The Successors of Genghis Khan - Robert Bedrosian's Armenian ...

BEGINNING OF THE HISTORY OF MONGKE QA AN
ends and corners of the lands, Turks and Taziks from far and near
with a sincere desire sought refuge in allegiance to him. And the kings
of countries that had not yet submitted sent gifts and presents.
As there has already been some brief mention of his praiseworthy
qualities and character, we shall relate a story which comprehends
many noble attributes in order that mankind may know of a certainty
that this narration is unmarked with the brand of extravagance.
Merchants used to come from all parts to the Court of Giiyiik Khan
and conclude large deals with his ministers, receiving in payment
drafts upon the various lands. However, on account of his death these
sums were held up and did not reach them. His servants, sons, and
nephews continued to conclude deals in this fashion and to write
drafts upon the lands, and crowds of merchants arrived one after
another and carried out further transactions for which they received
drafts. When Mongke Qa'an was auspiciously seated upon the throne
and the position of those people had changed from what it was, some
merchants had not received a tenth part of [the payment on] their
goods, some had not reached the stage of a transfer, some had not
received a draft, some had not delivered their wares, and some had
not fixed the prices. Being at their wits' end, they set out for Court
and, by way of a test and in hope of [enjoying the benefit of] his
justice and bounty, they entered the audience chamber and brought
their case to the ears of Mongke Qa'an. The functionaries of the Court
and the pillars of state protested on the grounds that it was not necessary
to pay the amount due on this transaction from the Emperor's
treasury and that no one could object [if payment was refused].
Nevertheless, because of his perfect compassion, he spread the wing of
benevolence over them and issued &yarligh that the whole sum should
be met from the finances of his Empire. It amounted to more than
500,000 gold and silver bdlish, and had he withheld it none would have
had cause to object. With such bounty he stole away the glory of
Hatim-like kings. And in what work of history has it been heard that
a king paid the debt of another king? This is a particular instance of his
excellent practices and pleasing customs from which one can deduce
his behavior in other matters.82
He commanded that whenever there was to be an inquiry into the
82 Abridged from Juvaim (HWC, pp. 602-604).
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