.vergettes d’or de certain poix, selon lequel est la valeur de la monnoye, & celle la qui est de vergettes d’or, est la plus grande & de plus hault prix: mais il y en a d’autre de moindre valeur qu’ilz font en ceste maniere: Ilz font cuyre du sel en un chaudron sur le feu, duquel ilz font en certains moulles de petites masses qu’ilz r’assemblent & soudent ensemble, puis les exposent pour monnoye. Laissans ceste province on chemine par dix journées, ou lon trouve en chemin plusieurs chasteaux & villages, les habitans desquelz vivent soubz mesme coustume que ceulx de Caniclu. Finablement on vient a un fleuve appellé Brius fleuve ou lon trouve de l’or en ses arenes.Brius, qui faict un des limites de la province de Caniclu. En ce fleuve on trouve dans les arenes grande quantité d’or, qu’ilz appellent Paglola: semblablement sur les rivages d’iceluy croist la canelle en grande abondance.\n\nDe la province de Caraiam. Chap. XXXIX.\n\nOultre le fleuve de Brius se presente la province de Caraiam, qui contient sept royaulmes, & est subjecte & tributaire au grand Cham, l’un des enfans duquel nommé Esentemur estoit lieutenant & gouverneur de la province du temps que j’estois en ce pays. Les habitans d’icelle sont idolatres. Elle produict de fort bons chevaulx, & à son langaige propre & particulier, & toutesfois difficile & fascheux à prononcer. La ville capitale d’icelle est appellée Jaci ville capitale.Jaci, qui est grande & bien fameuse, & en laquelle se font plusieurs foires & traffiques de marchandise. Aussi y habitent quelque peu de Chrestiens Nestorians, & plusieurs Mahumetistes. Ilz ont grande quantité de froment & de riz, combien qu’ilz n’usent point de pain de froment, car ilz ne le pourroient digerer sans grande douleur & debilitation d’estomach: mais ilz font le pain de riz. Semblablement ilz font leurs boitures de diverses espiceries, lesquelles toutesfois les enyvrent plus facilement que le vin. Forme de monnoye.Ilz usent en lieu de monnoye de petites pieces qui se trouvent en la mer, dont les aucunes sont dorées, les autres blanches. En ceste ville ilz font grande quantité de Sel d’eaue de puys.sel de l’eaue des puyz: duquel le Roy tire de grandz proffitz & emolumens. Les gens du pays sont si lourdaulx & stupides, qu’ilz ne se soucient point si on faict l’amour à leurs femmes, pourveu qu’elles le vueillent bien. Il y a en ce pays un lac bien commode pour les pescheries, lequel contient de circuyt plus de trente lieuës. Les paysans mangent la Gens vivans de chair crue.chair cruë, mais ilz la preparent en ceste maniere: premierement ilz la hachent bien menu, puis la font confire dedans des huilles odoriferantes & de bonnes espices, en apres la mangent ainsi accoustrée.\n\nDe certain endroict de la province de Caraiam auquel y a serpens de grandeur incroyable.Chapitre XL.\n\nPartant de la cité de Jaci apres avoir cheminé par dix journées on vient en un autre royaume duquel la ville capitale est appellée Caraiam, & d’iceluy estoit lors Roy & gouverneur Cogracam l’un des enfans de l’Empereur Cublai: ceste ville de Caraiam à baillé le nom a toute la province. Or trouvé es arenes des fleuvesEs fleuves du pays se trouve grande quantité d’or, qu’ilz appellent Paglola: on en trouve semblablement en quelques mares, & es montaignes: mais il est d’autre espece. Les habitans sont idolatres. La region produict en certains endroictz de Serpens horribles.grandz serpens dont les aucuns ont dix pas de longueur, & en la circonference de leur grosseur dix empans. Les aucuns n’ont point de piedz sur le devant, mais au lieu d’iceulx ont de grands ongles comme d’un lyon ou d’un faulcon. Leur teste est fort grosse & leurs yeulx grandz comme de la capacité de deux pains: ilz ont en oultre l’ouverture de la gueule si grande & espoventable qu’ilz peuvent engloutir & devorer un homme entier: il ne fault point s’enquerir si leurs maschoueres sont bien garnies de dentz fort grandes & agues: car il n’y a homme ne beste qui les puisse sans grande frayeur regarder, tant s’en fault qu’il en ose approcher: & toutesfois on les prend en ceste maniere Ce serpent a de coustume Maniere de prendre les serpens.se latiter de jour es cavernes soubz terre ou dans la concavité de quelques montaignes ou rochers, & de nuict il sort & se pourmene par pays cherchant le repaire des autres bestes pour trouver dequoy se repaistre, car il ne craint quelque beste que ce soit tant grande soit elle: il devore les grandes & petites, soit lyons, ours, ou autres bestes, & apres s’en estre bien repeu & avoir remply son ventre, il retourne en sa caverne & taisniere. Et au moyen de ce que le pays est fort sablonneux, c’est chose admirable a veoir la place ou il s’est veautré & quelz vestiges de son corps il imprime dedans le sablon: on diroit un tonneau plein de vin y avoir esté roullé & tournoyé. Or les chasseurs qui taschent a le prendre fichent de jour dedans le sable plusieurs gros pieux, fors, roides & bien ferrez par le bout en forme de dentz agues, lesquelz ilz couvrent de sablon de peur qugilz soyent apperceuz par le serpent, & en mettent ainsi grande quantité dedans la terre, mesmement aux endroictz & pres le lieu ou ilz sçavent que le serpent se retire. Et quand il vient à sortir de nuict à sa maniere acoustumée pour chercher sa proye & qu’il traine ceste grande masse de corps par dessus le sablon qui obeist, il advient quelques fois que la beste s’enferre & se fiche les pieuz poinctuz dedans son estomach, tellement que d’elle mesmes se tue ou blesse grandement: & lors les chasseurs sortent de leurs cachettes & tuent la beste si elle est encores vivante: de laquelle ilz arrachent le Fiel de serpent medicinal.fiel qu’ilz vendent bien cherement, car il est bien medicinal. Et si aucun qui soit mors d’un chien enragé en boit tant soit peu & comme le poix d’un denier il sera incontinent guery. Semblablement une femme estant en travail d’enfant si elle en prend quelque peu son enfantement sera grandement advancé. Et si quelqu’un souffre les hemorroides ou mal de broches au fondement, en oignant le lieu de la douleur avec un peu de ce fiel, il sera en peu de temps guery entierement. Et au regard de la chair du serpent ilz la vendent, car les habitans du pays en mangent voluntiers. On y trouve aussi de fort bons Chevaulx de Caraiam.chevaulx que les marchandz menent vendre en Indie, & ont de coustume leur oster deux ou trois neudz de la queue, pour obvier qu’ilz n’en frappent ceulx qui sont montez dessus, & qu’ilz ne puissent jouer de leur queue deça & dela, car ilz estiment cela deshonneste. Ilz usent en guerre de pavois & d’armeures faictes de cuyrs de buffles: & toutes leurs lances dardz & flesches sont empoisonnées. Or au paravant que le grand Cham Cublay eust reduict ceste province en sa subjection, ilz observoient entre eulx une Coustume detestable & cruelle.malheureuse & detestable coustume: que si quelque personne d’estrange pays qui fust vertueux & de bonnes meurs, prudent en faict & en parolles, brief excellent en toute honnesteté, logeoit en leur pays, de nuict ilz le faisoient mourir, soubz umbre d’une folle persuasion qu’ilz avoient que ses bonnes meurs, prudence, honnesteté, graces, mesmes l’ame du defunct demouroient à perpetuité en ceste maison: & ceste desloyauté & detestable crudelité à esté cause que plusieurs gens de bien y ont esté meurdriz & occis. Mais le grand Cham si tost qu’il a subjugué le pays, & reduict a son empire, il a exterminé totalement ceste impieté & folie extreme.\n\nDe la province d’Arcladam & des sacrifices & idolatries des habitans. Chap. XLI.\n\nTirans oultre Caraiam (apres avoir cheminé par cinq journées) arrivasmes en la province d’Arcladam, qui pareilement est subjecte au grand Cham. La principale ville d’icelle est appellée UnchiamUnchiam.. Les habitans traffiquent & usent en lieu de monnoye de l’or au poix: car d’argent en tout ce pays, ne autres regions circonvoysines ne s’en trouve point. Mais ceulx qui y en portent, le changent facilement pour de l’or, & y gaignent beaucoup. Leur boyture est artificielle, composée de riz avec diverses espiceries, comme cy dessus avons dict. Les hommes & les femmes du pays couvrent leurs dentz de petites lames d’or bien tenues, lesquelles ilz scavent si bien approprier qu’il semble que leurs dentz soient enchassées en or. Les hommes sont expers a la guerre, aussi n’ont autre exercice que de la guerre & de la chasse, tant aux bestes qu’aux oyseaulx. Au regard des femmes, elles ont le soing du mesnage, ayans des serviteurs esclaves acheptez, qui sont perpetuellement astrainctz à leur service. Oultre en ceste province y a une coustume que quand une femme est accouchée d’enfant, elle releve le plustost qu’elle peult pour soigneusement prendre garde aux affaires de la maison, & lors Les hommes en gezine.le mary tiendra au lict la place de l’accouchée, prenant garde à l’enfant: & ne faict la mere autre chose alendroict de son enfant, sinon luy bailler la mammelle quand il en est besoing: & ce pendant les parens & amys viennent visiter le mary estant au lict couché, tout ainsi que pardeça on va visiter les commeres: car ilz dient que c’est chose bien raisonnable que la femme qui a eu tant de peines & travaulx a porter l’enfant en son ventre & le mettre sur terre qu’elle soit par quarante jours sans avoir charge ne prendre peine apres l’enfant, toutesfois elle traicte son mary au lict. En ceste province n’y a point d’autres Idolatrie.idoles sinon que chacune famille adore son pere: leur demourance est le plus communement es lieux de bocages & montaignes, mais les estrangers ne montent point en leurs coustaux, car ilz ne pourroient souffrir l’air qu’on dict y estre fort corrumpu. Ilz n’ont aucunes lettres ne characteres, mais Forme de contracter.ilz font leurs contractz & obligations par petites tablettes qu’ilz divisent par moictié, & chacun des contrahans en garde une moitié, lesquelles ilz viennent apres a conferer ensemble & rapporter leurs signes & merques l’un contre lautre, & par ainsi recongnoissent la cause de tel contract. Il n’y à point en ce pays de medecins non plus qu’es provinces de Caniclu & Caraiam: mais quand quelqu’un est malade ilz assemblent leurs sages qui sont les ministres de leurs idoles, ausquelz le patient declaire sa maladie: laquelle entendue Inquisition diabolique sur l’evenement d’une maladie.ilz se mettent a danser, & jouent de certains instrumentz chantans & hurlans a haulte voix en l’honneur de leurs dieux, jusques a ce que l’un d’entre eulx en saultant, jouant, & chantant, tumbe par terre surprins & possedé du diable: lors les sages cessent leur danse, & viennent a leur compagnon demoniaque estendu par terre, & luy demandent la cause de la maladie du patient, & quel remede sera expedient pour sa guarison: A quoy le malin esperit par la bouche du demoniaque respondra, pource qu’il à faict ou cecy ou cela, ou qu’il à grandement offensé un tel dieu ou un tel, il est tumbé en telle maladie. Alors les sages prient affin que ce dieu luy remette & pardonne l’offence, luy faisant promesses & veux que si le pacient vient a convalescence, il luy fera sacrifices & oblations de son propre sang. A quoy le maling esperit s’il veoit que la maladie soit si extreme & dangereuse que le patient n’en puisse estre guery, repondra: cestuy à si griefvement offensé tel dieu, que par nulles oblations ne sacrifices ne peut aucunement estre appaisé. Mais s’il doibt venir a convalescence de telle maladie, il luy commandera de luy faire sacrifice de tant de moutons, ayans les cornes noires, & d’apprester telle quantité de telz breuvages & assembler tel nombre de sages & autant de leurs femmes, par les mains desquelz soit faict & presenté le sacrifice, pour appaiser l’ire de ce dieu. Ouye laquelle response les proches parens du malade le plustost qu’ilz peuvent, donnent ordre Sacrifices diaboliques.d’accomplir entierement ce que l’esperit maling à commandé, & tuent autant de moutons & en gettent, & respondent le sang contre le ciel, puis convoquent & assemblent les sages & leurs femmes, qui allument de grandz flambeaux & perfument toute la maison d’encens, ensemble de fumée de bois d’aloes: & la decoction des chairs sacrifiées gettent par l’air avec certains breuvages composez d’espiceries aromatiques. Apres lesquelles choses deuëment parachevées, ilz se mettent de rechef a danser en l’honneur de cest idole qu’ilz estiment avoir rappaisé, & rendu propice & favorable au malade, en chantant de voix horrible & espoventable. Ce faict, ilz interroguent encores leur compaignon demoniaque sçavoir si par leurs œuvres l’idole est appaisé. S’il respond que non, incontinent se preparent pour accomplir ce que d’abondant leur sera commandé. Mais s’il respond qu’il est content & satisfaict, tous ces ministres & enchanteurs se mettent a table & mangent a grande joye la chair des bestes immolées & sacrifiées, & boyvent les breuvaiges composez & presentez en sacrifice a leurs dieux. Apres le disner finy & parachevé chacun se retire chez soy. Et au regard du malade s’il advient que par telle diabolique providence il soit delivré de la maladie, & vienne a convalescence, ces pauvres gens aveuglez en rendent graces a leurs idoles diaboliques, & non au vray Dieu, duquel ilz n’ont aucune congnoissance.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 42–50\n\nDe la bataille qui fut entre les Tartares, & le Roy de Mien. Chap. XLII.\n\nEn l’an de nostre salut mil deux cens quatrevingtz & deux, s’esmeut grande fuerre pour le royaume de Caraiam, duquel avons cy dessus parlé, & le royaume de Botiam: qui fut cause que le grand Cham envoya un des princes de sa court nommé Nescordim avec douze mil chevaulx pour secourir & defendre la province de Caraiam de toutes molestations & entreprinses. Or ce Nescordim estoit homme prudent & hardy, ayant en sa compaignie de braves & vaillans hommes, & bien experimentez aux armes. De la venue duquel les Roys de Mien & Bangala advertiz furent grandement effroyez, estimans qu’il fust venu pour les assaillir, & conquester leurs royaumes: au moyen dequoy pour luy resister feirent amas de gens, & assemblerent leurs forces jusques au nombre de soixante mil hommes, tant de pied que de cheval, & oultre deux mil elephans portans chasteaux, en chacun desquelz estoient douze, ou quinze, ou seize hommes en armes bien equippez. Le Roy Mien ayant dressé ceste armée la feit marcher vers la cité de Vociam, pres de laquelle s’estoient campez les Tartares, & desja par trois jours entiers y avoient sejourné en la campaigne. De telle entreprinse Nescordim adverty, & que si grosse armée marchoit contre luy, fut aucunement estonné, combien qu’il dissimulast sa peur & craincte le plus qu’il pouvoit: & toutesfois se consjoit & asseuroit grandement, en ce qu’il avoit en sa compaignie de braves hommes, vaillans & adextres aux armes, encores qu’ilz fussent beaucoup moindres en nombre. A ceste cause se deliberant recevoir virillement son ennemy, si l’occasion s’y presentoit d’un grand & hardy courage les meist aux champs, & s’en vint camper pres d’un boys fort espes de grandz arbres & buissons: s’asseurant que les elephans avec leurs tours & bhasteaux n’eussent peu y entrer, ne les endommager. Incontinent que le Roy Mien sentit approcher les Tartares, se delibera les devancer & premier les assaillir: mais les chevaulx des Tartares ayans apperceu les elephans (qui estoient ordonnez & constituez en l’avantgarde) furent tellement espouventez, qu’ilz commencerent a reculer, & ne peurent pour picquer n’autrement estre espeuz de passer oultre contre les elephans: en sorte que les hommes de cheval furent contrainctz mettre pied à terre, & attacher leurs chevaulx aux arbres, puis venir assaillir vertueusement les elephans. Et pource qu’ilz avoient mis a la poincte tous leurs archers & arbalestriers (qui estoient bien adextres a tirer) ilz commencerent a charger leurs ennemys de si grand nombre de fleches, que les elephans blecez en plusieurs endroictz ne peurent soustenir tel effort, & se meirent en fuitte, prenantz surieusement leurs courses vers les forestz prochaines, & n’en peurent estre aucunement destournez par leurs gouverneurs, quelque peine, industrie ou diligence qu’iz sceussent y mettre, mais couroient ça & la, & a l’entrée des boys rompoient leurs chasteaulx, & renversoient par terre les hommes armez qui estoient dedans, qui causa un grand desordre & confusion. Ce que voyans les Tartares, incontinent retournent a leurs chevaulx, sur lesquelz ilz montent, & de grande violence & impetuosité se ruent sur leurs ennemys: lesquelz desja estonnez dont leur avantgarde estoit renversée, & leurs elephans destournez, se deffendirent le mieulx qu’ilz peurent, & viennent & eulx joindre & batailler a la main, & lors se renouvella la bataille fiere & cruelle, tellement qu’il en tumba beaucoup d’une part & d’autre, & toutesfois le Roy Mien fut finablement mis en route, & se saulva a la fuyte avec quelque peu de ses gens. Lors les Tartares les poursuyvirent, & en tuerent grande quantité, en sorte qu’ilz demourerent victorieux. Apres laquelle Victoire des Tartares.victoire, ilz se jecterent dedans la forest a la poursuitte des elephans qui s’estoient enfuyz de l’avantgarde des ennemys, mais sans l’ayde d’aucuns de leurs captifz & prisonniers, jamais n’en eussent peu prendre aucun, tant ilz estoient effarouschez, toutesfois ilz en prindrent environ deux cens. Depuis ceste bataille & deslors en avant le grand Cham à commencé user & soy ayder en guerre d’elephans, dont au paravant il ne s’estoit jamais servy pour cest usage, & n’en avoit aucuns qui a ce fussent instruictz & aguerriz, Peu apres le grand Cham conquesta par armes tout le pays & terres du Roy Mien, lesquelles il annexa à son empire.\n\nDe la province de Mien, & des bocaiges d’icelle.Chapitre XLIII.\n\nSortans de la province de Caraiam, on vient en une grande vallée qui dure pres de trois journées, tousjours en devallant, & sans y trouver aucune habitation, encores qu’il y ayt une belle plaine, en laquelle par trois jours en la sepmaine on faict de grandes traffiques, & y a une grande assemblée de peuple comme en une foire. En icelle descendent des haultes montaignes du pays plusieurs personnes qui apportent de l’or pour le Permutation d’or a l’argent.changer & permuter avec de l’argent, & baillent ordinairement une once d’or pour cinq once d’argent. Au moyen de quoy plusieurs marchans des nations, & pays estranges y viennent pour y faire telles traffiques & permutations de l’argent avec l’or. Mais au regard de ces haultes montaignes, les paysans qui y demourent, & recueillent l’or dessusdict, y vivent en grande seureté, & sans crainte d’estre molestez. Car elles sont inaccessibles aux estrangers, pource que les chemins en sont si falcheux & difficiles, que plustost on s’y egare, que de rencontrer les cachettes de ces paysans. De la on vient a la province de Mien, laquelle sur la coste de Mydi est limitrophe des Indes, & contient plusieurs grandz boys & foretz esquelz repairent infiniz elephans, licornes, & autres bestes sauvages: au reste le pays est desert & non habité d’aucuns hommes.\n\nDe la cité de Mien, & sepulture du Roy.Chapitre XLIIII.\n\nAyant cheminé par quinze journées, on vient a trouver une cité appellée Mien, qui est grande & fameuse, aussi elle est capitale de tout le royaulme, subjecte & tributaire au grand Cham. Les habitans d’icelle ont langaige particulier, & sont idolatres. En ceste cité autresfois y a eu un Roy fort riche & opulent, lequel estant sur la fin de ses jours commanda un sepulchre luy estre edifié & construict en ceste forme: qu’en chacune encoigneure de son tumbeau on feist une tour de marbre de la haulteur de cinq toises, en observant l’espesseur selon la proportion de la haulteur, lesquelles tours fussent rondes en leur summité, & l’une d’icelles entierement couverte d’or, au feste de laquelle fussent pendues plusieurs petites clochettes d’or, afin qu’estans esbranlées par le vent, rendissent un son doulx & armonieux. Semblablement une autre tour couverte d’argent, ayant aussi de petites clochettes d’argent suspendues en sa summité pour rendre autre son par l’agitation du vent. Lequel sepulchre ce Roy feit construire en l’honneur de son nom, & pour perpetuer sa memoire envers les hommes. Et lors que le grand Cham subjuga la province de Mien, il defendit expressement aux gensdarmes de demolir & ruyner cette sepulture qui avoit esté erigée en l’honneur du nom de ce Roy. Joinct que les Tartares (encores qu’ilz soient fort cruelz & sans pitié) ne veulent jamais violer les sepultures, n’autres choses qui concernent les trespassez. En ceste province y a grande quantité d’elephans, & de beaulx & grandz buffles, cerfz, dains & autres diverses especes de bestes saulvages.\n\nDe la province de Bangala. Chap. LV.\n\nLa province de Bangala sur la coste de Midy, est prochaine & contigue a l’Inde, laquelle n’avoit encores esté conquestée par le grand Cham lors que je demourois en sa court: toutesfois il avoit dressé & envoyé une grosse armée pour la subjuguer & rendre tributaire. Ceste region à son Roy & langaige propre & particulier. Tous les habitans d’icelle sont idolatres, qui vivent de chair, de riz & de laict. Ilz ont grande quantité de soyes & cotton, a cause desquelz se font au pays plusieurs grandes foires & marchez. Aussi y a grande abondance de spicnarde, galange, gingembre, sucres, & autres diverses espiceries. Oultre y a de grandz beufz, & aussi gros qu’elephans, mais non du tout si grandz. Ilz ont une tresmauvaise coustume de chastrer les enfans, pour en apres les vendre aux marchandz qui les transportent en diverses provinces.\n\nDe la province de Cangigu.Chap. XLVI.\n\nApres avoir passé la province dessusdicte en tirant vers Orient, se presente la province de Cangigu, laquelle semblablement à son Roy & langaige particulier, & les habitans d’icelle sont idolatres, subjectz & tributaires du grand Cham. Leur Roy à environ trois cens femmes. On trouve en ceste province grande quantité d’or, & espiceries aromatiques, mais elles n’ont point de traicte, & ne se peuvent facilement transporter, au moyen de ce que le pays est fort eslongné de la mer. Oultre y à grand nombre d’elephans, & de belles chasses aux bestes sauvages. Les habitans vivent de chair, laict, & riz comme ceulx de Bangala. Ilz n’ont aucun vin, mais ilz font une boiture excellente, composée de riz & d’espiceries. Les hommes & femmes indifferemment ont de coustume se paindre le visaigne, le col, les mains, le ventre, & les cuisses, y imprimans & engravans avec des eguilles plusieurs figures, comme de lyons, dragons, oyseaux & autres animaulx, lesquelles y tiennent si fermement qu’il n’est pas facile les oster & effacer: & tant plus ilz ont sur leurs corps de telles figures & images imprimées, tant plus ilz sont estimez beaux.\n\nDe la province Amu. Chap. XLVII.\n\nLa province d’Amu est assise sur la coste d’Orient, subjecte au grand Cham, les habitans de laquelle adorent les idoles, & ont langaige peculier. Il zont de grandz trouppeaulx de bestail & abondance de vivres. Oultre ont grand quantité de beaux chevaulx que les marchandz tirent du pays pour mener en Inde. Aussi y à force beufz & buffles, car les pasturages y sont fort bons. Tant les hommes que les femmes portent en leurs bras certains joyaulx & braceletz d’or ou d’argent de grand valeur.\n\nDe la province de Tholoman. Chap. XLVIII.\n\nEn tirant vers Orient se presente la province de Tholoman a distance d’Amu de huict journées: laquelle est aussi de la dition & seigneurie du grand Cham, ayant langaige propre, & les habitans d’icelle adnnez au service des idoles. Les hommes & femmes du pays sont de belle stature, encores qu’ilz soient bruns. La terre y est fertile & bien cultivée, & le païs bien peuplé, & garny de belles villes, chasteaulx, & forteresses. Les hommes sont fort adextres aux armes, pource qu’ilz sont ordinairement exercitez a la guerre. Ilz font brusler les corps de leurs propres parens trespassez, & le reste de leurs os & cendres ilz enferment soigneusement en des boistes qu’ilz cachent dedans quelque creux de montaignes, de peur qu’ilz ne puissent estre trouvez, & attainctz par les hommes ne par les bestes. Il se trouve en ce pays grande quantité d’or: & toutesfois au lieu de monnoye ilz usent de petitz grains d’or qu’ilz trouvent dedans les arenes de la mer.\n\nDe la province de Ginguy. Chap. XLIX.\n\nDe Tholoman tenant encores le chemin vers Orient, on parvient a la province de Ginguy: toutesfois on chemine par douze journées le long de une riviere, jusques a ce qu’on arrive a une grande villasse appellée Sinulgu.Sinulgu. Tout le pays est subject & tributaire au grand Cham, & les habitans d’iceluy idolatres. On y faict d’excellens Draps d’escorces d’arbres.draps d’escorces d’arbres, dont ilz s’abillent en temps d’esté. Oultre y à si grande quantité de lyons, que pour la crainte d’iceulx ilz n’osent sortir de nuict hors de leurs maisons, car ilz sont si Lyons cruelz.cruelz, que tout ce qu’ilz rencontrent ilz despecent & devorent. Mesmes les navires & basteaulx qui montent & descendent aval la riviere ne sont jamais attachez aux rivaiges d’icelle pour la crainte des lyons, mais sont arrestez au mylieu du fleuve par le moyen des ancres: autrement s’ilz estoient garrez au bort de l’eaue, les lyons viendroient de nuict en grand nombre qui entreroient dedans, & tous ceulx qu’ilz rencontreroient les deschireroient & mangeroient. Et combien que les lyons y soient fort grandz, fiers & cruelz, toutesfois nature à pourveu au pays de chiens qui sont si fors & hardiz qu’ilz ne craignent d’assaillir les lyons: au moyen de quoy advient souventesfois qu’un homme qui sera bon archer, monté sur son cheval avec deux chiens renversera un lyon & le fera mourir: car les chiens quand ilz sentent approcher le lyon, avec grand abboy & clameur l’assaillent, mesmement quand ilz se voyent secouruz par l’ayde de l’homme, & ne cessent de mordre le lyon es parties de derriere & soubz la queuë combien que le lyon se revanche fierement, ouvrant la gueule pour espoanter les chiens, leur presentant & la dent & les ongles, & se retournant habillement d’une part & d’autre affin de les abbatre & desmembrer: neantmoins les chiens usent de grande ruse, & prevoient si bien que facilement le lyon ne les peult attaindre & blecer: joinct que l’homme de cheval luy presente le traict sur l’arbaleste bandée, ou la fleche sur l’arc tendu quand il s’efforce envahir les chiens. Et toutefois le lyon à de coustume fuyr quand il se voit ainsi assailly, craignant que par le grand bruit & abboy des chiens ne surviennent & soient provoquez sur luy d’autres hommes & chiens, ou bien s’en va acculer contre quelque arbre, ou il se fortifie, s’asseurant du derriere, & lors tournant la gueule ouverte contre les chiens, de toute sa force se defend d’eulx: mais ce pendant l’homme qui est a cheval ne cesse de tirer sur luy & le charger de fleches, tant qu’il l’ait renversé & faict mourir: aussi que les chiens luy donnent tant d’affaires, & le pressent si fort, qu’il n’apperçoit point les coups de traict jusques a ce qu’il tumbe. Il y à grande abondance de soyes en ce pays, lesquelles les marchandz transportent en diverses contrées.\n\nDes villes de Cacausu, Canglu, & Ciangli.Chapitre L.\n\nOultre la province de Ginguy on trouve par pays plusieurs villes & chasteaulx, & jusques apres avoir cheminé par quatre journées, on parvient a la noble & renommée cité de Cacausu, qui est de la province de Cathay, située sur la coste de midy: en laquelle y à grande abondance de soyes, dont on faict d’excellens draps & taffetas entremeslez de fil d’or. De la passant oultre a trois journées vers Midy, se presente une autre grande cité appellée Canglu, en laquelle se trouve grande quantité de sel, car la terre y est fort sallée, & en tirent le sel de ceste maniere. Ilz font un grand amas de terre en forme d’une motte, puis guettent par dessus de l’eaue, affin qu’elle tire & emmene avec soy la saumure de la terre, laquelle eaue se reçoit dans un fossé au pied de la motte, duquel ilz l’espuisent & la font bouillir sur le feu, tant qu’elle se congelle en sel. A cinq journées de ceste ville de Canglu se trouve une autre ville appellée Ciangli, par le mylieu de laquelle passe une grosse riviere qui porte navires & basteaux chargez de marchandise: qui cause qu’en ce lieu y à de belles foires & grandes traffiques de marchands.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 51–60\n\nDes villes de Tadinfu & Singuimatu. Chap. LI.\n\nPassans encores oultre par six journées en tirant vers le Midy, on vient a la grande cité de Tadinfu, en laquelle y avoit un Roy au paravant qu’elle eust esté subjuguée, & faicte tributaire au grand Cham: & d’icelle dependent quarante autres villes, qui luy sont subjectes & ressortissantes, esquelles y à d’excellens jardins, car le pays est plaisant & delectable. Encores oultre icelle a trois journées vers Midy se presente une autre belle cité appellée Singuimatu, en laquelle descend de la coste meridionalle une grosse riviere, que les habitans ont divisée & separée en deux, dont l’une tire en Orient vers la province de Mangi: l’autre à son cours en Occident vers Cathay. Par ces deux bras d’eaue sont amenez a mont la riviere infiniz basteaux chargez de marchandises. De Singminatu, si tousjours vous tirez vers Midy cheminant par douze journées, cous trouverez continuellement par les chemins plusieurs villes & bourgades, bien peuplées & frequentées de marchandz, & ou il se faict de grandes traffiques. Les habitans sont idolatres & subjectz au grand Cham.\n\nDu grand fleuve de Caromoran, & des villes de Corgangui & Caigui. Chap. LII.\n\nEn continuant le premier chemin, on rencontre une grosse riviere appellée Caromoran, qu’on dict avoir sa source & origine du royaume de Prestejan. Elle tient de largeur plus d’un grand quart de lieuë, avec une telle & si grande profondité, que les gros navires chargez y peuvent aisement monter & avaller: oultre elle est fort abondante & copieuse en poissons, dont on faict de belle pescheries. Assez pres de la bouche de ce fleuve, a l’endroict ou il se desgorge en la grand mer Occeane, y a environ de quinze mil navires que le grand Cham facit tenir tousjours prestes & garnies de toutes munitions, affin que si le cas advient qu’il soit necessaire passer son armée es Isles de la mer circonvoisines, cela puisse estre facilement & promptement executé. Les aucuns de ces navires sont si grandz, qu’ilz sont capables de recevoir & loger quinze chevaulx, & autant d’hommes, avec tous leurs vivres & fourrages necessaires. Et en chacun navire y a environ de vingt nautonniers & pilotes. Sur les rivages de ceste riviere, & pres l’endroit de la station des navires y a deux belles villes, l’une appellée Corgangui, & l’autre Caigui. Ceste riviere passée, on entre incontinent en la noble province de Mangi: les louanges & singularitez de laquelle seront declairez es chapitres subsequens.\n\nDe la province de Mangi, & de la debonnaireté & justice du Roy d’icelle. Chapitre LIII.\n\nLa province de Mangi a eu autresfois un Roy nommé Facfur, qui estoit si riche & puissant, qu’il n’avoit en tout le pays son superieur en puissance, hors mis le grand Cham. Son royaume estoit si bien fortifié, qu’on l’estimoit invincible, au moyen dequoy nul ne l’osoit assaillir, ne s’attacher a luy: ce qui fut cause que tant le Roy, que son peuple delaisserent & misrent en nonchallance l’usage & exercice des armes. Chacune des villes estoit ceincte & environnée de grandz & larges fossez remplis d’eaue, toutesfois ilz n’avoient point de chevaulx, car ilz ne craignoient ame: Telle asseurance a esté moyen & occasion que le Roy s’est donné du bon temps, prenant continuellement ses plaisirs & delices. Il avoit ordinairement a sa court mil gentilzhommes, sans son train de ses serviteurs & officiers, qui estoit grand & honorable. Toutesfois il avoit en singuliere recommendation la justice: il aymoit la paix & tranquilité, & estoit fort misericordieux. Nul n’osoit offenser, & faire tort a son prochain, ou troubler la tranquilité publique, autrement il estoit puny. Brief son royaume estoit en telle franchise & asseurance, que souventesfois les artisans laissoient de nuict leurs boutiques ouvertes, & neantmoins ne se trouvoit aucun qui osast y entrer. Les estrangers & viateurs passans le pays y pouvoient aller & de jour & de nuict en grande seureté, & sans crainte d’homme vivant. Aussi le Roy estoit fort debonnaire, & charitable envers les pauvres, & ne delaissoit jamais ceulx qui estoient en urgente necessité, ou souffreteux & indigens. Oultre par chacun an il retiroit & amassoit grand nombre d’enfans exposez, & qui estoient delaissez & abandonnez de leurs meres, lesquelz quelquesfois revenoient jusques au nombre de vingt mil, qu’il faisoit nourrir & entretenir a ses despens: Car en ce pays les pauvres femmes communement dejectent & abandonnent leurs enfans, affin qu’ilz soient receuz & nourriz par autres. Toutesfois des enfans que le Roy faisoit ainsi recueillir, il en departoit aux plus riches & plus apparens de son royaume, mesmement a ceulx qui n’avoient point d’enfans, & leur commandoit les adopter & recevoir pour leurs enfans. Et au regard de ceulx qu’il eslevoit & entretenoit, il les marioit par apres aux filles de mesme condition, & qui semblablement avoient esté des leurs enfance abandonnées de leurs parens, & leur bailloit quelque revenu pour eulx vivre & entretenir.\n\nComment Baiam chef de l’armée du grand Cham conquesta la province de MangiChapitre LIIII.\n\nEn l’an de nostre salut mil deux cens soixantehuict, le grand Cham Cublai estant affectionné de joindre a son empire la province de Mangi, la conquesta & assubjectit a sa seigneurie en ceste maniere. Il dressa une grosse armée tant de gens de cheval que de pied, de laquelle il feit son lieutenant & capitaine un nommé Baiam Chinsam capitaine.Baiam Chinsam, (qui signifie en leur langue la lumiere de cent yeulx) & l’envoya avec ceste armée en la province de Mangi: en laquelle de premiere arrivée il vint assieger la ville de Coniganhuy, & feit sommer les habitans d’icelle de se rendre, & prester fidelité & obeissance a l’Empereur Cublai, ce qu’ilz refuserent faire: au moyen de quoy leur response oye, il leva le siege, & se departit sans leur faire aucun desplaisir ne molestation. Puis en feit autant a l’autre prochaine ville, qui semblablementfeit pareil refuz. Ruze de guerre.Passant oultre feit sommer les trois, quatre & cinqiesmes villes, qui toutes furent reffusantes. Mais venant a la sixiesme il l’assaillit de grande furie, & tellement la pressa, qu’il la print d’assault. Ce faict se retourna contre les autres villes, lesquelles semblablement il print d’assault: en sorte qu’en peu de temps il subjuga & print douze villes: car il avoit en son armée de fort braves & vaillantz hommes, tous gens d’eslite, hardiz & bien adextres aux armes. Oultre que le grand Cham luy envoya recharge d’une autre armée non moins grande que la premiere. Qui fut cause de donner grand crainte, voire desespoir a ceulx de Mangi, tellement que le cueur leur commença a deffaillir. Ce pendant Baiam s’en alla droictement camper devant La ville de Quinsai assiegée.la ville de Quinsay, qui estoit la capitale & metropolitaine de la province, & en laquelle estoit la court du Roy de Mangi: Lequel cognoissant la force & vaillance des Tartares, & voyant leur grand audace fut merveilleusement estonné: au moyen de quoy se meit sur mer, avec la plus grande compaignie qu’il peust assembler, & se retira en certaines Isles imprenables, ayant avec soy environ mil navires, & laissant la garde de la ville de Quinsay en la disposition de la Royne sa femme, comme si en elle y eust eu grand support & defense. Toutesfois la Royne prenant courage viril, s’y porta prudentement, ne delaissant riens en arriere de ce qui estoit necessaire pour la tuition & deffense de la ville. Mais quand elle eut entendu que le chef de l’armée des Tartares estoit nommé Baiam Chinsam, (c’est a dire cent yeulx) elle fut grandement effrayée, & perdit toute force & vertu: mesmement qu’elle avoit este advertie par ses astrologues & magiciens, que la cité de Quinsay ne pouvoit jamais estre prinse, que par un homme qui eust cent yeulx. Ce qu’elle estimoit estre impossible & contre nature, qu’un homme eust cent yeulx. Toutesfois oyant que ce presage quadroit a ce capitaine, elle ne voulut resister aux destinées & fatales dispositions: ains feit appeller le capitaine de l’armée des Tartares: auquel apres avoir parlamenté, elle rendit liberallement & la ville, & tout le royaume. Ce que entendu par les bourgeois & citoiens d’icelle, & autres habitans du royaume, voluntairement presterent le serment de fidelité & obeissance au grand Cham. hors mis toutesfois une ville appellée Sianfu, laquelle s’oppiniastra, & soustint le siege par trois ans au paravant que de se rendre, comme cy apres sera descript. Quant a la Royne elle se retira en la court du grand Cham, qui la receut & traicta honorablement. Et au regard du Roy de Mangi son mary, continuant sa demeurance es Isles, il y fina ses jours, & le reste de sa vie.\n\nDe la ville de Conigangui. Chap. LV.