dlO CHRISTIANITY IN CHINA, ETC. power of mental abstraction, that, in the midst of the tumult of the camp, they could meditate on eternal truths, and occupy themselves with the great business of salvation. It was reported, in the West, that several Tartars of distinction had received baptism, and were fervently fulfilling their Christian duties. Two prin- cesses were mentioned, whose names were Dathanikan and Anichoamin, and a son of Argoun, who had received the name of Nicholas, and who publicly professed the religion of Jesus Christ. His mother, Erouk Khatoune*, had been for some time a Christian. The first lieutenant and the physician of Argoun were also mentioned, who, not content with faithfully and piously accomplishing their own religious duties, were also full of zeal in bringing new worshippers to Jesus Christ. This interesting news was brought to Rome in 1291, by a personage named Zagan, who was sent by Argoun, and charged with letters for the Pope and the King of England. Nicholas IV., after having examined those addressed to himself, sent the others to Edward. The Khan of Persia endeavoured, in these missives, as well as in the preceding ones, to persuade the Christians to make an expedition into Syria, in concert with himself. But, although the King of England had really taken the cross, the surrender of Ptolemais, which had taken place in the same year, and the news of which had cer-
- She was great-granddaughter of Ung-Khan, or Priest John,
sovereign of the Keraites. This princess, says Hayton (chap, xlv.), was all her life much attached to the faith of Jesus Christ. She caused divine service to be celebrated for herself, and had always in her house a Christian priest and a chapel, so that her son Carbagande was baptized and named Nicholas.
