Marco Polo in Central Asia: 43: Battle with Prester John

When Jenghis Khan heard this boastful speech, his heart swelled, so that it almost burst within him; for you know he was a man of great pride.  He then said to his minister, and to all about him, that he would not continue to hold the sovereignty, unless Prester John were made to pay more dearly for this villainy, and he must soon be made to see whether he was his vassal.  Then he summoned round him the greatest army that ever was seen or heard of, and sent notice to Unchan that he must defend himself as he was coming against him.  Though Prester John made light of this, he took all precautions to confront his enemy.  The Khan with all his people came to a great and beautiful plain and set up his camp, expecting to take on his enemy.  He sent for astrologers, Christians and Saracens, to know in advance the result of the confrontation.  The Saracens could tell nothing.  The Christians brought before him a cane, cut it in the middle and put the two parts on different sides, wrote the name Genghis on one, and of Unchan on the other.  They said that after their enchantments, the part of cane that comes above will win the battle.  Then they took up the Psaltery [1] played certain portions and performed their enchantments, and soon came forward the cane on which was the name Genghis and mounted on the cane on which was the name Unchan. Genghis was greatly rejoiced.  Two days after the battle began, the battle was severe, on both sides too much slaughter. But in the end Genghis won. His enemy was killed. But Genghis was not satisfied. He continued to conquer more cities, he besieged a fort named Cangui and in the battle he was wounded in the knee by an arrow, and died.  This was a grave misfortune, because he was a brave and wise man.

Notes:-

1. Psaltery: An ancient musical instrument played by plucking the string.

End of the Section 

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