The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.1 / Page 675 (Color Image)

0675	The Book of Ser Marco Polo : 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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