The most noble and famous travels of Marcus Paulus, one of the nobility of the state of Venice, into the East parts of the world, as Armenia, Persia, Arabia, Tartary, with many other kingdoms and Provinces.  
Not less pleasant, than profitable, as appeareth by the Table, or Contents of this Book.  
Most necessary for all sorts of Persons, and especially for travelers.  
Translated into English.  
AT LONDON, Printed by Ralph Newberry Anno. 1579.   

¶ To the right worshipful Mr. Edward Dyar Esquire, john Frampton wisheth prosperous health and felicity.  
HAVING lying by me in my chamber (right Worshipful) a translation of the great voyage & long travels of Paulus Venetus the Venetian, many merchants, Pilots, and Mariners, and others of divers degrees, much bend to Discoveries, resorting to me upon several occasions, took so great delight with the reading of my Book, finding in the same such strange things, & such a world of variety of matters, that I could never be in quiet, for one or for an other, for the committing the same to print in the English tongue, persuading, that it might give great light to our Seamen, if ever this nation chanced to found a passage out of the frozen Zone to the South Seas, and otherwise delight many home dwellers, furtherers of travelers. But finding in myself small ability for the finishing of it, in such perfection as the excellency of the work, and as this learned time did require, I stayed a long time, in hope some learned man would have translated the work, but finding none that would take it in hand, to satisfy so many requests, now at last I determined to set it forth, as I could, referring the learned in tongues, delighted in eloquence, to the work itself, written in Latin, Spanish, and Italian, and the rest that have but the English tongue, that seek only for substance of matter to my plain translation, beseeching to take my travel and good meaning in the best part. And bethinking myself of some special Gentleman, a lover of knowledge, to whom I might dedicated the same, I found no man, that I know in that respect more worthy of the same, than your worship, nor yet any man, to whom so many Scholars, 〈◊〉 many travelers, and so many men of valour, suppressed or hindered with poverty, or distressed by lack of friends in Court, are so much bound as to you, and therefore to you I dedicated the same, not because you yourself want the knowledge of tongues, for I know you to have the Latin, the Italian, the French, and the Spanish: But because of your worthiness, and for that I have since my first acquaintance found myself without any great desert on my part, more bound unto you than to any man in England, and therefore for your desert & token of a thankful mind, I dedicated the same to your worship, most humbly praying you to take it in good part, and to be patron of the same: and so wishing you continuance of virtue, with much increase of the same, I take my leave, wishing you with many for the common wealth's sake, place with authority, where you may have daily exercise of the gifts that the Lord hath endowed you withal in plentiful sort. From my lodging this xxuj. day of januarie. 1579.  
Your worships to command, JOHN FRAMPTON.   

¶ Master Rothorigo to the Reader.  
¶ An Introduction into cosmography.  
Because many be desirous of the knowledge of the parts of the world, what names they have, and in what places they be, and that many and sundry times the holy scripture doth make mention, and also it is profitable for such as do traffic and trade to have knowledge, I was moved to give notice to all such as are desirous or have pleasure in reading.  
You shall understand, that a man turning his face to the rising of the Sun, that part that is before his eyes where the Sun doth rise, is called Orient or east, and his contrary where the Sun setteth, is Occident or West. The course or way of the Sun is called Media die, or South, which is on your right hand, his contrary part that is on the left hand is called Septentrion or North.  
Furthermore, you shall understand, that if a man stand in the Island of Cales, and look towards the rising of the Sun, he shall see three principal parts of the world▪ divided by the Sea called Mediterraneum, that cometh on●e of the great Ocean and west Sea, and runneth towards the east, and by two very great and principal rivers, the one coming from the South, called Nilus, and the other from the North, called Taenais.  

Africa  
YOu shall also understand, that from the entering of the strait called juberaltare, upon the right hand to the river Nilus bordering upon Egypt, is called Africa, th● Sea that is towards us, is called Libya, that which is towards the South, is called Ethiopia, which is the Ocean, the Sea towards the west, is called Atlantica, and is also the great Ocean Sea. It hath these famous Cities and Provinces. Over against juberaltar, and the coast of Mallaga is Mauritania, which we call Barbary. It is named Barbaria, because the people be barbarous, not only in language, but in manners and customs. Following towards the East is Numidia, Getulia, Tunes, a city in Africa, the name so given by Asu, to all Syria, and Egypt. On the South part be the Ethiopians, which hereafter shall be spoken of.   

Europa  
EVropa is called all the provinces against Africa towards the North from the great Ocean Sea, that entereth into the straights to the river Tanai, and the great lake called Meotis, where this river entereth into. In this there is comprehended Portugal, Britania, Spain, France, Almain, Italy, Grecia, Polonia, Hungary, or Panonia, Valachia, Asia the lesser, Phrygia, Turkia, Galatia, Lydia, Pamphilia, Lauria, Lycia, Cilicia, Scythia the lower, Dacia, Gocia and Thracia.   

Asia  
ASia the greater is tha● that is beyond Europa and Africa, that is to say, on the other side o● Nilus Southward, and the river Tanais Northward, following the way Eastward, and is as big as Europa and Africa, and compassed with three Seas, Easterly or Oriental, Indigo to the southward, Scythia to the Northward, having provinces, Soria, Mesopotamia, Parthia, Sarmasia, Asiatica, Arabia, Persia, Armenia, Medea, Hyrcania, Carmania, the India's on this side and beyond the river Ganges.  
Also you shall understand, that the great Sea called the Ocean, doth compass about the foresaid three principal parts of the world, and so doth compass all the whole world, although there be divers regions and places whereas they be, having divers names.  
Moreover, you shall understand, that in whatsoever parts of the Sea that do answer to any parts of the foresaid Countries, as there be many islands inhabited with divers people, aswell as the East parts, whereas is Taprobane and Thyle, and others infinite number on their sides, aswell as on the other parts before declared, and those that be between them and all others, are to be understanded to pertain to one of these three parts of the world beforesaid, to which it may be most properly judged to be, and lieth nearest unto.   

Ethiopia  
Moreover, you must note, that Ethiopia is a common name to many Provinces and Countries, inhabited with black people called Negroes. And to begin with the most west parts, the first is 〈◊〉, that is to say, from Cab● Verde or the green Cape, and following the co●st of the Sea, to the mouth or straight of the Red Sea. Albina those provinces be called Ethiopians, and of these Ethiopians from Guinea unto Cas● Mansa, that is to say, the King's palace, they be of the sect of Mahomet, circumcised the most part of them. And the chiefest and most principal of these people be the jolofos and Mandingoes, and be most part under the government of a King called Mandimansa, for Mansa is as much to say as Senior or Lord, and Mandy Mandinga, so by this his title he is Lord Mandinga. This King is black, and his abiding is in the province of Sertano four hundred leagues within the land, in a City compassed about with a wall called jaga, which is rich of gold and silver, and of all such merchandise as is occupied in Adem and in Mecca: and from thence forward the Ethiopians be idolaters to the cape called Buona Esperanca, and there turneth again to the sect of Mahomet. Beyond these provinces following up into the land of Sartan● be great and high mountains or hills, called mountains of the Moon, the tops of them be always covered with Snow, & at the foot of them springeth the river Nilus, and this Country is called Ethiopia beside Eg●pt, and in Arabia it is called Abas, and the inhabitants ●●h●ssm●s, and be Christians, and do use to be marked with an iron in the face: they be not baptised with fire (as some do say) but as we are, but they be Heretics, jacobites. and Hebeyonites. They do hold on the old law with the new, and be circumcised, and do keep the Sabaoth day, and do eat no Po●ke, and some of them do take many wives, and be also baptised, and do say, that their King came and descended of King Solomon, and of the Queen Saba, and this King hath continual wars with the Moors.  
There is another Ethiopia called Asiatica interior, which the Arabians call Zenium, and these do extend from the said hills of the Moon, 
N●lus.  and of Nilus, to the borders of Barbary. And the saying is, that among all Rivers, only Nilus entereth into two Seas, that is to say, one branch into the East Sea, and another branch into the West Sea. All these Ethiopians be Moors, and their labour and occupation, is digging of gold out of the ground, where they do find great plenty. There is also another Ethiopia called Tragodytica, and this doth reach or extend from the foresaid Ethiopia, to the strait or mouth of the red Sea, 
The red Sea.  and these be somewhat whiter, and the King and people be Moors, and came out of Arabia foelix, for the Arabians came over the strait of the red Sea, and got that Country of the jacobites by force, and at this day there is robbing and stealing among them secretly, for the King of the jacobites is of so great power, that the soldan of Babylon doth give him tribute. 
soldan.    

Arabia  
THat which we do call Arabia, the Arabians do call Arab, and is called Gesyrdelaab. That which is between the red Sea, and Sinus Perficus, is called the Island of Arabia, and this is called Arabia Foelix, by reason of the Incense that groweth there. 
Arabia Felix.   
There be other two Arabia's beside this, the one of them extending from the Mount Sinai, to the dead Sea, where the Children of Israel went forty years, and this is called Arabia petrea, taking that name of a City that is there. The other doth extend between Syria and Euphrates towards the City of Lep●, and this they do call Arabia desan, 
Aleppo.  which is as much to say, as of Syria, and our Latins do call it Arabia deserta. And whereas the vulgar people, and men for the most part, do think that Antilla, or those Islands lately found out by commandment of the Catholic King Don Fernando, and Lady Isabella Queen, be in the India's, they be deceived therein, to call it by the name of the India's. And for because that in Spaniola, or new Spain, they do found gold, some do not let to say it is Tharsis, and Ophin, and Sethin, from whence in the time of Solomon, 
Erroneous judgements of the voyages of Solomon.  they brought gold to Jerusalem. And thus augmenting errors upon errors, let not to say, that the Prophets when they said that the name of our Lord God should be pronounced to people that have not heard of it, and in places and Countries very far off, and aparted, which is said to be understanded by those that be called Indians, and by these Islands, and furthermore do not let to say to this day, that it is to be understanded by the places mentioned in the holy Scripture, and the Catholic doctors, and that this secret God hath kept hidden all this time, and by finding out these islands did reveal it. I seeing how they are deceived in their vain inventions, and great simplicity, for zeal and good will of the truth, and to kill this canker, that it creep no more nor engender greater errors, will give light to this error, answering to the said muttering talkers, according as to every of them doth require.  
And first you shall understand, that this name India, according to all Cosmographers, as well Christians as Infidels, of old time, and of later years, the name doth come of a River named Hind, or Hyndo, that going towards the East, is the beginning of the India's, which be three in number, 
Three India's, the first is the lower India.  that is to say, the first is called the lower or neither India, the second is called the middle India, and the third is called the high or upper India. The first or lower India is renamed Caysar, and these do extend towards the East, from the River India, unto a port or Haven on the Sea side, of great traffic and trade, called Cambaya. And the King of this India, and also the most part of the people be Moors, and the rest Idolaters. The second or middle India is surnamed Mynbar, 

The second or middle India.  
Lading of Spices.   and doth reach to the borders of Colchico, and this hath very fair Havens, and Ports of great traffic, where they do lad Pepper, Ginger, and other Spices and Drugs. The Ports or Havens be called Colocud, Coulen, Hely, Faten●r, Colnugur, and here be many Christians Heretics Nestorians, and many Indians, although towards the North they be Idolaters. The third India, which is the high India, is surnamed Mahabar, and doth extend unto Cauch, 

The third India called the higher India.  
An Ox worshipped.   which is the River Ganges. Here groweth plenty of Cinnamon, and Pearl. The King and people of this Country worship the Ox. Besides these three India's, which lie towards the rising of the Sun, there can not be found neither Author nor Man that hath traveled the firm land, neither the Seas adjoining there unto, that can say, there is any other Province or Island named India, saving that if any would give to understand, that going toward the West, he went towards the East, and that although he came unto the terrenall Paradise, and that these islands should lie in the great West Ocean Seas, it appeareth plainly, for that those that sail thither, steam their Ship towards the Occident, and his direct wind which he saileth withal, is out of the Orient or the East. So it appeareth, that they sail not unto the India, but that they fly and departed from the India. And thus it appeareth that he would say, that the first name that ever it had, or was set, naming it Antillya, seeming, that by the corruption of the vulgar, naming it Ant India, as to say against India, even as Antichrist is contrary or against Christ, or Antenorth against the North. And thus it appeareth, that it can not be named India, but to understand it as an antephrase, clean contrary, as a Negro, or a black Moor should be named white john, or a Negresse or black woman, to be named a Pearl, or a Margarita, that for finding gold in the Island named H●spaniola, it should have the name set Tharsia, or Ophin, or Sethin, nor believe it standeth in Asia as some would say, although the thing is so clear, that it seemeth a mockery to prove it: but reason doth lead, that we should give Milk unto Children and Infants. Saint Austin declareth, that the circumstance of the letter doth illuminate the sentence. And it appeareth in the third Book of Kings, in the tenth Chapter, and the second of Paralipomenon, in the ninth Chapter, do say, that the Servants of Solomon, and of Diran, do find they brought from Ophin and Sethin, and Tharsis, not only gold, but also Silver and Timber, called Thina, and elephants teeth, and Peacocks, and Apes, and Precious stones, the which things in infinite places of the very true Indians, as well in countries far within the land, as also in Countries upon the Sea side, and also in Islands without number, that be in the orient or East Seas, shall be found, as by experience of the Merchants trafficking into the East, conforming to the holy Scripture, and to all those that do writ, as well Catholics, as Profanes, is manifest. And in the Island called Spaniola, there can be found no such Timber, nor all the other things before named, saving Gold, the which as by this work will appear, is found in a great number of places of the Oriental parts. What is he that in bringing gold from Antilla, will prove it is from Ophin, or Sethin, or Tharsis, from whence it was brought to Solomon. First he must prove that it was never found but in one place, and that at this day it is not to be had, but in the same place only, from whence it was brought to Solomon, the which is a manifest untruth or false. And also they that understand that the story of the holy scripture, and the holy prophets, when they do now name countries from whence those things be brought, and far Islands of idolaters, wheeeas the name of God was not h●ard, did not speak but of Spaniola, and of the other West parts, he must prove there is no other idolaters in the world but those whom he falsely calleth Indians, nor other islands but the Spaniola, and the other West Islands, and this is of a truth, all false, for Grecia is Islands, Scicilia, a noble Island, and Malta, and Lipari, Yzcla, Serdenya, Corsica, Mallorca, Minorca, Ybisa, Canarias, England, and others infinite in the four parts of the world, before now hath been found Of the which in the Orient or east, is Taprobano, which is the most noble Island in the world, and the Isle which is said to be so happy and fortunate, that of never tree there falleth a leaf of in the whole year, as also by this Book of Marcus Paulus is to be seen in the 106. Chapter, of one Island that is in the Oriental seas .1500. miles, in the which there is found gold in so great abundance, that it is said the kings Palace is covered or tyied with gold.  
And furthermore, it is said, that the fame is, that in those seas be seven thousand four hundred forty eight Islands, in the which there is not found one tree, but that is sweet, pleasant, and fruitful, and of great profit, whereby we may well conclude, that in many other islands, there is gold to be found: therefore it is not necessary, that the holy Scriptures should be so understanded by Antilla, when it is said, they went for gold to Tharsis, & Ophyn, and Sechyn, yea and although they will not believe the ●ther truths, they can not deny the saying of the holy Scripture in the second Chapter of Genesis, where it is said that the first river that goeth out of Paradise is ●hyson, which doth compass the whole country of Eiulath, where gold doth grow, and that the gold of that country is very good and pure, nor it was not needful to have three years from jerusalem to Antilla, as it is for the islands of the Indians, which is more further off, by a great deal, and with much more difficultness to provide the precious stones, and all other things they brought from thence, and also the ways be more difficult and strange, by reason of contrary winds, and many other incumbraunces. And that this was not understanded that the people a far of are these Islands now found, it appeareth by Saint Paul in the fifteenth Chapter to the Romans, where is expounded the saying of Esay in the 52. Chapter, where it is said, That those to whom it was not pronounced unto, should see, and those that did not hear of him, should understand. And this, as a little above is said, is understanded, that from jerusalem to the Isles of Grecia, to the sea Illyrico which is the end of Grecia, and the beginning of Italy, by Slavonia, or Dalmatia, and Venice, where before they had not heard the name of Christ declared. And because the holy ghost hath interpreted this sentence by Saint Paul, applying that prophecy with other like of his works, there remaineth no licence for other to apply it to Antilla.  
But now let us come to the sum of this reckoning, and say, that if for the gold that is found in Antilla, we should believe that it is Tharsis, and Ophyn, and Sethyn, by the other things that be found in Ophyn, etc., and not in Antilla, we must believe that it is not those, nor those it. And moreover, it appeareth that Asia and Tharsis, Ophyn, and Sethyn, be in the East, and Antilla the Spanyola in the west, in place and condition much different.  
FINIS.    

¶ Here followeth a Table of the Chapters contained in this Book.  

THe Prologue of the Author, upon this present Book.  
How Miser Marcus Paulus used himself in the Court of the great Cane. Cap. 1.  
Of the means that the two brethren and M. Paulus found to return to Venice. Cap. 2.  
How they sailed to java. Cap. 3.  
How the said N●cholas and Mapheo and Marcus Paulus returned to Venice, after that they had seen many things. Cap. 4.  
Of Armenia the lesser, and many things that be there made. Cap. 5.  
Of the Turchomanos in Armenia the less. Cap. 6.  
Of Armenia the greater, and of the ark of Noe. Cap. 7.  
Of Georgiania. Cap. 8.  
Of the parties of Armenia which lie towards the South, and of the kingdom Mosul. Cap. 9  
Of Baldach, and of many things that be there. Cap. 10.  
Of the City Totis. Cap. 11.  
Of a great miracle which happened in Mosul. Cap. 12.  
Of Persia and of the countries of the Magos, and of other good things. Cap. 13.  
Of eight kingdoms of Persia, and of things that be found there. Cap. 14.  
Of the City jasor. Cap. 15.  
Of the City of Cormoe. Cap. 16.  
Of the City of Crerina, and of the death of the old man of the Mountain. Cap. 17.  
Of that which is found in the same country. Cap. 18.  
Of the City of Baldach, and of many other things. Cap. 19  
Of the manner of the same country. Cap. 20.  
Of the City of Hechasem. Cap. 21.  
●f the manners of the same land. Cap. 22.  
Of the province of B●llasia, and of their things. Cap. 23.  
Of the province Abassia, whereof the people be black. Cap. 24.  
Of the province Chassimuru, and of many things. Cap. 25.  
Of the said province. Cap. 26.  
Of the province named Vochanu. Cap. 27.  
Of the novelties of this country. Cap. 28.  
Of the desert Bosor, and of many novelties. Cap. 29.  
Of the province Caschar. Cap. 30.  
Of Sumartha and of a miracle. Cap. 31.  
Of the province Cartham. Cap. 32.  
Of the province Chota, and of their customs. Cap. 33.  
Of the province Poyn. Cap. 34.  
Of the province Ci●rtham being in the great Turkey. Ca 35.  
Of a great desert, and of the City named job. Cap. 36.  
Of the province named Tanguith, and of the City Sanguethia. Cap. 37.  
Of the province named Chamul, and of their noughty customs. Cap. 38.  
Of the province Hinguitalas, and of the Salamandra that is found there. Cap. 39  
Of the city which is called Campion and of many beastly customs that they use. Cap. 40.  
Of the city called E●cin●, and of many noble things of Tartary. Cap. 41.  
Of the beginning of the signiory of the Tartarians, and of many things. Cap. 42.  
Of the customs, ordinances, & honouring of the great Cane, and how he goeth unto the war. Cap. 43  
Of the plain of Berga, and of the customs of the people there. Cap. 44.  
Of the great Sea which is called Ocean. Cap. 45.  
Of the kingdom Erguil, and of many other kingdoms, & of the musk which is there found, and many novelties. Ca 46  
Of the city Callacia, and of many things that be made there Cap. 47▪  
Of the province called Ta●guith, which is subject to Prester john, and of the stone Lagulus, which is found there, and of Go●h and Maggot. cap. 48.  
Of the City Sindatoy in Cataya, where there is found silver. Cap. 49▪  
Of the City Gianorum. cap. 50.  
Of the City Liander. cap. 51.  
Of the sacrifice and other manners of the living of the great Cane. cap. 52.  
Of a victory that the great Cane got. cap. 53.  
Of the great things belonging to the great Cane. cap. 54.  
Of the great city named Cambalu, and of all the fair and marvelous things that be in the signiory of the great Cane. cap. 55.  
Of the manner that the great Cane useth in hunting. cap. 56.  
Of the manner of their hawking. cap. 57  
Of the manner that the great Cane useth in riding through his countries, and being in the field in pavilions. cap. 58.  
Of the money that is used in that land. cap. 59  
Of the order and government which the great Cane useth in his dominions. cap. 60.  
Of the same order. cap. 61.  
Of the said City Cambalu. cap. 62.  
Of many marvelous things which are found in that country. cap. 63.  
Of the City G●igu, and of many marvelous things. cap. 64.  
Of the way leading to the province of the Magos. cap. 65.  
Of the City of Tarasu. cap. 66.  
Of the City named Paymphu: cap. 67.  
Of a king named Bor. cap. 68  
Of the City called Caciomphur. cap. 69.  
Of the City Gengomphu. cap. 70.  
Of the province of Chinchy. cap. 71.  
Of the province and City call●d Cinilith Mangi, and of many other things that be there found. cap. 72.  
Of the province and City called Sindariffa. cap. 73.  
Of the province Chelethi. cap. 74.  
Of the province Thebeth. cap. 75.  
Of the province Mangi. cap. 76.  
Of the province Chandu. cap. 77.  
Of another province. cap. 78.  
Of the province Caraya. cap. 79.  
Of the province joci, and of their beastly customs. cap. 80.  
Of the province Cheria●, and of many Serpents that be there. cap. 81.  
Of the province Cingui, & of the City called Canchasu. ca 82  
Of the province Machay, where there be found Unicorns & Elephants, and many other novelties. cap. 83.  
Of the province called Cingui, and of the City named Canchasu. cap. 84.  
Of the City named Cianglu. cap. 85.  
Of the City Candrafra, and of the City Singuimat. cap. 86.  
Of the river Coromoran, and of the City Coygangui, and of another City called Cayni. cap. 87.  
Of the noble province of Mangi. cap. 88  
Of the City Coygangui. cap. 89.  
Of the City Pangay, of another which is called Cayni. ca 90.  
Of the City called Thingui. cap. 91.  
Of the City Nangni, which hath seven and twenty Cities under it, and of an other named Saymphu, which hath under it twelve Cities. cap. 92.  
How this province was made subject to the great Cane. cap. 93.  
Of the City called Cingus, and of many other things. cap. 94.  
Of the City called Ciangui. cap. 95.  
Of the City Pingranphu, and of other things which be in that country. cap. 96.  
Of the City Singui, and of a bridge of Marble stone, under the which City be eighteen great Cities, and of Rhubarb, and other spices that grow there. cap. 97.  
Of the City Gynusay which in compass 100 miles. cap. 98.  
Of the City Gansu. cap. 99  
Of the division which the great Cane made of the province of Mangi. cap. 100  
Of the rents which the great Cane hath of the province of Gyn●say. cap. 101.  
Of the City Thampinguy. cap. 102.  
Of the City Cinanguari, and of the cruelty of the men that dwell there, and of other things. cap. 103.  
Of the City Frigui and of many other things. cap. 104.  
Of the City which they call jaython and of many other things. cap. 105.  
Of the Isle which they call Ciampagu, and the marvelous things which be found there, and how the great Cane would have conquered it. cap. 106.  
Of the province called Ciabam, and of the Lord that hath 325. sons and daughters, and there be many Elephants, and much spice. cap. 107.  
Of the isle called java, & of many spices that grow there. ca 108.  
Of the Island jocath and of the other two islands, and of their conditions. cap. 109.  
Of the kingdom Malenir, and of the Island Pencera, and of java the less. cap. 110.  
Of the kingdom of Baxina, and of the Unicorns, and other beasts. cap. 111.  
Of the kingdom Samara. cap. 112.  
Of the kingdom Lambri, and of the kingdom ●amphur, and of things found there. cap. 113.  
Of two islands, and of their sluttish and beastly living. cap. 114.  
Of the isle Saylan. cap. 115.  
Of the province Moahar, in the which there be five kingdoms. cap. 116.  
Of the kingdoms Masuli, where Adamants, and many serpents be found. cap. 117.  
Of the province Labe. cap. 118.  
Of the kingdom Orbay. cap. 119.  
Of the province Ch●man, and of the people, and very strange beasts. cap. 120.  
Of the kingdom of Hely, and of the strange beasts, which are there found. cap. 121.  
Of the kingdom Malibar, & of the things that be found there. cap. 122.  
Of the kingdom Giesurath, and of their evil customs. cap. 123.  
Of the kingdom Thoma, and of the kingdom Semebelech, which is in India the greater. cap. 124  
A rehearsal of the things already spoken of. cap. 125.  
Of two islands one of men, and the other women, Christians, and how there is much Amber. cap. 126.  
Of the Island called Escorsia, which are Christians, and of things that be found there. cap. 127.  
Of the Island Maydegastar, where Elephants, and other great novelties are found, and a bird called Nichia, which hath the quills of his wings of twelve paces in length. cap. 128.  
Of the Island Tanguibar, where there be men like Giants. ca 129  
An epilog. cap. 130.  
Of Abaxia. cap. 131.  
Of the province, Aden. cap. 132.  
Of a very mighty king in the North part. cap. 133.  
How the Armynes and other beasts are bought. cap. 134.  
Of the province of Russia, and of the things that be found there. cap. 135.   
FINIS TABULAE.   

The Prologue.  
TO all Princes, Lords, Knights, and all other persons that this my Book shall see, hear, or read, health, prosperity, and pleasure. In this Book I do mind to give knowledge of strange and marvelous things of the world, and specially of the parts of Armenia, Persia, India, Tartary, and of many other provinces and Countries, which shall be declared in this work, as they were seen by me Marcus Paulus, of the noble City of Venice: and that which I saw not, I declare by report of those that were wise, discrete, and of good credit, but that which I saw, I declare as I saw it, and that which I knew by others, I declare as I heard it. And for that this whole work shall be faithful and true, my intent is not to writ any thing, but that which is very certain. I do give you all to understand, that since the birth of our saviour and Lord jesus Christ, there hath been no man, Christian, nor Heathen, that hath come to the knowledge and sight of so many divers, marvelous, and strange things, as I have seen and heard, which I will take in hand the labour to writ, as I did see and hear it. For me think I should do a great injury to the world, in not manifesting or declaring the truth. And for better information to them that shall read or hear this work, I do give you to understand, that I traveled in the foresaid Provinces and Countries, and did see those things that I will declare, the space of six and twenty years, & caused them to be written to Master Vstacheo of Pisa, the year of our Lord God .1298. He and I then being prisoners in janua, 
1298  reigning in Constantinople the Emperor Baldovino, and in his time in the year of our Lord .1250. 
1250  Nicholas my father, and Mapheo my uncle his brother, Citizens of Venice, went to Constantinople with their Merchandises. And being there a certain time, with council of their friends, passed with such wares and jewels as they had bought in the Country of the soldan, where they were a long time, determining to go forward, and traveling a long journey, came to a City of the Lord of the Tartarians, which is called Barcacan, who was Lord of a great part of Tartary, ●urgaria, and Asia. And this Lord Barcacan, took great pleasure to see my father Nicholas and my Uncle Mapheo, and showed them great friendship, and they presented to him such jewels as they brought with them from C●nstantinople, who received them thankfully, and gave them gifts double the value, which they sent into divers parts to cell, and they remained in his Court the space of one year, in which time wars began between the said Barcacan and Alan, Lord of the Tartars of the East, and there was between them many great battles, and much shedding of blood, but in the end, the victory fell to Alan. And because of these wars, my father and uncle could not return the way they went, but determined to go forward to the Eastward, and so to have returned to Constantinople, and following their way, came to a City in the East parts, called Buccata, which is within the precinct of the East Kingdom. And departing from this City, passed the River which is called Tigris, which is one of the four that cometh out of Paradise terrenall, and going seventeen days journeys through a Desert, not finding anya City or Town, yet meeting with many companies of Tartars, that went in the fields with their cattle: being past this Desert, they came to a great & noble City called Bocora, and the same name had that Province, which the King of that Country had, and the City was called Barache, and this is the greatest City in Persia. In this Country, were these two brethren thr●e years. And in this time came an ambassador from Hamil Lord of the east, which went to the great Alan Lord of the Tartars, that before was spoken of. This Alan is otherwise called the great Cane. This ambassador marveled much to see these two brethren being Christians, and took great pleasure at them, because they had never before that time seen any Christians, and said to them, Friends, if you will follow or take my council, I will show you ways or means whereby you shall get great riches and renown. Our Lord the King of the T●rtares, did never see any Christians, and hath great desire to see of them, if you will go with me, I will bring you to his presence, where you shall ●aue great profit and friendship of him.  
They hearing this, determined to go with him, and traveling the space of one year towards the East Southeast, and after turning to the left hand towards the North-east, and after towards the North, in fine, they came to the City of the great Cane, in the which travel they saw many strange and marvellous things, which shall be declared in this B●●ke. And these two brethren, being presented to the great Cane, were received by him very favourably, showing to them great friendship, demanding of them of the Emperor of the Christians, of his state, and how he ruled and governed his Countries, and kept them in peace and justice. And when he made any wars, how and after what manner he brought his people into the field, andeh demanded of them the state and order of other Kingdoms and Dukedoms in Christendom, or their conditions, and afterward with great diligence, he en●uyred of them of the Pope and the Cardinals, and of their faith, and of the Catholic Church, and of all other conditions of the Christians, to the which demands the two brethren answered in order very discreetly and wisely, who had understanding, and could speak the Tartary language. The great Cane understanding their answers, had great pleasure therein, and speaking to his Lords, saying, that he would send an Ambassador to the Pope, the head Bishop of the Christians, and requested the said two brethren, that it would please them to be his Ambassadors to the Pope, with one of his Lords: they answered, they were ready to do all that he would command them. Straight way the great Cane caused to be written Letters of belief in the Tartarian tongue to the Pope, and also commanded by word of mouth to his said Ambassadors, that they should say, and desire his holiness, that it would please him to sand him a hundred men, discrete, wise, and learned Christians in the Catholic faith, to instruct him and his Subjects, whereas then they did all worship Idols, and would gladly receive the true faith. And also, the great Cane requested them to bring him some of the Oil that did burn before the Sepulchre of jesus Christ in jerusalem. This done, the great Cane commanded to be brought to him a Table of gold, and wrote in it, commanding expressly to all his subjects that should see that his Table, that they should receive those Ambassadors with all friendship, and to show them honour and obedience, and to do all things that should be necessary, and to deliver them money, and to provide them what they would demand, as well for shipping, as also Horses, or any other thing, in as ample manner, as if it were for his own person. When the said Nicholas and Mapheo, and Cocoball, Ambassador to the great Cane, were at a point to departed, taking their leave of the great Cane, they road with their company thirty days journey, and at the end of them, the said Cocoball fell sick and died, and the two brethren followed on their journey, and in every Town where they came showing the foresaid Table of gold, where very honourably received and entertained, as the person of the King. And continuing their journey, they came to a town called Giaza, and from thence departed, and came to Acre in the month of April, 
1272.  in the year of our Lord God .1272. whereas they understood that the Pope Clement was dead, and finding there a Legate of the Popes, which was called Miser Thebaldo, that was there for the defence of the holy Church, at the uttermost parts of the Seas, to him they did their Embassage of the great Cane, and when Miser Thebaldo understood their Embassage, he prayed them to tarry the creation of a new Pope, and hearing this answer, the two brethren departed incontinente, and went to Nigro Ponte, and from thence to Venice, to see their houses, and found the wife of Nicholas dead, and had left behind her a son, whose name was Marcus, of the age of fifteen years, which never saw his father before, for he left her with child of him at his departing, and this is the same Marcus that made this Book, as hereafter followeth. These two brethren remained in Venice the space of two years, tarrying the creation of a new Pope, and seeing how long they had tarried, departed from Venice to jerusalem, for to get some of the Oil that burned in the Lamp before the holy Sepulchre of our Lord God, for to carry with them to the great Cane, according as he commanded, and carried with them Marcus, son to the said Nicholas, and after they had taken of the said oil, returned to Acre, whereas the Pope's Legate Theobaldo was, and taking leave or licence of him to return to the great Cane, for whom the said Legate gave them Letters, seeing they would not tarry to do their Embassage to the Pope, and said, as soon as there was a new Pope created, he would do their Embassage to the Pope, and that he should provide that which should be convenient, and so departed the two brethren, and Marcus, and traveled till they came to a Town called Giaza. And in this time the Legate received Letters from Rome, that there was a new Pope created, called Gregory of Placentia. The said Legate incontinent sent his messenger after these two brethren, that they should return to Acre, certifying them, that there was a new Pope created: and they understanding this, requested the King of Armenia to command to arm forth a Galley, wherein they sailed incontinente to the Pope, of whom they were well received, who having heard their Embassage, straight way gave them two Friars, of the order of Saint Dominike, being great clerk, to go with them to the great Cane, the one of them was called Friar Nicholas of Venice, and the other Friar William of Tripolle, the which were well seen and exercised in disputations in the defence of the holy Catholic faith. And these two religious men with Nicholas and Mapheo, and Marcus, traveled, till they came to a Town called Giaza. And in this time the soldan of Babylon came into Armenia, and did there great hurt, and for that cause, fearing to pass any further, the two Friars tarried there, and wrote to the great Cane, that they were come thither, and the cause wherefore, they went not forward. The said Nicholas and Maph●●, and Marcus his son went on their journey, and came to a City called Bemoniphe, where the great Cane was, but in the way they passed in great danger of their bodies, and saw many things, as shall hereafter be declared, and tarried in going between Giaza and Bomeniphe. ● year and a half, by reason of great Rivers, rain, and cold in those countries: and when the great Cane had knowledge that Nicholas and Mapheo were returned, he sent to receive them, more than forty days journey, and at their coming received them with great pleasure, anthey kneeling down, making great reverence, he commaundded them to arise up, demanding of them how they sped in their voyage, and what they had done with the Pope, and after they had made their answer to all things, delivered to him the friars letters that remained in Giaza, and the oil they had taken out of the Lamp that burned before the holy Sepulchre of jesus Christ, which he received with great pleasure, and put it up, and kept it in a secret place, with also the letters, and demanding of them, who Marcus was, they answered, he was Nicholas son, of the which the great Cane was glad, and took him into his service, and gave order to place him in his Court among his Lords and Gentlemen.  
Here followeth the discourse of many notable and strange things, that the noble and worthy Marcus Paulus of the City of Venice did see in the East parts of the world.   


