[23] This circumstance was before noticed by Rubruquis, and is likewise
mentioned by Busbeck. Father Mohndorf met with many slaves in the
gallies at Constantinople, who were descended from the Goths, and
spoke a dialect of German. Now that the Crimea belongs to Russia, it
is to be wished that the remaining traces of the Gothic language may
be inquired after; as this language might serve to explain and
illustrate the remains we still possess of Ulfila's translation of the
gospels into Gothic; while the names and customs of this people,
together with many of their phrases and turns of expression, might
throw light on the manners and customs of the ancient Germans. It is
even possible, that some families among them, of the higher rank, may
still possess some books in their ancient language, which would be a
very important discovery. - Forst.
[24] Otherwise called Erdir, Erdil, Atel, Athol, Etilia, and now the Volga
or Wolga. - Forst.
[25] Likewise named Citracan and Astrakhan, Astracan. - Forst.
[26] There is an obvious blunder here, for this account of the trade must
be understood as follows: "That the trade in silks and spices from the
East, which now come by way of Syria, came over land by way of
Astracan to Tanna, whence it was transported by sea to Venice." The
concluding sentence, "That no other nation but the Venetians then
traded with Syria," is quite inexplicable; as the Syrian trade could
not possibly come to Venice by way of Astracan and Tanna.