Marco Polo's Voyage to Indian Seas: 47: Argon and Acomat

Not long after the battle, he received the news of the death of Abaga.  He was much grieved; yet prepared with his whole host to return to the court, and take possession of the Sovereignty; but he had forty days to march before arriving there.  A brother of the deceased monarch, named Acomat Soldan, who had become a Saracen, having heard of the event, bethought himself,  that since the heir was so distant, he himself might succeed.  Having prepared a large body of men, he marched directly to the capital, and seized the supreme power.  He found such an amount of treasure, that it could be scarcely be counted.  He lavished his bounty in a wonderful manner on chiefs of barons, who declared him a good master, liked him and wished for no other.  He studied to be popular and to please all men; yet the action he had committed was vile and blamed by many.  He came to learn that Argon was marching against him with a powerful force.  He made no delay, nor showed any surprise, but actively summoned his barons and troops; and in a week he had assembled a numerous body of cavalry, who all marched cheerfully against Argon, expressing their desire to kill or take him.

Soldan Acomat assembled 60000 horsemen, set out and marched ten full days without interruption, when he learned that Argon, with an equal force, was five days journey distant.  He pitched his camp and awaited the army in large and beautiful plain, which seemed well adapted for the combat.  He then summoned his people and then addressed them:- 

"My lords, you know how well I am entitled to succeed my brother, being son of the same father, and having accompanied him in all his conquests.  Because Argon is son to Abaga, some think he ought to succeed; but with all due respects to them, I consider this unjust.  Even during my brother's life I am reasonably entitled to half of the kingdom, only through my mildness I allowed him the whole, but now I ought to succeed.  I pray you then to defend my right against Argon, and preserve the rule; for I seek only the name and dignity, and I leave to you  the profit and possession of all. I need say no more to the wise men, who love justice, and will do all things for the general honour and benifit.  When the barons, chiefs and soldiers heard this speech, they declared in one voice their resolution to adhere to him while they had breath, and defend him against all, and particularly Argon, whom they trusted, they would capture and place in his hands.

The prince was much discomposed, when he heard of Argon waiting to begin a fierce battle. But he realised that it would be injurious to show melancholy or fear and felt the necessity of displaying valour.  He sent for his lords and counsellors; and when they assembled, he addressed them, "My dear brothers and friends, you know well how tenderly my father loved you while he lived, and how many great battles you fought with him aiding to conquer all his kingdom.  Now I am the son of him who loved so much, and to me you are equally dearer.  I therefore trust you will aid me against this man, who seeks to inherit me.  Consider also, that he has forsaken our law and embraced the Mohammedan law.  It is better a Saracen should rule over the Tartar nation. Therefore, friends and brothers, I trust that you will willingly and heartily support me, and each will display valour, to protect our natural right."

Each lord and chief thought that he is on the side of truth and justice and he ought rather to win the battle.  While the rest were silent, one great lord arose and said, "Noble sir, we know the truth.  I, on behalf of all who are present, say that while the life remains in our body, we are ready to die rather than fail to conquer.  Victory appears to be in our side because we are right. Our enemies are on the wrong path.  We march against them immediately, and I pray all our companions to display such valour, that their evil deeds may be spoken of over the whole world."

Next morning, Argon and his troops were advancing towards the plains. They pitched their camp ten miles distant from that of Acomat.  Argon now sent two wise men to his uncle to bring a conciliation, and that a bloodshed thus to be avoided.  They mounted on horseback, went direct, and alighted at the pavilion of Acomat. Being well acquainted, they saluted him courteously, and received a cheerful welcome.

"Noble Sire, your nephew, Argon wonders greatly at your seizing of his kingdom, and coming thus to a fight against him. This is not a good conduct from an uncle towards a nephew; he therefore courteously prays you to abstain, and desiring neither war nor quarrel, will respect you as superior and father, both of himself and of the whole country."

Acomat answered, "My lord messengers, my nephew is entirely mistaken, the land is mine, I conquered it along with his father, both of himself and of the whole country.  If he will consent, I will make him a great lord, endowing him

with spacious estates, treating him as my own son, and the highest under myself; otherwise assured, I will endeavour to put him to death."

The envoys then asked repeatedly, if they could hope for no other determination. He replied, never in his lifetime. They returned. Argon was greatly enraged.  He said to his chiefs, "Now, let us without further delay march against these traitors, and destroy them."

The night was spent in busy preparations, on either sides.

End of the Section