The history of the warres of the Emperour Justinian in eight books : of the Persian, II, Vandall, II, Gothicke, IV / written in Greek by Procopivs of Caesarea ; and Englished by Henry Holcroft, Knight.

CHAP. I.

CHosroes hearing how Belisarius was recovering Italy for the Emperour Justinian, could hold no longer, but would find some specious pretext to break the peace: Alamundarus he directed to procure causes of a warr. Who charging Arethas for encroaching on him, with that colour forraged the Romans; alledging it no breach of peace between them and the Persians; neither having included him. Indeed in no treaties was any mention of the Saracens; being comprehended in the names of the Romans and Persians. The Country these Saracens disputed, is called Strata, and lies to the South of the City of Palmyra. Trees nor Corne it hath none, (being parcht with Sun,) onely it affoards some flocks of Sheep. Arethas claimed it for the Romans from the name it had (Strata in Latin being a paved way) and producing testimonies of ancient men: But Alamun∣darus would not dispute about names, alledging the owners to have anciently paid him rent for the pasturage. Justinian committed the arbitration of these differences to Strategius, a Patrician, superintendent of his treasures, a wise man, and nobly born, and to Summus late Captain of the Forces in Palestine, and brother to Julian, (who was Ambassador to the Ethiopians and Homerits) who thought it not sit the Romans should quit the Country. But Strategius prayed the Emperour, not to give the Persians, (now quarrelling,) occasion for a warr, about such a poore barren Country. Who consulted about it, and much time was spent in the Arbitration. But Chosroes said the peace was bro∣ken, in that Justinian during the same had manifested a great designe upon his house, by endeavouring to gaine from him Alamundarus; Summus at the Ar∣bitration having importuned him with great offers of money to revolt. Chos∣roes also produced the Emperours letters written to Alamundarus; And he alledged, that he had also written to the Hunnes to invade and forrage the Per∣sians,

and that the Hunnes had sent him the Letters. Chosroes with these obje∣ctions, (true, or false, I know not) resolved to break the peace.

Then also Vitigis King of the Goths, brought low with the warr there, sent two Ambassadours to him, to persuade his invading the Romans; being not Goths, (for feare of spoiling the business being discovered) but Ligurian priests, won to this negotiation by large gifts. He that seemed the better man, and called himself a Bishop, went for the Ambassadour, and the other for his ser∣vant. Being come into Thrace, they took in an Interpreter for the Syrian and Greek tongues; and so came into Persia undiscovered; the Romans keeping no exact guards because of the peace: And having accesse to Chosroes, they spake thus; Other men, O King! employ Ambassadors for ends of their own: But Vitigis King of the Goths and Italians, having sent us to advise you concerning your Em∣pire, thinck him, as present, to say thus. In a word, O King! you abandon your owne Empire, and all men besides, to Justinian; who being naturally pragmaticall, am∣bitious, and restlesse, hath strong desires to conquer every Land and Dominion. But finding himself unable to deale singly with the Persians, nor during their opposition, to assaile others; he resolved to blind you with a Peace, and to compell others to joyne their powers to his, against your Dominions. The Vandales and Moores he hath al∣ready ruined, by removing us out of his way with a title of friendship: And now fully stored with money, and men, he invades us: shewing, that if he can subdue the Goths; with us, and the slaves he hath already made, he will bring his Army up∣on the Persians, respecting no name of friendship, nor his Oath. So that while there is yet hope, doe us no more hurt, nor suffer any your selfe; but in our misfortunes, see what may happen to the Persians. Thinck the Romans never your friends, but once above you in power, that they will consummate their hatred. Use your power in the due time, least you seek it, when 'tis gone. The point of opportunity once blunted, never recovers. 'Tis better to prevent and be safe; then coming short of the opportu∣nity, to suffer the basest things from an Enemy. Chosroes esteemed this Counsell of Vitigis to be good; and studied more the breaking the peace; in his envy of Justinian, not considering these discourses to come from the Emperours Ene∣mies. He had a mind to it, and so like a willing fugitive he yeilded himself: which happened also to him upon the discourses of the Armenians and Lazi∣ans afterward. They imputed to Justinian that, which is the high praise of a generous Emperour, the making his Empire greater and more glorious; which they might aswell object to Cyrus the Persian, or Alexander the Mace∣donian. But envious men know no right: And thus Chorsroes resolved to breake the peace.