[292] Vambéry (_op. cit._ p. 100) qualifies these statements as the “mere fabrications of partial Arab and Persian writers.” [293] _Op. cit._ ii. 95. [294] This assassin was one of the emissaries (or _fadāwi_) of Hasan ibn Sabbāh, Nizām ul-Mulk’s old school friend. For an account of the Assassins we refer the reader to the article under that heading in the _Encyclopædia Britannica_. For more than a century the devotees of the Old Man of the Mountain played a part in politics not dissimilar to that of the Jesuits at certain periods in Europe. See J. von Hammer’s _Hist. de l’Ordre des Assassins_ (Paris, 1833); S. Guyard’s “Un Grand Maître des Assassins,” _Journal Asiatique_, 1877; and an article by Mr. E. G. Browne in _St. Bartholomew’s Hosp. Journ._, March 1897. [295] The history of the remaining Seljūk kings (of the original branch) is so admirably epitomised by Malcolm that it was considered unnecessary in this place to do more than quote from his well-known _History of Persia_ (vol. ii. p. 222 _et seq._). These sons were Berkiyāruk, Mohammad, Sanjar, and Mahmūd. [296] He was himself but fourteen years of age at the time of his father’s death. [297] A.H. 487–498 (1094–1104). Malcolm throughout his otherwise excellent history scarcely ever condescends to supply the reader with a date of any kind. [298] He died of consumption at the early age of twenty-seven (perhaps even younger). Cf. Müller, _op. cit._ ii. 120. [299] He allowed his nephew the two `Irāks on condition that his (Sanjar’s) name should be mentioned first in the public prayers (cf. _Habīb-us-Siyar_). [300] The modern Khānate of Khiva. [301] The Khāns of Khiva still bear the title of Ewer-bearers to the Sultan of Constantinople. [302] About A.H. 470 (1077). [303] He was a descendant in the eighth generation of _T’ai-tsu_, or Apaoki, the first Liao emperor. Cf. Bretschneider, _op. cit._ i. 211; Visdelou, p. 28. For the various forms his name has taken, cf. Howorth on the “Kara-Khitāy,” _J.R.A.S._, New Series VIII. 273, 274. [304] De Guignes called him _Taigir_. [305] Called by the Mohammedans _Churché_, which corresponds to the _Niuchi_ of Chinese historians. Cf. Bretschneider, _op. cit._ i. 224, note. [306] Cf. d’Ohsson, _Histoire des Mongols_, i. 163. [307] Some scholars have wished to identify this name with Kirmān in Persia, but this seems most improbable. Bretschneider (_op. cit._ i. 216, note) suggests Kerminé, which is the site of the summer quarters of the present Amīr of Bokhārā. Cf. also Howorth, _loc. cit._ [308] P. 134. [309] Cf. De Guignes, iii. pt. ii. p. 253. [310] Some confusion exists as to whether Kāshghar or Balāsāghūn was his residence. It seems improbable that he should have changed in so short a space. [311] A.H. 521 (1127). [312] A.H. 533 (1138). [313] Il-Kilij, the son of Atsiz, perished in the battle. [314] Cf. d’Herbelot, article “Atsiz”; and De Guignes, vol. ii. pt. ii. p. 254.