PRELIMINARY ESSAY ON THE INTERCOURSE OF CHINA AND THE WESTERN NATIONS PREVIOUS TO THE DISCOVERY OF THE SEA-ROUTE BY THE CAPE. xxxiii
I EARLIEST TRACES OF INTERCOURSE. GREEK AND ROMAN KNOWLEDGE OF CHINA. xxxiii
1 Double names applied to China at different eras, as approached by land or by sea. xxxiii
2 Origin usually ascribed to the name China. But both people and name seem to have been known to the Hindus from an antiquity inconsistent with that origin. xxxiii
3 Most ancient Chinese notice of intercourse with western nations ; notice of envoys supposed to have come from Chaldæa. xxxv
4 Coincident traditions of China and Persia regarding ancient intercourse. Less valuable Persian legends regarding China. xxxv
5 Chinese record of a party from a distant kingdom, which has been supposed Egypt. The alleged discovery of Chinese porcelain phials in ancient Egyptian tombs. xxxvi
9 Ancient authors by whom they are used. Discrepancy of Ptolemy and the author of the Periplus in position assigned to the country. xxxviii
10 Marcianus of Heraclea ; only an abstracter of Ptolemy ; but so showing that geographer's views more compactly. xxxviii
11 The Seres, more frequently named than Sinæ ; at first by poets and in a vague way; more precisely by Mela and Pliny whose words point to China. xxxix
12 Ptolemy; his Sera and Serice. Precise in definition, far in excess of his knowledge ; yet even his view consistent with the indication of the Chinese empire from the landward. Inferior to his predecessors in not recognizing the Eastern Ocean. xl
13 Ammianus Marcellinus; his geography of the Seres only a paraphrase of Ptolemy's. A mistake to suppose that he refers to the Great Wall. xl
14 General result of a fusion of the ancient notices of the Seres. The characteristics have nearly all foundation in the character and circumstances of the Chinese. The Seric iron which Pliny lauds. xli
15 Sole record of direct political intercourse with the Seres in Roman history. xlii
16 We are not to look for accuracy in the ancient views of such remote regions. Real vagueness of Ptolemy's data. Confusions that were natural. xliii
17 Curious analogy in the views and mistakes of Chinese and Romans with respect to each other. xliii
18 Association of the name Seres with silk. Etymologies. Long prevalence of error as to the nature of silk. Yet some had exceptional knowledge; account given by Pausanias. Fluctuation of geographical knowledge in ancient times; and paralleled among the Arabs. xliv
19 Chinese notices of the ancient silk trade with Europe. Consistent with the circumstances related by Byzantine writers in reference to the introduction of the silkworm. The country indicated in that narrative uncertain. xlv
20 Curious links between Greek and Chinese history in the fragments of Greek writers touching the Turkish tribes of Central Asia. Two remarkable notices of China itself in Greek authors of the sixth and seventh centuries. xlvi
21 The first of these, Cosmas some account of him and his book. xlvii
22 His correct view of the position of China. xlviii
23 The name which he gives it. Knows the general position of the clove country. xlix
24 The other Greek writer, Theophylactus Simocatta his notice of China under the name of Taugas. l
25 Extract from Theophylactus with notes showing application to China. li
26 Remarks on the passage; name probably indicated in Taugas. lii
27 Geographical darkness of the later Byzantines exemplified in Chalcondylas's mention of China. lii
28 First historical relations of the Chinese with Western Asia. The expedition of Changkian (B.C.135), Chinese authority established over Eastern Turkestan, and recognized west of the Bolor. liv
29 Decay and revival of the Chinese domination in first century A.D. Conquests of Panchao. An officer despatched to reconnoitre Tathsin or the Roman empire. lv
30 Notices of Tathsin in Chinese geographical works of the early centuries of the Christian era. Meaning of the name. lv
32 In the later notices the title is changed for Fulin ; Greek origin of this name. Things ascribed by China to Europe which Europe has ascribed to China. lvii
33 Some of the more accurate particulars which shew some basis of real information in the notices of Tathsin. lviii
34 They contain a correct statement of an obscure passage in Byzantine history. lx
35 Much that is analogous in the glimpses caught of the Far West from the East, and of the Far East from the West. lx
36 Return to the intended reconnaissance of Tathsin (§ 29); it miscarries. lxi
37 Chinese record of a Roman embassy in A.D.166. lxii
38 Further intercourse; Roman embassy in 284. Apparent suspension of intercourse till 643, when another embassy arrived. lxiii
39 Further intercourse during the eighth century. lxiv
40 Missions from Constantinople in the eleventh century. Last recorded communication before the fall of that city. lxv
41 First historical particulars about India brought by Changkian (see § 28). Consequent attempts at intercourse. lxvi
42 Introduction of Buddhism from India. Commencement of Embassies from Indian princes. lxvii
43 Sea trade to India in fourth century. First intercourse with Ceylon. Frequent missions from that island. lxvii
44 Communication with India in fifth and sixth centuries. lxviii
45 Chinese intercourse with Indian kingdom of Magadha in the reign of Taitsung; leads eventually to the invasion of Northern India by a Chinese army. lxviii
46 Communication with Kashmir. Other Indian intercourse in the eighth century. lxix
47 Political intercourse more rare after this date ; some notices however. lxx
48 Religious (Buddhist) visitors from India to China. lxxi
49 Pilgrimages of Chinese Buddhists to India, and their literary works. lxxii
50 Revival of communication with Ceylon in thirteenth century. lxiii
51 Last attempt of Chinese to recover influence in maritime countries of the West (1405). Resulting relations with Ceylon, which continued for many years. lxxiii
52 Mongol Invasion, of Bengal, from the side of China, about 1244. Previous attempt of Bakhtiyar Khilji, to make the converse expedition, and subsequent enterprises of Malik Yuzbek and Mahomed Tughlak. lxxiv
53 Chinese embassy to court of Mahomed Tughlak, and the return embassy under Ibn Batuta. Later missions from India. lxxv
54 Sea trade between China and Malabar ; traces, real or supposed, of the Chinese in the Peninsula. lxxvi
55 Endeavours of Kublai to establish intercourse with certain kingdoms of India. lxxvi
56 Babylonia alleged to have been frequented by Chinese ships in the fifth century. The terminus of the trade with the Gulf successively receded from Hira to Hormuz. lxxvii
57 Account of the voyage from China to the P. Gulf, from the annals of the Thang dynasty. Aden frequented by China Trade ; Baroch and Suhar. Latest appearance of Chinese ships in the gulf. lxxviii
58 Early Arab establishments at Canton, and at Khanfu or Hangcheu. lxxx
59 Arab communication with China by land from Transoxiana. Embassies. The Emperors cautious in avoiding collisions with the Arabs. Arab auxiliaries in China, and their misconduct. The Kotow. lxxx
