The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2 / Page 538 (Color Image)

0538	The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2

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MARCO POLO BOOK IV.

CHAPTER XIX.

How BAIDU SEIZED THE SOVEREIGNTY AFTER THE DEATH OF

KIACATU.

THEN Kiacatu was dead, BAIDU, who was his uncle, and

was a Christian, seized the throne.l This was in the

year 1294 of Christ's Incarnation. So Baidu held the

government, and all obeyed him, except only those who

were with Casan.

And when Casan heard that Kiacatu was dead, and

Baidu had seized the throne, he was in great vexation,

especially as he had not been able to take his vengeance

on Kiacatu. As for Baidu, Casan swore that he would

take such vengeance on him that all the world should

speak thereof ; and he said to himself that he would

tarry no longer, but would go at once against Baidu and

make an end of him. So he addressed all his people,

and then set out to get possession of his throne.

And when Baidu had intelligence thereof he assembled

a great army and got ready, and marched ten days to

meet him, and then pitched his camp, and awaited the

advance of Casan to attack him ; meanwhile addressing

many prayers and exhortations to his own people. He

had not been halted two days when Casan with all his

followers arrived. And that very day a fierce battle

began. But Baidu was not fit to stand long against

Casan, and all the less that soon after the action began

many of his troops abandoned him and took sides with

Casan. Thus Baidu was discomfited and put to death,

and Casan remained victor and master of all. For as

soon as he had won the battle and put Baidu to death, he

proceeded to the capital and took possession of the

government ; and all the Barons performed homage and

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