¶ How Miser Marco Polo used himself in the Court of the Great Cane. CHAP. 1.  
MArco Polo learned well not only the used language and conditions of those people, but also other three languages, and could writ and read them, and by that means came in great favour with the great Cane, whose pleasure was to prove what he could do, to be sent Embassage, 
Marco Polo was sent as Ambassador from the great Cane.  and made him ●is Ambassador in one of his Countries, six Months ●ourney. And he perceiving the great Cane had great pleasure to hear news, and oftentimes would found fault with his Ambassadors and messengers, when they could not make discourse, and tell him news of the Countries and places ●hey traveled into, he determined with himself to note and ●nderstand in that journey all that could be spoken, as well of ●he Towns, Cities, and places, as also the conditions and qualities of the people, noting it in writing, to be the more ●eadie to make his answer, if any thing should be demanded of him: and at his return declared to the great Cane the answer of the people of that Country to his Embassage: ●nd withal declared unto him the nature of countries, ●nd the conditions of the people where he had been, and also ●hat he had heard of other Countries, which pleased well the ●reat Cane, and was in great favour with him, and set great ●ore by him, for which cause, all the noble men of his Court ●ad him in great estimation, calling him Senior or Lord. He ●as in the great Canes Court xvij years, 
Ma●co Polo was in the great Canes Court seventeen years.  and when any ●reate Embassage or business should be done in any of his Countries or Provinces, he was always sent, wherefore, ●iuers great men of the Court did envy him, but he always kept this order, that whatsoever he saw or heard, were 〈◊〉 good or evil, he always wrote it, and had it in mind to declare to the great Cane in order.   

The manner and ways that the two brethren, and Marcus Paulus had for their return to Venice. CHAP. 2.  
THe said Nicholas and Mapheo, and Marcus Paulus, having been in the great Canes Court of a long time, demanded licence for to return to Venice, but he loving and favouring them so well, would not give them leave. And it fortuned in that time, that a Queen in India died, whose name was Balgonia, and her Husband wa● called King Argon. This Queen ordained in her Testament, that her Husband should not marry, but with one of her blood and kindred, and for that cause the said King Argon sent his Ambassadors with great honour and company to the Great Cane, desiring him to send him for to be his Wife, a Maid of the lineage of Balgonia his first Wi●●. The names of these Ambassadors were called Onlora, Apusca, and Edilla. When these Ambassadors arrived at th● Court, they were very well received by the Great Ca●●▪ And after they had done their message, the Great Ca●● caused to be called before him a Maiden, which was called Cozotine, of the kindred of Balgonia, the which was very fair, and of the age of seventeen years. And as she was come before the Great Cane, and the Ambassadors, the great Cane said to the Ambassadors, this is the Maiden that you demand, take her, and carry her in a good hour: an● with this the Ambassadors were very joyful and merry. And these Ambassadors understanding of Nicholas and Mapheo, and Marcus Paulus, Italians, which before that time ha●● ●one for Ambassadors unto the Indians, and were desirous to ●epart from the great Cane, desired him to give them licence to go, and accompany that Lady: and the Great ●ane, although not with good will, but for manners sake, and also for honour of the Lady, and for her more safeguard, in ●assing the Seas, because they were wise and skilful men, ●as content they should go.   

How they sailed to java. CHAP. 3.  
Having licence of the Great Cane, the said Nicholas & Mapheo, 
Marco Polo and his Father & Uncle had leave to departed, and went without Ambassadors  and Marcus Paulus, as aforesaid, as his custom was, gave them two Tables of gold, by the which he did signify that they should pass freely through all his provinces and dominions, and that their charges should be borne, and to be honourably accompanied. And besides this, the great Cane sent divers Ambassadors to the Pope, and to the French King, ●nd to the King of Spain; and to many other Provinces in Christendom, and caused to be armed and set forth foure●éene great Ships, that every one of them had four Masts. 
Fourteen great Ships with four Masts in a Ship, and six hundred men in every Ship, and victualed for two years. Within three Months sailing, they arrived at java.  To declare the reason wherefore he did this, it were too long, ●herefore I let it pass. In every Ship he put six hundredth men, and provision for two years. In these Ships went ●he said Ambassadors, with the Lady and Nicholas, and Ma●heo brethren, and Marcus Paulus aforesaid, and sailed three Months continually, and then arrived at an Island called ●aua, being in the South parts, in the which they found marvellous and strange things, as hereafter shall be declared. And departing from this Island, sailing on the Indian Seas ●viij. Months before they came to the place they would come to, found (by the w●y) many marvelous and strange things, ●s hereafter shall be declared.   

How Nicholas and Mapheo, and Marco Polo returned to Venice, after they had seen and heard many marvelous things. CHAP. 4.  
AFter their arrival with this foresaid Lady to the Kingdom they went unto, they found that the King Argon was dead, and for that cause, married that maid to his son: and there did govern in the room of the King, a Lord, whose name was Archator, for because the King was very young. And to this governor or Viceroy, was the Embassage declared, and of him the two brethren and Marco Polo demanded licence to go into their Country, which he granted, and withal gave them four Tables of gold, two of them were to have jerfawcons, and other Hawks with them. The third was, to have Lions. And the fourth was, that they should go free, without paying any charges, and to be accompanied and entertained as to the Kings own person. And by this commandment, they had company and guard of two hundredth Knights from Town to Town, for fear of many thieves upon the ways: and so much they travailed, that they came to Trapesonsia, and from thence to Constantinople, and so to Nigro Ponte, and ●●●al●ie, to Venice, in the year of our Lord God .1295.  

The return of the two brethren and Marco Polo to Venice in Anno. 1295.  This we do declare, for that all men shall know, that Nicholas and Mapheo brethren, and Marco Polo, have seen, heard, and did know the marvelous things written in this Book, the which declaring in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the holy Ghost, shall be declared as hereafter followeth.   

Of Armenia he lesser, and of many things that there is made. CHAP. 5.  
FIrst and foremost, I will begin to declare of the Province of Armenia, noting such commodities as there is. You shall understand, there be two Armenia's, the greater, and the lesser. In the lesser, there is a King subject to the Tartar, and he doth maintain the Country in peace and justice. In this Country be many Cities and Towns, and great abundance of all things. In this Country they take great pleasure and pastime in Hawking and Hunting, as well of wild beasts, 
They take great pleasure in Hawking and hunting.  as of Fowls of all sorts. In that Country be many infirmities, by reason the air is ill there, and for that cause, the men of that Country, that were wont to be valiant and strong in arms, be turned now to be vile, and given to idleness and drunkenness. In this Province upon the Sea side, there is a City called Gloza, whereunto is great trade of Merchandise, and all Merchants that do traffic thither, 
a City upon the Sea side, called Gloza.  have their Cellars and Warehouses in that City, as well Venetians, and janoveys, and all other that do occupy into Levant.   

Of the Torchomanos in Armenia the lesser. CHAP. 6.  
I Have declared unto you of Armenia the lesser, and now I will show you of Torchomania, which is a part of Armenia, in the which there be three manner of people, the one called Torchomanos, and those be Mahomet's, and speak the Persian language, and they live in the Mountains and fields, whereas they may found pasture for their cattle, for those people live by the gains of their cattle. 

Good Horses ●alled according to the Country Torch●manos and good Moils.  
Goodly rich and fair carpets made here.  
Cloth of silk of Crimson, and other colours made here. Hear was Brio● Blaze martyred.   There be very good Horses called Torchomani, and good mails of great value. The other, or second manner of people be Armenians and greeks, and those devil and live together, and live by occupations and trade of Merchandises. There they do make very goodly and rich carpets, large and fair, as you shall find in any place. Also, they work there, cloth of Crimson Silk, and other goodly colours. The chiefest Cities in that Country be Chemo, Isiree, and Sebasto, whereas Saint Blaze was martyred. There be also many Towns, of which I make no mention, and they be subject to the Tartar of the East, and he setteth governors there.   

Of Armenia the greater, and of the Ark of Noe. CHAP. 7.  
ARmenia the greater is a great Province or Country. In the beginning thereof is a great City called Armenia, where they do make excellent Bochachims' or Buckrams. In this City be very good Baths naturally. And this Country is subject to the Tartar, & there is in it many Cities & Towns, and the most noble City is called Archinia, which hath joining to it two provinces, the one called Archeten, the other Arzire. In this City is a Bishop. The people of this Country in the summer time be in the pastures & meadows, but in the winter they can not, by reason of the great cold, snow, & waters, for than it is so cold, the scant the cattle and beasts can live there, 
Hear on a high Mountain rested the Ark of No after the ●ound.  and for this cause they do drive their cattle into warmer places, where they have grass plenty. In this great Armenia is the Ark of No on a high Mountain towards the South, which doth join to a Province towards the East called Mausill. And in that Province devil Christians, which be called jacobites, and Nestorians Heretics, of the which hereafter shall be spoken. 

Hear be Christians of the sect of the Nestorians and jacobites.  
Here is a well that the water is like to Oil, and is occupied for divers purposes.   This Country towards the North doth join upon the Georgians, of the which shall be spoken in the next Chapter. In this part towards the Georgians there is a well, the water whereof is like oil, and is of great abundance & quantity, that sometimes they lad .100. Ships with it. And this oil is not good to eat, but for Lamps and Candles, and to anoint Camels, Horses, and other beasts that be galled, scabby, and have other infirmities, and for this cause it is fetched into divers places.   

Of the Georgians, and of the Tower and gate of iron. CHAP. 8.  
IN Georgiania is a king called Nand Maliche, which is as much to say as Dawnid, and is subject to the Tartar. The saying is that in the old time, the Kings of that Province were borne with a token or sign under their right shoulder. In this Country the men be fair of body, venturous & valiant in arms, and good archers, and are Christians & Greeks mingled together, & they go all with their hear like Priests. This is the Province that King Alexander could not pass, 
Hear was King Alexander put back and could not be suffered to pass.  when he would have come towards the West parts, because that ways were dangerous & narrow, & compassed on the one side with that Sea, & on the other side with high Mountains, that no Horse can pass, or go for the space of four leagues, for the way is so narrow & strong, that a few men be able to keep it against all the hosts of the world. And K. Alexander perceiving that by no means he could pass, 
In this country be many fair Cities and Towns where is made great plenty of cloth of gold, and of silk.  would likewise make provision, that the people of that Country might not pass to him. And made there a great & strong Tower, which is called the Tower and gate of iron. In this Province of the Georgians be many Cities and towns, & there they do make great plenty of cloth of gold, & of silk in great abundance, for they have great plenty of silk. And there do breed the goodliest and best Hawks in the world. 
Excellent good hawks Great trade of Merchandise.  And the Country is plentiful of all things needful. They live there by the trade of Merchandise, and by labour of the Country. Through all this Country is great Mountains, and the way narrow and strong, and many wells, and for this cause the Tartars can never have the upper hand of them. There is a Monast●rie of monks of the order of Saint Bernarde, 

A Monastery of monks of the order of S. Bernard. A water or lake of six hundred mile's compass, wherein is no fish, but only in the Lent.  
Euphrates.   and hard by the Monastery there is a water that descendeth from the Mountain, in the which they found no fish, but in Lent, and then they do take it in great plenty from the first day of Lent, till Easter even. The place is called Geluchelan, and hath six hundred Miles compass, and it is from the Sea twelve days journey, and this water entereth into Euphrates, which is one of the four principal Rivers which come from Paradise terrenall, and cometh out of India, and is divided into many branches, and doth compass those hills. From thence they bring a silk called Gella. Now I have declared unto you the parts of Armenia which be towards the North, and now I will declare unto you of others their neighbours which be towards the South and West.   

Of the parties of Armenia towards the South, and of the Kingdom of Mosull. CHAP. 9  
MOsull is a great Kingdom, in the which devil many generations of people called Arabies, and all be of the sect of Mahomet, although there be some Christians, called jacobites, and Nestorians, and these have by themselves a Patriarch, called jacobia, and he doth institute Bishops, Archbishops, Abbots, Priests, and other Religious men. 
Here is made cloth of gold and silk, called Mosulinus  There is made cloth of gold, and of silk, which be called by the name of the Kingdom Mosulinus, and there is great plenty and abundance of it, and also great plenty of spices and good cheap, and of other Merchandise. In the Mountains of this province devil people called Cordos, and others called jacobinos. The rest be Moors of the sect of Mahomet, and be good men of war, and be all rovers and robbers of Merchants.   

Of Baldach, and of many goodly things that be there. CHAP. 10.  
BAldache is a very great City, 

Through this City B●l●●ch goeth a River, and entereth into Sinos P●r●icus. Great trade up and down this River, to and from the Indians.  
Here is made cloth of gold and of silk, called cloth of Nafi●h. C●l●pho is among the Moors, as the Pop● is in Christ●dome. T●is City was won in Anno. 1230. by Al●n King of the Ta●tars, and he put the Calipho into a Tower among his treasure, and so was famished.   in the which is resident one that is called Calipho, which is among that Moors, as it were chief governor & head. Through the midst of the City runneth a great River, and goeth into the Indian Sea. And there is from this City to the place where it entereth into the Sea. xviij. days journey. From this City to the Sea, and from the Sea to this City, there doth pass daily by this River, in many and divers vessels, divers kinds of Merchandise, and they have to their neighbour the India. And in this Country is a City called Chisi. By thi●●iuer they go to the Indian Sea. Between Baldach and Chisi upon the River is a City called Barsera, compassed with great Mountains of Palms and Date trees perfect good. In Baldach they do make cloth of gold of divers sorts, and cloth of silk, called cloth of Nasich, of Crimson, and of diu●rs other colours and fashions. There is great plenty of four footed Beasts, and of Fowls. This City is one of the best and the noblest in the world. There was in this City a Calipho of the Moors, wonderful and marvelous rich of gold and precious stones. And in the year of our Lord God .1230. the King of the Tartars called Alan, joined a great company, and went and set upon this City, and took it by force, being in the C●tie one hundred thousand Horsemen, besides infinite number of footmen. And there he found a great Tower full of gold, silver, and precious stones. And King Alan seeing this great treasure, marveled much, and sent for the Calipho, and said unto him: I do much marvel of thy avarice, that having so great treasure, didst not give part of it to maintain valiant men, that might defend me from thee, knowing that I was thy mortal enemy. And perceiving the Calipho knew not how to make him an answer, said unto him, because thou lovest this treasure so well, I will thou shalt have thy fill of it, and caused him to be shut fast in the same Tower, where he lived four days, and died miserably for hunger, and from that time forwards the Moors would have no more Caliphos in that City.   

Of a City called Totis, and of other notable things. CHAP. 11.  
TOtis is a great City of the Province or Country of Baldach, 

This City Totis is a noble City, and of great trade of merchandise.  
There is made cloth of gold and of silk very rich.  
To this City there cometh Merchants from divers countries.   in the which Province there be many Cities and Towns, but the most noblest is Totis. The people of this City be Merchants, and h●ndycraftes men. There they do make cloth of gold, and of silk, very rich, and of great value. And this City is set in so good a place, that they do bring thither all Merchandises of India, and of Baldach, and of Osmaseilli, and of Cremes, and of many other Cities and Countries, and also of the Latins. There is great plenty of precious stones, and for that cause the Merchants get much. Thither trade the Armenians, jacobites, Nestorians, Persians, and these in a manner be all Mahomet's. Round about this City be many fair Gardens full of singular good fruits, although the Moors that there do devil be very ill people, robbers and killers.   

Of a great miracle that happened in Mosull. CHAP. 12.  
IN Mosull, a City in the Province of Baldach was a Calipho, a great enemy of the Christians, whose study day and night was how he might destroy them, and to make them forsake their faith in jesus Christ, and upon this, joined in council divers times with his wise men, and in the end one of them said, I will tell you a way how you shall have good cause to kill, or force them to renounce their Faith. jesus Christ saith in his Gospel, If you have so much Faith as the grain of Mustard seed, and say to this Mountain pass from this place to another place, it would do, therefore cause to be called together all the Christians, and command them by their belief, that such a hill do pass from that place to such a place: truly it is not possible for them to do it, and not doing it, you may justly say to them, that either their Gospel doth not say truth, and by that means they follow lies, or else they have not so much Faith as a grain of Mustard seed. And thus as well for the one, as for the other, you may justly put them to death, or else force them to forsake their Faith they hold. This council pleased well the Calipho, and those of his sect, believing, that now they had good occasion to perform their evil purpose, and incontinent he commanded all the christians that were in his Country, to come together, which was a great number, and they being come before him, he 'cause them to read those Scriptures of jesus Christ. And after that every one of them had heard it, he asked them if they believed that these sayings were true, and they answered yea. Incontinent said the Calipho to them, I will give you fifteen days respite, to make either yonder hill to pass to such a place, or else to renounce your faith in jesus Christ as false, and to turn Moors, and if you will not do this, you shall all die. And the Christians hearing this cruel sentence, were sore troubled, yet on the other part they comforted themselves, with hope in the faith they had in the truth they believed. And incontinent the Bishops, and Prelates, and Ministers that were among the Christians, commanded all the Christians, men, women, and children, to fall to continual Prayer to our Lord jesus Christ, that he would help and council them how to rule and govern themselves in that great trouble and need.  
And after eight days were passed, appeared an Angel to a holy Bishop, and commanded him that he should say unto a Shoemaker that was a Christian, that had but one only eye, that he should make Prayers to God, the which for his faith and Prayers, should make that hill remove from his place, into the place the Calipho had appointed. And incontinente the Bishop sent for that Shoemaker, and with great desire prayed him to make Prayers to our Lord God, that for his mercy and pity he would remove that hill as the Calipho and Moors had appointed. The poor Shoemaker excused himself, saying, he was a great Sinner, and unworthy to demand that grace of God: and this excuse he made with great humility, like a just and chaste man, full of virtue and holiness, and a keeper of God's commandments, devout, and a great alms man, according to his ability.  
You sh●ll understand, that this Shoemaker did pull out his eye by this means: He had heard many tim●s this saying in the Gospel, If thy eye offend thee pull it out, and cast it from thee. He being a simple man, thought, that so corporally and materially the Scriptures should be understanded. For it chanced on a time, there came a Maid into his Shop to bespeak a pair of Shoes, and to take the measure of his foot, put off her hose, and he withal was tempted to lie with her, remembering himself, and ●hinking upon his sin and ill intent, sent her away, without discovering any thing of his ill thought and intent, and remembering the saying of the holy Gospel, being overcome with zeal, and yet not having the true knowledge, plucked out his eye. And so this Shoemaker being so desired by the Bishop, and other Christians, did grant, and promised to pray unto our Lord God for the said cause. And the time of the xu days being come, that the Calipho had appointed, he caused to come together all the Christians, which came in Procession with their Cross, into a fair plain, hard by the hill and Mountain. And to that place came the Calipho, with much people armed, with intention, that straight way, if the Mountain did not remove, to kill them all. Incontinente the Shoemaker kneeled down upon the earth upon his bore knees, and very devoutly prayed to our Lord, lifting up his heart and hands to Heaven, praying to jesus Christ to succour and help them his Christians, that they should not perish: and for that his faith was clear, making an end of his Prayer, the power of the Almighty God jesus did 'cause the Mountain to remove and go from the place it stood, 

A great miracle.  
A Mountain removed from one place to another.  
The Calipho become christened, and a great number of his Moors   into the place the Calipho and his Council had commanded.  
And the Moors seeing this great and manifest miracle, stood wonderfully amazed, saying, Great is the God of the Christians, and the Calipho, with a great number of the same Moors become Christened. And after this Calipho died, the Moors that were not Christened, would not consent that this Calipho should be buried, whereas the other Caliphoes' were buried, for because that after that miracle, he lived and died like a true and faithful Christian.   

Of Persia, and of the Countries of the Magos, and of other good things that be in them. CHAP. 13.  
PErsia is a noble Province or Country, although it was much more in the old time, than it is at this present, for it was destroyed by the Tartars. In Persia is a City called Sabba, from the which the saying is, the three Kings departed, 
In this City Sabba the three Kings met that went to worship Christ, and here they were buried.  that went to jesus Christ, that was newly borne in Bethleem. In this city there are Sepulchres, very fair and beautiful, and I Marcus Paulus was in that City, and asked of the people of that Country what they could say or knew of the three Kings, to the which they could say nothing, but that they were buried in those three Sepulchres. But the other people out of the City three days journey, talked of this matter in this manner following, for the which you shall understand, that three days journey from the City Sabba is a Town, which is called Calassa Tapeziston, which in our language is as much as to say the Town of them that worship the fire for their God. And these people say, that when the three Kings departed from the province, for to go to the land of the jews, which was Bethleem, to worship the great Prophet there newly borne, they carried with them Gold, 
The three Kings offered Gold, Incense, and Myrrh.  Incense, and Myrrh, and when they came to Bethleem in judea, found a child lately borne, and did worship him for God, and presented to him the foresaid three things: and that the said child did give them a little Box, closed, or shut fast, commanding them they should not open it. But they, after they had traveled a long journey, it came in their minds to see what they carried in the said Box, and opened it, and found nothing in it but only a stone: and they taking it in ill part, that they saw nothing else, did cast it into a well, and by and by descended fire from Heaven, and burned all the Well with the stone. 
A miracle if it be true.  And the Kings seeing this, each of them took of the same fire, and carried it into their Countries: and for this cause they do worship the fire as God. And when it chanceth in any place in that Country that they lack fire, they go to seek it in another place where they can get of it, and so do light their Lamps. And sometimes they go and seek it eight or ten days journey, and not finding of it, they go oft-times to the Well aforesaid, to have of the same fire. Of all this before written, you shall take that which doth agree with the holy Gospel, in saying the three Kings went to worship our Lord jesus, and did offer those gifts aforesaid. All that is declared besides that, be errors, and reacheth not to the truth, but augmented with lies upon lies, as the vulgar people without knowledge are accustomed to do.   

Of eight Kingdoms in Persia, and the commodities of them. CHAP. 14.  
IN the Province of Persia be eight Kingdoms, the first is called Casun, the second which is towards the South is Curdistan, the third Lore, the fourth Ciestan, the fifth justanth, the sixth Iciagi, the seventh Corchara, the eight Tunchay. All these Kingdoms be in Persia, in the parts towards the South, saving Tunchay. In these Kingdoms be very fair Horses and Moils, & coursers of great value, and Asses the greatest in the world, 
Hear is great plenty of fair Horses, Moils, and Asses.  & of great price, that will go and run very swiftly, and these the Merchants of India do commonly buy in the Cities of Atris●, & of Arcones, which do join by Sea upon the India, and do sell them as Merchandise. In this Kingdom Tunchay be very cruel men, that will kill one another. If it were not for fear of the Tartar of the East, which is their Lord and King, neither Merchant nor other could pass, but should be either rob or taken prisoner. They be strong people, and be of the sect of Mahomet. There they do work, and make great plenty of cloth of gold and silk in great abundance and rich. In that Country grows great plenty of Cotten wool. 
Hear is made great plenty of rich cloth of gold & silk.  Also, there is gr●ate abundance of Wheat, Barley, Dates, and ●ther grain, and Wine, and Oils, and fruits.   

Of jasoy, and of many marvelous things there. CHAP. 15.  
IAsoy is a goodly City and big, full of Merchants. 
Hear they do make great plenty of cloth of gold and silk.  There they do make great abundance of cloth of gold, and silk. They be called according to the City jasoy. The people of this Country be of the sect of Martin Pinol, that is, Mahomet, and do speak another language than the Persians. And going forward eight days journey from this City, through a plain Country, but not peopled, or any Town, saving Mountains, where is great plenty of Partridges, and wild Asses, at the end of this, is the Kingdom of the Crerina, that is, a Kingdom of the Persians, of a great and long inheritance.  
In this Country they do find great plenty of precious stones, 
Precious stones, as Turkises and others.  and of Turkey's great store in the Mountains, in the which Mountains, is great plenty of Vain, or Ore of Steel, and of Calamita. In this City, they do make great plenty of costly saddles, bridles, and harnesses for Horses, and for noble men Swords, 

Saddles and bridles, and other costly furniture for Horses.  
Cloth of gold and silk.  
Excellent good hawks.   bows, and other rich furniture for Horse and Man. The Women of this Country do nothing, but command their Servants. They make also there very rich cloth of gold and silk. And in those Mountains be exceeding good Hawks, valiant, and swift of wings, that no fewle can scape them. And departing from Crerina, you shall go eight days journey in plain way, full of Cities and Towns, very fair, and there is pleasant Hawking by the way, & great plenty of Partridges. And being past the said eight days journey, there is a going down the hill of two days journey, whereas there is great plenty of fruits. In the old time there was many Towns and houses, and now there be none but herdmen, that keep the cattle in the field. From the City of Crerina, so this going down, all the winter is so great cold, that although they go very well clothed, they have enough to do to live. And being past this going down two days journey forward, you shall come into a fair plain way, the beginning whereof is a great fair City, called Camath, the which was in the old time noble and great, and now is not so, for that the Tartars have destroyed it. That plain is very hot, and that Province is called Reobarle. There be apples of Paradise, and Festucas, and Medlars, and divers other goodly fruits in great abundance. There be Oxen marvelous great, the hear short and soft, and the horns short, big, and sharp, and have a great round bunch between the shoulders, of two spans long. And when they will lad these Oxen, they do kneel down on their knees like Camels, and being laden, do rise, and they carry great weight. There the Sheep be as great as Asses, having a great tail, and thick, that will weigh .32. pound, 
Sheep as great as asses.  and be marvelous good to eat. In that plain be many Cities & towns with walls, and Towers of a great height for the defence of the enemies, called Caraones, which be certain Villages. The people of that Country their Mothers be Indians, and their father's Tartars. When that people will go a robbing, they work by enchantment by the Devil, 
Enchantment.  to darken the air, as it were midnight, because they would not be seen a far off, and this darkness endureth seven days. And the thieves that know well all the ways, go together, without making any noise, and as many as they can take, they rob. The old men they kill, and the young men they cell for slaves. Their King is called Hegodar, and of a truth I Marcus Paulus do tell you, that I escaped very hardly from taking of these 〈◊〉, and that I was not slain in that darkness, but it pleased God, I escaped to a town called Ganassalim, yet of my company they tok● and slew many. This plain is towards the South, and is of seven days journey, and at the end of them is a mountain, called Detustlyno, that is eighteen miles long & more, and is also very dangerous with thieves, that do rob merchants and all travelers. At the end of this mountain is a fair plain, called the goodly plain, which is seven days journey, in the which there be many wells, and date trees, very good, and this plain bordereth upon the Ocean Sea, and on the river of the sea, is a City called Carmoe.   

