Eminence of whatsoever kind roused his suspicions; and among his victims were included, besides the noble and the great, a large number of philosophers and men of science.

His treatment of Bahram was at once a folly and a crime--an act of black ingratitude, and a rash step, whereof he had not counted the consequences.

To his other vices he added those of indolence and effeminacy.

From the time that he became king nothing could drag him from the soft life of the palace; in no single instance did he take the field, either against his country's enemies or his own.

Miserable as was his end, we can scarcely deem him worthy of our pity, since there never lived a man whose misfortunes were more truly brought on him by his own conduct.
The coins of Hormisdas IV.