Louis VII was welcomed to Constantinople by a large number of dignitaries, clerical and lay, who insistently invited him to an audience in the palace with Manuel I. He agreed (apparently not without condescension), entered with a few companions, and was given a low sellion near the imperial throne. The two rulers, equal in age and stature but not in clothing and manners, held a good discussion through an interpeter. Manuel's manner was gracious and graceful, but in French eyes would prove insincere. After the interview in the palace Louis was lodged at the Philopation and was guided by Manuel I around the holy places in the capital, then invited to a sumptuous and beautiful dinner. Many feared for his safety, but he had complete faith in God's providence. While he remained outside Constantinople, waiting for those who had chosen the route via Italy, his men were offered an adequate market from a ship, with a rate of exchange which was acceptable, but did not last for long after they left the capital. On the feast of St Denis, which occurred while Louis was outside Constantinople, the emperor Manuel (who also celebrated it and understood its significance for Louis) sent a group of priestly chanters to the French army; they made an excellent impression with their decorated tapers and varied voices