\n\nLa premiere ville qu’on trouve a lentrée de la province de Mangi est appellée Conigangui, qui est bien fameuse, grande & opulente en tous biens, assise sur la riviere de Caromoran, qui y faict un beau port, auquel arrivent grande quantité de navires. En ceste ville se faict artificiellement si grande quantité de sel, qu’il suffist pour fournir quarante villes, dont le grand Cham retire grand profit & emolument. Les habitans de la ville, ensemble tous les païsans d’alentour sont idolatres, font brusler les corps des defunctz au lieu de sepulture.\n\nDes villes de Panchy & Cain. Chap. LVI.\n\nOultre Conigangui a une journée d’icelle, en tirant vers le vent Siroch est située la ville de Panchy, qui est grande &fameuse pour les negociations & traffiques de marchandise qui s’y exercent. En icelle se trouve grande quantité de soye, semblablement des vivres en grande abondance, joinct qu’elle est en bonne assiette & sur le grand chemin par lequel passent toutes les finances qui sont apportées de la province de Mangi au grand Cham. Aussi le chemin qui est depuis Conigangui jusques a Panchi est entierement pavé de belle pierre, & n’y à autre chemin ne endroict par lequel on puisse entrer en la province de Mangi que cestuy la. Oultre Panchi a distance d’une journée se descouvre la ville de Cain, laquelle semblablement est belle & de grand renom: alentour d’icelle y à de belles percheries, & chasses, tant de bestes rousses que d’oyseaux, mesmement de phaisans, qu’on y trouve en grande quantité.\n\nDe la cité de Tingui. Chap. LVII.\n\nDe la tirant oultre, a une journée de chemin on parvient en la ville de Tongui, laquelle encores qu’elle ne soit pas grande, toutesfois est bien garnie & abondante de toutes sortes de vivres. En icelle y a assez bon port auquel plusieurs navires viennent surgir, a cause qu’il n’y a pas grande distance jusques a la pleine mer: & oultre y a plusieurs salines, pres desquelles est située & assise la ville de Tingui. A une autre journée de laquelle en tirant vers le Siroch, se presente une autre belle & plaisante ville, assise en bon pays & doulx territoire. Soubz le gouvernement & jurisdiction de laquelle dependent plusieurs autres villes & jusques au nombre de vingtsept comme moy Marc Paule puis certainement asseurer, pour en avoir esté gouverneur l’espace de trois ans par le commandement du grand Cham.\n\nPar quelz moyens la ville de Sianfu fut prinse par les Tartares. Chap. LVIII.\n\nSur la coste d’Occident se descouvre une province appellée Nauiguy, qui est opulente & riche, située en beau paisage, & en laquelle on faict des riches draps d’or, & de soye: semblablement y croist le bled froment en grande abondance. La ville principale de ceste province est appellée Sianfu, & d’icelle dependant douze autres villes ses subjectes & justiciables. Ceste ville de Sianfu a esté tenue assiegée par les Tartares l’espace de trois ans pendant le temps qu’ilz subjuguerent & conquirent la province de Mangi, sans que toute l’armée, ne les forces des Tartares y peussent riens faire: car elle est de toutes pars environnée d’eaue, & de grans lacz, en sorte qu’elle ne peut estre assaillie, & n’y a moyen d’entrer que par le costé de Spetentrion: au moyen dequoy les habitans d’icelle tenoient si peu de compte des Tartares que pendent leur siege ilz faisoient ordinairement sortir & entrer dedans le port plusieurs navires chargées de vivres & munitions sans empeschement ne resistence aucune: ce qui faschoit & contristoit grandement le grand Cham dont il ne pouvoit venir a chef de son entreprinse. En ce temps mon pere, mon oncle & moy estions a la court & suitte de l’Empereur, auquel remonstrasmes, que s’il luy plaisoit nous entendre & acquiescer a ce que luy conseillerions faire, que luy baillerions des moyens par lesquelz en brief la ville pourroit estre prinse & reduicte en son obeissance. Assavoir de certains engins artificielz, dont au pays ilz n’avoient encores eu l’usage, ce que voluntiers il accorda. Au moyen de quoy nous fismes dresser par aucuns charpentiers Chrestiens qu’avions en nostre compaignie, trois instrumentz & engins pour jecter pierres de telle grandeur, que chacun engin chassoit une pierre de trois cens livres pesant. Ces engins furent incontinent chargez en deux navires, & envoyez au camp. Et apres les avoir dressz contre la ville de Sianfu, on commença a charger & jecter de gros moilons & quartiers de pierre dedans la ville, dont la premiere tumba sur une maison, de telle violence & impetuosité, qu’elle fouldroya & abbatit la plus grand part d’icelle. Ce que voyans les Tartares, mesmes ceulx qui assiegeoient la ville, furent merveilleusement estonnez & esbahys. Et au regard de ceulx qui estoient dedans la ville plus grandement effraiez de ces nouveaux assaultz, & congnoissans en quel danger & extremit& ilz estoient reduictz par leurs ennemys, en sorte que mesmes dedans leurs maison ils n’estoient en seureté, pour obvier que la ville par le moyen de la violence de telles pierres fust demolie & ruynée, & les habitans affolez, demanderent a parlamenter & se rendre a la subjection & obeissance du grand Cham: a quoy ilz furent receuz.\n\nDe la ville de Singui, & du fleuve de Quiam, surlequel elle est assise. Chap. LIX.\n\nDe la ville de Sianfu a distance de cinq grandes lieuës, on parvient en la ville de Singui, en laquelle (combien qu’elle ne soit de grande estendue) arrivent neantmoins grande quantité de navires chargez de marchandises: car elle est située sur le rivage d’une grosse riviere appellée Quiam, qui veritablement est l’une des plus grosses rivieres qui soit en tout le monde, & ne pense qu’elle ayt la pareille, car en quelques endroictz elle à plus de trois grandz lieuës de largeur, en autres peu moins, & le plus communement deux lieuës. Son cours s’estend en longueur le chemin de cent journées. En icelle font voille infiniz navires, tellement qu’on jugeroit estre impossible en pouvoir encor autant trouver en tout le monde. Brief ceste ville est fort renommée pour les grandes traffiques, foires & negociations qui s’y exercent, a cause de la grande quantité de marchandise qu’on y apporte par le moyen de ceste grosse riviere. Oultre y a plusieurs autres villes assises sur les rivages de ce fleuve, & jusques au nombre de deux cens: car il passe & faict son cours par les limites & destroictz de seize provinces, la moindre desquelles faict voguer sur iceluy le nombre de cinq mil navires. Or les plus grandes naufz du pays ne contiennent qu’un estage, & n’ont qu’un mast pour soustenir & estendre la voille. Ilz n’usent point de cordes de chanvre, sinon pour le mast & la voille, mais ilz s’aydent de certains pilorches ou cordes faictes de grandz rouseaux, dont quelquesfois ilz se servent a tirer le long du fleuve leurs navires, & les font en telle maniere: Ilz fendent & divisent en pieces ces grandz rouseaux, dont les aucuns ont sept ou huict toyses de longueur, les boutz desquelz ilz lient les uns aux autres, & les retortent en telle façon, qu’ilz en font de grandes & longues cordes, & jusques a la longueur de cent cinquante toises, lesquelles sont plus fortes, que celles du chanvre.\n\nDe la ville de Caigui. Chap. LX.\n\nLa ville de Caigui est petite, assise sur le bord de ce gros fleuve de Quiam, vers la coste du vent de Syroch, au territoire de laquelle croist si grande quantité de bled & de riz, que de la on le transporte jusques a la court du grand Cham. Aussi qu’au chemin qui traverse d’un lieu en autre y à plusieurs grandz lacz & fleuves, lesquelz estoient si proches & a peu de sitance les uns des autres, que facilement le grand Cham les à faict joindre & assembler en un, en sorte qu’ilz sont a present capables pour porter & donner passaige aux navires, pour commodement aller & venir aux provisions: combien qu’en aucuns endroictz (pource qu’on n’a encores entierement retranché les terres moytoiennes) on soit contrainct descharger les navires, & faire charger & porter par terre les bledz a un autre lac, ou lon trouve d’autres navires prestz pour les recevoir & transporter oultre. Pres la ville de Caigui y à une isle au mylieu du fleuve, dedans laquelle est erigé un grand monastere remply de moynes qui servent aux idoles, lequel est le chef & superieur de tous les autres monasteres du pays dediez au service des idoles.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 61–65\n\nDe la ville de Cingianfu. Chap. LXI.\n\nCingianfu est une ville située en la province de Mangi, en laquelle on faict plusieurs beaux ouvrages d’or & de soye. En icelle y à quelques eglises de Chrestiens Nestorians, lesquelles ont esté edifiées & basties par Marsarus Nestorian, au temps qu’il estoit gouverneur de ceste ville soubz le grand Cham, asçavoir en l’an de nostre salut mil deux cens quatre vingtz & huict.\n\nDe la ville de Cingingui, & de l’occision des citoyens d’icelle. Chap. LXII.\n\nSortant de la ville de Cingianfu apres avoir cheminé par trois journées on parvient en la ville de Cingingui, combien que par les chemins se trouvent plusieurs petites villes & bourgades esquelles s’exercent plusieurs traffiques de marchandise & de beaux ouvrages ingenieux. Or la ville de Cingingui est grande & opulente, tant en richesses que toutes sortes de vivres. Quand Baiam chef de l’armée des Tartares estoit a la poursuite & conqueste de la province de Mangi, il envoya quelques bandes de Chrestiens qu’on appelle Alains, pour assieger ceste ville de Cingingui, lesquelz apres l’avoir sommée de se rendre la presserent & assaillirent si vifvement que les citoyens d’icelle furent contrainctz de se rendre librement. Eulx donques entrez dedans la ville ne blecerent & ne firent oultrage ne desplaisir a aucun des habitans, au moyen de ce que de leur bon vouloir & sans contraincte, ilz s’estoient renduz a l’obeissance du grand Cham. Toutesfois ayans trouvé dedans la ville de fort bon & excellent vin, & en grande quantité, ilz en beurent si largement qu’ilz en furent tous enyvrez: au moyen dequoy la nuict ensuyvant pressez & chargez de sommeil ne tindrent compte d’asseoir ne faire aucun guet. Ce que voyans les citoyens de la ville qui au paravant les avoient receuz pacifiquement, prenans occasion d’executer leur mauvais vouloir, se ruerent sur eulx ainsi endormiz, & les tuerent tous, sans qu’aucun d’eulx se peult sauver ne evader. Toutesfois Baiam depuis adverty de ceste insolence & infidelité envoya une autre grosse armée contre les habitans de Cingingui, qui en peu de temps l’emporterent d’assault, & prindrent telle vengeance de leur trahison & infidelité, qu’ilz les mirent tous a mort sans aucun excepter.\n\nDe la cité de Singui.Chap. LXIII.\n\nSingui est une fort belle cité grande & bien fameuse, qui contient de tour environ vingt lieues. En icelle y à grande multitude d’habitans, comme aussi toute la province de Mangi est fort bien peuplée de gens, lesquelz toutesfois ne sont belliqueux, ains font presque tous marchadz & artisans: Aussi y à plusieurs medecins & philosophes. En ceste cité de Singui y à environ six mille pontz de pierre, dont les arches sont si haultes que les grandz navires peuvent aisement passer par dessoubz sans abaisser ou courber le mast.Es montaignes qui sont alentour de la cité croist grande quantité de rheubarbe & de gingembre. Ceste cité à soubz sa jurisdiction seize autres belles villes subjectes & resortissantes, esquelles on exerce plusieurs trafiques de marchandises: aussi y à grand nombre d’artisans qui y s=font d’excellens ouvrages. Les citoyens de Singui sont communement accoustrez de vestemens de soye & taffetas, car on y faict grande quantité de draps de soye. Or ce mot de Singui est autant a dire en leur langue comme la cité de la terre: comme aussi ilz ont une autre ville appellée Quinsai, cestadire cité du soleil, pour autant que ces deux villes sont les plus nobles & plus excellentes de tout le pays d’Orient.\n\nDe la cité de Quinsai. Chap. LXIIII.\n\nA distance de cinq journées de Singui est située une autre belle ville & de grand renom appellée Quinsai, qui signifie en leur langue cité du ciel, laquelle est si grande & spacieuse qu’a mon jugement elle n’a sa pareille en grandeur en tout le monde: ce que moy Marc Paule puis asseurer pour y avoie esté, & diligemment recherché toutes les choses memorables d’icelle, mesmement les coustumes & meurs des habitans, & tout ce que j’en ay peu veoir & congloistre briefvement & fidelement je le declaireray. La ville de Quinsay contient de tour & circuit environ trentequatre lieues: en icelle y a douze mille pontz de pierre si hault voultez & eslevez que les grandz navires avec le mast dressé & voiles tendues y peuvent facilement passer. Or l’assiette de la ville est en lieu marécageux, comme peult estre la ville de Venise: au moyen dequoy sans les pontz dessusdictz on ne pourroit aller d’une rue en autre. En icelle y à infiniz artisans & marchadz, tellement que ce seroit chose incroyable si j’en voulois assigner le nombre certain. Les maistres ouvriers ne travaillent point a la besongne, mais ont des serviteurs a ce destinez & ordonnez. Les citoyens vivent en grandz delices & voluptez, mesmement les femmes: au moyen dequoy elles y sont plus belles & braves qu’en nul autre pays. Sur la coste de Midy au dedans les clostures de la ville y a un grand lac qui à de circuit environ dix lieues: sur les rivages duquel sont basties plusieurs maisons excellentes des nobles du pays, lesquelles sont par dedans & dehors fort magnifiques & sumptueuses: aussi y à quelques temples consacrez aux idoles. Et au mylieu de ce grand lac y à deux petites isles, en chacune desquelles y à un beau grand palays ou chasteau, esquelz sont gardez & soigneusement conservez tous les parementz, vaisselle & appareilz necessaires pour la celebration des nopces & autres festins & banquetz solennelz. Et si quelqu’un des citoyens de la ville veult faire quelque festin magnifique, il mene les invitez en l’un de ces palays, ou ilz sont traictez & receuz honorablement. En ceste ville de Quinsai y à de fort belles & sumptueuses maisons: oultre par les rues y à certaines tournelles publiques, esquelles en temps de feu les voysins transportent leurs boens pour les sauver de la violence du feu: car il y à grande quantité de maisons en la ville qui ne sont faictes que de bois: au moyen de quoy advient bien bien souvent que le feu s’y prend, & sont bruslées & consommées. Les habitans de la ville adorent les idoles, & mangent indifferemment la chair des chevaulx, chiens, & autres bestes ordes & immundes. Ilz usent de la monnoye du grand Cham: lequel pour obvier aux rebellions y à tousjours groose garnison, mesmement pour empescher & reprimer les meurdres & larrecins: en sorte que tant de jour que de nuict y à sur chacun pont dix hommes establiz pour la garde d’iceluy. Au dedans les murailles de la ville y à une montaigne sur laquelle est bastie & erigée une haulte tour, au plus hault de laquelle sont dressez certains aiz de bois en telle sorte, que les touchans d’un marteau ilz rendent un grand bruit, ce qu’ilz reservent pour tel usage, que si le feu se prend en quelques endroitz de la ville incontinent que les guettes qui sont establiz en ceste tour l’apperçoivent font à coups de marteaux resonner ces aiz, le bruit desquelz est facilement entendu par les habitans, qui alors courent la part ou est le feu pour l’esteindre. On faict aussi resonner ces aiz quand il advient quelque sedition, tumulte ou esmotion populaire en la ville. Toutes les rues & places de la ville sont entierement pavées de pierre, qui est cause qu’elle est en tout temps nette. On trouve dedans la ville environ trois mille maisons publiques destinées pour les baings & estuves esquelz les habitans se vont publiquement baigner, & nettoyer le corps, chose qu’ilz ont en singuliere recommendation, de se tenir nettement de leur corps. Ceste ville n’est a distance de la grand mer Occeane que d’environ huict ou dix lieues, mesmes jusques alendroict ou est située la ville de Canfu, qui est sur le rivaige de la mer, ayant un havre fort commode, auquel viennent surgir infiniz navires, tant des Indes qu’autres regions. Oultre que la riviere qui passe par Quinsai descend & se vient desgorger en la mer alendroict de ce port de Canfu, au moyen dequoy infinies marchandises y sont transportées. La province de Mangi a cause qu’elle est de grande estendue à esté divisée par le grand Cham en neuf Royaumes, & a chacun d’iceulx commis & estably un Roy: lesquelz Roys sont tous riches & puissantz, toutesfois subjectz au grand Cham, auquel par chacun an ilz payent certain droict & tribut du revenu de leurs Royaumes, & dont ilz rendent compte. L’un d’iceulx faict sa demeure en la ville de Quinsay, lequel à soubz sa jurisdiction & gouvernement cent quarante villes qui dependent de son Royaume. Or toute la province de Mangi contient environ douze cens villes & citez: en chascune desquelles le grand Cham à estably & assigné garnisons pour obvier aux revoltes & rebellions qui pourroient survenir: lesquel les garnisons sont dressées de plusieurs sortes de gens ramassez & de diverses nations, mesmement de soldatz & stipendiaires tirez de plusieurs bandes de l’armée du grand Cham. Ilz ont en ce pays, signamment en la province de Mangi une curieuse & diligente observation des mouvemens celestes, jusques a observer soigneusement l’horoscope & ascendent de la naissance de chacun enfant, & le jour & l’heure de la nativité, & quelle planette estoit lors dominant. Ainsi le gouvernent en toutes les œuvres, voyages & entreprises par le conseil & jugement de leurs astrologues. Encores y à une coustume au pays que quand quelqu’un meurt ses parentz couvertz de grandz sacz de toille de chanvre enlevent & portent en sepulture le corps mort, chantans & crians a haulte voix: & depaignent en des tablettes les pourtraictz & figures de leurs serviteurs & chambrieres, chevaulx & richesses, & le tout font brusler avec le corps mort: se persuadans que le defunct en l’autre monde sera jouïssant de toutes ces choses, & aura autant de serviteurs en son service. En apres ilz font resonner certains instrumentz musiquaulx, estimans que leurs dieux reçoyvent le defunct en telle & semblable pompe & honneur, comme ses parentz, en faisant ses obseques & funerailles, en font. En ceste ville de Quinsai y à un brave & magnifique palays, auquel Facfur (paravant Roy de la province de Mangi) tenoit ordinairement sa court. La derniere muraille qui clost & environne en quarré le chasteau, contient de tour plus de trois lieues, estant eslevée a juste haulteur à l’equipolent. Au dedans l’enclos de ceste muraille y à des jardins excellens avec toutes forces d’arbres & fruictz singuliers. Oultre y a de belles fontaines & viviers bien peuplez de poisson: & au mylieu est assis le palays Royal fort ample & spacieux: le pareil duquel, soit en sumptuosité ou magnificence, a peine se trouveroit en tout le monde. En iceluy y à vingt salles de semblable grandeur: en chacune desquelles on peut faire assiette & commodement traicter dix mil hommes ensemblement: oultre que toutes ces salles sont painctes & tendues de tepisseries a la mode Royalle. Au rest on estime que dedans la ville de Quinsay y à six cens mil feuz ou familles, telles que peut constituer un homme avec sa femme enfans & serviteurs. En icelle y à seulement une eglise de Chrestiens, encores Nestorians. Oultre y à une coustume en la ville, & mesmes en toute la province de Mangi que chacun chef de maison faict inscrire sur l’entrée & huisseries de sa maison son nom, & celuy de sa femme, ensemble de toute sa famille, & jusques au nombre de ses chevaux. Et quand aucun de sa famille decede ou qu’il change de logis, on efface son nom, & au lieu d’iceluy on met le nom de l’enfant nouvellement né, ou d’un autre serviteur nouvellement receu en service: & par tel moyen sans grande difficulté on peut sçavoir le nombre de tous les habitans de la ville. Semblablement les hostelliers & taverniers escrivent en des tableaux affichez contre leurs portes les noms de leurs hosyes & passans estrangers qui se sont retirez pour loger en leurs maisons, & le jour & le mois qu’ilz y son entrez.\n\nDu grand tribut & revenu que le grand Cham retire chacun an de la ville de Quinsay, & province de Mangi. Chap. LXV.\n\nLe grand Cham exige par chaucn an sur le sel qui se faict en la ville de Quinsay, & es environs, le nombre de huict cens mil escuz. Des autres choses, mesmement des marchandises, en retire si grandz deniers, qu’a peine on les pourroit nombrer. En ceste province se trouve grande quantité de sucres, & plusierus autres espiceries aromatiques: desquelles le grand Cham prend trois & demy pour cent, & autant en faict de tous les autres bien & facultez des marchans. Semblablement du vin qui se faict artificiellement avec du riz, & autres espiceries, il en retire grand revenu. Oultre des artisans, mesmement des douze mestiers, en retire grand proffit. Quant aux soyes (dont en la province de Mangi y a grand quantité & abondance) de cent aulnes en prend dix pour son droict. Et moy Marc Paule j’ay oy quelquesfois faire supputation de tous & chacuns les revenuz & subsides, qui par chacun an estoient tirez par le grand Cham du royaume de Quinsay, (qui ne faict que la neufiesme partie de la province de Mangi) & fut trouvé en somme (sans y compter le sel) qu’ilz excedoient le nombre de quinze milions sixcens mil escuz.\n\nDe la ville de Tampingui. Chap. LXVI.\n\nEn passant oultre la ville de Quinsay, tirant vers le Siroch, on trouve continuellement de beaux vergers & jardins bien cultivez: &jusques a une journée d’icelle on parvient a la ville de Tampingui, qui est fort belle & bien fameuse. Oultre laquelle par trois journées tenant le mesme chemin on trouve plusieurs villes & chasteaux en si grand nombre, que les voyans de loing, on jugeroit que c’est une ville composée de ces chasteaux, tant ilz sont bastiz les uns pres des autres. On y trouve aussi grande abondance de vivres. Les cannes & rouseaux y croisent si grandz, que les aucuns ont sept & huict toyses. de longueur, & en leur grosseur & circonference quatre empans. Allant plus oultre le chemin de trois journées, se presente la ville de Gengui, qui est grande & belle: oultre laquelle tenant tousjours le chemin vers le vent Syroch, se descouvrent par pays plusieurs villes & chasteaux. En ceste contrée y a grand nombre de lyons qui sont grandz & cruelz. On n’y trouve point de moutons, non plus qu’en toute la province de Mangi: mais des boeufz, chevres, boucz & porcz y en a grande quantité. Tirant encores oultre par quatre journées, on vient en une autre belle ville, appellée Ciangian, qui est située sur la crouppe d’une montaigne sui divise & separe une grosse riviere en deux, & de la en avant s’estend en deux diverses contrées. Encores plus oultre a trois journées on trouve la ville de Cugui, qui est la derniere & limitrophe du royaume de Quinsai.\n\nDu royaume de Concha. Chap. LXVII.\n\nLaissant derriere la ville de Cugui, & passant oultre, on entre au royaume de Concha, duquel la ville capitale est appellée Fuguy: auquel cheminant par six journées, on trouve le pays fort bossu, se continuant en coustaux & vallées, ou toutesfois lon trouve plusirus villes & chasteaux. Le pays est abondant en victuailles: mesmement y a plusieurs belles chasses & volleries aux bestes & oyseaux. Oultre y a grand’ quantité de lyons: le gingembre y croist en grande abondance: semblablement y croist une certaine fleur, qui ressemble au saffran, & toutesfois est d’autre espece, encores qu’elle soit mise en usaige pour saffran. Les habitans du pays mangent de grande affection la chair humaine, pourveu que ce ne soit d’un homme mort par quelque maladie. Quand ilz vont a la guerre chacun imprime en son front avec un fer chault certaine merque: & n’y à aucun d’entre eulx qui osast mener un cheval a la guerre, sinon le chef & capitaine de l’armée. Ilz usent pour armes d’espées & lances ou javelotz: & de ceulx qu’ilz tuent en guerre, ilz boivent le sang, & en mangent la chair: aussi ce sont gens trescuelz & inhumains.\n\nDes villes de Quelinfu & Unquen.Chapitre LXVIII.\n\nApres avoir cheminé dedans le royaume de Concha par les six journées dont dessus avons parlé, on parvient a la ville de Quelinfu, qui est grande & bien renommée, assise sur une belle riviere qui l’environne & circuyt tout a l’entour, avec trois grandz pontz de pierre de taille, dont le parement de dessus est aorné de belles colomnes de marbre. Chascun pont contient de largeur quatre toyses, & de longueur cinq cens. En ceste ville y a grande abondance de soyes, ensemble de gingembre & galange. Les habitans d’icelle hommes & femmes sont fort beaux personnages. On y trouve des Poulles ayans poil au lieu de plumes.poulles lesquelles au lieu de plumage ont du poil comme les chatz, & sont communement noires, toutesfois elles pondent de tresbons œufz. Et pource qu’en ceste contrée y a grande multitude de lyons, il faict dangereux & perilleux y passer. A cinq lieuës de ceste ville est située une autre ville, appellée Unquen.Unquen, en laquelle se faict grande quantité de sucres.sucre, qu’on tire des cannes qui croissent a l’entour d’icelle & de la est transporté jusques a la court du grand Cham, qui est ordinairement en la ville de Cambalu.\n\nDe la ville de Fugui. Chap. LXX.\n\nPoursuyvant oultre par cinq autres lieues, se presente la ville de Fugui, qui est capitale & metropolitaine du royaume de Concha, lequel est l’un des neuf royaumes, esquelz la province de Mangy fut divisée. En ceste ville y a grosses garnisons, & grande compagnie de gens de guerre pour le grand Cham, afin de tenir la province en seureté, & la defendre de toutes incursions d’ennemis, & oultre, pour reprimer les seditions & tumultes qui se pourroient esmouvoir, & causer rebellion contre l’Empereur. Au travers de ceste ville passe une grosse riviere, le cours de laquelle s’estend en largeur presque demie lieue. Et d’autant que ceste ville est assez prochaine de la pleine mer, en laquelle ceste riviere se desgorge, & par la bouche d’icelle y sont amenées des Indes plusieurs marchandises, mesmement des perles & autres pierres precieuses. La ville est fort marchande, & s’y fait de grandes trafiques: oultre qu’en icelle y a grande quantité de sucres, & des vivres à suffisance.\n\nDes villes de Zartem & Figui. Chap. LXV.\n\nOultre ceste riviere on chemine par cinq journées jusques à la ville de Zartem, & ce pendant par pays on rencontre plusieurs villes & chasteaux, & grande abondance de vivres: ensemble y a plusieurs montagnes et forests, des arbres desquelles on tire grande quantité de poix. La ville de Zartem est fort grande, assise sur un port de mer bien commode, & auquel arrivent infinis navires des Indes, chargées de marchandises. Aussi ceste ville est autant marchande que ville qui soit au monde: par le poivre & autres espiceries aromatiques que les marchands occidentaux tirent de la ville d’Alexandrie, y sont premierement apportées des marchez & foire de Zartem. De ceste ville le grand Cham retire un tribut infiny: car aucun navire n’entre au port d’icelle qui ne luy paye groose somme, ou qu’il n’en retire gros profiit pour ses droictz, & peu s’en fault que de chascune sort d’espicerie il n’en exige la moitié. En ceste region y a une autre ville, appellée Figui, qui est de grand renom au pays, à cause des belles escuelles & vaisselles qu’on y fait. Les habitans d’icelle ont langage particulier. Ce que dessus est dit de la province de Mangi suffira quant a present. Et combien que des royaumes d’icelle n’en ayons descript que deux, toutefois de propos deliberé avons omis les autres, pour rendre à la description de l’Inde, en laquelle avons sejourné quelque temps, & en icelle veu ocuairement beaucoup de choses memorables qu’on y trouve, dignes de grande admiration, que (par maniere de dire) nous avons maniées & de noz mains touchées.\n\nF I N D U S E C O N D L I V R E.","download_url":"https://mouseia.org/api/works/polo/original.txt"},"translations":[{"id":"trn_polo_mouseia","translator":"Mouseia","kind":"curated","note":"Mouseia’s complete machine-assisted Musean translation of Book Two (the empire of Kublai Khan and China), made directly from the 1556 French text (Groulleau, Paris), for fidelity, the traveler’s voice, and modern clarity. The long s is normalized to s.","text":"### Book Two, Chapters 1–7\n\nOn the power and magnificence of Kublai, Great Khan of Tartary. Chapter I.\n\nIn this second book I have resolved to describe the sumptuous magnificence, distinctive qualities, power, and riches of the Great Khan’s empire, together with its government and administration. The emperor of the Tartars is named Kublai and reigns at present. In magnificence and breadth of dominion he surpasses all his predecessors beyond comparison, and has extended the limits and frontiers of his empire so far that he has brought almost the whole East under his power and subjection. This great lord Kublai descends from the line of Chinchis, the first emperor of Tartary, and is sixth in that line. He began to reign in the year of the incarnation of our Lord one thousand two hundred fifty-six, governing his people with great wisdom and gravity. He is a handsome man, skilled and practiced in arms, strong and sound in limb, with a ready mind for undertaking and executing great things, yet he acts with counsel and shows great foresight and discretion in governing his people. Before he came to the empire he distinguished himself many times in war, earning a reputation as a bold and fearless captain; in all other matters, too, he showed prudence and judgment. Since assuming the government of the empire, however, he has taken the field in battle only once: he has always entrusted it to his lieutenant, one of his sons, or another great lord of his court.\n\nOn the rebellion Naiam raised against Kublai. Chapter II.\n\nWe said above that Emperor Kublai has taken the field in battle only once during his reign; now we shall tell why. In the year one thousand two hundred eighty-six, one of his nephews named Naiam, a young man thirty years of age and governor of several provinces and various peoples, was moved by rashness and presumption to rise against his uncle and sovereign lord, Emperor Kublai, raising and mustering a great army against him. To make his victory more certain by gaining superior strength, he found a way to enlist in this rebellion another king named Caidu, nephew of the Great Khan. Caidu likewise was a nephew of Emperor Kublai, but had conceived a deadly hatred and ill will toward him. He readily agreed to support and aid Naiam in the enterprise, and even promised to appear in person with a hundred thousand armed men. Following their designs, they resolved to assemble with their forces on a certain plain, and from there to enter the country and attack the emperor. Naiam already had about four hundred thousand armed men in his camp. I believe there is an error here, and that quadringenta has been put for quadraginta, that is, 400000 for 40000.\n\nHow the emperor forestalled his enemies and strengthened his position against them. Chap. III.\n\nThis undertaking was immediately revealed to Emperor Kublai, together with the hostile intent with which his nephews had risen in open conspiracy against him. He swore by his head and imperial crown that he would defend himself against them and, moreover, avenge the audacity and rashness of his enemies. Indeed, in less than twenty-two days he hastily assembled, as the enterprise required, a sizable army: thirty-six thousand horsemen and a hundred thousand foot soldiers, drawn from the environs of the city of Cambaluc alone. Note that the figure here is 360000 for 36000. He could have assembled and raised a greater army, given the power and extent of his empire. Yet, wishing to surprise and fall upon his enemy unawares, he would not wait to gather more men, for fear that his enterprise might become known to his enemies and that, warned of it, they might flee or withdraw with their army into some fortress where they could not readily be routed and defeated. Besides, Emperor Kublai had other armies in the field at the time, sent into various provinces to subdue and conquer them; he would not recall them and make them return, lest he betray his intention. Instead, he ordered careful watch to be kept over the roads, passes, and frontiers, so that no one could carry news of his enterprise to Naiam and warn him of the emperor’s approach. A fine stratagem of war. Thus all travelers in either direction were detained by the guards appointed for that purpose, lest even a rumor reach Naiam. When he had arranged these matters, Emperor Kublai asked his astrologers for their judgment and advice on the outcome of the war, and on the time and hour at which he should set out and march into battle against the enemy, so that the fates might favor his success. They all foretold with one voice a happy outcome to the war and said that the time had come to depart and gain victory over his enemies.\n\nOn Kublai’s victory over Naiam. Chap. IIII.\n\nEmperor Kublai then marched his army with such speed that in a short time he came near a great plain where Naiam had encamped to await King Caidu, who was coming to his aid. That night Kublai established his camp and let his men rest on a small hill quite close to the enemy, without causing a disturbance or making any noise. Naiam’s men-at-arms and soldiers, suspecting nothing and unaware of their enemy’s arrival, wandered here and there unarmed across the plain, feasting without care or fear of anyone. When the night had passed and dawn began to break, Emperor Kublai drew up his army at the foot of the hill. He divided it into twelve battalions, placing three thousand horsemen in each. The foot soldiers were so arranged that in many places a mounted man had two foot soldiers on either side, armed with lances and long staves to support him. The emperor himself sat in a castle borne by four elephants—a marvelous sight—and the imperial standard stood upon it as well. When Naiam’s army saw the standards unfurled, and Emperor Kublai and his battalions marching against them in battle array, they were greatly alarmed: they were still awaiting the help of King Caidu, in whom they placed their greatest trust. They rushed at once to Naiam’s tent to warn him and found him lying with a concubine whom he had brought along. Naiam awoke promptly and, as quickly as he could, formed his men into ranks and companies. Now all the Tartars customarily sound trumpets, drums, fifes, and other instruments of war before entering battle, and also sing at the top of their voices until their king gives the sign to march and charge the enemy. When both armies had ended their music and cries, the emperor ordered the alarm sounded and the attack on the enemy. This was done at once: they shot their bows with such fury that arrows and shafts fell thick from the sky like hail. When the shooting ceased, they took up their lances and swords and closed with the enemy, renewing the battle more fiercely than before. A great slaughter followed on both sides. Naiam was a Christian in name and profession, though he observed the Christian faith poorly and practiced its works badly; nevertheless he had placed the sign of the cross on his chief banner and standard, and there were many Christians in his camp. From daybreak until noon the battle was fierce and cruel, and great numbers were killed on either side, until at last Naiam’s army began to give way, break apart, and flee, and Emperor Kublai prevailed and won the victory. Naiam was captured among those who fled, and a great multitude of his men were killed in their flight.\n\nHow Naiam was put to death. Chapter V.\n\nKing Kublai, having his adversary in his hands as a prisoner, immediately ordered him put to death for his great rashness in stirring up this rebellion and taking arms against his lord. Yet because Naiam was of his own lineage, he would not have the earth watered with royal blood, nor have the air and sun witness a descendant of the royal line die so wretchedly. He therefore ordered Naiam bound and wrapped inside a carpet, then shaken, jostled, turned, and rolled so many times and for so long that at last, unable to draw breath, he was stifled and suffocated. After Naiam’s death, all the principal chiefs and captains of his army, along with the soldiers and men-at-arms who had escaped the battle and saved themselves by flight, came to surrender and submit to the rule and obedience of Emperor Kublai. From that time four provinces were added to his dominion and empire: Funoria, Cauli, Barscol, and Sinchintinguy.\n\nThe rebuke Kublai gave the Jews and Saracens who slandered and scorned the sign of the cross of Jesus Christ. Chapter VI.