Frederick II Hohenstaufen, façade of the Royal Palace in Naples

Frederick's poetry is notable, though not great:

Flower of Syria

Frederick wrote this on his return from Jerusalem. It is not recorded what his wife said when she discovered that he had been doing some gardening en route, nor is the identity of the Flower of Syria known. It is said that his messengers risked their lives by road and sea to deliver this message. If his flower remained loyal she was wasting her time - Frederick never returned to Syria...

Alas, I did not think that separation
From my lady would seem so hard.
Ever since I went away it has seemed
     that I must die,
Remembering her sweet companionship.
Never have I endured the anguish I felt
     when I was on the ship.
And now I believe that I will surely die if
I do not return to her soon
Happy song, go to the flower of Syria,
To her who holds my heart in prison.
Ask that most loving lady, in her courtesy,
To remember her servant, who shall suffer from love
Until he has done all she wills him to do.
And beseech her, in her goodness,
To deign to remain loyal to me.

Lady of Mine (written in 1214 at age 20)

Secondo mia credenza Non e' Donna che sia Alta, si bella, pare. Ne' c'agia insegnamento 'nver voi, donna sovrana. La vostra ciera umana Mi da conforto e facemi alegrare; S'eo pregiare - vi posso, donna mia. Piu' conto mi ne tegno tuttavia.

I believe No lady can be so beautiful and gentle as you are sovereign lady. Your lovely face Gives me joy and cheer; And I cannot resist To praise you, lady of mine.

Although his own poetic achievements are modest, it was in his court that greater poets flourished, including the inventor of the sonnet, Jacopo da Lentini.