Purchas his pilgrimes. part 3 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

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Title
Purchas his pilgrimes. part 3 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.
Author
Purchas, Samuel, 1577?-1626.
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London :: Printed by William Stansby for Henrie Fetherstone, and are to be sold at his shop in Pauls Church-yard at the signe of the Rose,
1625.
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Voyages and travels -- Early works to 1800.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A71305.0001.001
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"Purchas his pilgrimes. part 3 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A71305.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 31, 2024.

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§. II. [ 10] Cataio, Cambalu; TAMERLANS expedition into China, entring the Wall, conquering the King, and disposing of the Countrey, and returne to Cataio.

AFter this the Armie marched into the Kingdome of Cataio, a Countrey rich in grasse, and in all kinds of pastures, abounding with great quantitie of Beasts, and People, which knew not what warre meant. The Prince gaue commandement that these people should not be accounted as Enemies, but his good Subjects, that hee would vse all the Cities well, as Cangi, Sochgi, Gonzae, Tagni, Togara, Congu, which had reuolted, and were come to sue for pardon at his hands, in humbling themselues before him; the which he granted [ 20] vnto them, enjoyning them onely to prouide sufficient victuals for his Armie: which was of no small importance for the appeasing of others, who had put all their hope in extremitie, which is in losing their owne liues to make others doe the like▪ and especially the Inhabitants of Cam∣balu had taken this resolution: but being informed of the Emperours clemency, changed their opinions. In the meane while our Armie daily approched, and at such time as we came neerest, the more did the feare of all the Citie increase, insomuch as the Prince was aduertised daily from those which fauoured his side, of all things within the Citie, and he was assured that euery one determined to obey the Conqueror, and to doe whatsoeuer he commanded. The which be∣ing knowne vnto the Prince, he left all his Armie at Gonsa, and himselfe went directly vnto the Citie of Cambalu, where all things were made quiet,* 1.1 by the meanes of thirtie thousand Soul∣diers, [ 30] being the ordinarie Garrison, whom hee caused to enter thereinto before him, and two houres after entred into the same himselfe, being receiued with great magnificence, not yeelding as yet to pronounce the word of pardon, referring all vnto the Emperour, and to the ordinarie course of Iustice. He stayed for the returne of one of his Fauourites, whom he had sent vnto the Emperour, to carry him newes of the victorie, and of the death of Calix, and that the chiefe of this Faction remayned prisoners with him; also to know what Iustice the Emperour would appoint to bee inflicted on those Citizens, which were the first beginners of the reuolt of this Citie: for the Prince being desirous to be esteemed mercifull, and to win loue within this great Citie, would not execute justice of himselfe, nor in his owne name, but by the Emperour his Vncle, whom hee did gratifie herein, leauing the authoritie wholly vnto himselfe, and by this [ 40] meanes hee was not esteemed cruell. Thus the Prince after hee had remayned here eight dayes, departed. He was not many dayes iourney from the Citie before he receiued tydings, how the great Cham his Vncle, willed that justice should bee executed on them which were the first Moouers of this reuolt; the which was executed accordingly in the name of the Emperour, and by his speciall ministers; in such sort, that as the people accused the crueltie of the Empe∣rour, they commended the mercy of Tamerlan. Thus was this warre brought vnto an end, to the great honour and reputation of Tamerlan.

As soone as our Prince was returned vnto his Army where hee found Odmar, who there at∣tended his comming, hee was receiued of his Souldiers, and with a loud voyce called by all his Captaines and Souldiers; Most great Emperour and most victorious,* 1.2 as they are accustomed to [ 50] doe amongst the Tartarians. The Prince after he had long discoursed with his Captaines both of the beautie and greatnesse of the Citie of Cambalu, hee arriued at his Tent, where after hee had declared vnto Odmar in what sort all things had passed at Cambalu: he asked his aduice, whe∣ther hee should goe and visit the Emperour his Vncle. Odmar well perceiued that the Prince de∣sired it, and called vnto his remembrance the honour which hee had receiued when hee was at Quinzai, and that hee would haue beene very willing to spend the Winter with the Empresse▪ staying for the Spring for to returne vnto the enterprise of China, with a long speech disswaded him. The Emperour answered him, that he had euer knowne his fidelitie and loue, and that the cause of his sadnesse was, for that hee did not find in himselfe abilitie to recompence the same: and that when he thought to giue himselfe some ease, then was the time hee must in stead of the [ 60] delicacies and pleasures of Quinzay, make the Desarts of Cipribit the resting place from the tra∣uailes of his new victorie: that it was ended, and his purposes determined: I haue also heard the Prince say, that Odmar did not speake vnto him like an earthly but diuine man, and that he verily beleeued that God by his meanes did call him back from some misse-hap which would haue light vpon him, to make his glorie increase the more. Now, the rumour was alreadie

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spread ouer all, that the Princes determination was to goe and visit the Emperour his Vncle, the which tickled euery man with desire to returne into his Countrey, hoping to inioy the sweetnesse of his natiue soyle. When as commandement was giuen for a generall reuiew of the whole Armie:* 1.3 where the Emperour spake vnto his Souldiers in this manner: Wee haue begunne (my faithfull Souldiers) an enterprise to goe and assault the King of China, who hath of late re∣pulsed euen beyond the Mountaynes the Tartarian name; but wee were hindered to our great griefe by the foolish rashnesse of Calix, and were driuen to turne the bridle for to punish him, wherein you haue all assisted mee. It grieueth mee that I cannot as well bragge of the fresh spoyles of a stranger, as I may vaunt (by the meanes of your weapons) of those our vnfaithfull Citizens; and in times past with your owne selues making tryall of my first Armes against the boldnesse of the fierce Moscouite, al∣though [ 10] for this last ciuill victorie I am further indebted vnto you, for your greater endeuour, and the hazarding of your persons being much greater, so were they our owne people, who would not acknow∣ledge vs, whereof I cannot speake without shedding of teares, desiring rather to burie such a victo∣rie, what glorie and honour soeuer wee haue gotten thereby. Neither doe I recount these things vnto you, but for to manifest that I forget not your faithfulnesse, and the great trauaile you haue endured with mee. Wee must not therefore bee wearie, but must turne our weapons against those which thinke that wee are greatly troubled, whereas wee are victorious. Wee haue left our Companions, who haue temporized to heare the euent and successe of our affaires, all our munitions bee there; wee must in that place (my Souldiers and friendly Followers) passe ouer the rest of Winter: our Companions looke for vs. The Enemie is secure and looketh not for vs at this season of the yeere: for hee perceiueth [ 20] that our Armie which is there is not sufficient for offence, but onely for defence. You shall receiue dou∣ble pay, the better to furnish you against the iniurie of cold: and as wee shall bee clothed with double garments, I hope wee shall bee also apparelled with double glorie. Let vs march on merrily, I my selfe will goe with you, and bee companion of your glorie. After hee had thus spoken vnto his Souldiers,* 1.4 they all cryed; One God in Heauen, and one Emperour on the Earth: and bowing downe all their heads in token of humilitie, they shewed how agreeable they were to obey that which he commanded.

