arrival he met there with the Embassadours of several Princes some were come to congratulate him upon his new Promotion others to make a League with him others to avoid his displeasure that they might not have him for an Enemy The most pleasing Embassie was that of the Emperour of Moscovy for besides the stately gifts several beautiful Horses and the richest Furs of the Country as black Foxes and Sables which the Embassadours brought he saw himself freed from the apprehension which he had conceiv'd upon the news that this Prince did gather together his Army He understood that it was to march against Poland and some other Neighbours The Poles solicited in vain the Prince by their Envoys and by some of the chief of the Court whom they had gain'd to send Succours They alledg'd to perswade him that the Moscovite was but a reconciled Enemy that he would quickly become more dreadful if he met with success in this attempt and if he could overcome so great a Kingdom as Poland is to add it to his former Dominions that then it would be too late to seek a remedy to prevent an evil which was now to be hindered by sending some succours and assistance to the Polanders who would ever after become the Parthians Scouts on that side of their Empire and watch over the actions of their common Enemy Besides it is a general rule amongst Princes not to suffer their Neighbours to grow too great for fear of the usual consequence These reasons made no impression upon Tamerlan's mind This was all the answer he return'd That he had given to the Moscovite the dearest thing that he had in the world namely his Faith and that he would not be the first to break it but if on the other part he did offer to violate the Treaty he knew how to punish and bring him to reason seeing that he had been able to overcome him when he had nothing but the Kingdom of the Parthians which is but a little Province of Tartaria and that now that he was become the Lord of so great an Empire he had less reason to stand in fear of him that he was fully perswaded that in observing the rules of Equity and Justice with all the world he had reason to expect that his Sword would be able to make way into new Empires and other Kingdoms and that whiles the Moscovites were imployed and busie in their designs he would endeavour to proceed on in his purposes to get to himself honour and glory that the Peace concluded and sworn to the Moscovites was known to all the Neighbours and should never be broken by him besides that it was honourable to himself and advantagious to his people He told them that he knew for certain that God punishes commonly Princes who lightly ingage themselves in unjust wars and quarrels and that this Lesson having been learn'd and carefully practis'd by his Fore-fathers had been a means to raise and establish his Family and caused it to continue for three hundred years safe and secure by this observation of the Rules of Justice so that in all that time none of his Predecessors have ever been cross'd with unsuccessful attempts for the God of Hosts is a lover of Right and Justice He told them that if he had as some declar'd so great a delight in War and so earnest a desire to appear in action he had means enough without committing injustice to satisfie his mind by requiring from some of his Neighbours the Lands which they had taken from the King his Father who had never demanded any restitution out of a carelesness for the world or an earnest inclination for Peace that in case of a refusal it would be just and glorious for him to recover his poor Subjects and free them from the tyranny of an unlawful Power Odmar who had been one of the most earnest persons to perswade him to assist the Polanders with an intention to weaken the Moscovites yielded or seem'd at least to yield to these reasons He was mightily ravish'd with the justice and equity of Tamerlan's discourse and to consider how he moderated his courage with the Rules of Reason And though the judgment of many of the wisest of the Privy Council grounding their opinions upon the antipathy of both Nations and the difference of Religions was contrary to that of Tamerlan they could not prevail to make him alter his resolution Odmar alone knowing the cause strengthen'd it the more so that it overcame the advice of those who supported their opinion by undeniable Maxims of State and the experience of many Ages Tamerlane nevertheless understood very well that they had good reasons on their side and that by resisting their judgments he acted against the rules of humane wisdom and it may be he had followed their advice if it had not been for another great design which he had found the Great Cham was the first Author of it in a Conference at Quinsay he caus'd him to resolve upon it only Odmar had been privy to it for there discoursing of the weighty Affairs of the Empire they took together a resolution to carry the War into China as well to drive those people into their ancient bounds over which they had pass'd as to secure on that side the Empire of Tartary In the mean whiles preparations were secretly made for this great Enterprise for which the Prince had a mighty fancy without discovering his mind He depended upon the succours which the Emperour his Uncle had promis'd and with which he was confident to re-establish the Tartarians in their ancient possessions and that he should gain the Victory because he had Justice on his side which doubtless would favour him in his undertaking Whatever inclination he had naturally for War he had thought it a crime