480 JOINVILLB'S MBMOIRS OF SAINT LOUIS IX. [FT. Π. w Now, as I am determined to attack him, I order yon aQ to be ready to-morrow to follow me. Should it so happen that we be defeated, which God forbid, each of you musi do the best he can to save himself. Should the victory be ours, I strictly command that it be followed up with cou rage, should the combat last three days and three nights, without any one daring to think of pillage, but all must be solely occupied with destroying and putting to death the enemy ; for when the victory shall be completely gained, I will so honourably divide the plunder among you, thai every one shall be satisfied." He was heard with pleasure, and his orders unanimously obeyed. On the morrow, according to what had been proposed, so did they act They made a very severe inroad on their enemies, and according to the will of God, who is allpowerful, they defeated them, and put to death every one that had defensive arms in his hand. But those that wore a religious dress, and the priests, were spared. The rest of the nation, under Prester John, who were not engaged in battle, submitted, and placed themselves under their dominion. A wonderful thing happened after this conquest A great chief of one of the tribes before spoken of was missing from the Tartars three days, without any thing being known of him. On his return, he told bis people that he thought he had been absent but one night, and that he had not suffered hunger or thirst He related, that he bad ascended a marvellous high hill, where he had seen the handsomest race of men, and the finest dressed, that he had ever beheld in his life. In the centre of this bui a king was seated on a throne of gold, who was superior in beauty and dress to all the others: on his right and left were six kings richly adorned with jewels, and with crowns on their heads. Near to him, on his right, was a queen on her knees, who begged and entreated him to consider his people. On his left a most beautiful youth knelt, having two wings as brilliant as the sun ; and around the king were great numbers of handsome winged attendants. The king called him to him, and said, "Thou art come from the host of the Tartara" "Sire," replied I, " I am/ "Thou wilt return thither and tell the cham of Tartary that thou hast seen me, who am the Lord of heaven and