Word reached the prosperous land of Iran and the court of King Khosrow Anushirvan that the Caesar of Rome had departed the mortal realm, surrendering the earth and time to his successor. Upon hearing of this mortality, Khosrow was cast into deep reflection; his radiant face paled like an autumn leaf as he pondered the inescapable grasp of death over all living creatures. Selecting a seasoned, noble, and wise envoy from Iran, Khosrow dispatched him to the son and heir of the late Caesar. He wrote a letter steeped in sorrow, tears, and profound wisdom, offering prayers to God for the young ruler’s prosperity and long life. In his epistle, the Shah of Iran mused that no creature is born except to eventually yield to death; the mortal world is but a temporary inn through which all must pass. Whether one wears a royal crown or a warrior's helmet, when the allotted time arrives, head and throne alike return to the dust. Khosrow invoked the blessing of the Messiah upon the soul of the departed Caesar, congratulated his son on ascending the renowned throne, and offered the full allegiance and assistance of Iran—promising gold, horses, arms, and armies whenever required.