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.

THE HISTORY Of the Wars of the EMPEROƲR JUSTINIAN,

Of the Persian War. The Second Book.

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.

CHAP. II.

BUt in the meane time this happened. Simeones (who gave up Pharangium to the Romans) in the heat of the warr obtained of Justinian some Arme∣nian villages; and having them, he was slaine by some of the ancient possessors; the murtherers being two brothers, the sons of Perozes, fled into ••ersia; and the Emperour Justinian gave the villages to Amazaspes, sisters son to Simeones, and made him governour of Armenia. After this a follower of Justinian, one Acacius, accused Amazaspes of confederacy, and plotting to deliver Theodo∣siopolis to the Persian, and other Townes, and by the Emperours direction put him to death treacherously, and was made Governour of Amenia: He was a wicked man, and so appeared, and most cruell to the Armenians, by unreasonable rapines, and by taxing them with a new tribute of foure Centenaries. The Armenians not able to endure him longer, conspired and killed him, then seized upon Pharangium: Against whom the Empe∣rour sent Sittas from Constantinople, where he had remained ever since the peace. He at first made a slow warr, striving to appease, and reduce them to their former affections; promising to get their new tribute remitted. But the Emperour, at the instigation of Adolius, the son of Acacius, reproach't him for dallying. Then he prepared to give battell, endeavouring with faire

promises to joyne some, to have the rest better cheape. The Apetians, a great and populous people, willing to submit, sent to him for assurance; that turn∣ing to the Roman Army from their own Countrey-men, they should enjoy their own estates, free from grievance. He gladly made an Instrument of their assurances, and sent it them signed; and confident upon this to winne the bat∣tell without striking stroke, he marcht to the Oenochalaces, where the Arme∣nians encamped. But the bearers of the Instrument could not meet the Apeti∣ans; and part of the Roman Army, not knowing of the accord, killed some few of them they met. And Sittas finding some children and women in a cave, an∣gry for the Apetians not joining according to promise, or not knowing them, killed them. So they stood in battell with the rest, offended with all this. The fight could not be in one place, but was scattered in ragged ground, and pre∣cipices, and bottomes of hills. So that Sittas not with many, and some few Armenians, came neer each other, with a deep vally between them; being both sides horse-men: Sittas past the vally, and charged the enemy; who re∣tiring, stood still, and Sittas stopt there too. By chance an Herulian of the Roman army came back in fury from the chase of an enemy, passing by Sittas, who had struck his lance into the ground, The Herulians horse rushing main∣ly against it, brake it; which much troubled Sittas. For an Armenian who knew him (having his helmet off) assured the rest it was Sittas. Who hearing what the Armenian said, and seeing his lance crackt upon the ground, drew his sword, and would have retreated over the vally. The Enemy rode eagerly after him, and one overtook him in the vally with a sword, which cut off the crown of his head, not hurting the scull. Sittas spurr'd on; but Artabanes, the son of John, of the race of the Arsacides, kill'd him with a thrust of his lance behind. Thus was Sittas lost impertinently, and not sutably to his for∣mer actions; A goodly man he was, valiant, and an excellent Commander, inferiour to none of his time. Some say one Solomon killed him, an obscure fel∣low, and not Artabanes.

Sittas being dead, the Emperour sent Buzes against the Armenians. Who be∣ing neer them, promised to reconcile them, desiring conference with some of their chief men. None would give credit to Buzes, nor hearken to his offers, save John, the father of Artabanes his friend, of the race of the Arsacides, who presuming upon Buzes, as his friend, came to him with his son in law Bas∣saces, and some others. These the next day lodged where they were to meet Buzes, and perceaved themselves compass't with the Roman army. Bassaces, when he could not perswade John to flie, rode back, leaving him all alone; whom Buzes kill'd.

The Armenians having no hope of reconciliation, and unable to maintaine the warr; under the conduct of Bassaces, a valiant man, betook themselves to the Persian King: To whom some of their Chiefs being admitted, spake thus. There are amongst us, Sir! many Arsacides, descendants of that Arsaces, who no stranger to the Persian Empire, when it was under the Parthians, was a famous King in his time, inferiour to none. But we now stand before you, become slaves and fugitives, not willingly, but forced; in apparance by the Romans, but indeed, O King! by your resolution. For who gives power to the wrong doer, justly beares the blame of the wrong. To deduce it higher, and through the severall occurrents, Ar∣saces, our last King, quitted his Royalty, it seemes, willingly to Theodosius the Ro∣man Emperour, with condition for those of his blood, to enjoy libertie, and not to be subject to Tribute. Which we preserved till your famous Peace, or rather common ca∣lamitie. For now not regarding friends nor enemies, this friend of yours, O King! in words, and enemy in deeds, hath troubled all the world. Which your selfe will know ere long, when he hath subdued the Western Nations. What thing prohibited hath he not done! what well settled not stirred? Hath he not taxed us with unusuall tri∣butes? made slaves of the Tzanians our borderers, a free people? set a Governour over the King of the wretched Lazians, a thing not incident to the nature of things? not to be exprest? Hath he not with his Generalls unjustly surprized the Bosporites, subjects of the Hunnes? made league with the Ethiopians, never heard of by the Romans? added the Homerits, red Sea, and Country of Palme-trees to the Roman

Empire? not to speak of the Affricans and Italians. The whole world not containing the man, he searches gulfes beyond the Ocean, and another world. Why doe you delay, O King! respecting this wicked ruinous peace? Is it, after all the rest, to be his last dish? To know what man Justinian is to them that yeild to him, you have us for a Precedent, and the poore Lazians: how he uses men unknown, as well as them that wrong him; consider the Vandales, Goths and Moores. But the maine of all: stu∣dies he not during the peace to draw Alamundarus your servant to revolt from you? to associate the Hunnes against you, men unknown to him? But a shrewder act then this was never: Now he perceaves his Westerne conquests ready for conclusion, he seeks to circumvent the East, having none now to wrestle with left, but the Persians. So that himself hath broken the Perpetuall Peace. They break peace, not who arme first, but who plot against their allies in time of peace, and the crime is acted by him that goes about to do it, though the success faile. And not they who cause the warr, but they who oppose them, use to conquer. Nor will the match be equall; their best Souldiers being in the utmost parts of the world; and of their two best Generalls, we have lately slaine Sittas; and Belisarius Justinian will not look on. Which he slight∣ing, holds in his hands the dominion of Italy: So that you will have none to oppose your invasion; and us you shall have with our best affections, and long experi∣ence of the Countrey, the guides of your Army. Chosroes liked these reasons, and imparted to his trustiest subjects, what Vitigis and the Armenians had said; propounding in Counsell what was to be done; where the conclusion was, to make warr on the Romans in the beginning of the spring, it being then Au∣tumne; and Justinian in the thirtenth yeare of his raigne; the Romans the while not suspecting the breach of the Perpetuall Peace; but hearing onely that Chos∣roes murmured against the Emperours successes in the West, and charged him, as I have mentioned.

CHAP. III.

THen also appeared a Comet, at first about the length of a tall man, after∣ward much longer: The taile was toward the East, and the head to the West; and being in Capricorne, kept behind the Sun in Sagittary. Some called it (being long with a sharp head) gladiata, some barbata. It was seen more then forty dayes. The learned in these things, made severall repugnant prae∣dictions upon this starr: But what hath fallen out since, I will relate. Imme∣diatly a great army of Hunnes passing the river Ister overran all Europe; a thing often done, but never with so much mischief to people. * From the Jonian gulfe, to the suburbs of Constantinople, they spoiled all in their way; in Illy∣rium they took 32. Castles; destroyed Cassandria (anciently Potidaea) having never, (that we know) attempted before a walled Town; and with much boo∣ty, and some 120. thousand captives retired home, meeting no opposition: Af∣terward they did many mischiefs to the Romans in their inroads. They as∣saulted the wall in Chersonesus, and forcing the Guards, and at full Sea (being upon the Gulf called Melas) getting over it, entred within it, fell suddainly upon the Roman inhabitants in Chersonesus, slew many, and made almost all the rest slaves. Some cross't the Strait between Sestus and Abidus, spoiled the towns of Asia Minor, and then returning to Chersonesus, went home with the rest of their army and their booty. In another inroad having spoyled Illy∣rium and Thessaly, they assaulted the wall at Thermopylae; where the Garrison defending stoutly, they unluckily found the path up the mountaine, and so wasted all Greece, save Peloponesus; and then retired.

Not long after the Persians breaking the peace, did much infest the Romans of the East; Belisarius having newly subdued Vitigis, and brought him to Con∣stantinople. Before the Persian invasion, Justinian, who saw Chosroes (as I have said) quarrelling, sent a remonstrance to him by Anastasius, a prudent man, who lately had suppressed the Rebellion at Daras, and wrote letters to this effect. Wise men, who know God, strive to root up the occasions of warr, especially with their best friends. But men unadvised, and rashly affecting even God for their enemy,

contrive causes, which are no causes, of sights and troubles. To break a peace, and run into a warr, is an easie matter. The nature of things makes the worst courses easiest to worthless men. But to finish a warr to ones mind, and to get peace againe, is not so easie. You complaine of letters, which by me were written with no all pur∣pose; but by you are interpreted with a sense, such as conduces to the execution of your own counsells with some pretence. But we can alledge your Alamundarus his forraging our countryes, and acting desperate things during the peace; sucking our Towns, ransacking, killing, enslaving our people; so that you are not to complaine, but to excuse. The complaints of wrong doers are proved by actions, not discourses. And we, notwithstanding all this, resolved to observe the peace; while you seek warr, and coine complaints, which concerne not us. Men seriously embracing quiet, shake off complaints against friends, though they presse hard: But such, whom the articles of their friendship displease, study for pretexts: A thing not becoming ordinary men, much lesse Kings. Lay then these things by; and consider the multitudes to perish in this warr; and who shall beare the blame of what shall happen in it. Consider the oath you took when you receaved your money, which you slight now, but can with no so∣phistry evade. God is of a more excellent nature, then to be cosened by all the men living. Chosroes would not answer any thing to this Letter, nor dismisse Anastasius.

But in the end of the Winter, and of the thirteenth yeare of Justinians raigne; Chosroes entred the Roman territories with a great army, and so cleer∣ly brake the Perpetuall Peace. He marcht not through the midland, but with the Euphrates to his right hand. Beyond the river stands Circesium, the furthest castle the Romans have, and a very strong one. The river Aborras, being great, meetes the Euphrates there, and the castle stands in the neck of land between the two rivers; and a long wall from each river, taking in the ground with∣out the castle, makes it a triangle. Chosroes would not attempt so strong a place, nor passe the river; his designe being for Syria and Cilicia; so he marcht on; and being gone so much way, as would amount to about three ordinary dayes journey, by the bancks of Euphrates, he came to Zenobia; a City built by Zenobia the wife of Odenatus; who anciently being a Prince of the Saracens, and in amity with the Romans, recovered for them the Easterne Empire, sub∣dued by the Persians. This Zenobia Chosroes considering to be no place of im∣portance, and the Countrey about it desert, and barren; not to take time from his greater affaires, he attempted to get it by composition; and not prevailing, march't on as much way more, and came to the City of the Surenians upon the Euphrates. Staying before it, the horse he rode on neighed, and pawed with his foot; from which Omen the Magi pronounced the Town would be taken. So he encamped, and from his Camp drew his Army to assault: where an Ar∣menian, one Arsaces, who was Captain of the Garrison brought his men up to the battlements, and after a brave fight, and many enemies slaine, was kill'd by a shot; and the Persians (it being late) retired to their Camp, meaning the next day to renew the assault. But the Romans, despairing upon the death of their Commander, sent out the next day the Bishop of their City, to suppli∣cate Chosroes for the sparing themselves & the Town. Who with some attend∣ing him, and a present of fowle, wine, and fine manchets, cast himselfe downe before Chosroes, weeping, and beseeching h••m to spare miserable men, and a City of little estimation with the Romans, or Persians hitherto, and promising to pay reasonable ransome for their persons and city. Chosroes was offended with the Surenians; the first Roman subjects in his way, and refusing to re∣ceave him; nay taking armes and killing many principall Persians: but he hid his anger under a faire countenance, that by these mens chastisement he might terrify all in his way, and bring them to yeild without fighting. So he took up the Bishop very courteously, receaved his present, and pretended to com∣municate with some chief men about the ransome, and then to satisfie his re∣quest; and so sent him away without the least jealousie of his designe. With him he sent a convoy of Persians, whom he instructed to go to the Town, com∣forting the Bishop with hopes; that himself and company might be seen by the Townsmen cheerfull without feare, and when the guards opened the gate for

him, to cast a stone or piece of wood between, and himder their shutting it awhile; presently his army should follow; which he presently made ready, with command to ride full speed to the town upon signall given. The Persi∣ans came close to the town, and took leave of the Bishop, whom the Sureni∣ans seeing over-joyed, and honourably conducted by the enemy, apprehended no mischief, but set their gate wide open, and caught the bishop in their arms, applauding him. Being in, the Guards thrust the gate to shut it, but the Per∣sians having thrown a stone between, they could not get it together; and they durst not open it again, perceiving it possest by the enemy. Some report, that it was not a stone, but a piece of wood that the Persians threw down. But before the townsmen could perceive it, Chosroës came with the army, and quickly forced open the gate, and entred the town, and being in a fury, ran∣sackt the houses, kill'd most of the men, and making the rest slaves, burnt the City to the ground; and then he sent away Anastasius, willing him to carry the news to Justinian, in what part of the world he left Chosroës the sonne of Cabades. But either for covetousnesse, or kindnesse to Euphemia (whom, be∣ing one of these captives, and very beautifull, he made his wife, and infinite∣ly doted on her) he was pleased to doe the poor Surenians some good. He sent to Sergiopolis, a Roman City (bearing the name of Sergius, a famous Saint, and distant from this ruined City fifteen miles to the Southward, in the Bar∣barian plains) and directed that Candidus the bishop thereof, should ransome them, being twelve thousand captives, for two Centenaries. But he not having the money, refused it. Chosroës willed him to send him a bond to pay it hereafter, and so with a small summe to redeeme a multitude of Captives. Candidus did so, promising to pay the money within a year, confirming it by oath, and upon penalty, if it were not payd by the day, to pay it double, and to be no more a Priest for breaking his oath. This was drawn up in wri∣ting, and so he had the Surenians delivered to him: of whom the most part, not enduring the misery fallen on them, perished.

