Another visit in the neighbourhood was to Monte Cassino, founded by St. Benedict A.D. 529, on the site of a temple of Apollo. It is situated on a mountain from which it derives its name, near the ruins of the ancient Casinum, and approached by a well-paved and winding road, the ascent of which occupies about two hours. The Abbey in the eleventh and twelfth centuries was the seat of science, particularly of medicine, the celebrated School of Salerno having been founded by the monks of Monte Cassino. Of this monastery, Dante thus speaks in Canto XXII. of the “Paradiso,” line 37:— Quel monte, a cui Cassino è nella costa, Fu frequentato già in sulla cima Dalla gente ingannata e mal disposta. Ed io son quel che su vi portai prima Lo nome di Colui che in terra addusse La verità che tanto ci sublima; E tanta grazia sovra me rilusse, Ch’ io ritrassi le ville circostanti Dall’ empio culto che il mondo sedusse. --- ... In old days, That mountain, at whose side Cassino rests, Was, on its height, frequented by a race Deceived and ill-disposed; and I it was, Who thither carried first the name of Him, Who brought the soul-subliming truth to man. And such a speeding grace shone over me, That from their impious worship I reclaim’d The dwellers round about, who with the world Were in delusion lost.... —(_Cary’s Translation._) At the time of this visit the founder’s tomb was in course of restoration, and amongst those who contributed to the good work was Mr. Gladstone, who requested Panizzi to pay, in his name, to the restoration fund the sum of 100 ducats, equivalent to about £16 of English money.