So he sometimes disguised
himself at night and went about through the streets and bazaars,
listening to the talk of those whom he met and asking them questions.
In this way he learned whether the people were contented and happy,
or not.
In those times Bagdad in the east and the Mohammedan cities of Spain
in the west were famed for their schools and learned men. Arabian
teachers first introduced into Western Europe both algebra and the
figures which we use in arithmetic. It is for this reason that we
call these figures the "Arabic numerals."
Harun-al-Rashid gave great encouragement to learning. He was a
scholar and poet himself and whenever he heard of learned men in
his own kingdom, or in neighboring countries, he invited them to
his court and treated them with respect.
The name of Harun, therefore, became known throughout the world. It
is said that a correspondence took place between him and Charlemagne
and that, as you have learned, Harun sent the great emperor a
present of a clock and an elephant.
The tribute of gold that the Empress Irene agreed to pay Harun was
sent regularly for many years.
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