Temugin; an historical romance Volume 2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1843 edition. Excerpt: …courtiers; yet have I suffered myself to be influenced by their suggestions. “Temugin must be displaced;–but my daro “In vain I look back to the past conduct of Temugin; in vain I reflect upon his long-tried fidelity; suspicion still whispers, that after having rose so high, after having climbed the rugged mountain’s steep ascent, he may fix his eyes upon its loftiest point, and wish to stand supreme. My powerful hand was extended towards him, and assisted him to reach the height but just below myself. If one step more he advances, I must myself give way. “Then, as I am yet above him, I must make a vigorous effort for my own safety, and cast him down; but though I have the advantage of the higher ground, he may stand perhaps more firmly than myself, with willing troops embodied in his rear; a strong support. Will they forsake their favourite leader, and obey my orders? Will they be awed at once by me, who hold the sceptre, and possess the throne? “Will the rank, the splendour, and the wealth of my proudest lords, make the soldiers’ arrows pointless, or blunt their swords? “Not all my grandees, with their heaps of wealth, and long hereditary rank, of which they vainly boast, could stop the troops, if their conquering leader called. Awed perhaps by myself, their sovereign, they might be; but no other save Temugin would they care for, and to him they doubtless would incline in preference even to me. His renowned name might outweigh with them my sovereign title of the Khan. What support would be left for me in case of rupture with him! Grant that all the chief men, and grandees of my state, with one accord, would rally round my throne; and every one of those that envied Temugin, on my side would firmly stand, they…