GOD IN HEAVEN; AND CUYNE-KHAN ON EARTH, THE POWER OF GOD:  THE SEAL OF THE EMPEROR OF ALL MEN.

SECTION XXIX.

Of the Admission of the Papal and other Envoys to the Emperor.

We were called into the presence of the emperor, in the same place where he had been inaugurated; and Chingay, his chief secretary, having written down our names, and the names of those who sent us, and the name of the duke of Solangi and others, he read over all these names in a loud voice to the emperor and the assembled dukes.  Then everyone of us bowed the knee four times before him, and having warned us to beware of touching the threshold, we were carefully searched lest we might have any concealed weapons; after which, we entered within the precinct of the imperial tent at the east gate; not even the Tartar dukes dare presume to enter at the west gate, which is reserved for the emperor alone; yet the lower people do not pay much regard to this ceremonious injunction.  At this time, likewise, all the other envoys now at the imperial residence were presented, but very few of them were admitted within the tent.  On this occasion, infinite quantities of rich gifts of all kinds were presented to the emperor, by the various envoys and messengers, in samites, purple robes, baldakins, silken girdles wrought with gold, rich furs, and other things innumerable.  Among these there was a splendid umbrella, or small canopy, to be carried over the head of the emperor, all covered over with gems.  The governor of one of the provinces brought a great number of camels, having housings of baldakin, and carrying richly ornamented saddles, on which were placed certain machines, within each of which a man might sit.  Many horses and mules likewise were presented to him, richly caparisoned and armed, some with leather, and some with iron.  We were likewise questioned as to what gifts we had to offer, but we were unable to present any thing, as almost our whole substance was already consumed.  At a considerable distance from the court, there stood in sight on a hill, above five hundred carts all filled with gold and silver and silken garments.  All these things were divided between the emperor and his dukes, and the dukes divided their portions among their followers, each according to his pleasure.

SECTION XXX.

Of the Separation between the Emperor and his Mother, and of the Death of Jeroslaus Duke of Russia.

Leaving this place we came to another, where a wonderfully grand tent, all of red cloth, was pitched, the gift of the Cathayans.  At this place likewise, we were introduced into the presence; and always on these occasions we were offered beer and wine to drink, and boiled flesh to eat when we were inclined.  In this tent there was a lofty gallery made of boards, on which the imperial throne was placed, most exquisitely