8 
LIVES OF THE MOGHUL EMPERORS. 
courts,, amid scenes of pastoral repose, but in which 
his restless and energetic spirit sought and found 
sufficient incitement to enterprise. From his earliest 
years he had manifested symptoms of that intrepid 
and indomitable spirit which distinguished his whole 
career. All the youth of the neighbourhood flocked to 
him, placed themselves under his guidance, submitted 
to his judgment, and acknowledged his ascendency. 
A specimen of his judicial sagacity at this early 
period will be seen from the following anecdote. A 
camel, having strayed from its companions, was found 
among the pastures claimed by the rustic associates 
of young Timur. Not being able to decide whether 
they should retain or drive it away, they appealed to 
their leader, who thus decided the matter : “ If the 
camel entered your pastures from a level country, it 
is incumbent upon you to let him return to the herd 
from which he has strayed ; but if he came from a 
hilly country, and it is probable he may not be able 
to join his companions without being exposed to be 
devoured by wild beasts, it will be proper to detain 
him.” Thus the most extensive monarchy of the 
East may be said to have originated in the sports of a 
few youths, which sports were directed by a boy 
finally destined to be one of the greatest conquerors 
recorded in the histories of nations. 
By the time the illustrious son of Teragay had 
attained his eighteenth year, the lust of dominion be- 
gan more powerfully to influence his conduct. He 
felt conscious of the singular powers with which 
nature had endowed him, and there was no backward- 
ness of disposition to exercise those powers. He was 