CHAP. IV.

CHosroës, this done, marcht forward. The Generall-ship of the East the Emperour had so divided, as that all to the Euphrates was left to Belisa∣rius (who formerly had the whole command) and from thence to the Persian frontier, all was under Buzes, and till Belisarius should returne out of Italy, he had the charge of the whole East; who first lay at Hierapolis with all the army. But understanding what happened to the Surenians, he called to him the chief men of Hierapolis, and told them;

That when the match is equall, there is reason to fight quickly with an enemy invading; but to men much weaker than their enemy, it is more expedient to circumvent him with stratagems, then to run into an evident danger: What forces Chosroës hath, they have heard. That if they make the war from the walls, the Persians will block them up; and furnish themselves with provisions out of their country (none opposing) while they want within; and that the siege lasting, their walls cannot hold out, being very assaultable, nor can the Romans but fall into some desperate estate. But that guarding the City with part of the army, and lodging the rest in the bottoms of the mountaines near the City, infesting the enemies camp, and his forragers with suddain courses, they will force him to raise his siege, unable to make his assaults at his ease, nor to provide food for so great an army.

The advise of Euzes seemed pertinent, but he did nothing; but went away with the choicest men of the army; and in what part of the world he was, neither the Romans in Hierapolis, nor the e∣nemy could learn. Justinian, hearing of the invasion, dispatcht Germanus, his brothers sonne, in much haste with three hundred men, promising to send a great army soon after. Who came to Antioch, visited the walls, and found much of them of good strength; the plain ground was compast by the river Orontes, and the hill was steep, craggy, and unapproachable; onely at the top

of mount Casius, he found the wall very assaultable, from a rock stretching far in bredth, and as high as the wall. He directed therefore, either to cut the rock from the wall, that none from it might get up, or else to joyn it to the wall by a tower upon it. But workmen found both these impossible, in so short time with an enemy so near, and to beginne and not perfect it, would but shew the enemy where to make their war. Germanus failing in this, and after long time seeing no army from the Emperour, nor likelyhood of any, fearing Chosroës might make it his chiefe business to take Antioch, hearing the Emperours Nephew to be within it; and the Antiochians having the same thoughts, resolved all in counsell to buy their safety with money. And to Chosroës they sent Megas, Bishop of Berrhoea, a prudent man; who finding the Persians not far from Hierapolis, and being admitted to Chosroës, besought

him to pitty men who never offended him, nor were in case to resist him. That it is not fit for a King to use violence against yeelding men; nor ge∣nerous to give the Emperour no time to consult, either for rectifying the peace, or for preparations to war, by a mutuall consent; and to invade thus without warning; their Emperour not knowing in what case they are.

The rude nature of Chosroës could not be put in tune by discreet words; they rather more swell'd him with pride and folly; threatning to destroy all the Syrians and Cilicians; and he bade Megas follow him. Then he encamped before Hierapolis; which finding strong, and a good garrison within, he sent Paul his interpreter to demand money of them; Paul was bred up in the Ro∣man Territory, and went to a Grammar-school in Antioch, and was thought to be descended of Romans. The citizens fearing their walls, which embra∣ced a great circuit to the mountaine; and willing to save their country from spoyling, agreed to give two thousand pound weight of silver. And Megas obtained of Chosroës with much intreating, to accept * ten Centenaries of gold for all the Easterne provinces, and so to leave them. Megas returned to An∣tioch; and Chosroës having his money for Hierapolis, marcht to Berrhoea, stand∣ing between Antioch and Hierapolis, from either two dayes journey. But the fourth day, Megas, with few in company, came to Antioch; and the Persian army to the suburbs of Berrhoea. Chosroës urged the Berrhoeans by Paul the in∣terpreter, for twice as much money as Hierapolis gave, because their walls were weak, nor could they trust to them. They yeelded to his demand, pay∣ing down 2000 l. weight of silver, but the other 2000 l. alledging they could not pay down; and he urging them, they fled by night to the Castle in the high town. The next day, they that came from him to receive the rest of the money, found the gates shut, and could speak with none. The King under∣standing it, by his command they entred the Citie with scaling ladders, none resisting; and opening the gates let in all the army. Chosroës in a rage would have burnt the City; but first he would take in the Castle; where some Ro∣man souldiers defended valiantly, and killed some enemies. But the Berrhoe∣ans flying to the castle with all their horses and cattell, by that niggardly trick were undone; for there being but one spring, and all the cattell suffred improvidently to drink up the water, the spring became dry; and in such e∣state they were.

CHAP. V.

BUt Megas could not perswade the Antiochians to the agreement he had made with Chosroës. For the Emperour had sent to him Ambassadours, who then abode at Antioch, Iohn the sonne of Rufinus, and Iulian his Secre∣tary; which Iulian forbade expresly to give money to the enemy; or to buy ••hus the Emperours towns. They accused also Ephraim, the Bishop of Antioch, to Germanus, of attempting to betray the City to Chosroës. So Megas depart∣ed, nothing done; and the Bishop of Antioch, fearing the Persians coming, went into Cilicia, whether soon after came Germanus with some few, leaving there most of his company. But Megas arrived at Berrhoea; and much afflicted

with what happened, complained to Chosroes for this perfideous usage, to send him to Antioch about truce, and in the mean time to ransack his coun∣trymen, who never wrong'd him; to block them up thus in the Castle, and burn and ruin their city. Your self, Sir (answered Chosroës) are too blame, making me lose my time here, and returning so long after the day appoint∣ed. For your countrymen; they contracted to pay money, which as yet they cannot think of performing; but presumptuous in their strong Castle, they put us, as you see, to the necessity of a siege: Whom I hope with the help of the Gods shortly to chastise for it, and for my Persians here lost. Megas re∣plyed;

If all must be silent, while you, a King, accuse wretched men; then am I bound to confesse without disputing; absolute power, as in all the rest, must overcome in words. But if one may (laying aside respects) stand for truth; O King! you have nothing justly to charge us with. I went the messen∣ger of your propositions to Antioch, and returning the seventh day (then which what can be more speedy) I find my country thus used by you. Who having abandoned all that is most precious, have nothing now left, but to fight for their lives; and the advantage of not paying the rest of the mony; it being impossible for men to pay what they have not. Names are ancient∣ly defined for things; Disability is one thing, and Ingratitude another. In∣deed, he that wantonly refuses, is with reason hated; but one by disability driven to the same point, is to be pittyed rather. Though the worst things are befallen us, yet, Sir! leave us with this comfort, not to have been au∣thours of our own misfortunes. Think what you have received, to be the whole summe; and enough; not weighing it by your own greatnesse, but by the the Berrhoeans ability. Force us no further; least at last you seem to want power; seeing excessive undertakings ever are rewarded with unfaisi∣bleness. The most powerfull way is to attempt no Impossibles. Let this be our apology for the present: But if I might speak with the poor men; I might say something, now not thought of.

Chosroës permitted him to goe to the Castle; who finding there what happened to their spring, weeping, he came back to Chosroës, and falling flat upon the ground, protested, the Berrhoeans had no money; and besought him to bestow the bodies of the poor men upon him. Which Chosroës granted upon his lamentable crying, and gave his faith to all in the Castle. Who being so near lost, thus came out; and went whe∣ther they pleased; and among them some of the souldiers; but the most re∣volted to Chosroës; complaining of the state to be behind in their Pay for ma∣ny years; and they went with him into Persia afterward.

CHAP. VI.

BUt then, hearing from Megas, that the Antiochians would give no mony, he marcht against them, where some were fled the City with their goods, and the rest resolved the like, if Theoctistus and Molathes, Captains of the forces in Phoenicia Libani, had not with a supply of 6000 old souldiers en∣couraged them, and stayd their flight. Shortly after came the Persian army, and encamped near the river Orontes. Chosroës sent Paul his Interpreter to de∣mand money of the city, and for ten Centenaries of Gold, or lesse, if it were payd presently, he appeared willing to have been gone. Then came to him the Ambassadours, and after much expostulation on both sides, about the break∣ing the peace, returned. The next day the common people of Antioch, who are not used to serious matters, but still to merriments and debauches, put scorns upon Chosroës, and derided him from the battlements; and had al∣most stoned Paul, if he had not foreseen and avoyded it, for exhorting them to redeem their persons and city for a little money. Chosroës incensed here∣with, resolved upon the assault; and the next day he commanded part of the army to give on by the river si••••••nd himself went against the top of the hill, where the wall is most assau••••••e. Here the Romans finding the places they were to stand and fight on, narrow, tied long beams between the turrets

fast together; and enlarged the standings for more bodies to oppose the as∣sailants. The Persians came on valiantly, and their arrows flew to the very top of the hill. The Romans, both souldiers, and many of the boldest citizens defended stoutly; the great bredth and height of the rock commanding the wall, and bringing the fight to be equall, as upon even ground. If the Ro∣mans had put out but three hundred men, and possest the rock first, and thence kept off the assailants, I doe not think the town had been endanger'd; for the Barbarians had no means from whence to assault, being beaten perpendicular from the rock and the walls both. But this was not thought of; the Antiochi∣ans being to perish by this army. The Persians having Chosroës present, and crying loud unto them, strove beyond power, giving no space to the other to spie or ward their shot. But the Romans pressing up to defend, the ropes under them which tyed the beames suddainly brake, and down they all fell: They who made good the next Turret, hearing the noise, thinking the wall to be thrown down there, ran away. Some young citizens only, who used to quar∣rell in the Circus, would run no further; being come down from the wall. But the old souldiers, with Theoctistus and Molatzes, lept on their horses, which stood ready, and rode to the gate, giving out that they went to receive in Buzes with an army with him. Thither ran also the Antiochians, men, wo∣men and children, and the place being narrow, they tumbled over one ano∣ther, overborn with the horses; and the souldiers sparing none, but rather urging on faster, that there was a great slaughter made. But the Persians set their scaling ladders, and mounted, none opposing; and a while stayd upon the battlements, as if doubtful, and discovering; lest there might be ambushes in the rough waste ground, among rocks and precipices, which is within the walls, upon the descent from the hill. Some say it was upon the advise of Chosroës, who perceiving the bad ground, and the souldiers running away, feared to necessitate their turning head upon him, which might hinder him from taking the greatest, fairest, most populous, richest, and happiest Roman City in the East; than which esteeming lesse all things else, he resolved to give the souldiers fair leisure to run away: so that the Persians pointed with their hands to them, and bade them make haste away. And they did so, with their Commanders, going out of the gate of Daphne, a suburbe of Antioch, with some few of the common people; the Persians having onely not medled with that gate, who when they saw the souldiers gone far, they descended, and from the hill fell into the midst of the City. Some young men en∣countred them, some armed with corslets, but most unarmed; onely throw∣ing stones, and driving them off a little, they seemed to have the better, and sung their Paeans, and cryed Emperour Justinian, Callinicus, or the fair Con∣querour, as it they had the victory indeed. In the mean time Chosroës sent for the Ambassadours to speak with them, sitting upon the Turret by the top of the hill; when Zaberganes, one of his commanders, conceiving the conference would be for a composition, came to him hastily, and sayd:

O Master! you differ from the Romans themselves, to think to preserve these men, who before the danger flout your Majesty, and being beaten, dare im∣possibilities and desperate acts upon the Persians; as if they feared your hu∣manity should pitty men, scorning preservation, and spare them, that will not be spared; such as lay ambushes for, and kill their Conquerours in a town taken, their own garrison having forsaken them.

Chosroës at this, sent many of his best men against them; who brought him word, that all was well; the Persians having by their numbers routed the Antiochians, with much slaughter, sparing no age. Two wives of Noblemen of Antioch are reported to have gotten without the walls, and that seeing the enemies coming to∣wards them on all sides, and fearing to be taken, and abused, they ran to the river Orontes, and covering their faces with their veils, lept into it, and were drowned. So every species of misery fell upon the Antiochians. Then did Chosroës speak thus to the Ambassadours.

The old saying, I see, is true; God ever gives the good mingled with the evill; so that we have not so much as laughter, which we repent not of. Good fortune is attended with

some cross, and pleasure with grief, suffering no prosperity untainted. This city, the most renowned of the Roman dominion, I have taken without la∣bour; God hath given me, (you see) a suddaine victory. Yet to behold the slaughter of such multitudes, & my trophy died with so much blood, it takes away the pleasure: And hereof are the miserable Antiochians guilty; who being not able to beat off the Persians, have yet with senceless rashness sought their own deaths, strugling under the yoak against men conquering them so easily. My chief men importune me to compass the city, and destroy every man in it: But I, to preserve them, direct rather to drive them on that fly; as being impious to insult on men under my power.

This Chosroes spake in a vaunt∣ing affected way to the Ambassadours; who saw for what reasons he gave the Romans leysure to run away. He was the shrewdest man living to speak things that were not; to conceale the truth; and to lay the blame upon men he wrong'd, for the faults done by himself; Ever ready to agree to any thing, and sweare to it; but more ready to forget both agreement and oath; skillfull to a∣base his mind to any abomination for money, and yet in his countenance to pretend piety, and in words to detest the action. As when he so treacherously ruined the Surenians, who never wrong'd him. Espying a principall matrone (the town being taken) drag'd violently by her left hand by a Barbarian, and with the other haling after her her little child newly weaned, and fallen to the ground, which she would not let goe, it being not able to keep pace; Here he shewed his very humour; Groaning, and seeming to the stand∣ers by, specially Anastasius the Ambassadour to weep, he pray'd God to punish the Authors of those things; intimating the Emperour; though he knew well himself to be the onely authour. With this strange bad na∣ture he became King of Persia, after rejection of the gallant Zames, for his one eye; and of the eldest Caoses, for his Fathers reasonless hatred; and he prevailed easily against his oppugners; and to the Romans did even as much mischief, as he desired. Thus Fortune, resolving to make a man great, ever acts her resolution in the fit time (none opposing the strong current of her will,) she regards not the worth of the man, nor avoids things seeming unfit, nor cares for the worlds rayling for having advanced one not deserving her grace; In brief, not thinking upon any thing, but how to bring her purpose to effect.

CHAP. VII.

