he khan on
his favoured officers, with large portions. The men of the country from
whence these young women are brought, deem it a great honour when their
daughters are found worthy of the khans regard, and esteem themselves
unfortunate when they are rejected at court.

Kublai had twenty-two sons by his four legitimate wives, and the first born
of his first wife, named Zingis, would have succeeded him in the empire if
he had not died before his father. Zingis left a son named Timur, who is a
wise and valiant prince of great military experience, and who is destined
to succeed his grandfather on the imperial throne, instead of his deceased
father. By his concubines he has twenty-five sons, all of whom are daily
exercised in martial employments, and are all promoted to high military
posts and governments. Seven of his sons by his lawful wives are kings of
great provinces, and rule the countries committed to their charge with
great prudence and discretion.

[1] In a former note, it has been mentioned, on the authority of Abulgazi-
khan, himself a descendant of Zingis, and prince, of Khuaresm, that
Kublai-khan was only the fifth emperor of the Tartars, and that he
ascended the throne in 1257. The difference of date in this latter
circumstance is quite unimportant, and may have proceeded, either from
a different way of reckoning, or the delay of intelligence from so
vast a distance. But Kublai died in 1292, after reigning thirty-five
years, according to Abulgazi, and is said to have been then eighty
years of age. He must therefore have been forty-five years old at his
accession, instead of twenty-seven. Harris indeed mentions in, a note,
that the age of Kublai in the MSS. and even in many of the printed
editions, was left blank.--E.

[2] In Harris, this date is 1286; but as, in a note, this war is said to
have occurred on occasion of the election of Kublai to the imperial
dignity in 1257, I have ventured to restore what seems to be the true
date. Besides Naiam, in 1286, thirty years of age, could not possibly
have been the uncle of Kublai.--E.

[3] The new city of Pekin, of which hereafter.--E.

[4] The followers of Naiam in this rebellion are said to have consisted of
four nations, or tribes of Tartars, named Ciazza, Cadi, Barscol, and
Sitinqui, but of whom no other information or notice remains.--E.

[5] This is the only notice of the Jews in the ea