\n\nThe Jews and Saracens in Kublai’s army seized upon this victory to begin speaking many insults and abusive words to the Christians who had been in Naiam’s camp. They told them that Christ, whose sign was depicted on Naiam’s banner, had been unable to help or rescue them. Every day they heaped reproaches and abuse upon them, to the great scandal, contempt, and derision of the power of Jesus Christ, which they called vain and worthless. The Christians who had submitted to Emperor Kublai, thinking it unworthy of a Christian to bear and endure such blasphemy and this diminution of the glory and honor of Jesus Christ, complained to the emperor and explained how grave and consequential these insults were to them. The emperor then had the Jews, Saracens, and Christians summoned and assembled before him. Turning first to the Christians, he said: “Your God did not wish, by his cross, to give Naiam any support or help. But you should not be ashamed or troubled by that, for the good and just God would not favor such injustice and wickedness. Naiam betrayed his lord and broke faith with him; against all right and fairness he raised war and rebellion against him, and then, in his wickedness and treachery, implored your God for help. But your God, being good, just, and upright, would not favor his evil deeds.” As for the Jews and Saracens who thus disparaged and stained the Christians’ honor, the emperor expressly forbade any of them henceforth to presume to blaspheme or speak against the God of the Christians or his cross. They were thus compelled to hold their tongues. Having settled and pacified this quarrel, Kublai returned victorious and in great joy to his city of Cambaluc.\n\nHow the Great Khan rewards his men-at-arms after a victory. Chapter VII.\n\nWhen Emperor Kublai returns victorious from a war, he recognizes and rewards his captains, company commanders, and officers in this manner. A man who was previously no more than a commander of a hundred he raises to a higher rank and gives command over a thousand men; and so, in order and by degrees, he advances each chief, duke, and captain to a higher station and dignity. He also gives them many gifts of gold and silver vessels and grants them various privileges and immunities. These privileges are written and engraved on certain tablets or plates of copper. On one side appear these words: “Through the power of the great God, and through the unspeakable grace he has bestowed on the emperor, blessed be the name of the Great Khan.” On the other side is engraved the image of a lion, together with the sun and moon, or the figure of a gyrfalcon, or of some other beast. Those who have tablets marked with the lion, sun, and moon wear them on their clothing when they go through the city or into public places, as a sign of great authority. But a man bearing the image of the gyrfalcon may lead and command the entire army of any prince or king of Tartary from one place to another. Thus everything is apportioned according to rank, and these tablets show to whom reverence and obedience are due. If anyone refuses to obey and do his duty in accordance with the authority shown him by these tablets, and disregards their force, he is immediately put to death as a rebel against the emperor.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 8–15\n\nDescription of the form and stature of Emperor Kublai, and of his wives and concubines. Chap. VIII.\n\nEmperor Kublai is a very handsome man of middling stature, neither too stout nor too thin. His face is somewhat ruddy, mingled with white; he has large eyes and a handsome nose, and all the other features of his body are properly and well proportioned. He has four wives whom he regards as legitimate; the eldest son of the first succeeds him to the kingdom. Each of these four wives has her own retinue and maintains a household like a queen within the emperor’s palace, with about three hundred chosen ladies in her service, several castrated servants, and a great number of other household servants. Besides these, the king has many concubines. For among the Tartars there is a particular people called Ungrac, whose women are exceptionally beautiful, graceful, and accomplished. From among them the emperor has the most beautiful selected and taken into his palace, where he regularly keeps as many as a hundred. He appoints governesses whose sole duty is to attend to them and watch carefully that they do not fall ill or suffer any blemish: otherwise they would not dare to sleep with the emperor. Six of these concubines are selected to attend the imperial chamber for three days and three nights. When the king goes to bed or rises in the morning, they immediately present themselves to him as attendants, and they sleep in his chamber. On the fourth day another six take their place and serve in the chamber for a further three days and as many nights. So, one group after another is appointed in succession, and they continue in this order until all one hundred concubines have served the emperor. By his four legitimate wives the emperor has had twenty-two sons. The eldest son of the first wife was named Chinchis and was to succeed to the empire, but he died before his father. He left a son named Temir, a magnanimous and prudent man, highly skilled in arms; Temir is to succeed to his grandfather’s empire in place of his deceased father. Besides these, Emperor Kublai has had twenty-seven children by his concubines and chambermaids, all of whom are great lords and barons at his court.\n\nOn the palace and places of pleasure in the city of Cambaluc. Chap. IX.\n\nFor three months of the year, namely December, January, and February, Emperor Kublai resides in his royal city of Cambaluc, where he has a sumptuous palace built with great skill. Its circumference is about two leagues, with a thousand paces along each of its four sides. Its walls are very thick and five toises high, and their outer faces are white and red. At each corner of the four walls stands a great and beautiful palace enclosed by four towers that serve as fortresses. Likewise, in the middle of each of the four walls stands a splendid and sumptuous palace, making eight palaces in all. In these are stored the weapons, artillery, instruments, and munitions of war—bows, arrows, quivers, spurs, bridles, lances, clubs, bowstrings, and other necessities of war—each kind of weapon stored separately and in order in its own palace. On the side of the palace facing south there are five gates and entrances, of which the central one is the largest and is never opened except for the emperor’s entry. No one but the emperor is permitted to enter by it; those who follow him enter by the two other gates on either side. On each of the other three sides of the wall there is only one gate, through which anyone who wishes may enter the palace. Within these first walls stands another wall built like the first, with eight more palaces at its corners and in the middle of its walls, where the emperor’s vessels and precious jewels are kept. At the center of this enclosure stands the royal palace, in which the emperor lives. This palace has only one story, with no floor above it, but its pavement is raised ten palms higher than the level of the courtyard. Its ceiling is very high and enriched with various paintings; the walls and partitions of its chambers shine with the gold and silver that adorn them. Everywhere one sees remarkable paintings and scenes from memorable wars, depicted in vivid colors and enriched with gold. In the great hall some six thousand men can sit at table together. Between the great outer walls that surround the whole castle lie many gardens and lawns planted with various kinds of fruit trees, where countless wild animals run about, including deer, musk-bearing animals, roe deer, fallow deer, and other species. On the northern side are fishponds stocked with the finest fish that can be found. A small river runs through them to supply their water, with iron gratings at its entry and exit to prevent the fish from escaping downstream. Outside this palace, at a distance of about one league, is a hill a hundred paces high and about a thousand paces in circumference, planted with trees that remain green in every season. The emperor has rare and exceptional trees brought there from all parts, loaded onto elephants and transported with their roots from distant lands to be transplanted. Because the hill is always green it is called the Green Mountain. At its summit stands a beautiful palace painted entirely green, where the Great Khan often goes to take his pleasure. Near the palace described above stands another, magnificent and sumptuous, where Temir, the eldest son and the one who is to succeed to the empire, lives. There he keeps his household and lives in royal splendor with his gentlemen and household attendants. He has very great authority and power and even holds the imperial seal, though he remains subject to the Great Khan as his lord.\n\nDescription of the city of Cambaluc. Chap. X.\n\nThe city of Cambaluc lies in the province of Cathay beside a great river. From ancient times it has been a royal and celebrated city; indeed, the word Cambaluc means “the city of the lord.” The Great Khan moved the city to the other side of the river, for he had learned from his astrologers and diviners that in time to come it would rebel against the empire. The city is built as an even square and measures twenty-four thousand around its circuit, which may be eight French leagues, since each side measures six thousand. Its walls are white, ten toises high and five wide, although their thickness diminishes considerably toward the top. Each side has three principal gates, twelve in all, each furnished with magnificent and sumptuous gatehouses. At the corners of the walls stand handsome palaces where the city’s armor is kept. The streets and squares are so straight that one can easily see without obstruction from one gate to the gate opposite it; on either side the houses are so splendidly built that they seem like little palaces. In the middle of the city stands a sumptuous building with a great bell hanging from its roof, which is rung three times in the evening. After the third stroke no one may leave his house until the next day, except for some urgent cause, such as the needs of a sick person or a close relative. Even those who must go through the city for such a reason must carry a light. Each city gate has a thousand men assigned to guard it, not because they fear enemies, but because of thieves and robbers. Above all, the king wishes to drive out and punish brigands and thieves so that his country will not be overrun by them.\n\nOn the suburbs of Cambaluc and the merchants who live there. Chap. XI.\n\nAround the city of Cambaluc are twelve great suburbs, each adjoining one of its twelve gates. A great throng of merchants and other foreigners gathers there: because of both the emperor’s court and the many kinds of trade, innumerable people arrive, but remain in the suburbs to conduct and conclude their business. The houses of the suburbs are no less magnificent and sumptuous than those of the city, apart from the royal palace. No dead body is ever buried or given funeral rites within the city; beyond the suburbs the bodies of those who worship idols are burned, while those belonging to other sects are interred and buried. As foreigners gather here in great numbers at all times, there are ordinarily about twenty thousand prostitutes in the suburbs, though none is ever allowed within the city walls. It would be impossible to describe the quantity of merchandise and wealth brought here from every direction: one would think there was enough for the entire world. Precious stones, pearls, silks, and various spices come from the Indies, Mangi, Cathay, and other regions. The city of Cambaluc seems to be the center and heart of all the neighboring regions and provinces. Not a day passes in the year without foreign merchants bringing some thousand carts laden with silk, from which the city’s ingenious artisans make exceptionally fine cloths and garments.\n\nOn the guards of the Great Khan’s person, who are always in his company. Chapter XII.\n\nAt his court the Great Khan has twelve thousand knights called Quesitan, meaning “knights faithful to their lord,” appointed to guard his person. They have four captains, each in command of three thousand knights. Their duty is to follow the emperor and stand ready to guard him day and night, and they receive his pay. They arrange their service so that when one captain and his company of three thousand knights have served and kept guard inside the emperor’s palace for three full days, another captain, who has meanwhile rested, succeeds him for the next three days with three thousand other knights. Three days later another takes his turn with the same number. So they continue their service in succession throughout the year, not because the emperor needs so large a guard or his person is in danger, but to make his magnificence more visible and more imposing.\n\nOn the excellence of the Great Khan’s banquets and feasts. Chap. XIII.\n\nThe magnificence observed at the emperor’s banquets is arranged as follows. When the emperor chooses to hold a banquet in his great hall for a feast day or some other suitable occasion, his table is raised above all the others and placed in the most conspicuous part of the hall, toward the north, so that when he sits at table he faces south. Close to him, on his left, sits the chief and most favored of his wives; on his right sit his children, nephews, and those of royal blood, though their table is set lower, so low that their heads can barely reach the emperor’s feet. The other great lords, barons, and knights sit at a still lower table, each with his wife seated beside him on his left. Every duke, knight, and gentleman thus takes his place according to his rank, and so does his wife. All the gentlemen who attend the emperor’s feast and banquet bring their wives with them, and from his elevated seat the emperor can see all those seated at table in the hall. Besides this great royal hall are other smaller halls alongside it, where on feast days as many as forty thousand men are sometimes entertained, most of them people of his court or others who have come to renew their fealty and homage to the emperor. There is also a countless company of comedians and entertainers. Furthermore, in the middle of the great royal hall stands a great golden vessel in the form of a fountain, which continually pours out wine or another fine drink. The drink falls into four other golden vessels, from which it is drawn in abundance and distributed to those seated at table; they too are served and drink from no vessels but those of fine gold. In short, it would be impossible to express the magnificence and expense of the vessels, furnishings, and other implements used when the Great Khan dines publicly in his royal hall. The attendants who serve the emperor at table all cover their mouths with taffeta or fine linen, lest their breath fall upon the food and drink prepared for his mouth. When the emperor lifts his cup to drink, all the oboe players and musicians begin playing their instruments most melodiously, while all the other attendants of the hall kneel. Nor is there any need to describe the quantity of dishes laid before him, how exquisite and delicate they are, or with what pomp and magnificence they are presented. When the meal is over, musicians and players of harmonious instruments arrive, together with comedians and magicians. By their songs and melodious music, their performances and feats of entertainment before the emperor, they delight him wonderfully and give him great pleasure and diversion.\n\nWhat magnificence is observed on the emperor’s birthday. Chapter XIIII.\n\nAll the Tartars observe the custom of celebrating their lord’s birthday with great honor and magnificence. The birthday of the Great Khan Kublai falls on the twenty-eighth of September. They have no day more solemn or festive in the whole year except the festival of the first of February, when they begin their year. On his birthday, therefore, the emperor wears a precious robe of fine cloth of gold, and everyone at his court likewise puts on their finest and richest clothes. The emperor gives each of them a gold belt of great price and value and shoes made of chamois leather sewn with silver thread. Each person strives to dress and adorn himself as splendidly as possible in honor of their prince, so that they look like little kings. This finery is worn not only on the emperor’s birthday, but also at the other festivals the Tartars celebrate each year, thirteen in number. At these the emperor presents the gentlemen of his court with precious robes enriched with gold, pearls, and other rare gems, and with belts and shoes such as we have described above. The color of these robes does not differ from the emperor’s own. Another custom is observed among the Tartars: on the Great Khan’s birthday, all the kings, princes, and lords who are subject to the emperor and pay him tribute send him gifts in recognition of his imperial majesty. Those who wish to obtain some charge, administration, or office from him submit their petitions to twelve barons appointed for the purpose; whatever these barons order and grant has the same force as if the emperor had commanded and ordained it with his own mouth. Likewise all the peoples subject to him, whatever their kind, faith, or nation—Christians, Jews, Saracens, Tartars, and all other pagans—are required to invoke their gods and offer solemn prayers, each in his own way, for the Great Khan’s life, prosperity, and health.\n\nWith what ceremony the Tartars celebrate the beginning of the year. Chapter XV.\n\nOn the first of February, the first day of the month and the beginning of the year throughout Tartary, the Great Khan and all the Tartars, wherever they may be, celebrate a great festival. All alike, men and women, take pains to adorn and dress themselves in white, and call this holiday the Feast of the Whites. They believe that white clothing brings them good fortune and that fortune will smile on them throughout the year if they wear white at its beginning. The lieutenants and governors of the cities and provinces, in keeping with the duties of their ranks and offices, send the emperor gifts on this holiday, such as gold, silver, pearls, precious stones, and fine cloth; white horses in particular are presented and offered to the emperor on this day. The Tartars also exchange gifts with one another at the beginning of the year. At this festival all the emperor’s elephants, five thousand in number, are brought to court covered with rich tapestries depicting animals and birds of every kind. The elephants carry great chests full of gold and silver vessels and other implements needed to celebrate the Feast of the Whites magnificently. Many camels are brought as well, covered with fine carpets and carrying the other provisions required for such a banquet. From the break of dawn on the day of the Feast of the Whites […]\n\nAll the kings, dukes, barons, knights, physicians, astrologers, provincial governors, captains and commanders, and other officers of the emperor assemble in the great royal hall. Those who cannot enter because the place cannot hold so vast a multitude withdraw to the adjoining halls. Once each is seated in his proper order and degree according to his dignity and office, someone stands among them and cries aloud: “Bow down and worship.” At once everyone rises from his seat and prostrates himself, lowering his face to the ground as though worshipping God; they do this four times. When this act of worship is finished, they go in order to the altar prepared in the middle of the hall, upon a great table painted red and inscribed with the Great Khan’s name. Taking the richly ornamented censer, they put fragrant aromatic resins into it and, with great reverence, perfume the table and altar in the Great Khan’s honor; then each returns to his place. Once their ceremonies are complete, each presents himself to the emperor and offers him his gift, as we have said above. When all this is accomplished, the tables are laid and a magnificent banquet is held, at which they are sumptuously entertained amid great joy and to everyone’s satisfaction. Once the tables have been cleared and the meal has ended, singers, oboe players, and comedians come forward and delight the entire company, each with his music or performances. Moreover, a tame lion is brought to the emperor; it lies at his feet, as gentle and quiet as a little dog, and acknowledges him as its lord.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 16–24\n\nOf the Wild Beasts Sent from Every Quarter to the Great Khan. Chap. XVI.\n\nDuring these three months in which the Emperor, as I said above, resides in the city of Cambaluc—December, January, and February—all the huntsmen in each of the provinces neighboring and adjoining the kingdom of Cathay do nothing but hunt. All the large game they take, such as deer, bears, roe deer, wild boars, fallow deer, and other wild beasts, they present to their governors and captains. If these men are no more than thirty days’ journey from the Emperor’s court, they send the animals they have taken to him by ship or cart, after first dressing the carcasses. But if the court is more than thirty days’ journey away, they send only the hides, which are suitable for making armor.\n\nHow the Great Khan Takes Wild Beasts with Other Wild Beasts That Have Been Tamed. Chap. XVII.\n\nThe Great Khan keeps various wild animals at his court. Once they have been tamed and trained, he takes them hunting with him, finding great pleasure and delight in watching a tame beast fight a wild one. Above all he has leopards that he has trained, marvelous hunters that take a great many animals. He also has ounces, no less swift and skillful in the hunt. Likewise he has splendid large lions, certainly larger than those in Babylon. Their coats are streaked with fine bands of different colors—white, black, and red—and these too are trained for hunting. Indeed, they are especially suited and skilled at taking wild boars, bears, deer, roe deer, wild asses, and buffalo. When they go hunting, they customarily carry two lions in a cart, accompanied by a little dog that follows them. Moreover, the Emperor has many trained eagles so fierce and keen in flight that they seize and take hares, roe deer, fallow deer, and foxes. Some are even so bold and daring that they venture to attack the wolf and swoop upon it with such violence, harrying it so relentlessly, that men can take it easily, without great toil or danger.\n\nHow the Great Khan Conducts His Hunt. Chap. XVIII.\n\nThere are two barons at the Emperor’s court who have charge and oversight of all his hunting. Each has two thousand men under him, who arrange everything necessary for the hunt and keep dogs of every kind, training and preparing them for it. When the Great Khan wishes to enjoy the hunt and put on a remarkable spectacle, these two barons bring their twenty thousand men with a great multitude of dogs, most commonly about five thousand in number. They go with the Emperor into the countryside, to the places where they intend to hunt, and after setting out their ropes they begin in this manner: the Emperor stands with his gentlemen in the middle of the plain, flanked on either side by the two captains of his hunt and their men, some dressed in red and the others in indigo or azure. All are drawn up in a line, one directly beside the next, occupying such a vast extent of country that from one end to the other would be almost a day’s journey. With them are all the dogs mentioned above. Once the men are set in good order, they release the dogs and urge them on to hunt, yet continue advancing in formation across a great sweep of country. Thus they take many wild beasts, for the country holds a great abundance of them, and they cannot readily escape the ropes, nets, and dogs.\n\nOf the Great Khan’s Falconry. Chap. XIX.\n\nWhen March arrives, the Great Khan leaves the city of Cambaluc for the countryside along the shore of the Ocean Sea. He takes his falconers, sometimes ten thousand in number, with falcons, sparrowhawks, gyrfalcons, and other birds of prey, agile and highly skilled in flight. The falconers spread out across the country, and when they find game they release their birds after it; game abounds there, and the greater part of what is caught is brought to the Emperor. Meanwhile he sits in a wooden pavilion carried by four elephants, covered in lion skins, gilded and richly adorned within. Certain dukes or barons accompany him for company and diversion, together with twelve choice birds of prey, the finest of all. Around the elephants bearing the pavilion in which the Emperor sits ride several gentlemen and knights, who always keep close to him. Whenever they see cranes, pheasants, or other birds flying through the air, they immediately point them out to the falconers beside the Emperor. The falconers in turn alert him and uncover his pavilion, then release their falcons and birds of prey, while the Emperor watches the contest and entertainment from his litter. In addition, another ten thousand men run here and there across the fields during the flight, watching where the falcons and other birds go and ready to help them if need arises. They are called Toscaor in the Tartar language, meaning guards, and know how to recall the birds released after prey by making a particular whistle. The falconer who releases a bird need not follow it: these Toscaors carefully pursue the birds to prevent their being lost or injured, and promptly retrieve them. Those who first encounter a bird in danger are obliged to help it at once. Every bird of prey wears on one foot a little tablet or silver band bearing the arms and insignia of its lord or falconer, so that if it strays, it can be returned to its owner. If the mark and insignia on the band cannot be recognized, the bird is handed to a baron appointed for the purpose, called Bularguci, that is, Keeper of Lost Things. He is charged with keeping all birds of prey brought to him until their masters recognize and claim them. He does the same for horses and other things lost or mislaid during the hunt. If anyone finds something while hunting and, instead of bringing it at once to this keeper, holds on to it for a time, he is judged and punished as a thief. During the hunts, therefore, this provost or commissioner of lost things takes up a fairly elevated position and unfurls his banner. Amid so great a crowd he can thus be recognized, and things found can more easily be brought to him, or reclaimed from him by those who lost them.\n\nOf the Magnificence of the Great Khan’s Tents and Pavilions. Chap. XX.\n\nHunting in this way and taking pleasure in the flight of the birds, they come to the great plain of Caciamordim. There about ten thousand tents and pavilions are handsomely pitched and prepared for the Great Khan and all the gentlemen of his court, arranged in the following order. The first and most conspicuous is very large and spacious, comfortably accommodating a thousand men, with its entrance facing south. The barons, knights, and gentlemen lodge in it. Close beside it, on the west, stands a pavilion large enough to serve as the Emperor’s audience hall when he wishes to speak with those who have business with him. Next to this stands another tent where the Emperor sleeps and rests. Around these three tents are other adjoining halls and chambers, connected so that one may pass from one to another. The tents reserved for the Emperor himself, together with the great pavilion for his nobles, are built and furnished in this manner. They rise upon three columns made of very fragrant wood, carved all around with various magnificent designs. They are covered with red and black lion skins, for lions of various colors are found in abundance in that country. Tents covered thus cannot be damaged by rain or wind, since the leather of these skins is so strong and tough that it cannot easily be pierced or cut. The inside of the tents is entirely lined with beautiful and costly skins of ermine and sable martens. Even in that country these are much sought after and precious: the fur lining of a robe made of such skins will sometimes cost two thousand florins. The ropes supporting the three tents are of fine silk. Many other pavilions are pitched around these three, housing the Great Khan’s wives, children, and ladies. Then there are other pavilions set apart solely for falcons, sparrowhawks, goshawks, male hawks, gyrfalcons, and other birds of prey. In short, so many tents and pavilions stand there that, seen from afar, they look like a great city planted on the plain. For besides the Emperor’s household servants and retinue, a great number of people with leisure follow the court for the pleasure of the hunt. They pitch their tents and make themselves as comfortable there as if they were inside the city of Cambaluc; there are even many physicians, astrologers, and philosophers. The Emperor spends the whole month of March in this beautiful countryside, and in that time takes countless beasts and birds in the hunt and in flight. No one else is allowed to hunt anywhere in the province during this month, at least within twenty days’ journey all around. Indeed, from the beginning of March until October it is forbidden them even to keep a hunting dog or bird of prey in the house, and they dare not, by any means, take deer, fallow deer, roe deer, hares, or similar game. This is why the country is so abundant in game and the animals so tame that when they encounter men they scarcely deign to flee or turn aside. When the hunt is over, the Emperor returns to his palace, where for three full days he holds open house for everyone, including those he had summoned to accompany him on the hunt. Afterward he gives them leave to return home.\n\nOf the Great Khan’s Money and Great Wealth. Chapitre XXI.\n\nThe Great Khan’s money is made of neither gold nor silver nor any other metal. Instead, they take the inner bark of the tree called the mulberry, join it together, then divide and cut it into round pieces of various sizes, some large and some small. Upon these they stamp the characters and arms of the empire. The smallest piece is worth a little tournois; other, slightly larger pieces are worth two Venetian gros, others five, others ten; there are pieces worth one écu, others two, and others five. Thus the Emperor has such a vast quantity of money made of this humble material at his city of Cambaluc that there is enough for his entire empire. No one in any of his kingdoms, countries, lands, or dominions may, on pain of death, make or use any other money, or refuse this money in any way. Even someone arriving from another land or kingdom not subject to the Great Khan would not dare to use any other currency anywhere in the empire. As a result, merchants arriving in Cambaluc from distant countries and foreign regions, though they may possess great quantities of gold, silver, pearls, and other precious stones, are compelled to hand them over and take the money described above in payment. Since they could make no use of it in their own countries, when they wish to return home they must exchange it again or purchase merchandise to take with them. Sometimes, too, the Emperor commands the inhabitants of Cambaluc who possess gold, silver, or precious stones to bring them immediately to his officers, receiving imperial money from them to the full value at which these things are assessed. In this way the citizens and merchants suffer no loss or damage, yet the Emperor draws to himself all the gold and silver of his country, creating a treasure beyond reckoning. With the same money he pays the wages of his officers and the pay of his men-at-arms and soldiers; for everything his court needs he uses this money alone. Since, then, out of almost nothing and a humble material he has such a quantity of currency made, through which he obtains an immensity of gold and silver from his countries, lands, and dominions, while spending nothing else on the provisions of his court, the payment of his officers, or the wages of his troops, it is easy to see that no prince or king in all the world surpasses him in wealth and abundance.\n\nOf the Twelve Governors of the Empire’s Provinces, and Their Charge and Office. Chap. XXII.\n\nThe Great Khan has twelve barons at his court who are his lieutenants over thirty-four provinces. Their office is to appoint two governors in each province to arrange and provide all that is necessary for the armies, companies, and garrisons wherever they are stationed. They report their decisions to the Emperor, who by his authority and imperial majesty confirms what they have determined and ordered. These twelve barons can grant many privileges, liberties, and exemptions, so the people show them great honor and reverence and seek their favor and goodwill. They reside in a great palace inside the city of Cambaluc, assigned to their office; there are many halls and chambers in it for them, their retinues, and their servants. They have lieutenants and assessors to advise them, and secretaries to make careful written records of their actions and orders.\n\nOf the Great Khan’s Posting Stations and Couriers, and Their Locations. Chap. XXIII.\n\nOutside the city of Cambaluc many roads lead toward the neighboring provinces. On each of these roads, about eight leagues from the city, stand posting stations, small castles or magnificently built houses where heralds and couriers stop and lodge on their journeys. In their language these are called Janli, meaning the dwelling place of horses, for each station always has three or four hundred horses ready and waiting for the couriers. Another eight leagues farther on is a second station, no different from the first; the others follow at the same intervals to the frontiers and limits of the empire. Thus throughout the empire, along the great public roads, there are about ten thousand posting stations. The number of horses maintained at these stations for the couriers is about two hundred thousand. Even in forests and deserts, where there is no human dwelling or habitation, there are such stations, though ten or twelve leagues apart. The neighboring towns and inhabitants of the districts where the stations stand must supply fodder for the horses and provisions for their keepers. But everything required at stations in forests and deserts is supplied by the Emperor’s officers. By this means, whenever the Emperor wishes to hear news of events in a distant land, he immediately dispatches couriers, who carry out his command with such speed that they travel eighty or a hundred leagues in a day, covering a vast country in very little time. This is how it is done: two couriers are sent out, and they press their horses without stopping until they reach the first station at a gallop. There they leave their tired horses and take two others, fresh and rested, on which they race with the same speed to the next station. So they continue their journeys, going and coming without pause or delay, carrying the Emperor’s packets and commands to the borders of the empire in a few days. In the same way they bring back a reply or other certain news to the Emperor. Between these stations there are also other houses and inns, one or two leagues apart, where messengers on foot stop and lodge. Each wears a belt furnished with bells, and they are always ready to carry any packets or letters from the Emperor, when presented to them, with all possible speed to the first inn. Before they arrive, the sound of their bells can be heard from afar, so the others make ready and await them. As soon as the packet is received, they carry it to the next inn. Thus it passes from hand to hand without delay to its destination. It often happens that in less than three days the Emperor hears news, or receives some freshly harvested fruit, from a place ten long days’ journey from his court. All these couriers and messengers, whether on foot or horseback, are exempt from every tax, levy, and subsidy, and also receive generous wages and salaries from the Emperor’s treasurers.\n\nOf the Emperor’s Provision in Times of Scarcity. Chapitre XXIIII.\n\nEvery year the Great Khan customarily sends his couriers into various provinces subject to his empire to inquire whether the grain has been ruined or damaged by locusts or other vermin, or whether pestilence or some other injury of the weather has made the land barren. When he is informed that a city or province is suffering severe shortage or famine, he remits the people’s levies and taxes for that year and sends them a great quantity of grain, both to live on and to sow the land. For in times of fertility and abundant grain the Emperor has great stores laid up, carefully preserved for three or four years in his granaries, so that if scarcity comes to the country he can help it and make good the shortage from these provisions. He then has his grain sold at a low and modest price, so that a muid is sold for one quarter less than it would cost from anyone else. Likewise, if some plague or contagious disease has struck the livestock, he remits the usual tribute for that year and has other livestock sold and delivered to the people. Furthermore, to keep couriers and other travelers through Cathay from straying or losing their way, this wise and prudent Emperor has made this provision: he has planted many trees along the great roads, close together and arranged so that they point, as plainly as a finger, to the true and direct road toward the intended destination. As for the great number of poor people whom he feeds throughout the year, and the alms he regularly gives in bread and grain, it would seem incredible were I to dwell upon it. But I can affirm as a fact that every day of the year he feeds about thirty thousand poor people with bread, and will not allow bread to be denied to anyone at all. For this reason his subjects regard and revere him as a god.