_Quescitam_. Recollecting the
constant clerical confusion between _c_ and _t_, what follows will leave
no doubt I think that the true reading to which all these variations point
is _Quescican_.[1]

In the Institutes of Ghazan Khan, we find established among other
formalities for the authentication of the royal orders, that they should
be stamped on the back, in black ink, with the seals of the _Four
Commanders_ of the _Four Kiziks_, or _Corps of the Life Guard_.

Wassaf also, in detailing the different classes of the great dignitaries
of the Mongol monarchy, names (1) the _Noyans_ of the Ulus, or princes of
the blood; (2) the great chiefs of the tribes; (3) the _Amirs of the four
Keshik_, or _Corps of the Body Guard_; (4) the officers of the army,
commanding ten thousands, thousands, and so on.

Moreover, in Rashiduddin, we find the identical plural form used by our
author. He says that, after the sack of Baghdad, Hulaku, who had escaped
from the polluted atmosphere of the city, sent "Ilka Noyan and Karabuga,
with 3000 Moghul horse into Baghdad, in order to have the buildings
repaired, and to put things generally in order. These chiefs posted
sentries from the KISHIKAN ([Arabic]), and from their own followings in
the different quarters of the town, had the carcases of beasts removed
from the streets, and caused the bazaars to be rebuilt."

We find _Kishik_ still used at the court of Hindustan, under the great
kings of Timur's House, for the corps on tour of duty at the palace; and
even for the sets of matchlocks and sabres, which were changed weekly from
Akbar's armoury for the royal use. The royal guards in Persia, who watch
the king's person at night, are termed _Keshikchi_, and their captain
_Keshikchi Bashi_. ["On the night of the 11th of Jemady ul Sany, A.H. 1160
(or 8th June, 1747), near the city of Khojoon, three days' journey from
Meshed, Mohammed Kuly Khan Ardemee, who was of the same tribe with Nadir
Shah, his relation, and Kushukchee Bashee, with seventy of the _Kukshek_
or guard,... bound themselves by an oath to assassinate Nadir Shah."
(_Memoirs of Khojeh Abdulkurreem ... transl. by F. Gladwin_, Calcutta,
1788, pp. 166-167).]

Friar Odoric speaks of the four barons who kept watch by the Great Kaan's
side as the _Cuthe_, which probably represents the Chinese form _Kiesie_
(as in De Mailla), or _Kuesie_ (as in Gaubil). The latter applies the term
to four devoted champions of Chinghiz, and their descendan