We know that Italians were trading in the Black Sea ports, and the Arabs in the ports of southern China- in Fu-chien and Kuang-tung. Zayton (Ch'üan-chou in Fu-chien?) is mentioned by Marco Polo as 'the greatest port in the world'.

The country thereabout was a succession of vleys or gulleys, then filled with excellent clear water, teeming with water-fowl.

and, sweet my child, let them be men of good repute and carriage. (and, my child, allow them sweetly to be men with good reputations and conduct)

The blood still mantled below her ears; she bent her head in shame of her humility.