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 25–37\n\nWhat the People of Cathay Drink Instead of Wine. Chap. XXV.\n\nThe inhabitants of the province of Cathay make a drink from rice and various spices, whose taste and flavor are finer and more delicious than wine. Those who drink beyond measure, more than their nature can bear and more than they need, become drunk on it sooner than they would on wine.\n\nOf Stones That Burn Like Wood. Chapitre XXVI.\n\nThroughout the province of Cathay, certain black stones are extracted from its mountains. When put in the fire they burn like wood and keep the fire going a long time: if they are set alight in the evening, their fire and glowing embers last all night. Since wood is scarce in many places, most of the inhabitants of the province use these stones instead of wood to heat their homes.\n\nOf the River Pulisachniz and the Magnificent Bridge Over It. Chap. XXVII.\n\nThus far in this second book we have described the situation, size, and commerce of the city of Cambaluc, and have also spoken in passing a little of the magnificence, splendor, and wealth of the Great Khan. The course of our account now calls us to describe the neighboring regions and briefly reveal their memorable features and what is done and found there. Now I, Marco Polo, was sent on the Great Khan’s command and commission on certain affairs concerning the empire into distant parts, where my journey there and back occupied four months. Along the way I carefully sought out, observed, and noted everything I encountered that was worth remembering. In particular, three or four leagues after leaving Cambaluc, I found a beautiful great river called Pulisachniz. It empties into the great Ocean Sea, and through its mouth many ships laden with merchandise sail upstream into the country.\n\nThere too I found a beautiful and sumptuous marble bridge, three hundred paces long and eight wide, resting on twenty-four fine, large, well-vaulted arches. Its upper part is adorned and enriched with workmanship, including great lions carved in relief on either side.\n\nOf the Places Beyond the River Pulisachniz. Chapitre XXVIII.\n\nAfter crossing this river by the marble bridge, for ten leagues onward one continually finds fine castles and pleasure houses, together with vineyards and cultivated fields, until one reaches the city of Geoguy. This is a beautiful, large city with many monasteries dedicated to idols. Excellent cloths of gold and silk and exceptionally fine linen are made there. The city also has many public inns to receive strangers and travelers. Its inhabitants are merchants and artisans. Outside it lies a crossroads where the route divides in two, one way leading toward the province of Cathay, the other toward Mangi on the seacoast. Along the road toward Cathay are many towns, castles, gardens, and fertile lands. Most of the inhabitants are merchants and ingenious craftsmen; they are also very kind and welcoming to strangers, showing none of the savagery of the other Tartars.\n\nOf the Kingdom of Tainfu. Chap. XXIX.\n\nAfter traveling ten days from the city of Geoguy one enters the kingdom of Tainfu, a large, well-populated and cultivated country with many vineyards. No wine grows in the province of Cathay, but it is carried there from the kingdom of Tainfu, where many other trades flourish. In particular, it has skilled craftsmen and armorers, and all the armor and instruments of war that the Great Khan uses in his battles are made and fashioned there. Going farther west, one comes to a pleasant and delightful province with many towns and castles, where much trade is done. Continuing onward another seven days, one reaches a beautiful great city called Pianfu, where silk is abundant.\n\nOf the Castle of Chincuy and the Capture of Its King. Chapitre XXX.\n\nTwo days from Pianfu stands a fine and splendid castle called Chincuy, built by a man named Darius who was an enemy of the great lord called Prester John. The castle is so well fortified by art and nature that Darius, within it, feared no one, however powerful a king or lord he might be. Many great lords and governors of the neighboring provinces complained that no one could be found to defeat and overcome him. Now this great king Prester John had at his court seven young gentlemen, brave and ready for anything. By a solemn oath they promised to deliver King Darius into his hands, and he in turn promised them great riches as a reward if they fulfilled their pledge. They set out for the court of King Darius and offered him their service, concealing their malicious intentions. Unaware of their trickery and wickedness, he accepted them as good and faithful servants. Yet for two whole years they could not carry out the plan they had conceived and long resolved upon. By then the king trusted them, having found them faithful over the course of two years. Wishing to amuse himself in the countryside, he left his castle and went half a league away with only the seven young men and a small number of other soldiers. Seeing their chance to put their long-conceived treachery into effect, the young men drew their swords upon him, took him captive at last, and brought him to Prester John in fulfillment of their promise. Prester John was exceedingly glad and appointed him a shepherd and keeper of animals, placing strong guards over him to make him do the work. After this king had lived among the shepherds and herdsmen for two years, Prester John ordered that he be dressed in royal garments and brought before him in that attire. He said to him, “Now I know from experience how little power you have, since I had you seized in your own kingdom and made you live among the livestock as a shepherd for two years. Now, if I wish, I can have you killed, and no living man could save you from my hands.” Darius answered that he spoke the truth, and that it was so. Then Prester John said to him, “Since you have humbled yourself so deeply that you count yourself nothing beside me, from now on I will acknowledge you as a friend. For my victory it is enough to have held the power to kill you if I wished.” He then had horses and an honorable escort provided to take him back to his castle. From that time onward, for as long as he lived, King Darius always honored and revered Prester John and obeyed every command he chose to give him.\n\nOf the Great River Caromoran and the Surrounding Country. Chapitre XXXI.\n\nSeven or eight leagues beyond the castle of Chincuy lies the river Caromoram. It is so wide and deep that there are no bridges across it, and it flows into the great Ocean Sea. Along its banks are built many beautiful towns and castles where much commerce is carried on, for the land abounds in ginger, silk, and birds, especially pheasants. After crossing this river and traveling two days, one reaches Cianfu, a handsome and pleasant city where excellent cloths of gold and silk are made. All the city’s inhabitants, like those of the whole province of Cathay, are idolaters.\n\nOf the City of Quenquinafu. Chap. XXXII.\n\nTraveling onward for ten days, one passes many towns and villages, beautiful fields and pleasure gardens. The region abounds in silk and offers fine hunting for both beasts and birds. If you go on for eight more days, you reach a great city called Quenquinafu, the principal and capital city of the kingdom, which takes its name from it. In former times this kingdom was very rich and prosperous, and held in high renown; at present the Great Khan’s son Mangala is its king and governor. The region produces much silk and all that is needed to sustain human life. A great deal of trade is carried on there, and its inhabitants are idolaters. Outside the city, on a beautiful plain, stands the royal palace where Mangala resides with his people and courtiers. In the middle of the city there is another beautiful and sumptuous palace, with walls and partitions entirely gilded inside. The king regularly hunts game and flies birds of prey, for both abound in the country.\n\nOf the Province of Cunchy. Chap. XXXIII.\n\nLeaving this city and its palace and traveling for three days, one finds a beautiful great plain with many towns and castles and a great abundance of silk. The plain extends as far as a mountainous country, so thickly populated that fine towns and castles stand not only on its slopes but also in its valleys and hollows. They belong to the province of Cunchy. The inhabitants are idolaters and good farmers. Wild animals are hunted here too, including lions, bears, deer, roe deer, fallow deer, and similar beasts. The province extends for twenty days’ journey through mountains and valleys and many forests. Yet inns to receive and lodge travelers are found everywhere, so that they suffer no lack of provisions on the road.\n\nOf the Province of Achalechmangi. Chap. XXXIIII.\n\nAdjacent to Cunchy lies another province called Achalechmangi, to the west. It contains many cities, towns, and castles; its capital is also called Achalechmangi, because it borders the province of Mangi. This province has a great plain extending for three days’ journey, after which lie many mountains and valleys and some forests. It extends for twenty days’ journey and is fairly well populated with towns and castles. In other respects it is no different from the other province of Cunchy, for it too has merchants, craftsmen, farmers, and hunters of wild animals. There are also animals that bear musk; moreover, ginger grows there as plentifully as wheat and rice.\n\nOf the Province of Cindinfu. Chap. XXXV.\n\nThe province of Sindinfu likewise borders this last province, and also borders Mangi. Its capital is called Sindinfu; it was once great and prosperous, with a circuit of six leagues. It also had a very rich and powerful king, who left three children as heirs and successors to his kingdom. They divided the city of Sindinfu into three parts and enclosed each part with high walls, though all three lay within the first city walls. Since then the Great Khan has brought both city and kingdom under his empire. Through the city runs a river called Quianfu, about a quarter of a league wide, very deep and rich in fish. Many towns and castles stand on its banks. The mouth where it empties into the sea is ninety days’ journey from the city of Sindinfu, and thus many ships laden with merchandise sail upstream along it. At Sindinfu a stone bridge crosses the river, a good quarter of a league long or more and four toises wide. In the morning craftsmen set up many stalls and shops on it, which they remove and carry away in the evening. There is also a house built upon it, where the Emperor’s officers reside and collect tolls and passage fees from travelers. Traveling onward for five days, one finds a beautiful great plain with many towns, castles, and villages whose inhabitants trade in a great quantity of fine linen. Many wild animals can also be seen there.\n\nOf the Province of Thebeth. Chap. XXXVI.\n\nBeyond the great plain I have described lies the province of Thebeth, which the Great Khan has laid waste and destroyed: many of its towns lie in ruins and its castles have been razed. It stretches for twenty days’ journey. Because these ruins have left it utterly deserted and uninhabited, those who pass through must bring enough provisions for twenty days’ travel. Moreover, since people abandoned it, wild animals have gathered there in such numbers that they make the road very perilous for travelers, especially at night. To counter this danger, merchants and other travelers have devised the following stratagem. In this country grow great reeds seven or eight toises long and so thick that three spans of the hand will encircle them; there are three further spans between one joint and the next. When the merchants and others wish to rest at night, they make great bundles of these reeds, heap them together, and set them alight. As soon as the reeds feel the fire they begin to crack and make such a loud noise that it can be heard a good half league around. The wild beasts, hearing it, are so frightened that they run until they can hear it no longer. In this way the merchants and travelers, having deceived the beasts, can rest in safety and pass through the whole province. Even the horses and other animals the merchants use on their journeys are terribly startled by the noise, and some have fled and been lost. But prudent travelers know how to prevent this, putting hobbles on their animals’ legs to hold them fast and keep them from running away.\n\nOf a Region Beyond Thebeth and Its Ugly Customs. Chap. XXXVII.\n\nAfter traveling twenty days through the province of Thebeth, one finds many towns and villages. There, owing to their deep idolatry, a most foul and wicked custom is observed: no man in the country will ever marry a virgin. If he wants to marry a girl, she must first have had intercourse with several men, for they say that a girl is not fit for marriage unless she has first lost her virginity. Thus when merchants or strangers happen to pass through and lodge in this region, the local women who have daughters ready to marry bring them to these foreign guests—sometimes twenty, sometimes thirty or more, according to the number of guests. They earnestly beg each visitor to take one of their daughters, sleep with her, and do as he pleases with her for as long as he intends to stay in the country. Won over by the pleas of these worthy matrons, the guests readily comply, each choosing a young woman to his liking and making her fit to be married. When the guests wish to leave, they are never allowed to take any of the girls away but must faithfully return them to their parents. The girl will take some small gift or jewel from the man who took her virginity, to serve as a token and proof that she is no longer a virgin. The girl who has been loved and had intercourse with the greatest number of lovers, and can show the greatest number of such jewels to those seeking her hand, will be held the noblest and married with the greatest honor and distinction. If a girl wishes to dress splendidly to appear in company, she hangs around her neck all the gifts and jewels her lovers have given her. The more people have loved and desired her, the more honor and praise she receives. But once they enter into marriage, they are no longer permitted any contact or intimacy with strangers and must keep their faith to their husbands inviolate. Above all, the men of the country take care not to wrong one another in this matter. These people are idolaters and very cruel, and they do not think it a sin or offense to pillage and steal. They live by hunting and the fruits of the earth. Their country has many musk-bearing animals, which they call Gadderi. They often hunt these beasts and catch them with their dogs, so they have musk in abundance. They have a language distinct from others and their own particular money, and they dress in animal skins or coarse, rough hemp. This country is part of the province of Thebeth, which is vast and extensive, divided into eight kingdoms fairly well populated with towns and villages. The land is rugged and mountainous. Gold is found in some places, even in certain rivers. For money they use pieces of coral, a stone they prize highly and value greatly. The women make chains and necklaces of it for their necks, and they adorn their idols with it as a singular and precious thing. In this country there are dogs as large as asses, used in hunting wild animals, and also many falcons and other birds of prey. Cinnamon and other aromatic spices grow there in great abundance. This province is subject to and pays tribute to the Great Khan.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 38–41\n\nOf the province of Caniclu, and the infamous custom of its inhabitants. Chap. XXXVIII.\n\nThe province of Caniclu borders Thebeth on the western side. It has its own king, although he pays tribute to the Great Khan. There is a lake there in which pearls are found in such abundance that, if everyone were free to carry them away at will, they would no longer be valued at all. For this reason, on pain of death, no one may fish in the lake and take pearls from it without the express will and permission of the Great Khan. This province also has beasts called Gadderi, which yield musk in great abundance. Besides, the lake so rich in pearls is full of fish, and the country abounds in wild animals, such as lions, bears, stags, fallow deer, ounces, roe deer, and birds of various kinds. No wine grows there; instead they make excellent drinks from wheat, rice, and various spices. Cloves are found in great abundance, harvested from certain trees with small branches and white flowers that bear a fruit enclosing the cloves like little grains. Ginger likewise grows in great quantity, along with cinnamon and other spices that are not carried as far as our western country. In the mountains of this region there are also precious stones called turquoises, very beautiful ones, but no one dares take them out of the country without the Great Khan’s leave and permission. The people worship idols, by which they are so deceived that they think it a pleasing act, worthy of reward, to offer their wives and daughters to all comers for their pleasure. For if strangers passing through lodge in their houses, the head of the household immediately summons his wife, his daughters, and any other women and serving girls in his house, and orders them to obey his guests in everything. He then goes away, leaving his guests and their companions in the house, and does not return until they have departed. Meanwhile the chief foreign guest lodging there spreads his cloak, or some other token, before the door. When the master returns and sees by this sign that his guests have not yet gone, he will not enter his house, but returns to the fields to wait until they have left. Thus a stranger can stay in one house for two or three days. Such a custom, infamous though it is, is observed throughout Caniclu. No one there considers it dishonorable to give his wife or daughter to a stranger traveling through the country; rather, they believe they do this for the glory of their gods, whom they hope thereby to make more gracious and favorable to them. For money they have small rods of gold of a fixed weight, which determines their value; these gold rods are the highest and most valuable currency. But they also have a currency of lesser value made in this way: they boil salt in a cauldron over the fire, shape it in molds into little lumps, press and bind them together, and put them into circulation as money. Leaving this province, one travels for ten days, passing several castles and villages whose inhabitants live by the same custom as those of Caniclu. At last one reaches a river called Brius, which marks one of the boundaries of Caniclu. In the sands of this river is found a great quantity of gold, which they call Paglola; cinnamon likewise grows abundantly on its banks.\n\nOf the province of Caraiam. Chap. XXXIX.\n\nBeyond the river Brius lies the province of Caraiam, comprising seven kingdoms and subject to the Great Khan, to whom it pays tribute. One of his sons, named Esentemur, was lieutenant and governor of the province when I was in that country. Its inhabitants worship idols. It produces very fine horses, and has a language of its own, though one difficult and troublesome to pronounce. Its capital is called Jaci, a large and celebrated city where many fairs are held and much merchandise is traded. A few Nestorian Christians and many Muslims live there as well. They have plenty of wheat and rice, yet do not eat wheat bread, since they could not digest it without great pain and weakness of the stomach; instead they make their bread from rice. They also make their drinks from various spices, though these intoxicate them more readily than wine. In place of money they use small pieces found in the sea, some golden and others white. In this city they make a great quantity of salt from well water, from which the king derives considerable profit and revenue. The people of the country are so dull and unthinking that they do not care if anyone makes love to their wives, provided the women are willing. There is a lake here well suited to fishing, measuring more than thirty leagues around. The peasants eat raw meat, but prepare it in this way: first they mince it very finely, then steep it in fragrant oils and good spices, and afterward eat it thus dressed.\n\nOf a certain part of the province of Caraiam where there are serpents of incredible size. Chapitre XL.\n\nDeparting from the city of Jaci and traveling for ten days, one reaches another kingdom whose capital is called Caraiam. Its king and governor at that time was Cogracam, one of the sons of Emperor Kublai. The city of Caraiam has given its name to the whole province. In the rivers of this country a great quantity of gold is found, called Paglola; it is found in some pools and in the mountains too, but there it is of another kind. The inhabitants worship idols. In certain places the country produces great serpents, some ten paces long and ten spans around the girth. Some have no feet in front, but in their place have great claws like a lion’s or a falcon’s. Their heads are enormous and their eyes as large as two loaves of bread; moreover, the opening of their mouths is so wide and terrifying that they can swallow and devour a whole man. There is no need to ask whether their jaws are well furnished with very large, sharp teeth: no man or beast can look at them without great fear, much less dare approach them. Yet they are caught in this way. By day the serpent usually hides in caves underground or in hollows of mountains or rocks. By night it comes out and ranges through the country seeking the haunts of other beasts for food, for it fears no beast whatever, however large. It devours great beasts and small, lions, bears, or others, and, once it has feasted and filled its belly, returns to its cave and den. Since the country is very sandy, it is astonishing to see the place where it has rolled and the tracks its body leaves in the sand: one would think a barrel full of wine had been rolled and turned there. The hunters who try to catch it drive many large stakes into the sand by day, strong and rigid, with their ends shod in iron like sharp teeth. They cover them with sand so that the serpent cannot see them, and plant a great number in the ground, especially near places where they know it retreats. When it comes out at night as usual to seek its prey and drags that great bulk across the yielding sand, it sometimes impales its stomach on the pointed stakes, killing or gravely wounding itself. Then the hunters emerge from their hiding places and kill it if it is still alive. They remove its gall and sell it dearly, for it is highly medicinal. If anyone bitten by a rabid dog drinks a little of it, as much as the weight of a denier, he is cured at once. Likewise, if a woman in labor takes a little, her delivery is greatly hastened. And if anyone suffers from hemorrhoids or sores at the anus, anointing the painful place with a little of this gall will cure him entirely in a short time. They also sell the serpent’s flesh, which the inhabitants gladly eat. Very fine horses are found here too, and merchants take them to sell in India. They customarily remove two or three joints of the horses’ tails, so that they will not strike their riders with them or swing their tails from side to side, which the people consider unseemly. In war they use shields and armor made of buffalo hides, and all their lances, javelins, and arrows are poisoned. Before the Great Khan Kublai brought this province under his rule, its people observed a wretched and detestable custom. If a person from a foreign country, virtuous and well mannered, prudent in deeds and words—in short, excellent in every honorable quality—lodged among them, they killed him at night, under the absurd belief that his good manners, prudence, honesty, gifts, and even the dead man’s soul would remain forever in that house. This treachery and detestable cruelty led to the murder and slaughter of many good people. But as soon as the Great Khan conquered the country and brought it into his empire, he wholly eradicated this impiety and extreme folly.\n\nOf the province of Arcladam and the sacrifices and idolatries of its inhabitants. Chap. XLI.\n\nGoing beyond Caraiam, after five days’ travel we came to the province of Arcladam, which is likewise subject to the Great Khan. Its chief city is called Unchiam. The inhabitants trade and use gold by weight instead of money, for no silver is found anywhere in this country or the surrounding regions. But those who bring silver there can readily exchange it for gold, and make a great profit. Their drink is a preparation of rice with various spices, as we have said above. The men and women of the country cover their teeth with very thin little plates of gold, which they fit so skillfully that their teeth seem to be set in gold. The men are skilled in war, and indeed have no occupation but warfare and hunting, both beasts and birds. The women manage the household with the help of purchased slaves, bound perpetually to their service. There is another custom in this province: when a woman has given birth, she gets up as soon as she can to attend diligently to the affairs of the house, while her husband takes the new mother’s place in bed and tends the child. The mother does nothing for the child but give it the breast when needed. Meanwhile relatives and friends come to visit the husband lying in bed, just as in our country people visit women after childbirth. For they say it is only reasonable that the woman who has labored so hard to carry the child in her womb and bring it into the world should be free from the burden and trouble of tending it for forty days; nevertheless, she waits on her husband in bed. There are no other idols in this province: each family worships its father. They live chiefly in wooded places and mountains, but foreigners do not climb their hillsides, being unable to bear the air, which is said to be badly corrupted there. They have no letters or written characters, but make contracts and obligations with small tablets divided in half. Each party keeps one half, and afterward they bring the halves together and match their signs and marks, thereby recognizing the terms of the contract. There are no physicians in this country, any more than in the provinces of Caniclu and Caraiam. When someone is sick, however, they assemble their wise men, the ministers of their idols, to whom the patient describes his illness. On hearing it, they begin to dance and play certain instruments, singing and howling loudly in honor of their gods, until one of them, leaping, playing, and singing, falls to the ground, overcome and possessed by the devil. The wise men then stop dancing, go to their demonic companion stretched on the ground, and ask him what caused the patient’s illness and what remedy will best cure him. The evil spirit answers through the possessed man’s mouth that, because the patient did this or that, or grievously offended one god or another, he has fallen ill. Then the wise men pray that the god will forgive his offense, promising and vowing that if the patient recovers, he will offer sacrifices and oblations of his own blood. If the evil spirit sees that the illness is so severe and dangerous that the patient cannot recover, he answers: “This man has offended such a god so grievously that no oblations or sacrifices can ever appease him.” But if the patient is to recover from this illness, he commands a sacrifice of a certain number of black-horned sheep, the preparation of a certain quantity of particular drinks, and the assembly of a set number of wise men and an equal number of their wives, by whose hands the sacrifice must be made and presented to appease that god’s anger. On hearing this answer, the sick man’s nearest relatives arrange as quickly as they can to carry out the evil spirit’s commands in full. They kill the appointed number of sheep and fling and splash their blood toward heaven. Then they summon the wise men and their wives, who light great torches and fill the whole house with incense and smoke from aloe wood. They cast the broth of the sacrificed meat into the air along with drinks made from aromatic spices. Once all this has duly been accomplished, they begin dancing again in honor of the idol they believe they have appeased and made favorable to the patient, singing in dreadful, terrifying voices. Then they again ask their demonic companion whether their deeds have appeased the idol. If he answers no, they immediately prepare to carry out whatever further orders he gives. But if he answers that the god is content and satisfied, all these ministers and sorcerers sit down together and joyfully eat the flesh of the sacrificed beasts and drink the beverages prepared and offered in sacrifice to their gods. When the meal is finished, everyone goes home. As for the sick man, if by such diabolical provision he is delivered from his illness and recovers, these poor deluded people give thanks to their demonic idols rather than the true God, of whom they have no knowledge.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 42–50\n\nOf the battle between the Tartars and the king of Mien. Chap. XLII.\n\nIn the year of our salvation one thousand two hundred and eighty-two, a great war arose over the kingdom of Caraiam, of which we have spoken above, and the kingdom of Botiam. For this reason the Great Khan sent a prince of his court named Nescordim with twelve thousand horsemen to aid and defend the province of Caraiam against every attack and hostile enterprise. Nescordim was a prudent and courageous man, accompanied by brave, valiant men well practiced in arms. When the kings of Mien and Bangala learned of his coming, they were greatly frightened, believing that he had come to attack them and conquer their kingdoms. To resist him, therefore, they mustered their people and assembled a force of sixty thousand men, foot and horse, besides two thousand elephants carrying castles, each containing twelve, or fifteen, or sixteen well-equipped armed men. The king of Mien, having assembled this army, marched it toward the city of Vociam, near which the Tartars had encamped and already spent three full days in the open country. Nescordim, learning of this enterprise and that such a great army was marching against him, was somewhat shaken, though he concealed his fear as best he could. Yet he took great comfort and assurance from the brave men in his company, valiant and skillful in arms, though they were much fewer in number. Resolving therefore to face his enemy stoutly if the chance arose, he brought his men into the field with bold and steadfast courage and camped near a dense wood of great trees and thickets, confident that the elephants with their towers and castles could not enter it or harm them there. As soon as the king of Mien learned that the Tartars were approaching, he resolved to get ahead of them and attack first. But when the Tartars’ horses saw the elephants, drawn up in the vanguard, they were so terrified that they began to fall back, and no amount of spurring or other effort could make them advance against the elephants. The horsemen were thus forced to dismount and tie their horses to the trees, then boldly attack the elephants on foot. Since they had placed all their archers and crossbowmen, who were expert marksmen, at the front, these began to shower such a multitude of arrows upon the enemy that the elephants, wounded in many places, could not endure the assault. They fled, rushing wildly toward the neighboring forests; their handlers, for all the effort, ingenuity, and care they could employ, could not turn them back. Instead, the beasts ran this way and that, and at the entrances to the woods broke their castles and threw the armed men inside to the ground, causing great disorder and confusion. Seeing this, the Tartars immediately returned to their horses, mounted them, and hurled themselves with tremendous force and violence upon their enemies. Already dismayed at the rout of their vanguard and the flight of their elephants, the others defended themselves as best they could. They closed with the Tartars and fought hand to hand, and then the battle flared up again, fierce and cruel, so that many fell on either side. At last, however, the king of Mien was routed and escaped in flight with a few of his men. The Tartars pursued them and killed great numbers, and so remained victorious. After this victory they entered the forest in pursuit of the elephants that had fled from the enemy vanguard. Without the aid of some captives and prisoners, they could never have taken a single one, so frightened were the beasts; nevertheless, they captured about two hundred. From this battle onward the Great Khan began using elephants to aid him in war, though before then he had never used them for that purpose and had none trained or seasoned for it. Soon afterward the Great Khan conquered by force of arms all the country and lands of the king of Mien and annexed them to his empire.\n\nOf the province of Mien and its woodlands. Chapitre XLIII.\n\nLeaving the province of Caraiam, one comes to a great valley that extends almost three days’ journey, always descending and without any habitation, although it has a beautiful plain where on three days of the week there is lively trade and a great gathering of people like a fair. People come down to it from the high mountains of the country, bringing gold to exchange for silver. They commonly give one ounce of gold for five ounces of silver. Thus many merchants from foreign nations and countries come there to carry on this trade and exchange silver for gold. The peasants who live in those high mountains and gather the gold live in great security, with no fear of being molested. For their mountains are inaccessible to foreigners, the paths being so treacherous and difficult that a stranger is more likely to lose his way than to find the peasants’ hiding places. From there one comes to the province of Mien, which borders India on the southern side. It has many great woods and forests inhabited by countless elephants, unicorns, and other wild beasts. Apart from these, the country is deserted and uninhabited by men.\n\nOf the city of Mien and the king’s tomb. Chapitre XLIIII.\n\nAfter traveling for fifteen days, one comes upon a city called Mien, large and famous, the capital of the whole kingdom, subject to the Great Khan and paying him tribute. Its inhabitants have their own language and worship idols. Once there was in this city a very rich and powerful king who, toward the end of his life, ordered a tomb built for him in this form: at each corner of his tomb there should be a marble tower five toises high, its thickness proportionate to its height, each tower rounded at its summit, and one covered entirely in gold. From the top of that tower many little golden bells should hang, so that, stirred by the wind, they would make a sweet and harmonious sound. Another tower should likewise be covered in silver, with small silver bells hung from its summit to sound in turn at the wind’s touch. The king had this tomb built to honor his name and perpetuate his memory among men. When the Great Khan subdued the province of Mien, he expressly forbade his soldiers to demolish or ruin the tomb that had been erected in honor of this king’s name. Indeed, the Tartars, though very cruel and pitiless, will never violate tombs or anything else belonging to the dead. This province has many elephants, handsome great buffaloes, stags, fallow deer, and various other kinds of wild beast.\n\nOf the province of Bangala. Chap. LV.\n\nThe province of Bangala, to the south, lies near India. It had not yet been conquered by the Great Khan when I lived at his court, though he had raised and sent a great army to subdue it and make it tributary. This region has its own king and its own language. All its inhabitants worship idols and live on meat, rice, and milk. They have a great abundance of silk and cotton, on account of which many great fairs and markets are held in the country. There is also abundant spikenard, galangal, ginger, sugar, and various other spices. Moreover, there are great oxen, as large as elephants, though not quite so large. The people have a most wicked custom of castrating children, whom they then sell to merchants to be taken into various provinces.\n\nOf the province of Cangigu. Chap. XLVI.