ings was to be
measured by deeds rather than by words--he would therefore say nothing,
but when he reached Syria would act in a becoming manner. The envoys
of the Parthian monarch were obliged to return with this unsatisfactory
answer; and Chosroes had to wait and see what interpretation it would
receive from the course of events.

During the later months of autumn, Trajan advanced from Athens to
Antioch. At that luxurious capital, he mustered his forces and prepared
for the campaign of the ensuing year. Abgarus, the Osrhoene prince who
had lately purchased his sovereignty from Pacorus, sent an embassy
to him in the course of the winter, with presents and an offer of
friendship. Parthamasiris also entered into communications with him,
first assuming the royal title, and then, when his letter received no
answer, dropping it, and addressing the Roman Emperor as a mere private
person. Upon this act of self-humiliation, negotiations were commenced.
Parthamasiris was encouraged to present himself at the Roman camp, and
was given to understand that he would there receive from Trajan,
as Tiridates had received from Nero, the emblem of sovereignty and
permission to rule Armenia. The military preparations were, however,
continued. Vigorous measures were taken to restore the discipline of the
Syrian legions, which had suffered through the long tranquillity of the
East and the enervating influence of the climate. With the spring Trajan
commenced his march. Ascending the Euphrates, to Samosata, and receiving
as he advanced the submission of various semi-independent dynasts and
princes, he took possession of Satala and Elegeia, Armenian cities on
or near the Euphrates, and establishing himself at the last-named place,
waited for the arrival of Parthamasiris. That prince shortly rode into
the Roman camp, attended by a small retinue; and a meeting was arranged,
at which the Parthian, in the sight of the whole Roman army, took the
diadem from his brows and laid it at the feet of the Roman Emperor,
expecting to have it at once restored to him. But Trajan had determined
otherwise. He made no movement; and the army, prepared no doubt for the
occasion, shouted with all their might, saluting him anew as Imperator,
and congratulating him on his "bloodless victory." Parthamasiris felt
that he had fallen into a trap, and would gladly have turned and fled;
but he found himself surrounded by the Roman troops and virtually a
prisoner. Upon this h