Of the City Carmoe, and of many marvelous and strange things that be there. CHAP. 16.  
Carmoe is a great City, and is a good port of the Ocean sea, Thither do occupy Merchants of the Indeas with spices, cloth of gold & silk, and with precious stones, and elephants teeth, 
Great trade of Merchants  and is a City of great trade, with merchandise, and is head of that kingdom, and the king is called M●nedanocomoyth. It is very hot there, and the air infectious. When there doth die any Merchant, they do make havoc of all his goods. In this City they do drink wine made of Dates, putting good spices to it, yet at the beginning of dinner it is dangerous, for those that be not used to it, for it will make them very soluble, straight way, but it is good to purge the body. The people of that Country do not use of our victuals, for when they eat bread of wheat and flesh, by and by they fall sick. Their victuals is Dates & salt, Tonny, Garlic & Onions. The people of that Country be black, and be of the sect of Mahomet. And for the great heat in the Summer, they devil not in the town, but in the 〈◊〉 and in gardens, and Orchyards. There be many rivers and Wells, that every one hath fair water for his garden: and there be many that devil in a desert, whereas is all sand, that joineth to that plain. And those people assoon as they feel the great heat, they go into the waters, and there tarry till the beat of the day be past. In that country, they do sow their wheat and corn in November, and gather it in March. And in this time the fruits be greater than in any place. And after March is pass, the grass, herbs, 
When the husband dieth the wife & the friends do ●eep once a day for the space of four years.  and leaves of trees do dry, saving of Date trees, which continued till may. And in that country they have this custom, ●hat when the husband doth die, the wife and her friends do weep once a day, for the space of four years.   

Of the City of Crerima, and the death of the Old man of the Mountain. C●AP. 17.  
Leaving hers this City, and not declaring any more, of the Indians, I return to the Northwardly, declaring of those provinces 〈◊〉 ●nother way, to the City Crerima, aforesaid, for because that way, that I would tell of, could not be traveled to Crerima for the cruelty of the king of that c●●untrie, wh●●●e is called Ren 〈◊〉 ela vacomare, from whom few could scape, bu● either were rob or slain. And for this cause many kings did pay him tribute, and his name is as much to say, as the old man of the mountain. But I will now declare unto you how this cruel King was taken prisoner in the year of our Lord .1272. Alan King of the Tartars of the East, hearing of the great cruelty of this old m●n of the Mountain, that he did sent a great host of men, and beset his Castle round about, and thus continued three years, and could never take it, till that victuals did sail them: for it was very strong, and unpossible to be gotten. At the length Alan took the Caste●●, and the old man of the Mountain: and of all his soldiers and men be caused the heads to be stricken off, and from that time forward that way was very good for ●ll travelers.   

What is found in that Country. CHAP. 18.  
DEparting from the foresaid Castle, you shall come into ● very fair plain, full of gr●sse, with all things in it fit for man's sustenance. And this plain doth last ●ixe days journey, in the which there is man● fair Cities and Towns. The ●●●ple of that Country speak the Persian language, and have great lack of water, and sometimes they shall fortune to go .40. miles, and not find water. Therefore it shall be needful for those that do travel that way, to carry w●ter with them from plac●●o place. And being past these six days iourn●y, there is a City called Sempergayme, fair and pleasant, with abundance of victuals. There be excellence good Melons, and the best Hunters for wild beasts, and taking of wild Fowl, that be in the world.   

Of the City of Baldach, and of many other things. CHAP. 19  
traveling forward in this Country, you shall come to a City called Baldach, in the which King Alexander married with the daughter of Darius' king of the Persians. This City is of the Kingdom of Persia, & they do t●●re speak the Persian tongue, and be all of the sect of Mahomet. And this Country doth join with the Tartar of the East, between the North-east, and the East. And departing from this City towards the Countries of the said Tartar, you shall go two days journey, without finding any Town, because the people of that Country do covet to the strong Mountains, because of the ill people that be there. In that Country be many waters, by reason whereof is great plenty of wild Fowl, and of wild Beasts, and there be man● Lions. It is needful for the travelers that way, to carry provision with them that shall be needful for themselves, and for their Horses those two days journey. And being past that, you shall come to a Town called Thaychan, a pleasant place, and well provided of all victuals needful, and the hills be towards the South fair and large. That province is xxx days journey. And there is great plenty of salt, that all the Cities and Towns thereabouts have their salt from thence. 
Great plenty of salt.    

Of that Country. CHA●▪ 20.  
DEparting from that town, and traveling North-east, and to the East for the space of three days journey, you shall come to fair Cities and Towns well provided and victuals and fruits in great abundance, and these people do speak the Persian language, and be Mahomet's. There be singular good wines, 
Good wines and great drinkers.  and great drinkers, and ill people. They go bareheaded, having a Towel knit about● their brows. They wear nothing but skins that they do dress.   

Of the City Echasen. CHAP. 12.  
AFter that you have traveled forward four days journey, you shall come to a City called Echasen, on a plain and there is not far from it many Cities and towns, and great plenty of woods about it. There goeth through the midst of this City a great river. There is in that country, many wild beasts, and when they be disposed to take any of them, they will cast darts, and shoot● them into the flanks and into the sides. The people of that country do speak the Persian tongue, and the husbandmen, with their cattle do live in the fields and in the woods.   

Of the manner of the Country. CHAP. 22.  
DEparting from this City, you shall travail three days journey, without coming to any town, or finding any victuals either to eat or drink, and for this cause the travelers do provide themselves for the time, & at the end of these three days journey, you shall come to a province called Ballasia.   

Of the province called Ballasia, and of the commodities there. CHAP. 23.  
BAllasia is a great province, & they do speak the Persian tongue, & be Mahomet's, and it is a great kingdom, and ancient. There did reign the successors of king Alexander, and of Darius' king of Persia. And their king is called Culturi, which is as much to say, as Alexander, and is for remembrance of the great king Alexander. In this country grow the precious stones, called Ballasses of great value. And these stones you can not carry out of the country without special licence of the king, on pain of lieging life and goods. And those that he doth let pass be, either he doth forgive tribute of some king, or else that he doth cell: and if they were not so straightly kept, they would be little worth, there is such great plenty of them. This country is very cold, and there is found great plenty of silver: there be very good coursers, or horses, that be never shod, because they breed in the mountains and woods. There is great plenty of wild foul, and great plenty of corn, and Myl●, and Loli●. 
For lack of cloth the people wear skins of such beasts a● they kill.  In this kingdom be great woods & narrow ways, strong men, and good Archers, and for this cause they fear no body. There is no cloth, they apparel themselves with skins of beasts that they kill. The women do wear wrapped about their bodies like the neither part of garments, some an hundredth fathom, & some fourscore, of linen very fine and thin, m●de of flax and Cotton wool, for to seem great and fair, and they do wear breeches very fine of silk, with Musk put in them.   

Of the Province of Abassia where the people be black. CHAP. 24.  
AFter you be departed from Ballasia eight days journey towards the South, you have a province called Abassia, whose people be black, and do speak the Persian tongue, and do worship Idols. There they do use necromancy. The men do wear at their hears jewels of gold, silver, and precious stones. They be malicious people, and lecherous, by reason of the great heat of that Country, and they eat nothing but flesh and Rice.   

Of the Province called Thassimur, and of many things there. CHAP. 25.  
WIthin the jurisdiction of this Country, between the East and the South, there is a Province called Thassymur, and the people do speak the Persian tongue. They be Idolaters, and great necromancers, and do call to the Spirits, 
N●gromancers.  and make them to speak in the Idols, and do make their Temples seem to move. They do trouble the air, and do many other devilish things. From hence they may go to the Indian Sea. The people of that Country be black and lean, and do eat nothing but flesh and Rice. The Country is temperate. In this Country be many Cities and Towns, and round about many hills and strong ways to pass. And for this cause they fear no body, and their King doth maintain them in peace and justice. There be also Hermit's, that do keep great abstinence in eating & drinking. And there be Monasteries, and many Abbeys, with Monks, very devout in their Idolatry and naughtiness.   

Of the said province of Thassymur. CHAP. 26.  
I Mind not now to pass further in this province, for in passing of it I should enter into the Indeas, whereof for this time I will not declare any thing, but at the return, I will declare of it largely, as well of the commodities there, as also of their manner, and usages.   

Of a province called Vochaym. CHAP. 27.  
DEparting from Balassia, you shall go three days journey between the North-east, and by a river that is near to Balassia. In this province be many Cities and towns. The men of this province be valiant in arms, and speak the Persian language, and be Mahomet's. At the end of this three days journey is a City called Vochayn very long, of three days journey on either side. 
A City of 3. days journey long.  The people of this province, be subject to the king of Balassia, and there be great hunters of wild beasts, and taking of wild fowls in great number.   

Of the novelties of this Country. CHAP. 28.  
Three days journey going forward, you shall go up an hill, upon the which is a river, and goodly fruitful pastures, that if you put in your cattle there, very lean, within ten days they will be fat. There be great plenty of wild beasts, and among them wild sheep, that some of them have their horns of four and some of seven, 
Sheep that have horns of four or five and ten spans long.  and some of ten spans long. And of these horns th● herdsmen there do make dishes, and spoons. In the valley of this mountain called Plavor, you shall travel ten days journey, without coming to any town, or any grass, therefore it shall be needful, for the traveylours that way, to carry provision with them, as well for themselves, as for their horses. There is great cold in that Country, that the fire hath not the strength to seethe th●ir victuals, as in other Countries.   

Of the Desert Bosor, and of many marvelous things there. CHAP. 39  
AFter that you be departed from thence, within thré● days journey you shall be feign to travel forty days journey continually upon Mountains, heaths, and Valleys, between the North-east and East, and passing over divers rivers and deserts. And in all this way, you shall come to no town nor habitation, nor grass, 
Forty daye● journey and have no habitation.  and therefore it is needful for those that do travel that way, to carry with them provision and victuals for themselves and their horses. And this Country is called Bosor. The people there live on the high hills, & be called people of the Mountains. They be Idolaters, and live by their cattle, and be cruel people.   

Of the province Caschar and of other Novelties. CHAP. 40.  
Leave this province, and let us go to another called Caschar, that in old time was a kingdom, although now it be subject to the great Cane. In this province are many fair Cities and towns, the best is Caschar: they be all Mahomates. This province is between the North-east & the East. In it be many great Merchants, fair possessions and Vines, they have much Cottenwooll there, and very good. The merchants of that country be near, and covetous, In this province which endureth five days journey, be Christians called Nestorians, and have Churches, and speak the Persian tongue.   

Of Sumarthan, and of a miracle. CHAP. 31.  
SVmarthan is a City great and fair, in the which devil Christians, and Moors, that be subject to the great Cane: but this king beareth th●m no good william. In this City chanced a marvelous thing. A brother of the great Cane, that was Lord of that Country, become a Christian, by means whereof, the Christians there, received great comfort, and builded them a Church, in the name of Saint john Baptist. And it was builded in such sort, that one Pillar of Marble standing in the midst, did bear up all the roof of the Church, and the Christians did put under the said pillar a goodly Marble stone, which was the Moors, and for because the king was a Christian, they durst say nothing of it. This king died, and one of his sons succeeded him in the kingdom, which was no Christian, and on a time the Moors demanded their stone of the Christians, thinking that in taking away that stone, the whole roof of the Church would fall down: and the Christians did offer to pay the Moors for the stone, what they would demand: but they would not by any means, but have their stone, and in the end, the new king commanded the Christians to restore the stone to the Moors, and the time appointed being come, that the Moors would have it, the said Pillar lifted itself up, three spans above the stone, and so hanged in the air, that the Moors might take away their stone, and yet the Church fell not, and so doth th● Pillar remain till this day.   

Of the province of Carcham. CHAP. 32.  
GOing forwards, you shall come to a province called Carcham, which is five days journey long, and is subject to the great Cane, and be Mahomet's, but there is among them Christians Nestorians. There is in this province abundance of all things.   

Of the province Chota and of their manners. CHAP. 33.  
CHota is a province between the North-east, and the East, and is of five days journey, subject to the great Cane, and be Mahomet's. In this province there be diverse cities and towns, but the chiefest is Chota. In this province be goodly possessions, and fair Gardens and Vines, plenty of Wine and fruits, and Oils, Wheat, Barley and all other victuals, great plenty of Cotton-w●oll. In this Country be rich merchants, good and valiant men of arms.   

Of the province of Poym and of their usages. CHAP. 34.  
POym is a small province of five days journey, it is between the north-east and the East, and be subject to the great Cane, and be Mahomet's, and the principal City is called Poym. 
jaspes and Calcedonies.  In this province there is a river, in the which there is found precious stones, called jaspes and chalcedonies, there is great plenty of all kind of victuals, and great trade of Merchandizes. In this province there is this custom, that when the husband departeth from his house for fifteen or thirty days, or more or less, if the wife can get another husband for the time, she taketh him, and the husband taketh another wife till he return home to his house.   

Of the province of Ciarchan being in great Turkey. CHAP. 35.  
ALL the provinces beforesaid, from Caschar, to this, be subjects to the great Cane, and were of great Turkey, in the which there is a great City called Ciarchan in a province also called Ciarcham, set between the North-east & the East, and the people of that Country speak the Persian tongue, and be Mahomet's. In this province be many Cities, towns, and rivers, wherein be found many precious stones, called chalcedonies, which merchants carry all the world over to cell, and get much money by them. In this Country is abundance of all things needful: And this province for the most part is sandy, and the waters there, for the most part, pleasant and sweet, yet in some places brackish. And the people of that Country, fearing the ill people, do fly with their household stuff, and cattle, two or three days journey, till they may come to some good place, whereas is water and grass for their cattle, and by reason the way is sandy, their tract is soon filled, by reason whereof, the thieves know not how to follow in that Country.   

Of a great desert, and of the City called job. CHAP. 36.  
DEparting from Ciarchan, you shall travail five days journey in sand, and in the way, fresh and sweet waters, and some saltish. Being past these five days journey, you shall find a great desert, and at the beginning of it a great City called job, 
The City job.  between the North-east and the east. They be under the obedience of the great Cane, & be Mahomet's. And they that will pass this desert, had need to be in this City a week, for to provide them victuals and other necessaries for them and their horses for a month, for in this desert, you shall find nothing to eat or drink: and there be many sandy hills, and great. After you be entered into it one days journey, you shall find good water, but after that neither good nor bad, nor beasts, nor fowls, nor any thing to eat: and traveling that way by night, you shall hear in the air, the sound of tabor and other instruments, to put the travelers in fear, and to make them loose their way, and to departed from their company, and lose themselves: and by that means many do● die, being deceived so, by evil spirits, that make these sounds, and also do call diverse of the travelers by their names, and make them to leave their company, so that you shall pass this desert with great danger.   

Of the province of Tanguith, and of the City Sangechian, and of many strange things there. CHAP. 37.  
AFter you be pass the said thirty days journey by the desert, you shall come to a City called Sangechian, subject to the great Cane. And this province is called Tanguiths, in the which all be Idolaters, saving some be Christians, Nestorians, and some Mahomet's. The Idolaters speak the Persian tongue, and do live by the fruits of that Country. There be among them many Monasteries of the Idolaters, where with great devotion they bring their children, and with every of them a sheep, and do present to their Idols: and every year they come with their children and make great reverence to their Idols, & bring with them their sheep, and kill them, and seeth them, and present them there, before their Idols, saying to them, they must eat their meat, the which they can not do, for they have neither mouth nor sense, and seeing their Idols do● not eat it, they carry it home to their houses with great reverence, and call their kyndered together, and do eat of it, as meat sacrificed to their Gods, and put the bones in a basket. When any man or woman dieth, they burn the body: and this they accustom to do with all the idolaters. And in the way that the dead bodies shall pass to be burnt, 
A rich movening & good cheer.  stand all their friends and kinsfolks to accompany the body to the sepulchre, all clothed in cloth of gold and silk: and after the burnt body is put into the ground, they 'cause to be brought thither meat & drink, and there they do eat and drink with great mirth, saying: These bodies shall be received in the other world with like honour. When they burn the bodies, they do also burn with them divers papers painted, of men, women, and beasts, saying, that as many pictures of men, women, and beasts, as they do burn with them, so many servants they shall have in the other world to do them service: and when they carry them to bury, there goeth before them divers kinds of instruments playing. And when one of these idolaters dieth, his friends incontinently declare to the Astrologers, the day and the hour he was borne in, and will not bury him before the day & hour the Astrologers do command: by that means some they bury straightways, and sometimes, they tarry ten, twenty, and thirty days, and sometime six months, according as the Astrologers do command: and in the mean time, they do sire the body with spices, and put it in a coffin, and nail it fast, and lay a cloth over it, and every day they set their table over the Coffin, and there do eat and drink, and pray the dead body to eat with them. And when the day appointed is come for to bury him, the Astrologers do say, that if he hath lain there one month, it is not good to take him out of that place, by the judgement of the Constellations, and for that cause must first remove him to some other side of the house, & from thence carry him to bury.   

Of the province Chamul, and of the evil customs there. CHAP. 38.  
CHamul is a province in the which be many Cities and Towns, whereof the chiefest is called Chamul, and this province is towards the wind called Maistral, which is north-east, and hath two Deserts: on the one side, the Desert is of three days journey, and on the other side as much. The people of this Country worship Idols, and do speak the Persian tongue. They live by their labour in the Country, and have plenty of all things needful. They be people given much to their own pleasure, as playing on instruments, dancing, and singing. And if any stranger do go to see their pastime, they receive him, and make very much of him, with feasting and cheer, and the goodman commandeth his wife to make him the best cheer she can, and to obey him in all things he will command or desire, and so the goodman goeth to his labour into the fields, and leaveth the stranger with his wife, willing her to obey him as to his own person: and this custom the men and the women use there, & be not ashamed thereof. The women be very fair there. In the time of the great Cane that is pass, for the great dishonesty he heard of the people of that country, and the great hurt they sustained in their houses, commanded them that they should receive no strangers into their houses, wherewithal the people were sore offended, and thinking themselves not well used, sent Ambassadors to the great Cane, requesting him, that he would not restrain them from their ancient liberties and customs, that their anticessors had ever used, and they for their parts would continued the same, otherwise they should be unthankful to their Idols. After the great Cane had heard their Embassage, answered them, seeing they had pleasure in such shameful usages, and would not leave it, he also was contented with it.   

Of the province Hingnitala, and of the Salamandra that is found there. CHAP. 39  
HIngnitala is a province set between the North and the east, and is a long province of sixteen days journey, and is subject to the great Cane, and there is many Cities and Towns. There is also in that province, three lineages of people, to say, idolaters that be Christians, Nestorians and jacobites, and the other Mahomet's. At the end of this province towards the North is a great hill, on the which there is neither beasts nor Serpent, and from thence they do gather that which is called Salamandra, which is a thread they do make cloth of. They gather it after this manner, they dig a certain vain that they do there find, and afterwards they beat it in a mortar of a lofer, and afterward wash it, and there remaineth small fine théedes fair and clean, and after they have cast out that which they do wash it withal, they spin it, and weave it, and make table clotheses and napkins of it, than they cast them into the fire for a certain time, whereas it waxeth as white as snow: and the great Cane once in three years doth sand for some of them that be made of Salamandra. And they were wont for to sand of these napkins, for to hung before the vernacle of our Lord jesus Christ, whom the people of Levant do take for a great prophet. Departing from this province, and going between the North-east and East, you shall travail ten days journey and come to little habitation, and at the end of the ten days journey, you shall found a province called Sanchur, in it be Christians and idolaters, subjects to the great Cane. The two provinces beforesaid, to say, Chamul, and Hingnitala be called Tanguth, with the province of Sachar. In all the hills of this province is found great plenty of rhubarb, and there the merchants do buy it, and carry it to all places to sel. There they do not use any occupation, but the most part do live by the labour of the Country.   

Of the City called Campion, and of many evil usages there. CHAP. 44.  
CAmpion is a great City and fair, & is the head of the province of Tanguth. In this City be three sorts of people, that is to say, Christians, idolaters, and Mahomet's. The Christians have three great Churches and fair, and the idolaters have also Monasteries Abbeys, and religious houses, more chaste and comely than the other, and they do kill no beast nor fowl there till the fifth day of the Moon, and in those five days they live more honest, devout, and chaste, than in any other time of the year. These idolaters may have thirty wives apiece, or more, if they be able to maintain them, but the first wife is chief, and if any of them do not content him, he may put her away. They do marry in kindreds, and live like beasts. In this City was Mapheo Nicholas and Marcus Paulus seven years, using the trade of merchandise.   

Of a City called Eusina, and of many notable things in Tartary. CHAP. xlj.  
DEparting from the foresaid City Campion, and travailing twelve days journey, you shall come to a City called Eusina, the which is in a field of the Desert called Sabon, toward the North, and is of the province Targuth. In this City they be all idolaters, and have great abundance of Camels and other cattle withal: they get their living by labouring the ground. In this City those that do travail, do provide them of victuals, and other necessaries, for forty days journey, which they must pass through a great. Desert, whereas be no towns nor houses, nor grass, but in the mountains about dwell people, and also in the valleys beneath the Desert. There be many Asses and other wild beasts of the mountains, and great Pine apple trees. At the end of this Desert there is a City called Catlogoria, which is toward the North, and of this City was the first Prince or Lord among the Tartars, and his name was Catlogoria. The Tartars dwell towards the North, whereas is but few cities & Towns, but true it is, there be fair plains, pastures, rivers, and very good waters. There devil Tartars that have no King nor Lord, they do govern themselves in common, and do pay tribute to Prester john. It formned, that these Tartars multiplied to so great a number, that Prester john did fear, that they would rise against him, therefore he determined with himself to send certain Lords of his that should be among them to keep them asunder, and also to keep the country in good order, and to banish or diminish part of them, because they should not be of so great a power. And the Tartar's perceiving this, joined themselves together, and took council, determined to leave that country, and to go and devil upon the mountains and in the deserts, by means whereof from that time forward they stood in no fear of Prester john, nor would pay him tribute. And at the end of certain years, that they were not under the obedience of Prester john, they did elect and choose among themselves a King which they called Chenchis, a valiant and wise man: and this was in the year of our Lord God .1187. and crowned him for King of the Tartars aforesaid. And all the Tartars that were in Persia, and other countries thereabouts, came to him, and put themselves under his government, and obeyed him as their King, and he received them very friendly, governing them justly and discreetly. And after that Chenchis was confirmed, and had the whole government, within a short time he made war, and in short time conquered right Kingdoms or Provinces, and when he had gotten any Province or City, he did injury to no man, but let them remain with their goods, saving to those that were able and fit men for him, they he took with him into the wars, and by this means he was well-beloved, and all men were content to go with him.   

Of the beginning of the reign of the Tartars, and of many marvelous and strange things. CHAP. 42.  
CHenchis perceiving himself to be of such power, minding to join himself in kindred or stock with Prester john, sent to him his Ambassadors, requiring his daughter in marriage: and this was in the year of our Lord God .1190. Prester john disdained that Embassage and answered, that he marveled much that Chenchis being his Subject should presume to demand his lords daughter to be his wife, saying he would rather kill her: so the matter remained thus. Chenchis hearing this answer of Prester john, was sore troubled and vexed in mind against him, and incontinent sent him defiance, saying, he would war upon him, and of this Prester john made small reckoning saying, that the Tartars were but slaves, and not men of war, notwithstanding he made himself in a readiness, and came upon Chenchis, who had also made himself in a readiness, and came out against him and encountered together in a great plain called Tanguth, where it was appointed the battle should be of both parties, & thus joined together in a fierce & long battle, for both parts was strong, but in the end, Prester john being slain, and many of both parts, 
Prester john slain in batte● by Chenchis King of the Ta●tars.  the field remained to Chenchis, who conquered all the province, Cities, and towns of Prester john, and reigned after his death six years, and at the end of six years, laying siege to a Castle, was hurt in the knee with an arrow, and of that wound died. After the death of this Chenchis, was made Lord of the Tartars one called Cane, and this was the first that was called Emperor and Great Cane. 
The first Emperor of the Tartars called Great Cane.  And after him reigned Bath Cane, and the fourth was called Chenchis Cane, & the fifth was Cublay Cane, which reigneth now. This Cublay Cane is the greatest and of most power of any of all his predessors, for among the Christians and Heathen, there is not a greater Prince than he is, nor of so great a power, and that shall you clearly perceive hereafter, by that which followeth. All the Canes, successors of the first Chenchis, where buoyed in a mountain called Alchay, and there dwelled the great Cane. 
In this mountain Alchay, be all the great Canes buried.  And when the great Cane dieth, they carry him to be buried there. Those that do carry him, or go with him, kill as many as they meet withal in the way or street, and when they kill them, they say: Go, and serve our Lord in the other world, & they believe certainly, that they go, and do him service. And likewise by this reason, when the great Cane dieth, they kill all his Camels, Horses, and Moils, believing that they sand them to serve their Lord in the other world. When Monguy Cane Lord of the Tartars died, there was slain .300000. men that they encountered in the way, by those that went with him to his burial to the said mountain.  
The habitation of the Tartars in the Winter, is in the plain fields, where it is warm, and good grass and pasture for their cattle, and in the Summer in the mountains and woods, where it is fresh and pleasant air: and they make round houses of timber, and cover them with feltes, and these houses they carry with them at all times when they do remove: and always they set their door in the Summer time towards the South, and in the Winter towards the North. These Tartars have their carts of Wagons covered with black feltes, that never any water can pass through, and in these Cartes or Wagons go their wives, children, and family, and their Camels do draw these Wagons. The Tartars wives do buy and cell all manner of things belonging to household, or any thing needful: their husbands take no care for it, but only in hawking, hunting, and going on warfare. They do eat all manner of flesh, and drink milk of all kind of beasts and mares. The Tartars may take as many wives as they will, and may marry with any of their kindred, excepting no degree: but their first wife is the chiefest, and is most made of: the women do give their dowries to their husbands. There is none of them will have conversation with an other man's wife. And when the father dieth, his eldest son doth marry with his mother in law, and when the son dieth, his brother marrieth with his sister in law, and for the time do keep great solemnity and feasts at the wedding.   

Of the custom, orders, faith and honouring the great Cane, and how he goeth to the wars. CHAP. 43.  
THe Great Cane Emperor of the Tartars, doth worship for his God, and Idol called Nochygay, and they say and believe, that he is the eternal God, that taketh care to preserve him, his wives, children, family, cattle, and corn, and hath him in great reverence, and every one hath the figure of that Idol in his house. And this Idol is made of feltes, or of other cloth, and of the same felt or cloth they do make wives and children for their Idols, and the women be set on the left side of the Idols, 
The Tartars do make them Idols of feltes, and other baggage.  and the children before them. When they think it dinner time, than they do anoint the mouths and lips of their Idols, and wives and children, with the fat of the sodden flesh, and do pour out the broth upon the floor, saying, that their Idols, their wives, and children do fill themselves with it, and they do eat the sodden flesh, and their drink is the milk of Mares trimmed with spices, that it is like white wine, and it is very good, and is called with them Cheminis. The Lords and men of power and riches, go appareled in cloth of gold, and cloth of silk, 
The Nobility & Gentlemen go in cloth of gold and silk, furred with rich furs.  furred with rich furs. Their harness is the Hides of Buff, or other thick and strong skins. The Tartars be valiant men of arms, and strong to abide any travel or labour, and can well suffer hunger and thirst, for in the wars they be many times one month, and eat nothing, but of wild beasts they do kill in the field, and drink Mare's Milk. When they be in the field day and night they be on Horseback, and the bridle in their hands they give the Horse's meat. When their King setteth forward with his host, before and on every side of him they do set four battles of the best and most valiant men, for because their King should not be put in fear. And when he goeth a warfare a far off, he carrieth nothing with him but his armour, and a thing to cover him when it doth rain, and two flagons with Milk for to drink, and a Pot to seeth his meat in when need is. In a time of need he will ride ten days journey, without eating any sodden meat. For his drink, they will carry Milk made like dry paste, and when he is disposed to drink, he will take a little of that paste, and dissolve it in fair water, and so drink it: 
The Tarta●es going a warfare, carry with them a thing made in paste of Mare's milk and other compounds, and do serve for his drink.  and when this shall fail him, and that he can get no other drink, he letteth his Horse blood, and drinketh of it. When the Tartars will skirmish with their enemy's, they hide their Salads secretly, and as they do begin to skirmish, straightway they show as though they would run away, and that they were overcome of their enemies, and thus fleeing, put on their Salads, and straight way they return valiantly upon their enemies, and by this means commonly they do break the a ray of their enemies. The Tartars have this custom, 
When any of the Tartars sons die, and also a daughter of another, than they do marry these two together, saying, they shall be so in the other world.  that if one of their sons die being young, and also of another man his daughter, after they be dead, they marry them, saying, they shall be married in the other world. And of this Matrimony they do make a public writing, and this writing they burn, saying to the dead, that as the smoke thereof ascendeth on high, so do they send them that writing, declaring their marriage. And at such marriages they make great feasting and solemnity, and do seeth much victuals, and pour out the broth upon the floor, saying, that those which be dead in this world, and married in the other, do eat of the victuals prepared for the wedding. And besides all this, they 'cause to be painted the figure of the son and daughter, upon the backside of the foresaid writing, and withal the pictures of many Camels, and other divers beasts, and apparel and money, and many other things, saying, that as that writing doth burn, all those things therein go strait way to their children, after the smoke as aforesaid, and the fathers and mothers of these children that died, do take hands together, and be always after friends, and Grandfathers and Grandmothers, and Cousens, even as though they had been married alive.   

Of a plain called Barga, and of the customs of the people of that Country. CHAP. 44.  
DEparting from the City called Cuthogora, aforesade, and the mountain called Acay, where they bury their Kings of the Tartars, which is the great Cane, you shall travel through a great plain called the plain of Barga, forty days journey towards the North. The people of that country be called Mecrith. They be savage people, and do live the most part by killing of red dear called Stags, and other wild beasts, and do ride and travail upon hearts or stags, as they do in other places upon horses. They have neither bread nor wine, and be subjects to the great Cane.   

Of the great Sea called the Ocean. CHAP. 45.  
AFter you have travailed forty days journey, you shall come to a great Sea called the Ocean Sea, and also great mountains, in the which you shall have goodly Hawks great plenty, and special good, called Peregrinos. And in the Islands of the Sea breedeth great plenty of Gerfalcons. In this Sea be two great Islands, which shall be spoken of hereafter, and lie towards the North, and have the Sea out of the South.   

