Concerning the realm of Tibet, where dwelleth the Pope of the Idolaters.

Quitting this province, I came to a certain great kingdom called Tibet ⁶ , which is on the confines of India Proper ⁷ , and 248is subject to the Great Khan ¹ . They have in it great plenty of bread and wine as anywhere in the world. The folk of that country dwell in tents made of black felt ² . But the chief and royal city ³ is all built with walls of black and white, and all its streets are very well paved ⁴ . 249In this city ¹ no one shall dare to shed the blood of 250any ¹ , whether man or beast, for the reverence they bear a certain idol which is there worshipped. In that city dwelleth the Abassi ² , i.e. in their tongue the Pope ³ , who is the head of all the idolaters, and who has the disposal of all their benefices such as they are after their manner ⁴ .