ndance. This city
stands very commodiously: for vnto it all the nations of the whole worlde
in a maner may resort for traffique. Concerning the saide citie, the
Christians in those parts are of opinion, that the Persian Emperour
receiues more tribute out of it, then the King of France out of all his
dominions. Neare vnto the said city there is a salt-hill yeelding salt vnto
the city: and of that salt ech man may take what pleaseth him, not paying
ought to any man therefore. In this city many Christians of all nations do
inhabite, ouer whom the Saracens beare rule in alle things. Then I
traueiled on further vnto a city called Soldania, [Marginal note: Or,
Sultania.] wherein the Persian Emperour lieth all Sommer time: but in
winter hee takes his progresse vnto another city standing upon the sea
called Baku. [Marginal note: The Caspian sea.] Also the foresaid city is
very great and colde, hauing good and holesome waters therein, vnto the
which also store of marchandize is brought. Moreouer I trauelled with a
certaine company of Carauans toward vpper India: and in the way, after many
days iourney, I came vnto the citie of the three wise men called Cassan
[Marginal Note: Or Cassibin.], which is a noble and renowmed city, sauing
that the Tartars haue destroyed a great part thereof, and it aboundeth with
bread, wine, and many other commodities. From this city vnto Ierusalem
(whither the three foresaid wise-men were miraculously led) it is fiftie
days iourney. There be many wonders in this citie also, which, for
breuities sake, I omit [Sidenote: Geste.] From thence I departed vnto a
certaine city called Geste, whence the Sea of Sand is distant, one dayes
iourney, which is a most wonderful and dangerous thing. In this city there
is abundance of all kinds of victuals, and especially of figs, reisins, and
grapes; more (as I suppose) then in any part of the whole world besides.
This is one of the three principall cities in all the Persian Empire. Of
this city the Saracens report, that no Christian can by any meanes liue
therein aboue a yeere. [Sidenote: Como.] Then passing many dayes ioumey on
forward, I came vnto a certaine citie called Comum, which was an huge and
mightie Citie in olde time, conteyning well nigh fiftie miles in circuite,
and hath done in times past great damage vnto the Romanes. In it there are
stately palaces altogether destitute of inhabitants, notwithstanding it
aboundeth with great store of victuals. From hence