In the palaces of Palermo,--veritable enchanted bowers of Oriental gardens,--he had led the life both of pagan and savant, surrounded by poets and men of science (Jews, Mahometans and Christians), by Oriental dancers, alchemists, and ferocious Saracen Guards.

He legislated as did the jurisconsults of ancient Rome, at the same time writing the first verses in Italian.

His life was one continual combat with the Popes who hurled upon him excommunication upon excommunication.

For the sake of peace he had become a crusader and set forth upon the conquest of Jerusalem.

But Saladin, another philosopher of the same class, had soon come to an agreement with his Christian colleague.