SONGHAY UNDER ASKIA THE GREAT 205 science, to follow its teachings, to devote their time to it, to associate with scholars, and to keep their minds in a state of docility. He lavishly lent his most precious books, rare copies, and the volumes that he most valued, and never asked for them again, no matter what was the subject of which they treated." Sometimes *' a student would present himself at the door and ask for a book, and he would give it without even knowing who the man was." Ahmed Baba recalls with affection an instance when he himself wanted a rare work on grammar, and the master not only lent it, but spent a long time searching through his library for other works which might help to elucidate his pupil's difficulties. ** It was astonishing to see him," says Ahmed Baba; "and he acted thus, notwithstanding the fact that he had a passion for books, and that he collected them with ardour, both buying and causing them to be copied." It is not, alas! surprising to hear that ''in this way he lost a great quantity of his books." His industry in teaching was equalled only by his patience. ''When I knew him," says Ahmed Baba, *' he used to begin his lectures after the first prayer, and continued them until the second prayer at half-past nine, varying the subjects of which he treated. He then returned home for the prayer, and after it usually went to the cadi to occupy himself with public affairs.

After that he taught at his own house till mid-day. He joined the public mid-day prayers, and then continued his lectures at home till the fourth prayer. Then he went out and lectured in another place until twilight. After the sunset prayer, he taught in the mosque until the last night prayer, and then returned to his own house.

No pupil was too stupid or too ignorant for him. He never allowed himself to be discouraged, or to despair of gaining an entrance into the understanding of his hearer. Sometimes, indeed, his patience with the stupid was so great, that the more intelligent members of the class were moved to wonder and impatience. " He