most noble and vast city of Quinsai, which is one hundred
miles in compass--that is, thirty-five leagues. In it there
are ten marble bridges. The name signifies a heavenly city,
of which wonderful things are reported, as to the ingenuity
of the people, the buildings, and the revenues.

"'This space above mentioned is _almost the third part of
the globe_. The city is in the province of Mangi, bordering
on that of _Cathay_, where the king for the most part
resides. From the island of Antilla, which you call the
Island of the Seven Cities, and whereof you have some
knowledge, to the most noble island of _Cipango_ are ten
spaces, which make two thousand five hundred miles. This
island abounds in gold, pearls, and precious stones; and,
you must understand, they cover their temples and palaces
with plates of pure gold; so that, for want of knowing the
way, all these things are concealed and hidden--and yet may
be gone to with safety.

"'Much more might be said; but having told you what is most
material, and you being wise and judicious, I am satisfied
there is nothing of it but what you understand, and
therefore will not be more prolix. Thus much may serve to
satisfy your curiosity, it being as much as the shortness of
time and my business would permit me to say. So, I remain
most ready to satisfy and serve his Highness to the utmost,
in all the commands he shall lay upon me.'"

A second communication followed the reply of Columbus, in which
Toscanelli wrote:

"I received your letters with the things you sent me, which
I take as a great favor, and commend your noble and ardent
desire of sailing from east to west, _as it is marked out
in the chart I sent you_, which would demonstrate itself
better in the form of a globe. I am glad it is well
understood, and that the voyage laid down is not only
possible, but certain, honorable, very advantageous, and
most glorious among all Christians. You cannot be perfect in
the knowledge of it but by experience and practice, as I
have had in great measure, and by the solid and true
information of worthy and wise men, who are come from those
parts to this court of Rome, and from merchants who have
traded long in those parts and who are persons of good
reputation. So that, when the said voyage