Gulliver has to follow the local custom when he is admitted into the court for an audience with the king of Luggnagg. He has to crawl upon his belly and lick the floor as he advances. According to the messenger, to lick the dust before the king’s footstool is an honor. Gulliver learns that this is “a peculiar grace” only allowed to persons of the highest rank. When he is four yards from the throne, he strikes his forehead seven times against the ground and says something meaning “May your celestial majesty outlive the sun, eleven moons and a half!” to the king in the local language, as is taught the night before. Then he has a conversation with the king for more than an hour and answers many of the king’s questions, with the help of his interpreter. The king is so pleased with Gulliver that he arranges for him to stay in the palace and gives him some money to spend.
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