The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2 / Page 203 (Color Image)

0203	The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2

CHAP. LXX. THE POLOS MAKE MANGONELS

159

You must know that when the Great Kaan's host

had lain three years before the city without being able

to take it, they were greatly chafed thereat. Then Messer

Nicolo Polo and Messer Maffeo and Messer Marco said :

" We could find you a way of forcing the city to sur-

render speedily ; " whereupon those of the army replied,

that they would be right glad to know how that should

be. All this talk took place in the presence of the Great

Kaan. For messengers had been despatched from the

camp to tell him that there was no taking the city by

blockade, for it continually received supplies of victual

from those sides which they were unable to invest ; and

the Great Kaan had sent back word that take it they

must, and find a way how. Then spoke up the two

brothers and Messer Marco the son, and said : " Great

Prince, we have with us among our followers men who

are able to construct mangonels which shall cast such

great stones that the garrison will never be able to stand

them, but will surrender incontinently, as soon as the

mangonels or trebuchets shall have shot into the town."

The Kaan bade them with all his heart have such

mangonels made as speedily as possible. Now Messer

Nicolo and his brother and his son immediately caused

timber to be brought, as much as they desired, and fit

for the work in hand. And they had two men among

their followers, a German and a Nestorian Christian,

who were masters of that business, and these they

directed to construct two or three mangonels capable of

casting stones of 300 lbs. weight. Accordingly they

made three fine mangonels, each of which cast stones of

300 lbs. weight and more.' And when they were

complete and ready for use, the Emperor and the others

were greatly pleased to see them, and caused several

stones to be shot in their presence ; whereat they

marvelled greatly and greatly praised the work. And

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