The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2 / Page 254 (Color Image)

0254	The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2

206 1\TARCO POLO BooK II.

Of these latter we must also say something, for they

afford one mode of recreation to the citizens in going

about the town, as the boats afford another in going

about the Lake. In the main street of the city you meet

an infinite succession of these carriages passing to and

fro. They are long covered vehicles, fitted with curtains

and cushions, and affording room for six persons ; and

they are in constant request for ladies and gentlemen

going on parties of pleasure. In these they drive to

certain gardens, where they are entertained by the

owners in pavilions erected on purpose, and there they

divert themselves the livelong day, with their ladies,

returning home in the evening in those same carriages.10

FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE PALACE OF THE KING FACFUR.)

The whole enclosure of the Palace was divided into

three parts. The middle one was entered by a very

lofty gate, on each side of which there stood on the

ground-level vast pavilions, the roofs of which were

sustained by columns painted and wrought in gold and

the finest azure. Opposite the gate stood the chief

Pavilion, larger than the rest, and painted in like style,

with gilded columns, and a ceiling wrought in splendid

gilded sculpture, whilst the walls were artfully painted

with the stories of departed kings.

On certain days, sacred to his gods, the King

Facfur * used to hold a great court and give a feast

to his chief lords, dignitaries, and rich manufacturers of

the city of Kinsay. On such occasions those pavilions

used to give ample accommodation for i o,000 persons

sitting at table. This court lasted for ten or twelve days,

and exhibited an astonishing and incredible spectacle in

the magnificence of the guests, all clothed in silk and

* Fanfatr, in Ramusio.

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