to ingage himself in a quarrel only out of a motive of ambition or for pleasure and he had look'd upon himself as the Author of all those desolations disorders and miseries which accompany and follow War Therefore he often desired of God the Spirit of Wisdom and Discretion and the power to overcome his own passions which he would sometimes say was a more glorious Victory for a Prince than that which wins for him Kingdoms and Empires Therefore when he could find Justice on his side and see that she did incourage his strong inclination for War then his Soul was fully satisfied in it self sending forth out of his eyes and upon his countenance certain motions which signified his joy and inward contentment chiefly when he was to demand his own Territories to free his Subjects from slavery or deliver his Allies from an apparent oppression There was never a Prince less guilty of presumption he was never angry when his judgment was oppos'd but rather well pleas'd when he was overcome by stronger reasons than his own therefore he honour'd and respected so highly wise and vertuous men that without any regard to their Rank or Dignity as
soon as he could hear of any though in the deepest misery he was wont to send for him receiving him in this obliging manner My friend I intreat thee let me be a partaker of thy Wisdom and I will make thee a partaker of my Riches Upon this subject he did often complain that he had many gifts offered to him of Gold Silver Jewels and rich Moveables but very few did offer him those Ornaments and Graces which are needful to govern well so many differing Nations that he had in his Empire Amongst the chief Officers of his Court and dearest Friends there was a Genoese a Christian named Axalla who had been brought up with him from his Cradle and for whom the Parthians had a great respect He was the chief incourager to set the Prince on to great and noble Actions and worthy Enterprises The difference in Religion never hinder'd Tamerlan from listning to him and believing him for as I said before when God alone the Creator of Heaven and Earth was worshipped he never troubled himself nor enquir'd into the differing Modes of worship He was wont to say that it did become the greatness of the Divine Majesty to be served and adored by all the Nations of the Earth in divers manners according to the diversity of people But he hated all Idolaters and would not suffer them to abide in his Dominions So that the Christian Faith which Axalla profess'd openly hinder'd him not from enjoying and possessing the greatest honours and dignities of Tamerlan's Army and Court CHAP. III. The War proclaim'd by Tamerlan against the King of China but stopt by the Revolt of a Calix a great Lord of Tartary his defeat and Execution WHen Tamerlan had privately made sufficient preparations for the Expedition that he had promis'd his Uncle not only for the reasons already mentioned but also because it tended to the Publick Peace to imploy the Subjects of so great an Empire in a Forreign War for otherwise either their numbers or their stirring dispositions might have proved prejudicial to the State every one was surprised to see that the Cloud that had been long a gathering was going to fall upon China The King of this large Country who is named the Off-spring of the Sun expected no such matter But to acquaint him with the reasons of such great preparations Embassadours were sent to him to require a restitution of all the Lands Estates and Feedings which he had taken from the Tartars contrary to the last Treaties These Lands are lying beyond a River called Tachii and beyond that famous Wall which bound both Empires and which the King of China caus'd to be built to secure himself and people from the frequent Inroads of the warlike and restless Tartarians What answer this proud Monarch would make to this Embassie was known before therefore all the Troops were commanded to advance and hasten to their general Rendezvous The Parthians were to meet at Hirdas of Baschir where the whole Army was to joyn them but the Tartarians were ordered to gather together in the Wilderness of Ergimul where Tamerlan with all his Forces was to come to them at a certain day The Grand Cham's Army had two hundred thousand fighting men all well disciplin'd and inur'd to labour and pains In this Army besides were several considerable Lords and worthy Commanders who had render'd themselves famous in many Encounters and Wars in which the Emperour before the decline of his Age had been ingag'd and by which he had inlarg'd the bounds of his great Empire When Tamerlan's Embassadours were return'd out of China they brought this insolent answer that this proud Prince puff'd up with a strange conceit of his own power wonder'd that the King of the Parthians was so bold to make War upon him that he judg'd it more reasonable for him to rest satisfied with that which he could take away from him with his mighty Army that he regarded not the progress that Tamerlan had made with his Forces nor their successes already they were too weak to be compared with the numerous Armies of the Chineses This proud Answer caus'd all deliberation to cease Tamerlan instantly sent a Messenger to the Emperour to let him understand the posture of Affairs and this vain-glorious Answer of the King of China In the mean while he gave all necessary orders for Provisions and Ammunitions to be sent to the Rendezvous of the Army from all parts and for the Tartars Army to advance forward with an intention to joyn both his Armies in few days But