JOHN DE PLANO CARPINI 



we feared that there might be great danger imminent 

 upon the Church of God next unto them, by their 

 invasions. Proceeding on therefore, we came to the 

 king of Bohemia, who being of our familiar acquain- 

 tance, advised us to take our journey through Polonia 

 and Russia. For we had kinsfolkes in Polonia, by 

 whose assistance, we might enter into Russia. Having 

 given us his letters, hee caused our charges also to be 

 defrayed, in all his chiefe houses and cities, till we 

 came unto his nephew Boleslaus duke of Slesia, who 

 also was familiar and well knowen unto us. The like 

 favour he shewed us also, till wee came unto Conradus 

 duke of * Lautiscia, unto whome then (by Gods especiall 

 favour towards us) lord Wasilico duke of Russia was 

 come, from whose mouth we heard more at large 

 concerning the deedes of the Tartars : for he had sent 

 ambassadours thither, who were returned backe unto him. 

 Wherefore, it being given us to understand, that we must 

 bestow giftes upon them, we caused certaine skinnes 

 of bevers and other beastes to be bought with part of 

 that money, which was given upon almes to succour us by 

 the way. Which thing duke Conradus and the * duches 

 of Cracow, and a bishop, and certaine souldiers being ad- 

 vertised of, gave us likewise more of the same skins. And 

 to be short, duke Wasilico being earnestly requested by the 

 duke of Cracow, and by the bishop and barons, on our 

 behalfe, conducted us with him, unto his owne land, and 

 there for certaine daies, enterteined us at his owne charges, 

 to the ende that we might refresh our selves a while. And 

 when, being requested by us, he had caused his bishops to 

 resort unto him, we reade before them the Popes letters, 

 admonishing them to returne unto the unitie of the Church. 

 To the same purpose also, we our selves admonished them, 

 and to our abilitie, induced as well the duke as the bishops 

 and others thereunto. Howbeit because duke Daniel the 

 brother of Wasilico aforesaid (having as then taken his 

 journey unto Baty) was absent, they could not at that time, 

 make a finall answere. After these things duke Wasilico 



159 



A.D. 



1246. 



The journey of 

 frier Johji i^ 

 h'ls fellow 

 Legates. 



Boleslaus duke 

 of Silesia. 



* Mazoz'ia. 



Grimslaua. 



Daniel 

 brother unto 

 Wasilico. 



I 



