[1] Erigrinul, Eriginul, Erdschi-nur; and this ought to be read fifty
days south-west, instead of five days east. - Forst. This may probably
be some district in the country of the Eluts of Kokonor, not mentioned
in our modern maps. - E.
[2] Singui, Sigan, or Singan-fou, in the Chinese province of Shensee.
- Forst.
[3] In the edition of Harris, it is said likewise to have two similar tusks
in the lower jaw, but this error must have been put in by some
ignorant editor. - E.
[4] According to Forster, this passage is corrupted, and ought to be thus
read: "After eight days journey west from Ergimul or Erdschi-nur, we
come to Erigaia, Eggaya Organum, or Irganekon." And he names the chief
town Calacia, Cailac, Gailak, or Golka. - Forst.
[5] Perhaps, the chamois are here meant, and copied camels by mistake.
- Forst.
[6] Tenduc, Tenduch, Teuduch. - Forst
[7] This foolish story of Prester John has been explained in a former
note. - E
[8] Cianga-nor, Cianganior, Cyangamor, or Tsahan-nor, in lat. 45 deg.. 30. N.
long. 117 deg.. E. Marco, in these accounts of the different districts of
Tangut, seems to have followed no regular order, but goes from one to
another, as fancy or memory served. - Forst.
[9] Cyandi, Xandu, or Tshangtu. - Forst.
[10] In Harris, the elevation is said to be eighty feet, perhaps a
typographical error for eight, as, in a subsequent passage, the table
of the khan is merely said to be higher than those of the rest who
have the honour to dine along with him; the particular height,
therefore, is left indeterminate in the text. - E.
[11] In all ages of the world, except the social, yet irrational ancient
superstitions of Greece and Rome, mankind have vainly thought to
propitiate the Almighty beneficence, by ridiculous acts of austere
self-torment; and even the ignorant or designing followers of the pure
and rational religion of Jesus, have copied all the monstrous mummery,
and abominable practices of the heathen, which they have engrafted
upon his law of love and harmony. - E.
SECTION X.
Of the great power of Kublai-khan and various circumstances respecting his
Family, Government, and Dominions.
I now propose to relate the great and marvellous acts of Kublai-khan, the
great emperor of the Tartars. His name, expressed in our language,
signifies lord of lords, and he certainly is the greatest prince in cities,
people, and treasures, that ever reigned in the world. He is lineally
descended from Zingis-khan, the first prince of the Tartars, being the
sixth emperor of that race, and began to reign in 1256, being then
twenty-seven years of age[1] and he has long ruled this immense empire,
with great gravity and wisdom.
