'I was one day in company with the Greek who was appointed to ride with
me through the city, when we suddenly encountered the old emperor,
walking on foot, clothed in hair garments, and with a felt cap on his
head. He had a long white beard and a noble face, which presented traces
of the pious practices whereto his life was devoted. Before and behind
him walked a troop of monks. He held a staff in his hand, and had a
rosary about his neck. When the Greek beheld him, he alighted, and said
to me, "Dismount; it is the father of the emperor." When the Greek had
saluted him, he demanded who I was, then stopped, and summoned me to
him. I approached; he took my hand, and said to the Greek, who knew the
Arabic language,--"Say to this Saracen (that is to say, Mussulman), that
I press the hand which has entered Jerusalem, and the foot which has
walked by the Holy Rock, and the Holy Sepulchre, and in Bethlehem,"
Having spoken, he placed his hand on my feet, and then passed it over
his own face. I was amazed at the respect which these people exhibit
towards an individual of another religion than their own, who has
visited the holy places. The old emperor then took me by the hand, and I
walked along with him. He questioned me on the subject of Jerusalem and
the Christians who dwell there. In his company I entered the consecrated
ground belonging to the church. As he approached the principal gate, a
crowd of priests and monks issued to salute him, for he was now one of
their chiefs. When he saw them, he let go of my hand, and I said to him,
"I desire to enter the church with thee." He said to the interpreter,
"Inform him that whoever enters is absolutely obliged to prostrate
himself before the principal crucifix. It is a thing prescribed by the
Fathers, and can not be transgressed." I then left him, he entered
alone, and I never saw him again.'

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