\n\nBeyond the province just described, going east, lies the province of Cangigu, which likewise has its own king and language. Its inhabitants worship idols, and are subject to and pay tribute to the Great Khan. Their king has about three hundred wives. A great quantity of gold and aromatic spices is found in this province, but the spices are not traded and cannot easily be carried away because the country is so far from the sea. There are also many elephants and fine opportunities to hunt wild beasts. The inhabitants live on meat, milk, and rice, like the people of Bangala. They have no wine, but make an excellent drink of rice and spices. Men and women alike have a custom of painting their faces, necks, hands, bellies, and thighs, marking and engraving on them with needles many figures, such as lions, dragons, birds, and other animals. These designs remain so firmly that they cannot easily be removed or erased; and the more such figures and images people have marked on their bodies, the more beautiful they are considered.\n\nOf the province of Amu. Chap. XLVII.\n\nThe province of Amu lies to the east and is subject to the Great Khan. Its inhabitants worship idols and have their own language. They have great herds of livestock and abundant provisions, as well as many fine horses, which merchants take out of the country to India. There are also plenty of oxen and buffaloes, for the pastures are excellent. Both men and women wear costly ornaments and bracelets of gold or silver on their arms.\n\nOf the province of Tholoman. Chap. XLVIII.\n\nProceeding east, one comes to the province of Tholoman, eight days’ journey from Amu. It too lies under the dominion and lordship of the Great Khan, has its own language, and its inhabitants are devoted to the service of idols. The men and women of the country are well formed, though dark-skinned. Its land is fertile and well cultivated, and the country is populous and furnished with fine cities, castles, and fortresses. The men are very skilled in arms, for they are constantly exercised in warfare. They burn the bodies of their own deceased relatives, then carefully enclose the remaining bones and ashes in boxes and conceal these in hollows in the mountains, for fear that either men or beasts might find and touch them. A great quantity of gold is found in this country, yet instead of money the people use small grains of gold found in the sands of the sea.\n\nOf the province of Ginguy. Chap. XLIX.\n\nFrom Tholoman, still traveling east, one reaches the province of Ginguy, though first one travels for twelve days along a river before arriving at a great town called Sinulgu. The whole country is subject to the Great Khan and pays him tribute, and its inhabitants worship idols. They make excellent cloth from tree bark, in which they dress in summer. There are also so many lions that for fear of them the people dare not leave their houses at night: the beasts are so savage that they tear to pieces and devour anything they meet. Even the ships and boats that travel up and down the river are never tied to its banks for fear of the lions, but are held by anchors in midstream. Otherwise, if they were moored at the water’s edge, lions would come in great numbers by night, climb aboard, and tear apart and eat everyone they found. Yet though the lions are very large, fierce, and savage, nature has provided the country with dogs so strong and bold that they do not fear to attack them. Thus it often happens that a man who is a good archer, mounted on his horse with two dogs, will bring down and kill a lion. For when the dogs sense a lion approaching, they assail it with loud barking and cries, especially when they see the man coming to their aid. They keep biting it from behind and beneath the tail, though the lion fights back fiercely, opening its mouth to terrify the dogs, threatening them with teeth and claws, and turning nimbly from side to side to strike and dismember them. Nevertheless, the dogs use great cunning and keep so watchful that the lion cannot easily reach or wound them. Meanwhile the horseman aims his bolt with his crossbow drawn, or an arrow with his bow bent, whenever the lion tries to attack the dogs. The lion, however, usually flees when it finds itself thus assaulted, fearing that the loud barking and cries of the dogs will summon more men and dogs against it. Or else it backs up against a tree to defend itself, guarding its rear, then turns its open jaws against the dogs and fights them with all its strength. Meanwhile the man on horseback does not cease shooting and raining arrows upon it until he has brought it down and killed it. The dogs, too, keep it so occupied and press it so closely that it does not notice the shots until it falls. Silk is abundant in this country, and merchants carry it to various lands.\n\nOf the cities of Cacausu, Canglu, and Ciangli. Chapitre L.\n\nBeyond the province of Ginguy one passes many cities and castles. After four days’ travel, one reaches the noble and celebrated city of Cacausu in the province of Cathay, situated to the south. There is an abundance of silk here, from which excellent fabrics and taffetas interwoven with gold thread are made. Three days farther south lies another great city called Canglu, where salt is plentiful, for its earth is very salty. They extract the salt in this way: they pile up a great mound of earth and pour water over it, so that the water draws the brine out of the earth and carries it down into a ditch at the foot of the mound. They draw off this water and boil it over a fire until it crystallizes into salt. Five days’ journey from Canglu lies another city called Ciangli, through whose center flows a great river bearing ships and boats laden with merchandise. This accounts for the fine fairs and the extensive trade carried on there.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 51–60\n\nOf the cities of Tadinfu and Singuimatu. Chap. LI.\n\nTraveling another six days south, one comes to the great city of Tadinfu. It had a king before it was subdued and made tributary to the Great Khan, and forty other cities depend on it and fall under its jurisdiction. These have excellent gardens, for the country is pleasant and delightful. Three days farther south lies another fine city called Singuimatu, into which a great river flows from the south. The inhabitants have divided it into two branches, one flowing east toward the province of Mangi and the other west toward Cathay. Up these two waterways come countless boats laden with merchandise. From Singuimatu, if you continue south for twelve days, you will continually pass many cities and towns along the road, well populated and frequented by merchants, where extensive trade is carried on. The inhabitants worship idols and are subject to the Great Khan.\n\nOf the great river Caromoran and the cities of Corgangui and Caigui. Chap. LII.\n\nContinuing along the same road, one encounters a great river called Caromoran, said to rise in the kingdom of Prestejan. It is more than one great quarter of a league wide and so deep that large laden ships can readily sail up and down it. It is also exceedingly rich in fish and supports fine fisheries. Quite near its mouth, where it empties into the great Ocean Sea, the Great Khan keeps about fifteen thousand ships always ready and fully provisioned, so that, should it become necessary to send his army to the neighboring islands in the sea, he can do so easily and promptly. Some of these ships are large enough to accommodate fifteen horses and as many men, with all the food and fodder they need. Each ship has about twenty sailors and pilots. On the banks of this river, near the anchorage of the ships, stand two fine cities, one called Corgangui and the other Caigui. Once across this river, one enters the noble province of Mangi. Its glories and remarkable features will be related in the following chapters.\n\nOf the province of Mangi, and the kindness and justice of its king. Chapitre LIII.\n\nThe province of Mangi once had a king named Facfur, so rich and powerful that no one in all the country surpassed him in power save the Great Khan. His kingdom was so well fortified that it was thought invincible, and no one dared attack or challenge him. Consequently both king and people neglected the practice and exercise of arms. Each city was encircled by great, broad moats filled with water. Yet they had no horses, for they feared no one. Such security enabled the king to enjoy himself and indulge continually in pleasures and delights. His court ordinarily held a thousand gentlemen, besides his large and honorable retinue of servants and officers. Nevertheless, he held justice in particular esteem: he loved peace and tranquillity and was very merciful. No one dared harm or wrong his neighbor or disturb the public peace, or he was punished. In short, his kingdom enjoyed such freedom and security that craftsmen often left their shops open at night, yet no one dared enter them. Foreigners and travelers crossing the country could journey by day or night in complete safety, fearing no living person. The king was also very kind and charitable to the poor, never abandoning those in urgent need or suffering want and poverty. Moreover, each year he took in and gathered a great number of exposed children whom their mothers had left and abandoned—sometimes as many as twenty thousand—and had them fed and cared for at his own expense. For in this country poor women commonly cast out and abandon their children in the hope that others will take them in and feed them. Some of the children the king gathered in this way he assigned to the wealthiest and most prominent people of his kingdom, especially those who had no children, ordering them to receive and adopt them as their own. Those he himself brought up and supported he later married to girls of the same condition, likewise abandoned by their parents in childhood, and gave them some income on which to live and support themselves.\n\nHow Baiam, commander of the Great Khan’s army, conquered the province of Mangi. Chapitre LIIII.\n\nIn the year of our salvation one thousand two hundred and sixty-eight, the Great Khan Kublai, wishing to add the province of Mangi to his empire, conquered it and brought it under his rule in the following way. He raised a great army of cavalry and infantry, made a man named Baiam Chinsam his lieutenant and commander over it—his name means in their language “the light of a hundred eyes”—and sent him with this army into Mangi. On arriving there Baiam first besieged the city of Coniganhuy and summoned its inhabitants to surrender and swear loyalty and obedience to Emperor Kublai. They refused. On hearing their answer, he lifted the siege and went away without harming or harassing them in any way. He then did the same at the next city, which likewise refused him. Moving on, he summoned the third, fourth, and fifth cities, and all refused. But when he came to the sixth, he attacked it furiously and pressed it so hard that he carried it by assault. Having done so, he turned back against the other cities and likewise took them by assault, subduing and capturing twelve cities in a short time. For his army contained very brave and valiant men, all picked soldiers, bold and well skilled in arms. Moreover, the Great Khan sent him reinforcements in another army no smaller than the first. This struck the people of Mangi with great fear, indeed despair, and their courage began to fail. Meanwhile Baiam marched directly to camp before Quinsai, the capital and chief city of the province, where the king of Mangi held his court. Recognizing the strength and valor of the Tartars and seeing their great audacity, the king was profoundly alarmed. He took to the sea with the largest company he could assemble and withdrew to certain impregnable islands with about a thousand ships, leaving the defense of Quinsai in the hands of his wife the queen, as though she could offer it powerful support and protection. Nevertheless, the queen took courage and acted prudently, neglecting nothing needed for the city’s safety and defense. But when she heard that the commander of the Tartar army was named Baiam Chinsam, that is, “a hundred eyes,” she was greatly frightened and lost all her strength and resolve. Her astrologers and magicians had warned her, in particular, that Quinsai could never be taken except by a man who had a hundred eyes. She had thought it impossible and contrary to nature for a man to have a hundred eyes. Now, hearing that the prophecy fitted this commander, she would not resist destiny and the decrees of fate. Instead she summoned the commander of the Tartar army and, after negotiating with him, freely surrendered both the city and the whole kingdom. When its townspeople and citizens and the other inhabitants of the kingdom heard this, they willingly swore loyalty and obedience to the Great Khan. One city alone, called Sianfu, held out stubbornly and withstood the siege for three years before surrendering, as will be described later. The queen withdrew to the Great Khan’s court, where he received and treated her honorably. Her husband, the king of Mangi, continued to live on the islands, and there spent the rest of his life and died.\n\nOf the city of Conigangui. Chap. LV.\n\nThe first city one finds on entering the province of Mangi is called Conigangui, a famous city, large and rich in all good things. It stands on the river Caromoran, which provides it with a fine harbor where many ships arrive. So much salt is artificially produced in this city that it suffices to supply forty cities, and from it the Great Khan draws great profit and revenue. The city’s inhabitants and all the peasants around it worship idols and burn the bodies of their dead instead of burying them.\n\nOf the cities of Panchy and Cain. Chap. LVI.\n\nOne day beyond Conigangui, toward the sirocco wind, stands the city of Panchy, large and famous for the commerce and trade conducted there. It has a great quantity of silk and likewise abundant provisions. Moreover, it is well situated on the main road along which all the revenues brought from the province of Mangi to the Great Khan pass. The entire road from Conigangui to Panchy is paved with fine stone, and there is no other road or place through which one can enter Mangi. One day beyond Panchy appears the city of Cain, likewise fine and celebrated. Around it there are excellent places for fishing and hunting, both deer and birds, particularly pheasants, which are found there in great numbers.\n\nOf the city of Tingui. Chap. LVII.\n\nA day’s journey farther on one reaches the city of Tongui, which, though not large, is well stocked and abundantly supplied with every kind of provision. It has a fairly good harbor where many ships put in, since it lies not far from the open sea. There are also many saltworks, near which the city of Tingui is situated. Another day from this city in the direction of the sirocco lies another fine and pleasant city, set in good country and gentle surroundings. Under its government and jurisdiction are as many as twenty-seven other cities, as I, Marco Polo, can confidently affirm, having governed it for three years at the Great Khan’s command.\n\nBy what means the city of Sianfu was taken by the Tartars. Chap. LVIII.\n\nTo the west lies a province called Nauiguy, prosperous and wealthy, set in beautiful country, where rich cloths of gold and silk are made and wheat grows in great abundance. The chief city of this province is called Sianfu, and twelve other cities depend on it, subject to its jurisdiction. Sianfu was besieged by the Tartars for three years while they subdued and conquered Mangi, yet their whole army and all their forces could do nothing against it. It was surrounded on every side by water and great lakes, so that it could not be attacked, and the only way in lay to the north. Accordingly its inhabitants thought so little of the Tartars that throughout the siege they regularly sent ships laden with food and supplies into and out of the harbor without any hindrance or opposition. The Great Khan was greatly vexed and saddened at being unable to accomplish his purpose. At that time my father, my uncle, and I were at the emperor’s court and in his service. We explained that, if he would hear us and agree to follow our counsel, we could give him the means to take the city and bring it under his rule in a short time: certain ingenious engines that had never yet been used in that country. He willingly consented. We therefore had some Christian carpenters in our company construct three machines and engines for throwing stones, each capable of hurling a stone weighing three hundred pounds. These engines were immediately loaded into two ships and sent to the camp. Once they were set up against Sianfu, they began to hurl great stones and blocks of rock into the city. The first fell upon a house with such force and violence that it shattered and brought down most of it. When the Tartars saw this, especially those besieging the city, they were greatly amazed and astonished. Those inside the city were even more frightened by these new assaults. Realizing the danger and distress to which their enemies had reduced them, so that they were not safe even in their own houses, they sought to prevent the city from being demolished and ruined by the violence of such stones and its inhabitants from being maimed. They asked to negotiate and submit to the rule and authority of the Great Khan, and their surrender was accepted.\n\nOf the city of Singui, and the river Quiam on which it stands. Chap. LIX.\n\nFive great leagues from Sianfu one reaches the city of Singui. Although it is not very extensive, many ships laden with merchandise arrive there, for it stands on the bank of a great river called Quiam, truly one of the largest rivers in the whole world. I do not think it has an equal: in some places it is more than three great leagues wide, in others a little less, and most commonly two leagues. Its course stretches a hundred days’ journey in length. Countless ships sail upon it, so many that one would think it impossible to find as many again in all the world. In short, this city is renowned for its extensive trade, fairs, and commerce, owing to the vast quantity of merchandise brought there by this great river. Many other cities stand on its banks, as many as two hundred, for it passes through the territories and districts of sixteen provinces, the smallest of which sends five thousand ships sailing upon it. Now the largest ships of the country have only one deck and one mast to support and spread the sail. They use no hempen ropes except for mast and sail, relying instead on certain hawsers or ropes made of great reeds, which they sometimes use to tow their ships along the river. They make them this way: they split the great reeds, some of them seven or eight toises long, into strips, tie their ends together, and twist them into great long ropes, as long as a hundred and fifty toises, stronger than those made of hemp.\n\nOf the city of Caigui. Chap. LX.\n\nCaigui is a small city on the bank of the great river Quiam, toward the sirocco wind. So much wheat and rice grows in its territory that supplies are carried from there all the way to the Great Khan’s court. Along the route from one place to another lie many large lakes and rivers, so close to one another and separated by so little distance that the Great Khan has easily had them joined into one waterway. They can now carry ships and provide passage for supplies to go conveniently back and forth. In some places, however, because the intervening land has not yet been entirely cut through, ships must be unloaded and the grain carried overland to another lake, where other ships stand ready to receive it and take it farther. Near Caigui an island lies in the middle of the river. On it stands a great monastery full of monks who serve idols; it is the head and superior house of all the other monasteries in the country dedicated to the service of idols.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 61–65\n\nOf the City of Cingianfu. Chap. LXI.\n\nCingianfu is a city in the province of Mangi, where many beautiful works of gold and silk are made. It has several churches of Nestorian Christians, built by the Nestorian Marsarus when he was governor of the city under the Great Khan, namely in the year of our salvation one thousand two hundred eighty-eight.\n\nOf the City of Cingingui, and the Slaughter of Its Citizens. Chap. LXII.\n\nLeaving Cingianfu, after three days’ journey one reaches Cingingui, although along the way there are many small towns and villages where people carry on various trades and make ingenious, beautiful works. Cingingui is a large and prosperous city, rich in wealth and in every kind of food. When Baiam, commander of the Tartar army, was pursuing the conquest of the province of Mangi, he sent several companies of Christians called Alans to besiege Cingingui. After summoning the city to surrender, they pressed and assaulted it so fiercely that its citizens were forced to surrender of their own accord. Once inside, the Alans neither wounded nor wronged nor offended any of the inhabitants, for they had submitted willingly, without compulsion, to the Great Khan. Yet they found such excellent wine in the city, and so much of it, that they drank until they were all drunk. Overcome with sleep that night, they neglected to post or keep any watch. The citizens, who had previously received them in peace, saw their chance to carry out their evil intent: they fell upon the sleeping men and killed them all, leaving not one able to save himself or escape. Baiam, however, was later informed of this outrage and breach of faith. He sent another great army against the people of Cingingui; in a short time it took the city by assault and exacted such vengeance for their treachery and disloyalty that it put them all to death without exception.\n\nOf the City of Singui. Chap. LXIII.\n\nSingui is a very beautiful, large, and celebrated city, about twenty leagues in circumference. It has a great multitude of inhabitants, as indeed the whole province of Mangi is thickly populated. These people, however, are not warlike; almost all are merchants and artisans. There are also many physicians and philosophers. In Singui there are about six thousand stone bridges whose arches rise so high that large ships can easily pass beneath without lowering or bending their masts. In the mountains around the city, rhubarb and ginger grow in great quantities. Under its jurisdiction are sixteen other fine towns, subject to its authority, where much trade is carried on; there are also many artisans there who make excellent works. The citizens of Singui commonly wear garments of silk and taffeta, for a great quantity of silk cloth is made there. The name Singui means in their language “city of the earth”; they have another city called Quinsai, meaning “city of the sun,” for these two cities are the noblest and finest in all the country of the East.\n\nOf the City of Quinsai. Chap. LXIIII.\n\nFive days’ journey from Singui stands another beautiful and renowned city called Quinsai, meaning in their language “city of heaven.” It is so vast and spacious that in my judgment no other city in the world equals it in size. I, Marco Polo, can attest to this, having been there and carefully examined all its notable features, especially the customs and manners of its inhabitants. What I was able to see and learn, I shall briefly and faithfully declare. Quinsai is about thirty-four leagues in circumference. It has twelve thousand stone bridges, so high-arched and elevated that large ships can pass easily beneath them with masts raised and sails spread. The city lies on marshy ground, much like Venice; without these bridges, one could not go from one street to another. Its artisans and merchants are beyond number—so many that any definite count I gave would seem unbelievable. The master craftsmen do not work at their trades themselves but have servants appointed to do so. The citizens live in great luxury and pleasure, especially the women, who are consequently more beautiful and finely dressed than in any other country. On the southern side, within the city walls, lies a great lake about ten leagues around. Along its shores stand many splendid houses belonging to the nobles of the country, magnificent and sumptuous both inside and out; there are also temples dedicated to idols. In the middle of the lake are two small islands, each with a fine, large palace or castle. In these are kept and carefully preserved all the furnishings, vessels, and equipment needed for weddings and other solemn feasts and banquets. If any citizen wishes to hold a magnificent feast, he brings his guests to one of these palaces, where they are honorably received and entertained. In Quinsai there are very beautiful and sumptuous houses. In addition, along the streets there are public towers to which neighbors carry their belongings when a fire breaks out, to save them from the flames. Many houses in the city are made of wood alone, so fires break out very often and consume them. The inhabitants worship idols and eat without distinction the flesh of horses, dogs, and other filthy and unclean beasts. They use the Great Khan’s currency. To forestall rebellion, the Khan always keeps a large garrison there, and especially to prevent and suppress murders and thefts: on every bridge, ten men are stationed as guards by day and night. Within the city walls there is a hill on which a high tower has been built. At its summit are wooden boards set in such a way that blows from a hammer make them sound loudly. They are reserved for this purpose: if a fire breaks out anywhere in the city, the watchmen stationed in the tower, as soon as they see it, strike the boards with hammers. The inhabitants can easily hear the sound and run to the fire to put it out. They also sound these boards whenever sedition, tumult, or popular unrest arises in the city. All its streets and squares are entirely paved with stone, so the city is clean in every season. There are about three thousand public buildings in the city devoted to baths and steam baths, where the inhabitants go to bathe in public and cleanse themselves, for they take particular care to keep their bodies clean. The city is only about eight or ten leagues from the great Ocean Sea, as far as the place where Canfu stands upon the seashore. Canfu has a very convenient harbor, into which countless ships come from the Indies and other regions. Moreover, the river flowing through Quinsai runs down and empties into the sea at the port of Canfu; thus immense quantities of merchandise are carried there. Because the province of Mangi is so extensive, the Great Khan divided it into nine kingdoms and appointed a king over each. These kings are all rich and powerful, yet subject to the Great Khan, to whom every year they pay an established duty and tribute from the revenues of their kingdoms, and render an account of them. One of these kings lives in Quinsai and has under his rule and government one hundred forty cities belonging to his kingdom. The whole province of Mangi contains about twelve hundred towns and cities. In each, the Great Khan has stationed a garrison to forestall any uprisings and rebellions that might occur. These garrisons consist of many sorts of men brought together from different nations, including soldiers and paid troops drawn from various companies of the Great Khan’s army. In this country, especially in the province of Mangi, they study the motions of the heavens with painstaking care. They even carefully observe each child’s horoscope and ascendant at birth, the day and hour of its nativity, and which planet was then dominant. Thus in all their works, journeys, and undertakings, they govern themselves by the counsel and judgment of their astrologers. Another custom in the country is that, when someone dies, his relatives, covered with great sacks of hempen cloth, lift up the body and carry it to burial, singing and crying aloud. They paint on tablets the likenesses of their servants and maids, horses and riches, and burn all these with the body, believing that the dead person will enjoy all these things in the next world and have as many servants in his service. Afterward they sound certain musical instruments, believing their gods receive the dead person with the same pomp and honor his relatives bestow upon him at his funeral rites. In Quinsai there is a splendid and magnificent palace where Facfur, formerly king of the province of Mangi, ordinarily held his court. The outermost wall, enclosing the castle in a square, measures more than three leagues around and rises to a fitting height. Within this enclosure are excellent gardens with every kind of tree and remarkable fruit. There are also beautiful fountains and fishponds well stocked with fish. In the center stands the royal palace, vast and spacious; scarcely could its equal in splendor or magnificence be found anywhere in the world. It has twenty halls of equal size, each of which can seat and comfortably entertain ten thousand men at once; all these halls, moreover, are painted and hung with tapestries in royal fashion. It is estimated that within Quinsai there are six hundred thousand hearths, or households, each such as might consist of a man with his wife, children, and servants. It has only one Christian church, and that a Nestorian one. There is another custom in the city, and indeed throughout the province of Mangi: every head of a household has his name, his wife’s name, and the names of all his family inscribed at his house’s entrance and on its doorframes, together with the number of his horses. When a member of the family dies or moves to another house, that person’s name is erased, and in its place they put the name of a newborn child or a servant newly taken into service. In this way the number of all the city’s inhabitants can be learned without great difficulty. Likewise, innkeepers and tavern keepers write on boards fixed to their doors the names of their guests and foreign travelers lodging with them, and the day and month on which they arrived.\n\nOf the Great Tribute and Revenue the Great Khan Receives Each Year from the City of Quinsai and the Province of Mangi. Chap. LXV.\n\nEach year the Great Khan levies eight hundred thousand écus on the salt made in and around Quinsai. From other things, especially merchandise, he draws such vast sums that they could scarcely be counted. This province produces a great quantity of sugar and many other aromatic spices, of which the Great Khan takes three and a half percent; he takes as much from all the other goods and assets of the merchants. He likewise draws great revenue from wine made artificially from rice and other spices. Moreover, he draws great profit from the artisans, especially those of the twelve trades. As for silk, of which there is a great abundance in the province of Mangi, he takes ten out of every hundred ells as his due. And I, Marco Polo, have sometimes heard a reckoning made of each and every revenue and subsidy drawn each year by the Great Khan from the kingdom of Quinsai—which is only the ninth part of the province of Mangi. The sum was found, without counting the salt, to exceed fifteen million six hundred thousand écus.\n\nOf the City of Tampingui. Chap. LXVI.\n\nBeyond Quinsai, heading toward the southeast, one continually encounters beautiful, well-tended orchards and gardens; after a day’s journey one reaches Tampingui, a very beautiful and celebrated city. Beyond it, for three days along the same road, there are so many towns and castles that from afar one would think them a single city made up of castles, so close together are they built. Food is also plentiful there. The canes and reeds grow so large that some are seven and eight toises long and four handspans in girth. Traveling another three days, one comes to the large and beautiful city of Gengui. Beyond it, still traveling toward the southeast wind, one sees many towns and castles across the country. In this region there are many great and fierce lions. No sheep are found there, any more than in the rest of the province of Mangi, but oxen, goats, billy goats, and pigs are abundant. Traveling a further four days, one arrives at another beautiful city called Ciangian, situated on the crest of a mountain that divides a great river in two, so that from there onward it extends into two different regions. Three days farther on is Cugui, the last city on the border of the kingdom of Quinsai.\n\nOf the Kingdom of Concha. Chap. LXVII.\n\nLeaving Cugui behind and continuing on, one enters the kingdom of Concha, whose capital is called Fuguy. During the six days’ journey through it, the land is very uneven, a succession of hills and valleys, though it holds many towns and castles. The country is abundant in provisions, and there is particularly fine hunting of beasts and fowl. There are also many lions. Ginger grows in great abundance, as does a certain flower that resembles saffron but is of another species, although it is used as saffron. The people of the country are very fond of eating human flesh, provided it does not come from someone who died of disease. When they go to war, each man brands a certain mark on his forehead with a hot iron; none of them would dare bring a horse to war except the leader and captain of the army. They use swords, lances, or javelins as weapons. They drink the blood and eat the flesh of those they kill in war: a cruel and inhuman people.\n\nOf the Cities of Quelinfu and Unquen. Chapitre LXVIII.\n\nAfter the six days’ journey through the kingdom of Concha mentioned above, one arrives at Quelinfu, a large and renowned city situated beside a beautiful river that circles all around it. It has three great bridges of dressed stone, their upper sides adorned with beautiful marble columns. Each bridge is four toises wide and five hundred long. Silk, ginger, and galangal are plentiful in this city. Its inhabitants, men and women alike, are very handsome. One finds hens there that have fur like cats instead of feathers; they are commonly black but lay very good eggs. Because there are great numbers of lions in this region, travel through it is dangerous and perilous. Five leagues from this city lies another called Unquen, where much sugar is made from the canes growing around it and then carried to the court of the Great Khan, who ordinarily resides in Cambaluc.\n\nOf the City of Fugui. Chap. LXX.\n\nContinuing another five leagues, one comes to Fugui, the capital and chief city of the kingdom of Concha, one of the nine kingdoms into which the province of Mangi was divided. In this city the Great Khan keeps large garrisons and a great company of men-at-arms to hold the province secure and defend it against all incursions by enemies, and also to suppress any seditions and disturbances that might arise and cause rebellion against the emperor. A great river passes through the city, its course almost half a league wide. The city lies quite near the open sea, into which this river empties, and through its mouth many goods are brought from the Indies, especially pearls and other precious stones. The city is a great center of commerce, where much trade is carried on; it also has plentiful sugar and sufficient food.\n\nOf the Cities of Zartem and Figui. Chap. LXV.\n\nBeyond this river one travels for five days to Zartem, passing through a country of many towns and castles and plentiful provisions, with many mountains and forests whose trees yield great quantities of pitch. Zartem is a very large city situated on a convenient seaport where countless ships arrive from the Indies laden with goods. Indeed, it is as commercial a city as any in the world: the pepper and other aromatic spices that western merchants obtain from Alexandria are first brought to the markets and fairs of Zartem. From this city the Great Khan draws immense tribute, for no ship enters its port without paying him a large sum or bringing him considerable profit in duties; he demands nearly half of each kind of spice. In this region is another city called Figui, renowned throughout the country for the beautiful bowls and vessels made there. Its inhabitants have a language of their own. What has been said above about the province of Mangi will suffice for now. Although we have described only two of its kingdoms, we have deliberately omitted the others in order to return to the description of India, where we spent some time and saw with our own eyes many memorable things worthy of great wonder—things that, so to speak, we handled and touched with our own hands.\n\nEND OF THE SECOND BOOK.","download_url":"https://mouseia.org/api/works/polo/translations/trn_polo_mouseia.txt"},{"id":"trn_polo_plain","translator":"Mouseia","kind":"plain","note":"Mouseia’s complete Plain English edition of Book Two, made independently and directly from the 1556 French text (Groulleau, Paris). The long s is normalized to s.","text":"### Book Two, Chapters 1–7\n\nOn the Power and Splendor of Kublai, Great Khan of Tartary. Chapter I.