Of the Kingdom Erguyl, and of many other Kingdoms, and of Musk, and other sweet and pleasant things that be there found, and many other things. CHAP. 46.  
I Have declared unto you of the provinces of the North, till you come to the mountains, and the Ocean Sea: and now I will count to you of the other provinces belonging to the great Cane, till you come to his country, returning to the country called Campion, where you shall pass .5. days journey in length, in the which many times you shall hear the voices of evil spirits. At the end of these five days journey towards the East, 
The voice of evil spirits heard.  there is a kingdom called Erguil, of the province of Tanguth, subject to the great Cane, and in this province there live three sorts of people, that is to say, Christians that be Nestorians, and idolaters and Mahomet's: and there be many Cities and Towns, but the principal City is called Erguyl. From this City traveling East Southeast, you shall come to a Country which is a great province, in the which there is a great City called Syrygay, that hath near unto it many Cities and Towns, all subject to the great Cane, and there be in it Christians, idolaters, and Mahomet's. There be wild Oxen as big as Elephants, very fair beasts to see, white and black, 
Monstrous great O●en a● bi●ge as Elephants.  all covered with hair, saving a span long upon the neck, which is called Del Espinazo, which is bore, and hath no hair, and many of these Oxen they do make tame, and do labour and till the ground with them. They will carry great weight, by reason they be so great bodied. There is the best Musk in the world. The Beast that ●hey have it off, 
Hear is the best Musk in the world.  is bodied like a Cat, with four teeth, two above, and two beneath, of three fingers long, they be slender of body, an have hear like a red Dear, and feet like a Cat, and they have a thing like a poshe, or bag of blood, gathered together near to their navel, between the skin and the flesh, which they cut and take away, and that is the Musk: and there be many of those Beasts there. The people of that Country do live by their occupations and trade of Merchandise, and have good plenty of corn. This Country is long, of .25. days journey. 
I think these be Peacocks  There be plenty of Feysants, and very great, for one of them is as big as two of ours, with tails of eight, nine, and ten spans long. The people of that Country be fat, and of low brows, and black heard, and have no beards, but a few hears about the mouth. The women be fair and white, and well bodied. The people for that Country be given much to the pleasure of the body, for a rich man to obtain the favour of a woman, will give her a jointer. They be all Idolaters▪   

Of the City called Calacia, and of many things they do make there. CHAP. 47.  
DEparting from Erguill, and traveling towards the East eight days journey, you shall come to a Province called Egregia, that hath under it many Cities, and is of the Province of Tanguthe, and the principal City of it is called Chalacia, and is subject to the great Cane, in the which be three Churches of Christians Nestorians, and all the rest be Idolaters. 
Hear be Chamlets made.  There they make excellent good Chamlets of Camels hear of white wool, and from thence Merchants carry them to cell into other countries.   

Of the Province called Tanguthe which is subject to Prester john, and of a stone called Lapis laguli, that is there found, and of Gog and Magog. CHAP. 48.  
DEparting from Arguill, and entering into the Kingdoms of Prester john, you shall come to a Province called Tanguthe, which is under a King of the lineage of Prester john, which is called George by his proper name, and he holdeth that Country of the great Cane, especially those that were taken of Prester john. And the great Cane doth always take the chiefest daughters of this King commonly, since that Chenchis the first King of the Tartars slew Prester john in battle, as before is declared. In this Country is found Lapis laguli, which is a stone, 
Hear is found the stone called Lap●s ●●gu●i, wherewith th●y do make a sign blow.  that maketh a fine blue. The most part of this province be Christians, and they be governors, and chief of the Country. There be also Mahomet's, which do live by cattle, and labouring of the ground. In this Province be another kind of people called Argarones', or Galmulos, this they do say, for because they do descend of two several nations, that is to say, of the christians of Tanguthe, & the Mahomet's. 
Hear was the imperial seat of P●ester john.  They be fair men, wise and discreet more than the others of that country. In this province was the imperial chair or seat of Prester john, when he reigned over the Tartars: and yet there do reign in that province, of the stock of Prester john, of whom came this George King of this province. Here is that place that the holy Scripture speaketh of, called Gog and Magog.   

Of the City Sindathoy in Cataya, where silver is found. CHAP. 49.  
Having passed seven days journey in this province towards the East, you shall come to Cataya, a broad Country, in the which there be many Christians, and many idolaters, and many of the sect of Mahomet, and they be all handi-crafts men and merchants. There they make great plenty of cloth of gold, and also of cloth of silk very fine. In this province is a City of the great Canes called Sindathoy, where they do work and make all manner and kind of armour for the wars, and in the mountains of this province be veins of fine silver, and plenty, called there Idica.   

Of a City called Giannorum, and of many novelties. CHAP. 50.  
PArting from this City, and traveling iij days journey, you shall come to a City called Gianorum, in the which there is a marvelous goodly Palace of the great Canes to lodge him and his Court when he cometh to that City, and in this City he is desirous to be with good will, for because that near unto it is a good country, 
Here be Cranes of five sorts or colours.  in the which be great plenty of wild Geese, and Ducks, and of Cranes, of five sorts or manners: the first be great and all black like Crows: the second all white, saving the heads that be all read: the third all black, saving the head is white and shining: the fourth green, with black heads: they be far bigger than ours: the fifth be little with all their feathers red. Near unto this City is a great valley, where the great Cane hath many wild beasts, great and small, and among them great plenty of Partridges, to serve for his provision, when he goeth into that Country.   

Of a marvelous City called Liander, and of many marvelous and far things they have there. CHAP. 51.  
DEparting three days journey from this City, between the North-east and the North you shall come to a City called Liander, which Cublay Cane builded. In this City is a marvelous goodly Palace made of Marble and flint stones, called pedras vivas, 
The wall of this house is gilded.  all gilded with gold, and near to this Palace, is a wall which is in compass fifteen miles, and within this wall be fair rivers, Wells, and green Meadows, where the great Cane hath plenty of all kind of wild foul and beasts, 
Her● the Emperor hath great store of Hawks of all sorts.  for to find his Hawks, called Falcons, and Gerfaulcons, that be there in mew, which he at sometimes more than 40000. that which many times he goeth thither to see. When he doth ride in these Meadows, he carrieth behind him on the buttocks of his horse, a russet or grey Lion tame, and setteth him to the stags, or red Dear, and to other wild beasts, and upon these beasts do the Gerfaulcons and falcons season. In the midst of these Meadows is a great house, where the great Cane doth resort to dinner, and to banquet, and to take his rest and pleasure in, when he goeth that way. And this house is compassed about with great Canes, that be gilded and covered with Canes that be varnished, and closed all in one, in such sort, that no water can pass throughteverye Cane is at the lest three spans compass, and from ten to fifteen paces long. And this house is so made, that at all times they may take it down and set it up again, upon a sudden. 
Here y Cane doth make sacrifice with milk ro his Idols.  It is tied with above 200. cords of silk, after the manner of tents, or pavilions. And the great Cane repaireth thither for his pleasure, in june, july, and August, and there by commandment of his Prophets, Idolaters maketh sacrifice with milk to his Idols, for to preserve and keep his wives, and sons, and daughters, and his subjects, and servants, and cattle, and fowls, corn, vines, fruit, and all other things in his countries. All the Mares that the great Cane rideth on, be as white as milk. Among the which, he hath always ten Mares that no body doth drink of their milk, 
Albina the Mare's the great Cane do ride on, be white.  but only he and some great men of his Court, and some others that he called honourable and noble, because of a victory had against the enemy's of Chenchis the first king of the Tartars.   

Of the sacrifice and other manners, of the life of the great Cane. CHAP. 52.  
WHen the great Cane will make sacrifice, he poureth out the Mare's milk upon the ground, 
A superstitious belief the great Cane hath.  and in the air, and the Prophets of his gods say, that milk poured out, is the holy Ghost, of the which all the Idols be full, and do believe, that this sacrifice is the cause of his confirmation, and of his subjects, & of all his other things. And this sacrifice he doth every year the 29. day of August. And to those white horses and Mares wheresoever they do go, they do great reverence. This great Cane hath in his Court certain Negromanciers, which by art of the Devil, when it is foul & troubleseme weather, it shall be fair and clear weather in his Palace. And do give to understand to the people, that the clearness is over the Palace where the great Cane is, only for his deserts and holy life, and by virtue of his Idols. When any one is judged to die, as soon as he is dead they seeth him, and eat him, but those that die by natural death, be meat for their Idols.  
And besides this, when the great Cane is at his table, these enchanters do work by art of the Devil, that Cups do rise from the table ten Cubits into the air, and do set themselves down again, 
Here his enchanters do work by the Devil.  and when they will do this, they demand of the great Cane a black sheep, and the wood of Alloe and Incense, & other sweet spices, whereof there is great plenty, because their sacrifice seem the more sweeter, and he commandeth to be delivered to them, what they will have, for because they believe that their Idols do preserve and keep him and all his company. These Prophets and Priests, do cause the flesh to be sodden with spices in presence of their Idols, & do put incense therein, and pour the broth into the air, & they say the Idol taketh of it what pleaseth him: and this they do with great singing. Every Idol hath his name, and to every one they do this worship on their days, as we do on our saints days. They have many Monasteries deputed to the names of their Idols. There is in that country one Monastery as big as a good City, 
A great Monastery of Monks.  in the which there be 400. Monks that go honestly appareled, and their beards and heads shaven. Upon their feast days they keep great solemnity, with singing, and praising, and lights, and some of these religious men have many wives, and some of them live chaste: the chaste do eat the bran and the meal kneaded together, with a little hot water, and do fast oftentimes in reverence of their Idols, and do wear garments made of Canvas died black or blue, & some white, and do lie in Almadraques, sharp and hard beds, and the other religious that be married, they go well appareled, and do eat and drink well, and do say that those which live the straight life be Heretics and fools, because they do punish their bodies, by means whereof they can not honour their Idols as they aught to do, and as reason is. All the Idols of these married religious men, they do name by the name of women, because they be such lecherous people.   

Of a victory the great Cane had. CHAP. 53.  
HEre, for your better information, I will declare unto you of a victory the great Cane had, whereby you shall the better understand and know of his strength and power. It was he that now reigneth, which was called Cublay Cane, which is as much to say, as Lord of Lords. You shall understand that this Cublay Cane descended lineally of the imperial stock, from Chenchis Cane, from whence he must descend, that shall be Lord of the Tartars: and this Cublay Cane, began his reign in the year of our Lord God .1256. And as Chenchis Cane by his providence and wisdom, made himself the first Lord of the Tartars, as is before declared, so likewise this for his wisdom and providence, contrary to the good will of his kindred, that would have put him out of it, did so conserve and govern his Dominions and Countries, till the year of our Lord God .1298. so that he reigned two and forty years, and was five and forty years old when he was made Emperor, and every year had wars, for he was valiant and expert in the wars, but he himself after he was made Emperor, never went to the wars but one time, but always sent his sons, or some noble men, whom he thought best. And the cause wherefore he went at that time in person, was this. In the year of our Lord God .1286. a nephew of his, of the age of thirty years Lord of many provinces, Cities, and towns, perceiving himself to be subject to the great Cane, as his predecessors had been, determined in himself not to be subject to any, and concorded with another kinsman of the great Canes, which was called Cardin, which might well make .100000. Horsemen, and was mortal enemy to the great Cane his uncle, and did move war both of them with their hosts against the great Cane, and he having knowledge thereof, did not fear, for he was a Prince of marvelous great power: but incontinent he called his people together for to go against his enemies, and took an oath, that the crown should never come on his head, till that he had cruelly revenged himself on them as Traitors and Rebels, so that within two and twenty days, he had joined particularly a great host of three hundred thousand fight men, 
Three hundred thousand fight men.  of horsemen and footmen, and would join no greater an host, nor have it published abroad, that his enemies should have knowledge of it, and also for that he had many of his men of war abroad in other places on warfare, and could not bring them together in so short a time. But you shall understand that when the great Cane will make his power, and take time to do it, he may join so great a number, that it were a great trouble to number them. These three hundred thousand of fight men, be not all men of experience, for there were above four thousand Falconers, and Servants, and Courtiers that attended upon the King's person, and served in his Courts. But thus having his hosts joined, he commanded to be called before him his Astrologers, and would know of them in what sort and time he should set forward on this enterprise, and they answered him that the time was good, and that he should have victory over his enemies, and so incontinent set forward on his way with his people, and came to a plain, where as was Navia with .200000. men tarrying there the coming of Caydu with another hundred thousand of horsemen, for to set on the Countries of the great Cane. The Lords of the great Cane had beset all the ways, and taken all the straits, that neither succour should come, nor his enemies flee, because he would take them all prisoners. Navia knowing nothing of this, or that the great Cane had prepared himself for any war, 
The policy of the great Cane.  for the great Cane had before beset all the ways and passages, that no man could pass to carry any news to Navia, and by this means, not thinking nor standing in any doubt, thought he might well take his rest that night, and all his people: but the 〈◊〉 Cane was stirring in the morning betimes with all his ho●res, and did set his Camp hard by the place where as Navia had his, and found them all unarmed, and unprovided, not thinking any thing of it, and perceiving it, he was in great fear. And the great Cane had made a great frame upon an Elephant, wherein his standards were carried, and before and behind, and by the sides went his battles of Horsemen and footmen, that is to say .25000. in a battle. And with these battles be set all the host of Navia round, and when Navia saw this, he leapt on horseback, and caused his trumpets to blow, and set his army in as good order as he could, and so joined battle, whereas was a great and strong fight, and continued from morning till night, and great number slain on both parties, but at the end Navia and his company were not able any longer to withstand the fury of the great Canes armed men, and began to flee, in such sort, that Navia was taken prisoner, and his people not being able to do any good, submitted themselves to the great Cane: and Navia being presented alive to the great Cane, he caused him to be bound up in a Carpet, and so long he used him to be carried, that he died, 
A strange kind of death to his cousin.  and this death he gave him, for that he would not have the blood of Navia being of his kindred, fall to the ground, nor that the air should see him die an evil death. After that Navia was dead, all his Lords and other prisoners become sworn to the great Cane, to be obedient to him. These four provinces were under the obedience of Navia, that is to say, Furciorcia, Guli, Baston, Scincinguy.  
Now that I have showed you of the great Cane, how he paste with Navia, I will also declare unto you, of his manner, condition, and person, and of his wives and children, and of other things.   

Of the parsonage of the great Cane, and of his wives and children. CHAP. 54.  
THe great Cane that was called Cubla Cane, was a man of a ●iddle stature, well fleshte, and of good complexion, and well proportioned in all his members, well coloured of face, his eyes black, his nose well made: he hath four that be his Legitimate wives, and his eldest son, that he hath by his first wife, doth keep Court by himself, and every one of these four Queens, have in their Courts 300. waiting women, 
The great Cane ha●h four wives and they keep great Courts  and many maidens, with also many men and women, that do service in the Courts: for every one of these four Queens have in their Courts more than 4000 persons, of men, women, maidens, and servants. Also the great Cane hath many Concubines of Tartars, which be called Origiathe and be of a good and honest behaviour, 
The great Cane hath many Concubines.  and of these the great Cane hath a hundredth maidens chosen out for himself, which be in a palace by themselves, and have ancient women to keep them. And of these hundredth, every three days six of them do serve and attend upon the great Cane in his Chamber, and the three days being past, they do return to their Palace again, and other six come for to keep the great Canes Chamber. 
The great Cane had by his four wives two and twenty sons, after his eldest son died, who should have been King. His son was heir, and kept a great Cou●t.  And thus they do remove from three days to three days. The said great Cane had by his said wives two and twenty Sons, the eldest of them is called Chinchis, in remembrance of the first King of Tartars, and also to renew that name, this first son is called Chinchis Cane, and should have succeeded his father in the Kingdom, but because he died before his father, his eldest son called Themur Cane, and this his sons son, because he should reign after him, kept a great Court by himself.   

Of a great City called Cambalu, and of all the goodly and marvelous things that be done there. CHAP. 55.  
NOw I will declare unto you of the worthy and noble City called Cambalu, 
Cambalu. This is a goodly City, and well ordered.  the which is in the province of Cathaya. This City is four and twenty miles compass, and is foursquare, that is, to every quarter six mile's compass. The wall is very strong, of twenty paces high, and battlements of three paces high. The wall is five paces thick, This City hath twelve gates, and at every gate is a very fair palace. And upon the top of every corner of the said wall is also a fair palace, and in all these palaces joining to the wall be many people appointed for to watch and keep the City. And in those palaces be all manner of armour and weapons for the defence and strength of the City. The streets of this City be so fair and straight, that you may see a Candle or fire from the one end to the other. In this City be many fair Palaces and houses. And in the midst of it is a notable great and fair Palace, in the which there is a great tour, wherein there is a great Bell, and after that Bell is tolled three times, no body may go abroad in the City, but the watchmen that be appointed for to keep the City, and the nurses that do keep children newly borne, and Physicians that go to visit the sick, and these may not go without light. At every gate nightly there is a thousand men to watch, not for fear of any enemies, 
At every gate is a thousand m●n that do watch.  but to avoid thieves and robbers in the City, which many times do chance in the City. And this great watch the great Cane doth cause, to conserve and keep h●s people and subjects, that no man should do them hurt, Without this City be twelve suburbs very great, and every one of them answereth to his gate of the City. And in these be many Merchants and men of occupations: and thither do resort all people that come out of the Countries, 

Not common woman may devil within the City.  
Above a thousand Cartes with silk goeth every day out of this Line.  
The great Cane is guarded nightly, with twenty thousand Horsemen.  
The manner of the great Cane at his ●inner with his wives and children.   and such Lords as have to do with the King or his Courts. And in these suburbs be more than twenty thousand single or common women, and never a one of them may devil within the City on pain of burning. Out of this City goeth every day above a thousand Cartes with silk. The great Cane is guarded every night with twenty thousand Gentlemen on Horseback, not for any fear, but for dignity. They be called Chisitanoes, which is as much to say, as Knights for the body, or trusty Knights. The manner of the great Cane for his dinner, is this: They make ready all the Tables round about the Hall, and in the midst of the Hall, is made ready the Table for the great Cane, setting his back towards the North, and his face towards the South. His first wife sitteth next unto him on his left hand, and his other wives following orderly. On his other side do sit his sons, and his sons children, one after another, according to his age. Those that be of the imperial lineage, do sit down afterward at another table more lower. And the other Lords and their wives do sit at other Tables more lower, according to their degrees, dignities, offices, estates, and age. At the said Tabl●s commonly do sit four thousand persons, or very near, 
Commonly four thousand persons do sit in that Hall at a dinner. A vessel of fine gold tha● will hold ten Hogsheads of Wine, and four of silver bigger than that.  and every one may see the great Cane as he sitteth at his dinner. In the midst of the Hall is a very great vessel or cistern of fine gold, that will hold ten Hogsheads, which is always kept full of perfect good drink. And near unto that vessel be other four vessels of silver bigger than that, full of good wine, with many other vessels and pots by them, of gold, and of silver, which may be of pottles a piece, or as much as will serve four men for a dinner. At dinner, out of the vessel of gold, with pots of gold, they draw wine for to serve the great Cane his Table, for him, his wives, children, and kindred: and out of the vessels of silver, 

Every one that sitteth at the tables, hath a cup of gold before him.  
Every one that bringeth meat or drink to the Table, hath a towel of gold and silk before his mouth.   with jars and Pots of silver, they draw wine to serve the Lords and the Ladies, and all others sitting at the Tables, as well women as men. And every one that sitteth at the tables hath a cup of gold before him to drink in. And every one that bringeth any service to the great Canes Table, hath a towel of gold and silk before his mouth, because his breath shall not come upon the meat and drink they bring. When the great Cane will drink, all the musicans that be in the Hall do play, and every one that serveth, kneeleth down till he have drunk. In the Hall be always jesters, jugglers, and fools, attending upon the Tables, to make pastime all dinner time, and after Dinner is done, and the Tables taken up, 
Great feast is made every year, the day when the great Cane was borne.  every man goeth about his business. All the Tartars keep great feasting and cheer every year on the day that Cublay Cane was borne, which was on the eight and twentieth day of September, and that is the greatest feast they make in all the year save one, that hereafter shall be spoken of. The great Cane doth apparel himself that day he was borne on in cloth of gold marvelous rich, and .12000. Barons be appareled with him after the same sort touching the cloth of gold, 
He giveth a rich Livery.  but not so rich and precious, and every one of them hath a great girdle of gold, and that apparel and girdles the great Cane giveth them. 
Every Livery is worth a thousand Marks.  And there is never a one of those garments with the girdle, but it is worth .10000. Bisancios of gold, which may be a thousand Marks. By this you may perceive, that he is of great power and riches. And on the said day, all the Tartars, and Merchants, and subjects, and those that devil in his Countries, be bound to present unto him every one something, according to his degree and ability, in knowledging him to be their Lord. And whatsoever he be that doth beg any office or gift of him, must give him a present, according to the gift he doth ask. And all his Subjects and Merchants, and travelers, or any other that be found in his Countries or Provinces, be usually bound to pray for the great Cane to his Idols, to preserve him and his Countries, whether they be Tartars or Christian, 
The Tartars begin their year the first day of February.  or jews, or Moors. The Tartars begin their year the first day of February, and do keep a great feast that day. And the great Cane and his Barons, with all the rest of the City, do apparel themselves in white that day, making great pastimes, saying, the great Cane is blessed and fortunate, and so do desire a joyful year. And on that day there is presented to the great Cane more than .10000. Horses and Mares all white, 
Ten thousand white Horses and Mares presented to the great Cane.  and more than five thousand Elephants, with two great baskets upon them full of provision necessary for his Courts. And besides this, there is presented to him a great number of Camels, covered all with white cloth of silk, for service of their K. And when they give these presents, they do all pass by, where the great Cane doth stand and see them. On the same day that this feast is, in the morning betimes, before the Tables be covered, all the kings, Dukes, Marquesses, Lords, Captains, Governors, and justices of his countries, & other officers, come into the Hall before the presence of the great Cane, and those that can not come in, be in another place, where as the great Cane may see them all: and thus being altogether as though they would make some request, there goeth one up upon a building or scaffold that is made for the same purpose, 
Albina his nobility do ●ncle and worship the Cane as if he were an Idol.  in the midst of the hall, & with a loud or high voice, biddeth them all kneel down upon their knees, and give lands and thanks to their Lord, and straight ways every one doth honour him as if he were an Idol: and this they do four times, and this being done, every one goeth and sitteth down in his place, and afterwards do rise one after an other, and go to an altar, which is set in the midst of the hall, and upon it is a table set, written on with letters of gold, and garnished with precious stones of great value, and the writing is the proper name of the great Cane, and with Sensors of fine gold full of incense and fire, they incense that table in honour of the great Cane. And after that, every one in presence of the great Cane, 
A great and rich offering.  doth offer great and precious gifts according to his state, condition, and ability, and this being done, they go all and sit down at the tables to dinner. And the great Cane thirteen times in the year doth give apparel to his Barons, 
The great Cane doth give liveries 13. times in a year, and every time he changes his colours.  in thirteen great feasts he doth make, and at every time he doth change this apparel, and this apparel that he doth give, is of greater and lesser value, according to the degree of him that he giveth it unto. And to every one he giveth a girdle, or a pair of hosen, or a hat, garnished with gold, and set with pearls and precious stones, according to the degree of the parties: and of this apparel is every year. 1●6000. and this he doth for to honour and magnify his feasts. And at every such feast the great Cane hath lying at his feet a tame Lion, upon a rich Carpet. And the great Cane is resident, during the said three months, in Camballo, 
Four months he doth continued in Camballo.  that is to say, December, januarie, and February And during the said three months, the whole country thereabout, to say thirty days journey, is kept for hawking, hunting, and fouling, only for to serve the Courts, and what they do take and kill, is presented and brought to the great Canes Court, 
No man may hunt no haul● nor foul within thirty days journey of his City  and such as devil further of in other provinces that kill wild beasts, not able to be brought to the Court, they do trim and dress the skins thereof, and bring them to the Court for to dress, make, and trim armour and munitions, for the wars, which he hath infinite number.   

Of the manner the great Cane doth use in his hunting. CHAP. 56.  
THis Cublay Cane, or great Cane, hath with him two noble men, that be his brethren, the one called Baian, and the other Mytigan, and they be called Cinicil, 
Two noble men be masters of his dogs, and they have ten thousand men apiece.  which is as much to say, as masters or governors of the dogs or Mastiffs of their Lords, either of these two noble men, hath ten thousand men all appareled in one livery of white and red, and every one of these twenty thousand men hath charge and government of two Mastyes, or at the le●st one, and when the great Cane will go on hunting, these two noble men go with him with their twenty thousand men, or with the most part of them, and so begin their hunting with those men and dogs, who be well used to it, and the great Cane goeth into the midst of the fields, having his two Lords with their men and dogs on each side of him, and divideth them into companies, in such sort, that there shall no game rise, that shall scape them, what kind of beast so ever it be.   

Of the manner of his hawking for wildfowl. CHAP. 57  
THe first day of March, the great Cane departeth from Cambalu and goeth with his Court and Barons, 
The grea● Cane hath with him ten thousand Falcons & five thousand Gerfaulcons.  towards the South seas, named the Ocean, that lieth two days journey from Cambalu, and he carrieth with him ten thousand Falcons, five thousand Gerfaulcons, and other kind of Hawks a great number, which are very singular and good, above all other, and are bred in his Seniories, and all those that they take in his countries are presented to the great Cane, for his own use, Court, and Barons, that always keep his company, which are never less than 15000. and they be called T●stores, which is as much to say, as the Lords guard, & all these do practise hawking, and every one of them doth carry his reclaim or lewer, and hawks hood, that when he hath need he may take up his Hawk. 
They do never lose Falcon nor gerfalcon.  They do never lose one of these Falcons, for every one of them hath fastened unto his Bells a Scutcheon of gold, wherein is written the name of his Master, and when soever one of them is lost, he that findeth him straight ways doth present him unto the great Cane, or to one of those barons his brethren, and he causeth him to be delivered again, to him that before had charge of him, for he is known by the Scutcheon that the Hawk hath upon his bells.   

Of the manner that the great Cane hath in traveling in his country, and how he abideth in the fields in his tents and pavilions. CHAP. 58.  
WHen the great Cane maketh any journey in his country, he goeth in a fair lodge or edification, having a very fair chamber made upon four Elephants, which is covered with the skins of Lions, and in this chamber he hath twelve Gerfaulcons, 
A strange going a hawking.  and certain of the Barons in his company to give him pleasure and pastime: and round about these Elephants there be on horseback very many barons, and as soon as they see any foul, or Crane fly, they declare it unto their Lord, and he immediately, letteth these Gerfaulcons' fly: ●nd after this sort he goeth through his country: and when the great Cane cometh to any broad and fair fields, which they do call Caziam●n, which he doth find ready set with tents and pavilions for him and his wives, and for his children and barons, and these tents and pavilions, are at the lest .10000. and the tents of the great Cane are so large, 
There be at the lest ten thousand tents and pavilions set up in the field.  that when they are set up, there may be under and walk at their ease .2000. knights, and the entering into them openeth towards the South, and one of the tents is for the Barons and Knights that are of the lords guard, and in a smaller tent that standeth by it, opening towards the Septentrion, edified with fair chambers, wrought all with gold, ordained for the great Cane where he keepeth Courts, and audience to all them that come: and in this tent there be two chambers with fair halls, and the feelings is sustained upon three pillars of a marvelous work, and are covered with Lion's skins, and of other beasts, wrought and painted of divers colours, so that neither wind nor rain can enter or pass through, for they are made only for that purpose: and these chambers and halls, are furred with Ermines and jebelines or Sables, which Sables is so precious, that one fur for a Knight are or is worth .2000. Bysancios of gold. 
These two tents be of a good valour.  All the cords of these tents are of silk, and these two tents are of such value, that a mean King though he do cell all his land, is not able to buy them▪ And round about these two tents stand many other tents being very fair, for the Barons, and for the other people, so well set and ordained, that it seemeth to be a great City: & from every place there cometh people to see the mightiness & pleasure of the great Cane. There goeth with the great Cane all his Court that he keepeth in Cambalu, and in the place he remaineth hunting and hawking until all the month of April, for there they find great plenty of wildfowl, for that there be great lakes and rivers. When the great Cane goeth on hawking for wild foul, there may no man hawk near him, not within twenty days journey, upon a great penalty. And from the beginning of March until October, there is no Baron nor subject unto the great Cane, that dare take any wild beast or foul▪ though there be very great plenty in that country, upon great penalty, and when the time of his hawking is ended, he returneth unto the City of Cambal●, hawking by the way, and near unto the City he doth keep solemn cheer three days. Within the said City they lodge no strangers, 
Three days he doth make great cheer after his hunting is ended  nor bury any dead corpse. There cometh unto this City merchandise from all parts of the world, cloth of gold and of silk, precious stones and pearls, and great plenty of other notable things to maintain the magnificence of the great Canes Court that he hath, and for the great resort of people that come thither: and this City is situated in the midst of his provinces and countries.   

Of the money that is used in all that country. CHAP. 59  
THe great Cane causeth his money to be made in this manner, causing the rind of a Mulberry tree to be cut very thin, which is between the utter rind and the tree, and of this he maketh money both small and great, which some of them is worth half an ounce, some an ounce, 
The money t●at is used in those countries.  some ten groats, some twenty, some thirty, and same worth a Bisanco of gold, and some of two Bisancoes, and so they rise until ten Bisancios of gold. This money is stamped with the sign of the Lord, & it is currant in all his Country, and in all the provinces which are subject unto him, & no man may refuse this money, for if he do he must lose his head, 
He ●hat doth counter●a●e his co●ne s●●ll ●e destroyed to the t●●r●e generation.  & he that doth counterfeit his coin shall be destroyed unto the third generation There cometh sometimes unto the Court of Cambalu, Merchants that bring gold and precious stones for to buy the cloth of gold and silk, and other Merchaundizes in quantity of three thousand Bisancios of gold, and many times the great Cane commandeth, that all the gold, silver, and precious stones, that may be found in the merchants hands, and subjects of his dominions, should be delivered to his treasurers, and so they do, and they be paid for it in this said money, which is made of the rind of a Mulberry tree, that they may see how all the gold, silver, pearl & precious stones is closed up in his treasury being bought for this vile money of no value, so that little gold, silver, pearls and precious stones cometh out of his country: and after this sort he maketh himself the richest Prince of the world.   

