Marco Polo · Complete work
Book Two, Chapters 1–7
Book Two, Chapters 1–7 of 8. Read it here for reference, or continue through the entire work without leaving the reader.
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De la puissance & magnificence de Cublaigrand Cham de Tartarie.Chapitre I.
En 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 grandeprovidence & 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.
De la rebellion que fist Naiam contre Cublai.Chapitre II.
Nous 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.
Comment l’Empereur prevint & se fortifiacontre ses ennemis.Chap. III.
Ceste 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.
De la victoire de Cublai contre Naiam.Chap. IIII.
Donc 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.
Comment Naiam fut faict mourir.Chapitre V.
Donc 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.
La reprimende que feist Cublai aux Juifz & Sarrazins,qui blasmoient & mesprisoient le signe de la croix de Jesus Christ.Chapitre VI.
Or 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.
En quelle maniere le grand Cham recompenseses gensdarmes apres la victoire obtenue.Chapitre VII.
Quand 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.
Musean translation
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.
On the power and magnificence of Kublai, Great Khan of Tartary. Chapter I.
In 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.
On the rebellion Naiam raised against Kublai. Chapter II.
We 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.
How the emperor forestalled his enemies and strengthened his position against them. Chap. III.
This 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.
On Kublai’s victory over Naiam. Chap. IIII.
Emperor 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.
How Naiam was put to death. Chapter V.
King 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.
The rebuke Kublai gave the Jews and Saracens who slandered and scorned the sign of the cross of Jesus Christ. Chapter VI.
The 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.
How the Great Khan rewards his men-at-arms after a victory. Chapter VII.
When 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.
Plain English translation
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.
On the Power and Splendor of Kublai, Great Khan of Tartary. Chapter I.
In 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.
On Naiam’s Rebellion against Kublai. Chapter II.
We 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.
How the Emperor Took Action and Prepared against His Enemies. Chapter III.
The 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.
On Kublai’s Victory over Naiam. Chapter IIII.
Emperor 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.
How Naiam Was Put to Death. Chapter V.
King 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.
Kublai’s Rebuke to the Jews and Saracens Who Insulted and Scorned the Sign of Jesus Christ’s Cross. Chapter VI.
The 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.
How the Great Khan Rewards His Soldiers after a Victory. Chapter VII.
When 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.