V INTERCOURSE WITH ARMENIA AND PERSIA, ETC. lxxxii
60 Early Knowledge of China in Armenian literature. Account by Moses of Chorene. Settlements of Chinese in Armenia. Lost history of China in Greek. lxxxii
61 Chinese notices of Persia. Embassy from Kobad King of Persia, and exchange of embassies between Khosru Naoshuman and the court of China. The last Sassanian King seeks aid from China, which is refused. His son and grandson find hospitality at the Chinese court. lxxxiv
62 The influence which China had regained over the states of Central Asia just about the rise of the Mahomedan power. Organization of the tributary states after the Chinese manner. Countries west of the Bolor which were included in this organization. Doubtful how far it can have been carried out. Districts of Persia said to have preserved independence of the Mahomedans to the middle of the eighth century and to have acknowledged allegiance to China. lxxxvi
63 Druzes' tradition of their Chinese origin. lxxxviii
64 Legends of the preaching of Apostles in China. The actual early spread of the Church in Persia and Khorasan. lxxxviii
65 The Nestorian Church, under the Sassanidæ; under the Khalifs. xc
66 Missionary spirit in seventh and eighth centuries. Metropolitans of China mentioned in the Syrian records from the eighth century. Christianity must have been older in that country. xc
67 And this is shown by Chinese records first, an edict of 745. xci
68 Secondly, the monument of Singanfu. Controversy on that subject. xcii
69 Convincing nature of the argument in favour of genuineness. Contents of the inscriptions on it. xciii
70 Supposed occasion of the concealment of the monument. xcv
72 Relics of the old missions to China found by Layard in Kurdistan. xcvii
73 Partial revival of Nestorian Christianity under the Mongol dynasty. Its previous spread among Turkish Mongolian tribes. Notices of it from the travellers of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. xcvii
94 Conquest of Persia and the Khalifate. Division of the Mongol empire. cxxi
95 Commencement of missions from Europe to the Mongol Sovereigns. Reasons why partiality to Christianity was expected from them. Effect of the Mongol conquests in levelling political barriers. cxxi
96 First travellers to bring news to Europe of Cathay. Plano Carpini. cxxii
100 The journeys of the Armenian Princes, Sempad and King Hayton. cxxvii
101 The Poli. Pauthier's edition of Marco Polo. cxxix
102 Diplomatic intercourse between the Chinghizide Khans of Persia, and European Princes. Vast interfusion of nations, occasioned by the Mongol conquests. cxxx
104 Catholic missions to Cathay, &c., John of Monte Corvino ; Andrew, Bishop of Zayton ; John de Cora ; Odoric of Pordenone ; Friar Jordanus ; John de' Marignolli. cxxxii
105 Frequency of commercial intercourse with India and Cathay in the fourteenth century. cxxxii
106 The commercial hand-book of Francis Balducci Pegolotti. cxxxiv
107 The voyage of Ibn Batuta to China. The cessation of intercourse on the fall of the Mongols. cxxxiv
108 Scanty glimpses of China in the century and a half succeeding the fall of the Mongols. Hearsay notices, by Clavijo and Schiltberger.III-2-F-b-2_V-1_0032.PDF cxxxv
109 Travels of Nicolo Conti; he probably visited China. cxxxvi
110 Use made of Conti's information by the Cosmographers. Era Mauro ; the Palatine Cosmographia. cxxxviii
111 Notice by Poggio of a Christian Envoy from the borders of Cathay to Pope Eugenius IV. Toscanelli's notice of the same. cxxxviii
112 Notices collected by Jehosaphat Barbaro. cxxxix
113 Mission sent by Shah Rukh, the son of Timur, to Peking. cxi
I. THE TRAVELS OF FRIAR ODORIC OF FORDENONE (1316-1330). Title
Biographical and Introductory Notices. His native country, FRIULI, 1 ; his family and birthplace, 3; his name, 4; probable date of birth ; contemporary notices, 5; early history, 6; course of his travels ; alleged missionary labours, 7; and miracles, 8; his return home and death, 8, 9; excitement at his funeral, 10; alleged posthumous miracles, 11; beatification, 12 ; monument, 13 ; reliques and portraits, 15, 16; writings ascribed to him, 17; character as a traveller, 18; marks of genuineness of his travels, 20; varieties in the MSS., and classification of them, 21; chief difficulties in his narrative, 25; Mandeville's thefts from him, 27; list of known MSS., Latin, 29; Italian, 33; French, 34; bibliography, 35; text of the translation, how determined, 39; indication of references to MSS. and editions, 41.
The Travels.
1 What the Friar saw at Trebizond, and in the Greater Armenia.— Prefatory remarks, 43; Trebizond, 44; story of tame partridges; Zigana, 45; St. Athanasius ; Arziron (Erzrum), 46; Sarbisacalo and Ararat, 47.
2 Concerning the city of Tauris and the city of Soldania, where dwelleth the Persian Emperor.—Tauris, 47; the Arbor Secco ; salt mountain, 49; Soldania ; the sea of Bacuc (Caspian), 50.
3 Concerning the city of the Magi ; also of the Sea of Sand, and of the land of Huz.—Cassan (Kashan), the city of the Magi, 50; lest (Yezd), 51; the Sea of Sand ; Comerum and great ruins (Persepolis); Huz (Haza or Adiabone), 53.
4 Fr. Odoric treateth of the manners of the people of Chaldæa; of India within Land ; and of Ormes.—Kingdom of Chaldæa (Baghdad), 54; Tower of Babel ; dress and degradation of the women; inland India (Lower Euphrates), 53; dates ; city of Ormes (Hormuz), 56; death wake.
5 Of ships that have no iron in their frame ; and in such a one Fr. Odoric passeth to Tana in India.— Stitched vessels, 57; Tana, a city of King Porus; the Emp. of Dilli (Dehli), 58; animals ; marriage customs, 59; disposal of the dead.
6 History of the Martyrdom of the four friars in the city of Tana.— Taken to Tana against their will, 60; three of them brought before the Cadi and questioned of their faith; Thomas of Tolentino, 61.
7 The same continued.— They are bound in the midday sun, 62; and threatened with the stake, 63.
8 The same history continued.— Friar James, of Padua, is cast into the fire, 63 ; but wonderfully preserved, 64; the same happens a second time.
9 The same history continued.— The Melic, or governor, dismisses the Friars, 65; but the Cadi persuades him to send executioners after them, 66.
10 The same history continued.— The Cadi sends four men, who put them to death in the night, 67; signs and wonders.
11 The same continued.— The fourth friar, Peter of Siena, is tortured and slain, 68; the date of this martyrdom; the Melic's remorse, 69.
12 The same history continued.— The Emperor of Delhi sends for the Melic and puts him to death, 69; burial of the martyrs, 70.
13 How Fr. Odoric took up the bones of the four friars; and the wonders wrought thereby.— Friar Odoric takes up the bones and carry them with him, 70; how the house is burnt, but he is saved by virtue of the reliques, 71.
14 The same continued — At sea, going to Polumbum (Quilon) they can have no fair wind till a bone of the friars is cast into the sea, 73; Note on Polumbum or Columbum, 71-2.
15 The same continued. — What happened at Zayton, in Upper India (China) when the ship was searched, 73; miracles of healing, 74.