CHosroes commanded his army to make slaves of the Antiochians surviving, and to ransack their estates; and himself with the Ambassadors went down from the Hill to the Church. Here he found so great treasures of gold and sil∣ver, that had he taken no other spoile, he had gone away with a huge wealth. He took down many admirable pieces of marble, which he Commanded to lay without the walls, to be carried into Persia; and then gave order to burne the City. The Ambassadours requested him, to spare the Church onely, for which he had receaved a sufficient ransome. This he granted, and commanded to set fire to all the rest; for which leaving some few, he retired to his camp. God had foreshewn a while before this calamitie to this city. The Ensignes of the Cohorts residing there, standing to the West-ward, of themselves turned to the East, and then returned where they were before, none touching them. This the Souldiers shewed, among many others, to the Pourveyor of the expence of the army, one Tatianus, born at Mopsuestia in Cilicia, a discreet man. They seeing the prodigie, knew not then how the dominion of the city would be transfer'd from the Western to the Eastern Emperour, that being appointed to suffer what fell out, they might have no means to avoid it. I am astonished, recording for ages to come this great calamitie, and comprehending what should be the will of God, highly thus to exalt some man or place, and then upon no reason appearing, to ruine them. It is not lawfull to say, but that all things by him are done with reason; who yet endured Antioch to be laid

flat with the ground by a most impious man; whose beauty and magnificence could not even then be wholy concealed. The Church onely escaped this de∣struction, by the Persians care, who had the charge of it; Many houses also were saved in the Cerataeum, not by any mans care; but standing in the furthest end of the city, not joyning to other buildings, the fire reacht them not. They burnt also all without the walls, but the Church of Saint Julian, and the houses about it, where the Ambassadours lodged. And the city-walls they wholly forbore. The Ambassadors came againe also to Chosroes, and said thus. If we did not, Sir! speak to your self present, we should not believe, that Chosroes the son of Cabades were entred the Roman Territories in armes, despising his Oath so lately sworn, (the strongest pawn of faith among men) and breaking Truce, the onely hope left in the calamities of warr. Certainly this course is to translate the life of men to that of beasts. Without Truces must be perpetuall warr, which will banish those from nature who use it. You wrote lately to your brother, that he is guiltie of breaking the Truce: confessing thereby, that Truce-breaking is a foule mischief. If the fault be not his, you do not justly to invade us. If he have done some such thing, yet pursue your action no further, and appeare the better man. He that hath the worst in the ill, ought to overcome in the better. But we know the Emperour hath not transgrest the peace; and we entreat you not to act those mischiefs upon us, which the Persians will never enjoy: and you will gaine nothing, but the fortune of doing desperate injuries to the Romans, with whom you lately made Truce. But Chosroes protested, Justinian to have broken the Truce, and recited particulars, some materiall, others slight, or counterfeited. Especially he offered to shew the Emperours letters to Alamundarus; and the Hunnes, the maine causes of the warr: but he neither alledged nor shewed, that ever any of the Romans in∣vaded the Persians, or did any hostile act. The Ambassadors denied some things, and in others laid the blame upon Justinians Ministers. In conclusion, Chosroes demanded money; not onely a present summe, being to establish a peace for ever; (For friendships gotten with money, commonly wast with the money) but a yearely pension for a firme peace, and for the Persians guard∣ing the Caspian Gates, and no more importuning about Daras; for which they shall be their perpetuall stipendiaries. What! said the Ambassadors, would you have the Romans pay them a tribute? No! quoth he, but to have the Persians their souldiers, giving them pay for their service. You give pensions to the Hunnes and Saracens, not as they are Tributaries, but to guard your Terri∣tories. After much debate, in the end they came to this accord; That Chosroes should presently receave fifty Centenaries of gold, and a perpetuall yeerly payment of five more; and so do no more mischief, but receaving ho∣stages upon this accord to retire with his whole army into his country: whither other Ambassadors should be sent from Justinian to settle a firme peace.

CHAP. VIII.

CHosroes then went on to Seleucia, a maritime city, about sixteen miles from Antioch, where neither finding nor harming any Roman, he washt onely in the Sea-water, did sacrifice to the Sun, and whom he pleased, with a deale of superstition, and rode back againe. Being come to his camp, he desired much, (as he said, onely for curiosity) to see Apamea, which stood neer. The Ambassadours unwillingly yeilded, upon condition, that having seen the city, and receaved 1000. l'. weight in silver, he should retire without spoiling it. But Chosroes appeared to the Ambassadors and all men, to take that journey, onely to catch at some triviall cause to sack the city, and coun∣trey about it. Then he went up to Daphne, a suburbe of Antioch, where he ad∣mired the Grove and the Fountaines, things worth the seeing. Having sacri∣ficed to the Nymphs, he came away, doing no mischief there, but the burning of the Temple of Michaell the Archangell, upon this mistaking. An eminent Persian, well known to the King, rode with some in his company by a ragged

piece of ground, called Tretum, where stands the Church of the Archangell made by Evaris; where finding a young man of Antioch hidden, and alone, he quitted his company and chased him. The young man was a Butcher, named Acimachus; who ready to be caught, turned upon his pursuer suddainly, and with a stone hit him under the eare into the dura mater: and being fallen down, dispatcht him with his own Cimiter, rifled his armes and apparell, got up on his horse, and rode cleer away by good chance, or his knowledge of the wayes. Chosroes was grieved at the accident, and commanded some to burne that Church of the Archangell; who thinking he meant this in Daphne, burn it with the buildings about it.

Then Chosroes with his army went to Apamea: where is a piece of wood of a cubit long, part of Christs Cross, brought thither long agoe by a Syrian. This the Inhabitants believing to be a great defence to them and their city, have put it in a casket set all with gold and precious stones, and committed it to three Priests to keep; and one day yearely the whole city brings it out, and adores it. The Apameans were affraid of the Persians coming, hearing too, how in Chosroes was no truth: and they entreated their Bishop Thomas, to shew them the wood of the Cross that they might doe it their last worship: When a miracle happened above reason and belief. The Priest carrying, and shewing the wood, a bright flame hovered above it, and the roofe over it shone with an extraordinary light. The Priest goeing round the Church, the light went a∣long, keeping still the place of the roofe directly over him. The Apameans were ravisht with delight at the miracle, at once rejoycing and weeping; and now confident of their preservation. Thomas having gone round about the Church, put up the wood of the Cross into the casket, and covered it, and sud∣dainely the shining ceased. Understanding the enemies to be neer, he went to Chosroes; who asking him if the Apameans meant to oppose his army, he ans∣wered, they had no such thought. Then open your gates (quoth Chosroes) and re∣ceave me into your city with some few. I am come (replied the Bishop) for the same purpose to invite you. So the Army pitcht their tents by the walls, and Chosroes with two hundred of his best men rode into the city. And no sooner in, but he forgot his promise to the Ambassadors, commanding the Bishop to give him not 1000 l. weight of silver onely, nor ter fold that; but all their treasures of gold and silver, being very great. I doubt not, but without scruple he had sackt, enslaved the whole city, if God had not manifestly hindred him: So did covetousness and vaine glory besot him; For to lead cities into captivity he esteemed it a great renown; and thought it nothing to use the Romans thus, contrary to accords and truces. This humour of his appeares by his attempt upon Daras, and the Callinicians during the truce, which I shall relate hereaf∣ter. But God, as I said, preserved the Apameans. When Chosroes had taken their treasures, and Thomas saw him drunk with aboundance, he brought the wood of the Cross, and opening the casket, shewed it him, saying; O Excellent King! This is all I have left; This casket beautified with gold and precious stones, I envy not unto you: Take it with all the rest. But this piece of wood is to us both preservative, and precious. I beg, and entreat you Sir to give it me. Which Chos∣roes granted. Then to shew magnificence, he willed the people to goe to the Circus; and the Charioters to run their matches; and himselfe was an earnest beholder of their sports. But hearing how Justinian was long addicted to the Veneti, meaning to be contrary to him in that also, he would procure the vi∣ctory for the Prasini. The Charioters from the starting place set out; and one that wore the Blew, got the start, another wearing Green, following close at the others wheels. Chosroes supposing it done purposely, chafed, and cry∣ed out, That Caesar was foremost; which should not be; commanding the fore∣most Chariot to stay, and so cast behind, to get afore againe if it could. His command being fulfilled, his side, the Prasini won the match. There an Apa∣mean came, and complained to him of a Persian, for entring his house, and for∣cing his daughter a virgin. He in a great rage, commanded the man to be produced, and crucified in the campe; But the people clamour'd to him, and beg'd to spare the man. Chosroes promised to pardon him, but shortly after

secretly crucified him; and these things done, rode back with his army.

And at Chalcis, distant ten miles and a half from Berrhoea, He forgot the ac∣cord againe; encamped before the city, and sent Paul the interpreter, threat∣ning to force their city, unless they buy their safety, ransome themselves, and deliver him the Souldiers in their town with their Commander. The Chalci∣ans feared both the Emperours, and swore they had no souldiers; hiding most of them, and Adonachus their Captaine, in poore cottages from the ene∣my; And getting up hardly * two Centenaries of gold, (their city being not rich) with it they ransomed their bodies and city. From hence Chosroes meant to make his retreat, not by the way he came, but to cross the Euphrates, and plunder Mesopotamia. Neer Obbane, which stands five miles from the castle of Barbalissus, he made a bridge, and went over, signifying to the army to fol∣low, and that the third day by such an houre, he would take up the bridge; and some of them chancing to be cast behind, at the houre, he not regarding them, sent to take up the bridge, and they got home as they could.

CHAP. IX.

CHosroes was then ambitious to take Edessa; induced by a confident tra∣dition among the Christians, (which troubled him) that it was never to be taken; affirmed upon this ground. Augarus, long agoe Toparch of Edessa (so they then called their nationall Kings) was one of the wisest men of his time, and for that cause in much savour with the Emperour Augustus. Desir∣ing to be a Roman Confederat, he went to Rome; and conferring with Augu∣stus, so amazed him with his wit, and inamour'd him with his conversation, that he would not part with him, though he urged his dismission. At last, after long absence, longing to returne to his country, but not persuading Augu∣stus to let him goe; he used this devise. He went out neer Rome to hunt (being therein studious) and compassing much country, took many wild beasts alive, and from every countrey where he caught them, carried of the earth home with him to Rome, together with the beast. Augustus sitting in the Circus (as his manner was) Augarus came to him, and shewed him the beasts, and the earth, and which country earth belong'd to every beast. The earth he caused to be laid in severall parts of the Circus, and the beasts from one place to be let goe: When every beast leaving one another, ran to the country earth from whence he was taken. Augustus beheld it long and earnestly, wondring to see nature untaught make even to beasts desirable their native earth. Then Auga∣rus suddainly taking him by the knees, said, O Sir! And what mind doe you think I have, who have wife and children, and a Kingdom (though a small one) in mine own countrey? Augustus overcome, and forced with the truth, dismissed him, though unwillingly; and bad him ask him some thing. Augarus prayed him to build a Circus at Edessa; which being granted him, and he dismissed, he came home. His Subjects askt him; what good he had brought them from the Emperour Augustus. He answered, That he had brought a Grief without damage, and a joy without gaine; intimating the fortune of the Horse-races. Augarus growing old, and vexed with a grievous gout, and the paine, and sitting still troubling him, he consulted with the skillfullest Physicians from all lands; but finding no ease, he forsook them, and absolutely despairing, bewayled his fortune. At that time Jesus, the Son of God, conversed in the body with the people of Palestine; by committing no sin, and by working miracles, mani∣festing himself indeed the Son of God. He raised dead men, as from sleep; to men born blind he opened their eyes, cleansed leprous bodyes, lame feet he set loose, and did what ever Physicians pronounce incurable. Augarus hearing the relation from some Palestinians, residing at Edessa, took comfort, and wrote to Jesus, to leave Jury, and those ungratefull men, and to live with him. Christ wrote back againe to Augarus, refusing to come, but promising health by his Letter. They say he added this, That the city should never be conquered by the Barbarians. This Postscript, the writers of the history of

that time knew not of; but the Edessenians affirme to have found it with the Epistle; which Epistle they have hung for a defence, engraven upon their city gates. But shortly after it came under the Persian, not forced, but thus. Augarus upon the letter from Christ, grew well, and having lived long, de∣ceased. But his son succeeding him, being the ungodlyest man living, wrong∣ed his subjects; for which fearing the Romans chastisement, he revolted to the Persians. But long afterwards the Edessenians killed the Barbarian Garrison, and yeilded their city to the Romans. Which Chosroes knowing, studies to re∣cover the city: and this I guess by things happened in my time, which shall be related in their seasons. And I have had a conceit, that if Christ did not write that Postscript, yet (men having that opinion) he would keep the city from taking; that he might give them no excuse of wandring.

But upon this ground Chosroes much affected the taking of Edessa. At Batne, a little Town three dayes journey from Edessa, he lodged his army; and by break of day was marching toward Edessa. But they went out of their way so, that the next night they lodged in the same place: and this happened twice: And when with much adoe he was gotten to Edessa, they say, his chopps swell'd with Rhewme; which so troubled him, that he resolved not to attempt the city. But he sent Paul, and demanded money of them. They said, that of their city they had no feare; but not to hurt their towns, and villages, they agreed upon two Centenaries of gold; which he receaved, and kept his agreement.

CHAP. X.

THen came letters from Justinian to Chosroes, agreeing to ratifie the trea∣tie between him and the Ambassadours; upon which he discharged the Hostages, and prepared for his retreat; being pleased to ransome the Antio∣chian captives: the Edessenians therein shewed an incredible alacrity. Not a man, but according to his ability brought the ransomes into the Church, and some above ability. Courtisans threw in their Jewells, and the husbandman, wanting money or householdstuffe, brought his asse or poore ewe to the Church, that a great quantity was gathered of gold and silver, and other goods; but none of it was given for the ransome. Buzes being there, prohi∣bited the ransoming, expecting some great gaine out of it. So Chosroes with the captives marcht on. The Carrenians met him, and offered him a great summe, but being no Christians but Heathens, he would not take it. But of the Constantinians he took their monie, yet claimed the city to be his from his An∣cestors. For Cabades having taken Amida, would have also gotten Edessa, and Constantina. And being before Edessa, he demanded of the Magi, if it were to be wonne, pointing with his right hand to the place. They told him, no. For by stretching his right hand to it, he gave a symbole, not of taking, or of hurt∣ing the city, but of preservation. He was satisfied with this, and led his army against Constantina, and encamped, with purpose to besiege the town. Barado∣tus then Bishop of the city (an upright godly man, mighty with God in pray∣er, whose very countenance shewed him to be indeed gracious with God) came to Cabades with a present of wine, dry ••iggs, hony, and fine manchets; and besought him, not to attempt a town of no importance, neglected by the Romans, without garrison, or other defence, but the poore miserable inhabi∣tants. Cabades upon this, not onely bestowed the city upon him, but gave him all the store-victualls of the army for the siege, and then departed out of the Roman territory. Hereupon Chosroes claimed the city to belong to him from his Father.

