he might gather the opinions of philosophers upon the great secrets of
nature. No danger dismayed him; no toil wearied him of the pursuit.
Many sovereigns endeavoured to retain him at their courts; but he
refused to rest until he had discovered the great object of his
life -- the art of preserving it for centuries, and of making gold as
much as he needed. This wandering mode of life at last proved fatal to
him. He had been on a visit to Mecca, not so much for religious as for
philosophical purposes, when, returning through Syria, he stopped at
the court of the Sultan Seifeddoulet, who was renowned as the patron
of learning. He presented himself in his travelling attire, in the
presence of that monarch and his courtiers; and, without invitation,
coolly sat himself down upon the sofa, beside the Prince. The
courtiers and wise men were indignant; and the Sultan, who did not
know the intruder, was at first inclined to follow their example. He
turned to one of his officers, and ordered him to eject the
presumptuous stranger from the room; but Alfarabi, without moving,
dared them to lay hands upon him; and, turning himself calmly to the
prince, remarked, that he did not know who was his guest, or he would
treat him with honour, not with violence. The Sultan, instead of being
still further incensed, as many potentates would have been, admired
his coolness; and, requesting him to sit still closer to him on the
sofa, entered into a long conversation with him upon science and
divine philosophy. All the court were charmed with the stranger.
Questions for discussion were propounded, on all of which he showed
superior knowledge. He convinced every one that ventured to dispute
with him; and spoke so eloquently upon the science of alchymy, that he
was at once recognised as only second to the great Geber himself. One
of the doctors present inquired whether a man who knew so many
sciences was acquainted with music? Alfarabi made no reply, but merely
requested that a lute should be brought him. The lute was brought; and