Commentary Par XI 100-105

Drawn by his hope for martyrdom, in imitation of Christ, Francis, accompanied by twelve of his followers (a number obviously meant to recall Jesus' twelve disciples), went to Egypt during a crusade.  He insisted, at great risk to all of their lives, on trying to convert the Sultan, Malik al-Kamil, and preached before him to no avail.  The Mohammedan, showing great restraint (and perhaps some political astuteness), sent Francis and his fellows back to the Christian army.  Francis, seeing his plans for martyrdom during crusade foiled by his gracious adversary, returned to Italy.

Dante presents this episode out of sequence, since the Egyptian journey occurred in 1219, four years before his second trip to Rome, presented in [Par XI 94-99].