JOHN DE PLANO CARPINI 



where they should inhabite. Likewise the dukes assigne 

 places unto every Millenarie, or conducter of a thousand 

 souldiers, the Millenaries unto each captaine of an loo. 

 the captaines unto every corporall of ten. Whatsoever 

 is given them in charge, whensoever, or wheresoever, be 

 it to fight or to lose their lives, or howsoever it be, they 

 obey without any gainsaying. For if he demandeth any 

 mans daughter, or sister being a virgine, they presently 

 deliver her unto him without all contradiction : yea, often 

 times he makes a collection of virgines throughout all the 

 Tartars dominions, and those whom he meanes to keepe, 

 he retaineth unto himselfe, others he bestoweth upon his 

 men. Also, whatsoever messenger he sendeth, or whither- 

 soever, his subjects must without delay finde them horses 

 and other necessaries. In like sorte, from what countrey 

 soever tribute payers, or ambassadours come unto him, 

 they must have horses, carriages, and expenses allowed 

 them. Notwithstanding ambassadours comming from 

 other places do suffer great misery, and are in much 

 wante both of victuals, and of apparel : especially when 

 they come to any of the dukes, and there they are con- 

 stray ned to make some lingering abode. Then ten men 

 are allowed so little sustenance, that scarcely two could 

 live thereof. Likewise, if any injuries be offered them, 

 they cannot without danger make complaint. Many gifts 

 also are demaunded of them, both by dukes and others, 

 which if they doe not bestow, they are basely esteemed, 

 and set at nought. And hereupon, wee were of necessitie 

 enforced to bestowe in giftes a great part of those things 

 which were given us by well disposed people, to defray 

 our charges. To be short, all things are so in the power 

 and possession of the Emperour, that no man dare say. 

 This is mine, or, this is my neighbours ; but all, both 

 goods, cattell and men are his owne. Concerning this 

 matter also he published a statute of late. The very 

 same authority and jurisdiction, doe the dukes in like 

 sorte exercise upon their subjects. 



A.D. 



124b. 



Their 



barbarous 



inhumanitie 



towards 



ambassadours. 



151 



