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of the emperor or the exarch. The sword of the enemy was suspended over Rome; it was averted by the mild eloquence and seasonable gifts of the pontiff, who commanded the respect of heretics and Barbarians. The merits of Gregory were treated by the Byzantine court with reproach and insult; but in the attachment of a grateful people, he found the purest reward of a citizen, and the best right of a sovereign.
Chapter XLVI:
Troubles In Persia.
Part I. Revolutions On Persia After The Death Of Chosroes On Nushirvan. -- His Son Hormouz, A Tyrant, Is Deposed. -- Usurpation Of Baharam. -- Flight And Restoration Of Chosroes II. -- His Gratitude To The Romans. -- The Chagan Of The Avars. -- Revolt Of The Army Against Maurice. -- His Death. -- Tyranny Of Phocas. -- Elevation Of Heraclius. -- The Persian War. -- Chosroes Subdues Syria, Egypt, And Asia Minor. -- Siege Of Constantinople By The Persians And Avars. -- Persian Expeditions. -- Victories And Triumph Of Heraclius. The conflict of Rome and Persia was prolonged from the death of Crassus to the reign of Heraclius. An experience of seven hundred years might convince the rival nations of the impossibility of maintaining their conquests beyond the fatal limits of the Tigris and Euphrates. Yet the emulation of Trajan and Julian was awakened by the trophies of Alexander, and the sovereigns of Persia indulged the ambitious hope of restoring the empire of Cyrus. Such extraordinary efforts of power and courage will always command the attention of posterity; but the events by which the fate of nations is