The Taj is flanked by two Mohammedan mosques, each of which stands about three hundred feet from it; one of them is older than the Taj, and is considered very sacred by the Mohammedans, but the other was simply built to balance the architect's design. Both buildings are fully as large as the Taj; the cupola and dome of one of them may be seen in the background of the illustration in the Frontispiece. The river Jumna flows peacefully in the rear of the Taj, and in the distance I could see the Fort and the picturesque city of Agra.

There are many structures in the world which exceed the Taj in point of size, but none which rival it in ideal beauty and perfection of design. Its architects "built like Titans and finished like jewellers."

They combined massive foundations with light and airy superstructures. The peculiar effect of Saracenic architecture comes from the slender columns, springing arches, swelling domes, and tall minarets; and these elements all enter into the construction of the Taj, and give it an indescribable air of majesty and grace.

In concluding these observations on the Taj, it may be appropriate to present a brief statement of its history, as given in the introduction of a Persian manuscript, namely:

་

"This book gives an account of Bungoo Begum, whose title was 'Mum Taj Mahal,' of all families most illustrious, better known as Taj Beebi, and Noor Jehan, Light of the World.' She was the wife of the Emperor Shah-Jehan, 'Conqueror of Worlds,' 'Protector of the Poor,' 'Taker by the hand of the Distressed,' 'Most Learned and Wise,' and who had four sons by the Empress Mum Taj.

"The firstborn was governor of Hindostan ; the second was governor of Bengal. He was clever and obedient.

"Happy the man who hath a son like this,

Who by obedience aids his parents' bliss.'

The third son governed the Deccan with wisdom; the fourth son governed the region of the Indus, and was likewise good. The emperor had also four daughters, accomplished, beautiful, and obedient. On the birth of the last daughter the Empress Mum Taj Mahal died.

"It was very sad. Without the will of God not a leaf stirs in the grove.' All the priests read prayers and used charms. The nurses rubbed her hands and feet.

"The medicos used all their skill,

But saving her was not God's will.'

When death arrives the doctors are of no use.

"At last the empress said, 'O king, I have lived with you through joy and affliction; promise me two things before I leave you.'

"The emperor said he would.

"Do not marry again, lest quarrels arise among your children.

Build over me also such a beautiful

tomb as the world never saw.'

"Shah-Jehan promised both, and then the empress died,

"Were I to paint it, you all would weep;

Suffice to say, the king's grief was deep."

The date of the empress' death was 1040 of the Hig-ree, or about 1630 A. D. During the space of seventeen years Shah-Jehan collected the materials of marble and precious stones wherewith to build the tomb. All parts of his dominions were made to contribute towards its magnificence, in the same way as the Jews were laid under tribute in the building of Solomon's Temple. The estimate of its cost runs all the way from ten millions to thirty millions of dollars. The king died in 1665 A. D., and was placed in a marble sarcophagus beside the empress. The manuscript says, "From this transitory world eternity marched him off to the west."

CHAPTER IX.

DELHI, "THE ROME OF ASIA."

AFTER leaving Agra, a ride of eight hours brought me to Delhi, which is the terminus of the “East Indian Railway." Previous to entering the fine station here our train crossed an iron latticegirder bridge, with twelve spans of two hundred feet each, below which is the broad and sandy bed of the Jumna.

Delhi is sometimes called "the Rome of Asia ;" but the significance of the term I did not fully appreciate until I had explored more than ten square miles of ruins which surround the city, and which mark the former sites of all the ancient Delhis of by-gone centuries. The history of all the events which have transpired within the area occupied by these gray and tottering walls, and of the people who once inhabited these decayed and deserted palaces, would include the series of changes and conquests which have shaken Northern and Central India for centuries. Delhi was the capital of the Mogul Empire until its dissolution. The city has