16 Fr. Odoric is done with the four friars; and now he telleth of the kingdom of Minibar, and how pepper is got.- Minibar (Malabar) where the pepper grows in a forest, 74; Flandrina (Pandarani) and. Cyncilim. (Cranganore), 75; Note on Cyncilim ; Jews and Christians of the country, 76; mode in which the pepper is got and dried, 77; city of Polumbum.
17 Fr. Odoric discourseth of the manners of the Idolators of Polumbum. — Their nakedness, 78, and worship of the ox; another bloody idol, 79; burning of widows ; vegetable wonders of this country ; strange customs, 80.
18 Concerning the kingdom of Mobar, where lieth the body of St. Thomas. — Kingdom of Mobar (Coromandel), 80; note on Ma'bar ; church of St. Thomas, 81; the Nestorians; great golden idol, and temple ; strange penances of the idolaters, 82.
19 Concerning other customs of the idolaters. — Lake into which offerings are cast, 82; sacrifice of the people under the chariot-wheels of the idol, 83; other religious suicides.
20 Concerning the country called Lamori, where the pole-star is hidden and also of Sumoltra.—Crosses the ocean to Lamori (Lambri in Sumatra), 84; nakedness and community of wives, 85; cannibalism; kingdom of Sumoltra (Sumatra, on N.E. of the island), 86; tattooing; Resengo (Rejang), 87.
21 The friar speaketh of the excellent island called Java. — Great island, and its king, 87; spices, 88; note on Odoric's account of Java, 87; on the spice called melegheta, 88; palace of the king, 89; his wars with Khan of Cathay.
22 Of the land called Thalamasyn, and of the trees that give flour, and other marvels. — Panten, or Thalamasyn (note as to this place), 90; deadly poison used there, 91; blowing tubes for trees producing flour (sago); sea called the Dead Sea, 92; great canes, 93; and stones found in them that render people invulnerable; pirates , 94; uses of the canes.
23 How the King of Zampa keepeth man elephants and many wives. - Kingdom of Zampa (Champa or Southern Cochin China), 95; the king's large family ; his numerous elephants ; wonderful shoals of fish, 96; vast tortoises ; burning of widows, 97.
24 Of the Island of Nicoveran, where the men have dog's faces. — Island of Nicoveran (Nicobar), 97 ; customs his of the people ; eat their prisoners if not ransomed, 98; the king and is great jewels.
25 Concerning the Island of Sillan, and the marvels thereof — Great Island of Sillan (Ceylon), 98 Great mountain on which Adam mourned; beautiful lake ; precious stones in it, 99; and formidable leeches ; remedy" against them ; rubies and pearls ; animals, 100; bird with two heads (Hornbill), and note.
26 Of the Island collect Dondin, and the evil manners there. — Island in the south called Dondin (Note on its identity), 100; filthy cannibalism of natives, 101; how they consult their soothsayers about sick relations, 102; and feast on them if they die ; Odoric remonstrates with them.
27 A word in brief of India and the Isles thereof. — Many marvels of India, 103; vast number of its islands, and kings therein.
28 Fr. Odoric cometh to Upper India and the Province of Manzi, and discourseth of them. — Province of Manzi (South China, note), 103; vast number and size of cities, 104; crowded population; and great abundance of all things ; diligence of people, 105; their aspect.
29 Of the great city Censcalan. — The first city reached is Censcalan (Sinkalan or Canton), 105; Note on it ; its position; vast amount of shipping, 106; great cheapness; large geese; serpents used for food, 107.
30 Concerning the noble city called Zayton ; and how the folk thereof regale their gods.—Zayton (Chincheu) and Franciscan houses there, 107; cheapness of sugar, etc., 108; great monasteries of pagans ; mode of feeding the idols, 109.
31 The Friar telleth of the city Fuzo and its marvels ; also of rare fashions of fishing. — Great city of Fuzo (Fucheu), 109; great cocks; and hens with wool, 110; crosses a great mountain ; peculiarities of the people ; coming to a city on a river sees strange fishing with certain waterfowl, 112; another way of fishing by diving, 113.
32 Concerning the city of Cansay, which is the greatest city on earth. — The city of Cansay (Kingsze or Hangcheu), 113; note on it ; its vast compass and population; its bridges, 115; the amount of the house tax ; paper money ; vast supplies of food and wine.
33 Of the marvellous sight that Fr. Odoric beheld in a certain monastery of the idolaters. — A noble convert entertains Odoric, 118; takes him to a certain pagan monastery, 119; where the monks feed a multitude of strange animals which they allege to be the souls of deceased gentlemen; vastness of the city, 120.
34 Of the city called Chilenfu, and of the great River Talay and of certain Pygmies. — City of Chilenfu (Nanking), 120; note on it ; the greatest river on earth, called Talay (the Kiang), 121; the land of the Pygmies.
35 Concerning the cities of Iamzai and of Menzu. — City of Iamzai (Yangcheu); Franciscans and Nestorians, 123; great revenue from salt ; tavern dinners, 124; port of Menzu (Ningpo?) and splendid vessels.
36 Of the River Caranmoran; and of certain other cities visited by Friar Odoric. — City of Lenzin (Linching), and R. Caramoran (Hoang-HO), 125; Sunzumatu (Lintsincheu, or Thsiningcheu?), 126; great longevity.
37 The Friar reacheth Cambalech, and discourseth thereof; and of the Great Khan's palace there. — Cambalech (Peking), 127; Tartar city of Taydo ; the Khan's palace, 128; park, artificial mount, lake, chase, etc. ; splendours of the palace, 130; great jar of jade; mechanical peacocks of gold, 131.
38 The friar setteth forth the state of the Khan's court. — The Khan and his Queen enthroned, 131; head-dress of the women; etiquettes, 132; banquets, dresses and hierarchy of the courtiers; Odoric reside three years; numbers of the imperial establishment, 133.
39 Of the order of the Great Khan when he journeyeth. — The summer residence at Sandu (Shangtu), 134; the escorts, elephant-carriage, etc., 135; aides-de-camp called Cuthe (Kiesie) ; gerfalcons ; number of troops accompanying the Khan; monsters kept by the Khan (note).
40 The greatness of the Khan's dominion; and how hostels are provided therein ; and how news are carried to the Lord. — The twelve Singoes (Sing) of the empire, 136; its vast extent, 137; hostelries called Yam ; horses and dromedaries for expresses, 138 ; foot posts and post houses.
41 Concerning the Great Khan's great hunting matches. — The forest and keepers, 139; great battue, 140; etiquettes of the field.
42 Concerning the four great feasts that the Khan keepeth. — Four annual festivals, 141; costumes, coronets, and ivory tablets of the courtiers ; the astrologers and their manœuvres, 142; the musicians ; presentation of white horses, 143; the friars at court ; singing men and women; cups that fly through the air; paper money, 144.
43 Concerning a certain melon that produceth a beast like a lamb. — Melons in Cadeli (Athil or Wolga country) that produce a lamb, 144; the Irish bernacles referred to.