Of the order and rules that he hath in his dominions. CHAP. 60.  
THe great Cane hath set ten Barons or noble men of great estimation to govern .64. provinces and countries subjects unto him, 
The noble men that do set order for all the great Canes affairs  and they ever remain in his City imperial of Cambalu, and these ten Barons do appoint judges, and Notaries over the Countries that are under their guiding, of the which every one of them doth exercise his office in the country that he hath charge of, and these judges remain also in the City of Cambalu, under the obedience of those Barons. These ten Barons do constitute governors and officers through all the Countries, and do change them when they list, and when they have put them in the room, they do present them before the great Cane, and he doth accept them, and giveth them Tables of Gold, and by writing the order how to use themselves: and these governors and officers do give them knowledge by letters and messengers unto the judges which are deputies over them, and those judges do notify all things unto those ten Barons, and they do make declaration of it unto the great Cane, so that after this manner, he knoweth what is done in his Countries, and provideth for all things necessary.   

Of the said order. CHAP. 61.  
THese ten Barons are called Senich, which is to say, the principals of the Court: and these do provide for the preservation of the great Canes estate, and they do ordain his wars and hosts, and Knights, and they do treat and make peace between the Lords, and they do make provision in every manner of thing that toucheth their lords estate, and to all his dominions, but they let nothing pass, until such time as their Lord do understand it.   

Of the City Cambalu. CHAP. 62.  
THe City of Cambalu hath many outlettes and gates, that thorough them they may go unto divers provinces and countries, & when they go from thence, for to go unto Cataya, they find a great mountain, where there is black stones, & they burn like wood, when they be well kindled they will keep a fire from one day to an other, which I suppose be of the nature of our Seacoles, and they do burn of them in that Country, though the have wood, but the wood is more dearer than are the stones or seacoales.   

Of the marvelous things that be found in that country. CHAP. 63.  
THe great Cane sent me Marcus Paulus as his Ambassador towards the Occident or Westward, 
Marcus Paulus was made the Emperors Ambassador.  in the which message I was fourteen months, from the time that I went from Cambalu. And here I will declare to you of the marvelous things that I saw with mine own eyes, aswell at my going outwards, as at my coming homewards, as that at my going from Cambalu, and taking my journey towards the Occident or Westward. And after that I had gone ten days journey, 
The river Poluisanguis.  I found a very great river which is called Poluisanguis, and runneth his course into the Ocean sea. Upon this river there is a bridge, the fairest in the world, it hath three hundred paces of length, 
A goodly Bridge and long.  and eight paces of breadth, so that there may go ten men in a rank on horseback. This Bridge hath four and twenty arches of Marble, very artificially wrought, at the head of this Bridge at the one side standeth a Pillar being very great of Marble, having a Lion standing on the top, and an other Lion at the neither end, being very lively made, and a pace and a half distant, from that standeth an other like unto it, and so orderly standeth one by another, till you come unto the further end of the bridge, so there is on each side of the bridge two hundred pillars, and in the mids of every pillar, there is made Images of men very artificially.   

Of the City named Goygu, and of many marvelous things. CHAP. 64.  
FRom this Bridge you shall go ten miles through fields full of Vines, & very fair palaces: at the ten mile's end, there is a City named Goygu, it is very great & fair, in it there standeth a great Abbey of Idolatry. The people of this Country live upon merchandise, 
Here is plenty of cloth of Gold.  and be artificers, for they do make great plenty of cloth of gold and silk. Also there is plenty of lodgings for those that do travail, and come thither out of other places.   

Of the way that goeth unto the Country of the Magos. CHAP. 65.  
Going from this City almost a mile, there parteth two ways, the one goeth unto the Occident or West, and the other goeth towards the Siroco: The way which goeth unto the Occident or west, leadeth unto the Ocean Sea towards the high Country of the Magos, and you may travail through the province of Cata●a ten days journey, in the which way there is many Cities and Towns.   

Of the City named Tarasu. CHAP. 66.  
AFter you do go from the City of Goygu travailing ten days journey, you come unto a City named Tarasu, which is the head City of that country or province, where there is plenty of vines & much wine, and there they do make all kind of armour for the great Canes Court. 
Here is much armour ●●●de.  In the Country of Cataya, there is no wine, for they provide themselves of wine out of this region.   

Of the City named Paimphu. CHAP. 67.  
traveling from thence towards the Occident or West eight days journey through fair Cities and Towns, wherein they do traffic Merchandizes, at the eight days journey you shall come unto a very great and fair City which is named Paymphu, and going two days journey beyond it, you shall come unto a fair Town named Caychin, which was made by their King.   

Of a King named Bur. CHAP. 68  
THis Burr warred a long time with Prester john, & he could never have any vantage of him, but at last Prester john got him by a train after this sort: Seven young Gentlemen of Prester john's Court went from him with his licence, and came to the Court of this king Burr, showing as though they had departed from Prester john in great displeasure, & so offered themselves to serve the said King Burr, who retained them as squires and pages in his Court, and after they had been with him two years, having great confidence and trust in them, this King Burr on a time road abroad for his pleasure, and taking with him the said seven Gentlemen, and being the distance of a mile from his Castle, perceiving they had him now at advantage to execute their purpose, took him, and carried him to Prester john, and Prester john made him his shepherd, and kept his sheep two years, 
A King was made a shepherd by Prester john.  and afterwards gave him horses and men, and sent him to his Castle as his shepherd.   

Of the City named Casiomphur. CHAP. 69.  
BEyond this castle twenty miles towards the Occident, there standeth a great City named Casiomp●ur, and the people of it worship Idols. 
Cloth of gold and cloth of silk made.  The like do all those of the Country of Cataya. In this City there is made much cloth of gold and of silk.   

Of the City named Bengomphu, and of many things that there is found in those parties. CHAP. 70.  
GOing from Casiomphur eight days journey towards the Occident, you shall go always by great Cities and fair Towns, and excellent places, with goodly and fair Gardens, with principal houses: there is great plenty of wild beasts and fowls, for hunting and hawking, and at the end of these eight days journey, there standeth a fair City which is called Bengomphu, and is the head City of that realm. There is in this City as king, one of the great Canes sons, who is called Magala. The people of this Realm are idolaters. This City hath plenty of all things, and without this City standeth the palace royal of the king, the which with the Wal of the City is ten mile compass. In this City there is a lake made of many fountains, that runneth and serveth the City. 
The inside of the palace wall is laid on with gold.  The Walls of this City have very fair battlements, and on the inside of the Wall of the Palace it is laid on with gold, like plaster, and without this Palace, round about that lake, there is very fair and delectable ground and fields.   

Of the province named Chinchy. CHAP. 71.  
GOing from this palace towards the Occident three days journey, you come unto a plain full of fair Cities and towns, and at this three days journeys end, there be great mountains and valleys belonging ●o the province of Chinchy, in these mountains and valleys there be many Cities and towns, and all the people there are Idolaters, husbandmen, and hunters. This journey endureth twenty days, there be in it many Lions, ●nd plenty of other wild beasts, and in all these twenty days journey there is plenty of lodging for those that do travel.   


M●ngi a city.  Of the Country and City called Cineleth Mangi, and many other things which be found there. CHAP. 72.  
AT the end of twenty days journey standeth a City named Cyneleth, a noble and a great City, and under the obedience of this City there be many Cities & towns toward the Occident. The people of this Country are idolaters, they have great trade of Merchandise. In this country there is plenty of Ginger▪ and from thence the merchants do carry it unto Cataya. Also there is abundance of wheat and other grain. 

Great trade o● Merchandise.  
M●ng●   This country is called Cyneleth Mangi, and it hath two days journey of plain country. Beyond this country, there be great plains and valleys & mountains, being greatly inhabited, with Cities and towns, for the space of twenty days journey, where there be many Lions and bears, besides other wild beasts. 
Here be many Musk cuts.  Also there is great plenty of Muskcats, and other noble and fair beasts.   

Of the country and City named Cindarifa, and of a marvelous bridge. CHAP. 73.  
AFter you have gone these twenty days journey, you come unto a great plain, being of the country named Cindarifa, which is twenty mile's compass, and the great Cane before he died, divided it into three parts, & all three parts be strongly walled round about. Through the midst of this country runneth a great river, which is called Champhu, half a mile broad. There is in this river plenty of fish, and there is situated upon this river many Cities and towns: also by shipping upon this river they sail from City to City, with all kind of Merchandises From the beginning and head of this river, until the entering into the main sea, there is thirty days journey, and the chief City of this country is named Sindarifa. From this city over the river, there is a bridge of a mile long, and eight paces broad, made of marble stone, 
A bridge of a mile long, and eight paces broad of marble and housen on it.  and covered with timber of Pineaple tree, very fair. On the sides of this bridge, there be houses and shops for merchants, and of diverse occupations, and at the foot of this bridge there standeth a custom house, very fair made, where they do gather their Lords customs, and every day they receive ten thousand Bisancios of God. The people of this country are idolaters.   

Of the province named Cheleth. CHAP. 74.  
GOing from this country, you shall travel through a fair plain country, full of many towns and Cities, it endureth five days journey, and then you shall come unto a province, which is called Cheleth, which was destroyed by the great Cane. In this province there be Canes which are called Berganegas of fifteen paces long, and ten spans in compass every one of them, and they have from the one knot to the other three spans. 
Here be Canes of fifteen paces long and ten spans about.  The travelers make fire with these Canes, for they have this property, that as soon as they feel the heat of the fire, they give such a great crack, that the sound is hard many miles off, and the Lions and wild beasts that are thereabouts, be so fearful of that noise, that they do run away, and do no hurt unto those that travel, and the horses that the travelers do ride on, have so much fear of that noise, being not used unto it, that they break their bridles and haulters, and run away, so that sometimes they cannot find them again, therefore those that travel, do tie their horses and Asses in certain holes or Caves that they find in the Mountains. This country is twenty days journey long, where they find nothing to eat, nor yet to drink, nor no habitation, therefore those that travel that way do carry provision for those twenty days journey, which they do pass with great fear and travel.   

Of the Province named Thebet, and of the marvelous beastliness and filthy living of the people there. CHAP. 75.  
AT these twenty days journeys end, you come unto a Province or Country, that is full of Cities and Towns. And the custom in this Country is, that none doth marry with maids nor virgins, but that first she must be known carnally of many men, 
Not maidens may marry in this Country.  and specially of strangers. And for this occasion, when the mothers mean to marry any of their damsels, the mother doth carry them near the high way side, and with mirth and cheer procureth those that do travel, to sleep with her, and sometimes there lieth with her ten, and with some other twenty. And when the stranger or traveler goeth his ways from any such Damsel, he must leave unto her some jewel, the which jewel, the said damsels or wenches do hung at their necks, in token and sign that they have lost their virginity with strangers. And she that hath used herself with most strangers, it shall be known by the most quantity of jewels that she weareth about her neck, and she most soonest shall find a marriage, and shall be most praised and loved of her husband. And those of this province are Idolaters, evil men, cruel, and robbers. In this Country there be many wild beasts, 

For lack of woollen cloth, they do wear Canvas, and wild beasts skins.  
Maugy.   and specially of Muskettes. All those of this Country do wear Canvas, and Cowhydes, and the skins of wild beasts, which they do take in hunting. This Country is named Thebethe, and is adjoining unto the Province of Maugy.   

Of the Province and Country named Maugi. CHAP. 76.  

Maugy.  MAugi is a great province and Country, and it hath under it eight Kingdoms and Rivers, and in the same there is found much gold of Payulsa. And they do use money made of Coral, 

Hear is found plenty of gold.  
Their money is made of Coral.  
Here is cloth of gold, cloth of silk, and Chamlets made.  
Hear groweth spices. Mastiffs as big as Asses.   and the Coral is there very dear, for that the women do use to wear it about their necks, and do deck their Idols with it. In this Country they do work cloth of gold and silk, and of Chamlet great plenty. Also, there groweth much spice. Also, there be many necromancers, Astronomers, Enchanters, and evil disposed men. Also, there be in this Country Mastiffs as big as Asses, and the people be subjects to the great Cane.   

Of the Province and Country named Candon, and of the jewels that grow there, and of the beastly conditions of the people. CHAP. 77.  
CAndrew is a Country that lieth towards the Occident, and it hath under it seven Kingdoms of Idolaters, subjects under the great Cane. In this Country there be many Cities, Towns, and Villages. And in one place of this Country, there is great plenty of Pearls and precious stones, 
Plenty of Pearls and precious stones.  but the great Cane doth not suffer them to be had out. And in the Mountains in this Country there be found many Turquesses, and they may not be had out of the Country, without express licence of the great Cane. Also, the custom of the people in this Country is, 
Hear they have an ill custom.  that as soon as there cometh a stranger to lodge in his house, the good man goeth out, commanding his wife, children, and servants to obey that Stranger, as his own proper person, and he never cometh home unto his own house, until he know that the Stranger is gone from his house, and he knoweth it by a sign and a token that the Stranger doth leave at his going at the door. And when the good man spieth the sign or token, he entereth into his house. This use they do keep through all that Country, and take it for no shame, although the Strangers do use their wives. But rather they do take it in great honour and estimation, that they do so well entertain the Strangers. And their Idols tell them, for that they do honour the Strangers, their Gods do increase their substance. The people of this Country do use money made of gold, 

Hear is mone● of gold.  
Here is great plenty of Spices.   that every pée●e is worth .7. Ducats. In this province and Country there is great plenty of all kinds of spice and musk, and great plenty of fish, by reason of the great lakes and pools that be there.   

Of another Province, where there is found gold and other things. CHAP. 78.  
GOing out of the foresaid province, and traveling ten days journey through a Country full of Cities and Towns, and very much people, seeming much in their use and custom, unto those of the last rehearsed Country. And at the ten days journeys end, you come unto a great River, which is named Bru●, at the which endeth the Country and province named Candew. In this River there is found great plenty of gold. 

Hear is found great plenty of gold.  
A River into the Seas.   And fast by this river groweth very much Ginger. And this River falleth into the Ocean Sea.   

Of the Province named Caraya. CHAP. 79.  
Beyond this River you come unto a Province named Caraia towards the occident. In this Country there be seven Kingdoms, subjects under the great Cane. Here reigneth one of the great Canes sons, named Esentemur, being rich, wise, and a valiant man, and governeth his subjects with great prudence and justice. These people be Idolaters. And after that you have passed the said River, and traveling five days journey, 
Hear be many Horses bred.  there be many Cities and Towns, and there is brought up and bred great plenty of Horses.   

Of the Province named joci, and of their beastly customs. CHAP. 80.  
AT five days journeys end, you come unto a City which is named joci, and is very great and full of people Idolaters, saving that there be some Christian people Heretics Nestorians. They do use for their money fine shells white, which are found in the Sea, and fourscore of them are worth a Sazo of gold, which is worth two groats of gold. 
A Sazo of gold is worth eight of silver, which is an ounce.  And eight Sazos of silver, which is an ounce, and is worth a Sazo of gold. There they do make Sault of the water of Welles great plenty. And in this Country no man careth though another man have to do with his wife. There is a Lake in this Province, having in compass a hundred miles. Therein is plenty of excellent good fish. The people of this Country do eat raw flesh after this manner. They cut it in small pieces, and sauce it with Garlic and spices, which giveth them a good taste unto the flesh.   

Of the Province named Chariar, and of the strange Serpents that be there. CHAP. 81.  
GOing from this Province joci, and traveling ten days journey, you come unto another Province named Chariar, subject unto the great Cane, and it is full of people of Idolaters, and one of the great Canes sons named Chocayo, ruleth and governeth them. And in this Country there is found great plenty of gold. 
Hear is great plent● of gold.  And a Sazo of gold goeth there for six of silver. And they do use in this Country little white shells of the Sea, in stead of money, which is brought from India. In this Province there be certain Serpents of ten paces in length, and their gall is sold very dear, for they do use it in money medicines: for if a man should be bit with a mad Dog, laying upon the sore so much quantity of that gall as will lie upon a farthing, it healeth it immediately. Also, it easeth a woman of her pangs, that is in travel. The men of this Country are perverse people, and cruel, for if they do see any travelers that are prudent and fair, they do mark where the night doth take them, and thither they come and kill them, saying, that the fairness and prudence of the dead, doth pass unto them, and therefore they do kill them, and not for to rob them. This perverse custom was among them before they become under the great Cane. But .95. years hitherto that they were under the great Cane, they dare not do any such thing, and therefore become a great deal better people, and of a better disposition.   

Of the Province named Cingui, and of many things that be there, and of the City named Caucasu. CHAP. 82.  
AFter that a man departeth from Chariar, he goeth five days journey towards the Occident, and cometh to another Province named Nocteam, and also the City named Nociam, which is the head of this Province, and it is under the great Cane. All the men of this Province have their teeth covered with gold. And the women do dress their Horses. 
The men of this country have their teeth covered with gold.  The men do no other thing, but go on Hunting, passing the time in the fields, and go unto the war. The women do buy and cell, and do all things necessary belonging to the house, and govern all the goods, and their men and women Servants. Over and above this, the women of this Country have this custom, that as she is delivered of child, she riseth and wrappeth the child, 
Hear is a custom, that the good man is much made of, after his wife is brought a bed.  and doth all things belonging to the house, and receiveth no more pain, than though she had not been delivered of child, but in giving the child suck, and as soon as she is delivered, the husband lieth in the bed, laying the child by him, as though he had borne it himself, for the space of forty days, and the woman doth serve him. He is visited of the kinsmen and friends & neighbours, as though he had been delivered himself, making great feasts for the space of thirty days. In this Country they do give a Sazo of gold, which is an ounce, for five Sazos of silver, 
A Sazo of gold is an ounce, and is worth five of Si●●er.  being five ounces. Also, they do use Persivolas, being little shells of the Sea, which come from In●i●, in stead of money. These people have no Idols, but every household worshippeth their Superior and Master. None of them can writ nor read, for that they devil among the moist Mountains, corrupted with evil airs. In this Province, and in the other two afore specified, there be no Physicians, but when they do fall sick, they 'cause to come unto their houses certain Ministers, which use inchantmentes by the power of the Devil, and declare the sickness that the diseased hath, and these Ministers sound their instruments in honour of their Idols, 
A strange kind of Physic.  in so much that the Devil entereth into one of those Ministers, Enchanters, or Idols, and falleth down as though he were dead, and those Ministers, or Masters of the Idols, demand of him that lieth enchanted, or in a trance, wherefore that man fell sick, and he answereth, for that he hath angered such or such an Idol, and then those Masters or Ministers of the Idols say unto him that is enchanted, we request thee to pray unto that Idol that is angry with the sick body, to pardon him, and will make him Sacrifice with his own blood. And if he that is in this trance, do believe that the disease is mortal, he answereth, this sick man hath so displeased the Idol, that I know not whether he will pardon him or not, for that he hath determined that he should die, and if he thinketh that he shall escape he sayeth, if he will live, it behoveth him to give unto the Idol so many Sheep that have black necks, and to dress so many sorts of meats dressed with spices, sufficient to make the sacrifices unto the Idol that is angry with him, and for the ministers that serve him, and for the women that serve in his temple, which is all fraud and guile of the enchanters for to get victuals, by this means all are damned unto Hell. To this banquet there is convited the masters and ministers of the Idols, the enchanters and women that serve in the temple of that Idol. And before they sit down to the Table, they do sprinkle the broth about the house, singing and dancing in the honour of that Idol. And they do ask the Idol, if he have forgiven the sick man. And sometimes the fiend answereth, that there lacketh such or such a thing, which immediately they do provide: and when he answereth that he is pardoned, than they do sit down to eat and to drink that sacrifice which is dressed with spices, and this done, they go unto his house with great joy. If the patient heal, it is good for him, but if he die, it is an everlasting pain for him, and if he recover, they do believe that the devilish Idol hath healed him, and if he die, they say that the cause of his death was for the great offence that he had done unto him, and so they be lost as brute beasts in all that Country.   


Unicorns.  Of another Province named Machay where there be Unicorns, Elephants, and wild Beasts, with many other strange things. CHAP. 83.  
GOing from the Province of Charian, you go down a great penet or hill, which endureth two days journey, without any habitation, saving one town, where they do keep holiday three days in the week. There they do take a Sazo of gold for five of silver. And past these two days journey, you do com● unto the province named Machay which lieth towards the mid day or South, adjoining unto the India's, and through this province you travel fifteen days journey, through desert mountains, where there be many Elephants, and other wild beasts, for that the country is not inhabited. Also there is found Unicorns. When they will take any Elephant, the do compass him with dogs, and so they do hunt him, that they make him weary, and so he is feign to rest for weariness, and his resting is, leaning unto a great tree, for that he hath no joints in his knees, so that he can not lie down nor rise up. The Mastiffs dare not come near him, but bark at him aloof, & the Elephante hath never his eye off those Mastiffs, and then those that be expert and hunt him, hurl Darts, and to kill him. In this country is much gold and silk.   

Of a province named Cinguy, and of the City named Cancasu. CHAP. 84.  
BEyond this province Machay, there is another province named Cinguy, and traveling four days journey in it, you pass many Cities and towns, and at these four days journeys end, standeth a great City named Cancasu, being very noble, 
Great plen●● of cloth of Gold and Silk.  situated towards the midday or South, and this is of the straight of Cataya. In this City there is wrought cloth of Gold, and silk great plenty.   

Of the City named Cianglu. CHAP. 85.  
FRom this City traveling five days journey, you come unto another City named Cianglu, which is very noble and great, situated towards the midday, or south, and it is of the straight of Cataya, here is made great plenty of salt: and there runneth through this country a very great river, that up and down this river there travel many ships with merchandise.   

Of the City named Candrafra, and of the City named Singuymata. CHAP. 86.  
Six days journey beyond the City named Cianglu, towards the midday of south, you come unto a City named Candrafra, the which had under it before the great Cane did conquer it, twelve Cities. In the countries about this City there be fair Gardens, and good ground for corn and silk, and beyond this City three days journey towards the midday, or south, there standeth a fair City named Singuymata, which hath a great river that the Citizens made in two parts, the one way runneth towards the east, and the other towards the Occident, or West through Cataya, and upon this river there sail ships with merchandises in number incredible.   

Of the River Coromoran, and of the City Choygamum, and of another City named Cayni. CHAP. 87.  
GOing from Singuymata seventeen days journey towards the midday or south, you pass through many Cities and towns, in the which there is great traffic of merchandise. The people of this country are subjects under the great Cane. Their language is Persian, and they do honour Idols. At the seaventéen days journeys end, there is a great river that cometh from the Country of Prester john, which is named Coromoran, having a mile in breadth, and it is so deep, that there may sail any great vessel laden with Merchandise. Upon this river the great Cane hath fifteen great ships for to pass his people unto his Idols, that are in the Ocean seas, every ship of these hath fifteen horses, and fifteen mariners, and all victuals necessary. Upon this river there standeth two Cities, one on the one side, and the other one the other. The biggest of them in named Choyganguy, and the other Caycu and they be both a days journey from the sea.   

Of the noble province named Mangi, and of many marvelous things that were there, and how it was brought under the great Canes governance. CHAP. 80.  
PAssing the said river, you enter into the province of Mangi, where reigneth a king named Fucusur, 
Mangi.  of more power and riches than any King in the world saving the great Cane. In this realm there be no men of war, nor horses for the wars, for it is situated strongly, in a place compassed round about with many waters. And round about his Cities and towns, there be very deep ditches and caves, being broad and full of water. The people of this country are given to féeblen●sse, they do live delicately: if they were given to wars, and feats of arms, all the world could not conquer the province of Mangi. This king of Mangi was very lecherous, but he had in himself two good properties, the one was, that he maintained his realm in great justice and peace, that every one remained in his place, and both day and night you might traffic and travel surely: the other property was, that he was very pitiful, and did great alms unto the poor, and every year he brought up twenty poor striplings, and he gave them as sons and heirs unto his Barons and knights. In his Court he had always ten thousand Squires that served him. It fortuned that in the year of our Lord .1267. Cublay Cane got perforce the country of Mangi, 
Mangi.  and the said king of this province fled with .1000. ships unto his Islands that were in the Ocean Sea▪ He left the principal City of his province Mangi named Gaissay under the guiding of his Queen, 
Mangi.  and when she knew that there was entered into her land Baylayncon Can a Tartarous name, which is as much to say in English, as a hundredth eyes, a Captain belonging to the great Cane with a great host, and so without any resistance, she submitted herself with all her country, and all the cities saving one named Sinphu, which kept itself three year●s before it yielded. This Queen was carried unto the great Canes Court and kept like a Queen, and the King Fucusur came not out of those Islands until he died, being out of his signiory.   

Of the City named Coygangui, and many other things. CHAP. 91.  
HEre I will tell you of the fashion and condition of this said province Mangi. The first City at the entering is named Coygangui, which is a great and a noble City situated towards the wind Syroco or East southeast. The people of this City do worship the Idols, and have the Persian tongue. They have many ships, and burn their dead bodies. This city standeth upon the river Coromoran. In this City they make so much salt as would suffice for forty great cities, and of the abundance of this salt, there groweth great profits unto the great Cane.   

Of the noble City named Panguy, and of another City named cain. CHAP. 92.  
Passing from Coygangui towards the wind Siroco, which bloweth between Levant and the midday, which we call east southeast, you travail upon a fair stony causey well made. It beginneth at the entering of Mangi, and there be very deep waters on each side of the causey. In this country of Mangi there is a city named Pangui, very fair, and of great magnificence. In this province they do use that money that the great Cane doth use in his country, and here is great scarcity of corn, and of all things else that sustaineth the body. And at another journeys end towards Siroco there standeth another noble and great city named cain, and all the inhabitants are idolaters, and there is abundance of fish and beasts, and wildfowl, so that there is bought three good Pheasants for the value of six pence.   

Of the City named Tinguy. CHAP. 93.  
A days journey beyond cain you shall found fair villages, and eared ground, and so you come unto the ground of Tinguy, plentiful of Wheat, and of all things necessary for shipping. The people of this country do honour the Idols, and three days journey from this City you come unto the Ocean Sea: and at the sea side there is great plenty of salt.   

Of the City named Mangui, which have under their Lordship seventeen Cities, and of an other City named Saimphu which hath under it twelve Cities. CHAP. 94.  
BEyond Tinguy a days journey towards the wind Siroco you come unto a fair Country, and at the end of it standeth a City named Manguy very fair and great, and there they honour the Idols, and speak the Persian tongue. This City hath under it seventeen Cities, and I Marcus Paulus did govern this under the great Cane three years. Toward the Occident or West standeth a province or City named Manguy, where they do make great plenty of cloth of Gold and silk. Also there is great plenty of corn, and of all manner of victuals. And beyond this City standeth the City of Saimphu which hath under it twelve Cities, which is the City that resisted itself against the power of the great Cane the space of three years.   

How this province was won by the great Cane. CHAP. 93.  
AFter that the great Cane had won the province of Mangi, conquested by industry and council of Nicholas and Mathio and Marcus Paulus, as now you shall perceive in this present chapter: From the host of the great Cane I writ unto the great Cane, that that province by no manner of way could be won or taken, of the which news the great Cane was sore abashed, and we perceiving his heaviness, we went unto him and said: Potentissimo and mighty Lord, receive you no conceit nor heaviness, for we will have such means, that this province shall come into your hands: who being comforted with our promise, gave us full power and liberty to do all those things that unto us should seem best, and that we should be obeyed as to his own proper person. And then I Marcus Paulus took upon me this charge, and gathered together certain Venetians that I found in those Countries, being discreet men, and exercised in feats of arms, and I caused to be made three great Trabuco or great pieces of ordinance, which shot a pellet of a thousand pound weight, and had them unto the camp, and planted them where they should be shot off, and this done, by the means of these pieces I shot into the City great pellets, and when those of the City saw their houses fall about their ears, by such means as they never saw nor heard of before, they received great fear, and immediately they yielded themselves unto the great Cane.   

Of the City named Singuy, and of many other things. CHAP. 94.  
Going from Siamphu, and traveling fifteen days journey towards Syroco, or to the east southeast, you come unto the City named Singuy, whereunto belongeth a great number of ships: 
The river Tnoguron the greatest river in the world,  and this City is situated upon the greatest river of the world named Tuognrou which is .17. miles in breadth, and one hundred days journey in length, and there is never a river in the world, 
Five thousannd vessels on this river.  where there saileth so many ships with Merchaundizes, as there. And I Marcus Paulus was in this City, and did tell standing upon a bridge at one time five thousand ships or barks that sailed upon this river, and upon this river there standeth two hundred Cities. being greater than this that we have spoken of. This river passeth through sixteen provinces.   

Of the City named Cianguy. CHAP. 95.  
CIanguy is a small City standing upon the said river, it hath nothing under it but good ground, where they do gather plenty of corn, and rice, which is carried unto Cambalu, that the great Cane may have great plenty of victuals in his Court. This City standeth towards the Siroco, and they do carry this provision unto Cambalu upon this river, and not by sea. Therefore there cometh through this river great profit unto Cambalu, for it is better provided with barks than with carts, or horses.   

Of the City named Pingramphu, and of many other things that be in that Country. CHAP. 98.  
PIngramphu is a City of the province Mangi, in the which there is two churches of Christians Nestorians, edified by Marsar Conostor, which was Lord of that City under the great Cane, ●nd it was in the year of our Lord .1288. When you do go from Pingramphu, you go three days journey against Solano, which is east and by South, through many Cities and Towns, where there is trafficked much merchandizes, and many arts. At these three days journeys end standeth the city of Tigningui, great, rich, and abundant of all things to live upon, and also of Wine. On a time certain Christian men named Alanos took this city, and that night they drunk so much wine, that they were all drunk, and slept like dogs all that night, and the Citizens perceiving that they were all asleep, killed them, and barren King of these Alanos, assoon as he knew this, gathered a great host, and went against this city, and took it perforce, and caused to be killed all those that he foun● in the city, men, women and children, small and great, in the revenging of his Christians.   

Of the City named Singuy, and of mano other things there. CHAP. 99  
SInguy is a very great and a noble city which is .40. miles in compass. There is in this city people innumerable, where you may believe, that if the people of Mangi were exercised in the feat of war, all the world could not win it, but they be all Philosophers, Physicians, merchants and Artificers, 
Seven thousand bridges of stone.  very cunning in all arts. There be in this City .7000. bridges of stone, very fair wrought, and under any of these bridges there may row a Galley, and under some two Galleys may row together. In the mountains of this City groweth rhubarb great plenty, and so much Ginger, 
Plenty of rhubarb. Five pound of Ginger for six pence.  that for six pence they do give more than five pound of Ginger. Under this City there be .17. City's great and fair. In this City they do work great plenty of cloth of gold & silk, for that the Citizens there delight much to wear such cloth, and of many colours.   