Being come to Daras, he sate down before it. Within, the Romans, and the Generall Martinus prepared for their defence. The city hath two walls, the innermost large and faire, and sixty foot high, with turrets; all one hundred foot high: The outward wall is much lesse, but strong and of good importance. The ground between is about fifty foot broad; where, upon the approach of

an enemy, the Darenians put their cattle. At first Chosroes with multitude of arrows forced upon the walls to the West-ward, and set fire to the gates of the lesser wall; but none durst enter. Then he wrought a Mine closely on the East-side of the town, the rest of it being built upon a rock. The Persians be∣ginning from the town ditch, being very deep, were neither seen, nor at all discovered by the enemy. And now they were under the foundation of the outter wall, and in the ground between the walls, and shortly to pass the great wall, and take the town; when from the camp of Chosroes, about noon, came a man (or more than a man) all alone to the wall, seeming to gather up the scattered arrows; and withall warding with his shield, to flout those upon the battlements. Then discovering the businesse, he bade them watch∣fully provide for their safety, and went his way. The Romans immediately dig'd for life in the ground between the walls; which the Persians not discern∣ing, went on with their work, in a streight line to the wall; and the Romans, by the advise of Theodorus, a famous Ingineer, traversed with their Mine very deep, that in the end the Persians in the ground between the walls, fell sud∣dainly into the Romans cross Mine; who killed the first comers, but the rest escaped to the camp. The Romans would not pursue them in the dark. Chosroes failing in this, and seeing no hope of taking the town, capitulated for a thou∣sand pound weight of silver, which he had from the besieged, and went home. Justinian, for this attempt of Chosroes upon Daras, during the truce, refused to ratifie the Treaty. And this was the successe of Chosroes first Invasion, and so the summer ended.

In Assyria he built a City a dayes journey from Ctesiphon, and named it Antioch of Chosroes, planting there the Antiochian captives. He built them a publique Bath, and a Circus, and fitted it for other delights; bringing from Antioch, and other Roman Cities, Charioters, and skilfull Musicians. He kept these Antiochians at the publique charge, not like captives; and term∣ed them Basilici, as exempt from all Magistrates but the King. If a Roman captive ranne from his Master, and fled to this Antioch of Chosroes, being there avowed by an inhabitant for his Kinsman, he might not be led away by his master, though a very principall Persian. The Prodigy which befell the Antiochians in the reign of Anastasius was now consummated. A strong wind then, and a suddain, blew up by the rootes, the goodly tall Cypresses in Daphne, the suburb of Antioch; it being not lawfull to cut them. Shortly after this prodigy, in the reign of Justine, an Earthquake shook the City so, that it overthrew most of the buildings, and destroyed three hundred thousand men. But in this last destruction the City, as I have related, was even ruined.

And now Belisarius the Emperour sent for to Constaentinople; where having wintred, at the beginning of the spring he sent him Generall against Chos∣roes; with the Commanders who came with him out of Italy. Of whom Va∣lerianus was made Generall of the Cohorts in Armenia; Martinus being formerly sent into the East; so that, as I said, Chosroes found him at Daras. Of the Goths, Vitigis stayd at Constantinople; the rest served with Belisarius against Chosroes. At this time the Ambassadour of Vitigis, who called him∣self a Bishop, dyed in Persia. The other stayd awhile with them for an In∣terpreter, then retired into Roman land; where John, commander of the forces in Mesopotamia, took him near Constantina, and imprisoned him; and being que∣stioned, he told him all his negotiation. Belisarius made haste to prevent any new Invasion of Chosroes; But

CHAP. XI.

IN the mean time Chosroes led an army into Lazica, upon this ground invi∣ted by the Lazians. The Lazians first inhabited Cholchis, and were subject to the Romans; not to payment of tribute: Onely upon decease of their King,

the Roman Emperour sent to the Successor the Ensignes of Majesty; and they guarded the marches of their country; that the Hunnes might not by Mount Caucasus (which borders with them) passe through Lazica, and invade the Romans. Neither for this received they money, nor army from the Romans, nor served in their wars; only they trafficked in Merchandise with the Romans of Pontus; bartring skins, hides, and slaves for corn, salt, and other com∣modities they want. But upon the accident formerly recited by me, to Gur∣genes King of Iberia, some Roman forces were lodged in Lazica; with whom the Barbarians were discontented, and chiefly with Peter the General, a man naturally mischeivous. He was born in Arzanéne, a country beyond the river of Nymphius, subject to the Persians. Being a child, he was taken captive by Justine, invading Persia with Celers army after the taking of Amida; who used much humanity to him, and sent him to a Grammar school. Then was he Scribe to Justine; who comming to the Empire upon the death of Ana∣stasius, made him a Generall, wherein he grew infinitely covetous, and lewd to all men. Justinian afterward sent Commanders into Lazica, and at last Iohn Tzibus; a man raised from mean condition, and advanced to this Ge∣neralship, onely for being the wickedest of all men, and very sufficient to find unjust revenues. And he ruined and confounded the affairs of the Romans and Lazians. He perswaded Justinian to build a Sea-town in Lazica, called Pe∣tra: Where sitting, as in a Cittadell, he made booty of Lazica. He prohibi∣ted Merchants to import Salt, or other provisions to the Lazians, nor to buy ought of them; but setting up a Monopoly at Petra, himself was both retailer, and sole master of the sayd trade, and sold to the Lazians, not at usuall prizes, but as he list. The people also were displeased at the Roman army, ly∣ing upon their country, not formerly used; and not enduring it, resolved to revolt to the Persians. And (unknown to the Romans) they sent Ambassadors to negotiate the same with Chosroes, with instructions to take assurance from Chosroes, not to leave the Lazians to the Romans without their consent; and so to come home with an army of Persians. These Ambassadors in Persia get∣ing private accesse to Chosroes, spake thus.

Great King, if ever fortune did gladly reduce men revolted foolishly from their friends to strangers, such think us the Lazians to be. We were ancient allyes of the Persians, and did, and received many good turns; the monuments whereof remaine to this day, both among our Records, and in your royall Palace. But in succeed∣ing times, our ancestors either neglected by you, or upon some other ground, entred into league with the Romans. And now both we and our King present to the Persians our selves and country, praying you to consider of us thus. If upon no hard measure from the Romans, but of meer ill nature, we come to you, reject us, as not likely to be faithfull to you. The manner of break∣ing friendship, is a detection of that made with others. But being to the Romans friends in words onely, but in effect trusty slaves, and suffering most unrighteous tyranny; receive us for your servants, formerly your friends; detest a bitter tyranny risen so near you; and doe things worthy the justice naturall to the Persians. He is not just who does no wrong himself, if he re∣scue not men oppressed by others, being able. To speak some of the things practised by these accursed Romans: To our King they have left the only out∣side of Royalty, themselves have usurped the authority. The King, in the condition of a minister, stands in aw of a Generall directing him. They have laid an army upon us, not to guard our country (for none molest us but themselves) but to lock us up in prison, while themselves are masters of what is ours. Nay, see Sir! a more expedite devise of theirs to rob us. Their own superfluities they compell us to buy, and they buy what Lazica affords for their use; but so, as the price in both is set down as our conquerours please. And thus they rob us of our necessary commodities, and our mony too; under the specious name of Trade, being indeed a meer oppression. Over us is a Governour, a retailer, with his authority making a trade upon our wants. This being the cause of our revolt, it hath the justice of it in it self. But as to the commodity resulting to you by accepting the Lazians;

you shall add unto the Persian Empire an ancient Kingdom, and therein en∣large your glory. Then shall you by our Countrey have the conveniencie of using to Roman Seas. Wherein building shipps, the very Palace of Constanti∣nople will be accessible unto you, with ease, nothing being between to stop you. Adde also, that it will be in your power, for the bordering Barbarians to spoile the Romans every yeare, Lazica, (as you know) being now their on∣ly rampier against the mountaines of Caucasus. So that right leading, and profit following, not to admit our proposition, is certainely no good coun∣sell. Chosroes was pleased with this discourse, and agreed to aide the Lazians:

Demanding of the Ambassadors, if it were possible for a great army to march into Lazica, which he heard to be scarce passable for a traveller, being moun∣tainous, and for a long way entangled with thick woods. They told him that by cutting the trees, and throwing them into the ill passages, there would be easie way for his whole army; and they promised to be his guides, and to work in the head of the army. Chosroes encouraged herewith, gathered a great ar∣my, and prepared for the voyage, not discovering his intent, but to his most secret Counsellors, and charging the Ambassadors not to reveale their nego∣ciation. His pretence was, a journey into Iberia, to settle things there; where a nation of Hunnes was reported to invade the Persian dominion.

In the meane time Belisarius gather'd together the army in Meso∣potamia, and sent some into Persia to discover; intending to encounter the enemy there, if he invade againe; and he mustred, and furnished his Soul∣diers; being naked, and unarm'd, and afraid of the name of a Persian. The espialls returning assured him, there would bee no invasion; Chosroes being engaged in a warr with the Hunnes. Belisarius upon this re∣solved to enter the enemies land with his army. Arethas came up to him with an army of Saracens; And the Emperour wrote to him to invade the enemies countrey immediately. So that calling to him the Commanders at Daras, he 'spake thus. Fellow Commanders! I know you experienced in many warrs; and I call you not now, by remembrances or exhortations to provoke your resolution against the enemy (I doe not thinck you need discourses to make you valiant); but that by consulting we may chuse the best for the Emperours affaires. For the warr, more then any thing affects the directions of good counsell: And those who counsell, must be free from awe and feare. For feare amazing, suffers not the judgement to make choice of the best things: And awe clouding better determinations, carries the judgement com∣monly to the worse. If therefore the Emperour or my self, be thought to have made any resolution already, believe it not. For he being farr distant from the affaires, cannot fit proceedings to new occasions; and so there is no feare; if by crossing him, you effect what is most expedient for his affaires. And me, being but a man, and af∣ter a long time come from the West, something cannot but passe unseen. So that with∣out standing in awe of my opinion, you are to speak boldly what is best for your selves and the Emperour. At first, we came hither to restraine the enemy from invading our countrey. But now, things succeeding above our hopes, we may consult concern∣ing his countrey. For which purpose being now assembled, it is fit for every man to speak freely, what he holds most expedient. Belisarius spake thus; and Peter and Buzes bad lead on the army without delay into the enemies countrey, whose vote all the Assembly followed. Requithancus and Theoctistus, commanders of the forces in Phoenicia Libani, said, they approved the invasion also, but feared in their absence, Alamundarus would forrage Phoenicia and Syria, and that the Emperour might be offended for their not guarding the country under their charge: So they refused to accompany the army. Belisarius said, they imagined that which was not; For being now Summer, two moneths of this season the Saracens consecrate to their God, and make no inroads. And so promising to dismisse them, and their troopes within two moneths, he commanded them to goe along, and with much diligence prepared for the Invasion.

CHAP. XII.

BUt Chosroes and the Persian army, being come through Iberia to the con∣fines of Lazica, guided by the Ambassadors, cut the tree•• which they found thick and entangled, and threw them into the steep and ragged wayes, and so past easily, none encountring them. When they were come into the midst of Lazica (where the Poets fain to have been acted the fortunes of Jason and Medea) Gubazes, King of the Lazians, came and adored Chosroes as his ma∣ster; rendring himself with his Royall Palaces, and all Lazica. Petra stands in Lazica upon the Euxine Sea, formerly a meane town, but by Justinian fur∣nished with walls, and other ornaments, and made a strong famous place. Chosroes understanding the Roman Forces with John Tzibus to be there, sent an army, and Aniavedes Generall thereof, to surprize it. But John knowing their coming, directed no man to sally, nor to be seen upon the battlements; and he placed his forces in armes, close to the gates, commanding them not to ut∣ter the least sound or voice. The Persian being come before the walls, and see∣ing no man, supposed the city wast, and abandoned by the enemy. So he ap∣proach't to set up scaling ladders, expecting none to defend, because he saw nor heard no enemy, and he sent to Chosroes, to let him know, what they found. He sending the most of his army, commanded a generall assault, and one of the Commanders to make use of the Ramme neer the gates, and from the neer∣est hill to the city himself was a spectator of the business. When suddainly the Romans opened the gates, and falling upon the enemy unaware, killed most of them, specially those about the Ramme; The rest with their Generall ran away and escaped. Chosroës in anger crucified Aniavedes, for being over-stragem'd by John, a retailer, and no souldier. Some say he crucified, not Aniavedes, but the commander who attended the Ramme. Then himself with his whole army encamped before the town; and perceaving upon view the fortifications not very tenable, he brought on his forces, commanding to shoot at the battle∣ments. The Romans defending with their engines, and shot, at first the Persi∣ans (though they shot thick) hurt little; but suffred much, being shot from high. Afterward (for Petra was to be taken by Chosroës) John, being shot into the neck, died. Then the Romans became careless; and it growing dark the Bar∣barians retired. The next day, they drew a mine to the town: which for steepe rocks about it, is not accessible, nor yet to the sea-ward; but by one narrow entrance only upon plaine ground, with high clifts on each side. There the builders of the city foreseeing the walls easie to be forced, made from each clift a long wall, a crosse the entrance, and at each end two turrets, wrought with great stones, not hollow in the middle, but whole from the ground, and very high, and the stones so joyned, as not to be shaken with Ramme or other engine. The Persians closely with their mine, were come under one of these turrets; whence carrying out the stones, they set up tim∣bers, and put fire to them. Which encreasing by degrees, crumbled and brake the firme ess of the stones, and so loosening the Turret, down it came suddain∣ly. The Romans in it perceaved it just so much before, as not to fall with the Turret, and to get within the city walls. Then the Enemy could easily force their entrance upon even ground. But the Romans affrighted, came to a par∣ly, and receaving Chosroës oath, for their persons, and goods, yeilded them∣selves and the city by composition. Chosroes finding in Petra much wealth be∣longing to John, took it; but of any other, himself nor the Persians toucht nothing; And the Romans, having every man his own, mingled with the Per∣sian army.

