TIMUR BEG. 
63 
CHAPTER VII. 
a.d.1369 — 1388. 
44 In the year 771/’ (a. d. 1369) says Timur in his 
Memoirs/* 44 I entered my thirty-fifth year of age ; 
on which occasion four of the most revered syeds — 
namely, Abu al Berkat, Abu al Mualy, Zynaddyn, 
and Aly Akber — having chosen a fortunate hour, took 
me by the arms and placed me on the throne of sove- 
reignty. After I was seated on the throne, I opened 
the Koran, which was my constant companion, to search 
for an omen whether my government would endure ; 
and this verse came forth : 4 Say, God is the master of 
the world, he gives the kingdom to whom he chooses, 
and takes it away from those he chooses/ The learned 
body who were standing at the foot of my throne wrote 
the interpretation of this verse, and read prayers for the 
perpetuity of my dominion. In the same manner, 
the people, both great and low, held up their hands in 
prayer for my prosperity; after which the nobles 
bent their knees and congratulated me ; then the 
chiefs and officers of the hordes paid their respects ; 
after which all the people, whether soldiers or citizens, 
called out, 4 May your good fortune endure !’ ” 
From this passage it will appear that Timur affect- 
ed extreme sanctity in all his proceedings; indeed 
* Page 135. 