Of the City named Quinsay, that is to say, the City of Heaven, which is a hundred miles in compass, having twelve thousand Bridges, and fourteen Baths, and many other things of wonder. CHAP. 97. 
Quinsay.   
GOing from Singuy, and traveling five days journey, 
The nobles● City of the world, it is an hundred mile's compass  you come unto a noble and famous City named Quinsay, that is to say, the city of Heaven. This is the noblest City of the world, and the head City of the province of Mangi. And I Marcus Paulus was in this city, and did learn the customs of it, and it was declared unto me, that it was one hundred miles in compass, and 12000. bridges of stone with vaults and arches so high, 
Twelve thousand bridges of stone.  that a great ship might pass under, and this City standeth upon the water as Ve●i●e doth, and the people of this city every one of them must use the science of his fathers, and of his predecessors. In this City there standeth a lake which is in compass thirty miles, and in this lake there is built the fairest Palaces that ever I saw: And in the mids of this lake standeth two Palaces wherein they do celebrated all the weddings of that City, and ever there remaineth within them all the things necessary which belong unto the weddings. Also there is round about this City other Cities, but they be small ones. In this City they do use money of Tartary, to wit of a Mulberry tree, as it is used in the great Canes Court, and as it is afore mentioned. Upon every one of these 12000. bridges of stone, continually there standeth watch and ward, because there shall be no evil done, and that the City do not rebel. In this city there is an high mountain, and upon it there standeth a very high Tower, and upon it there is a thing to sound upon, and it is sounded when there is any fire or any rumour in the Country. There is be this city fourteen Baths: and the great Cane hath great watch and ward in this City.   

Of the City named Gansu. CHAP. 99  
Beyond Quinsay fifteen miles, bordereth the Ocean sea between east and North, and there stands a City named Gansu, which hath a fair port or haven, and thither come many ships out of the India's: between the City and the Sea, runneth a great river, that passeth through many countries, and out that way there go many ships unto the sea.   

Of the division which the great Cane made of the province Mangi. CHAP. 100  
THe province Mangi was divided into 8. kingdoms, by the great Cane, and of every kingdom there is about .140. Cities under a king. There is in all the province of Mangi .1202. Cities all subject unto the great Cane, and all those which be borne in this province of Mangi, are written by days and hours, that the province may know the number of that people, and that they may not rebel. When they do go on any journey, they consult with the Astrologers, and when any dieth, the parents do cloth the dead in Canvas, and burn the bodies with papers, whereupon is painted, money, horses, slaves, beasts for their houses, apparel, with all other things, for they do say that the dead useth all this in the other world, and that with the smoke of the dead body, and of those papers, whereon there is painted all those things rehearsed, believing, that it goeth all with him, into the other world, and wh●n they burn those bodies, they sing and play upon all kind of instruments and music that they can find, and say, that in that order and pleasure, their Gods do receive them in the other world. In this City standeth the great Palace of Estn●fogi, which was Lord and King of that province of Mangi.  
This Palace is made after this wise, it is square and strongly walled, ten miles in compass. It is high and fair, with fair chambers, Hals, Gardens, fruits, fountains, and a lake with many fishes. In this Palace there is twenty halls, wherein there may sit down at meals, twenty thousand persons: by this it may be comprehended how big this City is. In this City there is a famous Church or Temple of Christians Nestorians, and every one that dwelleth in this City hath written his name, and of his wife, Children, men servants, and women servants, and horses that he hath in his house, over the Porth of his door. Also when there is any that goeth to another City, it behoveth that the Inholders that lodge strangers, do bring a Register unto the officers appointed, giving relation how long they do remain, and when they go away.   

Of the rent which the great Cane hath of the province of Quynsay. CHAP. 101.  
Sing I have declared unto you of the City and province of Quinsay, now I will declare you what rend the great Cane hath yearly, out of this province only, of the salt every year 4500. Hanegs or bushels of Gold, and to every measure goeth 18000. Sazos, and every Sazo of Gold is worth seven Ducats, and of the other rents over and above the salt he hath every year 10000 hanegs of gold.   

Of the City named Thampinguy, and of many other marvelous things. CHAP. 102.  
GOing from Quinsay, traveling towards Solano a days journey, you do go by Cities and towns, and many Gardens, and at the end you come unto the City named Thampinguy, which is fair and great having abundance of all things, and it is under the Signiory of the great Cane: the people are Idolaters, and passing other 3. days journey, you come unto an other city named Vguy, & going two days journey beyond, towards Salano, or east and by South, there is so many Cities & towns that he that traveleth, thinketh that he never goeth out of towns, & there is great plenty of all provision, there is Canes great and thick of four spans in compass, and fifteen in length. At two journeys end standeth the City named Greguy very noble and great, having abundance of all things needful. The people are idolaters, and under the great Cane. And going from this City three days journey toward Solano, you shall find many Cities and towns, and many Lions. The people do kill them in this manner, the man doth put of his hosen, and apparel, and putteth on a weed of Canvas, carrying a certain thing pitched, upon his shoulders, and carrieth a sharp knife in his hands with a point, and in this manner he goeth unto the Lion's den, and as the Lion seeth him come, he maketh towards him, 
The manner how they do kill the Lions  and the man when he is near casteth unto him the pitched thing which he hath upon his shoulders. The Lion taketh it in his mouth, thinking that he hath the man, and then the man doth wound him with the sharp pointed knife, and as soon as the Lion feeleth himself hurt he runneth away, and as soon as the cold entereth into the wound he dieth. In this manner they do kill many Lions in that country, which is of the province of Mangi.   

Of the City named Cinaugnary, and of many other noble Cities, and of the cruelty of the people that inhabit there, and of other things. CHAP. 101.  
traveling forward four days journey you come unto a city named Cinaugnary, a great and a famous City standing upon a Mountain, which parteth a river into two parts, and traveling four days journey forward, you come unto a City named Signy, which is under the signory of Quinsay. And after you enter into the Realm of Fuguy, and traveling forward six days journey towards Solano, or East, and by South, through mountains and valleys, you shall find many Cities and Towns, having plenty of all victuals, and singular for Hunting and Hawking, and plenty of spices, and sugar so plenty, 
Good cheap Sugar.  that you may buy forty pound of Sugar for a Venice groat. There groweth a certain sweet fruit like unto Saffron, and they use it instead of Saffron. The people of this Country eat man's flesh, so that he die not of natural death. When the people of this Country go unto the wars, they do make certain signs in their foreheads, to be the better known: and they go all on foot, except their Lord, who rideth on Horseback. They are very cruel people, and use the spear and sword. They do eat the flesh of those men that they kill, and drink their blood. In the mids of these six days journey, standeth the City named Belimpha, which hath four bridges of marble, with very fair pillars of marble. Every bridge of these is a mile in length, & nine paces in breadth. Unto this City there cometh great plenty of Spices. Also, there is in this City very fair men, and more fair women, and there be black Hens, and fat without feathers, 

Fair men and women here.  
Black Hen● and fat without feathers.   and very perfect to eat. In this country there be Lions, and other wild & perilous beasts, so that they travel in this country in great fear. At these six days journeys end, standeth the City named Vguca, where there is made great plenty of sugar, which is all carried unto the great Canes court.   

Of the City named Friguy, and of many other marvelous things which be there. CHAP. 104.  
PAssing out of the City of Vgucu, and traveling fifteen miles, you come unto the City named Friguy, which is the head of the Realm of Tonca, which is one of the nine Kingdoms of Mangi. Through the midst of this City runneth a River of seven miles in breadth. 

A River of seven mile broad.  
There be many Ships made.   And in this City there be made many Ships, and is laden great plenty of Spices, and divers other Merchandizes that is gathered near to that River, and Precious stones which be brought out of India mayor. This City standeth very near unto the Ocean Seas, and hath abundance of all kind of victuals, or any thing else needful.   

Of the City named jaython, and of many other things. CHAP. 105.  
GOing from Quinsay, and passing the said River, traveling five days journey towards Solano, or East, and by South, you found many Cities and Towns, having abundance of all victuals. And at the end of these five days journey, standeth a great and a fair City named jaython, 
This City hath the best Haven in the world.  which hath a good Haven, and thither come many Ships from the Indies, with many Merchandises, and this is one of the best Havens that is in the world, and there cometh Ships unto it in such quantity, that for one Ship that cometh unto. 
For one Ship that cometh to Al●xan●ria, there cometh in their a hundredth.  Alexandria, there cometh .100. unto it. The great Cane hath great custom for Merchandises, in and out of that Haven, for the Ship that cometh thither, payeth ten in the hundred for custom, and of Precious stones and spices, and of any other kind of fine wares, they pay thirty in the hundred: and of Pepper .44. of the hundred, so that the Merchants in freight, tribute, and customs, 
Great custom is paid here.  pay the one half of their goods. In this Country and City there is great abundance of victuals.   

Of the Island named Ciampagu, and of things which be found there, and how the great Cane would conquer it. CHAP. 106.  
I Will pass from hence unto the Countries of India, where I Marcus Paulus dwelt a ●ong time: and although the things which I will declare, seem not to be believed of them that shall hear it, but have it in a certainty and of a truth, for that I saw it all with mine own eyes. 
The Island of Ciampagu is fifteen hundred miles from the main land.  And now I will begin of the Island named Ciampagu, which standeth in the high Sea towards the Orient, and it is separated from the main land .1500. miles. The people of this Country are fair, and of good manners, although they be all Idolaters. There is in this Island a King frank and free, for he payeth no tribute at all to any Prince. The people of this Country speak the Persian tongue. 
In this Island is great plent● of gold.  And there is found in this Island great plenty of gold, and they never have it forth unto any place out of the Island, for that there cometh thither few ships, and little Merchandise. The King of this Island hath a marvelous fair and great Palace, 

The King's Palace is covered with clean gold.  
The windows and pillars thereof is gold.  
Great plenty of Precious stones.   all covered with gold in pas●e, of the thickness of a piece of two Rials of plate. And the windows and pillars of this Palace be all of gold. Also there is great plenty of precious stones. And the great Cane knowing of the great fame and riches of this Island, determined to conquer it, and caused to be made great provision of munition and victuals, and a great number of Ships, and in them he put many Horsemen and footmen, and sent them under the governance of two of his Captains, the one was named Abatan, and the other Vonsaucin, and these two went with this great army from the Haven of jaython and of Glunsay, and they went unto the Island Ciampagu, where they went aland, and having done great hurt in Mountains and valleys, there entered such envy and hatred between these two Captains, and so much discord, that look what the one would have done, the other did again say it, and through this means they took neither City nor Town, but only one, and they killed all them that they found therein, for that they would not yield, saving eight men, which could not be killed with any iron, 
Men having stones that were enchanted, could not be slain with weapons of iron, but with clubs.  for that each of them had a precious stone enchanted in his right arm, between the flesh and the skin, and these stones did defend them from death to be killed with iron, and knowing of it, these two Captains procured to kill these eight men with clubs of wood, and took those stones for themselves, and in that instant there arose such a tempest of wind of Septentrion or North so terrible, and doubting that their Ships would break, they hoist up Sail, and went unto another Island, ten miles distant off from this, and the wind was so terrible, that it opened many of their Ships, and many were forced to make back towards their own Country again, and about .30000. of them fled by land, of these they thought that they were all killed. And as soon as it was calm on the Sea, the King of this Island which had been so spoiled, went with a great army of Ships unto the other Island, where as they were gone to have taken them that were fled, and as soon as he was on land with his men, the Tartars like wise and politic men, retired back by the Island, and went unto the ships of this King which they had left without strength, entered in, hoist up the Sails, with the ancients and Flags of that King, which they left behind in the Island, and sailed unto the first Island, where they were received, 
The City taken by a pretty means.  and the gates opened, thinking it had been their own King. And in this manner the Tartars took that City, wherein the King had his habitation, and ransacked it. And as soon as the King of this Island knew of it, he caused many other Ships to be prepared, and with the men that he had, and many of her that he took of new, environed his proper City, having it besieged seven months. And finally the abovesaid Tartars hoping for no succour, delivered up the City unto the right King, conditionally to let them go with their lives, bag and baggage. This happened in the year of our Lord .1248. In this Island there be Idols, that some have heads like Wolves, some heads like Hogs, some like Sheep, some like Dogs, some have one head and four faces, some three heads, having one only neck, and only one right hand, some have only one left hand, some have four hands, and some ten, and the Idol that hath most hands, is taken to be the most beautiful: and to him that demandeth of them, wherefore they have so many Idols, they do give no other reason, saving that so did their predecessors. When the people of this Island do take in battle any stranger, if he do not caunsome himself for money, they kill him, drink his blood, and eat his flesh. This Island is environed round about with the Ocean sea. The ports are free for themselves. The Mariners which use that Sea, say, 

In this Sea is .7448. islands, which be very fruitful and pleasant.  
Hear groweth white Pepper.   that there is in it .7448: Islands. There is no tree there, but he is of a sweet odour, fruitful, and of great profit. In this Island groweth the white Pepper. From the Province of Mangi unto the India and home, is a years sailing, the reason is, for that there reigneth two steadfast winds, the one in the winter, and the other in the Summer, contrary the one unto the other.   

Of the Province named Ciabane, and of that King, who hath .325. sons and daughters of his own. There be many Elephants and much spices. CHAP. 107.  
WHen you do go from jaython, which is under the signory of the great Cane towards the Occident, and somewhat declining toward the midday five days journey, you come unto a Country named Cyaban, wherein there is a City rich, great, and famous, subject unto a King that he and his subjects speak the Persian tongue. And in the year of our Lord .1248. the great Cane sent thither a great Baron, named Sagato, with a great army, to conquer that Province, and he could do nothing, but destroy much of that Country, and for that he should do no more hurt, that King become tributary unto the great Cane, and every year he sent him his tribute. And I Marcus Paulus was in this country in the year of our Lord .1275. and I found this King very old. He had many wives, and amongst sons and daughters he had .325. 
This King had .325. children.  Among his sons he had .25. of them that were very valiant men of arms. In this Country there be many Elephants and Lions great plenty, and great Mountains of black Ebbante,   

Of the great Island named java, and of many Spices that grow there. CHAP. 108.  
GOing from Ciaban, sailing between the midday and Solano, or East and by South 1400. miles, you come unto a grea●e Island named java, which is in compass three thousand miles. In this Island, there be seven crowned Kings free, paying no tribute at all. In this Island there is great abundance of victuals, 
A very rich Island of spices and gold in great plenty.  and great riches, having very much Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, and many other singular Spices in great quantity. The people do honour the Idols. The great Cane could never make himself Lord of it.   

Of the Island named jocath, and of other two islands, their conditions and properties. CHAP. 109.  
Sailing seventeen miles from java, between the midday and Solano, or East and by South, you come unto two islands, the one is named Sondure, and the other Condur. And beyond these two islands almost two hundredth miles, standeth the Country name jocathe, great and rich. They speak the Persian tongue, and worship Idols. They pay no kind of tribute to any man, for there is no man that can do them hurt. There is found great plenty of gold, and a great number of the small white shells of the Sea, 
Hear is found plenty of gold.  which is used in some places in stead of money, as before it is rehearsed. Also, there be many Elephants.  
Unto this Island there cometh very few Strangers, for that it standeth out of the way.   

Of the Kingdom named Malenir, and of the Island named Pentera, and of java the less, and of their customs. CHAP 110.  
Sailing beyond jocath five miles towards the midday, you come unto the Island named Penthera, full of Mountains. And in the mids of this Island, about forty miles, there is but four passes of water, therefore the great Ships do take off their Rudders: and being past these five miles towards the midday, you come unto a Realm named Malenir. The City and the Island is named Pepethan, where there is plenty of Spices. And going forward, sailing by Solano, or East, and by South a hundred miles, you come unto the Island named java the less, which is in compass two hundred miles. In this Island there is eight Kings, every one having his Kingdom by himself. They do all speak the Persian tongue, and honour Idols. They have scant of victuals. From this Island you can not see the North Star little nor much. Beyond it standeth the Realm of Ferlech. The people are Moors. They do honour Martin Piniolo, which is Mahomet. There devil others in the Mountains that have no kind of law. They do live as beasts, honouring the first thing that they do see in the morning, as their God. They do eat all kind of dead flesh, and the fl●sh of man, caring not how, nor yet after what sort it dieth.   

Of the realm named Bassina, and of the Unicorns, and other wild beasts. CHAP. 111.  
GOing from Ferlech you come unto the realm of Bassyna, where the people are without law, living as beasts, being subject at their will under the great Cane, although they do give him no tribute, saving, that at sometimes when it pleaseth them they do send unto him some strange thing. In this realm there be Apes of diverse sorts, and Unicorns, little less than Elephants, having a head like unto a swine, and always hanging it downward to the ground, and standeth with a good will in Cieno or miry puddle. They have but one horn in their forehead, whereby only they are called Unicorns, their horn is large and black, their tongue is rough and full of prickles long and thick. The Apes of this country are small, having a face like unto a child, and those in that country do flay them, so that they look like unto a naked child. They seeth it, and dress it with sweet spices, so that they have no evil air nor strong sent, and so sodden, they do send them about in the world to cell, saying they be sodden children. In this country there be hawks as black as Ravens, very strong and good to hawk with.   

Of the realm named Samara, and of many strange things that are found in the said country. CHAP. 112.  
GOing from the Realm of Baxina, you ●nter into the realm of Samara being ●n this same Island, where I Marcus ●aulus was five months, by fortune of weather, and for fear of the evil people of that country, for the most part ●here liveth upon man's flesh. From hence, you see not the North star, nor yet the other stars that rule the principal wind, the people there are rustical and worship Idols, there is singular good fish, they have no wine, but they get it in this wise. They have many trees like unto the palm tree, they break the branches and from them cometh water, as it cometh from the vine. This liquor is white and red like unto Wine, being very perfect to drink, there is great plenty of it. Another realm there is in this Island, which is named Deragoya, the people are rustical, and worship Idols. They have no king, and speak the Persian speech. In this Island there groweth great plenty of the Indian nuts. They have this custom in this Island, that when any falleth sick, his kinsfolk demand of them if the patient shall live or die. Then these masters make Devilish enchantments, if they say that he shall escape, they let him lie, and if they say that he shall die, they send for the Butchers, which stop his breath till he die, and when he is dead, they seeth the body▪ and the parents eat the flesh, and keep his bones in a chest. This they do, saying, if the worms had eaten the flesh they should die for hunger, and the soul of the dead body should iuffer great penury in the other world. They do hide this chest with the bones, in a cave of the mountains, so that it may not be found. All the strangers that they do find, they kill and eat them, if they be not ransomed for money as soon as they take them.   

Of the Kingdom named Lambry, and of the strange things there found, and of the realm Samphur, and of the things found there. CHAP. 113.  
LAmbry is another realm in this Island, where there is great plenty of spices. The people are Idolaters. In this realm there be men that have feathers about their privities, great and big, and of the length of a goose quill. The fift realm of this Island java is named Samphur, where there is found the best Camphore that is in the world, and it is sold for the weight of gold: here they do use the Wine of trees. In this province there is a kind of great tree, and it hath a very thin ryne, and under the ryne it is full of singular meal, and of this meal they do make perfect meats, of the which I Marcus paulus did eat many times.   

Of two Islands, and of the evil living and beastliness of the people. CHAP. 114.  
GOing from Lambry sailing 140. miles towards the North, you come unto two islands, the one is named Necumea, and the other Nangania. The people of Necumea, live like beasts, the men and women go naked, covering no part of their secrets: they do use carnally like beasts or dogs in the streets, or wheresoever they do find, without any shame at all, having no difference, nor regard, the father unto the daughter, nor the son unto the mother, more than unto another woman, but every one doth as he lusteth or may. Here there be mountains of Sandolos or Saunders, and of nuts of India, and of Gardamonia, and many other spices. Nangama is the other Island, it is fair and great. The people thereof are Idolaters, they live beastly, and eat men's flesh, they are very cruel, they` have heads like great Masty dogs, and the men and women have teeth like dogs. In this Island there is great plenty of spices.   

Of the Island Saylan, and many noble things which be found there. CHAP. 115.  
AFter that you go from Nangana, you go toward the Occident, and declining against Arbyno about ten hundred miles, you come unto the Island of Saylan, which is the best and the greatest Island in the world, being in compass thirty thousand miles. In this Island there is a very rich king, the people are idolaters, and they go all naked in this Island, saving that they do wear a linen cloth before their secrets. There is great plenty of Rice and of cattle, and of the Wine of trees. In this Island are found the best Rubies, that be in the world, and they be found in no other place than here. And here there be found many precious stones, as topazes, Amatistes, and of diverse other kinds. This king hath the fairest Ruby in the world, the length of a span, and is as thick as one's arm, as red as fire, glistering without any blemish. The men of this country are wonderful lecherous, and they are worth nothing for the wars.   

Of the province named Moabar, wherein there be five kingdoms, and of the noble things that be found there. CHAP. 116.  
PAssing from this said place, and traveling towards the Occident forty miles, you come unto a great province named Moabar in the great India. This is the greatest and the best province that is in the world, standing in the firm land, being an excellent regigion. There is in this province, Margarites very fair and great. This province is divided into five kingdoms, whereupon reigneth five brethren legitimate. In the first beginning of this province standeth the first kingdom governed by one of those five brethren, named Sendarba, and is entitled as king of Nor, here is fine great pearls, in great number. This king hath the tenth of all the pearls which are found in his kingdom. The fishermen do fish these pearls, from the beginning of April, until the midst of May, in a gulf of the Sea, where there is great plenty of them, they are found in the Oysters. The men and women of this realm go all naked, saving that they do wear a certain cloth to cover their privities. Also the king goeth naked, and to be known, he weareth about his neck a lace full of precious stones, which are in number a hundredth & four, in the remembrance of a hundredth & four prayers, that he useth to say in the honour of his god's morning and evening, and on his arms, legs, feet, and teeth, he weareth so many precious Stones, that ten rich Cities be not able to pay for them.  
This king hath five hundredth wives, and one of them he took from his brother. In this realm there be very fair women of themselves: also they do use painting, s●tting more beauty unto their faces and on their bodies. This king ha●h always a great company with him, to serve him: when the king dieth they burn his body, and with him of their own voluntary wills, all those that accompanied and served him in his life time, leap into the fire, and burn themselves with him, saying, that they do go to bear their king company in the other world, and live as they did here in this world. Yearly this King buyeth ten thousand horses of the country named Cormos', at the price of five ounces of gold every horse, some more, some less, according unto the goodness and beauty of the horse. The merchants of Quinsay, of Suffer, and of Beden, cell those horses unto the merchants of this realm. These horses live not in this province above one year: by this means that king consumeth a great part of his treasure in horses. In this country they do use this custom, that is, when a man is condemned to die, he is begged of the Prince that he may kill himself, and when they have obtained the king's good will, he killeth himself, in the love and honour of his Idols. After this wise, having obtained the king's grace and favour, the wife of this malefactor and kindred, taketh him, tying about his neck twelve knives, and in this manner he is carried by them unto a place of justice, where he crieth as loud as he may, saying, I do kill myself in the honour and for the love of such an Idol, and with one of these knives striketh himself, and then with another, until such time as he falleth down dead: this done, his parents with great joy and gladness burn the dead body, thinking that he is happy. In this country every man hath as many wives as he is able to maintain: when the husband dieth, according unto their custom, his body is burnt, and ●is wives of their own free wills burn themselves with him, and she that leapeth first into the fire, the beholders take her to be the best. They are all Idolaturs, and for the more part of them, worship the Ox, saying, he is a Saint, for that he laboureth and tilleth the ground, where the corn growth, and so by no manner of means they will eat any kind of Ox flesh, nor yet for all the gold in the world, will they kill an Ox, and when any Ox dieth, with his tallow they do rub all the insides of their houses.  
These people descend of those that killed Saint Thomas the Apostle, and none of them can enter into Saint Thomas Church, which he edified in that country: besides this, if one will presume to enter into the Temple, he falleth straight dead. It hath been proved oftentimes, that some of them would enter perforce into the Church, and it hath not been possible for them do it. The king and those of this province eat always upon the ground, and if it be demanded of them by question why they do so, they do answer, for that they do come of the earth, and to the earth they must, and they cannot do so much honour unto the Earth as is worthy. In this province there groweth nothing else but Rice: these people go naked unto the wars, having no other weapon but spear and shield, and they kill no wild beasts at all for their eating, but they 'cause some other that is not of their law to kill them. All the men and women do wash themselves twice aday, morning, and evening, for otherwise they dare neither eat nor drink, and he that should not keep this use among them, should be reputed to be and Heretic: and they do wash themselves in this manner, as we have rehearsed: they go all naked, and so they go unto the river, and ●ake of the water, and power it upon their heads, and then one doth help to wash another. They are good men of war, and very few of them drink wine, and those that do drink it, are not taken to be as a witness, nor yet those that go unto the Sea, saying, that the Mariners are drunkards. They are desperate men, and esteem lechery to be no sin. This country is intolerable hot, and the boys go altogether naked. It never raineth in that Country, saving in june, july, and August. In this Region there be many Philosophers, and many that use necromancy, and very many of them that tell fortunes. There be Hawks as black as Ravens, bigger than ours, and good to kill the game. Also, there be Owls as big as Hens, that fly in the air all night. Many of those men do offer their children unto those Idols that they have most respect unto, and when they worship and feast those Idols, they do cause to come before them, all the young men and maids, which are offered unto them, and they do sing and dance before the Idols, and this done, they do cause their meat to be brought thither, and they do eat the flesh, saying, that the smell of the flesh filleth the Idols.   

Of the Realm named Musuly, where there be found Adamants, and many Serpents, and of the manners of those in that Country. CHAP. 117.  
MVsuly is a Region that standeth beyond Moabar, traveling towards Septentrion which is the North .1000. miles. The people of this Realm worship Idols. And in the Mountains of this Country, there be found fine Adamants. And after they have had much rain, the men go to seek them in the streams that run from the Mountains, and so they do found the Adamants, which are brought from the Mountains in Summer when the days are long. Also, there be strong Serpents and great, very venomous, seeming that they were serte there to keep the Adamantes that they might not be taken away, and in no part of the world there is found fine Adamants but there. Th●re be in this Country the biggest Sheep in the world. And in the Province of Moabar aforenamed, lieth the body of the Apostle Saint Thomas, buried in a small City, whither there goeth but few Merchants, for that it standeth far from the Sea. There devil many Christians and Moors, having great reverence unto the body of Saint Thomas, for they do believe and say, that he was a Moor, and a great Prophet, and they do call him Thomas Davana, which is to say, a holy man. The Christians that go on Pilgrimage to visit the body of Saint Thomas, take of that earth where he was martyred, and when any falleth sick, they do give him of it to drink, with wine and water. In the year of our Lord .1297. it chanced there to be a miracle in this wise: A Knight gathered so much Rice, that he had no place to put it in, but put it into a house of Saint Thomas, and the Christian men desired him not to pester the holy Apostles house with his Rice, where the Pilgrims did lodge, yet the Knight would not hear them, and the same night, the spirit of Saint Thomas appeared with a Gallows of iron in his hand, putting it about the knights neck, and said, If thou 'cause not thy Rice to be taken out of the house of Saint Thomas, I will hung thee. This miracle the Knight told with his own mouth, unto all the people of that Country, and forthwith the Christians rendered hearty thanks to the holy Apostle, who doth many miracles on the Christians that commit themselves devoutly unto him: All the people of this Country be black, not because they be so borne, but for that they would be black, they anoint themselves with a kind of oil, called oil of Ai●niolly, for the blackest are esteemed most fair. Also, the people of this Country 'cause their Idols to be painted black, and the Devils to be painted white, saying, that God and his Saints are black, and the devils white. When they of this Country go on warfare, they wear hats upon their heads, made of the hides of wild Oxen, and upon their shields. And to the feet of their Horses, they fasten the hears of an Ox, saying, that Oxen hears be holy, and have this virtue, that whosoever carrieth of them about him, can receive no hurt nor danger.   

Of the Province Lahe, and of the virtue that is in the people. CHAP. 118.  
GOing from that Town of Saint Thomas towards the Occident, you come unto a Province named Lahe, and there devil the men named Bragmanos, which are the truest men in the world. They will not lie for all the world, nor yet consent unto any falsehood for all the world. They are very chaste people, being contented only with one woman or wife. They never drink wine, and by no manner of means they will take another man's goods, nor will eat flesh, nor kill any kind of beast for all the world. They do honour the Idols, and have much understanding in the art of Fortunes. Before they do conclude any great bargain, and before they do any thing of importance, first they do consider their shadow against the Sun, whereby they judge the thing that they must do by certain rules which they have deputed for it. They do eat and drink temperately. They are never let blood, therefore they be very wise. In this Country there be many religious men, which are named Cingnos, and live a hundred and fifty years, for their great abstinence and good living. In this Country there be also certain religious men Idolaters, who go altogether naked, covering no part of their body, saying, that of themselves they be pure and clean from all sin. These do worship the Ox. These religious men wear each of them upon his forehead an Ox made in metal. They do oynt all their body with an ointment, which they make with great reverence of the marou of an Ox. They do neither eat in dishes, nor upon trenchers, but upon the leaves of the Apple tree of Paradise, and other dry leaves, and not green by no manner of means, for they say, that the green leaf hath life and soul. They do sleep naked upon the ground.   

Of the Kingdom named Orbay, and of many things and strange beasts found there, and of their beastly living. CHAP. 119.  
ORbay is a Kingdom that standeth towards the Orient, or the East, beyond Marbar five miles. In this Kingdom there be Christians, jews, and Moors. The King of Orbay payeth no tribute. Here groweth more Pepper, than in any place of the world. There is a thing in colour red, which they do call Indyaco, there is plenty, and it is good to die withal, and is made of herbs. A man can scarce keep himself in health, for the great heat that is there, which is so vehement, that if you should put an Egg in the water of the river at such time as the Sun hath his strength, it would seeth it as though it were put in seething or scalding water. There is great trade of merchandise in this Country, 
Great trade for Pepper by reason of the quantity.  by reason of the great gains. There is very much Pepper, and very good cheap. In this Country there be many and strange Beasts to behold. There groweth no other kind of grain for sustenance, but Rice. There be many Physicians and Astrologers. The men and women are black, and go naked, saving that they do cover their privities. Here they do marry the Cousin with the cousin, and the son in law with the mother in law, and throughout all India they do keep this manner of wedding   

Of the Province named Comate, and of the people and strange Beasts that be there. CHAP. 120.  
COmate is a Country of India, from whence you can not see the North Star, nor yet it can not be seen from the Island named java to this place. But going from hence, sailing upon the Sea thirty miles, you shall discover the North Star straight. In this Country there are very strange people, and very strange Beasts, but specially Apes that are like men.   