before his departure he was willing to take his leave of the King his Father and recommend his just Cause and Expedition to his Prayers This good Parent being sensibly mov'd at the goodness and piety of his Son imbrac'd him several times After many hearty wishes for his prosperous Expedition he spake to him in these terms Farewel my Son I shall see you no more I feel my self departing to my final rest I am going to exchange this perishing life so full of misery for another more happy Then he took his Royal Ring from off his Finger and gave it to his Son without enquiring into the causes of his Wars The old Father call'd Odmar and spoke to him to recommend his Sons concerns to his care and fidelity in a manner so full of gravity and goodness that he seem'd to have something in him more than humane After this the Prince return'd to Samarcande where the Empress his Spouse was whom he intended to carry with him in the wars according to the Custom of that Nation And as he was naturally very thankful for the services that he had received he visited the Tomb of his faithful servant Haly and according to the manner of his Law he caus'd prayers to be said during three days entire for the peaceable rest of his Soul Finally he gave order to the Government of his Kingdom and for the preservation of the Frontier Towns and committed all to the inspection of Samay a man of great worth and experience who had tutor'd him in his young days Tamerlan could not easily forget such kind of services he had a particular respect for those that taught him Vertue he kept for them as much affection as if he had been still under their tuition This generous inclination so full of goodness made him highly reverenced and beloved of his People He went from Samarcande to Hirdas of Baschir where his Army was quarter'd consisting only of one hundred thousand Foot and fifty thousand Horse There he gave orders to the rest of the Army to march as soon as he should send them word His greatest dependency was upon the Forces of the Grand Cham his Uncle who mightily incourag'd this War But when he was at the Rendezvous he was forc'd to make a stop because of his indisposition occasion'd chiefly through the change of the Air as his Physicians imagin'd In the mean while the Army of the Grand Cham was upon
Army Calibes had orders sent him to besiege them and scatter the Troops that gathered themselvs together about that place to incommode and rob the persons who brought provisions to the Army This retreat of the Sultan into Arabia was but a meer pretence and a flying report He was gone into Aegypt towards Cairo having left behind several parties to disturb and assault the Army in their march and chiefly in the narrow lanes and passages He caus'd a grievous destruction to be made in the Country round about to famish the Army but Tamerlan's Cavalry followed him so closse at the heels that he had not time to do all the mischief that he intended The Inhabitants also for their own as well as for the enemies sake opposed and hindred the full execution of his design When the Emperour was at Miserit he caused a Proclamation to be made to forbid any to go beyond Jordan that he might the better preserve the Country from whence his Army had their Provisions He went as he had Promised to Jerusalem in the company of his greatest Favourites guarded with a party of Horse to visit as a religious Prince that Sepulcher which is honoured by all the Nations of the world and to present his gifts When he was in the City where the Inhabitants received him with all possible honours he saught for all the Antiquities of the old Temple of Solomon and was led as the Pilgrims through all the places where Christ had preach'd and wrought Miracles When he had ended his Prayers at the Sepulcher he gave large gifts Two things chiefly gave him great content when he inquir'd of certain Monks and Religious Men at the Sepulcher where their Lords Body was He is said they in Heaven at the right hand of God Then turning to his Mahumetan Train he ask'd them where they thought that this Prophet was The Cherif that stood next to him replyed that he was a true God that he was gone before to sit in the first place in Heaven where he should be received also As he came from Heaven so he was departed thither again Then the Prince fell upon his knees and held his Name in great veneration And at his return to Samarcand he built him a sumptuous Temple taking a great delight to hear men tell of his Miracles and commanded that some should mention them often in his hearing The other thing that gave him a delight and admiration was when in viewing all the places of devotion he came to that at last where Christ leaving his Disciples ascended up into the glories of Heaven There he left behind the fashion of his foot which caus'd him to wonder at it extraordinarily And when one told him that a Pilgrim had been here ravish'd in Spirit he thought him happy Axalla with many other Christians were then with him In this manner Tamerlan by visiting the holy places and relicks gave a great satisfaction to all the people but the Jews could not indure but exclaim'd against him openly He had never any affection for them but named them Wicked Men and Cursed of God He loved to see men sincere in their piety and devotions and was glad to have seen Axalla so liberal of his offerings to the holy Sepulcher In the mean whiles the Army was in their march to Tema towards Aegypt the Emperour had notice that the Slutan gathered his Troops togeher from all parts and was then at