This was a sign of greeting, and because of the emperor's dignity
they humbled themselves so lowly before him. When the emperor
saw this, which was something that he had never seen before, he
was very pleased.
When Tirant was on land he found the Count of Africa waiting for
him on shore with many men, and he welcomed him with great honor.
They then made their way to the platform where the emperor was.
As soon as Tirant saw him he knelt to the ground, along with all
his men, and when they reached the middle of the platform they
bowed again. When he was six feet away he knelt and tried to
kiss his foot, and the worthy lord would not permit it. He
kissed his hand, and the emperor kissed him on the mouth.
When they had all bowed to him, Tirant gave him the letter from
the King of Sicily. After the emperor had read it in everyone's
presence, he spoke to Tirant:
"This is no small happiness I feel at your arrival, virtuous
knight. So that everyone will know how grateful I am to you, I
am bestowing on you the imperial and general captaincy over the
soldiers and over justice.
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