\n\nIn this second book I intend to describe the great splendor, unusual features, power, and wealth of the Great Khan, emperor of the Tartars, and how he governs and administers his empire. His name is Kublai, and he now reigns. His splendor and the extent of his rule far surpass those of all his predecessors. He has expanded his empire’s borders so far that he has brought almost the entire East under his power and control. This great lord Kublai is descended from Chinchis, the first emperor of Tartary, and is the sixth emperor in that line. He began to reign in the year of the incarnation of our Lord 1256. He rules his people with great wisdom and dignity. He is a handsome man, skilled and practiced in arms, strong and sound in body, and quick-minded enough to undertake and carry out great things. Yet he acts with advice and governs his people with great foresight and good judgment. Before he became emperor he fought bravely in war many times, and earned a reputation as a quick and bold commander. In all other matters, too, he showed good judgment and caution. Since he took charge of the empire, however, he has fought in only one battle himself. He has always sent a lieutenant, one of his children, or another great lord of his court in his place.\n\nOn Naiam’s Rebellion against Kublai. Chapter II.\n\nWe said above that Emperor Kublai has fought in only one battle during his reign. Now we will explain why. In the year 1286, one of his nephews, a young man named Naiam who was thirty years old and governed several provinces and different peoples, rose against his uncle and sovereign lord, Emperor Kublai. Recklessness and arrogance drove him to raise a large army against Kublai. To improve his chances of victory by making his forces stronger, he found a way to bring another king, named Caidu, into the rebellion. Caidu was also Kublai’s nephew, but he had developed a deadly hatred for him. He readily agreed to help Naiam in this affair. He even promised to come in person and bring one hundred thousand armed men. Following their plan, the two decided to join their forces on a certain plain and then enter the country and attack the emperor. Naiam already had about four hundred thousand armed men in his camp.\n\nHow the Emperor Took Action and Prepared against His Enemies. Chapter III.\n\nThe emperor soon learned of this plot and of the open conspiracy in which his nephews had risen against him. He swore by his head and his imperial crown that he would defend himself against them and take revenge for his enemies’ bold and reckless conduct. In less than twenty-two days he hastily assembled a sizable army to meet the urgent need: thirty-six thousand horses and one hundred thousand foot soldiers, drawn from the area around the city of Cambaluc alone. Given his power and the size of his empire, he could have raised a larger army. But he wanted to catch his enemy off guard and strike suddenly, so he did not wait to gather more men. He feared his enemies would discover his plan and, once warned, flee or withdraw their army into a fortress where they could not easily be beaten. Emperor Kublai also had other armies in the field. He had sent them into various provinces to conquer and subdue them, and he did not want to recall them and give away his intentions. Instead, he ordered the roads, passes, and borders to be carefully watched so that no one could bring Naiam news of the undertaking or warn him that Kublai was coming. The appointed guards therefore stopped everyone traveling in either direction, to keep Naiam from hearing even a rumor. Once these arrangements were made, Emperor Kublai asked his astrologers what the outcome of the war would be, and at what time and hour he should set out and march to battle against the enemy so that fate would favor him. They all agreed in predicting success in the war and told him it was time to leave and win victory over his enemies.\n\nOn Kublai’s Victory over Naiam. Chapter IIII.\n\nEmperor Kublai quickly marched his army and soon reached the area near a great plain where Naiam had set up camp. Naiam was waiting for King Caidu, who was coming to help him. That night Kublai set up his camp and let his men rest on a low hill fairly close to the enemy, without making any disturbance or noise. Naiam’s soldiers knew nothing about their enemy’s arrival and suspected nothing. They wandered around the plain unarmed, eating and enjoying themselves without worry or fear. When the night had passed and daylight first appeared, Emperor Kublai came down the hill and formed up his army. He divided it into twelve divisions, each with three thousand horsemen. He arranged the foot soldiers so that in many places each horseman had two foot soldiers on each side, carrying lances and long poles to help him. The emperor himself sat in a castle carried by four elephants, an astonishing sight, and his imperial standard was there too. When Naiam’s men saw the standards unfurled and Emperor Kublai and his divisions advancing on them in battle formation, they were badly frightened. They were still waiting for help from King Caidu, on whom they mainly relied. They immediately ran to Naiam’s tent to warn him. They found him lying with a concubine he had brought along. Naiam woke at once and formed his men into ranks and units as fast as he could. All Tartars customarily sound their trumpets, drums, fifes, and other instruments of war before entering battle. They also sing loudly until their king gives them the signal to advance and attack the enemy. After both armies had finished making music and shouting, the emperor ordered the alarm sounded and the enemy attacked. His men did so immediately and shot their bows so fiercely that arrows fell from the sky as thick as hail. When the shooting stopped, they took their lances and swords and came to close quarters, beginning the battle again with even greater fury. Many people were then killed on both sides. Naiam was a Christian in name and profession, although he observed the Christian faith badly and did not live by it. Still, he had placed the sign of the cross on his main banner and standard, and there were many Christians in his camp. The fierce and brutal battle lasted from dawn until noon, and large numbers died on both sides. At last Naiam’s army began to give way, break up, and flee, and Emperor Kublai won the victory. Naiam was among those who fled, but he was captured. Many of his men were killed as they fled.\n\nHow Naiam Was Put to Death. Chapter V.\n\nKing Kublai now held his enemy as a prisoner. He immediately ordered Naiam put to death for recklessly starting a rebellion and taking up arms against his lord. But Naiam belonged to his family, and Kublai did not want royal blood to soak the earth. Nor did he want the air and sun to see anyone of royal descent die such an unhappy death. He therefore ordered Naiam bound and wrapped in a carpet. He was shaken, moved, turned, and rolled so many times and for so long that he finally suffocated because he could not catch his breath. After Naiam died, all the chief leaders and captains of his army, along with the soldiers and armed men who had escaped the battle and survived by fleeing, came to surrender and submit to Emperor Kublai’s rule and authority. Four provinces then became part of his dominion and empire: Funoria, Cauli, Barscol, and Sinchintinguy.\n\nKublai’s Rebuke to the Jews and Saracens Who Insulted and Scorned the Sign of Jesus Christ’s Cross. Chapter VI.\n\nThe Jews and Saracens in Kublai’s army used the victory as an excuse to insult the Christians who had been in Naiam’s camp. They told them that Christ, whose sign was shown on Naiam’s banner, could not help or rescue them. Every day they taunted them harshly, treating the power of Jesus Christ with great disrespect and ridicule and calling it worthless and empty. The Christians who had submitted to Emperor Kublai’s rule believed that no Christian should put up with blasphemy that lessened the glory and honor of Jesus Christ. They complained to the emperor and explained how serious these insults were to them. The emperor then summoned the Jews, Saracens, and Christians before him. Turning first to the Christians, he said, “Your God did not wish to help Naiam through his cross. But you should not feel ashamed or upset by that. A good and just God would not support such wrongdoing. Naiam was a traitor and disloyal to his lord. Against all right and fairness, he started a war and rebellion against him. Then, in his wickedness and treachery, he called on your God for help. But your God is good, just, and fair, and would not favor him in his wrongdoing.” As for the Jews and Saracens who had been attacking and staining the Christians’ honor in this way, the emperor expressly forbade any of them from then on to blaspheme or speak against the Christians’ God or his cross. They were forced to keep quiet. Having settled this dispute and restored peace, Kublai returned victorious and joyful to his city of Cambaluc.\n\nHow the Great Khan Rewards His Soldiers after a Victory. Chapter VII.\n\nWhen Emperor Kublai returns victorious from a war, he recognizes and rewards his captains, unit commanders, and officers in this way. A man who was previously in charge of only a hundred men is raised to a higher rank and put in charge of a thousand. He promotes each leader, duke, and captain to a higher position and rank according to their level. He also gives them many gifts of gold and silver vessels, as well as many privileges and exemptions. These privileges are written and engraved on copper tablets or plates. One side bears these words: “By the power of the great God and the indescribable grace he has given the emperor, may the name of the Great Khan be blessed.” On the other side is engraved the image of a lion with the sun and moon, or the figure of a gyrfalcon or some other animal. Those whose tablets show the lion with the sun and moon wear them over their clothes when they go through the city and appear in public. The tablets are a sign of high authority. A person who bears the image of a gyrfalcon can lead and command the entire army of any prince or king of Tartary from place to place. Everything is assigned according to its proper rank, and these tablets show whom people must respect and obey. Anyone who refuses to obey or do his duty as the tablets require, and who disregards their authority, is immediately put to death as a rebel against the emperor.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 8–15\n\nDescription of Emperor Kublai’s Appearance and Build, and of His Wives and Concubines. Chapter VIII.\n\nEmperor Kublai is a very handsome man of average height, neither too fat nor too thin. His face is a little red with some white in it. He has large eyes and a fine nose, and all the other parts of his body are properly proportioned. He has four wives whom he regards as legitimate. The eldest son of the first wife succeeds him as ruler. Each of these four wives has her own attendants and runs her own household like a queen within the emperor’s palace. Each has about three hundred selected young women in her service, several castrated servants, and many other household servants. The emperor also has many concubines. Among the Tartars there is a particular people called the Ungrac. Their women are exceptionally beautiful, graceful, and well trained. The emperor has the most beautiful among them chosen and taken into his palace, where he regularly keeps as many as a hundred. He appoints women to look after them. Their only duty is to care for the concubines and watch carefully that they do not get sick or develop a blemish. Otherwise they would not dare sleep with the emperor. Six of these concubines are selected to attend the imperial chamber for three days and three nights. Whenever the emperor goes to bed or gets up in the morning, they come to serve him, and they sleep in his room. On the fourth day six others take their place and serve in the chamber for another three days and nights. They take turns in this way until all one hundred concubines have served the emperor. The emperor has had twenty-two sons by his four legitimate wives. The eldest son of the first wife was named Chinchis and was to succeed him as emperor, but he died before his father. He left a son named Temir, a man of great spirit and good judgment who is very skilled in arms. Temir is to succeed his grandfather as emperor in place of his late father. In addition, Emperor Kublai has had twenty-seven children by his concubines and chambermaids. All of them are great lords and barons at his court.\n\nOn the Palace and Pleasure Grounds in the City of Cambaluc. Chapter IX.\n\nFor three months of the year, namely December, January, and February, Emperor Kublai lives in his royal city of Cambaluc. There he has a lavish palace built with great skill. Its perimeter is about two leagues, and each of its four sides is one thousand paces long. Its walls are very thick and five fathoms high, and their outer faces are white and red. At each corner of the four walls there is a beautiful, large building enclosed by four towers to serve as fortifications. At the middle of each of the four walls there is another fine and lavish building. That makes eight in all. Weapons, artillery, military equipment, and supplies are stored there, including bows, arrows, quivers, spurs, bridles, lances, clubs, bowstrings, and other things needed for war. Each type of weapon is kept separately and in order in its own building. The side of the palace facing south has five gates and entrances. The middle one is the largest and is opened only for the emperor to enter. No one else is allowed through it. There are two other gates on either side for all those accompanying him. On each of the other three sides of the wall there is just one gate, through which anyone who wishes may enter the palace. Inside those first walls there is another wall built like the first. It has eight more buildings, at the corners and in the middle of each side, where the emperor’s precious vessels and jewels are kept. The royal palace, where the emperor lives, stands in the center of this enclosure. It has only one story, with no floor above it. Its floor, however, is raised ten palms above the ground level of the courtyard. Its ceiling is very high and decorated with many paintings. The walls and partitions of the rooms shine with the gold and silver used to decorate them. Everywhere one sees remarkable pictures, including scenes of memorable wars in vivid colors and gold. About six thousand men can sit and eat together in the great hall. Between the large outer walls surrounding the entire castle are many gardens and lawns planted with different kinds of fruit trees. Countless wild animals run through them, including deer, musk-bearing animals, roe deer, fallow deer, and other kinds of beasts. On the north side there are ponds stocked with the best fish to be found. A small river flows through them to fill them with water. Iron grilles at its entrance and exit keep the fish from escaping and swimming away with the current. Outside this palace, about one league away, is a hill one hundred paces high and about one thousand paces around. It is planted with trees that stay green all year. The emperor has unusual and choice trees brought to this hill from everywhere. He has them loaded onto elephants and carried with their roots from distant countries to be transplanted there. Because the hill is always green, it is called the Green Mountain. At the top stands a beautiful palace painted entirely green, where the Great Khan often goes to enjoy himself. Near the palace already described stands another grand and lavish palace. Temir, the eldest son who is to succeed to the empire, lives there. He keeps his own household and lives splendidly like a king with his gentlemen and servants. He has very great power and authority and even possesses the imperial seal, although he remains subject to the Great Khan as his lord.\n\nDescription of the City of Cambaluc. Chapter X.\n\nThe city of Cambaluc is in the province of Cathay, beside a large river. It has long been a famous royal city. Indeed, Cambaluc means “the city of the lord.” The Great Khan moved the city to the other side of the river because his astrologers and diviners had told him it would one day rebel against the empire. The city is built as an even square and measures twenty-four thousand around, which can be eight French leagues, since each side measures six thousand. Its walls are white, ten fathoms high and five wide, though they grow much thinner toward the top. There are three main gates on each side, twelve in all. Each has a grand and splendid entrance. At the corners of the walls there are also beautiful buildings where the city’s armor is kept. The city’s streets and squares are so straight that one can easily see from one gate to the opposite one without anything blocking the view. The houses on both sides are also splendidly built and look like small palaces. In the middle of the city stands a richly built structure with a large bell hanging from its roof. The bell is rung three times in the evening. After the third ring, no one may leave home until the next day unless there is an urgent reason, such as illness or a close relative’s need. Even people who have to go through the city for such a reason must carry a light. One thousand men are assigned to guard each gate of the city. This is not because they fear enemies, but because of thieves and robbers. Above all, the king wants measures taken to drive out and punish criminals and thieves so that they do not spread through his country.\n\nOn the Suburbs of Cambaluc and the Merchants Who Live There. Chapter XI.\n\nAround the city of Cambaluc are twelve large suburbs, each adjoining one of the city’s twelve gates. Many merchants and other foreigners gather there. Huge numbers of people arrive both because of the emperor’s court and to trade many kinds of goods. They stay in the suburbs to conduct their business. Except for the royal palace, the houses in the suburbs are no less grand and splendid than those in the city. No dead body is ever buried or given a funeral inside the city. Instead, outside the suburbs, the bodies of idol worshipers are burned, while the dead of other sects are buried in the ground. Because large numbers of foreigners are always present, about twenty thousand prostitutes usually live in the suburbs. None are ever allowed within the city walls. It is impossible to describe how many goods and riches are brought to this city from every direction. One might think there was enough there for the whole world. Precious stones, pearls, silks, and many kinds of spices are brought there from the Indies, Mangi, Cathay, and other regions. Cambaluc seems to be the center of all the surrounding lands and provinces. Every day of the year foreign merchants bring in about one thousand cartloads of silk. The city’s skilled craftspeople make these into very fine cloth and clothing.\n\nOn the Great Khan’s Bodyguards, Who Regularly Accompany Him. Chapter XII.\n\nAt his court the Great Khan has twelve thousand horsemen called Quesitan, meaning “horsemen loyal to their lord.” They are assigned to guard him personally. They have four captains, each responsible for three thousand horsemen. Their duty is to accompany the emperor and guard him day and night, and he pays them for this service. They divide their duty as follows. Once a captain and his company of three thousand horsemen have guarded the emperor’s palace for three full days, a second captain, who has rested in the meantime, replaces him with three thousand other horsemen for the next three days. After that, another captain takes a turn with the same number of horsemen. They continue taking turns throughout the year. The emperor does not need such a large guard because his life is in danger. He keeps it so that his splendor will be more visible and impressive.\n\nOn the Excellence of the Great Khan’s Banquets and Feasts. Chapter XIII.\n\nThe emperor’s banquets are arranged with great splendor in the following way. When he holds a banquet in his great hall for a festival or some other good reason, his table is raised above all the others and placed in the most prominent part of the hall toward the north. The emperor sits facing south. His principal and favorite wife sits beside him on his left. His children, nephews, and other members of the royal family sit on his right. Their table, however, is set lower, so that their heads barely reach the emperor’s feet. Other great lords, barons, and horsemen sit at a still lower table. Each has his wife seated beside him on his left. Every duke, horseman, and gentleman has his own place according to rank, as does his wife. All the gentlemen who attend the emperor’s feast and banquet bring their wives. Sitting at the highest place, the emperor can see everyone eating in the hall. Beside this large royal hall there are other smaller rooms. On festival days as many as forty thousand people are sometimes entertained in them. Most belong to his court, while others have come to renew their pledges of loyalty and homage to the emperor. Countless jesters and performers also attend. In the middle of the large royal hall stands a great gold vessel shaped like a fountain. It constantly pours out wine or another excellent drink into four other gold vessels. From these the drink is taken in large quantities to serve everyone at the tables. The diners, too, are served and drink only from vessels of pure gold. In short, it would be impossible to describe the vast splendor of the dishes, furnishings, and other utensils used when the Great Khan eats publicly in his royal hall. The attendants who serve the emperor at his table all cover their mouths with taffeta or a thin cloth so that they do not breathe on the food and drink prepared for him. When the emperor picks up his cup to drink, all the oboe players and musicians begin playing their instruments beautifully. Meanwhile, all the other hall servants kneel. There is no need to describe how much food is brought and placed on his table, how fine and delicate it is, or how splendidly it is presented to him. When dinner is over, singers and players of musical instruments appear, as do jesters and magicians. Their songs, beautiful music, gestures, and performances before the emperor delight him greatly and give him much enjoyment.\n\nWhat Splendor Is Observed on the Emperor’s Birthday. Chapter XIIII.\n\nAll Tartars have the custom of celebrating their lord’s birthday with great honor and splendor. The Great Khan Kublai’s birthday is September twenty-eighth. They have no more solemn holiday in the entire year except the festival of the first day of February, when they begin their year. On his birthday, the emperor wears a precious robe made of fine cloth of gold. Everyone at his court also puts on their finest and richest clothing. The emperor gives each of them a very valuable gold belt and shoes made of chamois leather sewn with silver thread. Everyone tries to dress and adorn themselves as finely as possible on this day to honor their prince. To look at them, one would think they were little kings. They dress this finely not only on the emperor’s birthday but also on the other festivals that the Tartars celebrate each year. There are thirteen of these. At them, the emperor presents the gentlemen of his court with precious robes decorated with gold, pearls, and other rare gems, together with belts and shoes of the kind described above. These robes are the same color as the emperor’s. The Tartars observe another custom as well. On the Great Khan’s birthday, all the kings, princes, and lords who are subject to him and pay him tribute send him gifts to acknowledge his imperial majesty. Those who want to obtain a post, an administrative position, or an office from him present their requests to twelve barons appointed for that purpose. Whatever these barons decide and grant is as valid as if the emperor himself had spoken the order. All peoples subject to him, whatever their kind, faith, or nation—Christians, Jews, Saracens, Tartars, and all other pagans—must likewise call on their gods and hold formal prayers, each in their own place, for the Great Khan’s life, prosperity, and health.\n\nHow Solemnly the Tartars Celebrate the Beginning of the Year. Chapter XV.\n\nOn the first day of February, the first day of the month and the beginning of the year throughout Tartary, the Great Khan and all Tartars, wherever they live, hold a great festival. Men and women alike make a special effort to dress and adorn themselves in white clothing. They call this holiday the Festival of the Whites. They believe white clothing brings them good luck and that fortune will favor them all year if they wear white at its beginning. On this holiday the emperor’s lieutenants and governors of cities and provinces send him gifts as their duties require. These include gold, silver, pearls, precious stones, and fine cloth. White horses are especially offered and presented to the emperor that day. Tartars also exchange gifts with one another at the beginning of the year. For this festival all the emperor’s elephants, five thousand in number, are brought to court. They are covered with rich tapestries showing every kind of animal and bird. On their backs they carry large chests full of gold and silver dishes and other utensils needed to celebrate the Festival of the Whites splendidly. Many camels covered with fine carpets are brought as well, carrying the other supplies needed for such a banquet. From daybreak on the Festival of the Whites, all the kings, dukes, barons, horsemen, physicians, astrologers, provincial governors, captains and military commanders, and other officers of the emperor gather in the great royal hall. Those who cannot fit there because the hall cannot hold so many people go into the neighboring rooms. Once everyone is seated in order according to rank and office, someone stands among them and says loudly, “Bow down and worship.” Then everyone immediately rises from their seat and prostrates themselves face down on the ground as if worshiping God. They do this four times. When the worship is finished, they all go in order to the altar prepared in the middle of the hall. It stands on a large red-painted table on which the Great Khan’s name is written. They take a very rich and splendid censer, place fragrant aromatic resins in it, and respectfully perfume the table and altar in honor of the Great Khan. Then each person returns to their place. Once these ceremonies are finished, each person comes before the emperor and offers a gift, as we said above. After everything is done, the tables are set and a splendid banquet begins. Everyone is served lavishly and enjoys the occasion. When the tables are cleared and dinner is finished, singers, oboe players, and jesters appear. Each entertains the whole gathering with music or performances. They also bring a tame lion to the emperor. It lies at his feet as gently and peacefully as a little dog and recognizes him as its lord.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 16–24\n\nOn the wild animals sent to the Great Khan from every direction. Chap. XVI.\n\nDuring the three months when the emperor stays in the city of Cambaluc, as I said above—December, January, and February—all his hunters in the provinces near Cathay devote themselves to hunting. They bring the large wild animals they catch, such as deer, bears, roe deer, wild boars, fallow deer, and other such animals, to their governors and captains. If these officials are no more than thirty days’ journey from the emperor’s court, they send the animals to him by ship or cart, after first giving the dogs their share of the kill. If the court is more than thirty days away, they send only the skins, which are suitable for making armor.\n\nHow the Great Khan catches wild animals with other, tamed wild animals. Chap. XVII.\n\nThe Great Khan keeps various wild animals at his court. Once they have been tamed and trained, he takes them hunting. He greatly enjoys watching a tame animal fight a wild one. In particular, he has trained leopards that are remarkably good at hunting and catch many animals. He also has ounces, which are just as quick and skilled at hunting. He has some very fine, large lions too, certainly larger than the lions in Babylon. Their coats have small streaks of different colors—white, black, and red. They too are trained for hunting and are especially good at catching wild boars, bears, deer, roe deer, wild asses, and buffalo. When people take them hunting, they usually carry two lions in a cart, with a small dog following them. The emperor also has many tame eagles. They fly so fiercely and eagerly that they catch hares, roe deer, fallow deer, and foxes. Some are bold and reckless enough to attack a wolf with great force. They harass it so much that people can then catch it easily, without much work or danger.\n\nHow the Great Khan organizes a hunt. Chap. XVIII.\n\nTwo barons at the emperor’s court are in charge of all his hunting. Each has two thousand men under him. These men arrange everything needed for the hunt, keep dogs of every kind, and train them to hunt. When the Great Khan wants to enjoy a hunt and put on an extraordinary show, the two barons mentioned above bring their twenty thousand men and a great many dogs, usually about five thousand. They go out into the country with the emperor to hunt animals. After setting up their lines, they begin the hunt in this way. The emperor stands with his gentlemen in the middle of a plain. The two hunting captains and their men stand on either side of him. One group wears red clothing, the other dark blue or azure. They all stand side by side in a straight line. In this way they cover such a vast stretch of country that it would take almost a day to travel from one end to the other. They have all the dogs mentioned above with them. Once the men are in position, they release the dogs and urge them to hunt. Yet the men keep moving in formation, covering a great area. They catch many wild animals, for there are so many in the country that the animals cannot easily escape the men’s lines, nets, and dogs.\n\nOn the Great Khan’s falconry. Chap. XIX.\n\nWhen March arrives, the Great Khan leaves Cambaluc and goes to the plains by the Ocean Sea. He takes his falconers with him, sometimes ten thousand of them. They have falcons, sparrowhawks, gyrfalcons, and other birds of prey that are very swift and well trained for hunting with birds. The falconers spread out across the country. When they find game, they release their birds after it. There is plenty of game in the country, and most of what they catch is taken to the emperor. Meanwhile, he sits in a wooden pavilion carried by four elephants. It is covered with lion skins, gilded and richly decorated inside. Several dukes or barons accompany him for company and entertainment, along with twelve specially chosen birds of prey. Around the elephants carrying the pavilion ride many gentlemen and knights on horseback. They stay near the emperor. When they see cranes, pheasants, or other birds flying in the air, they immediately point them out to the falconers near him. The falconers tell the emperor, uncover his pavilion, and release their falcons and other birds of prey. Seated in his litter, the emperor watches the contest for amusement. In addition, another ten thousand men run here and there across the fields during the hunt. They watch where the falcons and other birds fly and help them if necessary. In the Tartar language these men are called Toscaor, meaning guards. By making a particular whistle, they can call back birds that have been released after prey. A falconer does not need to follow the bird he releases. The Toscaors carefully follow it so it will not be lost or injured, and they retrieve it at once. The first men to reach a bird in danger are required to help it promptly. Each bird of prey wears a small silver plate or leg band on one foot, marked with the arms and signs of its lord or falconer. This way, if it gets lost, it can be returned to its owner. If the mark on the band cannot be identified, the bird is handed over to a baron appointed for that purpose. He is called Bularguci, meaning keeper of lost things. He keeps every bird of prey brought to him until its owner recognizes and claims it. He does the same with horses and other things lost during the hunt. Anyone who finds something while hunting but keeps it for a while instead of promptly bringing it to this keeper is treated and punished as a thief. So this official in charge of lost property stands in a fairly high place during the hunts. He displays his banner there so people can recognize him among the great crowd. That makes it easier for people to bring him things they find and for those who have lost things to claim them from him.\n\nOn the splendor of the Great Khan’s tents and pavilions. Chap. XX.\n\nAs the party hunts and enjoys the birds in flight, it reaches the great plain of Caciamordim. About ten thousand tents and pavilions have been splendidly set up there for the Great Khan and all the gentlemen of his court. The pavilions are arranged as follows. The first and most conspicuous is very large and spacious. It can comfortably hold a thousand men, and its entrance faces south. The barons, knights, and gentlemen stay in it. Near it on the west side is a fairly large pavilion that serves as a hall for the emperor when he wants to speak with people who have business with him. Beside this stands another tent where the emperor sleeps and rests. Around these three tents are other small halls and adjoining rooms, with passages from one to another. The tents reserved for the emperor and the large pavilion for his nobles are made in this way. They are raised on three pillars of very fragrant wood, carved all around with various magnificent designs. They are also covered with red and black lion skins, for the country has many lions of different colors. Tents covered this way cannot be damaged by rain or wind: the leather is so strong and tough that it cannot easily be pierced or cut. Inside, the tents are fully lined with fine, costly ermine and sable skins. Sables are expensive in Tartary, where they too are much sought after and prized. The fur lining of a robe made from such skins can sometimes cost two thousand florins. The ropes holding up these three tents are of fine silk. Many other pavilions stand around them, housing the Great Khan’s wives, children, and ladies. Still other pavilions are set aside solely for falcons, sparrowhawks, goshawks, tiercels, gyrfalcons, and other birds of prey. In short, there are so many tents and pavilions that, from a distance, the plain looks like the site of a large city. Apart from the emperor’s household servants and attendants, many people with nothing to do follow the court for the pleasure of watching the hunt. They have their own tents set up and make themselves as comfortable in them as if they were in Cambaluc. There are also many doctors, astrologers, and philosophers. The emperor stays in this fine plain throughout March, catching countless animals and birds by hunting and falconry. During that month no one else is allowed to hunt anywhere in the province, at least within twenty days’ journey of the camp. In particular, from the beginning of March until October, people are forbidden to keep a hunting dog or bird of prey in their homes. Nor do they dare catch deer, fallow deer, roe deer, hares, or similar game animals in any way. As a result, the country is so full of large wild animals, and they have become so tame, that when people come across them they do not even bother to run or turn away. After finishing this hunt, the emperor returns to his palace. For three whole days he keeps open house for everyone, including those he called to accompany him on the hunt. Then he gives them permission to go home.\n\nOn the Great Khan’s money and great wealth. Chapitre XXI.\n\nThe Great Khan’s money is not made of gold, silver, or any other metal. Instead, they take the middle layer of bark from the tree called the mulberry, join it together, and cut it into round pieces of different sizes. They then stamp the characters and arms of the empire on them. The smallest piece is worth one petit tournois. Slightly larger ones are worth two Venetian gros, and others five or ten. Some are worth one écu, others two or five. The emperor has so much money made from this cheap material in Cambaluc that there is enough for his entire empire. No one in any of his kingdoms, lands, or dominions is allowed, on pain of death, to make or use any other money, or to refuse this money. A person arriving from another country or kingdom not subject to the Great Khan does not dare use any other money anywhere in the empire. So merchants often arrive in Cambaluc from distant countries and foreign regions with much gold, silver, pearls, and other precious stones. Yet they have to hand them over and accept the money described above in payment. Since they cannot make use of that money in their own countries, when they want to return they must exchange it again or buy goods to take home. Sometimes the emperor orders the inhabitants of Cambaluc who have gold, silver, or precious stones to take them immediately to his officials. In return they receive imperial money equal to the assessed value. In these ways the townspeople and merchants suffer no loss, while the emperor draws all the gold and silver of his country to himself, building up a treasure beyond reckoning. He pays his officials’ wages and his soldiers’ pay in this same money. He uses no other money to buy anything he needs for his court. Thus he makes an enormous amount of money from worthless material. With it he takes in vast quantities of gold and silver from his lands and dominions, while paying for his court’s supplies, his officials, and his soldiers with nothing else. It is easy to see that no prince or king in the world surpasses him in wealth and riches.