CHAP. XIII.

BElisarius heard nothing from these parts; but marcht with the army toward Nisibis; and being half way thither kept his right hand way, where

were store of springs, and a spacious champian to encampe. But some had no mind to goe on, so that Belisarius made this speech to the Commanders.

I did not mean to publish my determination: For a word vented in a camp spreds at last even to the enemy. But I see every man will be an absolute Commander; therefore I shall impart, what I thought to conceale; with this preamble, that when in an army many will be absolute, nothing can be well done. Certainly Chosroes invading others, hath not left his own country without guard, especially this City, being the first therof and a rampire to the rest; wherein, I know, he hath lodged a garrison so strong, and of so good men, as will be able to oppose our assaults. A demonstration thereof is Na∣bedes their Commander, who next to Chosroes is the prime man for reputa∣tion in Persia. Who doubtlesse will set upon us, and we shall not be rid of him, without vanquishing him in fight. If we fight near the city, the Per∣sians will have the advantage, backt with their fortification, to follow their execution securely, if they overcome; and if they be overcome, to be pre∣sently within their walls, which you see well defended, and inexpugnable. On the other side, if we rout them, we may enter the town pell-••ell with the enemy, or thrust between them, and force them to fly to some other re∣gion, and so get Nisibis, having none to defend it.

Upon this speech of Be∣lisarius, the rest obeyed, and kept within the camp: Onely Peter, General of Armenia, stood still, with a good part of the army under his command, a mile and a quarter from Nisibis. Belisarius put in order of battail the troupes with himself, and sent direction to Peter to stand in readinesse till he gave the sig∣nall, and to observe at noon, that the Barbarians will sally, because them∣selves dine in the evening, and the Romans at noon. But Peters men slighted his commands, and being faint with the sunne (for that city is extremely hot) layd down their arms, and disorderly fell to gather figs, without apprehen∣sion of an enemy. Which Nabedes observing, gallopt up to them with his army. They seeing them issue out of the gates (being in an open champian) sent to Belisarius to succour them; and themselves tumultuously, and in con∣fusion encountred. Belisarius, before the messenger came, saw the enemies mo∣tion by the dust raised, and with his troupes rode amain to their succour. But in the mean time the Persians charged them; which they not enduring, ran away. The enemy pursuing took Peters Ensign, and slew fifty of them. Doubt∣less they had dyed every man, if Belisarius had not received them into his troups, much distressed. Where first the Goths presenting their long thick Lances, the Persians stood them not, but fell to running, and the Romans, and Goths pursuing killed a hundred & fifty of them. The chase was not long. So the enemy got within their walls, and the Romans returned to their camp. The next day the Persians set the Ensign of Peter for a trophy, upon one of the turrets; and laught and brag'd, but durst sally no more out of their forti∣fications.

Belisarius considering Nisibis strongly scituated, and having no hope to take it, urged to rise thence, and to march, where they might suddainly spoyl the enemy. So after a dayes march he came to a castle of the Persians called Sisibranum, full of inhabitants, and eight hundred of the best Persian horsmen to guard it; commanded by Blechames, a principal man. The Romans encamp∣ed before the Castle, and assaulting were repulsed with losse of many; the walls being strong, and the Barbarians opposing obstinately. Belisarius then called his fellow Commanders, and told them;

How experience of many wars taught them to foresee the event in actions doubtful, and before dis∣asters to chuse the better way. That they knew their disadvantage now, marching in an enemies country, full of strong Garrisons. If they goe on, it is likely that from Nisibis the enemy will follow them, and infest them with ambushes. And if another army meet them, they will be forced to a battail with both, and may be undone. Then if they be routed, they have no means of retreat into Roman land. They should not therefore crush them∣selves with inconsiderate industry, nor with ambition to winne, hurt the Roman affairs. An ignorant daring brings to destruction, and a sober de∣laying

laying preserves men. That themselves therefore should sit down before the Castle, and that Arethas with his Saracens (men unapt for assaults, but excel∣lent plunderers) should enter Assyria, and with them some of their best soul∣diers. These, if no opposition appear, to take the spoyl; and (the enemy op∣posing) to retire to this army: Which if it take the Castle, may passe the Tigris, fearing no mischief behind, and informed in what state the Assyrians are.

They all approved this advise of Belisarius: Who accordingly commanded Arethas to go against the Assyrians, and sent with him 1200 souldiers, most of his own Targettiers, commanded by two of his Lanciers, Trajanus and John sirnamed Phagas, and directed to be obedient to Arethas, whom he instructed to forrage the countries, and coming back to the camp, to report what forces the Assyrians had. These past the Tigris into Assyria, found the country rich, and without guard, and so ransackt many towns and got much wealth. Be∣lisarius in the mean time understood from Persian prisoners, That the Castle (not using, as Daras and Nisibis, to lay in yearly provisions, and then prevent∣ed by an enemy, and having brought in none, and many suddainly resorting thither for refuge) wanted provisions. He sent therefore George, a wise man, and trusted with his secrets, to try if the place might be had by composition. Who with his reasons, and fair words, prevailed with them to take assurances for their safety, and to render themselves and the Castle to the Romans. Be∣lisarius did no harm to the Inhabitants, being Christians, and antiently Ro∣mans. The Persians with Blechames he sent to Constantinople, and threw down the walls of the Castle. These Persians and Blechames the Emperour sent into Italy against the Goths.

But Arethas, fearing the Romans might take away his booty, would return no more to the camp. And he commanded some scoutes sent out purposely by him, to report a great army of enemies to be at the passage of the river; up∣on which he advised John and Trajan to return some other way into the Ro∣man Territories. So they went not to Belisarius, but keeping the Euphrates on their right hand, came to Theodosiopolis, standing upon the river of Abor∣ras. The Roman army with Belisarius, hearing nothing of these forces, were troubled and affraid: And the said siege having being long in the Persian Mesopotamia, infinitely hot; the men being not used to heats, specially those of Thrace; and stirring much in them, and lodging in close cabbins in the summer, the third part of them lay half dead with Feavers; and all were ear∣nest to be gone home; specially Requithancus, and Theoctistus, Captaines of Phoenicia Libani. Who importuned Belisarius (the Saracens consecrated time being past) protesting to stay there to no purpose, and in the mean time to abandon the towns of Libanus and Syria to Alamundarus. Belisarius hereupon called a counsell, where John the sonne of Nicetas first rose, and spake thus;

Excellent Belisarius! I think the world hath not had, neither for time nor va∣lour, a Captain like your self. This opinion prevailes not onely with Ro∣mans, but with all Barbarians. And certainly hereby you will preserve this glory firm, if you bring us alive into the Roman dominions; as we now are, our expectations are not fair. Our Saracens, and best men are come over the Tigris, and gone into our upper Provinces, so fast, as not to send us so much as a messenger. Requithancus and Theoctistus will be instantly gone; supposing Alamundarus forraging Phoenicia: and of the rest we have more sick, then sound men, to bring them into the Roman dominions. Such, as if an enemy light on us here, or upon our retreat, not a man will be left to report our disaster to the Romans at Daras. To march up higher, I think it not pos∣sible in reason. Whilst therefore some hope is left, 'tis good counsell to make a faire retreat; and madness for men in our danger, not to advise upon safety, but designes on an enemy.

All approved this speech of John; and cryed out for a speedy retreat. So Belisarius put his sick into waggons, and led home the army; where he heard what Arethas had done, but could have no right of him, being not yet come to him.

Chosroes in the mean time, having taken Petra, had the newes of Belisarius invasion; of the battaile by Nisibis; the taking of Sisabranum, and what the

forces, which with Arethas past the Tigris, had done. So leaving a Garrison in Petra, he went into Persia with the rest of his army, and Roman captives. These were the occurrents of Chosroes's second invasion; And Belisarius was by the Emperour sent for to Constantinople, where he spent his Winter.

CHAP. XIV.

IN the beginning of the Spring, Chosroes invaded the Roman territorie the third time, with a great army; keeping the Euphrates to his right hand. Candidus, Bishop of Sergiopolis, having not kept his day with Chosroes, was a∣fraid, and came to the Persian Camp; where he besought Chosroes not to be of∣fended with him; That he never had money, nor ever thought of ransoming the Surenians himselfe; he had been a sutor to the Emperour, but got no good. But Chosroes put him in prison, and bitterly tortured him, and bad him pro∣cure double the summe formerly agreed. He prayed him to send to Sergiopo∣lis, to receave the treasures of the Church; which Chosroes did, and Candidus sent some with his messengers: to whom the Sergiopolitans gave many of those treasures, protesting to have nothing left. But Chosroes said, those should not suffice; he must have more; and he sent some in pretence to make privy search for their wealth, but indeed to surprize the city: But Sergiopolis was not then to be taken. For a Saracen under Alamundarus (being a Christian) named Ambrus, came under the wall by night; revealed the plot; and bad them re∣ceave no Persians into their town. So Chosroes seeing his men returne without effect, in a great rage sent six thousand men to force the town. Who assaulted, and the Sergiopolitans at first defended bravely. But grown weary and affraid, they advised to render the city; having but two hundred Souldiers within. But Ambrus came againe by night, and told them that within two dayes the Persians would raise their siege; their water absolutely failing. Whereupon they refused to parly; and the enemy afflicted with third, rose, and returned to Chosroes. Who would not dismiss Candidus: It behoved, I think, that having broke his oath, he should no more be a Priest.

But when Chosroes came into Comagena, called Euphratesia, he would not forrage, nor take townes, as having spoiled all in Syria formerly in his way, and either sackt or ransom'd them, as hath been said. But his intent was to march directly into Palestine, and there to take the spoile, especially of the Treasures at Jerusalem; hearing the Province was fertile, and richly inhabited. The Ro∣mans both Commanders and Souldiers had no mind to meet the enemy, to stay his passage; but thought it enough within their fortifications to preserve them, and themselves. Justinian advertised of this invasion, againe sent Belisa∣rius; who taking Post-horses, arrived with great speed, (having no Souldiers with him) in Comagena. Justus the Emperors brothers son, with Buzes and some other, were gotten into Hierapolis; and hearing Belisarius to be neer, wrote this letter to him. Chosroes, as your self know, hath againe invaded the Romans, with a much greater army then formerly. Whither he intends, he yet makes no shew: onely we heare, he is very neer, and hurts no town in his way, still marching forward. Come therefore speedily unto us, if possibly you can slip by the enemy; that you may be preserved for the Emperour, and guard here Hierapolis with us. Belisarius liked not this letter, but went to Europus, a town upon the Euphrates; from whence he sent, and levyed an army; which encamped there; and to the commanders he returned this answer; If Chosroes goe against other people, and not Romans, you have fallen upon a most safe counsell. They who by lying still can avoid the mis∣chief, are madd to run into a needless danger. But you being quit of the Barbarian, he will fall upon some other country, the best he can find, and without garrisons; Know then, that a valiant death is better, then such a preservation, or rather trea∣son. Come you therefore speedily to Europus; where assembling our whole forces, we shall effect upon our enemies, what God shall grant us. The Commanders took heart at this letter; and leaving Justus with some to guard Hierapolis, the rest went to Europus.

CHAP. XV.

WHen Chosroes heard Belisarius to be at Europus, he march't no further; but sent to him one of his Secretaries, named Abandanes, (a very dis∣creet man,) to complaine; that Justinian had not sent his Ambassadors to ra∣tifie the treaty. Of whose coming Belisarius understanding, he chose six thousand the goodliest of his men, as if he would send them out to hunt. He commanded also Diogenes, one of his Lanciers, and Adolius, the son of Acacius and Armenian (one of those who attend in the Emperours Palace to keep off noise, whom the Romans call Silentarij, and now Captaine of the forces in Armenia) to skirt along the shore of Euphrates, with a thousand horse, and at times to make shew to passe the river to invade their countrey. Himself hearing the Ambassador to be at hand, retired to his pavillion, which uses to be made with boards; that he might seeme to the Ambassador, to be in a poore town without pro∣visions. His souldiers he thus disposed. On the one side of his pavillion, were the Thracians, and Illyrians; and behind them the Goths; and next the Heru∣lians; then the Vandales and Moores. They took up much space, not standing still, but walking at distance, and looking carelesly, and confidently upon the Ambassador. None had his mantle on, but linnen coates like women girt about them, and in their hands a Horsemans-whip. For armes some had swords, some battle axes, others bowes onely; looking like hunters, in all hast, (omit∣ting all) to be pursueing the wild beasts. Abandanes the Ambassador, coming to Belisarius said, That it was a foule indignity, that Cesar (so the Persians call the Roman Emperour) had not sent Ambassadors about the Articles, which had constrained his master to enter the Roman territory in armes. Belisarius not fear∣ing their great army, and without any trouble in his mind or countenance, smiled, and with a cheerfull look answered him; Men doe not censure the acti∣ons of Chosroes by the same reasons he does them by: other men demanding ought of their neighbours, send Ambassadors first, and if they get not right, then they make warr. But he being in armes in the heart of our provinces, shamelesly now talks of peace. Having thus said, he dismissed the Ambassador. Who coming back to Chosroes, perswaded him to lay down armes, telling him; That he lighted up∣on a captaine the stoutest, and the wisest in the world, and upon such souldiers as he never beheld the like; whose order he extreamely admired. Then was the match between them unequall; He overcoming, should onely vanquish a slave of Cesars; but being overcome, should get infinit dishonour to him and his house. The Romans also being beaten, may escape into their fortresses, and in their own countrey. But if other then well happen to his army, there will be no messenger left to report the cala∣mity in Persia. Chosroes upon these reasons, had a mind to goe home, but was troubled, knowing the passages of the river to be guarded by the enemy: and march the same way againe through a wilderness he could not, the provisions they brought with them failing. In conclusion he thought it best, though with hazarding a battaile, to get to the land on the other side the river, and so to march through a plentifull countrey. Belisarius knew well, that not 100000. men could hinder his passage; the river being passable by boats, and his army stronger, then to be barred their way by few enemies. Having also, as I said, commanded Diogenes and Adolius with a considerable party to the shore, to amaze the enemy with suddainess, and to put him in disorder: Now he fear∣ed, least by frighting him, he might interrupt his quitting the Roman territo∣ry; thinking it a matter of much importance, to drive him away, without hazarding with a very small army, heartily affraid of the Persians, against so many thousands. Wherefore he bad Diogenes and Adolius stay. And Chosroes speedily making a bridge, pass'd with his army over the Euphrates. Which was done with ease, the Persians having in their marches, ever ready, great iron hooks, wherewith they fasten long timbers together, and make a bridge sud∣dainly. Being upon the other side, he sent to tell Belisarius, that he had grati∣fied the Romans with his retreate, but expected Ambassadors from them imme∣diatly. Belisarius also passed the Euphrates, and sent some to Chosroes, to com∣mend

him for retiring; to promise Ambassadors forthwith from the Em∣perour, to finish the articles accorded; and to desire him in his passage through the Roman subjects, to use them as friends. Which he promised, so he might have some principall man for hostage of performance of what they under∣took. Belisarius hearing what he said, sent him from Edessa John, the son of Basilius, an unwilling hostage; being the chief man in the city for birth and estate. But the Romans much extolled Belisarius, who in this action seemed to gaine more reputation, then when he brought Gelimer and Vitigis prisoners to Constantinople. The truth is, it deserved highly to be valued, when the Ro∣mans were terrified, and hid in their fortresses, and Chosroes with a mighty ar∣my in the midst of their country, for a Generall coming post from Constan∣tinople, to encamp with a few in the face of Chosroes; to stop him; and then, either frighting him with his fortune and valour, or deceaving him with art, to make him in effect run away, and in words desire a peace.