44 The friar passing from Cathay, describeth sundry lands, as of Prester John and others. — The country of Prester John and exaggerations about him, 146; his city, of Tozan (Tathung), 147; Great Province of Kansan (Kenjan or Singanfu), 148; rhubarb.
45 Concerning the realm of Tibet, where dwelleth the Pope of the idolaters. — Tibet, a great country, 148; felt tents ; the royal city (Lhassa); the Abassi (Grand Lama), 149; fashions of the women, 150; extraordinary disposal of the dead and preservation of their skulls, 151.
46 Of a rich man in Manzi, and how he was fed by fifty maidens. — Burgess of Manzi, his enormous wealth, 152; and how he was fed by musical damsels; splendours of his palace-court ; nails allowed to grow long in Manzi, 153; and compression of the women's feet.
47 Of the old man of the mountain and his end. — Region of Millestorte (of Mulahidah or the Impious, the Ismaelites or Assassins), 153; the Old Man and his paradise, 154; wicked contrivances to corrupt young men ; how the Tartars brought him to a miserable end, 155.
48 How the friars deal with devils in Tartary. - Grace bestowed on the Franciscans to expel devils, 155; and extraordinary conduct of the demons, 156.
49 The friar telleth of a certain valley where he saw terrible things. — The valley of the River of Delights (It. Piacoi, the Panjshir ?), 159 ; many corpses; mysterious music, 157; fearful face in the rock, 158; hill of sand and sound of invisible drums. (Reg Rawàn near Kabul); silver scales ; the Friar coming forth unhurt is much g tho ht of, 159.
50 Friar Odoric attesteth the truth of his story. — Solemn attestation appended by order of the Provincial, 159; William de Solagna's postscript as to his writing the story from Odoric's dictation.
51 Friar Marchesino of Bassano addeth his say; and telleth a pretty passage that he heard of Odoric. — Friar Marchesino tells a story that Odoric related how he with the bishop and other friars encountered the Khan on the road to Canlbalec, 160; how Odoric presented a plate of apples, and the Khan graciously received the same, 161 ; his favourable disposition towards Christianity; his costly cap.
52 The blessed end of Friar Odoric. — He goes to Pisa after his return, 162; is ill, and turns back to Udine, where he dies ; miracles after his death.
II. LETTERS AND REPORTS OF MISSIONARY FRIARS FROM CATHAY AND INDIA (1292-1338). 165
Letters of JOHN OF MONTECORVIN0, 165, date and place of birth ; early employment, 166; sent by the Pope to Kublai Khan ; letter from Mabar or Coromandel identified as his, 167 ; mention of deputation from Ethiopia, 168; perhaps from Socotra ; note on Christianity in that island ; John's success at Cambalec reported at Rome, 170; created archbishop and seven bishops sent to join him ; alleged conversion of the Great Khan, 171; more bishops sent ; death of Archbishop John, 172; a successor appointed but never reached China; others named to the see, but doubtful if any were effective. Notice of Montecorvino in Winterthur's Chronicle, 173. Mention in the letters of King George of PRESTER JOHN's family ; some account of the reports of Prester John, 174; first notice of a conquering Christian Prince ; extravagant reports and apocryphal letters, 175; Chinghis at one time perhaps confounded with him ; the Khan of the Kerait Tartars ; the account given by Rubruquis, 176 ; two stories mixt by that traveller, 178 ; the Gurkhan of Kara Khitai ; the spread of Christianity among the Tartar tribes, 179 (and note on the Nestorian Metropolitan sees) ; conversion of the Khan of the Kerait ; Christianity of that tribe, 180; their seat ; Wang-Khan of the Kerait the Prester John of Polo, and his history; speculations as to the appellation, 181; its transfer to an African potentate earlier than is usually supposed, 182.
Letter of ANDREW Bishop of ZAYTON, 183; but one successor in that see named.
Letters of JORDANUS, afterwards Bishop of COLUMBUM, 184, some remarks as to his history ; Molephatam ; no account of him after his nomination as bishop and departure to the east, 185.
Letter of PASCAL of VITTORIA, 185; his martyrdom with others in Chagatai, 186; chronological difficulties in connexion with the dates of the Chagatai Khans in Deguignes, etc., 187; endeavour to adjust these which is favourable to the ecclesiastical notices, 188; revised table of the Khans, 189.
Report on the Estate of the Grand Caan, 189 ; its author J. DE CORA, Archbishop of Soltania, 190; another work probably his, but erroneously ascribed to F. Burchardt, 191.
Additional notes and corrections to the translation of the Mirabilia of Jordanus (RAE. Soc., 1863) 192-196.
No.I. First letter of Montecorvino (1305). From Tauris to India, and death of his companion, 197 ; reaches Cathay ; harassed by the Nestorians, 198; but eventually gets the better of them ; joined by F. Arnold ; church at Cambalec, and number of baptisms ; purchase of pagan boys to educate, and their accomplishments ; King George of Prest. John s family attaches himself to the friar, 199 ; his death, and relapse of his followers ; necessity of assistance in the mission, 200; and what sort are wanted ; Routes to Cathay (and note on Goths of Crimea) ; no news of Rome for years, 201 ; blasphemies about the Pope ; begs his letter may be brought to the Pope's knowledge ; requests for sundry service books ; his own toils and translations, 202; King George's son, 203; the Khan's great power, etc.
No.II. Second letter of Montecorvino (1306), 203 ; rumours of the writer's death, 204; subject of former letter ; Scripture pictures; note on Tarsic letters, 205; baptisms, and deaths of converts, 206; second mission church at Cambalec near the palace; its progress, 207; the impression made ; boys divided between the two churches; the honours paid Friar John at court, 208; pagan monks ; notes about India ; deputation from Ethiopia, 209; baptisms.
No.III. Letter from Fr. Menentillus, a Dominican, forwarding copy of (an earlier) letter from Montecorvino (of about 1292-3). How he came by the letter, 210 ; copy of it ; climate of India ; direction of shadows ; length of day and night, 211; low altitude of Pole-star ; the Antarctic. Population, 212; houses ; natural features ; supply of water ; animals ; fruit-trees and harvests ; trees producing sugar, honey, and wine ; the pepper-vine, 213; ginger ; Brazil; Indian nut (coco-nut) ; cinnamon tree, and export from Ceylon ; no information as to Paradise or other wonders ; oxen sacred in India. Characteristics of the people, 214; Saracens, Christians and Jews in the country ; disposal of the dead ; extent and variety of languages in India; habits of the people, 215. The Sea of India ; pearls, etc.; islands ; sea-route from Hormuz to Malabar, Mabar and Siu Simmoncota. The Monsoons, 217; great number of ships lost ; their frail structure, etc.; written from Maabar of the province of Sitia, 218. Note on Sitia. and Maabar ; with the accounts of M. Polo, Rashid, Wassaf, and their agreement ; under what chiefs the country then was, 220. Polo's Kingdom of Mutfili identified, and the Queen of whom he speaks, 221.