Thus euery one returned into his Tent, where they abode yet eight dayes more. The Prince sent back againe Zamai vnto Sachetay with some fiue and twentie thousand Horse, and fiftie thousand Foot-men, for the safetie of his estate in those parts. Thus after prayers were said, [ 30] all the Armie being assembled together in the presence of the Prince (according to the custome of our Emperours) our Armie began to march forward. Hee forgat not likewise to dispatch one vnto the Emperour his Vncle, to giue him vnderstanding of all this resolution, the which hee very well liked of. The Prince by the same Messenger did beseech him, to send vnto him in the Spring of the yeere some fiftie thousand men to repayre his Armie,* 1.5 and certayne money also for the payment of his men of Warre, which hee granted him. Moreouer, the condu∣cting of good store of warlike munition, and plentie of victuals for to renew ours: for this warre was principally enterprised for the profit and greatnesse of the Tartarians, and for the importance which the losse of the Lordships of Paguin and Quifu was vnto them, whereby the King of China had greatly strengthened and assured his estate, in so much as hee might at his [ 40] pleasure enter vpon the Tartarians, and the Tartarians could not enterprise against him with∣out great forces, for that hee had caused a wall to bee made betweene the spaces of the Mountaynes, which was fortie leagues long, so as they were defended hereby from the ordinarie incursions, the which continually did greatly enrich them, because they brought much Cattell through the same, wherein the Countrey of China doth greatly abound, by reason it is situated in a tempe∣rate ayre, being neither too hot nor cold. This was the cause that made the Emperour his Vncle to desire this warre; whom our Prince, according to his dutie, would to the vttermost of his power gratifie, as also his new Subiects.

So wee began to march, and in thirtie eight dayes wee arriued at Cipribit, the Armie hauing found great discommodities: there had wee newes of Calibes, who was very glad to vnderstand [ 50] how the affaires had passed: hee came to visit the Prince, who shewed vnto him a very good countenance, and gaue him particular vnderstanding of his determination, and vnderstood at large of Calibes, all that had passed within the Kingdome of China. The next day the Prince mounted on horse-back, and came vnto Pazanfou, where the forces commanded by Calibes were a that present, the which had often fought with and tryed the forces of the Chinois: but found them much interiour vnto their owne. The Emperour caused a generall reuiew to bee made of all the forces which were vnder Calibes, and after he beheld the countenances of these Souldiers throughout all their rankes, he caused them to muster, and to receiue money, euery one crying▪ God saue the victorious and inuincible Emperour, according to their custome.

The Prince of Thanais (who commanded the Armie in Calibes absence, going to meet Tamer∣lan) with great diligence had marked the Wall, and the places by the which hee might enter by [ 60] force, and sent many Spyes into the Country of China, by certayne little wayes that were with∣in the Mountaynes, who aduertised him of all. Hee had also gayned through his courtesie a Lord of the same Mountaynes (called the Lord of Vauchefu) who ruled a great Countrey, with

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whom he had so well profited, that he made him desirous of a new Master, and to submit him∣selfe vnto the Emperour, receiuing daily great discommoditie by the warres which the Tartari∣ans and Chinois made: so as he comming to visit the Prince of Thanais, hee assured him of his desire to doe the Prince seruice, and to helpe him in the warre against the Chinois, the which the Prince of Thanais had wisely concealed from Calibes. But as soone as the Prince was arriued, he imparted the same vnto him, the which made Tamerlan desirous to haue some speech with him, so that as soone as the Prince had receiued commandement from the Emperour, hee sent vnto Vauchefu to aduertise him of the Princes arriuall, and of the commandement which hee had receiued: whereof the other was very glad, and hauing appointed a day, the Prince tooke [ 10] his iourney (without stirring of the Armie) into the campe of the Prince of Thanais, which was neere vnto the Riuer of Languenne, whither hee had caused this foresaid Lord to come, who met him there.

Then the Prince after he had heaped vpon him gifts of faire Horses, rich Furres, and other rare things, he willed him to vtter that which he had to say vnto him. This Lord spake then in this manner: Know my Lord, that it is but losse of time to thinke,* 1.6 that with your Armes you should bee able to force the Wall, which the Chinois haue built against the incursions of your subiects, the De∣fendants haue too much aduantage therein. I doubt not of your Souldiers stoutnesse and of their cou∣rage, I know you haue conquered many Nations with them, and that whatsoeuer you command them, they will die or doe the same. I know you haue great and wise Captaines with you, that [ 20] your Person is onely of all the World worthy to command them: but all this will bee but in vaine a∣gainst the Wall of the Chinois, where I assure you there are fiftie thousand men to keepe it, and you cannot stay there so short a time, but there will come thither fiftie thousand more, led by the Xianxi who hath such a commandement. The King of China will himselfe march forward also, who will giue you battell with two hundred thousand Horse and as many Footmen. After you haue fought, I beleeue that the fortune and valour of your men may obtayne the victorie, the which will cost you deare: but for to shew vnto you how much the reputation and mildnesse of your men hath bound mee vnto them, I will shew you a meanes by the which you may cause fiftie thousand men to enter into the Kingdome of China, whom I my selfe will conduct; and they shall bee on them which keepe the Wall, in a manner as soone as they shall perceiue it. In the meane time you shall cause your [ 30] men to goe vnto a place that I will tell you, which will bee very discommodious vnto the Chinois, by reason of a Mountayne ouer against them, which you must cause them to winne: for I assure my selfe, that when they shall perceiue your Souldiers to bee passed, they will lose their courage, and you may easily winne the passage for to fauour those men of yours which shall bee passed ouer with mee. And for to shew vnto you the affection and fidelitie of that I speake, I will deliuer into your hands an onely Sonne I haue, and two little Daughters with my Wife: I haue also one Brother, who I am assured will follow mee to doe you seruice. The Prince hauing heard this Lord speake, receiued great ioy thereof, hoping that his affaires should happily succeede, and this hee kept very se∣cret, for euen the Prince of Thanais knew not the meanes that this Lord had, seeing there was onely present the Prince and an Interpreter, and the Prince after hee had thus spoken vn∣to [ 40] him, gratifying him with all hee could possibly, this Lord retyred himselfe, accompa∣nyed with the Prince of Thanais, who conducted him backe againe with all the honour that might bee. So the Emperour returned from thence into his quarter, and the next day after hee had imparted the whole vnto Odmar, and heard Calibes concerning that which hee had learned of the departing of the King of China, and of his preparation, which was great. This enterprise seeming hard vnto him, after due reuerence yeelded vnto the Prince, hee spake vnto him in this manner: Know my Lord, that I am your Slaue for to obey you: but seeing you require mee to giue you an account of all that I know of the estate of the Kingdome of China, for that I haue remayned these six moneths vpon the borders by your commandement,* 1.7 to hinder them from passing the same, whereby they might hurt your enterprises, I can af∣firme [ 50] vnto you, that the King of China, who raigneth at this present, is of great reputation, and hath increased the limits of his Kingdome more then any of his Predecessors. His strength consisteth in this Wall opposed against vs, the which hee hath caused to bee made by reason of the ordinarie roades of our Nation. I am of opinion, that there bee betweene fiftie and three∣score thousand men at the guard of that Wall, men for the most part trayned vp in the Garri∣sons of the King of China, and his best Souldiers, and I know no good meanes to force this Wall without great hazard and much losse of your men. I haue vnderstood, that towards the Lake Hogeen you may finde more easie entrance into the Kingdome:* 1.8 after euery one had decla∣red his opinion, hee said; that hee hoped the great God (the Vnitie, of whom hee would maintayne against such Idolaters) and his iust right should answere the reasons which doe con∣tradict [ 60] his purpose, and the valiant arme of his Souldiers shall quite ouerthrow whatsoeuer op∣poseth it selfe against the same; and concealed from his Souldiers that which hee held as assured to execute it, to the end, the honour of a happy conducting might be ascribed vnto him onely.

