ng, the two being
connected by bridges and forming virtually a single city. Sianyang, the
capital of a populous and prosperous district, was the most important
stronghold left to China, and its fall would be almost fatal to that
realm. Hence Kublai, who had succeeded to the empire of the Kins in
Northern China, and was bent on making the rest of that country his own,
made his first move against this powerful city, which the Chinese
prepared with energy to defend. In all the history of its wars China
showed no greater courage and resolution than in the defence of this
important place.

The army of Kublai consisted of sixty thousand veterans of the Mongol
wars, with a large body of auxiliary troops, an army large enough to
occupy all the neighboring heights and form an intrenched camp around
the city ten miles in length. This done, and all communication by land
cut off, steps were taken to intercept all supplies sent by water. The
Mongols had no vessels, but they set themselves with their usual
activity to build a fleet, and in a short time had launched upon the Han
fifty junks larger than those used by the Chinese.

Meanwhile Lieouwen Hoan, governor of the two cities, was strengthening
their works and vigorously repelling every assault of his foes. The city
was surrounded by thick and lofty walls and a deep fosse, was amply
garrisoned, and was abundantly supplied with provisions, having
food-supplies, it was said, sufficient "for a period of ten years." Thus
provided, the gallant commandant, confident in his strength and
resources, defied the efforts of the enemy. Threatened by the Mongols
with massacre if he should continue a vain defence, he retorted by
declaring that he would drag the renegade general in command of their
troops in chains into the presence of the master to whom he had proved a
traitor.

These bold words were sustained by brave deeds. All the assaults of the
Mongols were valiantly repulsed, and, although their army was constantly
reinforced by fresh troops, the siege made very slow progress. The
position of the besiegers was several times changed, their lines were
here extended and there withdrawn, but all their efforts proved vain,
they being baffled on every side, while the governor held out with
unyielding fortitude.

A flotilla of store-ships on the Han was met by the Mongol fleet and
driven back with serious loss, but this success was of no great service
to the besiegers, since the cities were