No.IV. Letter from Andrew Bishop of Zayton in Southern China (1326). How he and Bishop Peregrine got to Cathay, 222; remain at Cambalec ; get an allowance from the Emperor ; the vastness of the empire ; church built at Zayton and erected ito a cathedral, 223 ; Friar Gerard made bishop; after his death Peregrine; and then the writer, who had previously gone to live at Zayton ; his journey thither, 224; he builds a second church and convent there. Tolerant views of the Cathay people, andconverts from them, 225; martyrdom of four brethren in India; salutation ; and account of the bishops who died on their way out.
No.V. Letter of Friar Jordanus the Dominican (1321). Martyrdom of his friends, 226; baptisms at Parocco (Baroch), and elsewhere in Gujarat ; places recommended for missions in India,, 227; Ethiopia also open.
No.VI. A second letter from F. Jordanus (1324). His sad condition and sufferings, 228; baptisms, 229; mission to Ethiopia; high fame of the Latins in India and prophecies of their coming, 230; the Pope should have a squadron on the Indian Sea.
No.VII. Letter from Pascal of Vittoria, a Missionary Franciscan in Tartary (1338). His proceedings since leaving the convent at Vittoria, 231; Assisi, Venice, Constantinople ; Gazaria (Crimea) ; Tana (Azov) ; Sarray ; studies the Cumanian language and Uigur writing, 232 ; martyrdom of F. Stephen shortly before; embarks on the Tygris (Wolga), and goes to Sarachik, 234; thence by land to Urganth (Urghanj); again travels to the empire of the Modes (Middle Tartary) ; detention among the Mahomedans, 235; discussions with them, and victory, 236; they try to bribe him and then abuse and torment him ; arrival at Armalec (Almalik); his many sufferings from the Saracens, 237; his zeal.
No.VIII. The Book of the Estate of the Great Caan, set forth by the Archbishop of Soltania (circa 1330). — The Great Caan of Cathay, 238; his three vassals that are great emperors; their power, and that of their suzerain. Cathay, its extent, 239; great cities, Cambalec and Cassay ; strict respect to the Caan's commands; yearly exhibition of the Caan to his people; his justice and mercy ; folk who have never mercy ; his great munificence, 240; his distributions of food to the poor ; his vast wealth and treasuries; his couriers and posts ; entertainment of foreign ambassadors, 241. (2.) Concerning the Sovereign Bishop, who is the Pope of the Empire of Cathay. — Called the Great Trutius, 241 ; highly honoured by the Emperor ; his red hat and clothing, 242 ; his supremacy over all the pagan prelates, monks, and clergy ; abbeys of the idolaters, both men and women; their four gods, and the great God over all. (3.) Concerning the state and condition of the realm of Cathay. — Populousness, 243; meadows and great waters ; floating houses, and aquatic population; fleshmeat dear, but other food plentiful; no oil-olive or wine of the vine ; valuable trees that grow in Persia, 244. (4.) On the ordering of the two cities of Cambalec and Cassay. — Their great compass, population, and garrisons; also the great trade of Cassay, 245. (5.) Concerning the money which is current in the said realm. — Money of paper ; described; valuable wares to be purchased; how new paper is given for old at the king's treasuries, 246. (6.) Concerning the manner of life of the people of the country — Their rich clothing, and fashions of dress, 246; dishes made of plaited canes; food. (7.) Of the manner in which they do bury their dead. — Register of every birth, 247; disposal of the dead by burning ; why they burn bodies ; and what they do in commemoration. (8.) Concerning the Minor Friars who sojourn in that country. — Archbishop John Montecorvino, and the convents he established in Cambalec and Zayton ; his excellent character and favour with all men, 248; thwarted by Nestorians ; his late decease and the grief at his funeral. (9.) Concerning the schismatic or Nestorian Christians who dwell in that country. - Their malice to the Catholics, 249; their numbers and wealth; the whole country might be converted if they would be at one with the friars. (10.) Concerning the great favour which the Grand Caan beareth towards the (Catholic) Christians. — He supplies all their necessities, and those of the churches, and encourages them to preach the faith in the pagan temples.
III. CATHAY UNDER THE MONGOLS: EXTRACTED FROM RASHIDUDDIN'S HISTORY (circa 1300-1307). 253
Sources of the translation, 253; birth of Rashiduddin ; profession, 254; Wazir of the Persian Empire; intrigues against him; his execution ; repentance of the Khan Abu-Said, who makes Rashid's son Wazir, 255. Stories of Rashid's wealth and accomplishments ; his extensive buildings ; his expenditure on his own books ; his integrity. His great historical work; character of it, 256; his geographical ideas ; Quatremere's unfinished translation ; Mr. Morley's project of one.
Cathay, 257; the Gulf of Corea; Khanbaligh ; new city built by Kublai, called Daidu, 258; rivers that pass those cities ; Kublai's great canal, 259; ramparts of Daidu, 260; Kublai's summer palace at Kaiminfu ; roads to it ; description of the foundations, 261 ; classification of Chinese cities and governing officers, 262; the great officers of state, 263; Chingsangs and Fanchans ; the whole gradation of dignitaries, 264; names of existing incumbents ; the great council, 265, and six public boards ; system of business, 266; peculiar system of indenture in contracts ; business of the chief Sing or council, 267; provincial Sings ; list of them ; other particulars regarding them, 271; the Isle of Chipangu (Japan) ; south-western forest country ; Kafche-Kue (Lower Tungking), 272; frontier of Tibet and the Zardandan or Gold-Teeth; the north-west frontier and its defences, 274.
IV. PEGOLOTTI'S NOTICES OF THE LAND ROUTE TO CATHAY, ETC. (Circa 1330-1340). 279
The work Della Decima, etc., by Pagnini, from which these extracts are taken, 279; Pegolotti's work; the MS., 280; the author ; the Bardi Company of Florence, 281; their failures; date of Pegolotti's book ; its character, a mercantile hand-book ; its contents, 282; comments of Sprengel and Forster ; mistakes of eminent authors work regarding Pegolotti; another work of like character by Giov. da Uzzanoin Della, 283.
Extracts. Introduction to Pegolotti's book ; explanations of technicalities, 284-6; introductory verses, 286.
Chap.I. Information regarding the journey to Cathay, for such as will go by Tana and come back with goods. — Tana(Azov) to Gintarchan (Astracan) 287; Sara; Organci (Urghanj); Oltrarre (Otrar), 288; Armalec (Almalik); Camexu (Kancheu); Cassai (Hangcheu); silver sommi of Tartary, and paper money of Cathay, 289; (note on Chinese paper money) ; Cambalec, 290.
Chap.II. Things needful for merchants who desire to make the journey to Cathay above described. — Beard, 291; dragomen ; servants, etc.; provisions to lay in, 292; safety of the road ; two contingencies that cause trouble ; Cambalec, a great place of trade, 293 ; calculation of the expenses of a mercantile journey to Cathay ; Tana to Sara the least safe part, 294; investments in going; mode of travelling ; paper money; prices of silk and silk stuffs in Cathay.
Chap.III. Comparison of the weights and measures of Cathay and of Tana. — Value of certain weights in Genoa lbs., 296; mode of sale of various articles at Tana.