Alexandria He himself after the performance of his devotions followed the Army and commanded the Van-guard to go towards Damietta He had been told that it was not to be taken by force The Sultan had secur'd it with a strong Garrison It was a maritine Town one of the most noted of all Aegypt so that it was in great reputation Many of the Emperours followers labour'd to diswade him from attempting it advising him to adventure upon something else telling him that it was no discreetion to run his numerous army into a narrow peice of Land but that he should rather march higher into the Country but all their reasons could not perswade him from going thither for he judged that there was nothing that could put a stop to his good Fortune He therefore commanded Axalla to block up the Town and he followed him thither with the remainder of the Army When Axalla was there he sent in a summons commanding them to submit and declaring to the Christian Inhabitants who were there very numerous what a folly it would be for them to oppose his Emperours power That his mildness and goodness should rather oblige them to free themselves from the Tyranny of the Moors and Mamelucks who oppressed them beyond measure He told them that he was a Christian as well as they and therefore should be alwayes very glad to serve them He caused also some of the Greek Captains to argue the case with them They dealt so effectually that they perswaded them to adventure their lives and endeavour to drive out of their City the Mamelucks and all those who held for the Sultan They delayed not in the execution of this design but with their weapons in their hands they got the command of one quarter of the City and open'd one of the Gates to Axalla All the Mamelucks were either kill'd or taken Pris'ners and Damietta was yeilded to the Prince This News which the Emperour received in his march caused him to expect a happy success in the prosecution of his great design He could not have hoped for such an easie accomplishment of it if this strong City had been in the Enemies hands for by its advantageous scituation upon one of the branches of Nilus it would have ruin'd his Army and cut off all their provisions But now that it was in his power he could reasonably expect from all parts of Greece as the Emperour Emanuel had promis'd him all manner of things necessary for his Souldiers which were already coming to him by Damietta He appointed there a strong Garrison of two thousand Grecians with a Governour to keep for him the City They took the Oath of fidelity The Prince found this place according to his mind and stronger than he had at first imagin'd The Inhabitants of Larissa submitted likewise and would not stand out against his invincible power Garrisons were placed in all the places scituate near he Sea that provisions might not be hinder'd to be brought to the Army This was one of his greatest cares to provide well for so vast a multitude that they might not want Tamerlan stopt a few dayes in Damietta but sent his vanguard towards Alexandria but immediately after he followed them and caused them to march about towards Grand Cairo The Sultan who had provided himself for a stout resistance in Alexandria was surpris'd to hear of this unexpected charge he had no time to deliberate but with all speed made what haste he could to prevent Tamerlan He enter'd into Cairo as the Army was in sight of it with
account of the publick affairs and departed to the Court to see Tamerlan But Axalla went to Pekin where he was welcomed by the Governour in that manner that becomed the second person of the Empire Axalla gathered his Souldiers together and with the Army he marched to Parchio upon the borders of both Empires as had been agreed upon before with the King of China but in his way passed by Quanton that strong and populous Town which he had taken in three moneths contrary to the expectation of the whole Army and of the Emperour himself who judged that it would have held out at least six moneths The Report of his coming caused a great multitude of people to meet and welcome him for every one could have desired him instead of Odmar because his way of dealing was so amicable and his vâ—â—rtues so much esteem'd of all the World The Emperour one of the wisest Princes of his time saw plainly that Odmar was not so fit to govern those Provinces that he was too grave and reserved and not flexible but that Axalla was of a contrary disposition that he had the gift to please all sorts of humours and therefore that he would be more grateful to these people But Axalla could not be spared from other places where his presence were more needful for he looked upon him as the only person of his Empire upon whom he could trust the whole concern of his Kingdomes in case any accident or a disease should disenable and take him from the publick management of affairs From Quanton Axalla march'd directly to the appointed rendevouz whither the King of China was going When he had advanced about fifty leagues into the Country lately conquer'd by Odmar he thought he should wrong the Majesty of his Emperour whose person he did then represent by proceeding any farther to meet this Heathenish Prince and that it did more become him to oblige him to come to him there than to advance into the Country which had been restored to this King by the last Treaty and for which he paid Tamerlan a considerable Tribute When the King was arrived with all his Court to a little Town at a league distant from Porchio he went out into a large Field where Axalla met