Of how the Louthias are made, and of the studies; and how they understand each other in writing and not by speech in divers tongues.

All the offices are given from three to three years; and all are given to men who are not born in that part of the land, because they may not be moved by affection in matters of justice that belong to their offices, thereby to prevent insurrections. The offices are distributed by the King with the counsel of the eunuchs, according to the deserts and sufficiency of each one. The captaincies are given according to the chivalry and warlike feats of each one; none do distinguish themselves in war but they are promoted in rank more or less. And because the eunuchs are those with whose counsel the offices are distributed, they are many times mightily bribed by the Louthias in order that these may receive promotion. The purser of the ship who was a China, was writing a letter to the Louthias of the country, asking them to order that they be given provisions for their money.