The latter--a Frenchman--had studied in Cordova, where the Caliph
had built a university, where Arabian philosophy, itself derived
from Greece and India, was taught. In Rheims Silvester has also
studied philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and chemistry. He had
been Abbot of Bobbio, Archbishop of Rheims and Ravenna, and, after
protesting in many ecclesiastical assemblies against the
corruption of the Papacy, had himself become Pope.
The excitement caused by the execution of Crescentius compelled him
to seek refuge on the Aventine with his pupil, the Emperor. From the
cell of the little convent, near Adalbert's chapel, he guided the
destinies of Europe, while at leisure moments he devoted himself to
his favourite sciences. For this reason he was reported to be a
wizard.
One night as he sat, sunk in thought, at his table, which was
covered with letters, the Emperor entered unannounced. He was a tall
young man, dressed in an extraordinary garb, a dalmatica adorned
with symbols from the Book of the Apocalypse, the Wild Beast and the
Harlot, the Book of Seven Seals, and so on.
"Let me talk," he said; "I cannot sleep."
"What has happened, my son?"
"Letters have come--warnings--dreams."
"Tell me."
"Yes; you listen to me, but you don't believe me, when I tell you
the truth, and you are afraid of all new thoughts.
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