But Chosroes neglected his agreement, and took Callinicum, none being to guard it. Their walls, being decayed, they were ever taking down to rebuild them, and then they had opened a piece, and not made it up. When they heard the enemy to be neer, the richer sort carried out their goods, and re∣tired to other strong places. The residue, with a number of peasants flock't thither, continued in the town without any garrison. These Chosroes made slaves, and laid the town even with the ground. Shortly after he recea∣ved John the hostage, and retired into his country. The Armenians also, who revolted to Chosroes, took assurances from the Romans, and went with Bassaces to Constantinople Belisarius also went to Constantinople, sent for by the Emperour, to be immediatly dispatcht into Italy, where things were very ill.

CHAP. XVI.

ABout the same time was a Plague, which almost consumed mankind. Of all blowes from heaven, bold and subtile men will talk of a cause, amazing us with reasons, and physiologies above our apprehension; knowing nothing to be sound they say; but contented, if they may perswade with their cosenages, such as frequent them. But of this to find any other cause is not pos∣sible, but God himself. For it came not upon one part of the world, nor in one season of the yeare, from whence subtile wits might coyne a cause. But it vexed the whole world, and all conditions of men, though differing often even to contrariety; sparing no constitution, nor age. Mens differing in their places of dwelling, diets, complexions, addictions, or any thing else in this disease did no good. It took some in the summer, some in the Winter, others at other seasons. So that let Sophisters, and discoursers of Meteors shew their learning; I will onely relate where it began to rage, and in what manner it destroyed. It began among the Egyptians of Pelusium, and spread to Alexan∣dria, and the rest of Egypt one way, and the other, to that Palestine, which borders upon Egypt. From thence it travelled through the world, as by set journeyes and stages; removing as by appointed gistes; and staying in each countrey a certaine time; and making destruction its onely business; and spred∣ing on both sides to the utmost bounds of the world, as if affraid, least any odd hole of the earth should escape it. It spared neither Iland, nor cave, nor top of mountaine, which had men dwelling in it. If it skipt a countrey, by not touching it at all, or but here, and there; yet returning afterward, it struck no more the neighbouring people formerly visited, but from that coun∣try it removed not the sore, before it had justly made up the full measure of the dead, according to the lot of their perisht neighbours. It began still at the sea-coast, and from thence went to the uplands. In the second yeare of it, it came to Constantinople, about the middle of the Spring; where it was my for∣tune then to reside. And it was in this sort. Apparitions of Spirits in all shapes humane, were seen by many; who thought the man they met, struck them in some part of the body; and so soon as they saw the Spirit, they were taken

with the disease. At first men meeting such, blessed themselves; repeating the most divine names; and using other ceremonies; but did no good; For many who fled into Churches perisht. Afterwards, they would not heare their friends calling, but lockt up in their chambers, stopt their eares, though the dores were even broken open; fearing the Sprite called on them. Some in their dreames suffred that, which others from those that met them; or heard a voice, that they were enrolled in the appointed to dy. But most without warning by dreames, or waking visions, suddainly became feaverish; some newly waking; some walking; others doing other things. Their body changed not colour, nor was hot, as in a feaver, no inflammation being, but the feaver so remisse in the beginning, and so till evening, that neither the sick, nor the physician feeling his pulse apprehended danger. But to some the same day, to some the next, or many after, there rose a Bubo, not onely in the groyne (which part is called Bubo) but in the armeholes, under the eare, and in other parts. These things came alike to all; but the symptomes afterward, I cannot say, whether the difference of bodies made, or the onely will of him, that sent the sickness. Some had a deep slumbring; others a sharp distraction; both suffering, what was proper to the disease. These slumberers forgot all they were formerly used to; seeming perpetually to sleep. If they were look't to, they would eate sometimes; and some neglected, starved. Those taken with madness, were troubled for want of sleep, and with many apparitions; thinking men assaulted them to kill them, crying out, and running away. Their keepers vexed with endless toyle, were pittied as much as themselves: Not for being infected (for no Physician, nor other, caught the disease by touching sicke or dead bodies; many strangely continuing free, though they buryed, and tended such as were nothing to them; and many catching it, they knew not how, and dying in∣stantly;) but they pittied their perpetuall toyle; in raising them tumbling upon the ground; and in strugling with them, when they would throw them∣selves out of windowes. Such as could, leaped into the water, not for thirst, but caused by their phrensie; for many leap't into the Sea. Much toyle they had also to get them to eat; and many, for want of keepers, were starved, or brake their necks. Some without slumbring, or madness, had their Bubo gangrened, and they dyed with extreame paine. Which doubtless happened to the rest, but being not themselves, they understood it not; the Phrensie taking away their senses. Some Physitians upon these symptomes, conceaving the head of the disease to be in those plague sores, searcht the dead bodyes, and opening the sores, found a huge carbuncle, growing inward. Some died forthwith, some after many dayes. Such, whose bodies were spotted with black pim∣ples, the bigness of a lentile, lived not a day. Many, a voluntary vomiting of bloud seizing, died. This I can say, that many famous Physicians judged some instantly would dye, who unexpectedly grew well; and confidently af∣firmed the recovery of others, who were vpon the point of death. So that no cause of this sickness was reach't by mans reason; some event happening to all, whereof no reason could be rendred. Some bathing helped, others it hurt; Many dyed for want of cure; and many scaped without it; it proving both wayes to those that used it. In a word no way was found of preservation, nei∣ther by preventing the disease, nor mastering it; no cause appearing neither of their falling sick, nor recovering. Women with child taken with it, certain∣ly dyed; some miscarrying; some fairely deliver'd, and perishing with their children. Yet they say that three women were delivered, who grew well, their children dying; and one dyed, whose child had the happ to live. Such as had their sore great, and running with putrefaction, escaped; the same as∣swaging the violence of the carbuncle; and this was commonly a certaine signe of health. But whose plague-sore stay'd, as it first rose, such had the miserable accidents, I mentioned. Some had their thigh withered, the sore rising upon it, and not running. Some escaped with imperfect tongues, and lived stam∣mering, o•• speaking sounds without sence. In Constantinople this sickness lasted foure months, and was three months in extremity. At first few dyed, more then usually. Then it grew hotter; then died five thousand every day, then

10000 and more. In the beginning, men took care to bury each his own dead, casting some into other mens Monuments, either unseen or by force. But in the end all was in confusion: Servants were without Masters; and rich men wanted servants to attend them; being sick or dead; and many houses were empty. So that divers for want of acquaintance lay long unburied. * The Emperour (as was reason) made it his own care; and committed the over∣sight to Theodorus, whose office was to subscribe the Emperours answers to Pe∣titions (the Latines call him Referendarius.) To them that wanted, and to the poor multitude, he gave reliefs in mony out of the Treasury. And now in the afflicted City were no trades, nor shops to be seen. Many for fear leaving their bad courses, consecrated themselves to God: and many, when the danger was past, fell to their old despising of God again.

CHAP. XVII.

BUt to return to my former discourse. Chosroes marcht Northward to Ar∣dabigara, a town in Assyria, purposing from thence to invade the Romans again. Here is a great Pyraeum, which the Persians adore above all Gods; where the Magi keep a perpetuall fire, and offer much sacrifice; and in their greatest affairs use it for an Oracle; it is the fire which anciently the Romans called Vestall. Here Chosroes had news of two Ambassadors from Constantinople, about the Peace, Constantianus an Illyrian, and Sergius an Edessenian; both Ora∣tors, and able men. Chosroes expecting their comming, forbare hostility. But Constantianus fell sick upon the way; and the Plague at last came into Persia. But Nabedes, Governour of Persarmenia, by the Kings command, sent Euduli∣us, Prelate of the Christians there, unto Valerianus, Commander of the forces in Armenia; to complaine of the slownesse of the Ambassadors; and to exhort the Romans to peace. He came into Armenia with his brother, and told Vale∣rianus, that he heartily affected the Romans, being Christians as himself; and would so perswade Chosroes, that the Ambassadors should find no impediment of concluding a peace to their own desire. But the Prelates brother getting privately to Valerianus, told him; That Chosroes in great distresse desired a peace; his sonne conspiring against him; and his army being full of the Plague. Valerianus upon this sent away the Prelate; promising the Ambassa∣dors should shortly come to Chosroes; and the said advertisement he wrote to Justinian. Who thereupon directed him and the Army to invade the Persians; for he saw not that any enemy would oppose them; willing all the forces to joyn, and enter into Persarmenia. The Captains upon these Letters rode with their troopes into Persarmenia. Chosroes was newly gone from Ardabigara, for fear of the Plague, with his army to a part of Assyria, where the sicknesse was not yet come. Valerianus with his forces encamped at Theodosiopolis, to whom joyned Narses, with some Armenians and Herulians. But Martinus, Generall of the East, with Ildiger and Theoctistus, encamped at Citharizum, a Castle four dayes journey from Theodosiopolis; whether came Peter shortly after, and Ado∣lius, with some other Captaines; Isaac also, * brother of Narses was there; and Philemuth; and Verus, with the Herulians under their command, came to Arzanéne, not far from the camp of Martinus. Justus also the Emperours Nephew, and Peranius, and John the son of Nicetas, with Domentiolus, and John Phagas, encamped at Phison, a Castle near unto Martyropolis. Thus were these Commanders quartered, with their severall troops; amounting in the whole to thirty thousand. These joyned not, nor communicated; save when the Ge∣nerals sent to one another to know news of the Persians. Peter upon a sudden motion, without acquainting the rest, invaded the enemies country. And the next day, Philemuth and Verus, with their Herulians followed. Martinus and Valerianus hearing thereof, marcht likewise to the Invasion. Shortly all joyned in the enemies country, save Iustus, who was quartered far off; but hearing (though late) that his fellow Commanders were entred the enemyes land, he marcht thither also, but could not unite his troopes with theirs.

Those Generalls marcht directly to Dubis; neither forraging, nor other∣wise hurting the country. Dubis is a Territory eight dayes journey from Theodosiopolis, of good land, wel scituated for air, and water; being fair cham∣pians, full of populous villages close together, and inhabited by Merchants, who traffique with the Indians, and neighbouring Iberians, and with all the Persian Nations, and some Romans. The Bishop of the Christians, the Greeks call Catholicus, who hath the charge of all the country. Some fifteene miles from Dubis to the right hand comming from the Roman Territories, stands a ragged mountain, hardly to be passed, and in a very narrow passage a village called Anglon, where Nabedes hearing of the enemies comming, kept fast; confident of the strength of the place. The village is at the furthest end of the mountain; where, upon a steep rock, stands a Castle of the same name. Na∣bedes fortified the passage to the village with stones, and waggons, and drew a trench before, and lodged his army in the said village; and in old houses without it, layed ambushes of foot. The Persians amounted in all to four thousand men. The Romans came to a place, distant a dayes journey from Anglon, and took a scout of the enemies, who told them, that Nabedes was re∣tired from Anglon. Narses at this chafed, reproaching his fellow Comman∣ders for their tardinesse. The same others did likewise; taunting one ano∣ther. And now carelesse of fighting, and fearlesse of dangers, they attended pil∣laging onely. They marcht confusedly, without discipline, without watch∣word (as is usuall in such actions) or distinction by any kind of order. The souldiers were mingled with the attendants upon the baggage, and marcht as to some great booty ready drest for them. Being near Anglon, they sent out scoutes, who brought them word, that the army was inbattail array. The Commanders were amazed with the suddainnesse; yet thought it base and cowardly to turn their backs with so great an army. So ordering the army as well as in that case they could; they marcht against the enemy. Peter ha∣ving the right hand wing, Valerianus the left, and Martinus the battell. Being come near the enemy, they stood still in their ranks confusedly, by rea∣son of the ragged ground, and their being newly put in order. The Barba∣rians also drew close together, and stood viewing the enemies powers; Nabedes had commanded none to strike the first blow, but the enemy giving on, to resist him. Narses with his Herulians, and some Romans, gave on upon the Persians; and them he routed, who ran away up to the Castle. Much mischief was done between them in the narrow passage; and Narses pressed upon the enemy, and encouraged his men; and the rest fell to work. But suddainly the Ambushes issuing from the old houses, into the narrow lanes, killed some Herulians, and wounded Narses in the head mortally, whom his brother Isaac carried off; but he dyed quickly, having in this fight done bravely. The Romans upon this growing to confusion, Nabedes drew out all his army, which in those narrow lanes shooting at a multitude, killed them at ease, and most the Herulians; being the most part unarmed, and in fight never using head∣piece, corslet, or other defensive armour, save a shield, and a thick coat girt about them. Their slaves fight without shields, which their masters permit them to weare, when they have shewed themselves good souldiers. But the Romans not enduring the enemy longer, fled amain, remembring neither va∣lour, shame, nor ought that good is. The Persians suspecting, that they could not fall to so shamelesse a running away, but had some ambushes; drave them out of the fastnesses, and then turn'd bridle, not daring with a few to encoun∣ter so many in a plain. But the Romans (specially the Commanders) think∣ing the enemy still pursuing, ran without intermission; urging their horses with whip and voice; throwing away their arms in haste; as having no cou∣rage to fight with a Persian over-taking, but all their hope of safety in their horses feet. In a word, it was such a running away, as scarce a horse over-lived it, but instantly dyed, the course ended. So great a disaster the Romans have not formerly had. Many were slain, more made slaves to the enemy, who took so great a quantity of arms and baggage, that the rich state of Persia appeared much richer by this victory. Adolius in this retreat, passing by a Castle in Pers∣armenia,

was slain by a wound in his head of a stone thrown by one of the In∣habitants. Justus and Peranius, having a little plundered the country of Ta∣raunia, returned home.

