I. 308)
[22] We give a photographic reduction of the original document. This, and
the other two Polo Wills already quoted, had come into the possession
of the Noble Filippo Balbi, and were by him presented in our own time
to the St. Mark's Library. They are all on parchment, in writing of
that age, and have been officially examined and declared to be
originals. They were first published by Cicogna, Iscrizioni
Veneziane, III. 489-493. We give Marco's in the original language,
line for line with the facsimile, in Appendix C.
There is no signature, as may be seen, except those of the Witnesses
and the Notary. The sole presence of a Notary was held to make a deed
valid, and from about the middle of the 13th century in Italy it is
common to find no actual signature (even of witnesses) except that of
the Notary. The peculiar flourish before the Notary's name is what is
called the Tabellionato, a fanciful distinctive monogram which each
Notary adopted. Marco's Will is unfortunately written in a very cramp
hand with many contractions. The other two Wills (of Marco the Elder
and Maffeo) are in beautiful and clear Gothic penmanship.
[23] We have noticed formerly (pp. 14-15, note) the recent discovery
of a document bearing what was supposed to be the autograph signature
of our Traveller. The document in question is the Minute of a
Resolution of the Great Council, attested by the signatures of three
members, of whom the last is MARCUS PAULLO.
![The Travels Of Marco Polo - Volume 1 Of 2 By Marco Polo And Rustichello Of Pisa
- (See Zanetti, Nuova Racc. delle Monete &c. d'Italia,
1775. I. 308)
[22] We give a photographic reduction of the original - Page 274](../images/travel.jpg)
