lived for ten years in solitude amid the mountains of Aranda. Here he
learned the Arabic, to qualify himself for his mission of converting
the Mahometans. He also studied various sciences, as taught in the
works of the learned men of the East, and first made acquaintance with
the writings of Geber, which were destined to exercise so much
influence over his future life.

At the end of this probation, and when he had entered his fortieth
year, he emerged from his solitude into more active life. With some
remains of his fortune, which had accumulated during his retirement,
he founded a college for the study of Arabic, which was approved of by
the Pope, with many commendations upon his zeal and piety. At this
time he narrowly escaped assassination from an Arabian youth whom he
had taken into his service. Raymond had prayed to God, in some of his
accesses of fanaticism, that he might suffer martyrdom in his holy
cause. His servant had overheard him; and, being as great a fanatic as
his master, he resolved to gratify his wish, and punish him, at the
same time, for the curses which he incessantly launched against
Mahomet and all who believed in him, by stabbing him to the heart. He,
therefore, aimed a blow at his master, as he sat one day at table; but
the instinct of self-preservation being stronger than the desire of
martyrdom, Raymond grappled with his antagonist, and overthrew him. He
scorned to take his life himself; but handed him over to the
authorities of the town, by whom he was afterwards found dead in his
prison.

After this adventure Raymond travelled to Paris, where he resided
for some time, and made the acquaintance of Arnold de Villeneuve. From
him he probably received some encouragement to search for the
philosopher's stone, as he began from that time forth to devote less