Of the Kingdom named Hely, and of the strange beasts found there. CHAP. 121.  
GOing from Comate against the Occident, or the West thirty miles, you shall plainly see the North Star, and come to the Region of Hely, where they are all Idolaters. The King of this place is very rich of treasure, but he is weak of people. This Country is so strong, that no man can enter into it perforce. And when any Ship cometh thither by force of weather, or otherwise, those of the Country rob him, saying, that those Ships come not thither, but to rob them, and therefore they do earnestly believe that it is no sin to rob them. Here be Lions, and other wild beasts a great number.   

Of the Kingdom named Melibar, and of the things found there. CHAP. 122.  
MElibar is a great Kingdom in India, towards the Occident, 
Melibar.  and the King payeth no tribute. All the people of this Country be Idolaters. Out of this Realm and the next, there go many Ships unto the Sea a roving, which rob all kind of people. They do carry with them their wives and children, and they sail in all the Summer a hundred Ships together, and when they do come to the shore, they rove into the Country a hundred miles, taking all that they can find, doing no hurt unto the people, saying unto them, Go, and get more, for peradventure you shall come again into our hands. In this Country there is plenty of Pepper, 
Plenty of Pepper and Ginger, and Turbit.  of Ginger, and of Turbit, which is certain roots for medicines. Of this Country, and their conditions, I will not rehearse, for it would be very tedious, therefore I will pass unto the Realm of Giesurath.   

Of the Kingdom named Giesurath, of their evil conditions. CHAP. 123.  
GIesurath, is a Kingdom, in law, faith, and tongue of the Persians, standing towards the Occident. All the people are Idolaters. Fron hence you may plainly see the North Star. In this kingdom be the worst and cruelest Rovers in the world, they do take the Merchants, not only taking their goods, but setting a price of their ransom for their bodies, and if they do not pay it in a short time, they give them so great torments, that many die of it. Here they work good Leather of all manner of colours.   

Of the Kingdom named Thoma, and of the Kingdom Sembelech, which stand in India the great. CHAP. 124.  
GOing from Giesurath towards the Occident, you come unto the Kingdoms of Thoma & unto Sembelech. In these Realms there is all kind of Merchandizes. And these Realms have the language and faith of Persia, and in none of them both there groweth any other sustenance than Rice. They are Realms and Provinces of India the great.   

Of the things already declared CHAP. 125.  
I Have only declared of the Provinces and Kingdoms of India, which stand only upon the Sea coast, and have declared nothing unto you of the Provinces and Kingdoms within the land, for then this treatise would be very long and tedious unto the Readers, but yet something of those parts, I will not let to declare.   

Of two islands, the one of men, and the other of women, Christians, and how there is much Amber. CHAP. 126.  
WHen you go from Besmaceian, sailing through the mean sea towards the midday or South .25. miles, you come unto two Islands of Christians, the one thirty miles distant from the other. The Island where there is all men, is named Masculine, and the other where there is all women, is named Feminine. The people of those islands are as one. The men go not unto the women, nor the women unto the men, but three months in the year, as to wit, August, September, and October, and these three months, the men and women are together, and at the third months end, they return unto their own houses, doing the rest of their business by themselves. The children Males tarry with their mothers until they be seven years of age, and then they go unto their fathers. In this Island there is great plenty of Amber, by reason of the great number of Whales that they do take. In this Island they are good fishers, and take great plenty of fish, and dr●e it at the sun, having great trade with it. Here they live with flesh, milk, fish, and rice, and there increaseth no other sustenance. Here ruleth, and governeth a Bishop suffragan of the Archbishop of Discorsia.   

Of the Island named Discorsia, which are Christians, and of the things that be found there. CHAP. 127.  
GOing from these two Islands, and sailing towards the midday 500 miles▪ you come unto an Island named Discorsia, wherein are Christians, and have an archbishop. Here is great abundance of Amber. Also they do make very fair clotheses of Cottenwooll, the people go all naked without any clothing. Here is the stall of Rovers and Pirates, and the Christians buy with a good will the goods which they bring, & have rob, for that these Pirates do not rob but only the Moors and Paynims, and meddle not with the Christians. When a ship saileth under sail with a prosperous wind, a whole day, the day following the Pirates, with enchantments of the Devil, cause the ship to have a contrary wind, and so take it.   

Of the Island named Maydeygastar, where Elephants be found, and other strange things, and the foul named Nichas, which h●th quills on his wings twelve paces in length, and of many other conditions. CHAP. 128.  
MAydeygastar is an Island standing towards the midday, distant from Discorsia about a thousand miles. This Island is governed by four Moors, and hath in compass a thousand four hundred miles. Here is great trade of merchandise for elephants teeth, for that there is great plenty: they eat no other flesh in this Island but of Elephants, and of Camels. Here be many mountains of red Sandalos or Saunders trees, also there is found great plenty of Amber. Here is good hunting of wild beasts, and hawking of fowls, and hither come many ships with merchandise. Also there is very great plenty of wild Boars. There was sent from hence unto the great Cane the jaw of a wild Boar which weighed twenty five pounds. In some times of the year, there is found in this Island a certain foul named Nichas, which is so big, that the quill of his wings is of twelve paces long, and he is of such bigness and strength, that he with his talents taketh an Elephante, and carrieth him up into the air, and so killeth him, and the Elephant so being dead, he letteth him fall, and leapeth upon him, and so feedeth at his pleasure.   

Of the Island named Tanguybar, where there be men like Giants. CHAP. 129.  
TAnguybar is an Island of great nobility, being ten thousand miles in compass, and the people of this country are idolaters, and so big and gross, that they seem like Giants One of them will bear a burden as weighty as six of our men may bear. They are all black, and go naked without any cover. These men are fearful to behold, having great mouths, and a great red nose, great ears, and big eyes, horrible in sight. The women are filthy and evil favoured. There is great trade of Merchandise. These people are big of their bodies, strong, and great fighters, and esteem not their lives. The wild beasts of this Island differ much from other wild beasts of other islands and countries.   

Of the things rehearsed. CHAP. 130.  
YOu shall understand that all which I have declared of India, is only of the noble and great provinces bordering upon the sea coasts, and I do believe that there was never man, Christian, nor jew, nor Paynim, that hath seen so much of the levant parties as I Marcus paulus have seen, for I have seen India both the great and the less, & Tartary, with other provinces & islands, which are so many, that the age of one man, yea peradventure of ij. men, would not suffice to them all. And now I will declare unto you of India the great.   

Of Abashya. CHAP. 131.  
IN India the great, there is a great province named Abashia, which is to say the middle India, for it standeth between India the great, and India the less. The king of the province is a Christian, and the Christians that be under him carry two tokens made with a burning iron, from the forehead unto the point of their nose. The great King dwelleth in the midst of the province, the Moors dwell towards the province of Cadamy.  
The holy Apostle Saint Thomas did convert much people unto the Christian faith in this province, and afterwards went from thence unto the province of Moaber, where he was martyred. In this province there be many valiant knights, and men of arms, and they do ever make war against the soldan of Aden. The people of this country live upon flesh, milk, and Rice, and of no other thing. There they use much usury, and in this province there be many Cities and towns.   

Of the province of Adem or Ades, and of the things found there. CHAP. 132.  
THe province of Adem hath a King, and he is named the sultan of Ad●m. There be in this province many Cities and Towns, and the people are Moors, and have great strife with the Christians. There be in this province Ports and Havens, whither many ships come with merchandise, and the most of this province live upon Rice, for that they have little flesh, and less milk. This country is very dry and without fruit, and there groweth no grass, and therefore the beasts of this province live upon dry fish, salt and raw, which they do eat in stead of straw and barley.   

Of a mighty King of the Orient parties. CHAP. 133.  
Now I have told you of India the great, India the less, and of middle India, and now I have remaining to tell you of the Countries which are towards Septentrion or the North, where there reigneth a King of the imperial house of the great Cane. These people do worship the same Idol that the Tartarians do worship, which they name Nazigay. This province hath plains and mountains. There groweth no kind of sustenance nei●her corn nor Rice, and the people live only upon flesh and milk of Mares, and no man maketh war against them, nor they against no man. Here be many camels and other beasts, but they are dead. Upon the Signiory of this King there is a Country so strong, that no man may enter into it, nor yet beast being big, by reason of the straits, lakes, and fountains which be there, and for that always there is such fervent cold, that it is always frozen, and unto them there can come no shipping. This Country is in compass twelve days journey.   

How Ermins are bought, and of other beasts. CHAP. 134.  
I Will declare unto you how in these twelve days journey they do buy the wild beasts for to have their skins. In every place of these twelve days journey there is plenty of habitations, and there be mastiffs or dogs little less than Asses. These mastiffs do draw after them a certain thing made of Wood, which is called Slioiala, which is a sled, as the Oxen or Horses do draw a Cart, saving it hath no wheels as our Cartes have, and these Slyoialas or sleds, are as big as two men may be in it, that is to say, the Master of the maysties or cart, and the Merchant that goeth to buy the skins. And these mastiffs cease not drawing, except it be in some miry place, they set four or six mastiffs to draw, as among us we do set Oxen or Horses, & when they do come to their journeys end, the Merchant hireth an other carter with his slead and mastiffs, for that the first could not endure so much labour, and so he maketh his twelve days journey, till he come to the mountains where the Ermins and skins are sold, where they buy them, and afterwards they return as they came. At the end of this Country there standeth a Kingdom which is named the Barkland, for it is there ever dark, as we call the Twilight, 
A dark land  for the Sun shineth not there, and is not seen. The people of this Country have no King, but live as beasts without law. In this Country the men and women are well made of their bodies, although they be somewhat yellow of colour. The Tartarians that border upon them, do spoil them very much, and when the Tartarians do go to rob in that dark valley, they ride upon mares that have horse or mare colts following them, for they doubt to come out that ways that they were in, by reason of the darkness and woods, and when they come near unto the place where they mean to rob, they do tie their horse or mare colts unto the trees, and ride upon the mare, and do their feat, and as they have done it, they let their mares go whither they list, and the mares go straight unto their horse or mare colts, where they left them tied unto the trees. Those in that Country, with certain devices do take many Ermins, and divers other wild beasts, and take the skins and dress them, & make merchandise. This obscure and dark Country, joineth one part with Ronselande.   

Of Rouseland, and of other things which be found there. CHAP. 135.  
ROuselande is a great Province towards Trasmontana which is the North. The people of Russia are Christians, according to the use of the Greeks. Touching the things ●f the holy Church, they are very simple, Rouseland is a strong Country, and hath very strong passages. There be very fair men and women, and unto no man they give tribute, saving unto the King of Tartary of the Occident. There is made great merchandise of noble furs for apparel. In Rouseland there be found many mines of silver, also there is such fervent cold, that the people can scarce live. This province reacheth unto the Ocean Seas towards the Septentrion, in which Seas there be many Islands wherein breedeth many Gerfaulcons, and singular Hawks.  
FINIS.    

 

  

  

   

The Introduction.  
FOr that this treatise which I found in the second Book towards the end, that Master Pogio Florentine, Secretary unto Pope Eugenius the fourth writeth of the variety or change of fortune, it maketh much unto the confirmation and proof of the things that Master Marcus Paulus writeth in h●s Book, for that by the mouth of two or three (as our Redeemer saith) there is proved the truth I thought good to translate it out of Eloquent Latin, which he did writ it in, and to communicate it into my rude Castilian and natural tongue, for that jointly such two witnesses in this present work may make a full, or almost a sure proof of some things, for that it hath not been seen in our Europa, or that in any ancient writing appeareth, it may be thought hard or difficile credence. And the said Pogio followeth in this manner, in the end of his second Book.  