\n\nOn the twelve governors of the empire’s provinces and their duties. Chap. XXII.\n\nThe Great Khan has twelve barons at his court who serve as his deputies over thirty-four provinces. Their duty is to appoint two governors in each province to arrange and provide everything needed for the armies, companies, and garrisons wherever they are stationed. They inform the emperor of their decisions, and he confirms what they have ordered with his imperial authority. These twelve barons can grant many privileges, liberties, and exemptions. As a result, the people greatly honor and respect them and seek their favor. They live in a large palace in Cambaluc assigned to them for their office. It has many halls and rooms for them, their households, and their servants. They have deputies and advisers to counsel them, as well as secretaries to keep careful written records of everything they do and order.\n\nOn the Great Khan’s relay posts and couriers, and where they are located. Chap. XXIII.\n\nSeveral roads lead out of Cambaluc toward the surrounding provinces. On each road, about eight leagues from the city, stands a relay post: a small castle or splendidly built house where heralds and couriers stay as they pass through. In their language these places are called Janli, meaning the dwelling of horses. Each has three or four hundred horses always ready and waiting for couriers. Another eight leagues farther on is a post just like the first. More posts follow at the same intervals all the way to the borders of the empire. Thus there are about ten thousand posts along the empire’s main public roads. About two hundred thousand horses are kept at these posts for the couriers. Similar posts can be found even in forests and deserted places without any human settlement, though there they are ten or twelve leagues apart. Nearby towns and inhabitants of the district containing each post must supply fodder for its horses and food for their keepers. But the emperor’s officials supply everything needed by the posts in woods and deserts. Through this system, whenever the emperor wants news of events in a distant country, he immediately sends couriers out. They carry out his orders so quickly that they travel eighty or a hundred leagues in a day and cover a vast country in very little time. Here is how they do it. Two couriers are sent. They spur their horses without stopping until they have galloped to the first post. There they leave their tired horses and take two fresh, rested ones. They gallop just as quickly to the next post. Without a break or a stay, they continue riding back and forth in this way, carrying the emperor’s packets and orders to the limits of the empire in only a few days. In the same way they bring replies or other reliable news back to the emperor. Between those posts there are also other houses and inns one or two leagues apart. Foot messengers stay there. Each wears a belt fitted with bells, and they are always ready to carry any of the emperor’s packets or letters to the next inn as quickly as they can. Before a messenger arrives, the people at the inn hear his bells from far away and get ready to receive him. Once the packet arrives, they immediately carry it on to the next inn. In this way it passes from hand to hand without any delay until it reaches its destination. Often, in less than three days, the emperor learns news or receives some newly available fruit from a place ten long days’ journey from his court. All these couriers and messengers, on foot or on horseback, are exempt from all taxes, levies, and subsidies. They also receive substantial wages and salaries from the emperor’s treasury officials.\n\nOn the emperor’s preparations for times of scarcity. Chapitre XXIIII.\n\nEvery year the Great Khan sends couriers into various provinces under his rule. They find out whether locusts or other pests have spoiled or damaged the grain, or whether an epidemic or bad weather has made the land unproductive. When he learns that a city or province is suffering severe shortages or famine, he cancels its people’s taxes and levies for that year. He sends them plenty of grain both to eat and to sow in the fields. In years when the grain harvest is plentiful, the emperor gathers a large reserve and has it carefully kept in his granaries for three or four years. That way, if the country faces a shortage, he can make up the shortfall from these stores. He then has his grain sold very cheaply: a muid sells for four times less than it would cost from anyone else. Likewise, if an epidemic or contagious disease strikes the livestock, he cancels his usual tax for the year and has other livestock sold and delivered to the people. This wise and prudent emperor has also taken steps to stop couriers and other travelers from losing their way in Cathay. He has had many trees planted close together along the main roads. They are lined up so that they clearly point out the right road to the intended destination. As for the many poor people he feeds all year and the alms he regularly gives in bread, grain, and wheat, you would think it unbelievable if I described it all. But I can say truthfully that he feeds about thirty thousand poor people bread every day of the year. He will not allow bread to be denied to anyone. Because of this, his subjects regard him as a god.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 25–37\n\nWhat the people of Cathay drink instead of wine. Chap. XXV.\n\nThe inhabitants of Cathay make a drink from rice and various spices. It tastes finer and more delicious than wine. People who drink more of it than their bodies can handle, and more than they need, get drunk on it sooner than they would on wine.\n\nOn stones that burn like wood. Chapitre XXVI.\n\nThroughout the mountains of Cathay, people dig up certain black stones. When put in a fire they burn like wood and keep the fire going for a long time. If they are lit in the evening, their coals stay hot all night. Wood is scarce in many places, so most of the province’s inhabitants use these stones for heating instead of wood.\n\nOn the river Pulisachniz and a magnificent bridge across it. Chap. XXVII.\n\nSo far in this second book we have described the location, size, and commerce of Cambaluc. Along the way, we have also said a little about the Great Khan’s splendor, ceremony, and wealth. Now it is time to describe the neighboring regions and briefly tell what notable things are found and done there. The Great Khan sent me, Marco Polo, on imperial business to certain distant places. The round trip took four months. As I traveled, I carefully investigated, considered, and noted anything memorable I came across. Three or four leagues after leaving Cambaluc, I found a fine, broad river called Pulisachniz. It flows into the great Ocean Sea. Many ships loaded with goods sail upstream through its mouth into the interior.\n\nI also found a fine, magnificent marble bridge there. It is three hundred paces long and eight paces wide, and stands on twenty-four large, well-vaulted arches. The top is decorated with fine workmanship, including large lions carved in relief on both sides.\n\nOn places beyond the river Pulisachniz. Chapitre XXVIII.\n\nAfter crossing this river by the marble bridge, you find fine castles, country houses, vineyards, and cultivated land for the next ten leagues, until you reach Geoguy. This is a fine, large city with many monasteries dedicated to idols. Excellent cloth of gold and silk, as well as very fine linen, is made there. The city also has many public inns to accommodate foreigners and travelers. Its inhabitants are merchants and artisans. Outside the city there is a crossroads where one road leads toward Cathay and the other toward Mangi on the seacoast. Along the road toward Cathay are many towns, castles, gardens, and good fertile land. Most of the inhabitants are merchants and skilled artisans. They are also very kind and friendly to foreigners, unlike the fierce Tartars elsewhere.\n\nOn the kingdom of Tainfu. Chap. XXIX.\n\nAfter traveling ten days from Geoguy, you enter the kingdom of Tainfu. It is large, populous, well cultivated, and full of vineyards. No wine grows in Cathay, but wine is brought there from Tainfu. Many other trades are carried on in this kingdom. In particular, it has good craftspeople and armorers. All the armor and weapons the Great Khan uses in battle are made there. Traveling on toward the west, you come to a pleasant, attractive province with many towns and castles, where much trade takes place. Continue for another seven days and you reach the fine, large city of Pianfu, where silk is abundant.\n\nOn the castle of Chincuy and the capture of its king. Chapitre XXX.\n\nTwo days from Pianfu stands a fine and imposing castle called Chincuy. It was built by a man named Darius, an enemy of the great lord known as Prester John. The castle was so well fortified, both by construction and by its natural setting, that Darius feared no one while he was inside, however powerful a king or lord that person might be. Many great lords and governors of nearby provinces complained that no one could defeat him. Prester John had seven brave young gentlemen at his court, ready to do anything. They solemnly swore to deliver King Darius into his hands. He in turn promised them great rewards if they kept their word. They left, went to Darius’s court, and offered him their services, hiding their hostile intentions. Not noticing their trickery and wickedness, he took them into his service as loyal servants. Still, for two whole years they could not carry out the plan they had made long before. By then the king had come to trust them, having found them loyal for two years. He decided to go into the countryside for some recreation. He went half a league from his castle with only the seven young men and a small number of other soldiers. They saw their chance to carry out their long-planned betrayal. They drew their swords on him, took him prisoner, and brought him to Prester John, keeping their promise. Prester John was delighted. He put Darius to work as a shepherd and keeper of livestock and assigned guards to make sure he did it. After the king had lived among the shepherds for two years, Prester John ordered that he be dressed in royal clothes and brought before him in that outfit. He said to him, “I now know from experience how little power you have. I had you captured in your own kingdom and made you live among the animals as a shepherd for two years. Now, if I wish, I can have you killed. No living person can save you from me.” Darius answered that this was true and that things stood just as he said. Prester John then told him, “Since you have humbled yourself so much that you consider yourself nothing compared with me, from now on I will recognize you as a friend. It is victory enough for me to have held the power to kill you if I wanted.” He then provided Darius with horses and an honorable escort to take him back to his castle. For the rest of his life King Darius honored and respected Prester John and obeyed every command he gave him.\n\nOn the great river Caromoran and the surrounding country. Chapitre XXXI.\n\nSeven or eight leagues beyond Chincuy lies the river Caromoran. It is too broad and deep for bridges, and it flows into the great Ocean Sea. Many fine towns and castles stand along its banks, where there is much trade. The country produces plenty of ginger, silk, and birds, especially pheasants. Two days after crossing this river, you reach Cianfu. It is a fine, pleasant city where excellent cloth of gold and silk is made. All the city’s inhabitants, like the people throughout Cathay, worship idols.\n\nOn the city of Quenquinafu. Chap. XXXII.\n\nTravel another ten days and you find many towns and villages along the road, as well as fine plains and pleasure gardens. The region is rich in silk, and there is good hunting for animals and birds. Go on for eight more days and you reach a large city called Quenquinafu. It is the principal city and capital of the kingdom, which is named after it. In the past it was very rich and famous. Now the Great Khan’s son Mangala is its king and governor. The region produces a great deal of silk and everything needed to sustain human life. There is considerable trade, and the inhabitants worship idols. Outside the city on a fine plain stands the royal palace, where Mangala lives with his household and courtiers. Another fine, magnificent palace stands in the middle of the city. Its inner walls and partitions are all gilded. The king regularly hunts large wild animals and hunts with birds of prey, for game is abundant in the country.\n\nOn the province of Cunchy. Chap. XXXIII.\n\nThree days after leaving this city and its palace, you find a fine, wide plain with many towns and castles and a great deal of silk. The plain extends as far as a mountainous area so densely populated that fine towns and castles stand not only on its slopes but also in its valleys and hollows. These places belong to the province of Cunchy. The inhabitants worship idols and farm well. The country also offers hunting for wild animals such as lions, bears, deer, roe deer, fallow deer, and others. The province stretches for twenty days’ journey across mountains, valleys, and many forests. Still, inns for travelers can be found everywhere, so travelers do not lack food on the way.\n\nOn the province of Achalechmangi. Chap. XXXIIII.\n\nNext to Cunchy, on the western side, lies another province called Achalechmangi. It has many cities, towns, and castles. Its capital is also called Achalechmangi because the province borders Mangi. It contains a wide plain stretching for three days’ journey, followed by many mountains and valleys and some forests. The province extends for twenty days’ journey and is fairly well populated with towns and castles. In other respects it is no different from Cunchy. It too has merchants, artisans, farmers, and hunters of wild animals. It also has animals that produce musk. Ginger grows as abundantly there as wheat and rice.\n\nOn the province of Cindinfu. Chap. XXXV.\n\nThe province of Sindinfu also lies beside the one just described and borders Mangi. Its capital is called Sindinfu. It used to be large and wealthy, measuring six leagues around. It also had a very rich and powerful king. He left his kingdom to his three children, who divided Sindinfu into three parts and enclosed each part with high walls, though all three remained inside the original city walls. The Great Khan has since brought both the city and the kingdom under his rule. A river called Quianfu runs through the city. It is about a quarter of a league wide, very deep, and full of fish. Many towns and castles stand on its banks. The river’s mouth, where it enters the sea, is ninety days’ journey from Sindinfu. For this reason many ships loaded with goods sail upriver. A stone bridge crosses the river at Sindinfu. It is more than a long quarter of a league in length and four toises wide. Artisans set up numerous stalls and shops on it in the morning, then remove them in the evening. There is also a house built on the bridge, where the emperor’s officials live and collect tolls and passage fees from travelers. After traveling another five days, you find a fine, wide plain with many towns, castles, and villages. The inhabitants trade in large quantities of fine linen. You also see many wild animals there.\n\nOn the province of Thebeth. Chap. XXXVI.\n\nBeyond the wide plain I have described lies the province of Thebeth, which the Great Khan has ravaged and destroyed. It has many ruined towns and demolished castles. The province stretches for twenty days’ journey. Because this devastation has left it completely deserted and uninhabited, travelers must take enough food with them for twenty days. Since people abandoned the place, so many wild animals have moved in that the road is very dangerous for travelers, especially at night. Merchants and other travelers have devised a trick to deal with this danger. Large reeds grow there. They are seven or eight toises long and as thick as three handspans around, with three more handspans between one joint and the next. When merchants and other travelers want to rest at night, they gather these reeds into big bundles and pile them together. Then they set the pile on fire. As soon as the reeds feel the heat, they start to crack and make so much noise that it can be heard for more than half a league around. The noise frightens wild animals so badly that they keep running until they can no longer hear it. By fooling the animals this way, the merchants and travelers can rest safely and cross the entire province. The horses and other animals the merchants use on their journeys are also greatly frightened by the noise. Some have run away and been lost. But sensible travelers know how to prevent that: they put hobbles on their animals’ legs to hold them in place and stop them from escaping.\n\nOn a region beyond Thebeth and its ugly customs. Chap. XXXVII.\n\nAfter traveling twenty days across Thebeth, you find many towns and villages. Because of the inhabitants’ deep devotion to idols, a very ugly and wicked custom is observed there. No man in the country ever marries a virgin. Before he marries a young woman, she must first have had sex with several men. The people say that a young woman is not fit to marry until she has lost her virginity. So when merchants or other foreigners happen to travel through and stay in this region, local women with daughters of marriageable age bring them to the foreign guests. They may bring twenty or thirty daughters, or more, depending on the number of guests. They earnestly ask each guest to choose one of their daughters, sleep with her, and do as he likes with her for as long as he intends to stay in the country. The guests readily agree to the requests of these respectable matrons. Each chooses a young woman to his liking and makes her fit for marriage. When the guests leave, they are never allowed to take any of the young women with them. They must return them faithfully to their parents. The young woman receives some small gift or jewel from the man who took her virginity, as a sign that she is no longer a virgin. The one who has been loved and had sex with the most men, and can show the most such jewels to those who ask to marry her, is considered the noblest and makes the most distinguished and honorable marriage. If a young woman wants to dress up to appear in company, she hangs around her neck every gift and jewel her lovers have given her. The more people have found her attractive and loved her, the more honor and praise she receives. But once these women are married, they are not allowed to have any further contact or relations with foreigners. They must remain completely faithful to their husbands. Above all, the men of the country are careful not to wrong one another in this matter. They worship idols and are very cruel. They do not consider pillaging or stealing a sin or offense. They live by hunting and by eating the fruits of the land. Their country has many musk-bearing animals called Gadderi. They often hunt them with dogs and catch them, so they have plenty of musk. The people have a language of their own, different from others, and their own money. They dress in animal skins or rough, coarse hemp. This region belongs to Thebeth, a vast province divided into eight kingdoms fairly well populated with towns and villages. The country is rugged and mountainous. Gold is found in some places, including certain rivers. The people use pieces of coral as money. They regard coral as a very fine, valuable stone. The women make necklaces and collars from it and wear them around their necks, and they decorate their idols with it as something special and precious. Dogs as large as donkeys live in this country and are used to hunt wild animals. There are also many falcons and other birds of prey. Much cinnamon and other aromatic spices grow there. This province is subject to the Great Khan and pays him tribute.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 38–41\n\nOn the province of Caniclu and the shameful custom of its inhabitants. Chap. XXXVIII.\n\nThe province of Caniclu borders Thebeth on its western side. It has its own king, but he pays tribute to the Great Khan. There is a lake there with so many pearls that, if everyone could take away as many as they liked, pearls would lose all value. For this reason, fishing in the lake and taking pearls without the Great Khan's express permission is forbidden on pain of death. The province also has animals called Gadderi, which produce plenty of musk. The lake is full of fish, and the country has wild animals including lions, bears, deer, fallow deer, ounces, roe deer, and various birds. No grapes for wine grow there. Instead, people make very good drinks from wheat, rice, and different spices. Cloves grow there in abundance. They are gathered from trees with small branches and white flowers that produce a fruit containing cloves like little seeds. Ginger also grows in abundance, along with cinnamon and other spices that are not brought as far as our western country. In the mountains there are beautiful precious stones called turquoises, but no one may take them out of the country without the Great Khan's permission. The inhabitants worship idols. They are so misled by these idols that they think they please them and earn a reward by letting every newcomer have his pleasure with their wives and daughters. If foreign travelers stay in a man's house, its master immediately calls his wife, daughters, and any other women and maids in the house and orders them to obey his guests in everything. He then goes out, leaving the guests and their companions in his house, and does not return until they have left. Meanwhile, the principal foreign guest hangs his cloak or another sign outside the door. If the master returns and sees by this sign that his guests are still there, he does not enter but goes back into the fields to wait until they leave. In this way a foreigner can stay in a house for two or three days. This custom, though shameful, is followed throughout Caniclu. No one there considers it dishonorable to offer his wife or daughter to a foreigner passing through. Instead, they think it brings glory to their gods, who they hope will favor them more for it. For money they use small gold rods of fixed weight, whose value depends on their weight. These gold rods are their most valuable money. They also have a less valuable kind made as follows. They boil salt in a cauldron over a fire, form it into small lumps in molds, join and weld the lumps together, and use them as money. Leaving this province, one travels for ten days past several castles and villages, whose inhabitants follow the same custom as the people of Caniclu. Finally one comes to a river called Brius, which marks one boundary of Caniclu. Much gold, called Paglola, is found in its sands, and cinnamon grows abundantly along its banks.\n\nOn the province of Caraiam. Chap. XXXIX.\n\nBeyond the river Brius lies the province of Caraiam. It contains seven kingdoms and is subject to the Great Khan and pays him tribute. One of his sons, named Esentemur, was its lieutenant and governor when I was there. The inhabitants worship idols. The province produces very good horses. It has its own language, though it is difficult and awkward to pronounce. Its capital, Jaci, is a large, well-known city where many fairs are held and much trade is done. A few Nestorian Christians and many Muslims live there too. They have plenty of wheat and rice, though they do not eat wheat bread: they could not digest it without severe pain and weakness in the stomach. Instead they make rice bread. They also make drinks with various spices, which get them drunk more easily than wine. Instead of money they use small objects found in the sea, some golden and others white. They make a great deal of salt in this city from well water, earning the king large profits and revenue. The people are so dull and foolish that they do not mind if others make love to their wives, as long as the women consent. There is a lake well suited to fishing, more than thirty leagues around. The peasants eat raw meat, but prepare it in this way: first they mince it finely, then steep it in fragrant oils and good spices, and eat it so prepared.\n\nOn a part of Caraiam where there are snakes of incredible size. Chapter XL.\n\nAfter leaving the city of Jaci and traveling ten days, one reaches another kingdom whose capital is called Caraiam. Cogracam, one of Emperor Kublai's sons, was then its king and governor. This city gave its name to the entire province. Much gold, which they call Paglola, is found in the sands of the rivers. It is also found in some marshes and in the mountains, but that is another kind. The inhabitants worship idols. In some parts the country produces enormous snakes. Some are ten paces long and ten spans around. Some have no feet at the front, but instead have large claws like a lion's or a falcon's. Their heads are very large, and their eyes are as big as two loaves of bread. Their mouths are so huge and frightening that they can swallow and devour a whole man. There is no need to ask whether their jaws are filled with very large, sharp teeth. No man or animal can look at them without great fear, much less dare approach them. Yet people catch them in the following way. The snake usually hides by day in caves underground or hollows in mountains or rocks. At night it comes out and roams the country, searching for other animals' dens to find food. It fears no animal, however big, and devours large and small ones, whether lions, bears, or others. When it has eaten its fill, it returns to its cave and den. Because the country is very sandy, the place where it has rolled and the tracks its body leaves in the sand are astonishing to see. It looks as though a barrel full of wine has been rolled about there. Hunters who want to catch it drive many thick, strong, stiff stakes with sharp iron tips into the sand by day. They cover these stakes with sand so the snake will not see them, planting many near the places where they know it goes back to its den. When it comes out at night as usual to hunt and drags its huge body across the yielding sand, it sometimes impales its belly on the pointed stakes and kills or badly wounds itself. The hunters then come out of hiding and kill it if it is still alive. They remove its gall and sell it at a high price, since it is considered good medicine. If someone bitten by a rabid dog drinks even a little of it, as much as the weight of a penny, he is immediately cured. Likewise, a little of it greatly speeds childbirth for a woman in labor. If someone has hemorrhoids or sores around the anus, rubbing a little of this gall on the painful place soon cures him completely. They sell the snake's meat too, as the local people like to eat it. There are also very good horses there that merchants take to sell in India. They customarily remove two or three joints of their tails to prevent them from striking their riders and swishing their tails from side to side, which they consider unsightly. In war they use shields and armor made from buffalo hide. All their lances, darts, and arrows are poisoned. Before the Great Khan Kublai brought this province under his rule, its people practiced a terrible and detestable custom. If a foreign visitor who was virtuous, well mannered, wise in deeds and speech, and, in short, outstanding in every honorable quality stayed in their country, they killed him at night. They did this because they foolishly believed that his good manners, wisdom, integrity, virtues, and even his soul would remain in that house forever. This treachery and terrible cruelty led to the murder of many good people. But as soon as the Great Khan conquered the country and incorporated it into his empire, he completely abolished this wicked and utterly foolish practice.\n\nOn the province of Arcladam and its inhabitants' sacrifices and idol worship. Chap. XLI.\n\nTraveling beyond Caraiam for five days, we reached the province of Arcladam, also subject to the Great Khan. Its chief city is called Unchiam. The inhabitants trade using gold weighed out as money, since no silver is found anywhere in this country or the neighboring regions. Those who bring silver can easily exchange it for gold at a great profit. Their drink is made from rice with various spices, as described above. The men and women cover their teeth with thin little sheets of gold. They fit them so neatly that their teeth seem set in gold. The men are skilled fighters, and do nothing but fight and hunt animals and birds. The women look after the household with the help of purchased slaves, who must serve them permanently. Another custom in this province is that a woman who gives birth gets up as soon as she can to attend carefully to household business. Her husband takes her place in bed and looks after the baby. The mother does nothing for the child except nurse it when necessary. Meanwhile, relatives and friends visit the husband lying in bed, just as people here visit new mothers. They say it is only right that a woman who has worked so hard carrying and delivering the child should not have the burden of caring for it for forty days. Even so, she looks after her husband in bed. In this province there are no other idols: each family worships its father. People mostly live in wooded areas and mountains. Foreigners do not climb their hills, for they could not bear the air there, which is said to be very unhealthy. The inhabitants have no letters or written characters. Instead, they make contracts and binding agreements with little tablets split in half. Each party keeps one half, and later they put the halves together and match the marks against each other to establish what the agreement concerned. There are no doctors here, as in Caniclu and Caraiam. When someone is ill, they gather their wise men, the ministers of their idols, and the patient tells them about the illness. On hearing him, they dance and play instruments, singing and howling loudly in honor of their gods, until one of them falls to the ground while leaping, playing, and singing, seized and possessed by the devil. Then the wise men stop dancing and ask their possessed companion on the ground what caused the patient's illness and what remedy will cure it. The evil spirit replies through him that the patient fell ill because he did this or that, or greatly offended one god or another. The wise men then pray for that god to forgive the offense, promising and vowing that if the patient recovers he will make sacrifices and offerings of his own blood. If the evil spirit sees that the illness is so severe and dangerous that the patient cannot recover, he replies that the patient offended that god so badly that no offering or sacrifice can appease him. But if the patient will recover, the spirit commands him to sacrifice a certain number of black-horned sheep, prepare a specified quantity of drinks, and gather a specified number of wise men and as many of their wives to make and present the sacrifice to calm the god's anger. After hearing this response, the sick person's close relatives arrange as quickly as possible to carry out all the evil spirit's commands. They slaughter the sheep, throw and scatter the blood toward the sky, and gather the wise men and their wives. They light great torches and perfume the whole house with incense and the smoke of aloe wood. They throw the broth from the sacrificed meat into the air along with drinks made from aromatic spices. When this is done, they again dance in honor of the idol they believe they have appeased and made favorable to the patient, singing in frightening, terrible voices. Then they ask their possessed companion whether their actions have appeased the idol. If he says no, they immediately prepare to do whatever else he commands. But if he says it is satisfied, all these ministers and enchanters sit down and happily eat the sacrificed animals' meat and drink the beverages prepared and offered to their gods. After dinner, each goes home. If the sick person recovers through this devilish intervention, these misled people thank their devilish idols, not the true God, of whom they know nothing.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 42–50\n\nOn the battle between the Tartars and the king of Mien. Chap. XLII.\n\nIn the year of our salvation one thousand two hundred eighty-two, a great war broke out over the kingdom of Caraiam, described above, and the kingdom of Botiam. The Great Khan therefore sent a prince of his court named Nescordim with twelve thousand horsemen to help defend Caraiam from any attacks and incursions. Nescordim was a wise and bold man. His troops were brave, valiant, and experienced in war. When the kings of Mien and Bangala learned of his arrival, they were very frightened. They thought he had come to attack them and conquer their kingdoms. To resist him they raised forces numbering sixty thousand men, both foot soldiers and cavalry, and more than two thousand elephants carrying towers, each with twelve, fifteen, or sixteen well-equipped armed men. The king of Mien marched this army toward Vociam, near which the Tartars had camped in the open country for three full days. When Nescordim learned that such a large army was advancing against him, he was somewhat shaken, though he concealed his fear as best he could. Still, he drew great confidence from his brave, valiant, skilled men, though they were far fewer. Resolved to meet the enemy boldly if the chance came, he took his forces into the field with great courage and camped near a thick wood of tall trees and bushes. He knew the elephants with their towers and castles could not get into the wood to harm them. As soon as the king of Mien heard that the Tartars were approaching, he decided to strike first. But the Tartar horses saw the elephants placed in the vanguard and became so frightened that they backed away. No amount of spurring or anything else could make them advance against the elephants. The riders had to dismount and tie their horses to the trees, then attack the elephants bravely on foot. They placed all their skilled archers and crossbowmen at the front, and these shot so many arrows at the enemy that the elephants, wounded in many places, could not withstand the attack. They fled furiously toward the nearby forests. Their handlers could not turn them aside, no matter how hard or skillfully they tried. The elephants ran everywhere. At the edge of the woods they broke their towers and threw the armed men in them to the ground, causing great disorder and confusion. Seeing this, the Tartars immediately returned to their horses, mounted, and charged their enemies with great force. The enemy, already shaken by the collapse of their vanguard and the flight of their elephants, defended themselves as best they could. They closed with the Tartars in hand-to-hand combat. A fierce, cruel battle began again, and many fell on both sides. In the end the king of Mien was routed and escaped with a few of his men. The Tartars pursued them and killed many, winning the battle. After their victory, they went into the forest after the elephants that had fled from the enemy vanguard. They would never have caught a single one without help from some of their captives and prisoners, since the elephants were so frightened. Even so, they captured about two hundred. From that battle onward the Great Khan began using elephants in war. He had never used them that way before and had none trained for battle. Soon afterward he conquered all the king of Mien's lands by force and added them to his empire.\n\nOn the province of Mien and its woods. Chapter XLIII.