Chap.IV. Charges on merchandise which are paid at Tana on things entering the city, nothing being paid on going forth thereof, 298.
Chap.VI. Of the expenses which usually attend the transport of merchandize from Ajazzo of Erminia to Torissi by land, 299.
Chap.VII. Detail showing how all goods are sold and bought at Constantinople, and of the expenses incurred by traders, etc. (extracts), 302. — A few part culars regarding the contents of other parts of the work, 307; a list of religious houses in Scotland supplying wool; also part of a list of those in England, 308.
V. JOHN DE' MARIGNOLLI'S RECOLLECTIONS OF EASTERN TRAVEL.(1338-1353). 311
The author, otherwise called John of Florence, 311 ; his family ; approximate date of birth, 312; a Franciscan ; works of his known, besides that containing these recollections. Embassy arrives at Avignon from the Grand Khan, 313; apparently genuine; the Khan's letter to the Pope, 314; letter of Christian Alan chiefs to the Pope; digression regarding the Alans in the Mongol service, 316; the Pope sends a return mission, 318; Marignolli one of the legates, 319; and eventually it would seem chief or sole legate, 320; departure of the mission (1338); M. at Constantinople ; Kipchak, 321; Armalec ; Kamil ; Cambalec ; stays there for three or four years; Zayton ; sails for India ; residence in Malabar ; visits tomb of St.Thomas ; visits Saba; digression regarding this country, which is probably Java; extract from Peter of Abano regarding Sumatra, with a sketch derived from Marco Polo, 324; Marignolli visits Ceylon; his views about the terrestrial paradise ; other medieval notions on that subject, 326; Marignolli's homeward route by Hormuz, Baghdad, Aleppo, the Holy Land and Cyprus, 328 ; arrival at Avignon (1353) ; the Emperor Charles IV makes him one of his chaplains ; he is made Bishop of Bisignano ; whilst with the Emperor at Prague he is desired to digest the Bohemian chronicles, 329 ; he lightens this hateful task by introducing digressions on his Asiatic travel, which furnish these recollections ; the work forgotten ; printed in 1768 by Dobner, 330; the travels commented on by Meinert and by Kunstmann ; probable date of the composition; Marignolli's character as a writer, 331 ; his incoherence and confusion; probably advanced in years ; confirmation of this by a curious letter from a bishop of Armagh; the letter, 332; the writer must have been Archbishop Fitz-Ralph, 333; date of Marignolli's death not known, 334; the MS. used by Dobner ; another in St.Mark's library.
Division of the work (Chronicle of Bohemia). The mention of Eden launches him on his recollections, 335; appointed by Pope Benedict to go to the Kaam of the Tartars. Departure from Avignon, 336; digression about the Alans, and their zeal for the Pope; Friar John Montecorvino ; arrives at Constantinople, and holds controversies with the Patriarch, 337 ; Caffa; Usbec, first Emperor of the Tartars ; his hopitality, 338; travels to Armalec ; proceedings of the mission there, and notice of a recent martyrdom of six friars and a layman. Departure from Armalec ; the Cyollos Kagon, or sand hills, 339; the Torrid Zone (desert of Gobi); arrival at Cambalec, and good reception from the Kaam (the great horse presented to him), 340; liberal provision for the mission for nearly four years ; glorious disputations and conversions, 341. The Franciscan establishments at Cambalec; the Emperor's wish for a bishop ; departure from the capital through Manzi (S. China), 342; (chronology of the journey); sail for India, and arrive at Columbum (Quilon). Pepper harvest, 343 ; privileges of the St.Thomas Christians, and perquisites of the traveller as legate; the Latin Church of St.George, 344; the legate erects a pillar in imitation of K. Alexander (note on Alexander's columns); leaves Malabar, 345; visits the Queen of Saba., and then Seyllan (Ceylon), 346.
Chapter concerning Paradise. — What Paradise is, 346; the four rivers (and note); Gyon (the Nile), 348; and how the Sultan pays St. Matthew's christians to keep it open (note); Phison, the same as Caramoran (HoangKo), 349; vast cities on its banks, and floating population, 350; Tygris, 351; ruins of Nineveh; Mesopotamia, Assyria, Edessa ; Euphrates ; Aleppo ; French of Cyprus, 352.
Chapter on the transgression of our first parents. — Observations on Serpents, 353; "coats of skins," a wrong reading, 353; fibre cloth of the coco-palm ; how Adam was set down in Ceylon, and left his footmark ; re-union with Eve.
Narrative concerning the mountain Seyllan. — How the authorot there 354; the overland road from Cambalec shut up ; passage through Manzi;its great population; the famous city of Campasay (Hangcheu); Zayton (Chincheu), 355; Franciscan churches there, and fondaco (note); bells in the churches. Quits Zayton, 356; Columbum ; sails for the shrine of St.Thomas ; violent storm ; brought into port at Pervilis (Barberyn) in Ceylon, 357; plundered there by a Saracen chief; the high mountain of Ceylon (Adam's Peak) not Paradise, 358; a glorious spectacle ; relics of Adam ; the native monks, 359, and their views of the deluge, and other matters contrary to Scripture 360; habits of those monks ; the fountain of Paradise.
Concerning Adam's garden and the fruits thereof. — The plantain described, 361; the crucifix seen on a section of the fruit ; the nargil (or coconut), 362; and its uses; amburan (the mango) ; chake-baruhe (the jack); no vinesin India, except at St.Thomas's, 363; the seed of which he got from Paradise. What was the forbidden fruit ? discussion thereon, 364-5.
Concerning the clothing of our first parents. — "Coats of skins ;" the real reading expounded, 366; camel cloth and camall cloth; camels; Arabs; elephants, 367; how he rode on one, and his conclusions.
Concerning the food of our first parents. — Adam's proceedings in Ceylon, 367; the native (Buddhist) monks; their virtues and habits; trees which they worship ; the text Dominus regnabit a ligno, 368; habits of the monks continued. . . . Cain's proceedings, 369; his city in Ceylon; his death. . . Adam's mourning; Hebron, where he died, 370. Enoch, the founder of religious orders ; the sons of Cain in Ceylon (the Veddahs); Ararat, 371. . . . The division of the earth among the sons of Noah, 371; Asia the Great ; the White Sea (note); Uzbek, Cathay, the Indies, Ethiopia, 372; Shares of Cham and Japhet. . . . Elam, the progenitor of the Alans, 373; great qualities of that people. The three kingdoms of India — 1st. Manzi, with its cities, its great port of Cynkalan (Canton); 2nd. Mynibar (Malabar) and its port of Cynkali (Cranganor); the canine philosophers, 374; Columbum ; 3rd. Maabar, where is the church of St.Thomas. Legend of the great log ; and of St.Thomas's martyrdom, 375; miracles on the spot, 376 (note, Legends of St.Thomas); grants made to St.Thomas, 377. . . Monstrous creatures discussed, 378; St.Augustine's opinion, 379; six-fingered people; hairy girl; other monsters, 380; exceptions, and not constituting species; never could hear of such from anybody in his travels; origin of the story of the Sciapodœ, 381; the chatyr, or umbrella.
