and its main basis Timur's Turki _Malfūzāt_ (annals). What he learned of either book he would carry with him into `Umar Shaikh's environment, thus magnifying the family stock of Timuriya influence. He lived to be some 74 years old, a length of days which fairly bridged the gap between Timur's death [807-1404] and Babur's birth (888-1483). It is said that no previous Khan of his (Chaghatai) line had survived his 40th year; his exceptional age earned him great respect and would deepen his influence on his restless young son-in-law `Umar Shaikh. It appears to have been in `Umar's 20th year (_cir._) that Yunas Khan began the friendly association with him that lasted till Yunas' death (892-1483), a friendship which, as disparate ages would dictate, was rather that of father and son than of equal companionship. One matter mentioned in the Khan's biography would come to Babur's remembrance in the future days when he, like Yunas, broke the Law against intoxicants and, like him, repented and returned. That two men of the calibre and high repute of Ahrari and Yunas maintained friendly guidance so long over `Umar cannot but be held an accreditment and give fragrance of goodness to his name. Apart from the high justice and generosity his son ascribes to him, he could set other example, for he was a reader of great books, the Qoran and the _Masnawi_ being amongst his favourites. This choice, it may be, led Abu'l-faẓl to say he had the darwesh-mind. Babur was old enough before `Umar's death to profit by the sight of his father enjoying the perusal of such books. As with other parents and other children, there would follow the happy stilling to a quiet mood, the piquing of curiosity as to what was in the book, the sight of refuge taken as in a haven from self and care, and perhaps, Babur being intelligent and of inquiring mind and `Umar a skilled reciter, the boy would marvel at the perennial miracle that a lifeless page can become eloquent—gentle hints all, pointers of the way to literary creation.