to the steadfastness and intelligence of these women the Naiman-khanate was created. GENGHIS KHAN: I feel sorry for the poor things, many of whom probably died in vain. Anyway, call the children. Genghis Khan gets out of bed limping, goes to a high seat covered with a sable fur coat, and settles down on it. Enter Genghis Khan’s four sons – Jochi, Ogedei, Chagatai and Tolui. Three sons look battle-hardened, large in physique, formidable in the habits and gestures of generals. Only Tolui is seemingly thinner and more delicate in build. Nevertheless, he also looks like a young warrior who has already experienced some troubles in life. Having entered, according to the custom of the Mongols, they kneel down, first greeting their mother, Borte. Then all four approach Genghis Khan, bow respectfully, and sit at his feet. GENGHIS KHAN: Are you happy with your wedding in Beijing? TOLUI: Yes, I’m satisfied. GENGHIS KHAN: How do you like the bride? TOLUI: Not bad. GENGHIS KHAN: Is that all you have to say? TOLUI: I mean, what else can I say? As long as my grandmother and mother like her. Genghis Khan only grins in response and no longer pesters him. Borte, obeying the Mongol tradition, brings his innermost thoughts in verse. BORTE: Oh, Kagan! If your body is going uphill, Death will come, then we will respect, We will accept, but what shall we say here? The Mongols are not a small people, Who will lead, becoming the guard after? Your body saved us, If you die, we will respect you for eternity. We will keep silent, but we will rise, Though who is your holy banner? We are looking forward to hearing this from your lips, It is impossible not to ask. Here are your four sons, So who do you think should sit on the throne? Genghis Khan, after sitting in deep thought, begins a speech in response. GENGHIS KHAN: Aside from being a woman, your mother said the wisest words. I am sad that such a thought did not enter the head of my relatives and sons. I, too Feel the fleetingness of life; I’ve almost completely missed it. So that death does not make a call soon, Let’s sort through as to disallow it. I have gathered you to notify you of this – all four of you. My eldest son,

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