The Governor Of One Of The
Provinces Brought A Great Number Of Camels, Having Housings Of Baldakin,
And Carrying Richly Ornamented Saddles, On Which Were Placed Certain
Machines, Within Each Of Which A Man Might Sit.
Many horses and mules
likewise were presented to him, richly caparisoned and armed, some with
leather, and some with iron.
We were likewise questioned as to what gifts
we had to offer, but we were unable to present any thing, as almost our
whole substance was already consumed. At a considerable distance from the
court, there stood in sight on a hill, above five hundred carts all filled
with gold and silver and silken garments. All these things were divided
between the emperor and his dukes, and the dukes divided their portions
among their followers, each according to his pleasure.
SECTION XXX.
Of the Separation between the Emperor and his Mother, and of the Death of
Jeroslaus Duke of Russia.
Leaving this place we came to another, where a wonderfully grand tent, all
of red cloth, was pitched, the gift of the Cathayans. At this place
likewise, we were introduced into the presence; and always on these
occasions we were offered beer and wine to drink, and boiled flesh to eat
when we were inclined. In this tent there was a lofty gallery made of
boards, on which the imperial throne was placed, most exquisitely carved in
ivory, and richly decorated with gold and precious stones; and, if we
rightly remember, there were several steps by which to ascend the throne.
This throne was round above.
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