heire to the Roman Emperour. Consider it thus, I pray. By nature is due to children their fathers estates: All Lawes, though differing in other things, do yet in this agree, both among Romans, and Barbarians, that children are to inherit their fathers estates. So that yeilding to this their first request, the rest you must consequently grant.
The Emperour and his Nephew approved this speech, consulting what was to be done. In the meane time came other letters from
Cabades to
Justine, to send to him men of experience, for conclud∣ing of a peace, and to signifie the forme that was to be observed in the adopti∣on. Upon this
Proclus more eagerly opposed the
Persians proposall, and urged that they should rather adopt to themselves the
Roman power and dominion; declaring his opinion, that it was fit they, as speedily as might be, should conclude a peace; and withall that some chief men should be sent; who being demanded by
Cabades, in what manner the adoption should be, should answer, as is fit for a
Barbarian; For the
Barbarians adopt sons, not by writings, but by arming them. Accordingly Ambassadors were sent by
Justine, and promise of some greater men to follow, for consummating all touching the peace, and
Chosroes. There were therefore shortly after sent
Hypatius a patrician, Nephew to the late Emperour
Anastasius, and Generall of the East; and
Rufinus, sonne of
Silvanus, a principall patrician, and one well knowne to
Cabades. From the
Persians came
Seoses, their most powerfull man, who had the chief power over all armies and offices; and with him
Mebodes, who was Master of the Pa∣lace in
Persia. These meeting upon the frontier, treated concerning an accord∣ing of the differences, and concluding a peace. And
Chosroes came down to the
Tigris, two dayes journy from
Nisibis, that the peace being concluded, he might go to
Constantinople. Many discourses past about their differences; and
Seoses alledged, that
Colchis, now called
Lazica, antiently belonged to the
Persians, and that the
Romans held it from them unjustly. The
Romans took it very ill that their title to
Lazica should be questioned; But when they said, that the Adoption must be performed in a form fit for a
Barbarian, the
Persians thought this insufferable. So both broke off, and they severally went home. And
Chosroës returned to his father, vowing to revenge this scorn upon the
Romans.
Mebodes afterward accused Seoses for mentioning Lazica without their Master direction, purposely to break the Treaty, and for communicating therein first with Hypatius, who bare the King least affection, and crost the conclusion of the Peace, and the Adoption. Seoses being charged by his Ene∣mies with many other things, was called to a judiciall tryall before the Per∣sian Senate, who were all displeased with his new Office, and offended at his behaviour. He was a man free from corruption, and very just; but extremely arrogant. Which, though a vice naturall to the great Officers of Persia, yet in Seoses, themselves thought it to reign in extremity. His accusers charged him with the matters afore mentioned; and for not contenting himself with the ancient customes of the Persians, worshipping new Gods; and that lately he had buryed his Wife; the Persian Laws prohibiting the burying of dead bodies in the earth. So the Judges condemned him to dye. And Cabades seemed to grieve as for a friend, but would not pardon him; professing that he was not offended with him, but he must not infringe the Laws: And yet he owed his life Seoses, who was the chiefest cause of his living and reigning; and being thus condemned, he was put to death. His office as it began so it ended with him, none after him having ever the like Generall power over all offices and armies. Rufinus also accused Hypatius to the Emperour, who upon it discharged him of his Office; but after torturing some about him, he found no truth in the accusation, and so did no other harm to him.