When the envoy of Khosrow Anushirvan traversed the long roads into Roman territory, he hastened directly to the court of Caesar. The guardians of the threshold granted him passage, and the Iranian ambassador stood before the Roman throne. Young Caesar sat upon his bench of sovereignty; but when his eyes fell upon the imperial title of the letter and he perceived Khosrow’s assertion of supreme superiority, anger and haughtی pride flared within his youthful chest. Newly crowned and untamed by experience, Caesar offered no warm greeting nor did he extend his hand. He uttered curt, reluctant inquiries, casting disparaging and crooked glances at the envoy, before ordering him to be quartered in a distant dwelling, leaving the King of Kings' missive unread.
For an entire week, the sages and councilors of Rome convened around Caesar to debate their course of action. The elders argued that while Khosrow was indeed the mighty sovereign of the world and his imperial letter reflected his immense power, one should not rashly provoke a devastating conflict over mere titles and tribute, considering Caesar was still young in his reign. Yet, arrogance and the stubbornness of youth prevailed over prudent counsel, and they drafted a harsh, insolent response.
At the head of the parchment they inscribed: 'From Caesar, the exalted ruler of Rome, over all the world save sinister Rome itself!' They wrote that the Iranian ambassador had observed the lands and marketplaces of Rome, and whether he spoke of grief or joy, nothing should remain hidden. The old Caesar was gone, and a new Caesar had ascended the throne—one who bowed his head to no monarch and acknowledged no earthly superior. Once the Roman parchment was finalized and decorated, they summoned the wise Iranian envoy back into the hall.
Clearing the hall of all strangers, Caesar addressed the ambassador directly: 'Know that I am no man's servant, nor do I deem myself lesser than the Khagan of China or the lords of the Hephthalites! It is improper to belittle a great monarch, even if your king claims dominion over the earth. True greatness belongs to him who faces countless foes, with both friend and enemy pressing against his robes. Why do you attempt to veil my majesty, as though trying to shroud the radiant sun behind dark clouds? The light of Rome shall not diminish even if blood is spilled. Nevertheless, should dire need arise, Khosrow remains a memorial of my father and a king to me. Speak well of all you have witnessed, and seek no malice in this answer.' Thereupon, they presented the ambassador with a meager robe of honor, called for his steed at the gate, and dispatched him. The Iranian envoy turned back, riding furiously without pausing at any station until he reached the court of Khosrow.