Now, our Prince hauing satisfied euery one of the Kings and Lords that did accompany him, hee appointed the meeting place for his Armie to bee at a certayne place, where hee meant to

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choose fiftie thousand fighting men, and deliuer them vnto the commandement of the Prince of Thanais, vnto whom he ioyned the Lord Axalla a Genuois (for that hee knew him to bee dis∣creete) for to accompanie him, commanding him to giue credite vnto him, for his experience and fidelitie. The day appointed being come, the Lord with his brother came to the Emperor, hauing viewed the place againe, and found it to bee forceable and fit to passe, assuring the Prince once againe of the happy successe of their enterprise, and the Prince beeing assembled with them to conferre together, resolued in the end, that his person with all the army should approach vnto the walles directly ouer against Quaguifou,* 1.9 in which meane space the fiftie thousand men should march forwards vnto the place appointed,* 1.10 and where they were assured to passe, conducted by the Chinois Lord, vnder the charge of the Prince of Thanais and [ 10] Axalla. The Emperour hauing not failed to deliuer vnto them the best souldiers of his armie, and hauing set downe the order by them to bee obserued, hee willed that the Lord Axalla should leade twentie thousand of them, and should march the first, the rest led by the Prince of Thanais, and that euery one should haue one of those Lords to guide them, that by their meanes the enterprise might bee more safely directed. So hauing marched ten leagues, they arriued at the passage, the which was won, not finding any man there to resist them: and hauing taken a light repast, they beganne to march forward other ten leagues which yet remained, where the Chinois were,* 1.11 who suspected no such thing, hauing onely an eye vnto them which marched for to force their walles, assuring themselues to haue the mastry, considering their aduantage. [ 20]

But it fell out much otherwise, for euen at the very same time the Chinois did perceiue the Princes armie to approach vnto their wall, as soone did they discry Axalla with twenty thousand men, who aduanced forward being followed by the Prince of Thanais with thirtie thousand souldiers chosen out of the whole army, who without any com∣munication set vpon the Chinois, which came presently vnto them, hauing left a certaine number of their Campe for the guard of the wall: but they were presently won by the footmen led this day by Odmar,* 1.12 who passed ouer so as the Chinois were cut off betweene our Armies. When Axalla began the battaile, he ouerthrew them in a manner all, the Prince of Tha∣nais not hazarding himself therein: there was great riches gotten this day, the King of China his Cousin (whom he called King) was taken prisoner: There was a great quantity of gold amongst [ 30] them, as well on their armes as on their horse and furniture: they shewed no great stoutnesse.

The newes heereof being come vnto the King of China, who at that present time was at Quantou,* 1.13 brought vnto him great astonishment, for that hee iudged it a thing that could not possibly come to passe, you might haue seene euery one filled with fright, teares and cries, bewailing the losse of their friends. The King gathering together souldiers from all parts (as the custome is of these people) caused all the Priestes and such as had the charge of holy things to come vnto him,* 1.14 and after exhortations vsed, he (as their head) commanded them to offer sacrifice vnto their Gods, of whom the Sunne is the principall commanding in heauen (whom they hold opinion to bee the chiefest cause of their being, accounting it immortall and im∣passible, mouing it selfe onely for the benefit of liuing creatures) this did hee command to bee [ 40] obserued through out all his Cities; and the second thing was, that euery one able to beare armes should mount on horsebacke, and come vnto the King at Paguinfou, whither hee doubted that we would go, because it was one of the neerest townes vpon the borders.

I haue forgotten to declare that this Lord who had the charge to conduct fiftie thousand men vnto the frontiers, at such time as they which were there had need thereof, was soone in a readinesse,* 1.15 and came to oppose himselfe against the Princes Armie which entred, and being skil∣full in the wayes of the countrey, troubled much the Armie: for a great number of his men were on horsebacke. The Prince determined to beate downe all the wals, the better to assure his re∣turne, as also all the fortresses which were there vpon all the passages, all of them hauing yeelded themselues after his victorie, shewing himselfe very courteous vnto the people of these [ 50] mountaines,* 1.16 he gaue vnto this Lord a small portion of land, wherein there be seuen or eight good townes, Archij, Ymulij, Faliquien, Fulij, Cohensen, Qualij, Pulij Quianlu, who came and deliue∣red vp their keyes vnto him, being neighbours vnto this Lord, and gaue him the gouernment of the frontier prouince of Xianxij, shewing himselfe to be a Prince of his word, and acknow∣ledging the notable seruices the which this Lord had done him. He referred the honouring of his brother vntill he had meanes to doe the same: the Prince had receiued newes, how that the King of China assembled his forces & marched forwards, and that he was there in his owne per∣son, & that he strengthened also his Cities which are sufficiently fortified, and vpon these doubts hee thought good to haue the aduice of his Captaines, and after sundry opinions, his resolution was, to leaue nothing behind him, and to assault some famous Citie, and take it, by meanes where∣of [ 60] he may nourish his Armie, and secondarily call the enemie vnto battell. The which the con∣queror should alwaies seeke,* 1.17 & the defender the latest he can hazard the same. For that it is a very doubtfull thing to commit themselues vnto a battell, his dutie being rather to delay, vndermi∣ning the conqueror by lengt hand by wearinesse, and light skirmishes, then to fight in open field.