IT seemeth not unto me a thing strange from reason, if I decline from the style that hitherto I have used in this Book, declaring of the hard fortune making an end, counting the diversities of things, wherein the hearts of the Readers find more taste, and amiable gladness, than in those that already I have written. Notwithstanding that also in the cause I will declare, appeareth plainly the force of Fortune, in returning a man unto Italy out of the extreme parts of the world of the Orient, after that he had suffered and passed five and twenty years such great fortunes, aswell by sea as by land. The old Authors do writ many things of the Indians with the common fame, of the which the certain knowledge that since we have had, showeth them to be rather fables than of truth, as it appeareth by the referring of one Nicholas a Venetian, that after he had travailed the entrails of the India's, he came unto Eugenius the fourth Pope of that name, who then was in Florence, to reconcile himself, and to have pardon, for that coming out of India, and ne●re unto Egypt towards the red Sea, he was constrained to renounce and forsake the faith, for fear of death, more of his wife and children, than of himself. And for that I heard by many, that he declared of many singular things, I desired much to hear him, and not only to demand of him concerning the things which he had seen, in the presence of wise Barons, and of great authority, but also to inform myself with him in mine own house, and to take a note of his relation, for that there might remain a remembrance of it unto those that hereafter should come after me. And of a truth he told so certainly, so wisely, and so attentively all his travail made amongst people of so far Countries, the use, manners, and custom of the Indians, the diversity of wild beasts, trees, the lineages of Spices, and in what place it groweth, that it appeared well, he did not declare a feigned tale, but the truth of that which he had seen. And as it seemeth, this man went so far, as none of the old time had been, for he passed the river Gangy, and went beyond the Island Taprobana, where we read there came none, except one Captain of Alexander's fleet named Onesycrito, and a Citizen of Rome, that by fortune of tempest arrived in those parties in the time of Tiberius Cesar. This Nicholas Venetian being young, was as a Merchant in the City of Damascus in Syria, and having learned the Arabian tongue, he departed from the said City in the company of .600. Merchants, the which company they do call Carovana, or Caravana, & travailing with his merchandise through the deserts of Arabia, otherwise named Petrea, and from thence thorough Chaldie, he came unto the great river Euphrates.  
He said, that at the going out of the Desert, he saw a marvelous thing, that about midnight, being all at rest, he heard a great noise and sound, that they thought it had been companies of Alarabes wild naked men, or robbers, and that they were coming to do them some hurt, and all the whole company arose and were all ready with the fear, and they saw many battles of horsemen which passed hard by their tents much like an host, doing unto them no hurt at all, and those that had used that way, said it was certain companies of fiends which did over run in that sort the Deserts.  
There standeth above Euphrates a noble City that the walls of it be of fourteen thousand paces. And this City was a part of the old Babylon, and those of that Country, name it by a new name Baldachia, and Euphrates runneth in the mids of it, and they do pass over a bridge that hath fourteen arches of each side, where appeareth many remembrances of the old Babylon, and many edifications thrown down. It hath a strong and a great Palace royal standing upon a mountain. The King of this province is of a mighty power. From hence up the river twenty days sailing, he saw many noble and populous, and earable grounds of Islands, and so he travailed eight days journey by land unto the City Balsera, and from thence in four days he came unto the Sea of Persia, which ebbeth and floweth as ours doth, and so there sailing five days, he arrived at a Haven called Chalcou, and from thence he went unto an Island named Omersia, which is a small Island, & distant from the firm land about .12000 paces, & from thence he passed toward India a hundred miles, and came unto a City named Calabatia, which is a noble City of the Persians, where merchants use to traffic, and here he was a certain time, and learned the Persian tongue, and made him apparel as the Persians had, and so he passed from thence forward all his time and travel. And here he took shipping in a ship with company of the Persians, and of the Moors, & among them they keep much their promise, laws, and oaths made in company, and so sailing a month, he came unto a noble City named Cambayta, situated at the second entrance that the river of India maketh in the land. In this Country there is found the precious stones which are called Sardins or Sardonicas: and here when the husband dieth, they do burn his wife or wives that he hath, with his body, and she that he most loved, layeth her neck upon her husbands arm, and in this wise being in her husbands arms, they burn them: and the other wives they burn in an other fire which is made for that purpose, and of this use it shall be rehearsed hereafter. And passing on twenty days journey, he found two Cities, the one named Pacamunria, and the other Hely. In this Country there groweth Ginger which is called in that country Bellyedy, Gebelly, and Belly, and it is the root of trees of two cubits in height, the leaves are great, and after the fashion of a kettle, the bark is hard like the bark of Canes, & it covereth his fruit: out of it proceedeth the ginger, which mingled with ashes, & laid against the Sun, it drieth in three days. From hence he went travailing from the sea coast three hundredth miles, and he came unto the great City named Berengalia which, is in compass three score miles, being environed on the one side with hard and high rocks, and on the other side towards the valleys and plain ground with strong adarnes and boughs. They say here is .900000. men that may wear armour. The men of that country take as many wives as they lift, and are burnt with them when they die. In this their King hath over them great vantage, for he taketh twelve thousand wives, and of these there goeth on foot after him wheresoever he goeth four thousand, which do only prepare and dress his victuals: and there rideth four thousand on horseback, well appareled, and of more estimation than the first. The other four thousand ride in carts and wagons, and of these at the least there be two thousand or three thousand of them that he taketh with condition, that when the king is dead, they of their own free wills must be burnt with him: unto these they do great service and obedience. This king hath another very noble City, which hath ten thousand paces in compass, being eight days journey from Berengalia, from whence in twenty days journey by land, he came unto a City upon the sea cost, with a good haven called Pedifetaman, and in these twenty days journey he went through two Cities, the one named Odes Chyria, and the other Conteri Chyrian, where there groweth the red Sandolos or Saunders. From hence he passed unto a City named Malpurya, which standeth beyond the second entering, that the river India maketh in the end, where the body of Saint Thomas the Apostle lieth honourably in a fair and famous Church, where he is greatly honoured and worshipped by the Heretics Nestorians: and there live almost a thousand men of them in this City. These do live throughout all India scattered as the jews do among us. All this province is named Mahabaria, beyond there standeth a City named Cayla, where there be plenty of pears, and many trees that bear no fruit, of six Cubits high, and as much in compass: the leaves of these trees are so thin, that being plaited or folded up, you may put one of them in the palm of your hand. They do use these leaves in stead of Paper to writ upon, and for to cover their heads with when it raineth, for one leaf will cover three or four men, when they do travel. In the midst of this sea there standeth a noble Island named Zaylan, which is three thousand miles in compass, where there be many precious stones, as Rubies, sapphires, Granates, and those that are named Cats eyes, which are much esteemed there. Also there is plenty of Cinnamon, which is a tree much like unto ours of the greatest Hawtho●●es, saving that the branches run not upward, but open and straight slopewise: the leaves be much like unto our bay leaves, saving that those of the Cinnamon are bigger: the rind or bark of the branches is best and thinnest, and the rind of the body and root is thickest, and of less taste: the fruit is like unto the Bay berries, out of which there cometh a very sweet Oil, and the people use to make ointment of it, wherewith the Indians do anoint themselves: they burn the wood of the tree, when the rind is taken away. There is in this country a lake, and in the midst of it standeth a royal City of three miles compass. The Lords of this Island are of the lineage of the Bragmanos, and are taken to be of more wit than the others. The Bragmanos Study Philosophy all their life, and also Astrology, and live honestly. From hence he passed unto the famous Island named Taprobana, which the Indians, call Scyamucera, where is a noble City, and there he was a twelve month: it is six miles in compass, and is a famous City, having great trade of merchandise there, and in all that Island. From hence be sailed with a prosperous wind, leaving on the right hand the Island Adamania, which is as much to say, as the Island of Cold, which is 800. miles compass, wherein the Euitrofagitas do live, and no strangers go thither, except it be for necessity of weather, and immediately those barbarous people hew them in pieces, and eat them. He said that Taprobana is 1600000. paces in compass, the men are very cruel, and of stubborn conditions, and the men and women have very big ears, laden with Hoops of gold, and with precious stones. They do wear linen and cloth of silk or cruel down unto their knees: they take many wives: their houses are low, by reason of the great heat that the sun hath there. They are idolaters, and have much Pepper named the greatest, and of the long Pepper, and great plenty of Camphore and gold. The tree that maketh the pepper is like the Yedra, or ivy tree, the berries are green like unto the juniper berries, and red, and being mingled with ashes, they harden with the sun: there is a green fruit named Durians, of the bigness of Cucumbers. And there be some of them like Orengies or Lemons, of diverse savours and taste, as like butter, like milk, and like curds. In that part of this land, which is named Bateth, the Antropophagos dwell, and have continual war with their neighbours, and eat the flesh of their enemies that they do take, and keep their heads for treasure, and use them in stead of money, when they do buy any thing, in giving moste heads for the thing that is most worth, and he that hath most heads of the dead men in his keeping, is esteemed to be most rich.  
Having the Island Taprobana, and sailing fifteen days, he arrived by tempest of weather, unto the entering of a river called Tenaserim, and in this region there be many Elephants, and there groweth much Brasill. And going from thence traveling many days journey by land, and by sea, he entered at the mouth of the river Gangey, and sailed fifteen days up the river, and came unto a City named Cernomen, very noble and plentiful.  
This River Gangey is of such breadth, that Sailing in the midst, you shall see no land on neither side, and he affirmeth that it is in some places fifteen miles in breadth. In the arms and branches of this river there be Canes of such a marvelous length, and so big, that scarce a man may compass one of them with both his arms: and of the hollowness or pith of them, they do make things to fish with, and of the wood which is more than a span thick, they do make boats to travel with upon the river, and from knot to knot of these Canes it hath of hollowness the length of a man. There be in this river certain beasts, having four feet, named Crocodiles, which live in the day time upon the land, and in the night in water: and there be many kinds of fish which are not found among us, and upon the branches of this river be many fair Gardens, habitations, and delectable ground. On each side there groweth a kind of fruit much like unto a fig, which is named Musa, and it is very pleasant, and more sweet than honey. Also there is another fruit, which we call Nuts of India, and many other diverse fruits. Going from hence up the river three months, leaving behind him four famous Cities, he came to a goodly famous City named Maarazia, where there is great plenty of the trees called Aloes, and plenty of gold, and silver, Pearls, and precious stones. And going from hence he directed his way unto the mountains of the Orient, for to have Carbuncles, and traveling thirteen days, he returned first to Cermon and afterwards unto Buffetanya.  
And after that, sailing a whole month by sea, he came unto the entering of the river Nican, and sailing upon it six days, he came unto the City also named Nican, and he went from thence seventeen days journey through desert mountains, and plain country, the fifteen days of plain country, until he came to a river greater than the river Ganges, which the people of that country call Clava, and sailing up this river a month, he came unto a famous great City called Ava, being 15. miles in compa●●e. This province is named of the inhabitants Marcin●. They have great plenty of Elephants, for their King doth keep ten thousand of them for the wars▪ and setteth upon every Elephants back a Castle, which may carry eight or ten men with Spears and Shields, or Bows, or Crossbows. He rehearsed that they took the Elephants in this manner, Pliny agreeth unto the like. They let the tame Elephants females go unto the mountains, until such time as the wild be acquainted with them, for the male commonly doth content himself with one female, and when they have once acquaintance, the female bringeth the wild, by little and little, grazing, unto a small yard strongly walled, having two doors, one to come in at, and another to go out at. The female when she is in at the first gate, she goeth out at the second, and the male following her, the two doors be locked against him, and then having him within, by certain loop holes made for the purpose, there cometh in to the number of a thousand men, every one with his snare in his hand, and one of those men presenteth himself before the Elephant, which runneth, thinking to kill the man, and then all those men run unto the Elephant, fastening those snares on his feet, and when they be fastened, with great diligence, they do tie the snares unto a great post, which is set there for that purpose, and they let him alone so three or four days, till he be more feeble, and after the space of fifteen days, they give him a little grass, in the which time he waxeth tame, and then they do tie him among other tame Elephants, and carry him about the City, and in ten days he becometh as gentle as one of the others. Also he said, they did tame them in this other wise, that they had and dra●e them unto a valley compassed round about, where they did put unto them the females that were tame, and being somewhat feeble with hunger, they drove them into straighter places made for the nonce, where they be made tame, and these the Kings do buy for their own use. Some are fed with Rice, and Butter, and some with grass. The wild Elephants feed upon grass, and upon the trees of the fields. He that hath charge of them, rul●th them with a rod of iron, or a ring which he putteth round about his head. The Elephants have so much providence, that many with their feet, pull away the Spears from their enemies, for that they should not hurt those that be upon their backs. The King rideth upon a white Elephant, which hath a chain of gold about his neck, being long unto his feet, set full of many precious stones. The men of this Country have but one wife a piece. Both men and women of this Country prick themselves, making divers marks, and of divers colours, on their bodies. They be all Idolaters, and assoon as they do rise in the morning, they look into the Orient, holding their hands together, and worship. There is in that Country a certain kind of fruit, like unto the Orange, which they do call Cyeno, full of juice and sweetness. Also, there is a tree which they do call Tall, whereon they do writ, for in all India, except it be in the City of Combahita, they do use no paper, and it beareth a fruit like unto the Turnip, but they are great and tender like unto jelly. It is pleasant in eating, but the ryne is more pleasant. There be in that Country dangerous Serpents, of six cubits in length, and as thick as a man, having no feet. The people of that Country have great delight in eating of those Serpents roasted. Also they do eat a certain red Ant as big as a crab, esteeming it much dressed with Pepper. Also, there is a certain Beast, having a head like unto a Hog, the tail like unto an Ox, and a horn in his forehead, like unto a Unicorn, but smaller by a cubit. He is colour and bigness like unto the Elephante. He is an enemy to the Elephant. The utter part of his horns is good for medicines against poison, and for this cause he is had in great price and estimation. At the end of this Region towards Catay, there be Oren both black and white, had in great estimation. They have a mane and a tail like unto a Horse, but more hairy, and reacheth unto their feet. The hears of their tails be very fine, and like unto feathers, and they be sold by weight, and thereof they do make Moscaderos or Table clotheses, for the Altars of their Gods, or for to cover the Table of their King, or for to trim them with gold and silver, to cover the buttocks or breasts of their Horses, for beautyfulnesse, & they esteem them for principal ornaments. Also, the Knights hung of these hears fast by the iron of their Spears, in token among them of singular nobility.  
Beyond the said Marcino, there is another Province more principal than the others, which is named Cataya, 
Cataya.  and he is Lord of it that is named the great Cane, which is as much to say in their tongue, as Emperor, 
The great Cane.  and the City royal, which is .28. miles in compass, four square, is named Cymbalechya. There standeth in the midst thereof, a very fair and strong Palace, that serveth for the King. At every corner standeth a round fortress of .4. mile's compass, which serve for houses of all manner of armour, and necessary engines for the war, and combat against any City. And from the Palace royal there runneth a wall with arches unto every one of these fortresses, whereon the King may go unto any of them, if in case they would rise against him in the City. From this City fifteen days journey, there standeth another City newly edified by the great Cane, and is named Nentay. It is in compass thirty miles, and is most populous of all the rest. And this Nicholas affirmeth, that the houses and Palaces, and all other policies of these two Cities, seemed much like unto those of Italy, the men being modest and courteous, and of more riches than the other be.  
Going from Ava upon a small river seaventene days journey, he came unto a Haven City, being very great, named Zeitano, and from thence he entered into another River: and in ten days, he came unto another great and populous City, which is in comapasse .12000. paces, which is called Paconya, where he remained four months. In this City he found Vines though they were few, for all India lacketh Vines and Wine, nor they make no wine of the Grapes. This Grape groweth among the trees, and after the Grape is cut, the first thing of all, if they do not sacrifice with it unto their Gods, it is by and by avoided out of their sight. Also, there be in this Country Pines, Aberrycocks, chestnuts, and Melons, although they be small and green. Here is white Sandales or Saunders, and Camphora, or Camphire.  
There is in India far within, almost at the furthest end of the world, two Islands, and both of them are named Lava, the one is of two miles in length, and the other of three, towards the Orient, and they are known in the name, for the one is called the great, and the other the less. And turning unto the Sea, he went unto them, being distant from the main land a months sailing, and the one is a hundred miles distant from the other. He was in these with his wife and children nine months, for in all his pilgrimage he had them ever with him. The dwellers in these islands are the most cruel and uncharitable people in the world. They eat Rats, Cats, Dogs, and other viler beasts. They esteem it nothing to kill a man, and he that doth any crime, hath no penalty, and the debtor be given to be as slaves unto the creditors, and some debtor will rather die than serve, and take a Sword, and kill those that are weaker than they, till they found one that is of more strength than themself, who killeth them, & then they carry the creditor of that murderer before the judge, and 'cause him to pay the debts of the debler. If any of them do buy a new Sword or knife, he proveth it upon the body of the first that he meeteth, and there is no penalty for it. Those that come by look upon the wound, and praise the hardiness of him that did it, if it be a great wound. They take as many wives as they list. They do use much the game of Cockfighting, and they that bring them as well as the lookers on, lay wagers which Cock shall overcome, and win the game. In Lava the great, there is a Fowl like unto a Dove, which hath no feet, his feathers light, and a long tail: he resteth always on the trees, his flesh is not eaten, the skin and tail are esteemed, for they do use to wear them on their heads.  
Sailing fifteen days beyond these two Islands towards the Orient, you come unto two other islands, the one is named Sanday, where there is Nutmegs and Almaxiga or Mastic. The other is called Bandan, where Cloves grow, and from thence it is carried unto the islands named Clavas. In Bandan there be three kinds of Popinjays or Parrots, with red feathers, and yellow bills, and others of divers colours, which are called Noros, that is to say, clear. They are as big as doves. There be other white ones as big as Hens, named Cachos, that is to say, better, for they exceed the others, and they speak like men, in so much, that they do answer unto the things that they are asked of. The people of these two Islands are black, by reason of the great heat. Beyond these islands there is a main Sea, but the contrary winds will not suffer men to travel on it.  
Leaving these said islands, and having done his Merchandise, he took his way towards the Occident or West, and came unto a City named Cyampa, having abundance of Aloes and of Camphora, or Camphire, and of gold, and in so much time as he came hither, which was a month, he came unto a City named Coloen, which is a noble City of three mile's compass, where there is Ginger named Conbobo, and Pepper, and Vergino, and Cinnamon, which is named Gruessa. This Province is named Melibarya. Also, there be Serpents of six cubits in length, and fearful to behold, but they do no hurt, except they receive hurt. They do delight much to see children, and for to see them, they come where men be. Their heads when they be laid, seem like to Celes heads, and when he lifteth up his head, it seemeth bigger. It hath at the hinder parts a face like to a man and as though it were painted of divers colours. They do take them by enchantments, which the people use much there, and carry them to be seen, and do no hurt to any body. Also, there is in this Province, and in the next adjoining named Susynaria, another kind of Serpents, which hath four feet, and a long tail like mastyes. They do take them hunting, and eat them, for they do no hurt, and are to eat as amongst us the Hind or wild Goat. The people say they are good meat. Their Skins be of divers colours, and those people use them for divers coverings, for it is very fair to behold. Also, there be other Serpents of a marvelous figure in that Country, of the length of one cubit, with wings like unto Bats. They have seven heads, ordinarily set of the length of his body. They devil among the trees, and are of a swift flight. The yare more venomous than the other, that only with their breath they kill a man. Also, there be Cats of the Mountain, that fly, for they have a small skin from the back unto the belly, over all their body and feet, which is gathered up when they are still: and when they will fly, they spread it, and move it like wings, leaping from one tree unto another. The Hunters do follow them, till they be weary with flying, that they fall down, and so are taken. Also, there is in this Country a tree named Cachy, that of the troncheon there groweth a fruit like unto a Pine, but it is so great, that a man can scarce bear it. The hull is green and hard, but it is of such a sort, that if you thrust it with your finger, it giveth place. It hath within it two hundred and fifty, or three hundred Apples, like unto Figs. They are of a pleasant taste, and are separated with a very thin rind. The hull within is like unto the Chestnut in hardness and savour, and in like manner they are roasted. They are windy, so that if they be put into the fire, except they be cut, they will start out. They do give the utter rind unto the Oxen to eat. Sometimes they find this fruit under ground in the roots of the trees, and those be of a pleasanter taste, therefore they do use to present them unto the Kings and Nobles. The fruit within hath no rind. This tree is much like unto a great Fig tree: the leaves are like unto the leaves of Platanoes, or ragged. The wood is like unto Boar, therefore it is had in estimation, and is used about many things. Also, there is another fruit named Amba, very green, like unto a Walnut, but bigger than a peach. The rind is bitter, and within, it hath the savour of honey. They lay them in water before they ripe, and dress them as we do the green olives for to eat.  
From Coloen he went three days journey unto a City named Cochin, it is five miles in compass, situated at the entering of a River, of the which it hath the name, and sailing a certain time upon the River: he saw many fires and nets fast by the River, and thought there had been fishermen, and he demanded what those fishermen did with those fires every night, and those of that Country gave him answer yeepe, yeepe, that is to say, they were fishes or monsters, having human form, that on the day time lived in the water, and in the night they do come out of the water, and gather wood together, and make a fire, striking one stone against another, which Monsters did take and eat fish, for there would come many unto the light of the fire, and sometimes there is taken some of them, and there is found no difference in them from other men and women. In this Region, the fruits are like unto those of Col●en. Beyond this, there standeth another City named Calonguria, standing at the entering of another River into the Sea, and beyond, there standeth Paluria, and Malyancora, and this name among them signifieth a great City, it is nine miles in compass. He went through all those, and came unto Colychachia, a City standing upon the Sea coast, it is eight miles in compass, it is the most noble in trade of Merchandise, that is in all India.  
There is here very much Pepper, Laccar, Ginger, gross Cinnamon, and other spices aromatic, and of a sweet savour. Only in this region, the woman taketh as many husbands as she listeth, and the husbands agree among themselves what each shall give towards the maintenance of the wife. Every husband is in his own house, and when he goeth unto his wife, he setteth a sign at the door, and when another of them cometh, and seeth the sign, he goeth another way. The children are the husbands that the wife listeth to give them unto. The son doth not inherit his father's land, but his sons son.  
From hence he traveled ●iftéene days, till he came to a City called Cambayta, standing near the Sea. It is twelve miles in compass towards the Occident. There is plenty of Espico, Nardo, or Lacca Indigo, or Gome Laka, Myrabolanos, & Crewill.  
There is here a certain kind of Priests, which are named Bachales, having but one wife a piece, and she (by their law) is burnt with her husband. This kind of people eateth no flesh, but only fruits of the ground, and Rice, milk and herbs.  
Here be many wild Oxen, they have manes like unto Horses, but longer, and his horns are so long, that when he turneth his head they reach unto his tail, and for that they be so big, they do use them in stead of bottles to drink in by the way. Returning to Colicuchia, he passed unto an Island named Secutera, which standeth towards the Occident, distant from the main land a hundredth miles. It is six hundredth miles in compass, and it is replenished for the most part with Christians Nestorians Heretics. Right against this Island no more than five miles, there standeth two islands, a thousand miles distant the one from the other, the one is of men, the other of women, sometimes the men pass unto the women, and sometimes the women go over unto the men, and they return back unto their Island before six months, for if they should tarry any longer, they think should die.  
From hence he passed by sea, unto a City named Adena in five days, which hath many edifications, and from thence in seven days he went unto Ethiopia, unto a haven named Barbara, and from thence in a months sailing he came unto the red sea, unto a haven called Byonda, and from thence he sailed two months with great difficulty, and landed in a country near unto mount Sinai, & from thence traveling through the deserts, he came unto Carras, a City in Egypt with his wife, four sons, and as many servants. In this City his wife, two sons, and his servants died of the plague, and finally after long perilous and dangerous pilgrimages, he came unto Venice, his own country.  
Pogio.  
I Demanding him of the life and customs of the Indians, he gave me answer that all India was divided into three parts, the one from Persia unto the river Indo, another from the river Indo, unto the river Ganges, and the other standeth beyond these, and exceedeth the others in riches, humanity, and policy, and are equal unto us in customs, life, and policy, for they have sumptuous and neat houses▪ and all their vessels and household stuff very clean: they esteem to live as noble people, avoided of all villainy and cruelty, being courteous people & rich merchants, in so much that there is one merchant having forty ships for his own trade, and every one of them is esteemed in 50000. Ducats. These only use as we do, tables covered with table clotheses, and have their Cupboardes of plate, for the other Indians eat upon a thing laid upon the ground. The Indians have neither vines nor Wine, they do make their drink of ground Rice mingled with water, putting unto it a certain red colour all tempered with the juice of a certain tree.  
Also they make their pottage like unto their Wine. In the Island named Taprobana they do cut the branches of a certain tree, which is named Tall, and leave them hanging, and out of them there runneth a sweet liquor which they use to drink. Also there is a lake between the rivers Indo and Ganges, of a marvelous savoury and pleasant water to drink, and all those that devil there about drink of it, and also far off, for they have set horse from place to place, ●or the purpose, so that they have it brought fresh every day: they have all want of bread: they live upon far or Rice, flesh, milk, and cheese. They have great plenty of Hens, Capons, Partridges, Feysauntes, and many other wildefoules. They do use much fowling and hunting. They shave their beards, and nourish a Hear tail: and some tie their hair with a silken lace, behind their shoulders, like a tail, and so they wear them unto the wars. They have Barbers as we have, they are tall of body as we be, and also in their time of life, they do lie in sumptuous beds, and covered with quills of Cotten. Their apparel is diverse according unto the diversity of the country. They have all scant of woollen cloth, they do use cloth of line and of cruel, and make apparel of it. As well the men as the women cover their secrets unto their hams, with a piece of linen, & upon it they put a vesture of linen, or of silk, for the great heat will not suffer them to wear more apparel, and therefore they do go so single tied with Crimson lace, and of gold tied as we do see the painters make on the ancient pictures. The women use certain thin shoes of leather, trimmed with Gold and cruel.  
Also they do wear for gallauntnesse Hoops of gold on their arms, and about their necks, about their breasts, and on their legs, the weight of three pound set with precious stones: the common women keep their houses as bawds: there be many and easy to find, for they are almost in every street, the which with perfumes and soft ointments, with their tender age and beauty provoke much the men, for in that country they are much inclined unto those women, and for this cause the Indians know not what thing is that abominable sin. Of many ways they do dress their heads, but commonly most of them use to cover their heads with fine lawns wreathed, and their hair laced with a silken lace: in some other places they bind their hair up to their heads, in manner like unto a pear, and on the knot above on their hair they set a pinn● of gold, whereby they do hung certain cords of gold, being of diverse colours, hanging between the hairs. Some women use commonly black hair, and among them it is most esteemed. Some women cover their heads with certain painted leaves of trees, and they do not paint their faces, but those inhabiting the province named Cataya do.  
In the India within, they do not consent to a man to have but one wife. In the others they have as many as their carnal lust will, saving the Christian Heretic N●storians, which dwell scattered throughout all the India's, for they take but one woman. The manner of their tombs is not as one in all the India's, for the most India exceedeth other, in diligence and sumptuousness, for they do make caves under ground, in trimming it with a fine wall, and lay in the dead body in a precious bed, trimmed with Ornaments of Gold, setting certain baskets round about with his most precious apparel, and put on rings, as though the dead body should enjoy those things in Hell. They close the mouth of the cave very strongly, that none may enter, and upon it they do make a sumptuous and rich tomb strong to abide rain, and to be the more durable: but in the middle India they do burn the dead bodies, and most commonly they do burn their wives alive with the dead body, one or many, according as he had.  
They do by law burn the first wife with him, although it be but one. Also they do take other wives on this condition, for to honour him in death, burning herself with him: and this among them is no little honour. They do say the dead body in a bed trimmed with the best apparel that he hath. They do make a fire round about with sweet wood, and when it burneth, his wife is trimly dressed with her best array, and coming with Trumpets and Shawms and songs merrily, as though she did sing, she goeth round about the fire. At this there is present the Priest, which they name Bachale in a Pulpit, preaching unto her how she must not esteem the life nor death, saying, that she shall have in the other world with her husband much pleasure, and shall possess great riches, honour and apparel: she inflamed with those words that he telleth her, after that she hath gone a certain time round about the fire, she standeth nigher the priests Chair or Pulpit, and putteth off all her apparel, & putteth on a white linen sheet, and leapeth into the fire. If some of them be fearful (for they have seen the like of some) that lamenteth and striveth with death, after that she hath leapt in, than the standers by do throw her in whether she will or no. After they be burnt, they gather the ashes, and put them into pots, and some into the grave.  
¶ They do weep for the dead after divers manners. The inner Indians cover their heads with a sack, and some put boughs of trees in the high ways, and do hung from the top to the ground painted verses, playing three days upon certain instruments of Copper. They do give unto the poor for God's sake. Other do weep three days for the dead, and all the kinsfolks and neighbours go unto the dead body's house, and they do carry victuals, but it is not dressed in the dead man's house. In these three days, those that have buried their father or mother, do carry a bitter leaf in their mouth, and in a whole year after they do not change their apparel, nor eat not but once a day, nor yet cut their nails, nor hair of their head or beard. The women which weep for the dead, are many, they stand near unto the dead body's bed, being naked unto the navel, and strike their breasts with a loud voice, saying, alack, alack: and one of them beginneth to praise virtues of the dead body, and all the rest answered unto her words, striking their breasts: some put in certain vessels of gold, and of silver. The ashes of their Prince they 'cause to be cast into a lake that they have, saying, it is hallowed by their Gods, and that that way they go down unto their Gods. The Priests which they do call Bachales, eat of no kind of beasts, especially not of the Ox, for they will neither eat, nor kill him, saying, he is very profitable unto men above all beasts. They do eat Rice, herbs, fruits, and such like, and have but one wife, which is borne with her husband when he dieth, laying her arms about his neck, receiving her death with so so good a will, that she showeth no sign of pain. Through out all India there is found a lineage of Philosophers named Bramanos, which study Astrology, and prognosticate things to come. They are appareled more honestly, and live more holily than the others. Nicholas said, 
Men live three hundredth years.  that he had seen amongst these men, some of .300 years, and among them it was had for a miracle, for wheresoever that man went, the boys would follow him, as a thing of novelty: and among them is much used the superstition which they do call Geomancia, by the which they tell things to come, as though they were present. Also they are given unto enchantments, so that divers times they do move and cause tempests to cease, and for this cause many do eat in secret, for that they should be enchanted by those that look upon them.  
¶ The said Nicholas did tell for a truth, that he being patron and owner of a Ship, he had a calm seven days, and his mariners fearing, they went all unto the main mast, and set up a Table, and after they had made their sacrifices upon it, they leapt and danced round about, calling many times the name of their Gods, which they name Mutia: and among these there entered a Fiend in a Alarabe or Moor, which was amongst them, he began to sing marvelously, running about the Ship like a mad man, and afterwards he came unto the Table, and did eat up all the meat unto the bones and fire. Also he did demand a Cock, and killed it, and drunk up the blood, and immediately he demanded of those of the Ship, what they would have that he should do, and they demanded that he should give them wind, he promised to give it them within three days, and such, that they should come unto harborowe: and he showed, setting his hands behind, from whence the wind should come, and willed them to prepare for the strength that the wind would bring: and when he had thus said, the man fell down as half dead, without any knowledge or remembrance of any thing that he had said, and in few days after they were set in harborowe. Commonly the Indians sail by the guiding of the Stars of the Pole Antartique, for seldom times they do see our North Star. They use not the Loademans' stone as we do: they do measure their way, and distance of places, according as their Pole riseth and falleth, and so they do know by this means, what place they are in. 
Their Pole riseth and falleth.  They do make bigger Ships than we do, that is to say, of two thousand Tons, with five sails, and so many masts: they build their Ships with three planks one upon another under water, that they may the better resist the tempests, for there chanceth many. These Ships are made with Chambers, after such a sort, that if one of them should break, the others may go and finish the voyage. Throughout all India they do worship Idols, and have Churches much like unto ours, painted within with divers pictures, which they do deck with flowers at their feasts. They have within Idols of stone, and gold, of silver, and of ivory, some of .60. foot in height. They have among themselves divers manners in worshipping, and sacrificing. When they enter into the Church, they wash themselves in clean water, and so they go in the morning, and in the afternoon, they go in lying along upon the ground, lifting up their feet and hands, and so pray a while, than they do kiss the ground, and sense their Idols with the smoke of sweet wood. On this side of Ganges the Indians use no bells, but in stead of them, they do strike upon a vessel of Copper, and with an other vessel they do offer victuals unto their Gods as the Gentiles did, and afterward do impart it to the poor, that they may eat it.  
¶ In the City which they name Cambayta the Priests preach unto the people in presence of the Idol their God, declaring how they should worship him, & how much it pleaseth their Gods, when they do kill themselves for their love: and there stand in presence many that determine to kill themselves for them. They have a hoop of Iron about their necks, the utter part of the hoop is round, and within, it is sharp like unto a Rasar: also they do hung unto the fore part of the hoop down their breast a chain, and being set down, they fasten their feet unto it, and being thus, as the Priest sayeth certain words, they stretch forth their legs; and lift up their heads, and thus with the sharpness of the hoop, cut off their heads in sacrifice of their Idol, yielding up their lives. And they that kill themselves in this order, are esteemed as Saints. In the City of Bizenegalia in certain time of the year, they do carry about the City in procession their Idol between two carts, in the company of much people, and the Damoysellesride in carts in trim array, singing in the praise of him with much solemnity, and many induced by the strength of their faith, do lay themselves upon the ground, that the wheels of the carts may go over them, to bruise their bones, and so to die, saying, that that death is acceptable unto their God. Others there be, that for the better adorning of the carts, make holes through the sides of their bodies, putting a rope through it, and tie themselves unto the cart, and so hanging dead in the procession, accompany their Idol, thinking that they cannot do greater worship nor sacrifice unto their Gods. And they make their solemnity three times in a year. In one time there gather together all the men and women, and people of all ages, washing themselves in the sea, or in a river, having all new apparel, doing nothing else in three days but feast, dance, and sing. Another feast they celebrated in burning many lamps within and without their Churches, burning with oil of Ioni●lly, and the light goeth not out day nor night. In the third, they do set up poles like small masts through all the streets, and from the top unto the ground, they do hung very fair clotheses, wrought with gold, belonging unto their Gods and painted, and on the topped of these poles, all the whole nine days that it endureth, they do set a religious man that hath a benign and meek face, who suffereth all that pain for to receive the grace of his God, and the people throw unto him Oranges, Lemons, and other like fruits, and he suffereth it all with patience There be other three solemn days, that they do cast Saffron water upon those that pass through the streets, and many laugh at it. They do celebrated their weddings with banquets, songs, trumpets, and instruments much like unto ours, saving Organs which they have not: they do make very sumptuous feasts day and night, with instruments, dances, and songs. They dance round about as we do, following one after an other in order, and two of them carrying two painted wands in their hands, and as they do meet, they do change sticks or wands. And Nicholas rehearseth, that this was a fair sight to behold. They do use no Baths, saving the Indians beyond Ganges. The others do wash themselves many times of the day with cold water: they have scant of oil, and other fruits of ours, as Peaches, Pears, Cherries, Damsons, Apples, and of Grapes they have but few, and (as above is rehearsed) only in one place. And in Puditfetamas, a province, there groweth a certain tree without fruit, it groweth three cubits above ground, and they call it shamefulness, for when a man cometh unto it, it encloseth the branches, and when he goeth away, it spreadeth abroad his branches.  
¶ Birengalia is a Mountain which standeth beyond towards the Septentrion fifteen days journey. It is environed with many lakes, named Birenegalias, which are full of venomous beasts, and the mountain standeth dangerous to be entered, by reason of Serpents. And thereon grow the Adamantes: and for that men dare not go unto it, the policy of man found a way to enter, and to take the Adamantes, for there standeth adjoining unto it an other mountain, being a little higher, and in certain times of the year men go up unto the top of it, where they do kill certain Oxen that they carry with them, and the pieces of flesh being hot and bloody, with certain Crossbows for the purpose, do shoot them upon the top of that other mountain, and with the fall, it cleaveth fast unto the Adamantes, and then the Bitturs and Eagles that fly in the air, snatch up that flesh with their claws or talons, and fly unto other places, where they may feed upon it without fear of those Serpents, and so the men find the stones that fall from the flesh: they do find with more ease the precious stones, for they do dig in sundry places, where they use to find such stone, so deep, till they find water mingled with gravel, and then they do take a sign for that purpose, and put in of the gravel, and the water runneth out, and keep the stones that remain behind, and after this sort in all these parties they do use to find them: and the Masters that set to seek them, have great care that their servants do not steal of those stones, for they have those that search all their apparel, yea, and so near, that they leave not unsearched their privy parts, to know if they have hidden any. They divide ●he year into twelve months as we do, and count the months according to the twelve signs of the Elements. They account the year in divers manners, and the most part do reckon it from August, for that in the time of Augustus Octavius Caesar there was an universal peace throughout all the world, and they reckon from that time .1490. years. In some regions they have no money, but use in stead of money a certain small stone which they name cats eye, and in some other places they do use pieces of Iron like needles, somewhat bigger. In other places they do use the King's name written in paper in stead of money. In some provinces of India more within the land, they do use Venice ducats of gold, and also other money of two duchettes in one. Also they do use money of silver, and of copper, and in other places they do make certain pieces of gold, and use them in stead of money. The first Indians in the wars use darts, & swords, a defence for their arms like Almain rivets, round Targes, and bows. The other Indians use skulls, backs, and breast plates. The Indians which are beyond, use Crossbows and guns, & all other ingenious artillery used against Cities. These those of the west free, and say, that all other people are blind, saving they, which have two eyes, and say that we have but one, signifying, that in prudence they do exceed all the world. And only the Cambay●as writ in paper, and all the rest writ upon leaves of trees, and of them make Books of a good liking: nor yet they writ not as we do, nor as the jews from one side unto an other, but begin above, and so writ downwards. There be among the Indians divers languages. They have great abundance of slaves. The debtor that can not pay, they 'cause him to serve the creditor, & he that is accused of any crime, there being no certain witness against him, is quit by his oath: they use three manner of oaths. There cometh the party before his Idol, and sweareth by that Idol, that he is not faulty, and they have ready a hot burning Iron like unto a fish hook, and 'cause him that swore, to touch it with his tongue, and to lick it, and if it do him no hurt, he is quit. And others bring the party before his Idol, and 'cause him to take that same burning iron in his hand, and so to carry it certain paces, and if it hurt him not, he is quit, but if it do, he is guilty. The third manner of swearing, which is most used. is such: They do set before his Idol, a pot full of hot melted butter, and he that sweareth not to be guilty, dippeth in two of his fingers into the butter, and so wrappeth them with a clout, and sealeth it, that it shall not unloose, and at three days end they undo it, and if there be found any sign of burning, he is guilty, if not, he is quit. There is no pestilence in the India's, nor yet other of the diseases that use to trouble our regions, and for this cause there is more Towns and people than is to be believed. There be many that make hosts of a million of men, which is .1000000. Nicholas declared, that of one to●●e, there went out against another tow●● great hosts, and had battle, and when the one had overcome the other, for a great triumph, they did bring twelve Cart loads of gold laces, and of silk, with the which the men that remained dead, had tied their lock hairs, that hanged down upon their backs. He said more, that sometimes he had gone to their wars, only for to see both parties, and they did not hurt him, for that they knew he was a stranger.  
In an Island named Lava the great, is found in a few places a tree, that hath in the midst of the heart a rodd● of iron, very small, but so long as the heart goeth, and he that hath of this iron next unto his flesh, shall not perish by no kind of iron, and for this cause there be many that cut their skins and put a piece of it between the skin and the flesh, it is much esteemed.  
The things that of the bird Phoenix be declared and written in verses by Latancio, seem not to be fables, for the said Nicholas doth say, that at the end of India, there is only one bird named Sevienda, whose bill is like unto Alboge, or together with many holes, and when the time of his death cometh, he gathereth together dry wood into his nest, and sitting upon it, he singeth so sweetly with his bill, that he delighteth and pleaseth much those that hear him, and then flittering with his wings upon the wood, there cometh fire, and he letteth himself burn, & then there cometh a worm out of his nest, and of his ashes, and of it breedeth the bird, unto the likeness of that birds bill. Those of that country made the Alnogue with the which they play very sweetly. And Nicholas marveling much of it, they told him of what the making of it proceeded. Also there is in the first India, in an Island called Saylana, a river named Arotanie, so full of fish, that easily they may take them up with their hands, but as soon as a man holdeth one of these fishes in his hand, there cometh unto him a Fevar, and letting the fish go, the Fevar is gone from him, the cause of it appeareth to be the nature of the fish, as among us there is a fish which we call Torpedo, which fish if a man do hold in his hand, it will be numb, and grieve him: although the Indians say, that it cometh by means of their Gods, by a certain tale that they do tell of it.  
AFter, for an information to the reader, keeping the truth of the History, I did writ those things rehearsed, as the said Nicholas gave report, and then there came another out of the high India, which standeth towards Septentrion, or the North, and he came, sent unto the Pope for to see the things and manners of these parties, for in those parties they had fame, that in the Occident or west there was another world, being Christians. And this man declared that near unto Cataya there was a kingdom, which endured twenty days journey, the which king and people were Christians, but of the sect of the Nestorians. He declared that the patriarch of the Nestorians had sent him for to bring him tidings certain from these parties. He rehearsed that they had bigger, & more richer Churches than ours, being all vaulted, and that their Patriarch was very rich in gold and in silver, that every father of family did give yearly unto him an ounce of silver. I communed with this man, by an interpretet which could the Turkish tongue, and the Latin, and I demanded of him by means of this, the ways, & towns, houses, customs, manners, and of other things that a man delighteth to hear, there was great difficulty to learn it, for lack of the interpreter, and also of the Indian, but he affirmed the power of the great Cane, or Emperor of all men, to be great and mighty, for he had under him nine mighty kings.  
Also he declared that he had traveled many months through the high Scythia, is now Tartary, and through Persia, and that finally he came unto the river Euphrates, from whence he entered into the sea, and sailed unto Triple, and from thence to Venice, and from thence to Florence. He reported to have seen many Cities more fai●e than ours, both in public edifications, and of Citizens, for he declared to have seen many cities ten miles, and of twenty miles in compass. And after that this man had spoken with Eugenius the fourth Pope of that name, he went from Florence for to see Rome in devotion: he demanded neither silver nor gold, seeming, that he came not for gain, but only to fulfil the message of him that sent him.  
IN the same time there came unto the Pope certain men from Ethiopia, in devotion of the faith, with whom I had communication, by an interpreter, to know if they knew any thing of the river of Nilus, and of his springing. Two of them gave answer, that they were of a country being very near vnt● two wellsprings, from whence the river Nilus proceedeth: when I heard this, I coveted to know the things that of this matter the old ancient Philosophers, namely Ptolemies, did writ: first of the fountains of Nilus. It appeareth not that they knew it, but only by conjecture, to appear that they drew out some things of the Original increase of the said river. And as these witnesses of sight, did tell me of these and of others worthy to remain in memory, it seemed unto me very good to writ them.  
They declared that the River Nilus had his head and Wellspring near unto the Region Equinoctial at the foot of very high mountains, which are always covered on the top with Mists, from three wellsprings, two of them standing 40. paces the one from the other, and in 500 paces they meet, and make the river so great, that no man may pass over but with boat. The third which is the biggest, standeth a thousand paces from the other two, and he cometh into the river of the others, ten miles off. Also they said that more than 1000 rivers did enter into Nilus, and it increaseth so much in those countries, with the rain of March, April, and May, that it maketh Nilus to swell over so much, that it made wonderful great floods. Also they declared that the water of Nilus was very sweet and savoury, before he entereth among the other Rivers, and it hath virtue to heal those that have the lepry and scabs, if they wash themselves in it. And beyond the headsprings of Nilus fifteen days journey, there be very fruitful countries, full of people, and well tilled, having very notable Cities, and also said that beyond that country there was the sea, but they had not seen it, and that near unto the spring of Nilus there was a City, wherein they were borne, and it was five and twenty miles in compass, full of people, and in the night had 1000 watches for to defend the City from danger and alterations that might rise. This region is temperate, and delectable, and plentiful of all things, in so much as 3. times in the year there springeth new grass, and twice in the year it beareth corn. It hath abundance of broad and wine, although the most part of Ethiopia use (in stead of wine) barley sodden in water. They have figs, Peaches, Oranges, and Cucumbers like unto our Lemons, Sytrons, and saving Almonds. They have all our kind of fruits▪ Also they named divers trees that they had, which we never saw nor heard of in our parties, and they are difficult to writ, ●or that the interpreter could not altogether understand the Arabian tongue. But of one of those trees, I must needs rehearse, which is as thick as a man may compass, and as high as a man. It hath many rynes one within another, and between those rines hath his fruit like unto the Chestnut, and being ground, it becometh meal, and of it they do make pleasant white bread, which they do use in their banquets. The leaf of this tree is more than a cubit in breadth, and more than two cubits in length. They said also, that towards the Island Meroe, the Nilus could not be sailed, by reason of the number of Rocks that were there, and that from Meroe unto Egypt, it was navigable, but they tarry six months in the Navigation, for that the river giveth many turns. Those that devil in that Country, have the face of the Sun towards the North, as we have it towards the South, and in March they have it right over their heads. All Ethiopia hath one manner of letters, although they have divers languages, according unto the greatness of the provinces. Some of them that devil in the regions towards the Sea coast, and in the heart of the India, there was very much Ginger, Cloves, Nutmegs, and Sugar. Between Ethiopia and Egypt there be deserts of .50. days journey, and they travel so far, having with them provision of meat and drink upon Camels. It hath dangerous passages in many places, by reason of the wild men that go naked in those deserts, like wild beasts riding upon Camels, whose flesh and milk they do eat. They do rob the Camels and provision that the travelers carry, so that many die for hunger, and for this cause there pass few that way unto us. The Ethiopians most commonly are of longer life than we, for many live until .120. years, and .150. years, and in some places they live till 200. years. It is a Country much inhabited, and never hath the plague, nor other infirmities, so with this, & with their long lives, their multitude is much increased. They have divers customs, according to the diversity of the Country. They have no wool, but wear linen and silk both men and women. And in some places, the women wear long trains, and a girdle of a span bread, trimmed with gold and precious stones. Some of them wear upon their heads a Lawn, weaved with gold: and some wear their hear lose: and some wound up in a lace hanging down at their backs. They have more plenty of gold and precious stones than we. The men use to wear rings, and the women bracelets wrought of gold and precious stones. From Christmas unto Lent they feast every day, eating and dancing. They do use little Tables, so that two or three may sit at one of them, and do cover them with table clotheses as we do. They have but one King, which is entitled King of Kings, after or under God, and they say, he hath many Kings under him, and that they have divers kinds of beasts. The Oxen are crook backed, like unto Camels, with horns of three cubits in length bending upon their backs, so that upon one of their horns they do carry a Roundlet of wine. Their dogs are of the bigness of our Asses, and there is some of them that may do more than a Lion, and hunt with them. They have very great Elephants, and bring up some of them for their pleasure & for hostility, & some for the wars. They bring them up of young ones, & tame them, and then kill the old. Their teeth are of six cubits in length. Also, they do tame and bring up Lions, and to show them for a magnificence and ostentation. Also, there is a kind of beasts of divers colours like unto the Elephant, but they have not such a trunk and snout, they do call him Belus. They have feet like unto a Camel, and two very sharp horns, each of a cubit in length, the one standeth in his forehead, and the other upon his nose. Also, there is another beast somewhat longer than a Hare, but in all proportions like, which they name Zebet, and hath such a strong smell, that if at any time he rub himself against any small tree, he leaveth behind him such a sweet savour, that those that travel and smell it, ●utt● of that part of the tree where the sent is, and carry it with them, and in small 〈◊〉 cell it dearer th● 〈◊〉 Also they reported, that there is another kind of Beast, of nine cubits in length, and six foot in height, having cloven feet like unto an Ox. Their body is a cubit in compass, and much like in hair unto the Libard, headed like unto a Camel, and hath a neck of four cubits in length. His tail is very thick, and much esteemed, for the women do work with it, emb●odering it with precious stones, hanging them at their arms. They have another wild beast, which they do take hunting, and he is to be eaten. He is as big as an Ass, striped with colours red and green, and hath wreathed horns upward, of three cubits in length. Also, there is another much like unto a Hare, with little horns, and of colour red, which giveth a great leap. There is another much like unto a Goat, with his horns upon his buttocks more than two cubits pending, and for that the smoke of them healeth Fevers, they are sold for more than forty Ducats a piece. There is another much like unto this Beast, saving that he hath no horns. His hair is red, having a neck of two cubits in length. There is another bodied like unto a Camel, and of the colour of a libbard, having a neck of fire cubits in length. They said he had a head like unto a Dear. Also they said they had a bird of the height from the ground of six cubits, small legs, feet like a Goose, the neck and visage like unto a Hen. This bird flieth little, but runneth faster than a Horse.  
Many other things they told me, which I leave unwritten, for that I find myself weary. And they said, that there were Serpents in the Deserts without feet, of fifty cubits in length, having a Scorpion's tail, and swallow a whole Calf at once. And in these things almost they did all agree, and it seemed unto me that they made no lie, seeing they had no cause why for to lie, and I thought good to writ it, for the profit of those the lis● to re●e.  
FINIS.