Abulf._ I. 324.) For it is to the Bashkir country that the Franciscan
travellers apply the term Great Hungary, showing that they were led to
believe it the original seat of the _Magyars_. (_Rubr._ 274, _Plan.
Carpin._ 747; and in same vol. _D'Avezac_, p. 491.) Further confusion
arises from the fact that, besides the Uralian Bashkirs, there were,
down to the 13th century, Bashkirs recognised as such, and as distinct
from the Hungarians though akin to them, dwelling in _Hungarian
territory_. Ibn Said, speaking of Sebennico (the cradle of the Polo
family), says that when the Tartars advanced under its walls (1242?)
"the Hungarians, the Bashkirs, and the Germans united their forces
near the city" and gave the invaders a signal defeat. (_Reinaud's
Abulf._ I. 312; see also 294, 295.) One would gladly know what are the
real names that M. Reinaud refers _Hongrois_ and _Allemands_. The
Christian Bashkirds of Khondemir, on the borders of the Franks, appear
to be Hungarians. (See _J. As._, ser. IV. tom. xvii. p. 111.)

CHAPTER XXV.

OF THE WAR THAT AROSE BETWEEN ALAU AND BARCA, AND THE BATTLES THAT THEY
FOUGHT.

It was in the year 1261 of Christ's incarnation that there arose a great
discord between King Alau the Lord of the Tartars of the Levant, and Barca
the King of the Tartars of the Ponent; the occasion whereof was a province
that lay on the confines of both.[NOTE 1]

<+>(They exchange defiances, and make vast preparations.)

And when his preparations were complete, Alau the Lord of Levant set forth
with all his people. They marched for many days without any adventure to
speak of, and at last they reached a great plain which extends between the
Iron Gates and the Sea Of Sarain.[NOTE 2] In this plain he pitched his
camp in beautiful order; and I can assure you there was many a rich tent
and pavilion therein, so that it looked indeed like a camp of the wealthy.
Alau said he would tarry there to see if Barca and his people would come;
so there they tarried, abiding the enemy's arrival. This place where the
camp was pitched was on the frontier of the two kings. Now let us speak of
Barca and his people.[NOTE 3]

NOTE 1.--"_Que_ marcesoit _a le un et a le autre_;" in Scotch phrase,
"which _marched_ with both."

NOTE 2.--Respecting the Iron Gates, see vol. i. p. 53. The Caspian is here
called the Sea of _Sarain_, probably for _Sarai_, after the great city on
t