[Sidenote: 1298.]
Now it came to pass that Marco, the son of Messer Nicolo, sped
wondrously in learning the customs of the Tartars as well as their
language, their manner of writing, and their practice of war,--in
fact, he came in brief space to know several languages, and four
sundry written characters; and he was discreet and prudent in every
way, insomuch that the emperor held him in great esteem. And so, when
he discerned Mark to have so much sense, and to conduct himself so
well and beseemingly, he sent him on an ambassage of his to a country
which was a good six months’ journey distant. The young gallant
executed his commission well, and with discretion. Now, he had
taken note on several occasions that, when the prince’s ambassadors
returned from different parts of the world, they were able to tell
him about nothing except the business on which they had gone; and the
prince, in consequence, held them for no better than fools and dolts,
and would say, “I had far liever hearken about the strange things
and the manners of the different countries you have seen than merely
be told of the business you went upon,”--for he took great delight
in hearing of the affairs of strange countries. Mark, therefore, as
he went and returned, took great pains to learn about all kinds of
different matters in the countries which he visited, in order to be
able to tell about them to the Great Kaan.
When Mark returned from his ambassage, he presented himself before
the emperor; and, after making his report of the business with which
he was charged, and its successful accomplishment, he went on to
give an account, in a pleasant and intelligent manner, of all the
novelties and strange things that he had seen and heard, insomuch
that the emperor and all such as heard his story were surprised,
and said, “If this young man live, he will assuredly come to be a
person of great worth and ability.” And so, from that time forward,
he was always entitled MESSER MARCO POLO; and thus we shall style him
henceforth in this book of ours, as is but right.
Then Bedford turned over to a place where Mary Long had put in a mark,
and read--