CHAP. XVIII.

BUt the next year Chosroes invaded the Romans the fourth time, with his army into Mesopotamia. And this expedition he made not against the Em∣perour Justinian, nor any mortall man indeed, but even against God, whom onely the Christians adore. For in his first Invasion, missing Edessa, and reti∣ring so; he and his Magi were much discontented to be overcome by the Chri∣stians God. Wherefore he threatned to make the Edessenians slaves, and to turn their City to a Sheep-pasture. Being come before Edessa with his army, he sent some Hunnes to the walls over against the Circus to steal the sheep, kept near the walls by shepheards, presuming upon the strength, and steepnesse of the place. But the Barbarians got to the sheep, and the shepheards stoutly re∣sisted; but with the aid of some Persians they got away one flock; which ran back again, while some Romans sallying fought with them: Where a Hunne fighting in the front, and most troubling the Romans, a country fellow hit him with a sling-stone on his right knee, and down he fell headlong; which en∣couraged the Romans. The fight lasted from morning till noon, and both thinking they had the better, parted, the Romans to their walls, and the Bar∣barians to pitch their tents a mile from the City, where they encamped. Chos∣roes, either upon some dream, or the apprehension of disgrace to misse Edissa twice, thought of selling his retreat to the Edessenians for money. Paul the Interpreter therefore the next day, under the town-walls, advised the Ro∣mans to send men of quality to Chosroes. They chose four eminent men; whom Zaberganes met in the camp, by the Kings direction; and with threatning words asked them; which they would rather have, a Peace, or a War. They confessing to chuse peace before dangers: Then must you buy it, quoth Zaber∣ganes, with a great summe. They sayd they would give as much as formerly; when he came thither after the sack of Antioch. Zaberganes laught; and bade them consult seriously for their lives; and come back again. Shortly after Chosroes sent for them, and recited the Roman towns he had led into captivity; threatning to them also the terriblest usage, if they gave him not all their money within their walls; upon which onely he would raise his siege. The Ambassadours acknowledged, that they would buy their peace, if he enjoyned possibilites. But the conclusion of a danger, they said, no living man could know before the combat; war being not upon articles of agreement between the parties. Upon this Chosroes commanded them in anger to get them gone.

The eighth day of the Siege, he beganne to raise a mount against the walls; making, without arrow-shot, a square work of trees cut down with leaves on, spreading over them much earth, and over all, a quantity of rude unwrought stones (his onely care being to raise the Mount speedily) putting between the earth and stones long timbers, which fastned the work; that growing high, it should not be weak. But Peter the Roman Generall being in the town, with Martinus and Peranius, sent out Hunnes against the workmen, who falling on suddainly, killed many. One of his Lanciers, named Arger, killed above seven and twenty. But the Barbarians kept better guard afterward, and none sallyed on the workmen: Who being come within arrow-shot, the Romans from the walls stoutly employed their slings and bows. Before their labourers in this Aggestus (so is it called in Latine) the Barbarians hung upon long poles hair-cloths of Goats hair, thick and long, that no fiery darts nor arrows could pierce through, but there fell dead. Then the Romans affraid, sent Am∣bassadours to Chosroes, and with them Stephanus a famous Physitian, who had cured King Cabades of a disease, and got a great estate by him. He with the rest

coming to Chosroës, spake thus. Men have ever held humanity the marke of a good King. So that, mighty Sir! if you kill and lead into captivity, you may perchance obtaine some other titles, but shall never be thought a good man. And of all cities, Edessa should least have a misfortune from you; Where I was borne; who not foreseeing what would come to passe, fostered you; and by counselling your father to appoint you his successor, have been to you a principall cause of the Empire of Persia, and to my country of these miseries. Thus men are themselves the authors of most of their own misfortunes. But if you have any remembrance of this service, you will doe us no more hurt; bestowing this retribution on me; by which, O King! you will have the for∣tune not to be esteemed a most cruell man.

But Chosroës professed not to rise from thence, till the Romans delivered him Peter, and Peranius his fathers slaves, presuming to beare armes against him. If they refused this, they must either pay five hundred Centenaries of gold, or admit his ministers to search the city, and to bring him all the gold and silver within it, and upon this they might keep the rest of their goods. This Chosroës spake at randome, ex∣pecting with ease to take the city. And the Ambassadors finding his proposi∣tions impossible, returned much troubled; And reporting the demands, filled the city with noise and lamentations.

CHAP. XIX.

BUt the mount rose to a great height, and went on apace. The Romans in perplexity, sent againe Ambassadors; who were sutors for the same things, but were not regarded, but driven out of the Persian camp, with scorn & hout∣ing. Then they began to raise their walls higher, toward the mount; But the Persians worke farr overtopping that also, they gave it over; And desired Mar∣tinus to procure a capitulation, as he would himself. He got as neer as he could to the camp, and spake with some Persian commanders; who to amuse him said, Their King desired peace, but could not perswade the Emperour to leave quarrelling. He could not deny Belisarius to be above Martinus in power, and place; who perswaded the King to retire from the midst of the Roman Provinces, with pro∣mises of Ambassadors to perfect the Treatie of peace; but he could not performe, be∣ing not able to force the Emperours will. In the mean time the Romans drew a mine to the enemies work; and commanded not to leave working, till they were under the middle of the Mount. Where being, the Persians above heard the noise; and finding what they did, cross-mined on both sides, to catch them in the middle. They perceaving it, stopt up their mine there with earth; and from underneath the part of the Mount next the town, carryed out the timber, stones, and earth, and made a little hollow roome; where they laid dry loggs steep't in Cedar oyle, and Assyrian pitch. During this preparation the Persian commanders in many meetings with Martinus discoursed to the effect afore∣said, seeming to entertaine a parley for Peace. But their mount being brought to perfection, and raised farr above the walls, they sent away Martinus; re∣fusing any composition; and fell to work. The Romans then set the dry loggs a fire: which burnt part of the Mount; but not spreading to the whole, and be∣ing burnt out, they brought more into the hollow roome. Then appeared the smoake from the Mount at night: and the Romans to prevent the discovery, shot small vessells filled with burning coales, and fire darts, thick over the mount: and the Persians thinking the smoake came from them, ran to quench them. But the fire prevailed, and the Barbarians pittifully crying, were shot and killed from the walls. At Sun-rising, Chosroes came with some of his army; went upon the Mount; and first found the mischief, shewing, how the smoake came not from that darted from the enemy, but from fire below; and he willed the army to shout. The Romans grew confident, and flouted them: They all cast on, some earth, others water, which abated the smoake there, but presently it burst out in another part more vehemently; The water also added force to the sulfur, and Assyrian pitch, and spread the fire more; and within, the fire

prevailed above the water; and about evening the smoke was so high, that it was seen at Carr••, and other neighbouring parts. There were fights also upon the Mount, wherein the Romans overcame. And now the flame rose cleerly; when the Persians abandoned the work. Six dayes after they assaulted some∣thing before day-light, (the Romans being dead asleep): And they set to their ladders, and were mounting: But a peasant awaking, called up the Romans. They fought; and the Persians were beaten to their camp; leaving their lad∣ders, which the Romans drew up. About midnight Chosroës sent a great part of his army to force the great Gate. The Romans (not onely Souldiers, but peasants and people) stood them, had the better, and routed them. As they were running, Paul the Interpreter put himself among the Romans, and told them, that Recimer was newly come from Constantinople an Ambassador about peace. So they parted. Recimer came to the Barbarians camp some dayes be∣fore; which they concealed from the Romans; expecting the event of their works; if those prosper'd, they resolved to come to no treatie; if they were beaten (as they now are) they might come to it fairely; the Romans having invited them. When Recimer was neer the city gate, the Persians demanded some to be sent out to treat an accord with Chosroës. They answered, they would within three dayes send Martinus, who now was sicke. Chosroës suspe∣cting the answer not to be sincere, prepared for warr; commanding store of bricks to be laid upon the Mount. Two dayes after he approached the walls with his whole army, and applyed his ladders and engines; and begirt the town; placing squadrons at every gate, & Saracens behind them; who when the town was taken, were to lay hold on run-awayes. The fight began in the morn∣ing, and at first the Persians had the better; being many against few; for the Romans were not aware of the assault. The fight proceeding, the city was full of tumult; the women and little children went to the walls; and the men re∣sisted valiantly; Many peasants did bravely. The women and children with the old men brought stones to the combatants. Some threw down boyling oyle. Then the Persians refused to fight any longer; telling the King plainely, they would not give on: Chosroës in a rage, threatning and urging them, brought them all on. And againe with shouts they applied their ladders, and engines, as if they would instantly enter. But the Romans defending in great numbers, the enemy fledd; and the Romans hiss't at Chosroes; daring him to the assault. Onely Azarethes with his troupes continued fighting about the gate of Soëna; and from a place called Tripugia, the valiantest of the Romans sallied. Other Persians assaulting an outwork, prest hard upon the defendants, till Peranius with many souldiers, and some Edessenians, having routed Aza∣rethes, rode up to these. So that Chosroes beginning the assault in the morning, gave it over late at night: Both passed the night unquietly; the Persians affraid of their trenches; the Romans providing stones and other things against ano∣ther assault the next morning; when the Barbarians came not on. But the day after, a part of the army animated by Chosroes set upon the gate of Barlaim; but were beaten back to their camp. Then Paul the Interpreter called up to the walls for Martinus, to treat an accord. Which he did; and Chosroës recea∣ving 50000. gold Staters from the Edessenians, subscribed the articles; pro∣mising no more to infest the Romans. In conclusion, setting his palissadoes and others works on fire, he went home with his army.

About this time died two Roman commanders, Justus, Justinians nephew, and Peranius the Iberian; the first by sickness, the other by a fall from his horse in hunting. In whose roomes the Emperour placed Marcellus, his sisters sonne, a youth, and Constantianus, afterward Ambassador to Chosroes about the treatie. These had audience in Assyria, where stand Seleucia, and Ctesiphon, faire cities, built by the Macedonians, who after Alexander the great raigned in Persia. Of which cities the Tigris bounds their territories; no other countrey being be∣tween them. Here finding the King, they demanded restitution of the places in Lazica, and ratification of the articles of peace. But Chosroes said, that a peace would hardly be, without a truce first for a time, during which by mu∣tuall concourse, and communication, they might more firmely determine the

Perpetuall Peace, and that the Romans to get it must give him money; and they must send him one Tribunus, with whom by a day certain he would con∣clude the businesse. This Tribunus, a Physitian, had cured Chosroes of a great sicknesse, for which he was his friend, and very gratefull. Justinian forth∣with sent him Tribunus; and of the money twenty thousand Staters. And so a Truce was concluded for five years, in the nineteenth year of Justinians reigne.

Shortly after Alamundarus and Arethas had a war, without any ayds of Per∣sians or Romans on either side. Alamundarus in an Inroade took a son of Are∣thas prisoner, and sacrificed him to Venus. From him was discovered, how Arethas sold the affairs of the Romans to the Persians. Afterward they came to a battel with their whole forces, wherein Arethas got the better, and rout∣ed the enemy, and killed many. A while after he had the pursuit of two sons of Alamundarus, but could not take them.

CHAP. XX.

But in Lazica, Chosroes had a design to kill Gubazes their King, * and to transplant the Nation into some other part of his dominions, and to plant Persians in their room: For he thought it a matter of much importance, firmly to possesse Lazica, being of manifold use to the Persians: First, by holding more securely the Iberians, who would have none to fly to in case of revolt: For the principall Iberians with their King Gurgenes revolting (as I said be∣fore) the Persians suffered not the nation to chuse their King any more; nei∣ther were they willing subjects to the Persians, but both were suspicious of each other; and the Iberians discontented, and ready to stir upon fit oppor∣tunity. He considered also, that not onely the Persian dominions would here∣by be for ever free from the devastation of the Hunnes bordering upon Lazica; but that himself, having a mind, might send them against the Romans; there being no rampire against the Barbarians of Mount Caucasus, but only Lazica. But principally Lazica would advantage the Persians, by issuing from thence to infest by land and sea the places upon the Euxine sea, to subdue Cappadocia, Galatia, and Bithynia, and to surprise Constantinople, there being none to stop their course. Upon these considerations Chosroes would have Lazica, but could not be confident in the Nation. For after the Romans were retired from thence, the common people were discontented at the Persians Government, who of all men have least variety in their humours, their manner of life being extreamly strict; their laws hard of disgestion, and their commands intol∣lerable. And in reference to the Lazians the difference infinitely appeared, both in Religion and conversation; the Lazians being Christians, none more; and the Persians quite contrary. Besides, no Salt being in Lazica, nor Wine, nor other native commodity; all is imported from the sea coasts of the Ro∣mans; not giving money to the Merchants, but skins, and slaves, and other things with them abounding. From which being now barred, they were dis∣contented. And Chosroes perceiving it, consulted upon some safe prevention, before they should stirre for an alteration; and thought it most expedient to rid away Gubazes their King, and to transport the Nation, and to plant Per∣sians and others in their country.

He sent also to Constantinople Isdigunas, under pretext of an Ambassage, and with him five hundred chosen Persians, directing them to get into Daras, and lodging in severall houses to set them afire, and while the Romans were busie to quench the fire, to open the gates, and receive in the rest of the Persian army; the Governour of Nisibis being commanded to be in readynesse with forces concealed thereabout. Thus Chosroes thought without labour to have the killing of the Romans in Daras, and to be master of the City. But a Roman fugitive in Persia having knowledge of it, went to Daras, and there revealed it to George; who formerly perswaded the Persians besieged in Sisibranum to yeeld to the Romans. George went out to meet the Ambassador, and told him,

this was not like not Ambassage; and that Persians in so great numbers use not to lodge in Roman Cities; he should do well to leave the rest in a town called Amudis, and with a few in his company to enter Daras.

