HOW CHINGHIS MUSTERED HIS PEOPLE TO MARCH AGAINST
PRESTER JOHN.
When Chinghis Kaan heard the brutal message that Prester John had sent
him, such rage seized him that his heart came nigh to bursting within
him, for he was a man of a very lofty spirit. At last he spoke, and
that so loud that all who were present could hear him: “Never more
might he be prince if he took not revenge for the brutal message of
Prester John, and such revenge that insult never in this world was so
dearly paid for. And before long Prester John should know whether he
were his serf or no!”
So then he mustered all his forces, and levied such a host as never
before was seen or heard of, sending word to Prester John to be on
his defence. And when Prester John had sure tidings that Chinghis was
really coming against him with such a multitude, he still professed to
treat it as a jest and a trifle, for, quoth he, “these be no soldiers.”
Natheless he marshalled his forces and mustered his people, and made
great preparations, in order that if Chinghis did come, he might take
him and put him to death. In fact he marshalled such an host of many
different nations that it was a world’s wonder.
And so both sides gat them ready to battle. And why should I make a
long story of it? Chinghis Kaan with all his host arrived at a vast and
beautiful plain which was called TANDUC, belonging to Prester John, and
there he pitched his camp; and so great was the multitude of his people
that it was impossible to number them. And when he got tidings that
Prester John was coming, he rejoiced greatly, for the place afforded
a fine and ample battle-ground, so he was right glad to tarry for him
there, and greatly longed for his arrival.
But now leave we Chinghis and his host, and let us return to Prester
John and his people.