the promotion to so high a position of a
man whose hopes were not set on anything so lofty to bind him to exert
all his zeal in supporting the doubtful position of the maker of his
fortunes.

12. And the officers who went to perform these commands were also
enjoined to extol the emperor's conduct, and wherever they went to agree
in reporting that the Parthian campaign had been brought to an
honourable termination; they were also charged to prosecute their
journey with all speed by night and day, delivering as they went letters
from the new emperor to all the governors of provinces and commanders of
the forces on their road; and when they had secretly learnt the opinions
of them all, to return to him with all speed, in order that when he knew
what was being done in the distant provinces, he might be able to frame
well-digested and wise plans for strengthening himself in his
government.

13. But Fame (being alway the most rapid bearer of bad news),
outstripping these couriers, flew through the different provinces and
nations; and above all others struck the citizens of Nisibis with bitter
sorrow when they heard that their city was surrendered to Sapor, whose
anger and enmity they dreaded, from recollecting the havoc and slaughter
which he had made in his frequent attempts to take the place.

14. For it was clear that the whole eastern empire would have fallen
under the power of Persia long before if it had not been for the
resistance which this city, strong in its admirable position and its
mighty walls, had been able to offer. But miserable as they now were,
and although they were filled with a still greater fear of what might
befall them hereafter, they were supported by this slender hope, that,
either from his own inclination or from being won over by their prayers,
the emperor might consent to keep their city in its existing state, as
the strongest bulwark of the east.

15. While different reports were flying about of what had taken place,
the scanty supplies which I have spoken of as having been brought, were
consumed, and necessity might have driven the men to eat one another, if
the flesh of the animals slain had not lasted them a little longer; but
the consequence of our destitute condition was, that the arms and
baggage were thrown away; for we were so worn out with this terrible
famine, that whenever a single bushel of corn was found (which seldom
happened), it was sold for ten pieces of gold at the least.