Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/252

 but, having a desire to visit Cathay also, he joined himself to some Merchants, who in great Numbers used to travel to this Country. 'Tis a Journey that not many will undertake, it being so dangerous, and the way thither so full of strange Nations, who use to plunder Travellers in their passage. When he left Persia behind him, he came to Samarchand, to Borchar, and to Taschan, and other Towns inhabited by the Successors of Tamerlane. When he had passed by these Places there were large Desarts, and some Countries inhabited by wild, and others by a more civilized People; yet the Country was generally poor, so that they were forced to carry their Victuals along with them on a drove of Camels: This Company they call Caravans, After some Month's Travel they came to the Streights, entring into Cathay, (for you must know, that a great part of that Country is Mediterranean, and encompassed by such huge Mountains and Rocks, that it is accessible but in a very few Passages, where their King hath his Guards and Garrisons). When the Merchants come thither, they are asked what they bring? Whence they came? and how many they are? When the Guard is informed of the Truth, they make a Smoak by day, or else kindle a Beacon by night, which gives warning to the next Beacon, and so from one to another, till they come to Cathay. This Advice cost them but some Hours, which otherwise would take up many Days, the way is so long. When News is brought to the King, he sends backward by the same way of Conveyance what his Pleasure is, whether they shall all be admitted to enter, or only some, the rest being either excluded, or made to stay longer. When they are admitted, they are guarded all along to their seve