Tsushima. The enemy
advanced and occupied Five Dragon Mountains in Hizen. The Hojo-tandai
led the troops bravely to the fight. The enemy retired upon Takashima.
In the intercalary 7th moon a great wind blew. The enemy's war-ships
were all broken to pieces. Our troops energetically attacked and cut
them up, the sea being covered with prostrate corpses. Of the Mongol
army of 100,000 only three men got back alive. Henceforward the
Mongols were unable to pry about our coasts again."

MARCO POLO

Of so great celebrity was the wealth of Cipango (Japan), that a desire
was excited in the breast of the grand khan Kublai, now reigning, to
make the conquest of it, and to annex it to his dominions. In order to
effect this, he fitted out a numerous fleet, and embarked a large body
of troops, under the command of two of his principal officers, one of
whom was named Abba-catan, and the other Vonsancin.[76]

The expedition sailed from the ports of Zaitun and Kinsai,[77] and,
crossing the intermediate sea, reached the island in safety; but in
consequence of a jealousy that arose between the two commanders, one
of whom treated the plans of the other with contempt and resisted the
execution of his orders, they were unable to gain possession of any
city or fortified place, with the exception of one only, which was
carried by assault, the garrison having refused to surrender.

Directions were given for putting the whole to the sword, and in
obedience thereto the heads of all were cut off, excepting of eight
persons, who, by the efficacy of a diabolical charm, consisting of a
jewel or amulet introduced into the right arm, between the skin and
the flesh, were rendered secure from the effects of iron, either to
kill or wound, Upon this discovery being made, they were beaten with a
heavy wooden club, and presently died.[78]

It happened, after some time, that a north wind began to blow with
great force, and the ships of the Tartars, which lay near the shore of
the island, were driven foul of each other. It was determined
thereupon, in a council of the officers on board, that they ought to
disengage themselves from the land; and accordingly, as soon as the
troops were re-embarked, they stood out to sea. The gale, however,
increased to so violent a degree that a number of the vessels
foundered. The people belonging to them, by floating upon pieces of
the wreck, saved themselves upon an island lying about four miles from
the coast of Cipang