him with more attendants than he had He gave place to Axalla and respected him as much as if he had been the Emperour Three times they met to confer together for the King of China insisted alwayes upon the rendition of a Town which the Emperour had granted him but Odmar refused to yield it because it was a strong place of importance At last he seem'd to be content with another farther in his Country than the former which stood in the midst of the Tartarian dominions Axalla the judge of this controversie put him in possession of the latter because he perceived that the King had no sinister design and that all his aim was but to have a place where he might divert himself and take his pleasure But Odmar an old Jealous pate having been often deceived by this unconstant Prince had a contrary opinion of him for he thought that he desired that place but to plot and contrive new designes to disturb the State He had sufficiently punished him for the last commotion when the Emperour was in Persia for by one battle he won from him five and twenâ—â—y or thirty Towns and above fourscore leagues of good land So that Quinancifu was yeilded up to him according to his desire This Town he seem'd to like better than the other for it is scituate upon a River at the entry of a beautiful Lake which surrounds it and is full of many little Islands where many stately houses were built for the pleasure of the former Kings of China who after preferr'd this abode to their glorious Palaces in their great Cities The last meeting was under a rich Canopy which Axalla caus'd to be erected The King of China came to him with the chief Officers of his Court. After some disputes this agreement was concluded that the King should have liberty to dwell in Quinancy as often and as long as he pleased but should not put in it any Garrison or fortifie it that he should live in it as a private person or a Subject to the Emperour That he might have three hundred men to guard him but that he should have no other mark of Soveraignty but with the consent of the Governour for the Emperour That he should be oblig'd every time that he intended to go to Quinancy to give notice of it to the Governour and that before he set foot upon any of his Imperial Majesties Lands That he should nevertheless enjoy all the Lordship of the City without any molestation from the Emperours Officers This Heathen King accepted these offers in such a manner as discovered plainly that all his engagements promises and oaths would not hinder him from a rebellion nor from an endeavour to sieze upon that pleasant abode if an opportunity were offered to him that he might shut himself up in that City the rest of his dayes for he had an intent to give over the Kingdome to one of his Brothers because he was weary to suffer the Tartarian bondage In this particular he shewed the signs of a noble courage which deserves a better name than that of a barbarian or a heathen usually given to all his people who are nevertheless lovers of Learning and Civility As soon as Prince Axalla had dispatched these weighty affairs he sent news to the Emperour to understand how well he would like his actions and know when he should return In expectation of an answer he visited all the places newly Conquered in China Tamerlans custome was to remove often the Governours of Cities and Provinces and to promote such as had well behaved themselves to better employments or more honourable and more profitable Governments Odmar being very old and sickly and therefore not fit to be upon the borders of an Empire where the Governour ought to be alwayes in action he resolved to keep with him to assist him with his good counsels and the rather because Odmar was not well beloved by the People or the Souldiers He purpos'd therefore to send in his stead the Great Chamberlain a young and brave noble man of a strong and healthy body more likely to please his Souldiers and new Subjects than the other and better able to undergo all the labours and troubles which such an employment at such a distance would require from him for these reasons he would not suffer Odmar to return thither but for Axalla he had orders to come back speedily He was once thinking to send thither the Prince of Vauchefu in Odmars place that he might by that means reward him for all the notable services that he had received from him in so many occasions in his Armies but when he considered that the Parthians are not obedient to strangers and that such a proceeding would
give him an absolute command in his own Country and expose his faithfulness to a strong Temptation he kept him near his person for some other employment He had not forgotten also the brother of this Lord who had been useful to him in his Armies Tamerlan had no need of recommendations or solicitaâ—â—ions to oblige him to recompence his faithful Servants He alwaies kept in mind every one that had well behaved himself in some brave action Many times when they never thought upon any such matter he would send for them to place them amongst his Counsellours or give them a Government or an Office No body was so bold as to ask these things from him for he knew for certain that those that bribe these honours and advantages will never behave themselves in them for the Princes good or the benefit of the Subjects but onely to gratifie their own Ambition and Covetousness for this cause he was wont to change his Governours often that their Governments might not become hereditary to their Posterity Those whom he thus removed were not thereby displeas'd nor