This important Manuscript was presented by the Emperor of Russia to the Ambassador of Persia at St. Petersburg, A.D. 1829. The Ambassador's autograph inscription reads: "The SHAHNAMA graciously presented by H.M. the Emperor at my third visit--may it be omen of good fortune. MUHAMMAD ALI IBNI GHAFOURI Ambassador, 22nd of RAJAB, A.H. 1245." "TIMUR BEG was seated in a portal, in front of the entrance of a beautiful Palace; and he was sitting on the ground.... The lord was seated cross-legged, on silken embroidered carpets, amongst round pillows. He was dressed in a robe of silk, with white headdress on his head, on the top of which there was a spinel ruby, with pearls and precious stones round it. As soon as the ambassadors saw the lord, they made a reverential bow, placing the knee on the ground, and crossing the arms on the breast; then they went forward and made another and then a third, remaining with their knees on the ground. The lord ordered them to rise and come forward.... Three MIRZAS, or secretaries, ... came and took the ambassadors by the arms, and led them forward until they stood before the lord.... He asked after the King, saying, 'How is my son the King? is he in good health?' When the ambassadors had answered, TIMUR BEG turned to the knights who were seated around him, amongst whom were one of the sons of TOKTAMISH, the former Emperor of TARTARY, several chiefs of the blood of the late Emperor of SAMARQUAND, and others of the family of the lord himself, and said, 'Behold, here are the ambassadors sent by my son, the King of Spain, who is the greatest King of Franks, and lives at the end of the world. These Franks are truly great people, and I will give my benediction to the King of Spain, my son."--From the Diary of RUY GONZALEZ DI CLAVIJO, principal of the embassy despatched A.D. 1404 to the Court of SAMARQUAND by Henry III of Castile, Spain. CLAVIJO describes the beautiful gardens with their tiled palaces where banquets were given. The ambassador, who was invited, marvelled at the gorgeous tents, one of which "was so large and high that from a distance it looked like a castle, and it was a very wonderful thing to see, and possessed more beauty than it is possible to describe". It is interesting to notice that SHARAF-U-DIN mentions the presence of the Ambassadors, "for," he writes, "even the smallest of fish have their place in the sea". Truly a delightful touch!--History of Persia, by SIR PERCY SYKES, Vol. II, page 133. [Illustration: ILLUSTRATIONS FOR TITLE-PAGES OF A SHAHNAMA (EPIC OF KINGS) OF THE XVTH CENTURY] "On the extreme of the western side of the royal precincts opening on to the CHAHAR BAGH are a garden and building. The Garden was previously called "BAGH I BULBUL" (Garden of Nightingales).--LORD CURZON, History of Persia.