Anecdote concerning a certain Indian who was baptised. — At Columbum a majestic and venerable Brahman appears seeking baptism, 381 ; his extraordinary story, 382; is instructed for three months and baptised. The country of the Queen of Saba, 383. Monsters again; giants ; wild men in India and their dumb trading. Monstrous serpents, 384; animals with human faces; the cloister garden of Campsay (vide Odoric, p. 119); the pagan monks and their austerities ; how he disproved the allegations about the animals in the cloister garden. Antipodes not conceivable, 385; two fourth parts of the world not navigable ; a hermaphrodite. . . .The Plain of Senaar, 385 ; the Tower of Babel described, 386.
Concerning the division of tongues, 387; failure to build other towers ; what drove the Soldan into Egypt. . . . Etymologies of Babel and Bagdad (Baghdad), 388. The Jews, Tartars, Saracens, and Oriental Christians look on the Catholics as the worst of idolaters, 388; the story of Semiramis and her daughter Saba, and the island so called, 389; whether tithes should of necessity be imposed, 389; anecdotes in illustration, 390. . . . The use of gold knives by the surgeons in Cathay, 390. . . The Queen of Saba and her island, 391 ; the great mountain there called Mount Gybeit, or the Blessed Mountain, where Elias was bidden; the spring of Elias, 391; unable to ascend the mountain owing to his dysentery; cured by the Queen of Saba's doctress ; how he was honoured by the Queen, and the presents she made him ; and how liberally the legate conducted himself. . . . Mahomed's address to Mary,393; image of the Virgin worshipped in Campsay during the first moon ; feast of lanterns, 394.
VI. IBN BATUTA'S TRAVELS IN BENGAL AND CHINA.(Circa 1347.) 397
His birth, 397; facilities and stimulus to Mahomedan travelling in those days; its vast field; commencement of his travels, 398; Alexandria ; Upper Egypt; Syria; the pilgrimage; Basra, Persia, Baghdad, 399; second pilgrimage; Yemen; Aden, its flourishing state; the African coast, 400; Oman; Hormuz ; Central Arabia; third pilgrimage ; crosses the Red Sea and travels to Cairo ; Syria (second time) and Asia Minor ; crosses the Black Sea, 401; Caffa; Majar ; Uzbek Khan; visits the city of Bolghar ; the land of darkness; Astracan; journey with a Greek Princess to Constantinople, 402; Ukak ; Soldaia ; Constantinople ; the name Istambul; Andronicus Senior, 403; returns to Uzbek; visits Khwarizm and Bokhara ; Tarmashirin, Khan of Chagatai ; Khorasan ; passes the Hindu Kush; Pashai, the Pascia of Polo; Sind, 404; Sehwan; Larri Bandar; travels towards Delhi ; Multan ; Mahomed Tughlak, the then Sultan of Delhi, and his character; journey from Multan to Delhi, 406.
Reception at Delhi, and appointment as judge, 407; eight years' residence in India ; his extravagance ; he falls into disfavour, 409; becomes an ascetic for the nonce, 410; the king sends for him and nominates him ambassador to China ; the Chinese embassy which had visited Mahomed ; the return presents, 411; his colleagues, 412; they start from Delhi ; mishaps near Koel; Kanauj, 413; Gwalior ; feats of the Jogis ; Daulatabad ; Cambay (note on route from, Dehli to Cambay); Kawe, 414; Gandar ; isle of Perim, 415; Gogo ; Sandabur (apparently Goa); Hunawar, and its Mahomedan Prince, 416; female education ; Malabar ; Calicut ; Chinese shipping described; ports frequented by the Chinese junks, 418; mishaps attending the start of the embassy, and the traveller left behind, 419; proceeds to Kaulam, 420; goes back to the Mahomedan Prince of Hunawar, 421; expedition against Sandabur ; Ibn Batuta returns to Calicut ; hears of the final wreck and dispersion of his slaves, etc., who had sailed from Calicut ; returns a third time to Hunawar, and to Sandabur ; finding his friends in difficulties, escapes, and returns to Calicut, 422; visits the Maldives, 422; is made Kazi, and marries four wives ; his pious reforms; quarrels and leaves for Ceylon ; the Pagan chief Areya Chakravarti at Patlain ; he travels to Adam's Peak, 423 ; Kurunaigalla; the Peak ; Dondera ; Galle ; Columbo ; sails for Maabar, and again comes to grief, 424; is received by the Sultan of Maabar, whose sister-in-law Ibn Batuta had married at Dehli ; that good lady's commemoration by her husband ; the Sultan's cruelties; his death ; Madura ; the traveller's departure again for Kaulam, 425 ; sets off again for Hunawar ; is robbed, and returns to Calicut ; re-visits the Maldives ; sails thence to Bengal, 426.
His voyage to China (see text following), 426; his return to Arabia, and journey thence by Persia, Irak, Syria (the Black Death), Egypt, Tunis, Sardinia., Algeria, to his native country ; his professed joy in returning ; his laudations of the West, 427.
Resumes his travels ; Tangier, Gibraltar, and Andalusia; sets out for Central Africa, 428; Segelmessa ; Taghaza ; Mani; Timbuktu; Kaukau ; Takadda; the Niger ; is ordered home, and returns to Fez.
The Sultan orders his travels to be written, 429; the scribe, Ibn Juzai; how the latter characterises the traveller. Death of the latter.
First knowledge in Europe of Ibis Batuta's book; Seetzen; Kosegarten, 430; Apetz ; Lee. Complete MSS. procured by the French in Algeria; Moura's Portuguese translation ; partial translations; complete French translation of Defremery and Sanguinetti, whence the ensuing extracts are translated, 431.
Interest of the book and character of Ibn Batuta as a traveller; different views ; confused geographical ideas, 432; and other instances of loose observation, 433; exaggerations ; instances apparently of positive fiction, 435; mistakes in language, 436; chronological difficulties; summing up in favour of general veracity and genuine character, 437; personal character, 438.
Note A. On the vane of the Indian coins mentioned by Ibn Batuta, 439.
Note B. On the places visited by Ibn Batuta between Cambay and Malabar, 443.
Note C. Remarks on sundry Passages in the Fourth Volume of Lassen's Indisehe Alterthnmskunde, 445.
Sails from the Maldives to Bengal, 457; that country characterised ; its great cheapness ; Sadkawan (supp. Chittagong), 458; the King Fakhruddin, 459; his revolt and wars with the governor of Laknaoti (Gaur), 460; the traveller visits the country of Kamru (Silhet, vide note E) 461; the Shaik Jalaluddin ; his ascetic life and longevity ; his previsions, 462; his treatment of Ibn Batuta ; story of the shaikh's goat's hair mantle and his predictions, 463; the city of Habank, 464; Sunurkawan (Sunarganw), 465; sails for Java (Sumatra), 466; Barahnagar (supposed coast near Negrais); dog-mouthed people ; Java (Sumatra), 467; city of Sumatra, 468. the King Al Zhahir ; departure for China; Mul-Java (continent on Gulf of Siam) ; Kakula, 469; Kamara (confusions connected with this name), 469. elephants ; aloes-wood ; self-immolation ; traveller's account of spices ; incense; camphor, 470; Indian aloes-wood, 471; the clove (his mis-statements), 472. The Calm Sea, 473; the kingdom of Tawalisi ; description of it ; the Princess Urduja governing at Kailukari, 474; her hospitality ; her conversation with the traveller, 475; her present, 476; her warlike character ; arrival in China, 477.