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It was concluded, and the aduice of euery one was, to conquer the Countrey by little and little, so as their enterprise was to draw directly vnto Paguinfou, which as it was a great Citie, and one of the chiefest, so is it also strongly fortified, and well replenished with people.

Then he dispatched Odmar with fourteene thousand Horse, to aduance forward and summon the same, as for to hinder victuals from being conuayed thereinto out of the champaine Coun∣trey: to the end that the Cattell remayning in the fields, should be a meanes to maintayne and nourish his Armie. I had forgotten to tell you,* 1.18 that for the acknowledging of the Lord Axalla his seruices, the Prince had made him Captaine generall of all his Foot-men, which was one of the principall honours of the Armie. Hee caused the said Lord Axalla to march after Odmar, [ 10] with all the Foot-men, which was very neere a hundred and fifty thousand men, well trayned vp in the warres, and good expert fighters. He marched himselfe immediatly after with all his Horsemen, Artilleries, Engines, and other munitions belonging vnto warre,* 1.19 directly vnto Pa∣guinfou. Odmar did ride twentie French leagues this day, so as he arriued there contrary to their expectation, looking rather for the King then for the Enemie, and hauing taken much Cattell, wherewith the Countrey greatly aboundeth, he pitched his Tents, leauing the Citie betweene him and vs, and stayed for his footmen, who marched forwards in the meane space, sending continually vnto the warre, for to wearie the Enemie. This endured three or foure dayes, vn∣till our footmen led by this braue Christian Genuois, shewed themselues in the Playne of Pa∣guinfou. Then the Citie was summoned to yeeld obedience vnto the Emperour, or else they should receiue the Law of the Conquerour. They made answere, that they were determined to [ 20] liue and die in the seruice of their Prince.

Now you must vnderstand that it was fortie yeeres, or thereabouts,* 1.20 since the Father of the King which raigneth at this present ouer the Chinois, had conquered it from the Empire of the Tartarians, and hauing driuen out all the Inhabitants, they had planted therein new Colonies, so thorowly, that there were but few of the first remembrance, but only they of the flat Coun∣trey, and small walled Townes, who came from all parts and brought their Keyes, most wil∣lingly submitting themselues vnto the obedience of the Prince: so as there was great abundance of victuals within our Armie: and if wee had beene within our owne Countrey, there could not haue come greater store; a thing which made our Prince hope for a happie successe, there being no other difficulty which for the most part can ouerthrow a great Armie as ours was, and [ 30] withdraw them from their enterprise. And thus the Citie of Paguinfou is besieged, and our foot∣men camped round about within an Arrowes shot of the walls. They within the Citie did vse great endeuour for their defence, and our Prince omitted nothing for their offence.

Axalla hauing viewed a great and strong Suburbe, which was in length almost halfe a league, supposed that those of the Citie kept no watch there: that this must needs bee, for that they would not make him obstinate; he had a determiation to winne it in the night, and hauing im∣parted it vnto the Prince, vpon the first watch all his men were ready, all of them hauing made prouision of Ladders, and of such things as are necessary for winning thereof with hand-blowes, and hauing assaulted it on sundry parts, after the fight had continued two houres, [ 40] Axalla remayned the Conquerour,* 1.21 and cut in pieces eight thousand men at the least which were within the same: the spoyle was great, there were many of Axalla his men slayne of one side, which was that by the which they doubted to be assaulted. But on the other side, by the which it was taken, there was scarce any one slayne. The taking of this Suburbe did greatly astonish those of the Citie, who had marked the lustinesse of our men, and beganne to enter into doubt of their safety, which vnto this day they accounted as most assured.* 1.22 Now you must vnderstand that the situation of the Citie was of hard accesse, being seated vpon a Playne, the which was enuironed round about with Mountaines, one of them onely approaching the Citie, which ouer∣looked it on front vpon the North side, where was a Valley by the which they pssed, and there did runne a Riuer: on this side was the Suburbe situated which had been taken, so as the meanes to succour the Citie was stopped, our Souldiers keeping the passages of these Mountaines, the [ 50] which were in the old time the borders of the Kingdome: for Paguinfou was once gouerned by the Tartarians, which kept it for a defence against the Chinois, but had lost the same, and these Mountaines were the limits of China against the aforesaid Tartarians, who gouerned Paguin∣fou at that time, so as these Mountaines were of hard accesse, and there remayned no other way but on the side of the Suburbe, the which a Riuer compasseth about, running all along the side of a bordering Mountaine, vpon the which wee caused many bridges to be built, for to haue thereby a way for to succour our Souldiers, which kept the passages of the Mountaines on the enemies side.

In this meane time the King of Chinaes Armie approached which was very great, as they brought vs word daily, the Prince determining to goe in person and meet with the Enemie, ac∣companied [ 60] with his principall Hors-men, and to leaue the greatest part of his Foot-men at the siege, whereunto he had a great desire, omitting nothing that might wearie the besieged, who defended themselues couragiously. So the Prince beganne to batter,* 1.23 causing his Engines to ap∣proach; as Rammes, and other munitions: insomuch as the Citie was assaulted on two sides ve∣ry

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couragiously. In the end through the valour of Axalla, who gaue an assault with twenty thou∣sand of his best Souldiers, he wonne the wall, and lodged there, the Prince hauing so comman∣ded him to doe, to stop the heat of the Souldiers from going any further. Now the Princes pur∣pose was to compound for the Citie, and not to force it, for two reasons. The first was, for that he feared, the Citie being great and rich, that when the Souldiers should sacke it, the Enemie who was but thirty leagues from thence, should come vpon them, and by this meanes his Armie should be found in disorder, also rich Souldiers neuer serue well: The other was, for that hee would draw out of that Citie which was rich and wealthy, those commodities which were ne∣cessary for the sure accomplishing of his enterprise, seeing it was necessary to haue such a Citie for to make a Store-house of necessary things for the Armie. Thus although the wall was won, [ 10] the Enemies wanted not courage yet to defend themselues valiantly, looking for ayde according to the newes they had receiued, that the Kings Armie marched forward. Whilest these things were in doing,* 1.24 one of our Engines shooting a bullet, slue the Gouernour, whereupon they did resolue for to yeeld themselues vnto the Princes mercy, sauing their liues, and the Souldiers en∣ioying their horse and weapons. The conditions were agreed vpon, and there came out of the Citie eighteene thousand Souldiers, the Inhabitants remayning in a manner all: there were therein thirtie thousand Souldiers at the beginning: the siege continued two moneths. The honour of taking the Citie and the happy successe therein was attributed vnto Axalla, to whom was giuen the gouernment of the Citie with the Countrey already conquered. But hee besee∣ched the Prince that it would please him to bestow it vpon some other, and for himselfe hee re∣serued [ 20] the hope of his Master, wherein hee should haue part. This answere did greatly content the Prince, for hee greatly desired the seruice of Axalla. Vpon his refusall this charge was be∣stowed vpon the Prince of Thanais, with the Title of Vice-roy. Now, as I haue already told you, our Prince after hee had giuen such order as was necessary, and aduertised his friends in all parts, and aboue all the Emperour, he marched forward, hauing contented his Souldiers, and made a generall muster of his Armie, as well of the horse as footmen, the which hee found to be diminished of ten thousand men onely. Now, our Prince after he had solemnely called vpon the Immortall,* 1.25 Inuincible, and Incomprehensible God, and spent one whole day in prayer, wee enterprised to goe on forward, and to goe directly vnto the Enemie, who was at Sintehu, with all his owne forces, and of all his Allies. As soone as he receiued newes that our Armie was pas∣sed [ 30] ouer the Riuer of Chulifu, the King of China marched directly vnto vs with great magnifi∣cence:* 1.26 there was nothing to bee seene but gold and precious stones in his Armie: hee himselfe was commonly in a Chariot, wherein there was such a quantitie of gold and rich stones, that euery part was full of Diamonds, Rubies, and Pearles.