did they think that it was a token of the Emperours anger for it was a rare thing if when he had thus removed a Governour he did not bestow upon him another or some employment in his family But when he pitch'd upon a man to attend upon him or command in his Armies every one look'd upon this choice to be the highest honour and promotion for all over the Empire that man was obeyed as the Emperour himself I have saith Albacent seen in the beginning of his Reign two Men chosen in this manner afterwards four at last he increased them to seven who were as the seven Pillars of this large Empire For the Prince trusted all his greatest and most weighty affairs in their hands They were obliged to give an account of their actions only to him and at such times only when they were called together to advise about the great affairs of Peace and War These were the things that could be asked from him which he would grant without scruple Gold Silver Moveables Houses Lands and other such things which were not of such concernment as to belong to the publick management of his Empire To end this digression and return to Cambalu where the Emperour was with Odmar and Axalla we must know that the former being grown heavy by the number of his years and unfit for action whisper'd to him nothing but Peace and wish'd him to settle the affairs of his Empire But the latter was desirous of War and Battles an enemy of rest He discours'd to him of nothing but of new expeditions and conquests This furious passion made him wish heartily that the Prince would honour him with an employment sutable to his temper and inclinations and to bestow upon Odmar a Government in a peaceable Countrey far from the borders In regard Odmar was related to the Emperour Axalla judged him the fittest person because of his Age Wisdome and Experience in all affairs to be Governour of the young Prince brought up at Quinzay for he would be able to keep the people with ease in obedience But this change could not come but from the Emperours own inclination No person was so bold as to presume to motion it to him But providence favour'd Axalla's wishes by giving him this opportunity to discover his mind The Idleness and Wantonness which the General Peace all over the Empire had begot caused some troubles and mutinies in the Army which was as the soul of the Empire and the terrour of the whole World for the Cheiftains had been careless and negligent to keep the Souldiers in order The irregularity was so great that the ancient discipline was slighted and the Souldiers grown insolent in regard of their late services and victories refused to perform their duties or mutinied whensoever they had a desire They called in a threatning manner for the Emperour himself to command them in person When he heard first of these disorders he was not a little troubled Must he to gratifie a handful of Mutiniers forsake that rest and quiet which he desires to enjoy for the few years that he hath to live in the World Must he now expose himself and undergo new labours and pains which he hath endured so long and by which he hath with the hazard of his Life setled the whole World in Peace In this unquietness of his mind he sent for Odmar and Axalla to advise with them Axalla without delay endeavoured to perswade the Emperour to go to his Army and leave the management of affairs at home to Odmars Wisdome and Conduct Now Tamerlan had begun to relish in the Cities a sweetness and pleasure differing from that life which men lead in the midst of Souldiers and the disturbances and dangers of War though the latter had been formerly more pleasing to him This made him loath to ingage himself afresh in such perils and such an unquiet life He was more desirous to enjoy in peace the fruits of his Valour and Courage And the rather because he was then about fifty years of Age an Age that called upon him to see to preserve and secure what he had purchased by his Victories At last he turned himself towards Axalla with these words I should be esteem'd ungrateful to Odmar for all his good and faithful Services if in his Old age I did not contrive a way to settle him in peace the rest of his dayes The advice that you have given me in relation to him I accept and shall follow it I consent therefore that Odmar take the Government of my Son and of all the Country of Quinzay and Cambalu and that he end there his dayes peaceably in my service But I intend to reside in Sachetay that I might be nearer Persia where I will have my Army incamp unto which I shall add thirty thousand horse more that it may be able to keep the Country from Rebelling But for you I will have you go and command it in person I look upon you as the only man of my Empire best able to perform the duties of this Office with credit not only because the Souldiers have an affection for you but because I have alwayes seen you careful to observe the discipline of War I trust my whole Empire in your hands by trusting you with mine Army which only is able to keep quiet so many large Provinces and so many Nations differing in manners language and customes which you have helped to subdue I will take care that nothing shall be wanting to this Army and that the clearest and most certain part of my Revenues shall be appointed to pay them and to reward those whom you shall judge worthy I would have you take a great care to oblige the Troops to observe the Parthian discipline without alteration Let them lodge alwayes in the Camp in the open Field You shall change this Camp every three moneths Let them buy all