hall
always be content with the slightest evidence to extenuate the crime
of parricide. Note: Malcolm concurs in ascribing his death to Bundawee,
(Bindoes,) vol. i. p. 123. The Eastern writers generally impute the
crime to the uncle St. Martin, vol. x. p. 300.--M.]

While Chosroes despatched the preparations of his retreat, he
deliberated with his remaining friends, [16] whether he should lurk
in the valleys of Mount Caucasus, or fly to the tents of the Turks,
or solicit the protection of the emperor. The long emulation of the
successors of Artaxerxes and Constantine increased his reluctance to
appear as a suppliant in a rival court; but he weighed the forces of the
Romans, and prudently considered that the neighborhood of Syria would
render his escape more easy and their succors more effectual. Attended
only by his concubines, and a troop of thirty guards, he secretly
departed from the capital, followed the banks of the Euphrates,
traversed the desert, and halted at the distance of ten miles from
Circesium. About the third watch of the night, the Roman praefect was
informed of his approach, and he introduced the royal stranger to
the fortress at the dawn of day. From thence the king of Persia was
conducted to the more honorable residence of Hierapolis; and Maurice
dissembled his pride, and displayed his benevolence, at the reception
of the letters and ambassadors of the grandson of Nushirvan. They humbly
represented the vicissitudes of fortune and the common interest of
princes, exaggerated the ingratitude of Bahram, the agent of the evil
principle, and urged, with specious argument, that it was for the
advantage of the Romans themselves to support the two monarchies which
balance the world, the two great luminaries by whose salutary influence
it is vivified and adorned. The anxiety of Chosroes was soon relieved
by the assurance, that the emperor had espoused the cause of justice
and royalty; but Maurice prudently declined the expense and delay of his
useless visit to Constantinople. In the name of his generous benefactor,
a rich diadem was presented to the fugitive prince, with an inestimable
gift of jewels and gold; a powerful army was assembled on the frontiers
of Syria and Armenia, under the command of the valiant and faithful
Narses, [17] and this general, of his own nation, and his own choice,
was directed to pass the Tigris, and never to sheathe his sword till
he had restored Chosroes to the throne of his ancest