r perhaps the only,
son borne to Chosroes by the Turkish princess, Fakim, who, from the time
of her marriage, had held the place of sultana, or principal wife. His
illustrious descent on both sides, added to the express appointment of
his father, caused him to be universally accepted as king; and we do
not hear that even his half-brothers, several of whom were older than
himself, put forward any claims in opposition to his, or caused him any
anxiety or trouble. He commenced his reign amid the universal plaudits
and acclamations of his subjects, whom he delighted by declaring that he
would follow in all things the steps of his father, whose wisdom so
much exceeded his own, would pursue his policy, maintain his officers in
power, and endeavor in all respects to govern as he had governed.
When the mobeds attempted to persuade him to confine his favor to
Zoroastrians and persecute such of his subjects as were Jews or
Christians he rejected their advice with the remark that, as in an
extensive territory there were sure to be varieties of soil, so it was
fitting that a great empire should embrace men of various opinions and
manners. In his progresses from one part of his empire to another he
allowed of no injury being done to the lands or gardens along the route,
and punished severely all who infringed his orders. According to some,
his good dispositions lasted only during the time that he enjoyed the
counsel and support of Abu-zurd-mihir, one of the best advisers of his
father; but when this venerated sage was compelled by the infirmities
of age to quit his court he fell under other influences, and soon
degenerated into the cruel tyrant which, according to all the
authorities, he showed himself in his later years.

Meanwhile, however, he was engaged in important wars, particularly
with the Roman emperors Tiberius and Maurice, who, now that the great
Chosroes was dead, pressed upon Persia with augmented force, in
the confident hope of recovering their lost laurels. On the first
intelligence of the great king's death, Tiberius had endeavored to
negotiate a peace with his successor, and had offered to relinquish all
claim on Armenia, and to exchange Arzanene with its strong fortress,
Aphumon, for Daras; but Hormisdas had absolutely rejected his proposals,
declared that he would surrender nothing, and declined to make peace on
any other terms than the resumption by Rome of her old system of paying
an annual subsidy. The war cons