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The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2 |
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MARCO POLO
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Boox IL
146
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he summoned the people thereof to surrender to the
Great Kaan ; but this they flatly refused. On this
Bayan went on to another city, with the same result,
and then still went forward ; acting thus because he was
aware that the Great Kaan was despatching another
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great host to follow him up.4
What shall I say then ? He advanced to five cities
in succession, but got possession of none of them ; for he
'• did not wish to engage in besieging them and they
would not give themselves up. But when he carne to
the sixth city he took that by storm, and so with a
second, and a third, and a fourth, until he had taken
twelve cities in succession. And when he had taken all
these he advanced straight against the capital city of the
kingdom, which was called KINSAY, and which was the
residence of the King and Queen.
And when the King beheld Bayan coming with all
his host, he was in great dismay, as one unused to see
such sights. So he and a great company of his people
got on board a thousand ships and fled to the islands of
the Ocean Sea, whilst the Queen who remained behind
in the city took all measures in her power for its defence,
like a valiant lady.
Now it came to pass that the Queen asked what was
the name of the captain of the host, and they told her
that it was Bayan Hundred-Eyes. So when she wist
that he was styled Hundred-Eyes, she called to mind
how their astrologers had foretold that a man of an
hundred eyes should strip them of the kingdom.'
Wherefore she gave herself up to Bayan, and surrendered
to him the whole kingdom and all the other cities and
fortresses, so that no resistance was made. And in
sooth this was a goodly conquest, for there was no realm
on earth half so wealthy.' The amount that the King
used to expend was perfectly marvellous ; and as an
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