Leo Africanus

Hasan and ‘Abbad find themselves in a cell. ‘Abbad gets Hasan to join him in prayer, giving thanks that they have not been made galley slaves. Also, ‘Abbad assures Hasan by telling him, “when the Most High leaves go of you with one hand, He catches hold of you with the other” (288). In hindsight, Hasan admits he was right.

Pietro Bovadiglia, the sailor who captured Hasan and ‘Abbad, was working for Pope Leo X, a member of the influential Medici family of Florence. Hasan is taken to the papal fortress, the Castel San Angelo, where he is met by Francisco Guicciardini. He explains to Hasan that Pietro was sent to find an educated Muslim traveler. Pope Leo greets Hasan warmly, apologizing for his abduction but admitting that he sees Hasan’s assistance as essential although he does not explain why. Hasan is made to teach Arabic to seven pupils. In return, Hasan will be taught Latin, Hebrew, Turkish, and the Catholic catechism. One of Hasan’s students is Hans, a monk who has become attracted to the doctrines of Martin Luther.