The King of China was of the age of three and thirtie yeeres, who for the most part had beene brought vp in pleasures, and not in militarie exercises, nor vnder the bloudie ensigne of Mars; loden with Iron, boysterous and furious, not with gold, precious stones, and with such kinde of riches: so as he was very insolent in threatnings, brauadoes, and in defying vnto the battaile▪ He often said that we had surprised him, and had not warned him to prepare himselfe, and that we had strucken him without speaking any word: for this is the custome of the people in those [ 40] parts,* 1.27 to doe in this manner. Hee had two or three Kings also with him, his Neighbours and Allies, who marched with the same preparation. The rumour of these riches gaue great courage to the Souldiers, for they were couetous of iust gayne, as is that gotten by a battaile. So both our Armies went forward each to approch the other, and there was a Citie yeelded vnto the Prince called Tunicheuoy,* 1.28 the which helped our Armie greatly. The next day, to the end wee might giue occasion vnto the Enemie for to approch neerer, we sent to summon, and at the same time to take possession of the Citie of Pannihu, the which in aduancing forward wee left a little behinde vs.* 1.29 The King of China had put many men thereinto, and it was a Citie sufficiently well fortified: from Tiaucheuoy to Paguinuhu there were ten leagues. He aduanced his Armie within a league of the Citie Tiaucheuoy,* 1.30 about noone the next day they had more certaine aduertise∣ment [ 50] of the Enemies comming. The Prince commanded his Armie to take the place for the battaile, which he had chosen in his iudgement with most aduantage, and hauing set downe vn∣to Odmar the order he would haue to be obserued, he desired to see the comming of this Armie: so sending before him fiue or six thousand Horse as Scouts, hee aduanced forward, and Calibes with him. After he had seene this great confused Armie which continually came forward, hee commanded Calibes to retyre himselfe as soone as they drew neere vnto him, and bring vnto him this great cloud, the which hee hoped soone to disperse. So the Prince returned backe vn∣to his men for to assure them of the battaile: hee caused all his footmen to bee placed all along by a great Mountayne, so as they had but one head for to doubt. And hee planted great store of Artillerie for the guard of his footmen. I am of opinion, that the Prince had about six-score [ 60] thousand footmen,* 1.31 whereof many were armed after the Christian manner, and all they were commanded by sundrie Captaines; but all obeyed Axalla, who commanded them as Generall.

Our Horse-men were in battaile array in a great leuell Playne, hauing the Footmen on the

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left hand, and on the right was the comming of the Enemie, so as vpon the least disfauour that might happen, hee would retyre to bee assisted by his footmen. Wee had foure score thousand horse: Calibes with the Scythians were in the Auantguard, and had the commandement of thir∣tie thousand horse, who should receiue him at such time as he did draw on the Enemie, as he was commanded. It was diuided into three troupes, each one consisting of ten thousand. Odmar had also thirtie thousand horse who should assist him. The Prince remayned in the Arier-ward at the one of the wings of his footmen, which held one of his principall forces: his purpose was to suffer the threescore and six thousand horse to maintayne the fight against the Barbarians, being led by two good Captaines, and if any of them remayned, the Emperor hoped after of [ 10] them to haue a good market, by causing his footmen to march forward, and himselfe with whom there abode twentie thousand of the best horse, which were sufficient without hazarding his Person for to giue a new battaile, if so be that any disfauour should happen vnto them: for hee had vnderstood that this was the custome of the Kings of China, to enclose themselues within the middest of their Chariots with their footmen, and not to hazard themselues but vpon the extremitie. So the Enemie fayled nothing at all to march directly vnto Calibes, and all the Ar∣mie marched after following of him and setting vpon him, and hee euen as the Scythians are al∣wayes accustomed to doe, with his six thousand horse in retyring gaue many charges, killing some of them, and they likewise killing some of his men. It was a beautifull sight to see this great Armie march, for it seemed to bee twise as great as ours, therein being an infinite number [ 20] of armed Chariots, wherein he put his principall trust against the furie of our Souldiers; so ma∣ny gildings of gold and siluer as well in the trappings of their Horses, as on their Armour, that it glittered, and was of vs all much admired. The Prince who with a troupe of horse did see the Armie march after Calibes,* 1.32 commended greatly the manner of casting their men out of the rankes, for to compell this troupe vnto fight, and did see this Armie come in good order, and he tryed with his eye to note the place where the Kings Person was, hauing neere him the Chinois Lord to instruct him, who knew well their manner of fighting. Now, they had neither Auant∣guard nor battaile, but onely an Arier-ward commanded by the King, and inclosed (as I haue said) with his Chariots: the which being shewed vnto him by this Lord, the Prince turned himselfe vnto vs, and in our language said: Yet must wee this day disperse this cloud here so gilded,* 1.33 [ 30] and the King of China and my selfe must make a partition thereof.