The Great River of China, 477; rich products of the country, 478; porcelain, and process of making ; Chinese poultry, 479; various characteristics of the people; silk, 480 ; customs of the merchants ; paper money, (note on the word balisht), 481; fossil coal, 482; Chinese skill in drawing and portraiture ; regulations in the ports, 483; forfeitures, 484; regulations respecting foreign traders; travelling accommodations, 485.
City of Zayton (Chincheu) 486; damasks and satins ; great amount of shipping ; meets the envoys who had been in India, 487; is lodged by the government, and visited by the Mahomedans ; sets out on a visit to Sinkalan (Canton), 488; description of that city; immense hospitality of the Mahomedan settlers, 489 ; the Rampart of Gog and Magog, 490 ; aged and singular recluse near Canton; his reception of Ibn Batuta ; mysterious disappearance, 491; strange stories related of this personage and his mesmeric influence, 492; his peculiar habits. Return to Zayton, 493; sets out for the capital ; Kanjanfu ; his grand reception; singular encounter with a countryman from Ceuta, 494 ; continues his journey, 495 ; Bawam Kutlu ; Khansa (Hangeheu), 496; the greatest city on earth ; reception ; description of the city, 497; the Amir Kurtai, the Viceroy, 498; he gives an entertainment, 499; festival on the water, and songs that were sung; strange exhibition of juggling ; further particulars of the city, 501; lacker dishes, 502; sets out from Khansa and enters CATHAY, 503. Its great culture and population ; arrives at Khanbalik ; the Shaikh Burhanuddin, 504; the Kan; palace described (from imagination it would seem), 505; revolution in progress in Cathay, 506; the Kan slain (a fiction), 507; great preparations for his funeral, 507 ; extraordinary ceremonial, 508. Similar rites in Negroland, 509.
The traveller advised to depart, 510; returns to Zayton ; sails for Sumatra ; great storm and darkness ; appearance of the rukh, 511; reaches Sumatra ; marriage ceremonies of the king's son, 512; departs loaded with presents, 513; arrives at Kaulam ; customs of the Ramazan there ; Calicut ; embarks for Arabia and reaches Zhafar). (Note on the chronological difficulties of this expedition to China).
Note E. On the Kamru of This Batuta (the residence of the Shaikh Jalaluddin), the Blue River, and the city of Rabank, 515.
Changes since the time of Ibn Batuta, 529; identity of Cathay with China recognised by the Jesuits in the latter country, not by those in India, 530; expedition to rediscover Cathay projected and Goës chosen for it.
Early history of Goës, 531 ; a lay-brother of the Jesuits; he is sent to the court of Akbar ; circumstance which put it in the head of Jerome Xavier, the head of the mission, to explore Cathay, 532; sanction is received from Europe, and Goës prepares for the journey, 535; his death after accomplishing it at Sucheu, 536. Mode in which the narrative was compiled; miserably meagre in consequence ; perplexities about the chronology, 537 ; what may have led to some of the errors, 538.
Chief difficulties in tracing the traveller about the Hindu Kush and Badakhshan ; passage of the former, 540; Badakhshan, its history and decay from former prosperity, 541; the pass over the Bolor and Pamer, 542; Chinese Turkestan, its characteristics, 543; history of that region in brief outline, 544. Bibliography of Goës's journey, 548.
The Journey. — From the work of Trigautius " De Christianâ Expeditione spud Sinas." Book v. ch. xi, xii, xiii.
Chap.XI. How the Portuguese, Benedict Goës, a member of our Society, is sent to find out about Cathay. — Preliminary explanations as to the origin and object of the expedition, 549; Benedict's preparations in character of a merchant, 552; travels to Lahore ; his companions, 553; caravan to go to Kashgar, 553; reach Attok ; Peshawar, 554; account of Kafiristan; trouble from robbers in the passes, 556; Kabul; assistance rendered by Goës to the mother of the King of Khotan; two of Goës's companions abandon him, 557; sets out from Kabul; Charekar ; Parwan, 558; passes the Hindu Kush; Aingharan ; Calcia, 559; Talhan (Talikhan); Cheman(?); trouble with insurgents, 560; the straits of Badakhshan, 561; Serpanil (Pamer ?), 561 ; terrible mountain passes, 562 ; reaches Yarkand.
Chap.XII. The remainder of the journey to Cathay, and how it is ascertained to be all the same as the Chinese Empire. — Yarkand, 563; delay here, 564; nature of the trade with Cathay under pretext of embassies; pieces of jade the chief import ; account of this substance. The King of Yarkand, 565; he is supported by the Prince of Khotan, 566; re-appearance of Demetrius, one of his original companions, and the trouble he caused, 567; Goës makes a journey to Khotan ; annoyance from the Mullahs, 568; safe return of Benedict ; controversies, 569; the new Caravan chief invites Goës to accompany him to Cathay, 570; Demetrius draws back again; Goës prepares for the journey, and sets out, 571 ; journey to Aksu ; visit to the young chief there, 572; Caracathai, 573; Kucha ; Cialis (Karashahr), 574; alarm, which proves unfounded; respect which Goës earned, 575; delays; meets merchants returning from Cathay, who tell him of the Jesuits at Peking, by which he learns that Cathay is China, 577; Goës's bold and dignified conduct, 578; sets out without waiting for the caravan; Pijan ; Turfan; Kamul; enters the wall of China, 579; Sucheu ; the Tartars on the Chinese frontier and their forays; accident to Benedict on this last part of the journey, 580.
Chap.XII. How our Brother Benedict died in the Chinese territory after the arrival of one of our members who had been sent from Peking to his assistance. — The garrison towns of Kancheu and Sucheu, 581; the Mahomedans at Sucheu, and restrictions upon them, 582; the resort of the caravans of merchants professing to be ambassadors; particulars about this system.
Date of Goës's arrival at Sucheu, and prosperous state of his affairs, 583. hears further accounts of the Jesuits at Peking from Saracen traders, 584. writes to Matthew Ricci, but his letter miscarries; writes again a letter, which is received after many months ; the Jesuits sent a Chinese Christian pupil, John Ferdinand, to his aid, 585; annoyance experienced by Goës during detention at Sucheu ; arrival of the caravan, 586; John Ferdinand at last arrives, but finds Benedict on his death bed; his death eleven days later, 587; annoyance to his servant Isaac and John Ferdinand from the Mahomedans, who destroy Goës's journal.
Some remarks on the character of Goës, 587; anecdote of his deathbed, 588.
Trouble of the two survivors, 588; but they outwit the Mahomedans, and get to Peking, 590; relics of Benedict ; further history of the faithful Isaac.