With the great victory over the Khaqan concluded and peace restored across the realms of Iran, King Bahram Gur turned his attention to the Roman ambassador who had long awaited his audience. The king summoned the seasoned envoy, showered him with royal warmth, and seated him upon a turquoise throne. Bahram addressed him, explaining that his prolonged stay had been caused by the imperative war against the Khaqan, but now the hour had come to deliver Caesar’s words and receive their definitive reply.
The wise elder of Rome bowed low, seated himself reverently upon the royal throne, and proclaimed praises for Bahram's eternal glory and justice. He revealed that Caesar had entrusted him with seven profound cosmological and philosophical riddles to test the wisdom of Iran's master scholars.
Bahram Gur immediately called forth the High Priest—the Mobad of Mobads—alongside the foremost sages of the empire. Before the assembly, the Roman ambassador laid out the seven questions: "What is called the Inside, and what is the Outside? What lies Above, and what lies Below? What is Boundless, and what is held cheap or low? And what is that entity which possesses myriad names and whose command holds sway over all creation?"
The serene and deeply learned Mobad stepped forward to answer: "The Outside is the majestic sky, and the Inside is the animating atmosphere. Above all reigns the Divine Glory of Yazdan; Above resembles Paradise, while Below is the pit of Hell for those who dare defy God. The only truly Boundless entity in existence is God Himself."
Turning to the entity of many names, the Mobad declared: "That which bears countless names and commands all realms is Wisdom (Kharad)! Men call it Love, Fidelity, Eloquence, Subtlety, Patience, or Secrecy. Wisdom is the crown of all goodness; it pierces the veiled mysteries of the universe which the mortal eye cannot perceive." As for that which humans hold in low esteem, the Mobad explained how people often belittle the counting of stars and the cosmic turnings of the sky, treating such staggering marvels with casual disregard.
The Roman envoy was struck with awe by the Mobad's sublime illumination. He kissed the ground before Shah Bahram, praising his monarchical greatness and acknowledging that all the philosophers of Rome were but humble servants before such Iranian wisdom. Bahram rejoiced at his priest's brilliant discourse, rewarding the Mobad with ten bags of coin, rich robes, and noble steeds, showcasing the peerless intellect of his realm to the world.