The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2 / Page 50 (Color Image)

0050	The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2

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MARCO POLO t oox Il.

It came toP ass, as they told the tale, that this Golden King was at war with Prester John. And the

King held a position osition so strong that Prester John was

not able to get at him or to do him any scathe ; where-

fore he was in great wrath. So seventeen gallants

belonging to Prester John's Court came to him in a

belonging

body, and said that, an he would, they were ready to

bring him the Golden King alive. His answer was,

that he desired nothing better, and would be much

bounden to them if they would do so.

So when they had taken leave of their Lord and

Master Prester John, they set off together, this goodly

company of gallants, and went to the Golden King,

and presented themselves before him, saying that they

had come from foreign parts to enter his service. And

he answered by telling them that they were right

welcome, and that he was glad to have their service,

never imagining that they had any ill intent. And so

these mischievous squires took service with the Golden

King ; and served him so well that he grew to love

them dearly.

And when they had abode with that King nearly

two years, conducting themselves like persons who

thought of anything but treason, they one day accom-

panied the King on a pleasure party when he had very

few else along with him : for in those gallants the King

had perfect trust, and thus kept them immediately about

his person. So after they had crossed a certain river

that is about a mile from the castle, and saw that they

were alone with the King, they said one to another that

now was the time to achieve that they had come for.

Then they all incontinently drew, and told the King

that he must go with them and make no resistance, or

they would slay him. The King at this was in alarm

and g

great astonishment, and said : How then, good

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