Now, hauing seene the Enemie sufficiently aduanced, and iudging that he had had seene them march a good league, he thought it not conuenient to suffer them for to take breath, nor for to put themselues againe into their order; he sent vnto Calibes for to will him to set forward the fight, and that if those whom he had led with him should be weary, they should come vnto him; but it was not in Calibes power to haue this commandement ouer them. For as soone as they heard this word of fighting vttered, they required the first charge, with a young Lord, who commanded ouer them, called Zioctabanes, who made appeare vnto the Chinois to what end their flight was, charging very stiffely vpon the foremost of the Enemies, the which was an oc∣casion to begin the first fight. And I assure you, there could not be seene a more furious thing, nor [ 40] any for to fight with more desire to manifest the valour of his Nation, and for to procure honour vnto his Prince. Now, this endured a long houre before the Chinois had ouerthrowne Calibes. The Prince did see all patiently, saying alwayes,* 1.34 that the great multitude how confused soeuer it were, would carry it away from the order and valour of his Souldiers: you could not yet per∣ceiue any alteration in the Princes countenance, Aduersitie and Prosperitie were so indifferent vnto him. His thirty thousand Horse were all Scythians, who obserue not the same order the Parthians doe. Now, before the Prince retyred with his men, hee did see the first charge giuen. Calibes being wounded, retyred himselfe neere vnto the Prince, hauing with him two thousand horse ioyned together againe, and many more ioyning themselues together neere vnto the Prince, who commanded that they should cure Calibes, viewing the place of his wound, hee [ 50] caused him to bee conducted behind his footmen, and the other which were hurt with him also. Now, Calibes was not able to pierce through this Armie, being beaten back; but Odmar with almost all the Parthian horse-men, did handle them more roughly, for hee ranne cleane thorow them, and returned by one of the right wings of the Armie, where hee fought most valiantly, and hauing beaten them back euen within the Kings Chariots, he thought that he should not doe wisely to goe about to breake such forces.

The King of China comming forward, and the horse-men which had beene broken by Od∣mar, ioyning themselues together for his ayde, Odmar onely remayning in the battaile sent vn∣to the Prince for the footmen, and for to set forward the Artillerie, and that hee should assure himselfe of the victorie. The Prince, who had already set forward, kept aloofe off, and sent [ 60] vnto him fiftie thousand footmen, with a part of the Artillery, giuing charge thereof vnto Axalla, who forthwith set forward, hauing commandement to set vpon the Chariots, and to make an entrance: he set forward the Artillery before him, the which did greatly astonish the enemies: for the Gouernours of the horses, belonging to the Kings Chariots, could not hold them; it made also a great spoyle. As soone as he perceiued this disorder, hee set forward, and

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came to hand-blowes, there were a hundred and fiftie thousand men, as yet about the Kings person. Axalla full of courage fought so valiantly, that they neuer beheld any doe more braue∣ly. Odmar during this fight charged againe the Horsemen, who were retyred vnto the Kings ayde, whom he put to flight. Then the Prince aduanced forward with the rest of his Foot-men, gaue ayde vnto Axalla, and came euen vnto the person of the King of China, who was as yet enclosed within a second ranke of Chariots with thirty or forty thousand men: and after hee had fought two or three houres, the Horse-men assisting the Foot-men, and they principally whom the Prince had reserued,* 1.35 the King remayned wounded within the power of the Prince, the battaile being wonne, and all the Enemies Campe forced; the fight endured eight houres, and it was euen night, which saued the liues of many of the Enemies. There were slaine two [ 10] Kings the Allyes of the King of China, and one taken Prisoner: there was inestimable riches gotten, as well in golden Vessell as precious stones, and the most rich and faire Chariots that could be seene.

The Prince would not see the captiued King vntill the next day, beeing mounted on Horse-backe, and passing through the Campe of the Battayle for to stay the slaughter, and to ioyne to∣gether againe his men, to the end the accustomed watch might bee kept, whereof hee gaue the charge vnto Axalla; to whom he gaue likewise commandement to keepe the King of China within the middest of his Souldiers, hauing bin already dressed of a wound he had receiued in his right arme. It was a strange thing to behold the Enemies Weapons, and the diuersitie of streamers wherewith they were decked, the which seemed vnto vs afar off as beautifull, as the diuersity of [ 20] colours plentifull. But to say the truth, the multitude was great which this King had, notwith∣standing there was much difference betweene their valour and ours: and it is reported, that hee had ranged in Battayle this very day three hundred and fifty thousand men, whereof there were an hundred and fiftie thousand Horse-men, the rest on foot: the greatest part of them were rude and barbarous people, which suffered themselues to bee slaine one vpon another, not marking their aduantage, nor hauing any Warlike knowledge, as our men haue: there were slaine of the Enemies some threescore thousand. Now the next day after the buriall of the dead, the Prince hauing giuen thankes vnto God for his victorie, caused the wounded to bee cured, and amongst the others Calibes, who by reason of the vntemperatenesse of the Ayre, rather then by the blow of the wound he had receiued, found himselfe very ill, yet would he not omit his dutie, to com∣mand [ 30] alwayes his Auant-gard, the which was a great pleasure vnto the Prince, for he alone had Commandement ouer the Emperours Forces, beeing a Scythian, and greatly beloued of his Nation.

The Prince dispatched away thirty thousand Horse in the pursuit of one of the King of Chi∣nas Brothers,* 1.36 who was fled away, hauing ioyned together againe some twelue or fifteene thou∣sand Horse. The Prince sent to summon Pannihu, the which did yeeld it selfe vnto him: where∣vpon our Army approached neere vnto it, for to aduance our selues the further into the Coun∣trey. Now I forget to declare how the Prince hauing the next day caused his Tents to bee pit∣ched most stately, and his Guards ordered according to his greatnesse, the principall of his Ar∣my being also neere his person: for all the night hee had remayned continually on Horse-backe, [ 40] vntill about two of the clocke, when as they brought him a Tart and his water, for hee neuer dranke Wine; and lay downe on a Carpet where hee passed the rest of the night. I was neere vnto him and neuer left him:* 1.37 but I neuer heard any vaunting or boasting to pro∣ceed out of his mouth. Then hee sent a commandement vnto Axalla to bring vnto him the imprisoned King: who beeing come, the Emperour issued out of his Tents, and went to receiue him. This King of China came with a very proud and haughtie countenance, and like a couragious man, approaching neere vnto the Emperour, hee demanded of Axalla by an Inter∣preter, which was the Emperour, and being shewed him, hee spake fiercely vnto him after this manner: The Gods whom I worship, being prouoked against my Nation and people, and con∣spired against my good fortune, haue made mee at this day thy Prisoner: but forasmuch, as it is [ 50] reported ouer all the World, that Tamerlan maketh warre for the honour of his Nation: thou shouldest be contented that thou hast wonne it this glory, that the Lord of the World, the Child of the Sunne, is in thy power, to receiue such Law as it shall please thee to prescribe him. This hee said in a braue manner, and without any other humbling of himselfe. The Emperour on the o∣ther-side hauing saluted him very courteously, led him into his Tent.

