国立情報学研究所 - ディジタル・シルクロード・プロジェクト
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The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.1 | |
マルコ=ポーロ卿の記録 : vol.1 |
CHAP. X. THE PALACE OF THE GREAT KAAN 365
two cubits above the surface, they never become muddy,
nor does the rain lodge on them, but flows off into the
meadows, quickening the soil and producing that abun-
dance of herbage.]
From that corner of the enclosure which is towards
the north-west there extends a fine Lake, containing
foison of fish of different kinds which the Emperor hath
caused to be put in there, so that whenever he desires
any he can have them at his pleasure. A river enters
this lake and issues from it, but there is a grating of
iron or brass put up so that the fish cannot escape in
that way."
Moreover on the north side of the Palace, about a
bow-shot off, there is a hill which has been made by art
[from the earth dug out of the lake] ; it is a good
hundred paces in height and a mile in compass. This
hill is entirely covered with trees that never lose their
leaves, but remain ever green. And I assure you that
wherever a beautiful tree may exist, and the Emperor
gets news of it, he sends for it and has it transported
bodily with all its roots and the earth attached to them,
and planted on that hill of his. No matter how big the
tree may be, he gets it carried by his elephants ; and in
this way he has got together the most beautiful collection
of trees in all the world. And be has also caused the
whole hill to be covered with the ore of azure,12 which
is very green. And thus not only are the trees all
green, but the hill itself is all green likewise ; and there
is nothing to be seen on it that is not green ; and hence
it is called the GREEN MOUNT ; and in good sooth 'tis
named well.13
On the top of the hill again there is a fine big palace
which is all green inside and out ; and thus the hill, and
the trees, and the palace form together a charming
spectacle ; and it is marvellous to see their uniformity
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