Following the capture of the Roman Caesar by Shapur Dhul-Aktaf, the defeated Roman army gathered in disarray to choose a ruler who could save their land from utter destruction. Among them stood a nobleman of ancient imperial lineage named Baranush—a man celebrated for his profound wisdom, eloquent speech, and emotional restraint. The host acclaimed him as their leader, pledging full obedience to his command. They prepared an ivory throne and set the imperial crown upon his head while all of Rome offered praises.
Yet as Baranush sat upon the throne, his mind turned to the devastated state of Rome and the terrible prospect of continued war. He recognized that further conflict with the exalted King of Kings would bring only ruin upon his people. Seeking a peaceful resolution, he summoned a veteran scribe of exceptional intellect and dictated a finely crafted letter of supplication to Shapur.
In this epistle, Baranush offered praise to the Creator and wished eternal glory upon the Iranian monarch. He reasoned that plunder and the bloodshed of innocents were deemed ill-omened by all noble sovereigns. If this war were fueled by ancient vengeance for Iraj, he noted that King Manuchehr had already exacted full retribution long ago by destroying Salm and Tur. If it were for the death of Dara against Alexander, Dara had been slain by his own treacherous ministers. And if it were anger against the captive Caesar, that ruler was already suffering in heavy chains within Shapur's dungeons. He pleaded for mercy toward the captive women and children of Rome, urging Shapur not to lay waste to a realm of such magnificence, for injustice ill becomes a God-fearing ruler.
When the letter was delivered and read before Shapur, the Great King was deeply moved and tears filled his eyes. Restraining his wrath, Shapur immediately penned a response. He reminded the Romans that it was their own captured Caesar who had kindled the embers of ancient strife by abusing his royal guest; nevertheless, since Baranush had chosen the path of wisdom, Shapur granted full safe-conduct. He invited Baranush and the philosophers of Rome to present themselves at his court without fear, widening the narrow path of war into an avenue of peace. The envoy returned to Rome bearing the King's gracious response.