The value of these pitchers and cups is
something immense; in fact, the Great Kaan has such a quantity of this
kind of plate, and of gold and silver in other shapes, as no one ever
before saw or heard tell of, or could believe.[NOTE 3]
[There are certain Barons specially deputed to see that foreigners, who do
not know the customs of the Court, are provided with places suited to
their rank; and these Barons are continually moving to and fro in the
hall, looking to the wants of the guests at table, and causing the
servants to supply them promptly with wine, milk, meat, or whatever they
lack. At every door of the hall (or, indeed, wherever the Emperor may be)
there stand a couple of big men like giants, one on each side, armed with
staves. Their business is to see that no one steps upon the threshold in
entering, and if this does happen, they strip the offender of his clothes,
and he must pay a forfeit to have them back again; or in lieu of taking
his clothes, they give him a certain number of blows. If they are
foreigners ignorant of the order, then there are Barons appointed to
introduce them, and explain it to them. They think, in fact, that it
brings bad luck if any one touches the threshold. Howbeit, they are not
expected to stick at this in going forth again, for at that time some are
like to be the worse for liquor, and incapable of looking to their
steps.[NOTE 4]]
And you must know that those who wait upon the Great Kaan with his dishes
and his drink are some of the great Barons.
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