Possible Clues:

• First illuminated in early MS
• At first in the thing at first
• Let; rent
• The bee in one's bonnet?
• In the beginning it's in it at the beginning
• J, F, or K, for JFK
• Where you've got to be to win it, face not heading for first
• Sign first letter
• Opening the first letter
• Consult an eminent Arabist to reveal an audience for Grand Vizier's daughter