It happened one day at dinner time that Tirant found the empress and the princess still at the table. He came into the hall and served the empress and her daughter as steward and cup-bearer, since this was his privilege as captain. When Tirant saw that the meal was nearly over, he asked the empress to clear up a matter he was uncertain about. The empress answered that if she could she would do it very gladly. "Tell me, my lady," said Tirant, "for a knight, which is most honorable, to die well or to die badly, since he must die?" And he said not a word more. The princess said: "Holy Mother of God! What a question to ask my mother. Everyone knows it's better to die well than to die badly." Then Tirant struck the table with his clenched fist and muttered, "So be it," so softly that they could barely hear him. Without another word he got up and went to his lodgings. And everyone was left astonished at Tirant's behavior. The following day the princess was feeling very upset by what Tirant had said. In the morning, while the emperor was at mass with all the ladies, Tirant went into the church for prayer, and he told the emperor: "Sire, the galleys are ready to go to Cyprus to bring back provisions. Does Your Majesty want them to leave?" The emperor said: "I wish they were one hundred miles out to sea right now!" Tirant quickly went to the port to give the order for them to set sail. When the princess saw Tirant leaving, she called Diafebus and asked him to give Tirant the message that after he had eaten he should come to see her immediately, because she wanted very much to talk to him, and that later they would dance. When Tirant heard the news he considered at once what it might mean. He had the most beautiful mirror bought that could be found, and put it inside his sleeve. When he thought it was about time, they went to the palace and found the emperor talking to his daughter. The emperor saw them coming and sent for his minstrels, and they danced for a good while. After watching them for a time the emperor withdrew to his chambers. The princess immediately stopped dancing, and taking Tirant by the hand they sat at a window. The princess said: "Virtuous knight, I have great pity for you, seeing how disturbed you are. Tell me, I beg you, what is troubling you." "My lady, since Your Highness is forcing me to tell you, I can only say that I am in love." He said nothing more, and lowered his eyes. "Tell me, Tirant," said the princess, "who is the lady that is causing you so much pain? If I can help you in any way, I will be very glad to." Tirant put his hand in his sleeve, drew out the mirror, and said: "My lady, the face you will see here can bring me life or death."