\n\nLeaving Caraiam, one enters a great valley that slopes downward for nearly three days' travel without a single settlement. Yet it has a fine plain where trading takes place three days a week, with a crowd of people as at a fair. Many people come down from the country's high mountains with gold to exchange for silver. They regularly give one ounce of gold for five ounces of silver. Merchants from other nations and foreign countries therefore come there to make these exchanges. The inhabitants of the high mountains who collect this gold live in great safety, without fear of attack. Foreigners cannot reach them, because the paths are so difficult and dangerous that a visitor is more likely to get lost than to find the peasants' hiding places. From there one comes to Mien, which borders India on the southern side. It contains large woods and forests inhabited by countless elephants, unicorns, and other wild animals. Apart from this, the land is deserted and uninhabited.\n\nOn the city of Mien and the king's tomb. Chapter XLIIII.\n\nAfter traveling fifteen days, one reaches a large and famous city called Mien, the capital of the whole kingdom, subject to the Great Khan and paying him tribute. Its inhabitants have their own language and worship idols. A very rich and wealthy king once lived in this city. Near the end of his life, he ordered a tomb built for himself in this way. A marble tower five fathoms high, with a thickness proportionate to its height, was to stand at each corner. The towers were to be round at the top. One was to be entirely covered with gold, with little gold bells hung from its peak to make a sweet, harmonious sound as the wind shook them. Another was to be covered with silver and likewise have little silver bells suspended at its top to sound in the wind. The king built this tomb to honor his name and preserve his memory among men. When the Great Khan conquered Mien, he expressly forbade his soldiers from destroying this tomb, erected to honor the king's name. Moreover, the Tartars, cruel and pitiless as they are, never violate tombs or anything else concerning the dead. The province has many elephants, fine large buffalo, deer, fallow deer, and other wild animals.\n\nOn the province of Bangala. Chap. LV.\n\nBangala, on the southern side, borders India. The Great Khan had not yet conquered it when I was at his court, but he had assembled and sent a large army to subdue it and make it pay tribute. The country has its own king and language. All its inhabitants worship idols and live on meat, rice, and milk. They have plenty of silk and cotton, which bring many large fairs and markets to the country. There is also abundant spikenard, galangal, ginger, sugar, and various other spices. Its great oxen are as big as elephants, though not quite so tall. They have the very bad custom of castrating boys and then selling them to merchants, who take them to various provinces.\n\nOn the province of Cangigu. Chap. XLVI.\n\nTraveling east beyond the province just described, one reaches Cangigu. It too has its own king and language. Its inhabitants worship idols and are subject to the Great Khan and pay him tribute. Their king has about three hundred wives. The province has plenty of gold and aromatic spices, but there is no trade in the spices, and they cannot readily be transported because the country is so far from the sea. There are also many elephants and fine opportunities to hunt wild animals. The people live on meat, milk, and rice, like the people of Bangala. They have no wine, but make an excellent drink of rice and spices. Both men and women customarily decorate their faces, necks, hands, bellies, and thighs. With needles they mark and engrave figures there, such as lions, dragons, birds, and other animals. The marks hold so firmly that they cannot easily be removed or erased. The more such images people have on their bodies, the more beautiful they are considered.\n\nOn the province of Amu. Chap. XLVII.\n\nAmu lies to the east and is subject to the Great Khan. Its inhabitants worship idols and have their own language. They have large herds of livestock and abundant food. They also have many fine horses, which merchants take from the country to India. There are plenty of oxen and buffalo too, for the pastures are very good. Both men and women wear valuable gold or silver jewelry and bracelets on their arms.\n\nOn the province of Tholoman. Chap. XLVIII.\n\nEight days' travel east of Amu lies Tholoman. It too belongs to the Great Khan's dominion, has its own language, and has inhabitants devoted to serving idols. Its men and women are well built, though brown-skinned. The fertile land is well cultivated, and the country is populous and has fine cities, castles, and fortresses. The men are very skilled at fighting because they regularly practice warfare. They burn the bodies of their deceased relatives. They carefully put the remaining bones and ashes in boxes and hide them in mountain hollows, so that neither people nor animals can find or reach them. There is much gold in this country, but instead of money they use little grains of gold found in the sands of the sea.\n\nOn the province of Ginguy. Chap. XLIX.\n\nContinuing east from Tholoman, one reaches Ginguy. One travels along a river for twelve days before arriving at a large town called Sinulgu. The whole country is subject to the Great Khan and pays him tribute, and its inhabitants worship idols. They make excellent cloth from tree bark and wear it in summer. There are so many lions that people do not dare leave their homes at night for fear of them. The lions are so savage that they tear apart and devour whatever they meet. Even the ships and boats traveling up and down the river are never tied to its banks for fear of lions. Instead they anchor in the middle of the river. If they were moored at the water's edge, lions would come in large numbers at night, climb aboard, and tear apart and eat everyone they found. Although the lions are very large and fierce, nature has provided the country with dogs strong and bold enough to attack them. Thus a good archer on horseback with two dogs often brings down and kills a lion. When the dogs sense a lion nearby, they attack with loud barking and cries, especially when a man is there to help them. They keep biting the lion's hindquarters and under its tail. The lion fights fiercely, opening its mouth to frighten the dogs and showing its teeth and claws. It turns quickly from side to side to knock them down and tear them apart. But the dogs are so cunning and careful that the lion cannot easily reach or wound them. The rider meanwhile aims his loaded crossbow or drawn bow at the lion when it tries to attack the dogs. The lion usually flees when attacked this way, fearing that the loud barking of the dogs will bring more men and dogs against it. Otherwise it backs against a tree for protection from behind and turns its open mouth toward the dogs, defending itself with all its strength. Meanwhile the horseman keeps shooting arrows at it until he brings it down and kills it. The dogs also keep it so busy and press it so hard that it does not notice the arrows hitting it until it falls. The country produces much silk, which merchants take to various regions.\n\nOn the cities of Cacausu, Canglu, and Ciangli. Chapter L.\n\nBeyond Ginguy there are many cities and castles along the route. After four days one reaches the noble and famous city of Cacausu, in Cathay to the south. It produces abundant silk, from which excellent cloth and taffeta interwoven with gold thread are made. Three days farther south is another large city called Canglu, where plenty of salt is found because the soil is very salty. They extract it as follows. They pile up earth into a large mound and pour water over it so that the water draws out and carries away the salt in the earth. The water collects in a ditch at the foot of the mound. They draw it off and boil it over a fire until it solidifies into salt. Five days from Canglu is another city called Ciangli. A large river passes through its center, carrying ships and boats loaded with goods, which leads to fine fairs and much trading there.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 51–60\n\nOn the cities of Tadinfu and Singuimatu. Chap. LI.\n\nTraveling six more days south, one reaches the great city of Tadinfu. It had a king before it was conquered and made tributary to the Great Khan. Forty other cities depend on it and are under its jurisdiction. They have excellent gardens, for the country is pleasant and delightful. Three days farther south is another fine city called Singuimatu. A large river comes down to it from the south, and the inhabitants have divided it into two branches. One flows east toward Mangi; the other flows west toward Cathay. Countless boats loaded with goods come upstream along these two waterways. If you continue south from Singminatu for twelve days, you will constantly pass numerous towns and villages along the roads, well populated and visited by merchants, where much trade takes place. The inhabitants worship idols and are subject to the Great Khan.\n\nOn the great river Caromoran and the cities of Corgangui and Caigui. Chap. LII.\n\nContinuing along the same road, one comes to a large river called Caromoran. It is said to rise in the kingdom of Prestejan. It is more than a large quarter of a league wide and so deep that large loaded ships can easily travel both up and down it. It has an abundance of fish, supporting excellent fisheries. Quite near the mouth of the river, where it flows into the great Ocean Sea, the Great Khan keeps about fifteen thousand ships ready and fully supplied. If he needs to send his army to the nearby sea islands, he can thus do so quickly and easily. Some ships are large enough to accommodate fifteen horses and as many men, together with all the food and fodder they need. Each ship has about twenty sailors and pilots. On the riverbanks near the ships' station stand two fine cities, one called Corgangui and the other Caigui. As soon as one crosses the river, one enters the noble province of Mangi, whose outstanding qualities will be described in the following chapters.\n\nOn the province of Mangi and the kindness and justice of its king. Chapter LIII.\n\nMangi once had a king named Facfur. He was so rich and powerful that no one in the country was stronger except the Great Khan. His kingdom was so well fortified that people thought it impossible to conquer, and no one dared attack or challenge him. As a result, the king and his people neglected the use and practice of arms. Every city was surrounded by wide, deep moats full of water, but they had no horses, since they feared no one. This confidence allowed the king to enjoy himself continually. He regularly kept a thousand noblemen at court, besides his large and distinguished staff of servants and officers. Yet he paid particular attention to justice. He loved peace and quiet and was very merciful. No one dared harm his neighbor or disturb public peace, or he would be punished. In short, his kingdom was so free and secure that craftsmen often left their shops open at night, and no one dared enter them. Foreigners and travelers could go through the country safely by day or night, without fear of anyone. The king was also very kind and charitable to the poor. He never abandoned people who were in urgent need or suffered from want. Moreover, every year he took in many exposed children abandoned by their mothers, sometimes as many as twenty thousand, and had them fed and supported at his expense. Poor women in this country commonly cast out and abandon their children so that other people will take them in and raise them. The king gave some of the children he gathered to the richer and more prominent people of his kingdom, especially those without children, and ordered them to adopt them as their own. As for those he raised and supported himself, he later married them to girls in the same situation, likewise abandoned by their parents in childhood. He gave them some income to live on and support themselves.\n\nHow Baiam, commander of the Great Khan's army, conquered Mangi. Chapter LIIII.\n\nIn the year of our salvation one thousand two hundred sixty-eight, the Great Khan Kublai wanted to add Mangi to his empire. He conquered and brought it under his rule as follows. He assembled a large army of cavalry and infantry and put a man called Baiam Chinsam in command as his lieutenant and captain. In their language the name means the light of a hundred eyes. He sent him and the army into Mangi. Baiam first laid siege to Coniganhuy and demanded that its inhabitants surrender and pledge loyalty and obedience to Emperor Kublai. They refused. On hearing their answer, he lifted the siege and left without causing them any injury or trouble. He did the same at the next city, which likewise refused. He went on to demand the surrender of the third, fourth, and fifth cities, all of which refused. But at the sixth he launched a furious attack, pressing it so hard that he captured it by storm. He then turned back against the other cities and likewise captured them by storm. In a short time he took twelve cities. His army included very brave and valiant men, all picked troops, bold and skilled in war. Moreover, the Great Khan sent him reinforcements in the form of a second army no smaller than the first. This struck such great fear, even despair, into the people of Mangi that they began to lose heart. Baiam then went directly to camp before Quinsai, the capital and chief city of the province, where the king of Mangi held court. When the king recognized the Tartars' strength and courage and saw how boldly they acted, he was greatly alarmed. He took to the sea with the largest company he could assemble and withdrew to some islands that could not be captured. He had about a thousand ships with him. He left the defense of Quinsai to his wife the queen, as though she could provide great support and protection. The queen, however, acted with manly courage and good judgment. She neglected nothing necessary for the city's defense. But when she heard that the Tartar commander was called Baiam Chinsam, meaning a hundred eyes, she was terrified and lost all her strength and courage. Her astrologers and magicians had told her that Quinsai could only be taken by a man with a hundred eyes. She had thought it impossible and contrary to nature for a man to have a hundred eyes. Hearing now that the prophecy fit this captain, she did not want to resist fate and its decrees. Instead she summoned the Tartar commander, spoke with him, and freely surrendered both the city and the entire kingdom. When the citizens and residents of that city and the other people of the kingdom heard this, they willingly swore loyalty and obedience to the Great Khan. The only exception was a city called Sianfu, which held out under siege for three years before surrendering, as will be described below. The queen went to the Great Khan's court, where he received and treated her honorably. Her husband, the king of Mangi, remained in the islands and spent the rest of his life there, where he died.\n\nOn the city of Conigangui. Chap. LV.\n\nThe first city one finds on entering Mangi is Conigangui. It is famous, large, and rich in all kinds of goods. It stands on the river Caromoran, which forms a fine harbor there, visited by many ships. So much salt is made in this city that it can supply forty cities, bringing the Great Khan much profit and revenue. The city's inhabitants and all the surrounding country people worship idols and burn the bodies of the dead instead of burying them.\n\nOn the cities of Panchy and Cain. Chap. LVI.\n\nOne day's journey beyond Conigangui, toward the sirocco wind, stands the city of Panchy. It is large and famous for its commerce and trade. It has plenty of silk and abundant food. It is also well placed on the main road along which all the revenues brought from Mangi to the Great Khan pass. The entire road from Conigangui to Panchi is paved with fine stone. There is no other road or place by which one can enter Mangi. One day's journey beyond Panchi is the city of Cain, also fine and well known. There are good fisheries and opportunities to hunt wild animals and birds around it, especially pheasants, which are found there in abundance.\n\nOn the city of Tingui. Chap. LVII.\n\nOne day's journey farther on one reaches Tongui. Though it is not large, it is well supplied with all kinds of food. It has a fairly good port visited by many ships, since it is not far from the open sea. It also has many saltworks, near which the city of Tingui stands. Another day's journey from Tingui toward the sirocco wind is another fine, pleasant city, in a good location and gentle countryside. As many as twenty-seven other cities fall under its government and jurisdiction. I, Marco Polo, can say this with certainty, since I governed it for three years by order of the Great Khan.\n\nHow the Tartars captured Sianfu. Chap. LVIII.\n\nTo the west lies a province called Nauiguy. It is rich and prosperous, with beautiful countryside, and makes costly cloth of gold and silk. Wheat also grows abundantly there. Its principal city is called Sianfu, and twelve other cities depend on it and fall under its jurisdiction. During their conquest of Mangi the Tartars besieged Sianfu for three years without the whole army and all the Tartar forces being able to accomplish anything. The city is surrounded on all sides by water and large lakes. It can only be attacked and entered from the north. Its inhabitants therefore cared so little about the Tartars that throughout the siege they regularly sent ships loaded with food and supplies in and out of the harbor without any interference or resistance. The Great Khan was deeply distressed that he could not complete his enterprise. At that time my father, my uncle, and I were at the emperor's court and in his service. We told him that, if he would listen and agree to follow our advice, we could provide a means to capture the city and bring it under his rule quickly. We proposed certain ingenious engines that had not yet been used in that country, and he readily agreed. We therefore had some Christian carpenters who were with us build three machines for throwing stones. Each machine could hurl a stone weighing three hundred pounds. The machines were immediately loaded onto two ships and sent to the camp. Once they had been set up against Sianfu, they began to throw heavy blocks and pieces of stone into the city. The first stone struck a house with such force that it shattered and destroyed most of it. The Tartars, even those who were besieging the city, were amazed and astonished at this. Those inside were more frightened still by these new attacks. They saw the danger and desperate position their enemies had put them in, since they were not safe even inside their houses. To prevent the city from being destroyed by the force of these stones and its people from being injured, they asked to negotiate and surrender to the Great Khan's rule and obedience. Their surrender was accepted.\n\nOn the city of Singui and the river Quiam on which it stands. Chap. LIX.\n\nFive great leagues from Sianfu lies Singui. Though it is not very large, many ships loaded with goods arrive there. It stands on the bank of a large river called Quiam, truly one of the largest rivers in the world, and I do not think it has an equal. In some places it is more than three great leagues wide, in others a little less, and most often two leagues wide. Its course extends the distance of a hundred days' travel. Countless ships sail on it, so many that one might think it impossible to find that many more in the entire world. In short, the city is famous for the great trade, fairs, and business conducted there because of the huge quantities of merchandise brought in on this river. Many other cities stand along its banks, as many as two hundred. The river passes through the boundaries and territories of sixteen provinces, the smallest of which sends five thousand ships sailing on it. The largest ships of the country have only one deck and one mast to hold and spread the sail. People use no hemp ropes except for the mast and sail. Instead they use cables or ropes made from large reeds, sometimes to tow their ships along the river. They make them as follows. They split the large reeds into pieces, some reeds being seven or eight fathoms long. They bind the ends together and twist the pieces into long ropes, as much as a hundred and fifty fathoms long, stronger than hemp ropes.\n\nOn the city of Caigui. Chap. LX.\n\nCaigui is a small city on the bank of the great river Quiam, toward the sirocco wind. So much wheat and rice grow in its territory that these crops are carried from there to the Great Khan's court. There are many large lakes and rivers along the route from one place to the other. They lay so close together that the Great Khan easily had them joined into a single waterway, now able to carry ships and let supplies pass conveniently in both directions. In some places, however, the intervening land has not yet been fully cut away. There the ships must be unloaded, and the grain must be carried overland to another lake, where other ships are ready to receive it and take it on. Near Caigui there is an island in the middle of the river. It holds a large monastery full of monks who serve idols. This monastery is the head and superior of all the other monasteries in the country dedicated to serving idols.\n\n### Book Two, Chapters 61–65\n\nThe city of Cingianfu. Chap. LXI.\n\nCingianfu is a city in the province of Mangi. People make many fine objects of gold and silk there. It has some churches of Nestorian Christians. Marsarus the Nestorian had them built while he was governor of the city under the Great Khan, in the year of our salvation one thousand two hundred and eighty-eight.\n\nThe city of Cingingui and the killing of its citizens. Chap. LXII.\n\nAfter leaving Cingianfu and traveling for three days, one reaches Cingingui. Along the way there are many small towns and villages where people trade goods and make fine, skillful objects. Cingingui is a large, prosperous city, rich in both wealth and every kind of food. When Baiam, the leader of the Tartar army, was pursuing the conquest of Mangi, he sent several bands of Christians called Alans to besiege Cingingui. After calling on the city to surrender, they pressed and attacked it so fiercely that its citizens had to surrender of their own accord. Once inside, the Alans did not wound or mistreat any of the inhabitants, because they had submitted willingly, without being forced, to the Great Khan. But the Alans found a great deal of very good wine in the city and drank so much that they all got drunk. The next night, heavy with sleep, they took no care to set a watch. The citizens, who had earlier received them peacefully, saw this and seized their chance to carry out their evil intentions. They fell on the sleeping men and killed them all. Not one escaped. Baiam later learned of this outrage and betrayal. He sent another large army against the people of Cingingui. It soon took the city by assault and punished their treachery and disloyalty by putting every one of them to death, without exception.\n\nThe city of Singui. Chap. LXIII.\n\nSingui is a very beautiful, large, and famous city. Its circuit is about twenty leagues. A great many people live there, as the whole province of Mangi is densely populated. But they are not warlike. Almost all are merchants or artisans. There are also many doctors and philosophers. Singui has about six thousand stone bridges. Their arches are so high that large ships can easily pass underneath without lowering or bending their masts. A great deal of rhubarb and ginger grows in the mountains around the city. Sixteen other fine towns fall under its authority. There is much trade in these towns and many artisans who make excellent goods. The citizens of Singui usually wear silk and taffeta, because a great deal of silk cloth is made there. In their language, the name Singui means the city of the earth. They also have a city called Quinsai, meaning the city of the sun. These are the two most distinguished and outstanding cities in the whole eastern country.\n\nThe city of Quinsai. Chap. LXIIII.\n\nFive days from Singui stands another beautiful and famous city called Quinsai, which in their language means the city of heaven. It is so large and spacious that I believe no other city in the world matches its size. I, Marco Polo, can say this because I have been there and carefully investigated everything notable about it, especially the customs and ways of its inhabitants. I will briefly and faithfully describe everything I could see and learn. Quinsai has a circuit of about thirty-four leagues. It has twelve thousand stone bridges, with arches so high that large ships can easily pass beneath them with their masts raised and sails spread. The city lies on marshy ground, like Venice. Without these bridges, people could not get from one street to another. It has countless artisans and merchants, so many that it would be unbelievable if I gave an exact number. The master craftsmen do not work at the crafts themselves. They have servants appointed to do the work. The citizens live in great luxury and pleasure, especially the women. For this reason the women are more beautiful and more splendidly dressed than those of any other country. On the southern side, inside the city walls, there is a great lake with a circuit of about ten leagues. Many splendid houses belonging to the country's nobles stand along its shores. They are magnificent and lavish, inside and out. There are also some temples dedicated to idols. In the middle of the lake are two small islands. Each has a fine large palace or castle where all the decorations, dishes, and equipment needed for weddings and other formal feasts and banquets are carefully kept. If one of the city's citizens wants to hold a magnificent feast, he takes his guests to one of these palaces, where they receive generous hospitality and are treated with honor. Quinsai has very fine and luxurious houses. There are also public towers along its streets. When a fire breaks out, neighbors carry their belongings into them to keep them safe from the flames. Many houses in the city are made entirely of wood, so they catch fire quite often and burn down. The inhabitants worship idols and eat horse, dog, and the meat of other animals they consider filthy and unclean without distinction. They use the Great Khan's currency. To prevent rebellions, he always keeps a large garrison there. It also prevents and stops murders and thefts: day and night, ten men are stationed to guard each bridge. Inside the city walls is a mountain with a tall tower built on it. At the top are wooden boards arranged so that striking them with a hammer makes a loud sound. They use them when a fire breaks out anywhere in the city. As soon as the watchmen stationed in the tower see it, they strike the boards with hammers. The inhabitants can easily hear the noise and run to put out the fire. The boards are also sounded when a riot, disturbance, or popular uprising occurs in the city. All the streets and squares are paved with stone, which keeps the city clean at all times. There are about three thousand public bathhouses and steam baths in the city. The inhabitants go there to bathe in public and wash themselves. They attach particular importance to keeping their bodies clean. The city lies only about eight or ten leagues from the great ocean, at the place where Canfu stands on the seashore. Canfu has a very convenient harbor, where countless ships from the Indies and other regions dock. The river that passes through Quinsai also runs into the sea at this port of Canfu, allowing countless goods to be carried there. Because Mangi is so extensive, the Great Khan has divided it into nine kingdoms and appointed a king to each. All these kings are rich and powerful, but they are subject to the Great Khan. Every year they pay him a fixed sum and tribute from the income of their kingdoms and give him an account of it. One of them lives in Quinsai. He governs one hundred and forty towns belonging to his kingdom. The entire province of Mangi has about twelve hundred towns and cities. In each of them, the Great Khan has stationed a garrison to prevent any revolts or rebellions that might arise. These garrisons consist of many different kinds of people gathered from various nations, especially paid soldiers drawn from different units of the Great Khan's army. In this country, especially in Mangi, they observe the movements of the heavens carefully and diligently. They even take great care to record each child's horoscope and rising sign, the day and hour of birth, and which planet was dominant then. They use their astrologers' advice and judgments to direct the child's affairs, journeys, and ventures throughout life. There is another custom in the country. When someone dies, relatives put on large sacks of hemp cloth and carry the dead body to its burial place, singing and shouting loudly. They paint images of their servants, maids, horses, and possessions on tablets and burn everything with the body. They believe that the dead person will enjoy all these things in the next world and have just as many servants. They then play musical instruments. They think their gods receive the dead person with the same ceremony and honor that the relatives give at the funeral. In Quinsai there is a splendid, magnificent palace where Facfur, formerly king of Mangi, usually kept his court. The outer wall enclosing the castle in a square measures more than three leagues around and rises to a suitable height. Inside the wall are excellent gardens with all kinds of unusual trees and fruit. There are also beautiful fountains and fishponds full of fish. At the center stands the royal palace, large and spacious. It would be hard to find its equal anywhere in the world for luxury and magnificence. It contains twenty halls of the same size. Each one can seat and comfortably entertain ten thousand men at once. All these halls are painted and hung with tapestries fit for a king. It is estimated that Quinsai has six hundred thousand hearths, or households, each of which can consist of a man with his wife, children, and servants. There is only one Christian church in the city, and it belongs to Nestorians. Another custom in the city and throughout Mangi is for each head of a household to have his name, his wife's name, and the names of his entire household inscribed at the entrance and on the doorposts of his home, along with the number of his horses. When anyone in the household dies or moves out, that person's name is erased. The name of a newborn child or a newly hired servant is put in its place. In this way the number of all the city's inhabitants can easily be known. Likewise, innkeepers and tavern keepers write on signs posted at their doors the names of the guests and foreign travelers staying with them, along with the day and month they arrived.\n\nThe large tribute and income the Great Khan receives each year from Quinsai and Mangi. Chap. LXV.\n\nEvery year the Great Khan takes eight hundred thousand écus from the salt produced in Quinsai and the surrounding area. He takes so much money from other things, especially merchandise, that it would be hard to count. A great deal of sugar and many other aromatic spices are found in this province. The Great Khan takes three and a half percent of these, and the same share of all the merchants' other goods and possessions. He also receives a large income from the wine made from rice and other spices. He makes a large profit from the artisans as well, especially from the twelve trades. As for silk, which is very plentiful in Mangi, he takes ten out of every hundred ells as his due. I, Marco Polo, once heard all the annual income and taxes that the Great Khan took from the kingdom of Quinsai calculated. This kingdom is only a ninth of Mangi. The total, not counting salt, was found to exceed fifteen million six hundred thousand écus.\n\nThe city of Tampingui. Chap. LXVI.\n\nBeyond Quinsai, traveling toward the southeast wind, one passes a continuous stretch of beautiful, well-kept orchards and gardens. After one day's journey one reaches the fine and famous city of Tampingui. Continuing on the same route for three more days, one finds so many towns and castles that, seen from far away, they look like a single city made up of castles built close together. There is also plenty of food. The canes and reeds grow so large that some are seven or eight toises long and four handspans around. Three days farther on stands the large and beautiful city of Gengui. Beyond it, still traveling toward the southeast wind, one can see towns and castles scattered across the countryside. Many large, fierce lions live in this region. There are no sheep here, as in all of Mangi, but there are plenty of oxen, goats, male goats, and pigs. After traveling four days farther, one arrives at another fine city called Ciangian. It stands on the crest of a mountain that divides a large river in two; from there, the river runs into two different regions. Three days farther on is Cugui, the last city on the border of the kingdom of Quinsai.\n\nThe kingdom of Concha. Chap. LXVII.\n\nLeaving Cugui behind, one enters the kingdom of Concha, whose capital is called Fuguy. Traveling through this kingdom for six days, one finds a very uneven country, with one hill and valley after another, but also many towns and castles. Food is plentiful. There is especially good hunting for land animals and birds. There are also many lions. Ginger grows in abundance, as does a certain flower that looks like saffron. It is a different species, although people use it as saffron. The inhabitants are very fond of human flesh, provided it comes from someone who did not die of disease. When they go to war, each man stamps a mark on his forehead with a hot iron. None of them dares take a horse to war except the army's chief and commander. Their weapons are swords and spears or javelins. They drink the blood and eat the flesh of those they kill in war. They are very cruel and inhuman people.\n\nThe cities of Quelinfu and Unquen. Chapitre LXVIII.\n\nAfter traveling through Concha for the six days mentioned above, one reaches the large and famous city of Quelinfu. It stands on a beautiful river that runs all the way around it, with three great bridges of cut stone. Beautiful marble columns decorate their upper sides. Each bridge is four toises wide and five hundred toises long. There is a great deal of silk in the city, as well as ginger and galangal. Its inhabitants, men and women alike, are very handsome. There are chickens whose plumage is hair like a cat's fur. They are usually black, but they lay very good eggs. So many lions live in this region that it is dangerous to travel through it. Five leagues from Quelinfu stands another city called Unquen. It produces a great deal of sugar from the canes growing around it. The sugar is taken from there all the way to the Great Khan's court, which is usually in Cambaluc.\n\nThe city of Fugui. Chap. LXX.\n\nFive leagues farther on stands Fugui, the capital and chief city of the kingdom of Concha. This is one of the nine kingdoms into which Mangi was divided. The Great Khan keeps large garrisons and many soldiers in the city to keep the province secure and defend it from enemy raids. They also suppress any riots or disturbances that might arise and lead to rebellion against the emperor. A large river passes through the city and is almost half a league wide. The city is quite close to the open sea, where this river empties. Goods are brought from the Indies through its mouth, especially pearls and other precious stones. The city does a great deal of business, with extensive trade. It also has a great deal of sugar and enough food.\n\nThe cities of Zartem and Figui. Chap. LXV.\n\nBeyond this river, one travels for five days to Zartem. Along the way one encounters many towns and castles and plenty of food. There are also many mountains and forests whose trees yield a great deal of pitch. Zartem is a very large city on a convenient seaport, where countless ships from the Indies arrive carrying goods. It is as busy a trading city as any in the world. The pepper and other aromatic spices that Western merchants obtain from Alexandria are first brought to the markets and fairs of Zartem. The Great Khan collects an enormous tribute from the city. No ship enters its port without paying him a large sum or bringing him a large profit through his duties. He demands nearly half of every kind of spice. Another city in this region is called Figui. It is famous in the country for the fine bowls and dishes made there. Its inhabitants speak a language of their own. What has been said above about Mangi will do for now. Although we have described only two of its kingdoms, we have deliberately left out the others so that we can return to the description of India. We stayed there for some time and saw with our own eyes many remarkable things worthy of great admiration. We even handled them and touched them with our hands, so to speak.\n\nEND OF THE SECOND BOOK.","download_url":"https://mouseia.org/api/works/polo/translations/trn_polo_plain.txt"}],"retex_markdown_url":"https://mouseia.org/api/works/polo/retex.md"}}