* 1.38He is surely a great Prince, and which hath had two hundred famous Cities within his King∣dome. There be many Mynes of Gold and Siluer, much Muske, and also of an Herbe which the Christians call Rhubarbe. There bee in like manner within the Kingdome of China fifteene very large Prouinces, the which haue Gouernours. It is reported that hee hath threescore and tenne Kings wearing Crownes, Tributaries vnto him. We call this Region China, the which they in [ 60] their Language name Tame, and the people Tangis, the which we call Chinois. This Kingdome doth abound in fish,* 1.39 and in great numbers of wild-fowle, by reason of the great abundance of running waters which doe ouerflow the Countrey, the which is reasonable temperate: they a∣abound greatly in Silkes, and the meanest are apparelled therewith, hauing small quantitie of

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Wooll, and not vsing the same: they haue much Cotton and Linnen in stead thereof. The men doe weare their haire long, the women combe them: they haue as many Wiues as they are able to maintayne. Next vnto the King, there is a Gouernour Generall whom they call Tutan, the which was the Brother vnto the imprisoned King. The Prince hauing assembled his counsell, to to the end he might be aduised how he should vse his Prisoners and the rest of the Victory: hee receiued newes by Odmar, how that the Kings Brother was arriued at Quantou, the which hee had fortified, and that great store of forces did ioyne themselues vnto him.* 1.40 This was the cause that the Prince hauing somewhat rested his forces, commanded two thousand Parthian Horse to conuey the Prisoners vnto Paguinfou, and from thence after they had made abode there, to passe [ 10] ouer the Mountaynes,* 1.41 and to remayne at Burda (a Citie of olde time faithfull vnto the Empe∣rours of Schytia) and there to keepe them faithfully. The purpose and resolution of the Prince was, that it behooued to assault Quantou, and to shut vp, if it were possible, the Kings Brother within the same, being one of the principall seates belonging vnto the King of China, and a Citie greatly peopled and strong: it was forty leagues from the place where the battayle was fought. But Odmar being aduanced thither, would not retyre before he had expresse Comman∣dement from the Prince, who hauing sent thither, pitched his Tents round about the said Citie: hauing summoned many small Cities, the which yeelded themselues wholly vnto the Princes mercy, making great lamentation for their King taken. Notwithstanding, the gentlenesse vsed by the Conquerour made them to take all their losses with patience: and because it was also re∣ported, that he had vsed the King most friendly, and all the Prisoners: the Kings Brother had [ 20] sent Embassadours to obtayne leaue for to know of the Kings health, and for to see him, the which the Prince did willingly suffer, to the end this other should not declare himselfe King, who would haue brought him more trouble then the other. He attended for the euent of Quan∣tou, and had his eye vpon the successe of this siege. Now the Kings Brother hauing receiued newes of the Affaires of the besieged, he determined eyther to succour it, or to fight a Battle, and came straight vnto Porchio, and made a bridge of Boats, whereof there be great store in these same Countreyes.* 1.42

Now being enformed when the halfe part were passed, which was fiftie thousand men good, Odmar finding them in very ill order, and nothing at all aduertised of the Enemies nearnesse, gaue the charge, and vtterly ouerthrew them▪* 1.43 there remayned dead vpon the ground some fiftie [ 30] thousand men, but it was not without great fight, strengthened with the fauour of water, and a great Marish wherein they were encamped. Notwithstanding, our Foot-men hauing wonne the banke of the Riuer, beganne also to winne the Boats, and to seuer them by the meanes of a great Boat, the which we with diligence caused to runne downe beeing full of artificiall fire, so as at the same very time that they which were within the Boate did draw neere, they retyred out of the same, hauing first kindled the fire within the Boate, the which with a great force ru∣shed against the Bridge of Boats and ouerthrew it, and where it was resisted did burne. This did greatly astonish them that were passed, to see their returne cut off. The Kings Brother was not yet passed vnto the other-side of the water, and he which first had gone ouer was the King [ 40] of Cauchina, who was slayne at the first charge, fighting very valiantly, in the fore-front. The Kings Brother did see his men slayne and drowned, and could not remedie the same. This se∣cond ouerthrow was of no small importance, although it was but the third part of the Kings Brothers Army, and that there remayned vnto him as yet a hundred thousand fighting men: but there was no great hope that he durst present himselfe before our Army. The newes hereof be∣ing reported at Quantioufou, they desired to make tryall of the Emperours clemency. Axalla dispatched one of his faithfull friends of his Countrey vnto the Prince, to carry vnto him these good newes: which was more welcome vnto the Prince, then the ouerthrow he had giuen vn∣to the Enemy, and agreed vnto all that Axalla demanded, referring all vnto his sufficiencie and fidelitie. The Kings Brother hauing sent to demand safety for to treate, the Prince granted so much vnto them, for such as would come vnto him.

[ 50] In this meane-time Quantoufou yeelded it selfe into the hands of Axalla, who caused the Gar∣rison to come out of the same, receiued the Inhabitants into the Princes protection, and they which would might remayne therein vnarmed: and he entred thereinto with the joy of all the Inhabitants, who did determine to receiue the Emperour into the same with all the magnificence that might be. He caused thirty thousand men of War to enter thereinto; vnto whom was mo∣ney deliuered for to maintayne them there, vntill such time as all the Foot-men should receiue pay for three monethes due vnto them, whereof the Inhabitants of Quantoufou did furnish the Prince, to the summe of eight hundred thousand Tentins, the which do amount vnto foure hun∣dred and fifty thousand crownes or therabout. The Prince at this present sent me vnto Axalla, whom I found feasting of his Captaines and souldiers, staying for the commandement that I [ 60] brought vnto him, the which was to remaine within Quantoufou, and to cause all his footmen to set forward directly vnto him, the which was done by the Prince, to the end it should strike a greater terror into the minds of the enemies, who seeing all his footmen arriued, he supposed they wold nothing doubt (Quantoufou being taken) but that he would march forward, insomuch

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as he hoped this would greatly aduance his Affaires, considering the estate they were in. I retur∣ned from Quantoufou vnto the Emperour, hauing seene a beautifull and great Citie well forti∣fied, and wonderfully peopled, and round about it there was a fruitfull Countrey.

