, whitened by some admixture of zinc, and other
metals, of the existence of which in this district there are
sufficient indications in the sequel. These mirrors may have been
similar to telescope metal.--E.

[5] What is here called Tutty, is probably the sublimed floculent white
oxid, or flowers of zinc.--E.

[6] Timochaim seems obviously Segistan, to which Mechran appears to have
been then joined, from the circumstance before related of the Polos
having gone from China by sea to this kingdom. The strange application
of Timochaim is probably corrupt, and may perhaps be explicable on the
republication of the Trevigi edition of these travels; till then, we
must rest satisfied with probable conjecture.--E.

[7] The native name of this tree, and of the plain in which it grew,
appears obviously to have been translated by Marco into Italian.--E.

[8] It is possible that this Arbore-secco may have some reference to
Arbela.--E.

SECTION V.

_History of the Assassins, and the manner in which their Prince was killed:
With the description of several other Countries_.

Mulchet[1], in the Saracen language, signifies the place of Heretics, and
the people of the place are called Hulehetici, or heretics in regard to the
Mahometan law. The prince of this country is called the _old man_ of the
mountain, concerning whom I Marco heard much from many persons during my
travels. His name was Aloadin, and he was a Mahometan. In a lovely valley
between two high and inaccessible mountains, he caused a pleasant garden to
be laid out, furnished with the best trees and fruits that could be
procured, and adorned with many palaces and banqueting houses, beautified
with gilded bowers, pictures, and silken tapestries. Through this place, by
means of pipes, wine, milk, honey, and water were distributed in profusion;
and it was provided with beautiful damsels, skilled in music, singing and
dancing, and in all imaginable sports and diversions. These damsels were
dressed in silk and gold, and were seen continually sporting in the garden
and its palaces. He made this garden with all its palaces and pleasures, in
imitation of that sensual paradise, which Mahomet had promised to his
followers. No man could enter into this garden, as the mouth of the valley
was closed up by a strong castle, from which there was a secret entrance
into the garden, which was called the Terrestrial Paradise.

Aloadin had cert