AD. THE ENGLISH VOYAGES 



1246. 



greatly regard such ceremonies. This therefore was the 

 first time, when we entred into the Emperours tent in his 

 presence, after he was created Emperour. Likewise all 

 other ambassadours were there received by him, but very 

 fewe were admitted into his tent. And there were pre- 

 Gifts presen- sented unto him such abundance of gifts by the saide 

 ted unto him. Ambassadours, that they seemed to be infinite, namely in 

 Samites, robes of purple, and of Baldakin cloth, silke 

 girdles wrought with golde, and costly skinnes, with other 

 gifts also. Likewise there was a certaine Sun Canopie, or 

 small tent (which was to bee caried over the Emperours 

 head) presented unto him, being set full of precious 

 stones. And a governour of one Province brought unto 

 him a companie of camels covered with Baldakins. They 

 had saddles also upon their backs, with certaine other 

 instruments, within the which were places for men to sitte 

 upon. Also they brought many horses & mules unto 

 him furnished w' trappers and caparisons, some being 

 made of leather, and some of iron. And we were 

 demanded whether we would bestow any gifts upon 

 him or no } But wee were not of abilitie so to doe, 

 having in a maner spent all our provision. There were 

 also upon an hill standing a good distance from the tents, 

 500. Carts ful more then 500. carts, which were all ful of silver and of 

 of treasure. gold, and silke garments. And they were all divided be- 

 tweene the Emperour and his Dukes, and every Duke 

 bestowed upon his owne followers what pleased him. 



Of the place where the Emperor and his mother 

 tooke their leaves one of another, and of 

 Jeroslaus Duke of Russia. Chap. 30. 



J tent of T^Eparting thence, we came unto another place, where 

 purple. \^ ^ wonderfull brave tent, all of red purple, given by 



the Kythayans, was pitched. Wee were admitted into 

 that also, and alwaies when we entred, there was given 

 unto us ale and wine to drinke, & sodden flesh (when we 

 would) to eate. There was also a loftie stage built of 

 boords, where the Emperours throne was placed, being 



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