Isdigunas chased, and took this for a great affront, being an Ambassadour sent to the Emperour. But George, without respect to his storming, preserved the City to the Romans; receiving him in, with onely twenty of his train. He failing in his plot, went to Constantinople, with his Wife and two Daughters, the pretence of his extraordinary company. Where having accesse to the Emperour, of businesse great or small he had nothing to say, though he had been six moneths in the Roman dominions; but he delivered usuall presents to the Emperour, and letters, to know if he were in good health. This Isdigunas Justinian entertain∣ed with the most grace and honour that we ever saw him use to any Ambassa∣dour; feasting him, and Bradu••ionas his Interpreter; and setting them upon the same couch with himself, a thing never done before. No man ever saw an Interpreter sit at table with the meanest Governour, much lesse the Em∣perour. And this Ambassadour without businesse, he entertained, and dimissed more honourably than ever any. His charges and presents came to more than ten Centenaries of gold.

CHAP. XXI.

BUt into Lazica Chosroes first sent much ship-timber, giving out it was for engines to stand upon the walls of Petra. Then he sent Fabrizus, with three hundred chosen Persians, instructing him, closely to kill Gubazes, and of the sequele he would take care. The timbers in Lazica were all consumed by lightening. But Fabrizus being there, and practising to execute his instructi∣ons concerning Gubazes, sent for a Nobleman of the country, named Pharsanses, (whom he understood to be in disgrace with Gubazes for some offence, not daring to come in his fight) and to him revealed the matter, and advised with him how to attempt it. The conclusion was, that Fabrizus should goe to Petra, and send for Gubazes, to acquaint him with the great Kings reso∣lution touching Lazica. But Pharsanses secretly discovered the plot to Gu∣bazes. Who thereupon refused to come to Fabrizus, and prepared for an open revolt. Fabrizus committed the guard of Petra to the other Persians, to pre∣pare all things safe against a siege; and so went home, having done nothing. Gubazes reported to Justinian the present estate, besought his pardon for things past, and his present ayd to shake off the Persian Government. The Emperour was glad of the news, and sent him seven thousand men, comman∣ded by Dagisthaeus, and a thousand Tzanians. Who joyned with Gubazes and the natives, and besieged Petra. The Persians within defended it valiant∣ly, and much time was spent in the siege; they having laid in store of victuall in the town. Chosroes was troubled at it, and sent against them a great army of horse and foot, under the command of Mermeroes. Whereof Gubazes being advertised, and upon advise with Dagisthaeus, did thus. The River of Boas springs near the confines of Tzanica, about Pharangium in Armenia. First it runnes a good way to the Northward, and is small and fortable, till it comes where it hath the Marches of Iberia to the North, and the utmost ridge of Mount Caucasus to the South. Hereabout inhabit the Alans, and the Abas∣gians, in antient amitie with the Romans, and they are Christians; the Zec∣chians also, and Sabirian Hunnes. From the Marches of Iberia and Caucasus, this River is supplyed with other waters, grows greater, and instead of Boas is called Phasis; is navigable, and disembogues into the Euxine sea. On both sides of it is Lazica. To the right hand the country is well inhabited, to the borders of Iberia; on that side the river are their villages, and some small cities, antiently built, as Archaeopolis, a strong place; Sebastopolis, and the Castle of Pityuntium; and towards Iberia, Scanda, and Sarap••nis. Other strong Cities there are, as Rhodopolis, and Muchrisiis. But to the Southward are the Marches of Lazica for a dayes journey, a country uninhabited; upon

which border the Ponticke Romans. In the desert marches of Lazica Justinian built Petra in my time, where, (as I said) John Tzibus set up the monopoly, which caused the Lazians defection. From Petra Southward the Roman bor∣ders begin; where are populous towns, as Rhizaeum, Athens, and others unto Trapezond. The Lazians, when they brought Chosroes into the countrey, past the Boas, and came to Petra; leaving Phasis (then so called) to his right hand; pretending to avoyd the delay and toyle of ferrying over the river Phasis; but in truth not willing to shew the Persians their dwellings. And Lazica on both sides the river is full of bad wayes, having rocks on either side the countrey, which make long narrow glinnes. (The Romans, as the Grecians, call such wayes, Clausurae.) But then, Lazica being unguarded, the Persians guided by the natives, came with ease to Petra.

But now Gubazes being informed of the Persians coming, wrote to Dagisthae∣us to send forces to guard the passage beyond the Phasis, and not to raise the siege, before Petra were taken. Himself with his own army march't to the utmost borders of Lazica, to guard the Passage there. He had sometime be∣fore gotten some troopes of Alans, and Sabirians; who agreed for three Cente∣naries, to help to guard his countrey, and so depopulate Iberia, that the Per∣sians should not be able to come in that way; and the money the Emperor was to pay: whom Gubazes praid to send the same, and some Donative to the La∣zians, now in much distress; alledging himself also to be behind for ten yeares, being enrolled a Silentiary of the Imperiall Palace, and having receaved no pay from the time Chosroës entred Lazica. Justinian meant to performe his re∣quest, but greater business diverting him, he sent not the money in the due time. But Dagisthaeus, being a young man, and unable to manage a Persian warr, made no advantage of the opportunities offered him: Whereas he should have sent to the Passage the most of his army, and been himself at the action, he sent, as to some slight business, onely two hundred men. And he did nothing upon Petra with all his forces: The enemy within, at first were not 1500. men, who continually being shot, and slaine at the assaults; after as much valour, as ever men shewed, were reduced to a very few; and dispairing, and unable, lay still. The Romans drew a mine under the wall; and the wall falling with a house joyning to it, fell all into the Ruine, securing the town as much as the wall. This troubled not the Romans, who saw hope, by mining in another part, to take the town: and Dagisthaeus wrote of it to the Emperour; urging for rewards of victory, and appointing what he and his brother should have; for they would take Petra presently. But the Persians receaved the assaults bravely, and beyong expectation; their troopes being much decayed. Where∣in the Romans prevailing not, they mined againe, and came on with their work so, that the foundation of the wall had no ground to beare it, and the wall was in the aire, suddainly to fall. And if Dagisthaeus had presently put fire to the supporters, the town had been taken. But he with his hopes from the Emperour, dallying, did nothing.

CHAP. XXII.

IN the meane time Mermeroes with a Persian army past the marches of Iberia, and avoyding the townes of Lazica, for feare of stopp, kept the Phasis to his right hand; his care being to save Petra, and the Persians in it. Where the piece of the wall which tottered, as I said, fell suddainely; at which fifty Ro∣mans entred, and cryed out aloud, The Victorious Emperour Justinian. They were led by John, a young Armenian, son of that Thomas sirnamed Guzes, who by the Emperours direction built many fortresses in Lazica, commanding the army there, and well esteemed by the Emperour. This John the Persians en∣countred, and so he retired, wanting seconds. Then Mirranes, commander of the garrison, willed the Persians to attend their guards, and went (being afraid of the towne) to Dagisthaeus; gave him faire words; promised to ren∣der the town shortly, and so amused him, that he did not, as he should have

done, presently march into the town. In the meane time Mermeroes was en∣countred at the Passage by the two hundred Romans: who valiantly kept off the assailants. But the Persians persisting, and being still supplied with new men for their slaine (having lost more then 1000.) The Romans weary with killing, and overprest with numbers, ran up to the mountaines. Dagisthaeus hereof advertised, presently raised the siege, and without giving any direction to the army, away he gallopt towards the Phasis, and all the Romans followed; leaving their baggage in the camp. Which the Persians seeing, sallyed, fell a∣mong their Cabbins, and were rifling the camp. But the Tzanians, who fol∣lowed not Dagisthaeus, came to the rescue; routed the enemy (who ran into the town, after the losse of many) and ransackt the Roman camp themselves; Then went to Rhizaeum, and from thence home by Athens, and Trapezond.

The ninth day after Dagisthaeus his retreat, Mermeroes with his army came thither: where he found remaining of the Persian Garrison 350. men, whereof 150 sound, the rest wounded and unserviceable. The dead bodies the survivors never threw from the walls, but endured almost stifling with the stench; that the enemy, seing so many lost, might not be the more encouraged to assault. Mermeroes said scoffingly, that the Romans affaires were to be lamented, being fallen into so weak a condition, as not to be able with all their endeavour to force 150. Persians, that had no walls to defend them. But the walls he care∣fully repaired, and wanting lime and other materialls, he filled with sand the linnen wallets, wherein the Persians brought their provisions, and laid them insteed of stones; and this served for walling. In the town he left 3000 chosen men, with a proportion of victuall for no long time, and direction to repaire the walls. Himself with the rest of his army returned homeward; And because if he marcht the same way he came, he would find no provisions, ha∣ving left what he brought out of Iberia in Petra; he went over the mountains, which, he heard, were inhabited; that by forraging he might make his army live. But one Fubelius, a noble man of Lazica, conducting Dagisthaeus, and 1000. Romans, surprized the Persians where they lodged; and having stolne some horses at pasture, and killed some who kept them, retired; and Merme∣roes rose from thence. But Gubazes not affrighted with what happened to the Romans, quitted not the Passage on his side, supposing there to be the maine of his hopes. For though the Persians forced through the Passage beyond the Pha∣sis, and got to Petra; yet he could not incommode Lazica, being not able to cross the Phasis without shipps; the river is so deep and broad, and so swift, that it enters the Sea a good way unmingled with salt water, & out of it passengers take in fresh water: And with shipps, the many Fortresses on this side, will make an enemies landing unsafe. Justinian also at last sent the monyes for the Sabirians, and other for Gubazes, and the Lazians. Long before he had sent a good army thither commanded by Recithangus the Thracian, a wise man, and a good souldier; but it was not yet arrived. Mermeroes having gotten to the mountaines, would have provided victuall for Petra, knowing, that that he had left, would not serve a Garrison of 3000. men. But what he could light on in the country, hardly sufficing his own army of 30000. he could send nothing to Petra worth the speaking. So he resolved with the most of his army to quit Lazica, and leave some few, who of the provisions they could get, were to transport most to Petra, and to live upon the rest. And so 5000. chosen men he left with Fabrizus, and three other commanders. He thought a greater ar∣my not needfull; there being no enemies. With the residue he went into Pers∣armenia, and lay quiet in the townes of Dubis. The 5000. upon the furthest con∣fines of Lazica, encamped by the river Phasis, stragling to plunder thereabout; Gubazes observing it, sent to Dagisthaeus to come up to him, as having it in his power to doe the enemy a notable mischief. He did so, marching with the river Phasis to his left hand, till he came where on the other side encamped the Lazians, and where the river was fordable. This neither the Romans, nor Persians knew (not knowing the countrey) but the Lazians knew it, and there passed the river, and joyned with the Romans. The Persians sent out 1000 chosen men to prevent an enemies infesting their camp: And two of these

advancing to discover, fell into the enemies hands, and discovered all to them. So the Romans suddainely set upon the 1000. men, of whom none es∣caped, but were most slaine, and the rest taken. Gubazes learnt the number of the Persian army, how farr off they were, and in what estate. They march't therefore towards them, computing to fall on them farr within the night. They were in number fourteen thousand. The Persians, without thought of an enemy, slept securely. They thought the river not fordable, and their 1000. men farr upon their way, without encountring any. So that the Romans unexpe∣cted charging them after midnight, found some asleep, some newly awake, and naked upon their pallets; not a man with a thought of fighting; But most of them thus surprized were slaine. Some they tooke, among whom a prin∣cipall commander. Some few escaped in the darke. The camp the Romans and Lazians took, with all their Ensignes; and had the booty of much armes, and goods, and of Horses and Mules a great number. They followed the execu∣tion farr into Iberia; where lighting upon other Persian troopes, they killed many. The Romans and Lazians also found there a quantity of meale and other provision, and burnt it; which the Persians were conducting out of Iberia to Petra. So they left at the Passage some numbers of Lazians, that no provi∣sions to Petra might passe that way; and then returned with all their booty and captives. And thus ended the fourth yeare of the Persian affaires, being the three and twentieth of Justinian's raigne.

The yeare before, John the Cappadocian was sent for by the Emperour to Con∣stantinople; for the Empress Theodora died in that yeare. Yet could he not re∣cover any of his offices. The honour of Priesthood he held against his will. He had also apparitions promising the Empire. For the Devilluses to display before unsetled judgements, with some great hopes, that which they natu∣rally love: and so was this John deluded by some Juglers; who told him he should weare the habit of Augustus. And in Constantinople was a Priest, who kept the treasures of the Church of S. Sophia, named Augustus. When John was shorne a Priest (having him∣self no garment fit,) they, who were employed in it, made him put on the Cope and Rochet of this Augustus; And so, I think, the prediction was fulfilled.

Notes

• 12600 li. slerl.
• Anno Domi∣ni 539. & Anno 13. Ju∣stiniani.
• He calls the Jonian Gulfe that which is called the A∣driatique Sea.
• Chosroes first Invasion.
• Justinians reigne ended with the Win∣ter almost; For he was declared Emperour with his Ʋncle the third day before Easter. See Se∣cret. History. So this first In∣vasion of Chos∣roes was Anno Iustimani 14. Anno Dom. 540.
• 6300. l. sterl. which is but 10. s. a man.
• 5250. l'. sterl.
• 31500. l'. sterl.
• This Officer he calls before Praefect of the Camp.
• 157500. l'. 15720. l'. sterl.
• 6300 l'. sterl.
• Anno Dom. 541. & Justi∣niani 15.
• Second Invasion of Chosroes, the said Anno Dom. 541.
• Chosroës third Invasion in An. Dom. 542. & Justiniani 16.
• This is supplied by the Latin Translation.
• Here the Greek begins againe.
• The Greek fails here, and it is supplied from the Latine translation.
• Anno Domini 543. Justiniani 17.
• Here begins the Greek again.
• Chosroës 4th. Invasion in An. Dom. 544. & Justiniani 18.
• 1575000. l'. sterl.
• Here againe the Latin trans∣lation fills up a great gap.
• 39062. l'. 10. s'. sterl.
• The Quinquen∣nial Cessation, An. Justin. 19. Anno Dommi 545.
• Here the Greek continues.
• 31500 l. sterl.
• 9450 l. sterl.
• Anno Dom. 548. & 23. Justiniani. was the fourth yeare of the truce, where A∣gathias begins.