Thus the Embassadors being arriued, who were of the Kings chiefest Vassals, Tamerlan recei∣ued them with all humanitie, causing his greatnesse to appeare vnto them; and therewithall the agilitie of his Horsemen, to make them see with their eyes, that it would be the destruction of the Chinois name,* 1.44 if he proceeded any further. So hauing saluted the Emperour with all reue∣rence, they vttered their Embassage vnto him, which was that the Kings Brother had sent them vnto him to treat for two causes: the one, was for the liberty of their King, the other, for pre∣seruation of their Countrey. The Prince hauing heard them, answered them, that they had rea∣son to trust vnto his mildnesse, and seeing at this present, they desired it, he would yeeld there∣unto. [ 10] Thereupon the Prince rose vp, and caused to be said vnto them, that they should deliuer their offers in writing, and that present answere should bee made thereunto. Thus went they out of the Princes presence with great joy, and as it were assured of Peace, and to recouer their former prosperities. The conditions which they offered, were to leaue Paguinfou, and all the Countrey beyond it, with all the Fortresses of the Mountaynes; that they would pay all the charges of his Army, since the day of answere made vnto his Embassadors; that they would giue two Millions of Gold,* 1.45 for their King. This being presented vnto the Lord, hee made an∣swere thereunto, which was; that he would keepe that which hee had conquered within the Countrey, which was his owne justly, seeing his armes had giuen it vnto him; that hee would haue the Riuer where he was now encamped to be his Frontier, stretched vnto Hochioy, Tahau∣cezug, [ 20] Cauchio, Lulun, euen vnto Poschio bordering vpon the Sea; that the King of China should pay vnto him yearely three hundred thousand Crownes, the which should bee deliuered at Pa∣guinfou, for acknowledgement of submission vnto the Empire, as well for his Successors as him∣selfe; that they should pay fiue hundred thousand Crownes in ready money for the charge of the Army; that the King of China should be deliuered, and all the Chinois Prisoners should pay ransom vnto particular men that took them, except those which carryed the name of Kings, who should pay one hundred thousand Crownes for peace with his Armes: that no Chinois should bee kept as slaue, nor sold for such hereafter, beeing vnder the Princes obedience, that Traffique and Entercourse of Merchants should be free betweene both the Nations; that the King of China should deliuer his Brother as Prisoner, and two Kings named, with twelue prin∣cipall [ 30] men of the Countrey for assurance of the peace. They accepted of such conditions of peace as pleased the Conquerour, hoping that time would bring againe vnto them their ancient liberty, and that for a time it behooued them to beare with patience the yoke of their bondage. Now the Prince had sent two thousand Horse, to fetch the King of China, to the end that being at liberty, he might sweare to the peace solemnly, the which he hauing performed at Quantou∣fou, whither the Prince caused him for to come, he brought with him vnto Paguin, all the pled∣ges, and amongst the rest, the Kings eldest Sonne, and his Brother. The King beeing departed for to performe his promise, according to the Treaty by him confirmed, he was receiued, and as it were worshipped within his Countrey, with all the joy that might be.

In the meane-time the Emperour, after hee had prouided for the assurance of his new con∣quest, [ 40] he left Odmar there to gouerne them, and gaue vnto him an estate of thirty thousand Horse and fifty thousand Foot-men, to furnish all the Fortresses and strong places, the Prince hauing led with him many of the new conquered people, desiring to haue them for to dwell within his Countrey, and to send other Colonies in their places, to assure himselfe the better of the lightnesse of this people, hauing noted them to bee inclined vnto Nouelties. Hee gaue in charge vnto Odmar to make his principall abode at Quantoufou,* 1.46 and to fortifie well the passage: and also commanded a Fortresse to be made at Dermio, the better to strengthen his Borders: and after he had left him all things necessary, he recommended vnto him the seruices of that Lord, who had manifested vnto him his great affection. The Emperour hauing well tryed his faith∣fulnesse in his Affaires as they fell out, he carryed with him a Brother of his, vnto whom he gaue [ 50] great gifts within Sachetay.

Then we turned our faces straight vnto Cambalu, hauing aduertized the Great Cham of the happy successe of our Affaires. The Prince remayned in deed King of China, holding in his pos∣session, two of the fairest and greatest Cities of all the whole Countrey, hauing an hundred good leagues thereof vnto himselfe, and many lesser Cities, hauing extended his Borders vnto a Riuer, by which he might goe vnto the Enemy, but they could not come vnto him without passing o∣uer the same: hauing good meanes to keepe it and with aduantage. Now the Prince desired a∣boue all that the Idols which were within his Conquest, should be beaten downe, and comman∣ded the worship of one God, establishing the same after the forme of his owne Countrey, for he [ 60] made account that in short time all would bee reduced vnto our customes. Our Army wherein was much sicknesse, began to march, and on the third day hauing newes of forces which came towards vs, the Prince sent them a Commandement not to come any further forward, and that they should march straight vnto Cambalu, where the Prince did suppose to finde the Emperour

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his Vncle, who had set forward towards that place to haue the good hap for to see him, being determined to receiue him at Cambalu with magnificence and triumphs, as hee well deserued.

Now I will declare by the way, how Odmar being seuered from vs, all the Princes fauour was turned vnto Axalla, vnto whom hee committed the whole charge of his Armie,* 1.47 insomuch as Axalla although he was alwaies in great reputation, notwithstanding the same was much en∣creased by the Prince at Quantoufou, where the Prince did trust him with the Armie, in so weighty an enterprise as that was, and the which he so gloriously atchieued: likewise the man∣ner of entring into the Kingdome of China, the intelligences hee had: so as the report of his valour did flie throughout all the Empire. Calibes led the Auant-guard, and Axalla was in the [ 10] battell neere vnto the Emperour, who gaue him the chiefest place, bestowing vpon him two hundred thousand crownes yeerely, for to maintayne his ordinary expences. After certaine dayes iourney, wee receiued newes of the Emperours arriuall at Cambalu,* 1.48 the Prince hauing left his Armie in a faire Countrey for to winter, where he dismissing many of our Souldiers, wee arriued within foure leagues of Cambalu, whither all the Princes of the Emperours Court, came for to receiue him, together with all the principall Inhabitants, for to gratifie our Prince for his happie Voyage. The Prince hauing receiued euery one, according to his wonted cur∣tesie, retayning notwithstanding conuenient Maiestie, hee was beheld to the great content∣ment of all his Subiects. Hee had with him the Empresse his wife, who had not left him in his Voyage. The next day the Emperour did him so much honour, as to come and meet him,* 1.49 [ 20] with all the magnificence that might bee. Hee gaue a present vnto the Emperour his Vncle, of all the richest Chariots, and fairest Horses hee had wonne. The Emperour was very desi∣rous to see his daughter: he caused her Chariot to bee vncouered, and caused her to enter into his: but the Prince remayned on Hors-backe, whom the eyes of all the people could not be sa∣tisfied with admiring. The Prince presented Calibes vnto the Emperour, and making a recitall of his faithfulnesse, and the endeauour of euery one, hee caused the Emperour to giue vnto him an hundred thousand crownes of encrease vnto his pension.* 1.50 Axalla was also presented vnto the Emperour, who being informed of his valour, hee was receiued with all the best fauours that might be, and he gaue vnto him of the reuenues belonging vnto the Empire, an hundred thou∣sand Tartarins of gold in a Principalitie, that he might the better declare vnto him how much [ 30] he esteemed of his fidelitie.

Notes

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